Russia's most senior generals have dropped out of public view following a failed mercenary mutiny aimed at toppling the top brass, amid a drive by President Vladimir Putin to reassert his authority. Armed forces chief of staff General Valery Gerasimov has not appeared in public or on state TV since the aborted mutiny on Saturday when mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin demanded Gerasimov be handed over. Nor has he been mentioned in a defence ministry press release since June 9.

Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov offers to help put down Wagner mutiny

Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov says his forces are ready to help put down Wagner mutiny

Two Ukrainian generals and up to 50 officers along with about 20 foreign mercenaries and military advisers were eliminated in Russia's strike on the Kyiv forces' deployment site in Kramatorsk, Russian Defense Ministry reported on Thursday.

Russia: 50 soldiers, 2 Generals, 20 foreign mercenaries killed

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all the latest news and top headlines from all across the globe: Ukrainian prosecutors on Friday charged a Russian politician and two suspected Ukrainian collaborators with war crimes over the alleged deportation of dozens of orphans. Ukraine claims that more than 19,000 children have been illegally transferred to Russia or Russian-held territories. However, Kremlin has repeatedly denied allegations that Russia violated children's rights in Ukraine.

Ukraine accuses Russia over deportation of orphans

Here, we bring you a quick round-up of all the latest news and top headlines from all across the globe: Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg visited Kyiv to draw attention to environmental damage caused by the war in Ukraine. She also criticized the world's response to the same.

Russia-Ukraine war environmental damage: Greta Thunberg discusses with Zelensky

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky meets climate activist Greta Thunberg and others in Kyiv to address the war's effect on ecology.

Ukrainian President Zelensky meets Greta Thunberg in Kyiv

<p>Ukraine on Thursday said the time had come for NATO to clarify its stance on the war-torn country’s membership of the military alliance. Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba tweeted, “Ukraine continues to work actively with all NATO allies to convince them that the time for clarity on Ukraine's membership in the Alliance has come." His remarks came shortly after he spoke with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg over the phone.</p>

<h2><strong>Key NATO summit to be held next month</strong></h2>

<p>A major NATO security summit is slated to be held in Lithuania’s Vilnius on July 11-12, where Ukraine’s membership of the alliance is expected to be the key agenda on the table. Earlier on Wednesday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky assured his Western counterparts that Kyiv’s full membership will further strengthen NATO, not weaken it. &nbsp;</p>

<p>While delivering a speech in the parliament, Zelensky said, “We are now a recipient of security assistance. But a victorious Ukraine will be a donor of security for our region, for the whole of Europe, for the whole world."</p>

<p>However, Zelensky has himself conceded that Ukraine will not become a NATO member until the conflict with Russia ends.</p>

<h2><strong>NATO ‘split’ on Ukraine’s membership</strong></h2>

<p>Speaking at a press conference in Brussels last week, the NATO chief acknowledged that the member countries were divided over the issue of Ukraine’s admission into the alliance in the upcoming alliance meet. "On that issue, there are different views in the alliance and of course, the only way to make decisions in Nato is by consensus," Stoltenberg was quoted as saying by Indiatimes.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas: Will NATO fight Ukraine's war against Russia?</strong></p>

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<p>"No one is able to tell you exactly what will be the final decision at the Vilnius summit on this issue," Stoltenberg further said.</p>

<h2><strong>US reluctant on Ukraine’s NATO bid</strong></h2>

<p>NATO diplomats have expressed concerns over the United States' hesitation to extend its commitment to Ukraine beyond the membership pledge made 15 years ago. If Ukraine were to join NATO, it would fall under the protection of Article 5, which requires all member states to provide assistance in the event of an attack.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tough-to-include-ukraine-in-nato-while-war-goes-on-stoltenberg-596111"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Tough to include Ukraine in NATO while war goes on: Stoltenberg</strong></a></p>

<p>However, Western allies of Ukraine are considering alternative security assurances that could be offered as an interim measure before full NATO membership is granted. France has recently stated its willingness to negotiate a deal with Ukraine, offering long-term security guarantees to enhance its self-defence capabilities.</p>

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Ukraine on Thursday said the time had come for NATO to clarify its stance on the war-torn country’s membership of the military alliance. Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba tweeted, “Ukraine continues to work actively with all NATO allies to convince them that the time for clarity on Ukraine's membership in the Alliance has come.

Ukraine on Thursday said the time had come for NATO to clarify its stance on the war-torn country’s membership of the military alliance. Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba tweeted, “Ukraine continues to work actively with all NATO allies to convince them that the time for clarity on Ukraine's membership in the Alliance has come." His remarks came shortly after he spoke with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg over the phone. Key NATO summit to be held next month A major NATO security summit is slated to be held in Lithuania’s Vilnius on July 11-12, where Ukraine’s membership of the alliance is expected to be the key agenda on the table. Earlier on Wednesday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky assured his Western counterparts that Kyiv’s full membership will further strengthen NATO, not weaken it. While delivering a speech in the parliament, Zelensky said, “We are now a recipient of security assistance. But a victorious Ukraine will be a donor of security for our region, for the whole of Europe, for the whole world." However, Zelensky has himself conceded that Ukraine will not become a NATO member until the conflict with Russia ends. NATO ‘split’ on Ukraine’s membership Speaking at a press conference in Brussels last week, the NATO chief acknowledged that the member countries were divided over the issue of Ukraine’s admission into the alliance in the upcoming alliance meet. "On that issue, there are different views in the alliance and of course, the only way to make decisions in Nato is by consensus," Stoltenberg was quoted as saying by Indiatimes. Watch: Gravitas: Will NATO fight Ukraine's war against Russia? × "No one is able to tell you exactly what will be the final decision at the Vilnius summit on this issue," Stoltenberg further said. US reluctant on Ukraine’s NATO bid NATO diplomats have expressed concerns over the United States' hesitation to extend its commitment to Ukraine beyond the membership pledge made 15 years ago. If Ukraine were to join NATO, it would fall under the protection of Article 5, which requires all member states to provide assistance in the event of an attack. Also read: Tough to include Ukraine in NATO while war goes on: Stoltenberg However, Western allies of Ukraine are considering alternative security assurances that could be offered as an interim measure before full NATO membership is granted. France has recently stated its willingness to negotiate a deal with Ukraine, offering long-term security guarantees to enhance its self-defence capabilities. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Kyiv asks NATO to clarify its stance as alliance remains divided over Ukraine’s membership

The EU's top diplomat warned Thursday that a "weaker" Russian President Vladimir Putin would pose a "greater danger" after Wagner's aborted mutiny sparked the largest political crisis in decades in the nuclear-armed country. Until now we were looking at Russia as a threat because it was a lot of force and force has been used in Ukraine. Now we have to look at Russia as a risk because of internal instability," Borrell

Wagner mutiny: Weaker Putin is a great danger, says EU's Borrel

The man was identified by facial recognition software as 33-year-old Sergei Shirshov, a native of the Volga River city of Saratov. On VKontakte, Shirshov's profile picture is of a Wagner Group shoulder patch.

