<p lang="en-US">Ukraine has been cautiously counting the gains it has made in the counter-offensive launched this month for reclaiming the territories occupied by Russia and on Friday, a US general and President Volodymyr Zelensky agreed that the progress is measured in blood.<br />
<br />
Speaking to an audience at the National Press Club in Washington, US Army General Mark Milley said that the counteroffensive was "advancing steadily, deliberately working its way through very difficult minefields ... 500 metres a day, 1,000 metres a day, 2,000 metres a day, that kind of thing."<br />
<br />
He added that he is not surprised to see the progress slower than what was predicted by a few people and computers. "War on paper and real war are different. In real war, real people die. Real people are on those front lines and real people are in those vehicles. Real bodies are being shredded by high explosives,” he said.</p>

<p lang="en-US"><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/belarusian-president-lukashenko-asks-wagner-army-to-train-his-military-610780">Belarusian President Lukashenko asks Wagner army to train his military</a></p>

<p lang="en-US">"What I had said was this is going to take six, eight, 10 weeks, it's going to be very difficult. It's going to be very long, and it's going to be very, very bloody. And no one should have any illusions about any of that,” the army general added.<br />
<br />
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, last week, said that the counteroffensive has been "slower than desired". Ukraine claims to have recaptured a bunch of villages in operations that freed 130 square km (50 square miles) in the south, however, this remains a small percentage of the total territory which is being held by Russia.<br />
<br />
Zelensky on Friday stated that his forces advanced "in all directions of our active operations," while Deputy Defence Minister Hanna Maliar said the military assessed progress as "going according to plan," and that Ukraine's counteroffensive needs to be evaluated by "a lot of different military tasks."</p>

<h2 lang="en-US"><strong>Slow speed aimed at saving lives</strong></h2>

<p lang="en-US">Zelensky has been quoted as saying that Kyiv wished to show results before a July 11 NATO gathering in Lithuania, at which the country is hoping to get an invitation to start the process of becoming part of the US-led military alliance.</p>

<p lang="en-US"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Russia: 50 soldiers, 2 Generals, 20 foreign mercenaries killed</strong></p>

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<p lang="en-US">"Before the summit, we have to show results," Zelensky was quoted as saying by Spanish national broadcaster RTVE. "But every kilometre costs lives,” he added.<br />
<br />
Acknowledging that the counteroffensive plans have slowed in recent months, he said, "We stopped because we could not advance. Advancing meant losing people and we had no artillery."<br />
<br />
He was further quoted as saying that Kyiv was "very cautious in this regard" and that he would rather choose to let it take more time if it meant losing fewer lives. "Between time and human beings, people are the most important," he added.</p>

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<section>
<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Ukraine has been cautiously counting the gains it has made in the counter-offensive launched this month for reclaiming the territories occupied by Russia and on Friday, a US general and President Volodymyr Zelensky agreed that the progress is measured in blood.

Ukraine has been cautiously counting the gains it has made in the counter-offensive launched this month for reclaiming the territories occupied by Russia and on Friday, a US general and President Volodymyr Zelensky agreed that the progress is measured in blood. Speaking to an audience at the National Press Club in Washington, US Army General Mark Milley said that the counteroffensive was "advancing steadily, deliberately working its way through very difficult minefields ... 500 metres a day, 1,000 metres a day, 2,000 metres a day, that kind of thing." He added that he is not surprised to see the progress slower than what was predicted by a few people and computers. "War on paper and real war are different. In real war, real people die. Real people are on those front lines and real people are in those vehicles. Real bodies are being shredded by high explosives,” he said. ALSO READ | Belarusian President Lukashenko asks Wagner army to train his military "What I had said was this is going to take six, eight, 10 weeks, it's going to be very difficult. It's going to be very long, and it's going to be very, very bloody. And no one should have any illusions about any of that,” the army general added. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, last week, said that the counteroffensive has been "slower than desired". Ukraine claims to have recaptured a bunch of villages in operations that freed 130 square km (50 square miles) in the south, however, this remains a small percentage of the total territory which is being held by Russia. Zelensky on Friday stated that his forces advanced "in all directions of our active operations," while Deputy Defence Minister Hanna Maliar said the military assessed progress as "going according to plan," and that Ukraine's counteroffensive needs to be evaluated by "a lot of different military tasks." Slow speed aimed at saving lives Zelensky has been quoted as saying that Kyiv wished to show results before a July 11 NATO gathering in Lithuania, at which the country is hoping to get an invitation to start the process of becoming part of the US-led military alliance. WATCH | Russia: 50 soldiers, 2 Generals, 20 foreign mercenaries killed "Before the summit, we have to show results," Zelensky was quoted as saying by Spanish national broadcaster RTVE. "But every kilometre costs lives,” he added. Acknowledging that the counteroffensive plans have slowed in recent months, he said, "We stopped because we could not advance. Advancing meant losing people and we had no artillery." He was further quoted as saying that Kyiv was "very cautious in this regard" and that he would rather choose to let it take more time if it meant losing fewer lives. "Between time and human beings, people are the most important," he added. (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

