Since the first day of the battle, when Ukrainian military first used drones to track the movements of Russian troops, the modern Ukraine has rapidly extended its use of lines and bronze, not just for Russia but also for Ukraine.

Russia-Ukraine War: Budget drones in Ukraine are redefining warfare

As the war in Ukraine continues the reliance on drones has exponentially increased and not just for Russia but also for Ukraine. Drones have been crucial in the war since the very first days at that time the Ukrainian servicemen deployed them to monitor Russia's troop movements. Last year Ukrainian president Zelensky also appealed for donations that there are Gifts of smaller consumer drones to be donated directly to Ukraine or to warehouses in the US and Poland for onward shipment to the front lines.

Ukraine's combat usage of drones also on the rise

Considering employing cluster munitions against Ukraine "if they are used against us," Russian President Vladimir Putin stated, his country has a stockpile of them. Putin made his remarks just days after American-manufactured cluster munitions were sent to Ukraine, albeit they had not yet been used. The Russian leader claimed in an interview with a pro-Kremlin journalist that "Russia has a sufficient supply of various types of cluster munitions."

Russia-Ukraine War: Ukraine claims gains in Bakhmut, defensive action in Kharkiv

The governor of Russia's Belgorod region said on Sunday that Ukrainian forces had shelled the Russian town of Shebekino near the Ukrainian border with Grad missiles, killing a woman riding her bike.

Belgorod: Shelling in Russian border region kills one: officials

<p>Wagner group's fighters have reached Belarus from Russia, confirmed Ukrainian and Polish officials on Saturday, one day after Minsk stated that the mercenaries were training the soldiers of the country in the southeast of the capital.<br />
<br />
"Wagner is in Belarus," said Andriy Demchenko, a spokesman for the Ukrainian border agency, shared in a statement on the Telegram messaging app. He stated that the officials have observed in Belarus the movement of "separate groups" from Russia.<br />
<br />
Since Tuesday, some Wagner fighters were already present in Belarus, two sources close to the fighters confirmed to news agency Reuters.<br />
<br />
A video was released by the Belarusian defence ministry on Friday which showed what it stated were Wagner fighters providing training to Belarusian soldiers at a military range which was located close to the town of Osipovichi.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/russians-scrambled-to-withdraw-hundred-billion-rubles-during-wagners-mutiny-615118">Russians scrambled to withdraw hundred billion rubles during Wagner's mutiny</a></p>

<p>The move of Wagner to Belarus was part of the deal which was finalised to end the mutiny attempt of the group in June – when they had captured a Russian military headquarter, were marching towards Moscow and threatening to start a civil war in Russia, as stated by Russian President Vladimir Putin.<br />
<br />
Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin was not seen in public since he departed from the southern Russian city of Rostov-on-Don on June 24.<br />
<br />
Poland's Deputy Minister Co-ordinator of Special Services Stanislaw Zaryn stated that the presence of Wagner fighters in Belarus has also been confirmed by Wagner fighters.<br />
<br />
"There may be several hundred of them at the moment," stated Zaryn on Twitter. This month, Poland stated that it was bolstering its border with Belarus to prevent any potential threats.</p>

<h2><strong>At least 60 vehicles enter Belarus</strong></h2>

<p>Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, who did not make his&nbsp;own troops available to Russia, permitted Moscow to use its territory to launch its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Since this, Belarus has allowed its country to be used as a base for Russian nuclear weapons.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Russia's Wagner mercenary group trains soldiers in Belarus</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russias-wagner-mercenary-group-trains-soldiers-in-belarus-615776/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>The Belarusian Hajun project, which is responsible for monitoring military activity in the country and is seen as an extremist formation by Belarusian authorities, said that on Friday night a large column of at least 60 vehicles entered the country from Russia.<br />
<br />
It stated that the vehicles, which included trucks, pickups, vans and buses, carried licence plates of the self-styled Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics, which is internationally recognised as eastern Ukraine.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Wagner group's fighters have reached Belarus from Russia, confirmed Ukrainian and Polish officials on Saturday, one day after Minsk stated that the mercenaries were training the soldiers of the country in the southeast of the capital.

Wagner group's fighters have reached Belarus from Russia, confirmed Ukrainian and Polish officials on Saturday, one day after Minsk stated that the mercenaries were training the soldiers of the country in the southeast of the capital. "Wagner is in Belarus," said Andriy Demchenko, a spokesman for the Ukrainian border agency, shared in a statement on the Telegram messaging app. He stated that the officials have observed in Belarus the movement of "separate groups" from Russia. Since Tuesday, some Wagner fighters were already present in Belarus, two sources close to the fighters confirmed to news agency Reuters. A video was released by the Belarusian defence ministry on Friday which showed what it stated were Wagner fighters providing training to Belarusian soldiers at a military range which was located close to the town of Osipovichi. ALSO READ | Russians scrambled to withdraw hundred billion rubles during Wagner's mutiny The move of Wagner to Belarus was part of the deal which was finalised to end the mutiny attempt of the group in June – when they had captured a Russian military headquarter, were marching towards Moscow and threatening to start a civil war in Russia, as stated by Russian President Vladimir Putin. Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin was not seen in public since he departed from the southern Russian city of Rostov-on-Don on June 24. Poland's Deputy Minister Co-ordinator of Special Services Stanislaw Zaryn stated that the presence of Wagner fighters in Belarus has also been confirmed by Wagner fighters. "There may be several hundred of them at the moment," stated Zaryn on Twitter. This month, Poland stated that it was bolstering its border with Belarus to prevent any potential threats. At least 60 vehicles enter Belarus Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, who did not make his own troops available to Russia, permitted Moscow to use its territory to launch its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Since this, Belarus has allowed its country to be used as a base for Russian nuclear weapons. WATCH | Russia's Wagner mercenary group trains soldiers in Belarus The Belarusian Hajun project, which is responsible for monitoring military activity in the country and is seen as an extremist formation by Belarusian authorities, said that on Friday night a large column of at least 60 vehicles entered the country from Russia. It stated that the vehicles, which included trucks, pickups, vans and buses, carried licence plates of the self-styled Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics, which is internationally recognised as eastern Ukraine. (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

Wagner fighters have reached Belarus, confirm Ukraine, Poland

British Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said on Wednesday he had warned Ukraine that its international allies were "not Amazon" and Kyiv needed to show gratitude for weapons donations to persuade Western politicians to give more.

'We're not Amazon': Britain's Defence Minister says Ukrainian officials should show more gratitude

Over the last year, many countries have supplied lethal weapons to Ukraine so that it can fend off Russian attacks. One of them is France. And now, France has decided to deliver cruise missiles to Ukraine. Here's more.

How countries are improving defence technologies?

Ukraine's NATO dreams have been put on hold. The alliance has neither extended an invitation to Kyiv, nor given a clear timeline for Ukraine's membership. Why is NATO anxious about bringing Ukraine into its fold? Listen in to Vikram Chandra.

Here's why Ukraine wasn't given a NATO membership

When they first met in May, Zelensky requested that Yoon increase military backing. This week, according to President Yoon, his government was getting ready to send demining tools and ambulances in response to a request from Ukraine and would also contribute to the NATO trust fund for Ukraine.

South Korea to join NATO's trust fund for Ukraine

<p>South Korea's President Yoon Suk Yeol made a sudden and unannounced visit to Ukraine on Sunday where he went to the town of Bucha, before a summit with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, his office stated.<br />
<br />
"The president first toured the Bucha city massacre site near the capital Kyiv and the city of Irpin, where missile attacks were concentrated on civilian residential areas," his office stated.<br />
<br />
"President Yoon will visit a memorial for the war dead to lay a wreath, and hold a summit meeting with President Zelensky," it said in a statement.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/south-korea-turns-back-the-clock-on-citizens-ages-people-become-year-or-two-younger-heres-how-609451">South Korea 'turns back the clock' on citizens' ages, people become year or two younger. Here's how</a></p>

<p>The ninth-largest arms exporter in the world, South Korea, has provided humanitarian assistance to Ukraine and also sold howitzers and tanks to Poland, which has been Kyiv's key ally as the country battles invading Russian forces.</p>

<h2><strong>Seoul's policy of supplying weapons</strong></h2>

<p>However, South Korea has a long-standing policy of not giving weapons to zones which are involved in conflict, because of which the repeated requests from the United States, European allies and also Ukraine for arms have remained stuck.<br />
<br />
The meeting of Yoon with Zelensky, who has previously appealed to Seoul to consider providing weapons directly to Kyiv, is likely to focus on the supply of aid by South Korea to the country.<br />
<br />
Seoul, which has been technically at war with nuclear-armed North Korea, has been producing large volumes of NATO-compatible weaponry, which includes highly sought-after shell ammunition, tanks and howitzers.<br />
<br />
Seoul has stated that it can reconsider its policy of not providing lethal aid, as Yoon had earlier this year stated that Russia's large-scale attack on civilians could tip the balance.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;North Korea to boost its nuclear arsenal?</strong></p>

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<p>However, in May, a US media report was dismissed by South Korea which stated that its artillery rounds were heading to Ukraine, stating that its stand on not supplying lethal aid to Kyiv remains unchanged.<br />
<br />
But the experts have stated that South Korea has been in a tricky position because of the economic ties it shares with Russia, which is its 15th largest trading partner as of 2022 and also because of the influence that Moscow has over North Korea.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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South Korea's President Yoon Suk Yeol made a sudden and unannounced visit to Ukraine on Sunday where he went to the town of Bucha, before a summit with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, his office stated.

