Putin has not yet said if Russia would renew the deal under which Moscow allowed Ukraine to ship its grain across the black sea. The deal brokered by the United Nations and Turkiye, signed by Moscow and Kyiv in July 2022, is set to expire on July 18. Crucially, the pact established a protected sea corridor allowing Ukraine’s agricultural goods to reach global markets. Here's what happens if the deal is not extended. More on this from Senior Analyst, Australian Strategic Policy Interview, Dr Malcom Davis.

Explained: What is the Ukraine grain deal?

Putin has not yet said if Russia would renew the deal under which Moscow allowed Ukraine to ship its grain across the black sea. The deal brokered by the United Nations and Turkiye, signed by Moscow and Kyiv in July 2022, is set to expire on July 18. Crucially, the pact established a protected sea corridor allowing Ukraine’s agricultural goods to reach global markets. Here's what happens if the deal is not extended.

All eyes on Putin: Black Sea grain deal on brink of expiring

<p>USAID chief Samantha Power on Monday (July 17) announced more than USD 500 million in humanitarian assistance as she visited Ukraine. According to the United Nations, about 17 million people are in need of help following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Power made an announcement about the humanitarian assistance at the State Emergency Services headquarters in Ukrainian capital Kyiv.</p>

<p>Since Russia invaded Ukraine last year, tens of thousands of Ukrainian civilians and soldiers on both sides have been killed. Millions have fled their home.</p>

<p>The latest aid from USAID will be provided through the United Nations and other non-governmental organisation partners. The aid will support and give relief to those who have been displaced or have been otherwise affected by the war. It will provide them with emergency food assistance, healthcare and safe drinking water.</p>

<p>USAID Administrator Power was shown equipment provided to Ukraine's State Emergency Services by Washington and met Ukraine's famous mine-sniffing dog, Patron.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Russia pulls out of landmark grain deal after Crimea attack | In-Depth Analysis</strong></p>

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<p>Power also said that she handed over an additional USD 2.3 million worth of equipment for the repair of Ukraine's critical infrastructure damaged due to constant battering from Russia.</p>

<p>"We see what is happening in Ukraine. Russia continues to burn and Ukraine continues to build. It is our privilege ... to support our Ukrainian partners as they do that building," Power said.</p>

<h2><strong>"A reckless decision"</strong></h2>

<p>Power also expressed "grave dismay" with Russia's decision to suspend its participation in a pact that has allowed the&nbsp;export of grain from Ukraine for the past year in a deal that aimed to alleviate a global food crisis by allowing Ukrainian grain blocked by the Russia-Ukraine conflict to be exported safely.</p>

<p>"This is a reckless decision that will have profound human consequences, and it's just another example of Russian callousness and disregard for human lives and livelihoods, not only here in Ukraine but all around the world," Power said.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-he-will-establish-peace-in-ukraine-within-24-hours-of-coming-to-power-616620">Trump says he will establish peace in Ukraine within 24 hours of coming to power</a></strong></p>

<p>According to the United Nations, over 9,000 civilians have been killed and 16,000 have been injured since Russia invaded Ukraine. The agency data says that there are nearly six&nbsp;million Ukrainian refugees across Europe.</p>

<p>Monday's announcement took the total value of humanitarian assistance by the US in Ukraine to USD 2.6 billion. This includes more than USD 1.9 billion through USAID.</p>

<p>During her visit to Ukraine, Power will meet with government officials as well as farmers, energy workers and emergency response teams, among others, and will also visit USAID partners who deliver assistance, the agency said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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USAID chief Samantha Power on Monday (July 17) announced more than USD 500 million in humanitarian assistance as she visited Ukraine. According to the United Nations, about 17 million people are in need of help following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