Wagner mutineers included Russian convicts freed to fight in Ukraine?

There is another addition to the list of U.S. President Joe Biden's embarrassing moments. When asked for a comment on the Russia-Ukraine war, Biden said Russian President Vladimir Putin is losing the war in Iraq. Molly Gambhir tells you more.

US President Biden says Russian counterpart Putin losing war in Iraq

The whereabouts of a top Russian military general have been unknown to the public since Saturday. Sparking speculation regarding his involvement in the recent mutiny by the mercenary group Wagner.

Is Russia's general Sergei Surovikin facing repercussions for facilitating mutiny

Where is Russia's general Sergei Surovikin?

Gen. Sergei Surovikin, the ruthless one-time leader of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, was last seen telling the Wagner Group mercenaries to stop their uprising in an uncomfortable appeal likened to “a hostage video.”

Russian general who knew about mutiny is missing: report

Next year's elections will mark America's 60th presidential contest. Joe Biden is leading a drive to support Ukraine's resistance to the Russian invasion launched in February. Recently however in a new verbal, Biden said Russian President Vladimir Putin was losing the war in Iraq when he meant to say Ukraine.

Biden's mental fitness: poll finds majority has concerns about this

The death toll from a Russian missile strike on a restaurant in eastern Ukraine rose to 11 on Wednesday, including children, as the Kremlin insisted Russian forces only hit military-linked targets. Three children were among the dead and at least 60 people were injured in the strike on the Ria Pizza restaurant in the town of Kramatorsk.

Russian missile strike on restaurant kills 11 in Ukraine, over 60 injured

<p>Politicians are no strangers to blunders, but US President Joe Biden seems to have developed a knack for them, with his latest verbal mishap involving a mix-up of historic proportions. In an astonishing slip of the tongue, Biden found himself referring to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine as the Iraq war, distinct events separated by more than a decade.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While departing the White House Wednesday, Biden was asked on the South Lawn by reporters how weakened Putin was in the aftermath of this weekend's aborted uprising by the Russian mercenary group.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-dhruv-advanced-light-helicopter-safety-flaws-addressed-says-report-609658">India: Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter safety flaws addressed, says report</a></p>

<p>Biden responded with uncertainty, stating, "It's hard to tell really" and mistakenly referred to Ukraine as Iraq. "He's clearly losing the war in Iraq. He's losing the war at home and has become a bit of a pariah around the world," Biden said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The president's gaffe occurred as he was going to Chicago to deliver a speech on his administration's economic policies, commonly referred to as "Bidenomics." According to the Daily Mail, Biden was even carrying a notecard labeled "Daily News Summary" on the Wagner mutiny during the time of his gaffe but still seemed to manage the gaffe.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Previous blunder</strong></h2>

<p>This blunder marks the second instance within a short period, as Biden had made a similar mistake during a fundraiser in Chevy Chase, Maryland, Tuesday night where he once again mentioned Iraq when referring to the war in Ukraine. Biden's latest gaffe overshadowed his intended message regarding the situation in Ukraine and Putin's "pariah" status.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Now US President Biden says Putin " is clearly losing the war in Iraq” <a href="https://t.co/Uer17ipfMf">pic.twitter.com/Uer17ipfMf</a></p>
— Megh Updates 🚨™ (@MeghUpdates) <a href="https://twitter.com/MeghUpdates/status/1674069570355699713?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 28, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sweden-police-allow-quran-burning-protest-outside-stockholms-main-mosque-609615">Sweden police allow Quran burning protest outside Stockholm’s main mosque</a></p>

<p>President Joe Biden, who is 80 years old, is aiming to surpass his own previous record as the oldest individual to assume the presidential office, a record he set back in 2021.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Concert economics explained: The craze for high-profile concerts</strong></p>

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<p>During his address at the White House Correspondents' Association Dinner, Biden made humorous remarks on his old age.&nbsp;"Look, I get that age is a completely reasonable issue," he said adding "You might think I don't like Rupert Murdoch. That's simply not true. How can I dislike a guy who makes me look like Harry Styles?"</p>

<p>"Call me old, I call it being seasoned. You say I am ancient, I say I'm wise," he added.&nbsp;</p>

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Politicians are no strangers to blunders, but US President Joe Biden seems to have developed a knack for them, with his latest verbal mishap involving a mix-up of historic proportions.

Politicians are no strangers to blunders, but US President Joe Biden seems to have developed a knack for them, with his latest verbal mishap involving a mix-up of historic proportions. In an astonishing slip of the tongue, Biden found himself referring to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine as the Iraq war, distinct events separated by more than a decade. While departing the White House Wednesday, Biden was asked on the South Lawn by reporters how weakened Putin was in the aftermath of this weekend's aborted uprising by the Russian mercenary group. Also Read | India: Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter safety flaws addressed, says report Biden responded with uncertainty, stating, "It's hard to tell really" and mistakenly referred to Ukraine as Iraq. "He's clearly losing the war in Iraq. He's losing the war at home and has become a bit of a pariah around the world," Biden said. The president's gaffe occurred as he was going to Chicago to deliver a speech on his administration's economic policies, commonly referred to as "Bidenomics." According to the Daily Mail, Biden was even carrying a notecard labeled "Daily News Summary" on the Wagner mutiny during the time of his gaffe but still seemed to manage the gaffe. Previous blunder This blunder marks the second instance within a short period, as Biden had made a similar mistake during a fundraiser in Chevy Chase, Maryland, Tuesday night where he once again mentioned Iraq when referring to the war in Ukraine. Biden's latest gaffe overshadowed his intended message regarding the situation in Ukraine and Putin's "pariah" status. Now US President Biden says Putin " is clearly losing the war in Iraq” pic.twitter.com/Uer17ipfMf — Megh Updates 🚨™ (@MeghUpdates) June 28, 2023 × Also Read | Sweden police allow Quran burning protest outside Stockholm’s main mosque President Joe Biden, who is 80 years old, is aiming to surpass his own previous record as the oldest individual to assume the presidential office, a record he set back in 2021. Watch | Concert economics explained: The craze for high-profile concerts × During his address at the White House Correspondents' Association Dinner, Biden made humorous remarks on his old age. "Look, I get that age is a completely reasonable issue," he said adding "You might think I don't like Rupert Murdoch. That's simply not true. How can I dislike a guy who makes me look like Harry Styles?" "Call me old, I call it being seasoned. You say I am ancient, I say I'm wise," he added. 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. ×

WATCH | Ukraine-Iraq mix-up is US President Joe Biden's latest faux pas

<p>President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday said Ukraine had arrested a person who was involved in the "terrorist attack" on a restaurant in Kramatorsk that claimed the lives of at least 11 people and injured another 60.</p>