South Korea's President Yoon Suk Yeol made a sudden and unannounced visit to Ukraine on Sunday where he went to the town of Bucha, before a summit with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, his office stated. "The president first toured the Bucha city massacre site near the capital Kyiv and the city of Irpin, where missile attacks were concentrated on civilian residential areas," his office stated. "President Yoon will visit a memorial for the war dead to lay a wreath, and hold a summit meeting with President Zelensky," it said in a statement. ALSO READ | South Korea 'turns back the clock' on citizens' ages, people become year or two younger. Here's how The ninth-largest arms exporter in the world, South Korea, has provided humanitarian assistance to Ukraine and also sold howitzers and tanks to Poland, which has been Kyiv's key ally as the country battles invading Russian forces. Seoul's policy of supplying weapons However, South Korea has a long-standing policy of not giving weapons to zones which are involved in conflict, because of which the repeated requests from the United States, European allies and also Ukraine for arms have remained stuck. The meeting of Yoon with Zelensky, who has previously appealed to Seoul to consider providing weapons directly to Kyiv, is likely to focus on the supply of aid by South Korea to the country. Seoul, which has been technically at war with nuclear-armed North Korea, has been producing large volumes of NATO-compatible weaponry, which includes highly sought-after shell ammunition, tanks and howitzers. Seoul has stated that it can reconsider its policy of not providing lethal aid, as Yoon had earlier this year stated that Russia's large-scale attack on civilians could tip the balance. WATCH | North Korea to boost its nuclear arsenal? However, in May, a US media report was dismissed by South Korea which stated that its artillery rounds were heading to Ukraine, stating that its stand on not supplying lethal aid to Kyiv remains unchanged. But the experts have stated that South Korea has been in a tricky position because of the economic ties it shares with Russia, which is its 15th largest trading partner as of 2022 and also because of the influence that Moscow has over North Korea. (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

South Korea's President Yeol makes sudden Ukraine visit, meets Zelensky

Kyiv claims its forces were able to seize strategic heights over the eastern city of Bakhmut, which allowed them to position their rockets and artillery within striking distance of Russian positions.

Ukraine pounds Russian positions as its 'success' near Bakhmut continues

<p>Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Saturday that Russia has been putting all its resources into a campaign which is aimed at halting Kyiv's troops from taking forth the counter-offensive. The statement came at a time when the top general reported about Kyiv's new progress on the southern front.<br />
<br />
However, Ukrainian military analysts have stated that things have been difficult for Ukrainian forces as they make efforts to advance southward.<br />
<br />
A counter-offensive was launched by Ukraine to re-capture swathes of land in southern and eastern Ukraine which were earlier captured by Russian forces after they invaded Kyiv in February 2022.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-says-it-advanced-nearly-2-km-on-southern-front-this-week-downed-16-drone-attacks-overnight-615689">Ukraine says it advanced nearly 2 km on southern front this week; downed 16 drones overnight</a></p>

<p>The counter-offensive has been aiming at capturing villages in the southeast as part of the drive towards areas near the eastern city of Bakhmut and the Sea of Azov, which were captured in May by Russian forces after months of battles.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, Russia has claimed that its forces have repelled attacks by Ukrainian forces in the eastern Donetsk region, which includes regions around Bakhmut.<br />
<br />
"We must all understand very clearly, as clearly as possible, that Russian forces in our southern and eastern lands are doing everything they can in order to stop our soldiers," said Zelensky in his nightly video address, after he held a meeting with top commanders on Friday. "And every thousand metres we advance, every success of every combat brigade deserves our gratitude,” he added.</p>

<h2><strong>Russian forces claim to repel 16 Ukrainian attacks</strong></h2>

<p>After the meeting, Commander of Ukrainian forces in the south General Oleksander Tarnavskyi said that his troops were "systematically moving the enemy out of their positions". Taking to Telegram, he wrote that in the past 24 hours, enemy losses were equivalent to at least 200.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Russia's Wagner mercenary group trains soldiers in Belarus</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russias-wagner-mercenary-group-trains-soldiers-in-belarus-615776/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>"In the south, the situation is very difficult in advancing towards Berdiansk," said military analyst Serhiy Hrabskyi, while referring to a port on the Sea of Azov in his talks with Ukrainian NV radio. Ukrainian forces have been aiming to cut off a land bridge which was established by Russian forces with the annexed Crimean peninsula.<br />
<br />
"They are moving on the village of Robotyne. The enemy is offering resistance to stop our advance southward,” he added. In its daily report, the defence ministry of Russia stated that 16 Ukrainian attacks were repelled by the forces in the eastern front which included near the long-contested town of Maryinka and in Klishchiivka, a strategic village on southern fringe of Bakhmut.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Saturday that Russia has been putting all its resources into a campaign which is aimed at halting Kyiv's troops from taking forth the counter-offensive.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Saturday that Russia has been putting all its resources into a campaign which is aimed at halting Kyiv's troops from taking forth the counter-offensive. The statement came at a time when the top general reported about Kyiv's new progress on the southern front. However, Ukrainian military analysts have stated that things have been difficult for Ukrainian forces as they make efforts to advance southward. A counter-offensive was launched by Ukraine to re-capture swathes of land in southern and eastern Ukraine which were earlier captured by Russian forces after they invaded Kyiv in February 2022. ALSO READ | Ukraine says it advanced nearly 2 km on southern front this week; downed 16 drones overnight The counter-offensive has been aiming at capturing villages in the southeast as part of the drive towards areas near the eastern city of Bakhmut and the Sea of Azov, which were captured in May by Russian forces after months of battles. Meanwhile, Russia has claimed that its forces have repelled attacks by Ukrainian forces in the eastern Donetsk region, which includes regions around Bakhmut. "We must all understand very clearly, as clearly as possible, that Russian forces in our southern and eastern lands are doing everything they can in order to stop our soldiers," said Zelensky in his nightly video address, after he held a meeting with top commanders on Friday. "And every thousand metres we advance, every success of every combat brigade deserves our gratitude,” he added. Russian forces claim to repel 16 Ukrainian attacks After the meeting, Commander of Ukrainian forces in the south General Oleksander Tarnavskyi said that his troops were "systematically moving the enemy out of their positions". Taking to Telegram, he wrote that in the past 24 hours, enemy losses were equivalent to at least 200. WATCH | Russia's Wagner mercenary group trains soldiers in Belarus "In the south, the situation is very difficult in advancing towards Berdiansk," said military analyst Serhiy Hrabskyi, while referring to a port on the Sea of Azov in his talks with Ukrainian NV radio. Ukrainian forces have been aiming to cut off a land bridge which was established by Russian forces with the annexed Crimean peninsula. "They are moving on the village of Robotyne. The enemy is offering resistance to stop our advance southward,” he added. In its daily report, the defence ministry of Russia stated that 16 Ukrainian attacks were repelled by the forces in the eastern front which included near the long-contested town of Maryinka and in Klishchiivka, a strategic village on southern fringe of Bakhmut. (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 throwing all its resources to halt Ukraine's troops on counteroffensive, says Zelensky

NATO has neither extended an invite to Ukraine, nor has it provided a clear timeline of the road to its membership.Does NATO really want Ukraine to get rid of corruption before it joins the alliance or is there something else? Is NATO afraid of being dragged into an all-out war with Russia?

Gravitas: Ukraine's Catch-22: Here's why NATO did not extend an invite to Zelensky

<p>Ukraine received delivery of cluster bombs sent by the United States.The warring nation, however, pledged to use them only to disrupt concentrations of enemy soldiers.<br />
<br />
Cluster munitions remain banned in more than 100 nations. Russia, Ukraine and the United States have not signed the Convention on Cluster Munitions, which bans stockpiling, production, use and transfer of the weapons</p>

<p><br />
Southern military district or Tavria's spokesperson Valeryi Shershen on Thursday (July 13) confirmed his commander's announcement that the weapons were delivered a week after the US confirmed it would be providing cluster bombs to Ukraine as part of an $800-million security package. Their arrival was also announced by the Pentagon.<br />
<br />
The shipment of cluster munitions was denounced by Moscow. On Thursday, Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu threatened that Russia may opt to deploy similar weaponry if it faces their use.</p>

<p>Ukrainian officials stated that the deployment of cluster bombs is justified in view of the mining of vast expanse of lands which Russia has seized.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-warns-of-using-similar-weapons-if-us-provides-cluster-bombs-to-ukraine-614506">Russia warns of using 'similar weapons' if US provides cluster bombs to Ukraine</a></p>

<p>"This will further demotivate Russian occupying forces and fundamentally change things in favour of the Ukrainian armed forces," Shershen said while speaking to US-funded Radio Liberty.</p>

<p>After more than 500 days of ongoing war with Russia, Ukraine started a counter-offensive which focused on capturing many villages in the southeast and reclaiming areas near the eastern city of Bakhmut, which was captured in May by Russian forces after months of fighting.<br />
<br />
<strong>Cluster bombs to be used 'within legal framework'</strong></p>

<p>Shershen said that Ukraine will be using the cluster bombs strictly within the legal framework, "only for the de-occupation of our territories.</p>

<p>"They will not be used on Russian territory...They will be used only in areas where Russian military forces are concentrated in order to break through enemy defences,” he added.<br />
<br />
The assurances of Ukraine regarding cluster munitions were restated by President Volodymyr Zelensky during a NATO summit on Wednesday. Till now, both countries have accused each other of using cluster bombs in the war that started after Russia's invasion in February 2022.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;US sends cluster munitions to Ukraine despite global opposition</strong></p>

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<p>Human Rights Watch has also accused both Kyiv and Moscow of using cluster munitions.</p>

<p><br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Ukraine received delivery of cluster bombs sent by the United States.The warring nation, however, pledged to use them only to disrupt concentrations of enemy soldiers.