USAID chief Samantha Power on Monday (July 17) announced more than USD 500 million in humanitarian assistance as she visited Ukraine. According to the United Nations, about 17 million people are in need of help following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Power made an announcement about the humanitarian assistance at the State Emergency Services headquarters in Ukrainian capital Kyiv. Since Russia invaded Ukraine last year, tens of thousands of Ukrainian civilians and soldiers on both sides have been killed. Millions have fled their home. The latest aid from USAID will be provided through the United Nations and other non-governmental organisation partners. The aid will support and give relief to those who have been displaced or have been otherwise affected by the war. It will provide them with emergency food assistance, healthcare and safe drinking water. USAID Administrator Power was shown equipment provided to Ukraine's State Emergency Services by Washington and met Ukraine's famous mine-sniffing dog, Patron. Watch | Russia pulls out of landmark grain deal after Crimea attack | In-Depth Analysis × Power also said that she handed over an additional USD 2.3 million worth of equipment for the repair of Ukraine's critical infrastructure damaged due to constant battering from Russia. "We see what is happening in Ukraine. Russia continues to burn and Ukraine continues to build. It is our privilege ... to support our Ukrainian partners as they do that building," Power said. "A reckless decision" Power also expressed "grave dismay" with Russia's decision to suspend its participation in a pact that has allowed the export of grain from Ukraine for the past year in a deal that aimed to alleviate a global food crisis by allowing Ukrainian grain blocked by the Russia-Ukraine conflict to be exported safely. "This is a reckless decision that will have profound human consequences, and it's just another example of Russian callousness and disregard for human lives and livelihoods, not only here in Ukraine but all around the world," Power said. Also Read | Trump says he will establish peace in Ukraine within 24 hours of coming to power According to the United Nations, over 9,000 civilians have been killed and 16,000 have been injured since Russia invaded Ukraine. The agency data says that there are nearly six million Ukrainian refugees across Europe. Monday's announcement took the total value of humanitarian assistance by the US in Ukraine to USD 2.6 billion. This includes more than USD 1.9 billion through USAID. During her visit to Ukraine, Power will meet with government officials as well as farmers, energy workers and emergency response teams, among others, and will also visit USAID partners who deliver assistance, the agency 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 ×

USAID chief unveils more than $500 million aid during Ukraine visit

While the Russia-Ukraine war continues to drag on an emerging report has put a spotlight on the human cost of the war. A Ukrainian search unit exhumed human remains from a village in eastern Ukraine. According to the initial reports the remains are believed to be of Russian soldiers who were killed in combat.

Remains of Russian soldiers found in Eastern Ukraine

<p>Russia, on Monday (July 17), formally notified Ukraine that it will <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-suspends-participation-in-black-sea-grain-deal-says-kremlin-616566">suspend</a> its participation in the Black Sea grain deal, hours before its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-grain-deal-extended-for-two-more-months-turkey-593357">previous extension</a> expired. The safe passage through which Kyiv was able to ship grain via the Black Sea despite being in the midst of a war with Moscow to the parts of the world struggling with hunger will now be suspended which may affect global food security.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What was the deal about?</strong></h2>

<p>Turkey and the United Nations&nbsp;managed to broker a landmark deal between Russia and Ukraine&nbsp;in July last year, months after Moscow invaded Kyiv&nbsp;on February 24.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The aim of the pact was to alleviate a global food crisis, exacerbated by the Russia-Ukraine war, and allow a safe passage for Ukrainian ships carrying grain to be exported through the Black Sea corridor.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, Ukraine is one of the world’s biggest exporters of food grains, such as wheat and corn, and played a significant role in the UN’s food aid programmes. Therefore, when Russia invaded and blocked Ukrainian ports, prices of food grains soared across parts of the world.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The UN-brokered deal allowed cargo ships&nbsp;from three Ukrainian ports of Odesa, Chornomorsk and Pivdennyi (Yuzhny) to pass through the 310 nautical miles long and three nautical miles wide Black Sea safe passage after being inspected for weapons.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Nearly 33 million metric tonnes of corn, wheat and other grains have been exported by Ukraine under the agreement, reported Reuters, which has been extended <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/black-sea-grain-export-deal-extended-for-120-days-says-ukraine-minister-534980">twice</a> since it was first signed. Kyiv has also contributed 725,200 (2.2 per cent) tonnes to the UN World Food Programme (WFP).</p>

<p>While the Black Sea deal assured that no ships would be attacked entering and leaving the Ukrainian port, a separate agreement also facilitated the movement of Russian food and fertiliser.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Why did Russia back out of the deal?</strong></h2>