<p>"Today, security services and police special forces arrested the person who coordinated this terrorist attack," Zelensky said in his nightly address.</p>

<p>"Whoever helps Russian terrorists to destroy lives deserves the maximum penalty," Zelensky said, adding that more people could still be trapped in the rubble.</p>

<p>Three children - including twin sisters - were among the 11 who lost their lives in the strike at the Ria Pizza restaurant in the eastern town of Kramatorsk on Tuesday.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-ukraine-iraq-mix-up-is-us-president-joe-bidens-latest-faux-pas-609819">WATCH | Ukraine-Iraq mix-up is US President Joe Biden's latest faux pas</a></p>

<h2><strong>'We hit only military-linked targets,' says Russia</strong></h2>

<p>Kremlin on Wednesday released a statement saying that it only hit military-linked targets in Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Ria Pizza restaurant located in the eastern city of Kramatorsk is popular with military officials, journalists and aid workers, and it was busy with guests when the strike took place.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Ukraine's first lady condemns the attack</strong></h2>

<p>Ukraine's First Lady Olena Zelenska condemned the attack in a post on Twitter. "Crowded place, evening - enemy do not want normal life in Ukraine," she tweeted. "There are a lot of wounded. It is painful," she added.</p>

<p>The city's mayor, Oleksandr Goncharenko, said the body of a boy was pulled from rubble Wednesday morning, without revealing his age. Kramatorsk's education department said in a statement, "It is with sadness and unbearable pain that we report the death of two Aksenchenko sisters, Yuliya and Anna, students of Kramatorsk Primary School No. 24."</p>

<p>President Zelensky had also released a statement condemning&nbsp;the missile strikes saying that S-300 missiles were used to carry out the deadly attacks.</p>

<p>"Exactly on the anniversary of the Russian terrorists' attack on Kremenchuk, on a shopping mall, where 22 people were killed, Russian savages again fired missiles at the Kremenchuk district," he said.</p>

<p>"Today, Russian terrorists also brutally shelled Kramatorsk... Unfortunately, there are killed and wounded. Assistance is being provided. The rubble is being cleared."</p>

<p>The rocket strikes hit a restaurant in the town of Kramatorsk, one of the largest still under Ukrainian control in the east, and is a popular eatery that is frequented by both journalists and soldiers.</p>

<p>As per Ukrainian police, Russia fired two S-300 surface-to-air missiles at the city. The S-300 is a surface-to-air missile that cannot hit targets on the ground accurately but has been repurposed for loosely targeted strikes on cities.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"There were a lot of people in there -- there are children under the rubble," said Yevgen, who had been dining with two friends at the Ria Pizza restaurant.</p>

<p>"We were just about to leave," he said, but one of his friends was not "under the rubble", he told AFP after the blast.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday said Ukraine had arrested a person who was involved in the "terrorist attack" on a restaurant in Kramatorsk that claimed the lives of at least 11 people and injured another 60.

President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday said Ukraine had arrested a person who was involved in the "terrorist attack" on a restaurant in Kramatorsk that claimed the lives of at least 11 people and injured another 60. "Today, security services and police special forces arrested the person who coordinated this terrorist attack," Zelensky said in his nightly address. "Whoever helps Russian terrorists to destroy lives deserves the maximum penalty," Zelensky said, adding that more people could still be trapped in the rubble. Three children - including twin sisters - were among the 11 who lost their lives in the strike at the Ria Pizza restaurant in the eastern town of Kramatorsk on Tuesday. Also read: WATCH | Ukraine-Iraq mix-up is US President Joe Biden's latest faux pas 'We hit only military-linked targets,' says Russia Kremlin on Wednesday released a statement saying that it only hit military-linked targets in Ukraine. The Ria Pizza restaurant located in the eastern city of Kramatorsk is popular with military officials, journalists and aid workers, and it was busy with guests when the strike took place. Ukraine's first lady condemns the attack Ukraine's First Lady Olena Zelenska condemned the attack in a post on Twitter. "Crowded place, evening - enemy do not want normal life in Ukraine," she tweeted. "There are a lot of wounded. It is painful," she added. The city's mayor, Oleksandr Goncharenko, said the body of a boy was pulled from rubble Wednesday morning, without revealing his age. Kramatorsk's education department said in a statement, "It is with sadness and unbearable pain that we report the death of two Aksenchenko sisters, Yuliya and Anna, students of Kramatorsk Primary School No. 24." President Zelensky had also released a statement condemning the missile strikes saying that S-300 missiles were used to carry out the deadly attacks. "Exactly on the anniversary of the Russian terrorists' attack on Kremenchuk, on a shopping mall, where 22 people were killed, Russian savages again fired missiles at the Kremenchuk district," he said. "Today, Russian terrorists also brutally shelled Kramatorsk... Unfortunately, there are killed and wounded. Assistance is being provided. The rubble is being cleared." The rocket strikes hit a restaurant in the town of Kramatorsk, one of the largest still under Ukrainian control in the east, and is a popular eatery that is frequented by both journalists and soldiers. As per Ukrainian police, Russia fired two S-300 surface-to-air missiles at the city. The S-300 is a surface-to-air missile that cannot hit targets on the ground accurately but has been repurposed for loosely targeted strikes on cities. "There were a lot of people in there -- there are children under the rubble," said Yevgen, who had been dining with two friends at the Ria Pizza restaurant. "We were just about to leave," he said, but one of his friends was not "under the rubble", he told AFP after the blast. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Ukraine arrests person over attack on restaurant in Kramatorsk, says Zelensky

The Wagner Group mercenaries who seized the Russian city of Rostov-on-Don on Saturday in a failed mutiny included at least three convicted criminals, a Reuters review of facial recognition software, court records and social media showed.