Ukraine received delivery of cluster bombs sent by the United States.The warring nation, however, pledged to use them only to disrupt concentrations of enemy soldiers. Cluster munitions remain banned in more than 100 nations. Russia, Ukraine and the United States have not signed the Convention on Cluster Munitions, which bans stockpiling, production, use and transfer of the weapons Southern military district or Tavria's spokesperson Valeryi Shershen on Thursday (July 13) confirmed his commander's announcement that the weapons were delivered a week after the US confirmed it would be providing cluster bombs to Ukraine as part of an $800-million security package. Their arrival was also announced by the Pentagon. The shipment of cluster munitions was denounced by Moscow. On Thursday, Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu threatened that Russia may opt to deploy similar weaponry if it faces their use. Ukrainian officials stated that the deployment of cluster bombs is justified in view of the mining of vast expanse of lands which Russia has seized. ALSO READ | Russia warns of using 'similar weapons' if US provides cluster bombs to Ukraine "This will further demotivate Russian occupying forces and fundamentally change things in favour of the Ukrainian armed forces," Shershen said while speaking to US-funded Radio Liberty. After more than 500 days of ongoing war with Russia, Ukraine started a counter-offensive which focused on capturing many villages in the southeast and reclaiming areas near the eastern city of Bakhmut, which was captured in May by Russian forces after months of fighting. Cluster bombs to be used 'within legal framework' Shershen said that Ukraine will be using the cluster bombs strictly within the legal framework, "only for the de-occupation of our territories. "They will not be used on Russian territory...They will be used only in areas where Russian military forces are concentrated in order to break through enemy defences,” he added. The assurances of Ukraine regarding cluster munitions were restated by President Volodymyr Zelensky during a NATO summit on Wednesday. Till now, both countries have accused each other of using cluster bombs in the war that started after Russia's invasion in February 2022. WATCH | US sends cluster munitions to Ukraine despite global opposition Human Rights Watch has also accused both Kyiv and Moscow of using cluster munitions. (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 receives delivery of cluster munitions, pledges its limited use

<p>Officials in Kyiv, on Friday (July 14), claimed to have advanced nearly two kilometres along the southern front over the past week amid the Ukrainian counteroffensive to recapture&nbsp;its territory occupied by Russia, reported AFP. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian air force said that they downed 16 Iranian-made drones launched by Russia overnight.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Ukraine acknowledges troops not advancing fast enough</strong></h2>

<p>The Ukrainian&nbsp;head of the presidency, Andriy Yermak, on Friday, conceded that the troops are not making a&nbsp;speedy headway in their&nbsp;counteroffensive to recapture&nbsp;territory in the east and south. "Today it's advancing not so quickly," said&nbsp;Yermak, adding that the battles have been difficult.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"If we are going to see that something is going wrong, we'll say so. No one is going to embellish," the Kyiv official&nbsp;told reporters.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Ukrainian gains on the southern front</strong></h2>

<p>During a press conference, Mykola Urshalovych, a senior representative of the National Guard said that the 15th Karadag brigade and regular troops “supported by tanks, have advanced 1,700 metres to the south and southeast,” of the occupied southern city of Melitopol amid the ongoing offensive, over the past seven days.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ukrainian troops have moved forward despite “dense” minefields and shelling, he added. According to Urshalovych, National Guard troops continue to maintain their positions in the port city of Berdyansk in the Zaporizhzhia region, “under constant enemy fire”.</p>

<p>The National Guard senior official also said that their troops are preparing to expand an offensive in the Avdiivka sector in eastern Ukraine. This comes days after the Ukrainian military said, on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-claims-re-capture-of-14-square-kilometre-territory-within-a-week-613836">July 10</a>, it had recaptured 14 square kilometres from Russian forces in the south and east of the country over the last week.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Ukraine downs 16 drones in&nbsp;overnight attacks</strong></h2>

<p>In a statement online, the Ukrainian air force, on Friday, said that it downed 16 out of the 17 Iranian-made drones launched by Russian forces overnight, in a reported consecutive night of aerial attacks by Moscow.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The Russians attacked Ukraine with 17 Iranian-made Shahed-136/131 attack drones from the south east direction. As a result of military operations...16 Shaheds were destroyed,” said the Ukrainian air force.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Ukraine jails man for Russian plot to blow up arms transport routes</strong></h2>

<p>The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) said that a Ukrainian court, on Friday, jailed a man for 10 years after finding him guilty of plotting with Russia to blow up transport infrastructure to disrupt foreign arms supplies. The man, who was not identified, is said to have been fighting for the Russia-backed militant groups in eastern Ukraine even before Moscow began its “special military operation,” over a year ago.</p>

<p>According to Ukraine’s domestic security agency, he was tasked with blowing up two infrastructure objects by Russian military intelligence but had been detained back in February before he was able to carry out the attack.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While the exact location of where the supposed attack was not mentioned, the targets were said to have been in the Rivne region in western Ukraine which is home to several important road and railway links with NATO member and Kyiv supporter, Poland.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The routes in question are kept a secret in Ukraine but the equipment is often seen passing through the eastern part of the country. This comes as Western military support is seen as vital for Ukraine to fight Russian forces.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<strong>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.</strong></em><br />
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Officials in Kyiv, on Friday (July 14), claimed to have advanced nearly two kilometres along the southern front over the past week amid the Ukrainian counteroffensive to recapture its territory occupied by Russia, reported AFP.

Officials in Kyiv, on Friday (July 14), claimed to have advanced nearly two kilometres along the southern front over the past week amid the Ukrainian counteroffensive to recapture its territory occupied by Russia, reported AFP. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian air force said that they downed 16 Iranian-made drones launched by Russia overnight. Ukraine acknowledges troops not advancing fast enough The Ukrainian head of the presidency, Andriy Yermak, on Friday, conceded that the troops are not making a speedy headway in their counteroffensive to recapture territory in the east and south. "Today it's advancing not so quickly," said Yermak, adding that the battles have been difficult. "If we are going to see that something is going wrong, we'll say so. No one is going to embellish," the Kyiv official told reporters. Ukrainian gains on the southern front During a press conference, Mykola Urshalovych, a senior representative of the National Guard said that the 15th Karadag brigade and regular troops “supported by tanks, have advanced 1,700 metres to the south and southeast,” of the occupied southern city of Melitopol amid the ongoing offensive, over the past seven days. Ukrainian troops have moved forward despite “dense” minefields and shelling, he added. According to Urshalovych, National Guard troops continue to maintain their positions in the port city of Berdyansk in the Zaporizhzhia region, “under constant enemy fire”. The National Guard senior official also said that their troops are preparing to expand an offensive in the Avdiivka sector in eastern Ukraine. This comes days after the Ukrainian military said, on July 10, it had recaptured 14 square kilometres from Russian forces in the south and east of the country over the last week. Ukraine downs 16 drones in overnight attacks In a statement online, the Ukrainian air force, on Friday, said that it downed 16 out of the 17 Iranian-made drones launched by Russian forces overnight, in a reported consecutive night of aerial attacks by Moscow. “The Russians attacked Ukraine with 17 Iranian-made Shahed-136/131 attack drones from the south east direction. As a result of military operations...16 Shaheds were destroyed,” said the Ukrainian air force. Ukraine jails man for Russian plot to blow up arms transport routes The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) said that a Ukrainian court, on Friday, jailed a man for 10 years after finding him guilty of plotting with Russia to blow up transport infrastructure to disrupt foreign arms supplies. The man, who was not identified, is said to have been fighting for the Russia-backed militant groups in eastern Ukraine even before Moscow began its “special military operation,” over a year ago. According to Ukraine’s domestic security agency, he was tasked with blowing up two infrastructure objects by Russian military intelligence but had been detained back in February before he was able to carry out the attack. While the exact location of where the supposed attack was not mentioned, the targets were said to have been in the Rivne region in western Ukraine which is home to several important road and railway links with NATO member and Kyiv supporter, Poland. The routes in question are kept a secret in Ukraine but the equipment is often seen passing through the eastern part of the country. This comes as Western military support is seen as vital for Ukraine to fight Russian forces. (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. 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 says it advanced nearly 2 km on southern front this week; downed 16 drones overnight

At the much anticipated NATO summit, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Wednesday secured further Western pledges of weaponry and ammunition to combat Russia's incursion in addition to longer-term security obligations. The G7 committed in a unified statement that they would reach deals to support Ukraine's military in the long run.

Ukraine continues to demand more weapons and NATO membership

As Ukrainian forces confirmed receiving cluster bombs from the United States this week. Russian embassy in the US has lambasted this move, terming the delivery as provocative move by Washington.

Cluster bombs part of $800 million Ukraine's military package from US | World News | WION

<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin has indicated at a potential withdrawal from the Ukrainian grain deal in case Moscow's demands are not met. Black Sea Grain Initiative is a deal that allows the export of Ukrainian grain via the Black Sea. In a reiteration of Russia's tough stance, Putin said that Russia will withdraw from the deal unless its demands are met before the deal's expiration on Monday.</p>

<p>Putin expressed dissatisfaction with the United Nations' handling of the issue and denied receiving any proposals from the UN&nbsp;Secretary-General.</p>

<h2><strong>Putin's statement on possible suspension</strong></h2>

<p>Speaking to state television, Putin stressed that Russia has the option to suspend its participation in the grain deal. He mentioned that if the promises made to Russia are fulfilled, Russia would immediately rejoin the agreement.</p>

<p>"We can suspend our participation in the deal, and if everyone once again says that all the promises made to us will be fulfilled, then let them fulfill this promise. We will immediately rejoin this deal," Putin said.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-will-join-nato-putin-has-lost-the-war-biden-in-helsinki-615245">Ukraine 'will join NATO', Putin has 'lost the war': Biden in Helsinki</a></p>

<p>However, a Kremlin spokesperson later clarified that a final decision on whether to exit the grain deal has not been made.</p>

<h2><strong>Black Sea grain initiative</strong></h2>

<p>The initiative was brokered by the United Nations and Turkey in July 2022, aiming to address the global food crisis exacerbated by Russia's military actions in Ukraine and the blockade of Ukrainian ports.</p>