<p>The formal <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-suspends-participation-in-black-sea-grain-deal-616518">suspension</a> comes days after Russian President Vladimir Putin during an interview said “not one” of Moscow’s conditions for the deal to function had been met.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I want to emphasise that nothing was done, nothing at all. It’s all one-sided,” said Putin. Reportedly, while Moscow’s exports of food grains and fertilisers are not subjected to Western sanctions, Russia has claimed that other restrictions on payments, logistics and insurance have had an indirect effect on its shipments.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The obligations recorded in the relevant Russia-UN memorandum to remove obstacles to the export of Russian food and fertilisers still remain unfulfilled,” Putin <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russias-putin-discusses-ukraine-grain-deal-brics-summit-with-south-africas-ramaphosa-616065">told</a> his South African counterpart&nbsp;on Saturday, according to a statement by the Kremlin.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Russia has also claimed that not enough grain is being sent to the poor countries, while the UN has argued that the deal had helped those states by lowering food prices by over 20 per cent across the world. Moscow also wanted ammonia exports through a pipeline leading from Russia to the Ukrainian port of Odesa&nbsp;to resume.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Additionally, one of Russia’s key demands has reportedly <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/kremlin-main-goal-of-black-sea-grain-deal-has-not-been-met-616298">not been met</a>. Moscow wanted its Russian Agricultural Bank (Rosselkhozbank) to be reconnected to the SWIFT international payments system after it was cut off due to sanctions by the European Union in June 2022.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A report by Reuters&nbsp;said that UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, last week, asked Putin to extend the Black Sea grain deal in exchange for the EU connecting a subsidiary of Rosselkhozbank to SWIFT for grain and fertiliser transactions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The same media report, citing three sources said, officials in the EU were also in the midst of considering reconnecting SWIFT to a subsidiary of the Rosselkhozbank. UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric had also confirmed a proposal by the UN chief saying that this was a “major concern expressed by the Russian Federation…”</p>

<h2><strong>Any immediate effects of the suspension?</strong></h2>

<p>According to reports, prices of grains and oilseeds have already risen in response to Russia’s decision and are expected to lead to higher prices for staple foods like bread, pasta, etc, in the upcoming weeks or months.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But the rise is not as significant.&nbsp;“I think there is a market belief that Russia and the EU have large supplies of wheat which can meet world demand in the coming months, with harvests arriving,” a German grains trader told Reuters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The high costs may also exacerbate economic challenges for several countries and push millions more into poverty or food insecurity. The WFP used to purchase millions of tonnes of grain from Kyiv before the Ukraine war, mostly for African and West Asian countries.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ukraine exported 16.9 million tonnes of corn and 8.9 million tonnes of wheat, due to the grain deal with Russia. Amid this uncertainty, it was also not immediately clear whether Ukraine will be able to continue exporting grain after the Russian withdrawal from the pact.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Another option could include increasing Ukrainian grain exports through eastern EU countries which have already risen exponentially since the conflict began.</p>

<p>However, there have been logistical challenges, in addition to unrest among farmers who said it has undercut local supplies.&nbsp;Since then the EU has allowed five countries&nbsp;to ban domestic sales of some Ukrainian grains and seeds&nbsp;but allow transit.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Ukraine ready to export grains despite Russian exit: Zelensky</strong></h2>

<p>Ukrainian President&nbsp;Volodymyr Zelensky, in response to&nbsp;Russia’s decision, said that Kyiv is&nbsp;prepared to continue grain exports despite Moscow's backing out of the deal.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
“Even without the Russian Federation, everything must be done so that we can use this Black Sea corridor. We are not afraid. We have been approached by companies that own ships. They said that they are ready”&nbsp;to continue shipments, Zelensky said&nbsp;as per his&nbsp;spokesperson,&nbsp;Sergiy Nykyforov.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Is it because of Crimea bridge attack?</strong></h2>

<p>The Kremlin&nbsp;suspension came hours after the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/live-updates-russia-ukraine-war-crimea-bridge-attack-616454">Crimea Bridge</a>, a very crucial and only direct link between the Russian mainland and the Moscow-annexed Crimean peninsula, was attacked.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The bridge is also important for the supply of fuel, food and now weapons to Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014. The attack has killed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-traffic-stopped-on-crimean-bridge-reports-of-blasts-616344">at least two people</a>, a couple and injured their daughter, according to Russian officials.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters that the decision to not renew the Black Sea grain deal was unrelated to the overnight attack, which he called a “terrorist act” and blamed on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukrainian-official-seemingly-claims-responsibility-for-crimea-bridge-blast-613657">Ukraine</a>.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Unfortunately, the part of these Black Sea agreements concerning Russia has not been implemented so far, so its effect is terminated,” said Peskov. He added, “As soon as the Russian part of the agreements is fulfilled, the Russian side will return to the implementation of this deal, immediately.”&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Putin wants to continue the deal: Erdogan</strong></h2>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-has-agreed-to-extend-black-sea-grain-deal-says-erdogan-615669">Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan</a> said that he believed the Russian president wanted to continue the deal, despite the statement today and hopes talks will progress on the issue after Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov hold talks on Monday.</p>