<p>Russian rocket strikes in Ukraine killed at least 11 people and&nbsp;injured 56&nbsp;on Tuesday, said the country's interior minister. Among the dead at the cafe which was hit in Kramatorsk, a town located in eastern Ukraine, include three children, two of whom were twin sisters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"As of 07:00 (0400 GMT) on June 28, the bodies of eight dead people (including three children, two of them born in 2008 and 2011) were unblocked from under the rubble of the destroyed cafe building," the State Emergency Service of Ukraine said on Telegram.</p>

<p>The educational department of Kramatorsk city council said in a Telegram post,&nbsp;"Two sisters, both age 14, died in the missile&nbsp;attack."&nbsp;<br />
<br />
The Ukrainian Ministry of Internal Affairs said that the attack in Kramatorsk wounded another 56 people.</p>

<p>The rocket strikes hit a restaurant in the town of Kramatorsk, one of the largest still under Ukrainian control in the east, and is a popular eatery that is frequented by both journalists and soldiers.</p>

<p>As per Ukrainian police, Russia fired two S-300 surface-to-air missiles at the city.&nbsp;The S-300 is a surface-to-air missile that cannot hit targets on the ground accurately, but have&nbsp; been repurposed it for loosely targeted strikes on cities.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"There were a lot of people in there -- there are children under the rubble," said Yevgen, who had been dining with two friends at the Ria Pizza restaurant.</p>

<p>"We were just about to leave," he said, but one of his friends was not "under the rubble", he told AFP after the blast.</p>

<p>As per AFP reports, a crowd quickly gathered at the site of the strike where fires broke out after the strikes as soldiers and rescue workers searched for other victims.</p>

<p>President Volodymyr Zelensky&nbsp;condemned the missile strikes saying that S-300 missiles were used to carry out the deadly attacks.</p>

<p>"Exactly on the anniversary of the Russian terrorists' attack on Kremenchuk, on a shopping mall, where&nbsp;22 people were killed, Russian savages again fired missiles at the Kremenchuk district," he said.</p>

<p>"Today, Russian terrorists also brutally shelled Kramatorsk... Unfortunately, there are killed and wounded. Assistance is being provided. The rubble is being cleared."</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-plane-belonging-to-wagner-chief-reportedly-lands-in-belarus-609259">Russia-Ukraine war: Lukashenko says Wagner chief Prigozhin in Belarus</a></p>

<p>According to Donetsk governor Pavlo Kyrylenko, two Russian rockets hit the city of 150,000 people, one of the largest still under Ukrainian control in the country's besieged east.</p>

<p>"There was a good crowd" at the restaurant when the missile hit, one of its cooks, a 32-year-old Ruslan, told AFP.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I had just arrived: I was standing there, and then I was buried," he said. "I was lucky."</p>

<p>Natalia, in tears, explained that her half-brother Nikita, 23, was inside near the pizza oven.</p>

<p>"They can't get him out, he was covered&nbsp;by debris," she said.</p>

<p>The strike also caused destruction and damaged several nearby buildings which have often been targeted by Russian forces since the invasion launched by Russia in February 2022.</p>

<p>"People told me they heard a plane flying, there was a hissing and then an explosion," a 19-year-old Ukrainian soldier who gave his war name as "Ghost", and was nearby when the strike occurred, told AFP.</p>

<p>He quickly entered the restaurant to help rescue workers. "A girl was trapped, injured. They haven't yet been able to get her out," he said.<br />
<br />
Kramatorsk is located in Donetsk, one of the four Ukrainian provinces that Russia claimed to annex last September but does not fully control.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Russian rocket strikes in Ukraine killed at least 11 people and injured 56 on Tuesday, said the country's interior minister. Among the dead at the cafe which was hit in Kramatorsk, a town located in eastern Ukraine, include three children, two of whom were twin sisters.

Russian rocket strikes in Ukraine killed at least 11 people and injured 56 on Tuesday, said the country's interior minister. Among the dead at the cafe which was hit in Kramatorsk, a town located in eastern Ukraine, include three children, two of whom were twin sisters. "As of 07:00 (0400 GMT) on June 28, the bodies of eight dead people (including three children, two of them born in 2008 and 2011) were unblocked from under the rubble of the destroyed cafe building," the State Emergency Service of Ukraine said on Telegram. The educational department of Kramatorsk city council said in a Telegram post, "Two sisters, both age 14, died in the missile attack." The Ukrainian Ministry of Internal Affairs said that the attack in Kramatorsk wounded another 56 people. The rocket strikes hit a restaurant in the town of Kramatorsk, one of the largest still under Ukrainian control in the east, and is a popular eatery that is frequented by both journalists and soldiers. As per Ukrainian police, Russia fired two S-300 surface-to-air missiles at the city. The S-300 is a surface-to-air missile that cannot hit targets on the ground accurately, but have been repurposed it for loosely targeted strikes on cities. "There were a lot of people in there -- there are children under the rubble," said Yevgen, who had been dining with two friends at the Ria Pizza restaurant. "We were just about to leave," he said, but one of his friends was not "under the rubble", he told AFP after the blast. As per AFP reports, a crowd quickly gathered at the site of the strike where fires broke out after the strikes as soldiers and rescue workers searched for other victims. President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the missile strikes saying that S-300 missiles were used to carry out the deadly attacks. "Exactly on the anniversary of the Russian terrorists' attack on Kremenchuk, on a shopping mall, where 22 people were killed, Russian savages again fired missiles at the Kremenchuk district," he said. "Today, Russian terrorists also brutally shelled Kramatorsk... Unfortunately, there are killed and wounded. Assistance is being provided. The rubble is being cleared." Also read: Russia-Ukraine war: Lukashenko says Wagner chief Prigozhin in Belarus According to Donetsk governor Pavlo Kyrylenko, two Russian rockets hit the city of 150,000 people, one of the largest still under Ukrainian control in the country's besieged east. "There was a good crowd" at the restaurant when the missile hit, one of its cooks, a 32-year-old Ruslan, told AFP. "I had just arrived: I was standing there, and then I was buried," he said. "I was lucky." Natalia, in tears, explained that her half-brother Nikita, 23, was inside near the pizza oven. "They can't get him out, he was covered by debris," she said. The strike also caused destruction and damaged several nearby buildings which have often been targeted by Russian forces since the invasion launched by Russia in February 2022. "People told me they heard a plane flying, there was a hissing and then an explosion," a 19-year-old Ukrainian soldier who gave his war name as "Ghost", and was nearby when the strike occurred, told AFP. He quickly entered the restaurant to help rescue workers. "A girl was trapped, injured. They haven't yet been able to get her out," he said. Kramatorsk is located in Donetsk, one of the four Ukrainian provinces that Russia claimed to annex last September but does not fully control. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Russian strikes at restaurant in Ukraine kill 11, including three kids, injure 56

<p>In a major snub to Ukraine's war effort against Russia, Switzerland blocked Bern-headquartered Ruag AG from selling nearly 100 Leopard 1 tanks to Ukraine, it was revealed on Wednesday. The blocking of the sale, however, is not related to a separate sale of 25 Leopard 1&nbsp;tanks of the Swiss army to the German company Rheinmetall AG, Bloomberg reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Swiss cabinet said that such a sale would be contrary to the country's War Material Act and would entail an adjustment of Switzerland's neutrality policy. The country’s current rules don’t allow for weapons manufactured in Switzerland to be delivered to countries at war or in an armed conflict.</p>

<p>In November 2022,&nbsp;the country&nbsp;imposed an embargo on Swiss munitions being sent to either Russia or Ukraine.</p>

<h2><strong>What exactly does Switzerland's blocking of Leopard 1&nbsp;tanks entail?</strong></h2>