<p>As part of the deal, the UN officials also agreed to assist Russia in exporting its food and fertiliser to foreign markets. However, Russia claims that the UN has failed to fulfill this commitment.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cocaine-at-white-house-secret-service-ends-probe-without-identifying-suspect-615229">Cocaine at White House: Secret Service ends probe without finding suspect</a></p>

<p>Although Russian food and fertiliser exports are not subject to Western sanctions related to Russia's war in Ukraine, Moscow asserts that restrictions on payments, logistics, and insurance have created significant barriers to shipments.</p>

<h2><strong>Proposed solution and Putin's response</strong></h2>

<p>According to sources cited by Reuters, UN Secretary-General António Guterres has proposed to Putin that he extend the Black Sea grain export deal with Ukraine, and in exchange Russia would be given a greenlight to connect a subsidiary of its agricultural bank to the SWIFT international payment system.&nbsp;One of Moscow's key demands is the reconnection of the Russian agricultural bank, Rosselkhozbank, to the SWIFT network.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Russian general says top military brass betrayed soldiers fighting in Ukraine</strong></p>

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<p>The EU had cut off the bank's access in June 2022 following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. However, the EU spokesperson stated in May that there were no plans to reinstate Russian banks.</p>

<p>However, Putin stated that he had not received any such message from Guterres</p>

<p>As of 12th July, the last two ships under the agreement were loading cargoes in the Ukrainian port of Odesa before the deadline.</p>

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Russian President Vladimir Putin has indicated at a potential withdrawal from the Ukrainian grain deal in case Moscow's demands are not met. Black Sea Grain Initiative is a deal that allows the export of Ukrainian grain via the Black Sea.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has indicated at a potential withdrawal from the Ukrainian grain deal in case Moscow's demands are not met. Black Sea Grain Initiative is a deal that allows the export of Ukrainian grain via the Black Sea. In a reiteration of Russia's tough stance, Putin said that Russia will withdraw from the deal unless its demands are met before the deal's expiration on Monday. Putin expressed dissatisfaction with the United Nations' handling of the issue and denied receiving any proposals from the UN Secretary-General. Putin's statement on possible suspension Speaking to state television, Putin stressed that Russia has the option to suspend its participation in the grain deal. He mentioned that if the promises made to Russia are fulfilled, Russia would immediately rejoin the agreement. "We can suspend our participation in the deal, and if everyone once again says that all the promises made to us will be fulfilled, then let them fulfill this promise. We will immediately rejoin this deal," Putin said. Also Read | Ukraine 'will join NATO', Putin has 'lost the war': Biden in Helsinki However, a Kremlin spokesperson later clarified that a final decision on whether to exit the grain deal has not been made. Black Sea grain initiative The initiative was brokered by the United Nations and Turkey in July 2022, aiming to address the global food crisis exacerbated by Russia's military actions in Ukraine and the blockade of Ukrainian ports. As part of the deal, the UN officials also agreed to assist Russia in exporting its food and fertiliser to foreign markets. However, Russia claims that the UN has failed to fulfill this commitment. Also Read | Cocaine at White House: Secret Service ends probe without finding suspect Although Russian food and fertiliser exports are not subject to Western sanctions related to Russia's war in Ukraine, Moscow asserts that restrictions on payments, logistics, and insurance have created significant barriers to shipments. Proposed solution and Putin's response According to sources cited by Reuters, UN Secretary-General António Guterres has proposed to Putin that he extend the Black Sea grain export deal with Ukraine, and in exchange Russia would be given a greenlight to connect a subsidiary of its agricultural bank to the SWIFT international payment system. One of Moscow's key demands is the reconnection of the Russian agricultural bank, Rosselkhozbank, to the SWIFT network. Watch | Russian general says top military brass betrayed soldiers fighting in Ukraine × The EU had cut off the bank's access in June 2022 following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. However, the EU spokesperson stated in May that there were no plans to reinstate Russian banks. However, Putin stated that he had not received any such message from Guterres As of 12th July, the last two ships under the agreement were loading cargoes in the Ukrainian port of Odesa before the deadline. 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. ×

Putin hints at potential withdrawal from Black Sea grain deal

<p>US President Joe Biden on Thursday (July 13) said that it was not a matter of if but when Ukraine will be inducted into the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), adding unequivocally that Ukraine 'will join NATO'.</p>

<p>But he maintained that Kyiv could not join the alliance while it was at war with Russia.</p>

<p>Biden was speaking at a press conference in Helsinki just a day after the NATO summit where the alliance did not give a timeline for Ukraine's inclusion.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | NATO ahead of summit with Nordic leaders</strong></p>

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<p>"It's not about whether or not they should or shouldn't join. It's about when they can join, and they will join NATO," he said.</p>

<p>Biden assured that the US will stay committed to NATO. "I absolutely guarantee it," he said when asked about US commitment to NATO given political instability in the US. Biden's predecessor, former president Donald Trump had threatened to take the US out of NATO.</p>

<p>"No one can guarantee the future, but this is the best bet anyone could make," Biden said.</p>

<p>Biden, a Democrat, is running again for president in 2024 and is likely to face Donald Trump as an opponent.</p>

<h2><strong>Putin has 'lost the war'</strong></h2>

<p>"Putin's already lost the war," Biden told the news conference after talks with Nordic leaders. "There is no possibility of him winning the war in Ukraine."</p>

<p>The US president hinted that Ukrainian counterattack against the Russian forces may bring Russia to the negotiation table.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On the issue of nuclear weapons, Biden said there was no 'real prospect' of Putin using them.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-detained-top-generals-just-hours-after-wagner-revolt-report-615117">Russia detained top generals just hours after Wagner revolt: Report</a></strong></p>

<p>&nbsp;
<p>Biden was in Helsinki to participate in a summit with leaders of Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Iceland and Norway. Biden went to Helsinki directly from the NATO summit in Vilnius, Lithuania.</p>
</p>

<p>At the summit, Biden said that Russian invasion of Ukraine has only made NATO stronger.</p>

<p>"A stronger NATO makes the entire world stronger," Biden said.</p>

<p>Finland recently joined NATO after changing its stance of military non-alignment. Finland's inclusion has roughly doubled the length of border NATO shares with Russia.</p>

<p>During the press conference, Biden welcomed the prospects of Sweden joining NATO.</p>

<p>Sweden had applied to join NATO along with Finland. However, Sweden's bid was held up by Turkey, which maintained Sweden was doing too little against people Ankara sees as terrorists.</p>

<p>Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan dropped objections to its application this week.</p>

<p>Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson thanked Biden for his support in the country's push to join NATO.</p>

<h2><strong>Prigozhin should be 'careful'</strong></h2>

<p>In an apparent hint that Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin may be assassinated after his short-lived mutiny against Russian President Vladimir Putin, Biden said that he needs to be 'careful' about his food.</p>

<p>"God only knows what he's likely to do. We're not even sure where he is and what relationship he has. If I were he, I'd be careful what I ate. I'd keep my eye on my menu," Biden said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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US President Joe Biden on Thursday (July 13) said that it was not a matter of if but when Ukraine will be inducted into the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), adding unequivocally that Ukraine 'will join NATO'.

US President Joe Biden on Thursday (July 13) said that it was not a matter of if but when Ukraine will be inducted into the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), adding unequivocally that Ukraine 'will join NATO'. But he maintained that Kyiv could not join the alliance while it was at war with Russia. Biden was speaking at a press conference in Helsinki just a day after the NATO summit where the alliance did not give a timeline for Ukraine's inclusion. Watch | NATO ahead of summit with Nordic leaders × "It's not about whether or not they should or shouldn't join. It's about when they can join, and they will join NATO," he said. Biden assured that the US will stay committed to NATO. "I absolutely guarantee it," he said when asked about US commitment to NATO given political instability in the US. Biden's predecessor, former president Donald Trump had threatened to take the US out of NATO. "No one can guarantee the future, but this is the best bet anyone could make," Biden said. Biden, a Democrat, is running again for president in 2024 and is likely to face Donald Trump as an opponent. Putin has 'lost the war' "Putin's already lost the war," Biden told the news conference after talks with Nordic leaders. "There is no possibility of him winning the war in Ukraine." The US president hinted that Ukrainian counterattack against the Russian forces may bring Russia to the negotiation table. On the issue of nuclear weapons, Biden said there was no 'real prospect' of Putin using them. Also Read | Russia detained top generals just hours after Wagner revolt: Report Biden was in Helsinki to participate in a summit with leaders of Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Iceland and Norway. Biden went to Helsinki directly from the NATO summit in Vilnius, Lithuania. At the summit, Biden said that Russian invasion of Ukraine has only made NATO stronger. "A stronger NATO makes the entire world stronger," Biden said. Finland recently joined NATO after changing its stance of military non-alignment. Finland's inclusion has roughly doubled the length of border NATO shares with Russia. During the press conference, Biden welcomed the prospects of Sweden joining NATO. Sweden had applied to join NATO along with Finland. However, Sweden's bid was held up by Turkey, which maintained Sweden was doing too little against people Ankara sees as terrorists. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan dropped objections to its application this week. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson thanked Biden for his support in the country's push to join NATO. Prigozhin should be 'careful' In an apparent hint that Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin may be assassinated after his short-lived mutiny against Russian President Vladimir Putin, Biden said that he needs to be 'careful' about his food. "God only knows what he's likely to do. We're not even sure where he is and what relationship he has. If I were he, I'd be careful what I ate. I'd keep my eye on my menu," Biden 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 ×

Ukraine 'will join NATO', Putin has 'lost the war': Biden in Helsinki

<p>Hackers suspected of working for Russia's foreign intelligence agency targeted dozens of diplomats at embassies in Ukraine with a fake used car advert in a bid to break into their computers, according to a cybersecurity firm report published on Wednesday.</p>

<p>The wide-reaching espionage activity targeted diplomats working in at least 22 of the roughly 80 foreign missions in Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, analysts at Palo Alto Networks' Unit 42 research division said in the report.</p>