<h2><strong>Countries react to Russia’s decision</strong></h2>

<p>German government spokesperson Christiane Hoffmann said they will continue to “call on Russia to allow further extension of the grain deal,” adding that the “conflict should not be carried out on the backs of the poorest on this planet.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s spokesperson called Russia’s decision “disappointing” and accused Russia of risking global “suffering".&nbsp;Moscow “will be robbing millions of people of access to vital grain,” said the UK.&nbsp;</p>

<p>EU chief Ursula von der Leyen “strongly condemned” Russia’s move and dubbed it “cynical”. She added, “EU is working to ensure food security for the world’s vulnerable.”&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
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Russia, on Monday (July 17), formally notified Ukraine that it will suspend its participation in the Black Sea grain deal, hours before its previous extension expired.

Russia, on Monday (July 17), formally notified Ukraine that it will suspend its participation in the Black Sea grain deal, hours before its previous extension expired. The safe passage through which Kyiv was able to ship grain via the Black Sea despite being in the midst of a war with Moscow to the parts of the world struggling with hunger will now be suspended which may affect global food security. What was the deal about? Turkey and the United Nations managed to broker a landmark deal between Russia and Ukraine in July last year, months after Moscow invaded Kyiv on February 24. The aim of the pact was to alleviate a global food crisis, exacerbated by the Russia-Ukraine war, and allow a safe passage for Ukrainian ships carrying grain to be exported through the Black Sea corridor. Notably, Ukraine is one of the world’s biggest exporters of food grains, such as wheat and corn, and played a significant role in the UN’s food aid programmes. Therefore, when Russia invaded and blocked Ukrainian ports, prices of food grains soared across parts of the world. The UN-brokered deal allowed cargo ships from three Ukrainian ports of Odesa, Chornomorsk and Pivdennyi (Yuzhny) to pass through the 310 nautical miles long and three nautical miles wide Black Sea safe passage after being inspected for weapons. Nearly 33 million metric tonnes of corn, wheat and other grains have been exported by Ukraine under the agreement, reported Reuters, which has been extended twice since it was first signed. Kyiv has also contributed 725,200 (2.2 per cent) tonnes to the UN World Food Programme (WFP). While the Black Sea deal assured that no ships would be attacked entering and leaving the Ukrainian port, a separate agreement also facilitated the movement of Russian food and fertiliser. Why did Russia back out of the deal? The formal suspension comes days after Russian President Vladimir Putin during an interview said “not one” of Moscow’s conditions for the deal to function had been met. “I want to emphasise that nothing was done, nothing at all. It’s all one-sided,” said Putin. Reportedly, while Moscow’s exports of food grains and fertilisers are not subjected to Western sanctions, Russia has claimed that other restrictions on payments, logistics and insurance have had an indirect effect on its shipments. "The obligations recorded in the relevant Russia-UN memorandum to remove obstacles to the export of Russian food and fertilisers still remain unfulfilled,” Putin told his South African counterpart on Saturday, according to a statement by the Kremlin. Russia has also claimed that not enough grain is being sent to the poor countries, while the UN has argued that the deal had helped those states by lowering food prices by over 20 per cent across the world. Moscow also wanted ammonia exports through a pipeline leading from Russia to the Ukrainian port of Odesa to resume. Additionally, one of Russia’s key demands has reportedly not been met. Moscow wanted its Russian Agricultural Bank (Rosselkhozbank) to be reconnected to the SWIFT international payments system after it was cut off due to sanctions by the European Union in June 2022. A report by Reuters said that UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, last week, asked Putin to extend the Black Sea grain deal in exchange for the EU connecting a subsidiary of Rosselkhozbank to SWIFT for grain and fertiliser transactions. The same media report, citing three sources said, officials in the EU were also in the midst of considering reconnecting SWIFT to a subsidiary of the Rosselkhozbank. UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric had also confirmed a proposal by the UN chief saying that this was a “major concern expressed by the Russian Federation…” Any immediate effects of the suspension? According to reports, prices of grains and oilseeds have already risen in response to Russia’s decision and are expected to lead to higher prices for staple foods like bread, pasta, etc, in the upcoming weeks or months. But the rise is not as significant. “I think there is a market belief that Russia and the EU have large supplies of wheat which can meet world demand in the coming months, with harvests arriving,” a German grains trader told Reuters. The high costs may also exacerbate economic challenges for several countries and push millions more into poverty or food insecurity. The WFP used to purchase millions of tonnes of grain from Kyiv before the Ukraine war, mostly for African and West Asian countries. Ukraine exported 16.9 million tonnes of corn and 8.9 million tonnes of wheat, due to the grain deal with Russia. Amid this uncertainty, it was also not immediately clear whether Ukraine will be able to continue exporting grain after the Russian withdrawal from the pact. Another option could include increasing Ukrainian grain exports through eastern EU countries which have already risen exponentially since the conflict began. However, there have been logistical challenges, in addition to unrest among farmers who said it has undercut local supplies. Since then the EU has allowed five countries to ban domestic sales of some Ukrainian grains and seeds but allow transit. Ukraine ready to export grains despite Russian exit: Zelensky Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in response to Russia’s decision, said that Kyiv is prepared to continue grain exports despite Moscow's backing out of the deal. “Even without the Russian Federation, everything must be done so that we can use this Black Sea corridor. We are not afraid. We have been approached by companies that own ships. They said that they are ready” to continue shipments, Zelensky said as per his spokesperson, Sergiy Nykyforov. Is it because of Crimea bridge attack? The Kremlin suspension came hours after the Crimea Bridge, a very crucial and only direct link between the Russian mainland and the Moscow-annexed Crimean peninsula, was attacked. The bridge is also important for the supply of fuel, food and now weapons to Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014. The attack has killed at least two people, a couple and injured their daughter, according to Russian officials. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters that the decision to not renew the Black Sea grain deal was unrelated to the overnight attack, which he called a “terrorist act” and blamed on Ukraine. “Unfortunately, the part of these Black Sea agreements concerning Russia has not been implemented so far, so its effect is terminated,” said Peskov. He added, “As soon as the Russian part of the agreements is fulfilled, the Russian side will return to the implementation of this deal, immediately.” Putin wants to continue the deal: Erdogan Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said that he believed the Russian president wanted to continue the deal, despite the statement today and hopes talks will progress on the issue after Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov hold talks on Monday. Countries react to Russia’s decision German government spokesperson Christiane Hoffmann said they will continue to “call on Russia to allow further extension of the grain deal,” adding that the “conflict should not be carried out on the backs of the poorest on this planet.” UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s spokesperson called Russia’s decision “disappointing” and accused Russia of risking global “suffering". Moscow “will be robbing millions of people of access to vital grain,” said the UK. EU chief Ursula von der Leyen “strongly condemned” Russia’s move and dubbed it “cynical”. She added, “EU is working to ensure food security for the world’s vulnerable.” (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.