<p>The rejection reportedly applies to 96 non-operational Leopard 1 tanks. These tanks, while belonging to the Swiss arms manufacturer Ruag AG, are currently stored at a facility in Italy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It was proposed that the tanks would be refurbished in Germany and then sent to Ukraine.</p>

<h2><strong>Switzerland blocks arms sale to Ukraine: Why?</strong></h2>

<p>The Swiss government said that the arms sale request to Ukraine from a country-headquartered manufacturer is "inconsistent with applicable law", pointing to the principle of the Swiss neutrality — one of the main principles of Switzerland's foreign policy which dictates that Switzerland is not to be involved in armed or political conflicts between other states.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-to-get-at-least-100-leopard-1-tanks-in-coming-months-559755">Ukraine to get at least 100 Leopard 1 tanks in 'coming months'</a></strong></p>

<p>This policy is self-imposed and designed to ensure external security and promote peace.</p>

<p>But the Swiss are some of the world's biggest arms manufacturers and suppliers.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;West mulls over giving German Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine</strong></p>

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<p>There are about 1,000 Swiss defence manufacturers and suppliers, many owned by the US and European entities that annually sold some $2.57 billion worth of equipment annually, according to the Swiss ASD (Aeronautics, Security and Defence) figures cited by <em>Breakingdefense&nbsp;</em>portal.</p>

<p>Over the past many decades, the Swiss government has been cautious of ensuring that it is not seen as taking sides. The country has been neutral for about 208 years since the 1815 Treaty of Paris, signed after the second abdication of Napoleon Bonaparte that guaranteed Switzerland neutrality and &nbsp;perpetual independence from the French sphere of influence.</p>

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In a major snub to Ukraine's war effort against Russia, Switzerland blocked Bern-headquartered Ruag AG from selling nearly 100 Leopard 1 tanks to Ukraine, it was revealed on Wednesday.

In a major snub to Ukraine's war effort against Russia, Switzerland blocked Bern-headquartered Ruag AG from selling nearly 100 Leopard 1 tanks to Ukraine, it was revealed on Wednesday. The blocking of the sale, however, is not related to a separate sale of 25 Leopard 1 tanks of the Swiss army to the German company Rheinmetall AG, Bloomberg reported. The Swiss cabinet said that such a sale would be contrary to the country's War Material Act and would entail an adjustment of Switzerland's neutrality policy. The country’s current rules don’t allow for weapons manufactured in Switzerland to be delivered to countries at war or in an armed conflict. In November 2022, the country imposed an embargo on Swiss munitions being sent to either Russia or Ukraine. What exactly does Switzerland's blocking of Leopard 1 tanks entail? The rejection reportedly applies to 96 non-operational Leopard 1 tanks. These tanks, while belonging to the Swiss arms manufacturer Ruag AG, are currently stored at a facility in Italy. It was proposed that the tanks would be refurbished in Germany and then sent to Ukraine. Switzerland blocks arms sale to Ukraine: Why? The Swiss government said that the arms sale request to Ukraine from a country-headquartered manufacturer is "inconsistent with applicable law", pointing to the principle of the Swiss neutrality — one of the main principles of Switzerland's foreign policy which dictates that Switzerland is not to be involved in armed or political conflicts between other states. Also read | Ukraine to get at least 100 Leopard 1 tanks in 'coming months' This policy is self-imposed and designed to ensure external security and promote peace. But the Swiss are some of the world's biggest arms manufacturers and suppliers. Also watch | West mulls over giving German Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine × There are about 1,000 Swiss defence manufacturers and suppliers, many owned by the US and European entities that annually sold some $2.57 billion worth of equipment annually, according to the Swiss ASD (Aeronautics, Security and Defence) figures cited by Breakingdefense portal. Over the past many decades, the Swiss government has been cautious of ensuring that it is not seen as taking sides. The country has been neutral for about 208 years since the 1815 Treaty of Paris, signed after the second abdication of Napoleon Bonaparte that guaranteed Switzerland neutrality and perpetual independence from the French sphere of influence. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

'Neutral' Switzerland blocks big arms sale to Ukraine, boosts Russian fortunes in ongoing war

Putin addresses members of the FSB, Federal Protection Service, Interior Ministry troops who 'ensured order' during the mutiny.

Wagner mutiny: Putin shaken but mot stirred?

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all the latest news and top headlines from all across the globe: At least eight people were killed and more than 40 wounded in a Russian missile strike that hit a restaurant in Kramatorsk, eastern Ukraine.

Russian strike at Ukrainian restaurant kills at least 8 | WION Speed News

The Russia-Ukraine war is replete with endless twists and turns on the one hunt Kyiv has lashed out at Moscow for attacking civilians in a restaurant bombing. On the other hand, the West has rolled the dice on Putin's failure following the Wagner group's attempted Mutiny last week. The ongoing conflict has spread in a myriad of different directions with each front telling a different story.

Kyiv alleges Moscow missile struck restaurant

You know about Japanese Nationals jumping into the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war now let's talk about the role of Nepalese soldiers also known as Gurkhas in this war. Unlike the Japanese Nepali Gurkhas have reportedly joined the Wagner Group Russia's private military company. But what is driving them to do this? The answer is the prospect of Russian citizenship. Take a look.

Role of Nepali Gurkhas in Russia-Ukraine war

Here, we bring you the news that is trending across WION's social media platforms- A Russian rocket strike on a restaurant in Kramatorsk, Ukraine killed three people and injured over 40. A popular Pizza restaurant was destroyed, trapping some people under the rubble. Rescue efforts were underway.

4 Dead, 42 injured in Russian missile attack in Kramatorsk

<p>Solid majorities of Americans support providing weaponry to Ukraine to defend itself against Russia and believe that such aid demonstrates to China and other US&nbsp;rivals a will to protect US&nbsp;interests and allies, according to a Reuters/Ipsos survey.</p>

<p>The two-day poll that was concluded on Tuesday charted a sharp rise in backing for arming Ukraine, with 65% of the respondents approving of the shipments compared with 46% in a May poll.</p>

<p>Eighty-one per cent of Democrats, 56% of Republicans and 57% of independents favour supplying U.S. weapons to Ukraine,&nbsp;according to the latest poll.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Russian strike on restaurant in Ukraine leaves 42 injured, child among those dead</strong></p>

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<p>The survey was conducted just days after Yevgeny Prigozhin, the head of the private Wagner mercenary company, launched and then called off a mutiny over what he charged was the Russian defence ministry's mishandling of the war in Ukraine.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/leaked-intel-foils-wagners-attempt-to-capture-russias-military-leadership-report-609743">Leaked intel foils Wagner's attempt to capture Russia's military leadership: Report</a></strong></p>

<p>The findings appeared to provide firmer backing for US&nbsp;President Joe Biden's policy of doing "whatever it takes" to assist Ukraine in recapturing territory that Russia seized in an initial assault in 2014 and its full-scale invasion 16 months ago.</p>