<p>"The campaign began with an innocuous and legitimate event," said the report, which was first reported by Reuters.</p>

<p>"In mid-April 2023, a diplomat within the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs emailed a legitimate flyer to various embassies advertising the sale of a used BMW 5-series sedan located in Kyiv".</p>

<p>The Polish diplomat, who declined to be identified citing security concerns, confirmed the role of his advertisement in the digital intrusion.</p>

<p>The hackers, known as APT29 or "Cozy Bear", intercepted and copied that flyer, embedded it with malicious software, then sent it to dozens of other foreign diplomats working in Kyiv, Unit 42 said.</p>

<p>"This is staggering in scope for what generally are narrowly scoped and clandestine advanced persistent threat (APT) operations," said the report, using an acronym often used to describe state-backed cyberespionage groups.</p>

<p>In 2021, U.S. and British intelligence agencies identified APT29 as an arm of Russia's foreign Intelligence Service, the SVR. The SVR did not respond to a request from Reuters for comment about the hacking campaign.</p>

<p>In April, Polish counterintelligence and cybersecurity authorities warned that the same group had conducted a "widespread intelligence campaign" against NATO member states, the European Union, and Africa.</p>

<p>Researchers at Unit 42 were able to tie the fake car advert back to the SVR because the hackers re-used certain tools and techniques which have previously been connected to the spy agency.</p>

<p>"Diplomatic missions will always be a high-value espionage target," the Unit 42 report said. "Sixteen months into the Russian invasion of Ukraine, intelligence surrounding Ukraine and allied diplomatic efforts are almost certainly a high priority for the Russian government".</p>

<p><strong>Also read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-blocks-delivery-of-aids-to-rebel-held-regions-of-syria-after-vetoing-un-vote-614559">Russia blocks delivery of aid to rebel-held regions of Syria after vetoing UN vote</a></p>

<h2><strong>Advertisement for used BMW&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The Polish diplomat said he had sent the original advert to various embassies in Kyiv, and that someone had called him back because the price looked "attractive".</p>

<p>"When I checked, I realised they were talking about a slightly lower price," the diplomat told Reuters.</p>

<p>SVR hackers, it turns out, had listed the diplomat's BMW for a lower price - 7,500 euros - in their fake version of the advert, in an attempt to encourage more people to download malicious software that would give them remote access to their devices, Reuters found.</p>

<p>That software, Unit 42 said, was disguised as an album of photographs of the used BMW. Attempts to open those photographs would have infected the target's machine, the report said.</p>

<p>Twenty-one of the 22 embassies targeted by the hackers and subsequently contacted by Reuters did not provide comment. It was not clear which embassies, if any, had been compromised.</p>

<p>A U.S. State Department spokesperson said they were "aware of the activity and based on the Directorate of Cyber and Technology Security's analysis found it did not affect Department systems or accounts."</p>

<p>As for the car, it was still available, the Polish diplomat told Reuters:</p>

<p>"I'll try to sell it in Poland, probably," he said. "After this situation, I don't want to have any more problems".</p>

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Hackers suspected of working for Russia's foreign intelligence agency targeted dozens of diplomats at embassies in Ukraine with a fake used car advert in a bid to break into their computers, according to a cybersecurity firm report published on Wednesday.

Hackers suspected of working for Russia's foreign intelligence agency targeted dozens of diplomats at embassies in Ukraine with a fake used car advert in a bid to break into their computers, according to a cybersecurity firm report published on Wednesday. The wide-reaching espionage activity targeted diplomats working in at least 22 of the roughly 80 foreign missions in Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, analysts at Palo Alto Networks' Unit 42 research division said in the report. "The campaign began with an innocuous and legitimate event," said the report, which was first reported by Reuters. "In mid-April 2023, a diplomat within the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs emailed a legitimate flyer to various embassies advertising the sale of a used BMW 5-series sedan located in Kyiv". The Polish diplomat, who declined to be identified citing security concerns, confirmed the role of his advertisement in the digital intrusion. The hackers, known as APT29 or "Cozy Bear", intercepted and copied that flyer, embedded it with malicious software, then sent it to dozens of other foreign diplomats working in Kyiv, Unit 42 said. "This is staggering in scope for what generally are narrowly scoped and clandestine advanced persistent threat (APT) operations," said the report, using an acronym often used to describe state-backed cyberespionage groups. In 2021, U.S. and British intelligence agencies identified APT29 as an arm of Russia's foreign Intelligence Service, the SVR. The SVR did not respond to a request from Reuters for comment about the hacking campaign. In April, Polish counterintelligence and cybersecurity authorities warned that the same group had conducted a "widespread intelligence campaign" against NATO member states, the European Union, and Africa. Researchers at Unit 42 were able to tie the fake car advert back to the SVR because the hackers re-used certain tools and techniques which have previously been connected to the spy agency. "Diplomatic missions will always be a high-value espionage target," the Unit 42 report said. "Sixteen months into the Russian invasion of Ukraine, intelligence surrounding Ukraine and allied diplomatic efforts are almost certainly a high priority for the Russian government". Also read: Russia blocks delivery of aid to rebel-held regions of Syria after vetoing UN vote Advertisement for used BMW The Polish diplomat said he had sent the original advert to various embassies in Kyiv, and that someone had called him back because the price looked "attractive". "When I checked, I realised they were talking about a slightly lower price," the diplomat told Reuters. SVR hackers, it turns out, had listed the diplomat's BMW for a lower price - 7,500 euros - in their fake version of the advert, in an attempt to encourage more people to download malicious software that would give them remote access to their devices, Reuters found. That software, Unit 42 said, was disguised as an album of photographs of the used BMW. Attempts to open those photographs would have infected the target's machine, the report said. Twenty-one of the 22 embassies targeted by the hackers and subsequently contacted by Reuters did not provide comment. It was not clear which embassies, if any, had been compromised. A U.S. State Department spokesperson said they were "aware of the activity and based on the Directorate of Cyber and Technology Security's analysis found it did not affect Department systems or accounts." As for the car, it was still available, the Polish diplomat told Reuters: "I'll try to sell it in Poland, probably," he said. "After this situation, I don't want to have any more problems". 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.

Russian hackers lured embassy workers in Ukraine with ad for cheap BMW

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<p>Gaffe-prone US President Joe Biden invited social media scrutiny yet again after he mistakenly referred to his Ukrainian counterpart as “Vladimir” during the NATO summit in Vilnius, Lithuania.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Vladimir and I...I shouldn't be so familiar," said Biden during a press conference. However, Biden quickly realised his mistake and corrected himself in the following sentence.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Mr Zelensky and I talked about the kind of guarantees we could make in the meantime when I was in Ukraine and when we met in other places," said Biden.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">🚨🌎 Biden calls ‘Zelensky’ - VLADIMIR 🤡🚨<br />
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Simply unbelievable. <a href="https://t.co/Iqo2omXIrj">pic.twitter.com/Iqo2omXIrj</a></p>
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<h2><strong>Not Biden's first gaffe</strong></h2>

<p>This is not the first instance when Biden has committed such an error. Last month, a confused Biden mistook Iraq for Ukraine twice in under 12 hours.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Putin is clearly losing the war in Iraq," said Biden during one of his correspondence with the reporters in the White House.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Similarly, during his State of the Union address last year, Biden referred to "Ukrainians" as "Iranians".</p>

<p>"Putin may circle Kyiv with tanks, but he will never gain the hearts and souls of the Iranian people," Biden said.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-us-president-joe-biden-falls-on-stage-599840"><strong>WATCH | Gravitas: US President Joe Biden falls on stage</strong></a></p>

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<p>Prior to attending the NATO Summit, Biden travelled to the UK where he met King Charles III for the first time since the latter's coronation. During the meeting outside Windsor Castle, Biden appeared dazed as he walked in front of the monarch, considered a breach of protocol. Later, he started talking at length with one of the soldiers much to the agitation of King Charles III.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Despite the king's insistence, Biden continued speaking to the guard. It was only after a few moments that Biden took the monarch's cue and decided to follow him, away from the lineup of soldiers.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/watch-confused-us-president-joe-biden-whisked-away-by-king-charles-iii-614136" target="_blank"><strong>WATCH | Confused US President Joe Biden whisked away by King Charles III</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>Biden refuses NATO membership for Ukraine&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>In an interview with CNN, Biden seemingly confirmed that Ukraine will not receive NATO membership unless the war with Russia was over.</p>

<p>“I don’t think there is unanimity in NATO about whether or not to bring Ukraine into the NATO family now, at this moment, in the middle of a war,” said Biden.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“For example, if you did that, then, you know – and I mean what I say – we’re determined to commit every inch of territory that is NATO territory. It’s a commitment that we’ve all made no matter what. If the war is going on, then we’re all in war. We’re at war with Russia, if that were the case.”</p>

<p>The communique released by NATO heads of state and governments participating in the meeting&nbsp;stated that Ukraine would only join the alliance "when allies agree and conditions are met".&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Gaffe-prone US President Joe Biden invited social media scrutiny yet again after he mistakenly referred to his Ukrainian counterpart as “Vladimir” during the NATO summit in Vilnius, Lithuania.