Explained | Russia formally backs out of Black Sea grain deal. What happens now?

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all the latest news and top headlines from all across the globe: Two people were killed and their daughter was wounded in what Russia said was a Ukrainian attack on the Crimea Bridge. Quoting sources news agency AFP stated that the attack was carried out by the Ukrainian security service and the Navy.

Attack on Crimean Bridge: At least 2 killed in Kerch blasts, Moscow blames Kyiv

Black Sea grain deal: Can the corridor operate without Russia?

Russian president vladimir putin has threatened to use cluster bombs if Ukraine does the same. It comes days after Ukraine received a shipment of controversial cluster munitions from the united states of America.

Russia-Ukraine war: Tit-for-tat over Cluster bombs

<p>South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, on Saturday (July 15) made an unannounced visit to Ukraine for a meeting with his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky and pledged additional military supplies and humanitarian aid to the war-torn country. Yoon also visited the Ukrainian cities of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bucha-killings-are-fake-propaganda-says-putins-ally-dmitry-medvedev-468582">Bucha</a> and Irpin.</p>

<h2><strong>South Korean president’s sudden visit</strong></h2>

<p>According to the South Korean president’s office, the visit before a summit with Zelensky was an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-koreas-president-yeol-makes-sudden-ukraine-visit-to-meet-zelensky-615960">unannounced one</a>. “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,” said his office. &nbsp;</p>

<p>It added, “President Yoon will visit a memorial for the war dead to lay a wreath, and hold a summit meeting with President Zelensky.” The surprise visit comes after Yoon attended the NATO summit in Lithuania and visited Poland this week.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The visit is seen as significant as very few Asian leaders have visited Ukraine, said the Korea chair at the Brussels School of Governance research organisation, Ramon Pacheco.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“If he’s going it’s because Zelensky allowed him to go, because he feels Korea is doing enough to warrant it,” said Pardo, as quoted by Reuters, adding that it might suggest that South Korea might be offering more support behind the scenes.</p>