<p>"This definitely reinforces Biden's decision to be all-in on this," said William Taylor, a former US&nbsp;ambassador to Ukraine now with the U.S. Institute of Peace.</p>

<p>"The Republican leadership of the House and Senate will also take heart from this," Taylor said. Some right-wing Republican lawmakers have opposed continuing US&nbsp;military support for Ukraine.</p>

<p>The Biden administration has approved 41 weapons packages for Ukraine totaling more than $40 billion since Russian President Vladimir Putin launched what he calls "a special military operation" in February 2022.</p>

<p>The online Reuters/Ipsos poll was conducted nationwide, collecting responses from 1,004 adults, including 400 Democrats and 383 Republicans. It had a credibility interval, a measure of precision, of about 4 percentage points in either direction.</p>

<p>The poll found that 76% of Americans believe that providing aid to Ukraine demonstrates to China and other rivals that the United States has "the will and capability to protect our interests, our allies and ourselves."</p>

<p>In other findings, the survey said large majorities of Americans - 67% and 73% - are more likely to support a candidate in next year's U.S. presidential election who will continue military aid to Ukraine and one who backs the NATO alliance.</p>

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Solid majorities of Americans support providing weaponry to Ukraine to defend itself against Russia and believe that such aid demonstrates to China and other US rivals a will to protect US interests and allies, according to a Reuters/Ipsos survey.

Solid majorities of Americans support providing weaponry to Ukraine to defend itself against Russia and believe that such aid demonstrates to China and other US rivals a will to protect US interests and allies, according to a Reuters/Ipsos survey. The two-day poll that was concluded on Tuesday charted a sharp rise in backing for arming Ukraine, with 65% of the respondents approving of the shipments compared with 46% in a May poll. Eighty-one per cent of Democrats, 56% of Republicans and 57% of independents favour supplying U.S. weapons to Ukraine, according to the latest poll. Watch | Russian strike on restaurant in Ukraine leaves 42 injured, child among those dead × The survey was conducted just days after Yevgeny Prigozhin, the head of the private Wagner mercenary company, launched and then called off a mutiny over what he charged was the Russian defence ministry's mishandling of the war in Ukraine. Also Read | Leaked intel foils Wagner's attempt to capture Russia's military leadership: Report The findings appeared to provide firmer backing for US President Joe Biden's policy of doing "whatever it takes" to assist Ukraine in recapturing territory that Russia seized in an initial assault in 2014 and its full-scale invasion 16 months ago. "This definitely reinforces Biden's decision to be all-in on this," said William Taylor, a former US ambassador to Ukraine now with the U.S. Institute of Peace. "The Republican leadership of the House and Senate will also take heart from this," Taylor said. Some right-wing Republican lawmakers have opposed continuing US military support for Ukraine. The Biden administration has approved 41 weapons packages for Ukraine totaling more than $40 billion since Russian President Vladimir Putin launched what he calls "a special military operation" in February 2022. The online Reuters/Ipsos poll was conducted nationwide, collecting responses from 1,004 adults, including 400 Democrats and 383 Republicans. It had a credibility interval, a measure of precision, of about 4 percentage points in either direction. The poll found that 76% of Americans believe that providing aid to Ukraine demonstrates to China and other rivals that the United States has "the will and capability to protect our interests, our allies and ourselves." In other findings, the survey said large majorities of Americans - 67% and 73% - are more likely to support a candidate in next year's U.S. presidential election who will continue military aid to Ukraine and one who backs the NATO alliance. 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 ×

Most Americans support US arming Ukraine -Reuters/Ipsos

It's a tale of unexpected financial triumph as Ukrainian debt warrants have taken the investment world by storm, delivering staggering returns and capturing the attention of major players in the market. Held by Morgan Stanley investment management, these exotic warrants have experienced an astonishing surge in value over a short period.

Ukraine’s debt warrants outshine emerging markets

<p>Kremlin clarified on Wednesday that it only hits military-linked targets in Ukraine after a missile strike on a Ukrainian restaurant left at least 10 people dead and wounded more than 60 people.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Ria Pizza restaurant located in the eastern city of Kramatorsk is popular with military officials, journalists and aid workers, and it was busy with guests when the strike took place.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ukrainian emergency services later announced that three children were among the dead. Kramatorsk is one of the few cities in Eastern Ukraine still under Kyiv’s control.</p>

<h2><strong>Death toll expected to rise</strong></h2>

<p>Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Wednesday said, “Strikes are only carried out on objects that are in one way or another linked to military infrastructure."</p>

<p>"The Russian Federation does not carry out strikes on civilian infrastructure," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Ukraine: Counteroffensive leads to advancements in Southern region | Russia-Ukraine War</strong></p>

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<p>The death toll is expected to rise and several people are still feared buried under the rubble. Russia has denied targeting civilian infrastructure in its 16-month-long campaign of “liberating the Russian-speaking regions of Ukraine.”</p>

<h2><strong>Ukraine's first lady condemns the attack</strong></h2>

<p>Ukraine's First Lady Olena Zelenska condemned the attack through a post on Twitter. "Crowded place, evening - enemy do not want normal life in Ukraine," she wrote in her tweet. "There are a lot of wounded. It is painful," she added.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/plan-to-train-ukrainian-f-16-pilots-still-in-work-609230"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Plan to train Ukrainian F-16 pilots still in work</strong></a></p>

<p>The city's mayor, Oleksandr Goncharenko, said the body of a boy was pulled from rubble Wednesday morning, without revealing his age.&nbsp;Kramatorsk's&nbsp;education department said in a statement, "It is with sadness and unbearable pain that we report the death of two Aksenchenko sisters, Yuliya and Anna, students of Kramatorsk Primary School No. 24."</p>

<h2><strong>Ukraine arrests man for aiding Russian attack</strong></h2>

<p>Meanwhile, Ukrainian authorities on Wednesday arrested a man they believe had helped Russians in directing the attack on the restaurant.&nbsp;</p>

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Kremlin clarified on Wednesday that it only hits military-linked targets in Ukraine after a missile strike on a Ukrainian restaurant left at least 10 people dead and wounded more than 60 people.