Gaffe-prone US President Joe Biden invited social media scrutiny yet again after he mistakenly referred to his Ukrainian counterpart as “Vladimir” during the NATO summit in Vilnius, Lithuania. "Vladimir and I...I shouldn't be so familiar," said Biden during a press conference. However, Biden quickly realised his mistake and corrected himself in the following sentence. "Mr Zelensky and I talked about the kind of guarantees we could make in the meantime when I was in Ukraine and when we met in other places," said Biden. 🚨🌎 Biden calls ‘Zelensky’ - VLADIMIR 🤡🚨 Simply unbelievable. pic.twitter.com/Iqo2omXIrj — Concerned Citizen (@cotupacs) July 12, 2023 × Not Biden's first gaffe This is not the first instance when Biden has committed such an error. Last month, a confused Biden mistook Iraq for Ukraine twice in under 12 hours. "Putin is clearly losing the war in Iraq," said Biden during one of his correspondence with the reporters in the White House. Similarly, during his State of the Union address last year, Biden referred to "Ukrainians" as "Iranians". "Putin may circle Kyiv with tanks, but he will never gain the hearts and souls of the Iranian people," Biden said. WATCH | Gravitas: US President Joe Biden falls on stage × Prior to attending the NATO Summit, Biden travelled to the UK where he met King Charles III for the first time since the latter's coronation. During the meeting outside Windsor Castle, Biden appeared dazed as he walked in front of the monarch, considered a breach of protocol. Later, he started talking at length with one of the soldiers much to the agitation of King Charles III. Despite the king's insistence, Biden continued speaking to the guard. It was only after a few moments that Biden took the monarch's cue and decided to follow him, away from the lineup of soldiers. WATCH | Confused US President Joe Biden whisked away by King Charles III Biden refuses NATO membership for Ukraine In an interview with CNN, Biden seemingly confirmed that Ukraine will not receive NATO membership unless the war with Russia was over. “I don’t think there is unanimity in NATO about whether or not to bring Ukraine into the NATO family now, at this moment, in the middle of a war,” said Biden. “For example, if you did that, then, you know – and I mean what I say – we’re determined to commit every inch of territory that is NATO territory. It’s a commitment that we’ve all made no matter what. If the war is going on, then we’re all in war. We’re at war with Russia, if that were the case.” The communique released by NATO heads of state and governments participating in the meeting stated that Ukraine would only join the alliance "when allies agree and conditions are met". (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

WATCH | Biden commits another gaffe, calls Zelensky 'Vladimir' at NATO Summit

Major General Ivan Popov, who commanded the 58th Combined Arms Army, said in a voice message published by Russian lawmaker Andrei Gurulyov that he had been dismissed after telling the truth to the top brass about the situation at the front.

Russian general says top military brass betrayed soldiers fighting in Ukraine

<p>&nbsp;A massive overnight drone attack was carried out by Russia on Ukraine's capital city Kyiv in which one person was killed and at least four others suffered injuries, said authorities on Thursday, as explosions were heard across the city in the third night of attacks.</p>

<p>"Tonight, a massive attack by Iranian drones took place," the military administration of Kyiv stated on Telegram.</p>

<p>Shahed explosives, which have been made in Iran, "entered the capital from different directions," it stated, adding that "about a dozen" were downed in the airspace of the city. Kyiv claimed that&nbsp;two cruise missiles and&nbsp;20 Russian attack drones were downed on Thursday.</p>

<p>"We have a successful air defence operation," said air force spokesman Yuriy Ignat. "Twenty Shaheds were destroyed -- all those flying were downed. Two Kalibr cruise missiles were also destroyed," he added.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/top-russian-general-not-seen-in-public-since-mutiny-lawmaker-says-hes-resting-614837">Top Russian general not seen in public since Wagner mutiny, lawmaker says 'he's resting'</a></p>

<h2><strong>Debris showers on districts</strong></h2>

<p>In five districts, falling debris of the drone was reported, it said, adding that a 23-year-old man and 19-year-old woman were hospitalised with shrapnel wounds.</p>

<p>In Darnytsky district, two people were wounded "as a result of falling debris," wrote Sergiy Popko, head of Kyiv's military administration, on Telegram. However, it remained unclear if the two people mentioned were the same man and woman who were admitted to a hospital.</p>

<p>In Solomyansky, Shevchenkivsky, Podilsky and Darnytsky districts, emergency services responded to frantic calls after "explosions in the capital," Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko stated earlier.</p>

<p>"In Podilsky district, during the firefighting in an apartment building, the body of one dead person was discovered," posted Klitschko on Telegram.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Klitschko added that two people were "hospitalised" in the Darnytsky district after a residential building was damaged because of falling debris.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, two others were treated at the scene in Shevchenkivsky district, said Klitschko.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Erdogan: Ukraine, Russia should go back to peace talks | Russia-Ukraine War</strong></p>

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<p>In the Shevchenkivsky district, an apartment building caught fire and another non-residential building was also set ablaze in the Podilsky district, he stated, adding that emergency services immediately reached the site.</p>

<p>Kyiv's military administration shared a picture on&nbsp;Telegram in which a room can be seen in a high-rise building with part of its wall appearing to be blown out, which was said to have been caused by the falling debris in the Darnytsky district.</p>

<p>Ukraine's Air Force issued a warning that the threat of more drone attacks on the city by Russia still remains.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Ukraine's progress near Bakhmut&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Ukraine's Deputy Defence Minister Hanna Maliar, from the front line, reported on Telegram: "In the Bakhmut sector, we attacked today on the southern flank around Bakhmut. There is an advance. Our defenders are digging in at their established positions."</p>

<p>Maliar said an attempted Russian advance on towns to the west and north was contained by the Ukrainian forces.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the southern direction, they "pressed on with offensive operations" towards the Sea of Azov. "In the past week, our defenders in the south have significantly undermined the enemy's attacking and defensive capabilities," she wrote.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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A massive overnight drone attack was carried out by Russia on Ukraine's capital city Kyiv in which one person was killed and at least four others suffered injuries, said authorities on Thursday, as explosions were heard across the city in the third night of attacks.

A massive overnight drone attack was carried out by Russia on Ukraine's capital city Kyiv in which one person was killed and at least four others suffered injuries, said authorities on Thursday, as explosions were heard across the city in the third night of attacks. "Tonight, a massive attack by Iranian drones took place," the military administration of Kyiv stated on Telegram. Shahed explosives, which have been made in Iran, "entered the capital from different directions," it stated, adding that "about a dozen" were downed in the airspace of the city. Kyiv claimed that two cruise missiles and 20 Russian attack drones were downed on Thursday. "We have a successful air defence operation," said air force spokesman Yuriy Ignat. "Twenty Shaheds were destroyed -- all those flying were downed. Two Kalibr cruise missiles were also destroyed," he added. ALSO READ | Top Russian general not seen in public since Wagner mutiny, lawmaker says 'he's resting' Debris showers on districts In five districts, falling debris of the drone was reported, it said, adding that a 23-year-old man and 19-year-old woman were hospitalised with shrapnel wounds. In Darnytsky district, two people were wounded "as a result of falling debris," wrote Sergiy Popko, head of Kyiv's military administration, on Telegram. However, it remained unclear if the two people mentioned were the same man and woman who were admitted to a hospital. In Solomyansky, Shevchenkivsky, Podilsky and Darnytsky districts, emergency services responded to frantic calls after "explosions in the capital," Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko stated earlier. "In Podilsky district, during the firefighting in an apartment building, the body of one dead person was discovered," posted Klitschko on Telegram. Klitschko added that two people were "hospitalised" in the Darnytsky district after a residential building was damaged because of falling debris. Meanwhile, two others were treated at the scene in Shevchenkivsky district, said Klitschko. WATCH | Erdogan: Ukraine, Russia should go back to peace talks | Russia-Ukraine War In the Shevchenkivsky district, an apartment building caught fire and another non-residential building was also set ablaze in the Podilsky district, he stated, adding that emergency services immediately reached the site. Kyiv's military administration shared a picture on Telegram in which a room can be seen in a high-rise building with part of its wall appearing to be blown out, which was said to have been caused by the falling debris in the Darnytsky district. Ukraine's Air Force issued a warning that the threat of more drone attacks on the city by Russia still remains. Ukraine's progress near Bakhmut Ukraine's Deputy Defence Minister Hanna Maliar, from the front line, reported on Telegram: "In the Bakhmut sector, we attacked today on the southern flank around Bakhmut. There is an advance. Our defenders are digging in at their established positions." Maliar said an attempted Russian advance on towns to the west and north was contained by the Ukrainian forces. In the southern direction, they "pressed on with offensive operations" towards the Sea of Azov. "In the past week, our defenders in the south have significantly undermined the enemy's attacking and defensive capabilities," she wrote. (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

One killed, four injured after Russia carries out 'massive' overnight strike on Kyiv

<p>Casting doubt over a proposal to supply Ukraine with retired fighter jets, Australia on Thursday said the matter was “complicated".&nbsp;Kyiv earlier requested dozens of retired F-18 fighter jets from Canberra, saying it would significantly boost its air power against the Russian forces.</p>

<p>Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles said the discussions around the F-18 fighter jets were “going on”, but added they were much more difficult than any other form of military support.</p>

<h2><strong>‘We need to be practical’</strong></h2>

<p>While Australia on Wednesday ramped up its support for Ukraine on the sidelines of the NATO summit which concluded in Lithuania, it stopped short of making any promise on fighter jets. Australia announced that it will send an additional fleet of 30 armoured Bushmaster infantry vehicles at a cost of US$67 million to the war-battered nation.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Will Ukraine ever join the alliance?</strong></p>

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<p>However, the country’s defence minister added that sending aircraft “becomes a much more complicated question."</p>

<p>"The situation around aircraft is pretty complicated, but we will keep having the conversation with Ukraine around that. What we give, and what we do, needs to be practical and needs to make a difference," said Richard Marles.</p>

<h2><strong>Ukraine requested aircraft in June</strong></h2>

<p>Ukraine is setting its eyes on the Royal Australian Air Force's fleet of 71 F-18s that was retired from service between 2019 and 2021. According to military experts, around 40 retired fighter jets are currently sitting in storage; however, it was not clear how many of them were operational.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/west-to-offer-security-commitments-to-ukraine-after-slow-progress-on-its-nato-induction-614673"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;West to offer long-term security commitments to Ukraine after slow progress on its NATO induction</strong></a></p>

<p>Ukraine in June requested Australia to provide some of those fighter jets to help its counteroffensive against Russia. Ukraine's ambassador to Australia, Vasyl Myroshnychenko, said in June, “There has been a request for information. Ukraine is looking at fighter jet capabilities, including this one."</p>

<h2><strong>Ukraine’s current aerial firepower</strong></h2>

<p>According to the International Institute for Strategic Studies' Military Balance publication, Ukraine currently possesses around 82 fighter and attack jets. Sending these aircraft to Ukraine would involve significant diplomatic and logistical negotiations, making a swift agreement unlikely.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Australia recently revealed its plan to deploy an E-7A Wedgetail surveillance plane to Germany temporarily. The aircraft will be stationed there for six months and will be responsible for monitoring supply routes that connect to Ukraine.</p>

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Casting doubt over a proposal to supply Ukraine with retired fighter jets, Australia on Thursday said the matter was “complicated". Kyiv earlier requested dozens of retired F-18 fighter jets from Canberra, saying it would significantly boost its air power against the Russian forces.