<p>It remains to be seen if the visit will change South Korea’s long-standing policy of not giving weapons to zones which are involved in conflict.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A United States ally and the world’s 9th biggest arms exporter, as per the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), South Korea due to its policies has only provided Ukraine with aid and non-lethal military supplies but no weapons.</p>

<h2><strong>Yoon pledges more aid, </strong>to help with reconstruction</h2>

<p>South Korea plans to provide "a larger scale of military supplies" to Ukraine this year. Notably, last year Seoul&nbsp;provided materials such as helmets and bullet-proof vests. South Korea will also increase humanitarian aid to Kyiv from $100 million last year to $150 million, in 2023.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It will also help rebuild Ukraine by cooperating with Kyiv on infrastructure construction backed by concessionary loans. Yoon also spoke about how Seoul has supplied safety equipment and humanitarian aid that Ukraine needs, since two months ago, including mine detectors.</p>

<p>South Korea’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, in a statement, on Friday said South Korean companies and entities in Ukraine and in other countries signed agreements to help with reconstruction.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Zelensky thanked Yoon for “the meaningful talks” and “strong support”. The Ukrainian president spoke about how the two leaders discussed “everything that is important for the normal and safe life of people".</p>

<p>He also thanked the South Korean president “for your new initiatives to provide financial, technical and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine” without going into detail.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
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South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, on Saturday (July 15) made an unannounced visit to Ukraine for a meeting with his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky and pledged additional military supplies and humanitarian aid to the war-torn country.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, on Saturday (July 15) made an unannounced visit to Ukraine for a meeting with his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky and pledged additional military supplies and humanitarian aid to the war-torn country. Yoon also visited the Ukrainian cities of Bucha and Irpin. South Korean president’s sudden visit According to the South Korean president’s office, the visit before a summit with Zelensky was an unannounced one. “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,” said his office. It added, “President Yoon will visit a memorial for the war dead to lay a wreath, and hold a summit meeting with President Zelensky.” The surprise visit comes after Yoon attended the NATO summit in Lithuania and visited Poland this week. The visit is seen as significant as very few Asian leaders have visited Ukraine, said the Korea chair at the Brussels School of Governance research organisation, Ramon Pacheco. “If he’s going it’s because Zelensky allowed him to go, because he feels Korea is doing enough to warrant it,” said Pardo, as quoted by Reuters, adding that it might suggest that South Korea might be offering more support behind the scenes. It remains to be seen if the visit will change South Korea’s long-standing policy of not giving weapons to zones which are involved in conflict. A United States ally and the world’s 9th biggest arms exporter, as per the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), South Korea due to its policies has only provided Ukraine with aid and non-lethal military supplies but no weapons. Yoon pledges more aid, to help with reconstruction South Korea plans to provide "a larger scale of military supplies" to Ukraine this year. Notably, last year Seoul provided materials such as helmets and bullet-proof vests. South Korea will also increase humanitarian aid to Kyiv from $100 million last year to $150 million, in 2023. It will also help rebuild Ukraine by cooperating with Kyiv on infrastructure construction backed by concessionary loans. Yoon also spoke about how Seoul has supplied safety equipment and humanitarian aid that Ukraine needs, since two months ago, including mine detectors. South Korea’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, in a statement, on Friday said South Korean companies and entities in Ukraine and in other countries signed agreements to help with reconstruction. Meanwhile, Zelensky thanked Yoon for “the meaningful talks” and “strong support”. The Ukrainian president spoke about how the two leaders discussed “everything that is important for the normal and safe life of people". He also thanked the South Korean president “for your new initiatives to provide financial, technical and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine” without going into detail. (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.

South Korea to provide 'larger scale of military supplies', aid to Ukraine

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>

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<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>

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<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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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">🚨🌎 Biden calls ‘Zelensky’ - VLADIMIR 🤡🚨<br />
<br />
Simply unbelievable. <a href="https://t.co/Iqo2omXIrj">pic.twitter.com/Iqo2omXIrj</a></p>
— Concerned Citizen (@cotupacs) <a href="https://twitter.com/cotupacs/status/1679152227141795842?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 12, 2023</a></blockquote>
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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>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></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

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