Kremlin clarified on Wednesday that it only hits military-linked targets in Ukraine after a missile strike on a Ukrainian restaurant left at least 10 people dead and wounded more than 60 people. The Ria Pizza restaurant located in the eastern city of Kramatorsk is popular with military officials, journalists and aid workers, and it was busy with guests when the strike took place. Ukrainian emergency services later announced that three children were among the dead. Kramatorsk is one of the few cities in Eastern Ukraine still under Kyiv’s control. Death toll expected to rise Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Wednesday said, “Strikes are only carried out on objects that are in one way or another linked to military infrastructure." "The Russian Federation does not carry out strikes on civilian infrastructure," he added. Watch: Ukraine: Counteroffensive leads to advancements in Southern region | Russia-Ukraine War × The death toll is expected to rise and several people are still feared buried under the rubble. Russia has denied targeting civilian infrastructure in its 16-month-long campaign of “liberating the Russian-speaking regions of Ukraine.” Ukraine's first lady condemns the attack Ukraine's First Lady Olena Zelenska condemned the attack through a post on Twitter. "Crowded place, evening - enemy do not want normal life in Ukraine," she wrote in her tweet. "There are a lot of wounded. It is painful," she added. Also read: Plan to train Ukrainian F-16 pilots still in work The city's mayor, Oleksandr Goncharenko, said the body of a boy was pulled from rubble Wednesday morning, without revealing his age. Kramatorsk's education department said in a statement, "It is with sadness and unbearable pain that we report the death of two Aksenchenko sisters, Yuliya and Anna, students of Kramatorsk Primary School No. 24." Ukraine arrests man for aiding Russian attack Meanwhile, Ukrainian authorities on Wednesday arrested a man they believe had helped Russians in directing the attack on the restaurant. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

‘We hit only military-linked targets,’ Russia clarifies after strike on restaurant kills at least 10

Two Russian missiles hit a restaurant in the centre of Kramatorsk in eastern Ukraine killing at least 10 people including a child. The strikes also leftover 60 other people injured. Watch more in this interview with International affairs expert Greg Swanson.

Russia strikes Ukrainian restaurants: At least 10 killed, 61 injured

<p>In order to bolster Ukraine's counteroffensive against Russian forces, the United States on Tuesday announced a fresh set of arms for Kyiv which included armoured vehicles, precision munitions and mine-clearing equipment.</p>

<p>The package of $500 million came days after a mutiny by the mercenary group Wagner impacted Russia's war-making capacity.</p>

<p>The Pentagon released a statement saying that the weaponry included 30 Bradley fighting vehicles and 25 Stryker personnel carriers, more rockets for Patriot air defence and Himars precision attack systems; small arms and over 22 millions small arms rounds and grenades.</p>

<p>The package "includes key capabilities to support Ukraine's counteroffensive operations, strengthen its air defences to help Ukraine protect its people... and other equipment to help Ukraine push back on Russia's war of aggression."</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/president-putin-begins-address-to-russians-thanks-citizens-for-patriotism-during-wagner-revolt-609015">&nbsp;Putin says Wagner mutineers 'can join army or go to Belarus' in his address to Russians</a></p>

<p>The fresh set of arms is aimed at backing the Ukranian military's push to break through the front lines in the south of the country in hopes of driving occupying Russian troops out.</p>

<p>Earlier on Tuesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that despite the short-lived Wagner revolt led by his longtime crony Yevgeny Prigozhin, Moscow did not need to redeploy any troops from fighting in Ukraine.</p>

<p>"We did not have to take combat units from the special military operation zone," Putin said, adding that "all military formations continued to wage a heroic fight at the front."</p>

<h2><strong>Putin accuses West of wanting Russians to "kill each other"</strong></h2>

<p>The Russian president on Monday accused Ukraine and its Western allies of wanting Russians to "kill each other". During a Monday night address, he also claimed that Prigozhin's uprising was "doomed to fail". He made a special mention to the civilians for showing "unity" in the face of a "treacherous" rebellion.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Kremlin on Tuesday said that Putin's authority had not been weakened by the armed mutiny. Meanwhile, Putin said that the group of Wagner mercenaries failed to win the support of the Russian people or its army.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a televised address to law enforcement agencies outside the Kremlin, he said, "People who were drawn into the rebellion saw that the army and the people were not with them."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Putin told troops from the defence ministry, National Guard, FSB security service and interior ministry, "You de facto stopped a civil war."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"In the confrontation with rebels, our comrades-in-arms, pilots, were killed. They did not flinch and honourably fulfilled their orders and their military duty," he said, before holding a minute's silence in their memory, without saying how many died.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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In order to bolster Ukraine's counteroffensive against Russian forces, the United States on Tuesday announced a fresh set of arms for Kyiv which included armoured vehicles, precision munitions and mine-clearing equipment.

In order to bolster Ukraine's counteroffensive against Russian forces, the United States on Tuesday announced a fresh set of arms for Kyiv which included armoured vehicles, precision munitions and mine-clearing equipment. The package of $500 million came days after a mutiny by the mercenary group Wagner impacted Russia's war-making capacity. The Pentagon released a statement saying that the weaponry included 30 Bradley fighting vehicles and 25 Stryker personnel carriers, more rockets for Patriot air defence and Himars precision attack systems; small arms and over 22 millions small arms rounds and grenades. The package "includes key capabilities to support Ukraine's counteroffensive operations, strengthen its air defences to help Ukraine protect its people... and other equipment to help Ukraine push back on Russia's war of aggression." Also read: Putin says Wagner mutineers 'can join army or go to Belarus' in his address to Russians The fresh set of arms is aimed at backing the Ukranian military's push to break through the front lines in the south of the country in hopes of driving occupying Russian troops out. Earlier on Tuesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that despite the short-lived Wagner revolt led by his longtime crony Yevgeny Prigozhin, Moscow did not need to redeploy any troops from fighting in Ukraine. "We did not have to take combat units from the special military operation zone," Putin said, adding that "all military formations continued to wage a heroic fight at the front." Putin accuses West of wanting Russians to "kill each other" The Russian president on Monday accused Ukraine and its Western allies of wanting Russians to "kill each other". During a Monday night address, he also claimed that Prigozhin's uprising was "doomed to fail". He made a special mention to the civilians for showing "unity" in the face of a "treacherous" rebellion. The Kremlin on Tuesday said that Putin's authority had not been weakened by the armed mutiny. Meanwhile, Putin said that the group of Wagner mercenaries failed to win the support of the Russian people or its army. In a televised address to law enforcement agencies outside the Kremlin, he said, "People who were drawn into the rebellion saw that the army and the people were not with them." Putin told troops from the defence ministry, National Guard, FSB security service and interior ministry, "You de facto stopped a civil war." "In the confrontation with rebels, our comrades-in-arms, pilots, were killed. They did not flinch and honourably fulfilled their orders and their military duty," he said, before holding a minute's silence in their memory, without saying how many died. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

US announces $500 mn in armour, air defence for Ukraine to bolster counteroffensive against Russia

<p>A report by the United Nations monitoring mission in Ukraine released on Tuesday (June 27) said Russia has detained more than 800 civilians and executed 77 of them since the beginning of the Ukraine war, over a year ago. The report also noted that more than 900 detentions took place in both Ukraine and Russia which included children and elderly people.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What did the report find?</strong></h2>

<p>The UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine presented the findings of its 36-page report based on 70 visits to detention centres, 274 site visits, and more than 1,000 interviews at the official places of detention run by Ukrainian authorities.</p>