Casting doubt over a proposal to supply Ukraine with retired fighter jets, Australia on Thursday said the matter was “complicated". Kyiv earlier requested dozens of retired F-18 fighter jets from Canberra, saying it would significantly boost its air power against the Russian forces. Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles said the discussions around the F-18 fighter jets were “going on”, but added they were much more difficult than any other form of military support. ‘We need to be practical’ While Australia on Wednesday ramped up its support for Ukraine on the sidelines of the NATO summit which concluded in Lithuania, it stopped short of making any promise on fighter jets. Australia announced that it will send an additional fleet of 30 armoured Bushmaster infantry vehicles at a cost of US$67 million to the war-battered nation. Watch: Will Ukraine ever join the alliance? × However, the country’s defence minister added that sending aircraft “becomes a much more complicated question." "The situation around aircraft is pretty complicated, but we will keep having the conversation with Ukraine around that. What we give, and what we do, needs to be practical and needs to make a difference," said Richard Marles. Ukraine requested aircraft in June Ukraine is setting its eyes on the Royal Australian Air Force's fleet of 71 F-18s that was retired from service between 2019 and 2021. According to military experts, around 40 retired fighter jets are currently sitting in storage; however, it was not clear how many of them were operational. Also read: West to offer long-term security commitments to Ukraine after slow progress on its NATO induction Ukraine in June requested Australia to provide some of those fighter jets to help its counteroffensive against Russia. Ukraine's ambassador to Australia, Vasyl Myroshnychenko, said in June, “There has been a request for information. Ukraine is looking at fighter jet capabilities, including this one." Ukraine’s current aerial firepower According to the International Institute for Strategic Studies' Military Balance publication, Ukraine currently possesses around 82 fighter and attack jets. Sending these aircraft to Ukraine would involve significant diplomatic and logistical negotiations, making a swift agreement unlikely. Meanwhile, Australia recently revealed its plan to deploy an E-7A Wedgetail surveillance plane to Germany temporarily. The aircraft will be stationed there for six months and will be responsible for monitoring supply routes that connect to Ukraine. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

‘It’s complicated': Australia snubs Ukraine’s request for fighter jets

Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has failed in a last-ditch effort to secure an invitation for Ukraine to join the NATO alliance the leaders of the 31 members.

Zelensky accuses NATO of 'showing disrespect'

<p>President Joe Biden accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of having a "craven lust for land and power" at the end of a NATO summit on Wednesday where Ukraine won new security assurances from the US&nbsp;and its allies for its defence against Moscow.</p>

<p>Members of the world's most powerful military bloc offered the prospect of long-term protection a day after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky decried as "absurd" a refusal to offer an invitation or timetable for Ukraine's entry into NATO.</p>

<p>Ukraine has been pushing for rapid membership while fighting a Russian invasion unleashed in February 2022 that has killed tens of thousands of people and displaced millions.</p>

<p>Instead, a declaration by the G7 group of the world's most industrialised countries launched a framework for bilateral negotiations to provide military and financial support, intelligence sharing and a promise of immediate steps if Russia should attack again.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/alarming-warning-from-who-bird-flu-poses-increased-risk-of-adapting-to-humans-614852">Alarming warning from WHO: Bird flu poses increased risk of adapting to humans</a></p>

<p>"Our support will last long into the future. It's a powerful statement of our commitment to Ukraine," Biden said, alongside Zelensky and leaders of the G7, which is made up of the US, Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy and Japan.</p>

<p>Speaking in Vilnius, Lithuania, at the end of the two-day meeting on Russia's doorstep, Biden said Putin had badly underestimated the resolve of the US-led military alliance.</p>

<p>"NATO is stronger, more energised and yes, more united than ever in its history. Indeed, more vital to our shared future. It didn't happen by accident. It wasn't inevitable," Biden said.</p>

<p>"When Putin, and his craven lust for land and power, unleashed his brutal war on Ukraine, he was betting NATO would break apart ... But he thought wrong."</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-backs-pakistans-resolution-at-un-condemning-quran-burning-protests-614841">India backs Pakistan’s resolution at UN condemning Quran burning protests</a></p>

<p>Swallowing his disappointment over the lack of a membership timetable, Zelensky hailed NATO's "practical and unprecedented support for Ukraine" and said that at the summit Ukraine had obtained "unambiguous clarity that Ukraine will be in NATO".</p>

<p>He tweeted: "I believe we will be in NATO once the security situation stabilises. Put simply, when the war is over, Ukraine will be invited into NATO and Ukraine will clearly become a member of the Alliance. I felt no thoughts of any other sort."</p>

<p>At a meeting with Zelensky, Biden promised him the US&nbsp;was doing everything it could to meet Ukraine's needs and acknowledged Zelensky's frustration about the scale and speed of support.</p>

<p>"Your resilience and your resolve have been a model for the whole world to see," Biden said. "I look forward to the day when we're having the meeting celebrating your official, official membership in NATO."</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Kenya on the boil as protests erupt against tax hikes</strong></p>

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<p>"The bad news for you is, we're not going anywhere. You're stuck with us," Biden joked, prompting laughter from Zelensky.</p>

<p>US&nbsp;National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan had said Biden would discuss the issue of long-range missiles with Zelensky when they met.</p>

<p><br />
Speaking to reporters later, Biden said: "One thing Zelensky understands now is that whether or not he's in NATO now is not relevant" as long as he has the commitments that have been made at the summit. "He's not concerned about that now."</p>

<p>Zelensky told Biden he wanted to thank "all Americans" for the billions of dollars in aid his country had received.</p>

<p>British Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said he had told Ukraine that its international allies were "not Amazon" and Kyiv needed to show gratitude for weapons donations to persuade Western politicians to give more.</p>

<p>Zelensky said: "We were always grateful to the UK, prime ministers and the minister of defence because the people are always supporting us."</p>

<p>Britain, France, Germany and the US&nbsp;have been negotiating with Kyiv for weeks over a broad international framework of support, encompassing modern advanced military equipment such as fighter jets, training, intelligence-sharing and cyber defence.</p>

<p>In return, Ukraine would pledge better governance, including through judicial and economic reforms and enhanced transparency.</p>

<p>The first sitting of a new NATO-Ukraine Council was also held on Wednesday, a format designed to tighten cooperation between Kyiv and the 31-nation alliance.</p>

<h2><strong>'Potentially very dangerous'</strong></h2>

<p>NATO is built around mutual security guarantees whereby an attack on one is an attack on all, and it has carefully avoided extending any firm military commitments to Ukraine, worried it would risk taking it closer to a full-on war with Russia.</p>

<p>Ukraine has been wary of any less-binding security "assurances", given Russia's invasion already trampled the so-called Budapest Memorandum under which international powers committed to keeping the country safe in exchange for Kyiv giving up its Soviet-era nuclear arms.</p>

<p>Speaking earlier alongside Zelensky, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said Ukraine was closer to the alliance than ever before and brushed aside new warnings from Russia about the consequences of supporting Ukraine.</p>

<p>British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said the security arrangements for Ukraine were not designed to be a substitute for full NATO membership and said the commitments at the summit marked a high point for the West's support for Kyiv.</p>

<p>Russia, which says NATO's eastward expansion is an existential threat to its own security, swiftly lashed out.</p>

<p>Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said it was "potentially very dangerous" for the West to give Ukraine security guarantees.</p>

<p>The Russian foreign ministry said the summit showed that NATO was reverting to "Cold War schemes" and added that it would respond "in a timely and appropriate manner, using all means and methods at our disposal."</p>

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President Joe Biden accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of having a "craven lust for land and power" at the end of a NATO summit on Wednesday where Ukraine won new security assurances from the US and its allies for its defence against Moscow.