<p>Speaking at a press conference in Geneva via video link from Uzhhorod, Ukraine, Matilda Bogner, head of the UN mission in Ukraine said, “We documented over 900 cases of arbitrary detention of civilians, including children, and elderly people.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>She added, “The vast majority of these cases were perpetrated by the Russian Federation.” The report addresses the period from the beginning of the Russian invasion on February 24 last year until May 23 this year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, the number could be much higher since Russia did not grant any access to its places of detentions or detainees for the visits or interviews, despite many requests, said the UN official. On the other hand, Ukraine gave UN investigators full access to official places of detention and detainees with one exception.</p>

<h2><strong>‘Widespread torture and ill-treatment’ of detainees on both sides</strong></h2>

<p>Presenting the findings of the report, the UN mission in Ukraine said Russian forces, law enforcement, and penitentiary authorities have “engaged in widespread torture and ill-treatment of civilian detainees.” Bogner said that over 91 per cent of those civilians detained by Russia told UN investigators that they are been subjected to torture and ill-treatment.</p>

<p>“Torture was used to force victims to confess to helping Ukrainian armed forces, compel them to cooperate with the occupying authorities, or intimidate those with pro-Ukrainian views,” said Bogner. According to the report, victims told UN investigators that they were subjected to sexual violence including rape and electric shocks to the genitals.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Furthermore, the UN report also claimed that some other methods of torture included, punching and cutting detainees, strangling, waterboarding, electric shocks, deprivation of water and food, putting sharp objects under fingernails and mock executions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This was in addition to so-called welcome beatings and random group beatings, said the UN report, citing some conflict-related detainees, as per AFP. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, on the Ukrainian side, “Over half of those arbitrarily detained were subjected to torture or ill-treatment by Ukrainian security forces,” said Bogner, adding that this would happen when “people were being interrogated, usually immediately after arrest.”</p>

<h2><strong>‘It is a war crime’: Bogner about Russian executions</strong></h2>

<p>“We documented the summary execution of 77 civilians while they were arbitrarily detained by the Russian Federation,” said the UN mission in Ukraine. This was in addition to 864 individual cases of arbitrary detention by Russia which included 763 men, 94 women and seven boys, said the UN report.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, many of them are now said to have amounted to enforced disappearances. Addressing the press conference, she said that the 77 executions attributed to Russia are “a war crime... it’s also a gross violation of international human rights law.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>Bogner also said at least a quarter of the known cases of civilians arbitrarily detained by Moscow, were transferred to other locations within Russian-occupied territory in Ukraine or deported to Russia. While more than half of the civilians have been released some remain “disappeared,” said the UN mission in Ukraine.</p>

<h2><strong>What does the UN report say about Ukraine?</strong></h2>

<p>According to the UN mission chief in Ukraine, no executions were documented on the Ukrainian side. But they did document 75 individual cases of arbitrary detention of civilians by the Ukrainian forces who were predominantly suspected of conflict-related offences.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The report also noted how changes to Ukraine’s criminal codes had given Kyiv greater discretion to carry out such practices. The UN investigators also found that a significant proportion of the arbitrary detention amounted to enforced disappearances which were carried out predominantly by the Security Service of Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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A report by the United Nations monitoring mission in Ukraine released on Tuesday (June 27) said Russia has detained more than 800 civilians and executed 77 of them since the beginning of the Ukraine war, over a year ago.

A report by the United Nations monitoring mission in Ukraine released on Tuesday (June 27) said Russia has detained more than 800 civilians and executed 77 of them since the beginning of the Ukraine war, over a year ago. The report also noted that more than 900 detentions took place in both Ukraine and Russia which included children and elderly people. What did the report find? The UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine presented the findings of its 36-page report based on 70 visits to detention centres, 274 site visits, and more than 1,000 interviews at the official places of detention run by Ukrainian authorities. Speaking at a press conference in Geneva via video link from Uzhhorod, Ukraine, Matilda Bogner, head of the UN mission in Ukraine said, “We documented over 900 cases of arbitrary detention of civilians, including children, and elderly people.” She added, “The vast majority of these cases were perpetrated by the Russian Federation.” The report addresses the period from the beginning of the Russian invasion on February 24 last year until May 23 this year. However, the number could be much higher since Russia did not grant any access to its places of detentions or detainees for the visits or interviews, despite many requests, said the UN official. On the other hand, Ukraine gave UN investigators full access to official places of detention and detainees with one exception. ‘Widespread torture and ill-treatment’ of detainees on both sides Presenting the findings of the report, the UN mission in Ukraine said Russian forces, law enforcement, and penitentiary authorities have “engaged in widespread torture and ill-treatment of civilian detainees.” Bogner said that over 91 per cent of those civilians detained by Russia told UN investigators that they are been subjected to torture and ill-treatment. “Torture was used to force victims to confess to helping Ukrainian armed forces, compel them to cooperate with the occupying authorities, or intimidate those with pro-Ukrainian views,” said Bogner. According to the report, victims told UN investigators that they were subjected to sexual violence including rape and electric shocks to the genitals. Furthermore, the UN report also claimed that some other methods of torture included, punching and cutting detainees, strangling, waterboarding, electric shocks, deprivation of water and food, putting sharp objects under fingernails and mock executions. This was in addition to so-called welcome beatings and random group beatings, said the UN report, citing some conflict-related detainees, as per AFP. Meanwhile, on the Ukrainian side, “Over half of those arbitrarily detained were subjected to torture or ill-treatment by Ukrainian security forces,” said Bogner, adding that this would happen when “people were being interrogated, usually immediately after arrest.” ‘It is a war crime’: Bogner about Russian executions “We documented the summary execution of 77 civilians while they were arbitrarily detained by the Russian Federation,” said the UN mission in Ukraine. This was in addition to 864 individual cases of arbitrary detention by Russia which included 763 men, 94 women and seven boys, said the UN report. However, many of them are now said to have amounted to enforced disappearances. Addressing the press conference, she said that the 77 executions attributed to Russia are “a war crime... it’s also a gross violation of international human rights law.” Bogner also said at least a quarter of the known cases of civilians arbitrarily detained by Moscow, were transferred to other locations within Russian-occupied territory in Ukraine or deported to Russia. While more than half of the civilians have been released some remain “disappeared,” said the UN mission in Ukraine. What does the UN report say about Ukraine? According to the UN mission chief in Ukraine, no executions were documented on the Ukrainian side. But they did document 75 individual cases of arbitrary detention of civilians by the Ukrainian forces who were predominantly suspected of conflict-related offences. The report also noted how changes to Ukraine’s criminal codes had given Kyiv greater discretion to carry out such practices. The UN investigators also found that a significant proportion of the arbitrary detention amounted to enforced disappearances which were carried out predominantly by the Security Service of Ukraine. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Russia detained hundreds, executed 77 civilians since Ukraine war began: UN

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