President Joe Biden accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of having a "craven lust for land and power" at the end of a NATO summit on Wednesday where Ukraine won new security assurances from the US and its allies for its defence against Moscow. Members of the world's most powerful military bloc offered the prospect of long-term protection a day after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky decried as "absurd" a refusal to offer an invitation or timetable for Ukraine's entry into NATO. Ukraine has been pushing for rapid membership while fighting a Russian invasion unleashed in February 2022 that has killed tens of thousands of people and displaced millions. Instead, a declaration by the G7 group of the world's most industrialised countries launched a framework for bilateral negotiations to provide military and financial support, intelligence sharing and a promise of immediate steps if Russia should attack again. Also Read | Alarming warning from WHO: Bird flu poses increased risk of adapting to humans "Our support will last long into the future. It's a powerful statement of our commitment to Ukraine," Biden said, alongside Zelensky and leaders of the G7, which is made up of the US, Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy and Japan. Speaking in Vilnius, Lithuania, at the end of the two-day meeting on Russia's doorstep, Biden said Putin had badly underestimated the resolve of the US-led military alliance. "NATO is stronger, more energised and yes, more united than ever in its history. Indeed, more vital to our shared future. It didn't happen by accident. It wasn't inevitable," Biden said. "When Putin, and his craven lust for land and power, unleashed his brutal war on Ukraine, he was betting NATO would break apart ... But he thought wrong." Also Read | India backs Pakistan’s resolution at UN condemning Quran burning protests Swallowing his disappointment over the lack of a membership timetable, Zelensky hailed NATO's "practical and unprecedented support for Ukraine" and said that at the summit Ukraine had obtained "unambiguous clarity that Ukraine will be in NATO". He tweeted: "I believe we will be in NATO once the security situation stabilises. Put simply, when the war is over, Ukraine will be invited into NATO and Ukraine will clearly become a member of the Alliance. I felt no thoughts of any other sort." At a meeting with Zelensky, Biden promised him the US was doing everything it could to meet Ukraine's needs and acknowledged Zelensky's frustration about the scale and speed of support. "Your resilience and your resolve have been a model for the whole world to see," Biden said. "I look forward to the day when we're having the meeting celebrating your official, official membership in NATO." Watch | Kenya on the boil as protests erupt against tax hikes × "The bad news for you is, we're not going anywhere. You're stuck with us," Biden joked, prompting laughter from Zelensky. US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan had said Biden would discuss the issue of long-range missiles with Zelensky when they met. Speaking to reporters later, Biden said: "One thing Zelensky understands now is that whether or not he's in NATO now is not relevant" as long as he has the commitments that have been made at the summit. "He's not concerned about that now." Zelensky told Biden he wanted to thank "all Americans" for the billions of dollars in aid his country had received. British Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said he had told Ukraine that its international allies were "not Amazon" and Kyiv needed to show gratitude for weapons donations to persuade Western politicians to give more. Zelensky said: "We were always grateful to the UK, prime ministers and the minister of defence because the people are always supporting us." Britain, France, Germany and the US have been negotiating with Kyiv for weeks over a broad international framework of support, encompassing modern advanced military equipment such as fighter jets, training, intelligence-sharing and cyber defence. In return, Ukraine would pledge better governance, including through judicial and economic reforms and enhanced transparency. The first sitting of a new NATO-Ukraine Council was also held on Wednesday, a format designed to tighten cooperation between Kyiv and the 31-nation alliance. 'Potentially very dangerous' NATO is built around mutual security guarantees whereby an attack on one is an attack on all, and it has carefully avoided extending any firm military commitments to Ukraine, worried it would risk taking it closer to a full-on war with Russia. Ukraine has been wary of any less-binding security "assurances", given Russia's invasion already trampled the so-called Budapest Memorandum under which international powers committed to keeping the country safe in exchange for Kyiv giving up its Soviet-era nuclear arms. Speaking earlier alongside Zelensky, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said Ukraine was closer to the alliance than ever before and brushed aside new warnings from Russia about the consequences of supporting Ukraine. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said the security arrangements for Ukraine were not designed to be a substitute for full NATO membership and said the commitments at the summit marked a high point for the West's support for Kyiv. Russia, which says NATO's eastward expansion is an existential threat to its own security, swiftly lashed out. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said it was "potentially very dangerous" for the West to give Ukraine security guarantees. The Russian foreign ministry said the summit showed that NATO was reverting to "Cold War schemes" and added that it would respond "in a timely and appropriate manner, using all means and methods at our disposal." 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. ×

NATO allies offer Ukraine security assurances as Biden hits out at 'craven' Putin

During a news conference on Monday, the US State Department declared that the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine had been a "strategic failure" for the latter, causing many to speculate as to whether the statement was a mistake or just the reality. Matthew Miller, the spokesperson, made the error, and the reporters in the briefing room promptly called him out on it.

US State depart spokesman says war has been 'strategic failure' for Ukraine in back-to-back blunders

<p>Deputy commander of Russia's military operations in Ukraine, General Sergei Surovikin, who has not been seen in public since the mutiny by mercenary group Wagner, is currently 'resting', said a lawmaker from the ruling party on Wednesday.</p>

<p>As per Reuters reports, Andrei Kartapolov, head of the State Duma Defence Committee, is heard saying in a video posted on social media: "Surovikin is currently resting. (He is) not available for now."</p>

<p>Surovikin, who is also called 'General Armageddon' by the Russian press for his assertive strategies in the Syria conflict, was last seen publicly when he issued an appeal via a video urging the mercenary group to halt the mutiny while it was underway.</p>

<p>As per reports, Surovikin had good relations with Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin, who appreciated the general while regularly criticising Moscow's military leadership, especially Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and Chief of Staff Valery Gerasimov, over their handling of the war in Ukraine.</p>

<p>As per a New York Times report based on a U.S. intelligence briefing, Surovikin had prior knowledge of the rebellion and that Russian authorities were probing if he was associated with it or not.</p>

<p>According to the news agency Reuters, Russian and international media, last month, reported that Surovikin had been arrested, but there has been no official confirmation of that, and the Kremlin has declined to answer questions about him.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/west-to-offer-security-commitments-to-ukraine-after-slow-progress-on-its-nato-induction-614673">West to offer long-term security commitments to Ukraine after slow progress on its NATO induction</a></p>

<h2><strong>Putin met Wagner chief five days after failed coup attempt: Kremlin</strong></h2>

<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin met the Wagner mercenary group’s chief Yevgeny Prigozhin five days after the failed coup attempt, the Kremlin said on Monday.</p>

<p>Briefing the reporters, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that the meeting took place on June 29, in which 35 people were invited, including unit commanders. He further said that the meeting lasted three hours.</p>

<p>Putin “gave his assessment of the events of June 24,” Peskov said, referring to the date of the Wagner Group’s failed uprising. He added that Putin also "listened to accounts given by (Wagner) commanders".</p>

<p>The Wagner commanders told Putin they were his soldiers and would continue to fight for him.</p>

<p>The development comes following speculations that Prigozhin wasn't exiled to Belarus at all as part of the peace deal brokered by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko.</p>

<p>Last week, Lukashenko told reporters that it was unclear if the Wagner fighters would come to Belarus after he previously offered them a desert military base.</p>

<p>“As for Prigozhin, he's in St Petersburg. He is not on the territory of Belarus," he said.</p>

<p>Responding to Lukashenko's remarks, the Kremlin said it was "not following" Prigozhin's movements.</p>

<p>"No, we do not follow his movements, we have neither the ability nor the desire to do so," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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Deputy commander of Russia's military operations in Ukraine, General Sergei Surovikin, who has not been seen in public since the mutiny by mercenary group Wagner, is currently 'resting', said a lawmaker from the ruling party on Wednesday.

Deputy commander of Russia's military operations in Ukraine, General Sergei Surovikin, who has not been seen in public since the mutiny by mercenary group Wagner, is currently 'resting', said a lawmaker from the ruling party on Wednesday. As per Reuters reports, Andrei Kartapolov, head of the State Duma Defence Committee, is heard saying in a video posted on social media: "Surovikin is currently resting. (He is) not available for now." Surovikin, who is also called 'General Armageddon' by the Russian press for his assertive strategies in the Syria conflict, was last seen publicly when he issued an appeal via a video urging the mercenary group to halt the mutiny while it was underway. As per reports, Surovikin had good relations with Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin, who appreciated the general while regularly criticising Moscow's military leadership, especially Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and Chief of Staff Valery Gerasimov, over their handling of the war in Ukraine. As per a New York Times report based on a U.S. intelligence briefing, Surovikin had prior knowledge of the rebellion and that Russian authorities were probing if he was associated with it or not. According to the news agency Reuters, Russian and international media, last month, reported that Surovikin had been arrested, but there has been no official confirmation of that, and the Kremlin has declined to answer questions about him. Also read: West to offer long-term security commitments to Ukraine after slow progress on its NATO induction Putin met Wagner chief five days after failed coup attempt: Kremlin Russian President Vladimir Putin met the Wagner mercenary group’s chief Yevgeny Prigozhin five days after the failed coup attempt, the Kremlin said on Monday. Briefing the reporters, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that the meeting took place on June 29, in which 35 people were invited, including unit commanders. He further said that the meeting lasted three hours. Putin “gave his assessment of the events of June 24,” Peskov said, referring to the date of the Wagner Group’s failed uprising. He added that Putin also "listened to accounts given by (Wagner) commanders". The Wagner commanders told Putin they were his soldiers and would continue to fight for him. The development comes following speculations that Prigozhin wasn't exiled to Belarus at all as part of the peace deal brokered by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko. Last week, Lukashenko told reporters that it was unclear if the Wagner fighters would come to Belarus after he previously offered them a desert military base. “As for Prigozhin, he's in St Petersburg. He is not on the territory of Belarus," he said. Responding to Lukashenko's remarks, the Kremlin said it was "not following" Prigozhin's movements. "No, we do not follow his movements, we have neither the ability nor the desire to do so," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters. (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.

Top Russian general not seen in public since Wagner mutiny, lawmaker says 'he's resting'

Although, Zelensky failed in his efforts to secure a time frame for Ukraine's membership in NATO, it has made headway in garnering support of the Western allies and 11 nation coalition is set to start training Ukrainian pilots on F-16 fighter jets.

NATO nod for training Ukrainian pilots, says 'no membership but military support continues' | WION

Could Wagner rejoin this war? What lies ahead for Wagner and how its relationship with Russia was? Wagner and Russia's relationship has been extremely confusing for the world at large. Wagner Chief has been back in Russia could possibly be rejoining the war.

Wagner Chief meets Russian President, will Putin consider redeploying Wagner? | World DNA

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who's hoping for a breakthrough, he wants a direct yes or no, that's what he came asking for but there has been other plans. NATO's leadership has agreed at its summit in Vilinus that Ukraine's future lies within the alliance.

NATO summit ends with no timeframe for Kyiv, Zelensky accuses of 'showing disrespect' | WION

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