Progress of Kyiv's counter-offensive slowed to prevent bloodshed, loss of lives, say Ukraine, US

Ukraine's counter-offensive against Russia will be difficult and "very bloody", the US' highest-ranking military officer has said.

Ukraine, US: Counteroffensive creeps ahead, measured in blood

Ukraine counter-offensive will be long and bloody, says US Gen Mark Milley

<p lang="en-US">Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez stated that he reached Kyiv early on Saturday to hold talks with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky as the country kicked off its European Union's presidency.<br />
<br />
"In Kyiv already. I wanted the first act of the Spanish presidency of the Council of the European Union to be in Ukraine" with its president, wrote Sanchez on his official Twitter account, stating he would convey "all of Europe's solidarity".<br />
<br />
"We will keep supporting the Ukrainian people until peace returns to Europe," added the prime minister, who had announced his visit during an EU summit on Thursday, claiming that its aim was to show the "unfaltering support" of the EU for Kyiv as it continues to battle the Russian invasion.</p>

<p lang="en-US"><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/volodymyr-zelensky-orders-tighter-security-at-ukraine-belarus-border-after-arrival-of-wagner-fighters-610721">Volodymyr Zelensky orders tighter security at Ukraine-Belarus border after arrival of Wagner fighters</a></p>

<p lang="en-US">A year ago, Ukraine was given the EU candidacy status and this year, it hopes to start formal negotiations on what it is required to do to firm up its membership bid.</p>

<h2 lang="en-US"><strong>Kyiv plans to win over LatAm through Spain's presidency</strong></h2>

<p lang="en-US">Ukraine has been hoping to use the EU presidency of Spain to try to "gain influence" in Latin America, where many countries have opposed the efforts of Kyiv to retake territories which have been occupied by Russia, said President Volodymyr Zelensky, while speaking to Spanish media.<br />
<br />
Speaking on Friday, Zelensky said that the invitation to participate in an EU-Latin American summit in Brussels on July 17-18 was extended to him by Sanchez, however, many unspecified countries had blocked it.<br />
<br />
"We have a peace formula, and Pedro has supported us a lot. He has a constant dialogue with Latin America and they listen to him, it's a fact. But I'll say frankly that some Latin American countries are blocking the decision and this invitation," he stated, in remarks from Kyiv which aired by state broadcaster TVE.</p>

<p lang="en-US"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine war environmental damage: Greta Thunberg discusses with Zelensky</strong></p>

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<p lang="en-US"><br />
"I want them not only to join the peace formula but to stand against war," he stated. Earlier this year, Western countries were irritated by Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva when he stated that the West had been "encouraging" war by arming Ukraine.<br />
<br />
Zelensky, in the interview, also appealed for a concrete plan for Ukraine to join NATO. Kyiv has been working with allies to get major international support for a peace blueprint, without any territorial compromises.<br />
<br />
Senior officials from the EU, Ukraine, G7 countries, and nations like Brazil, India, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and Turkey held a meeting on Saturday in Denmark to discuss the concept and stated that some progress was made by them, however, any summit for endorsing a document was at least months away.&nbsp;</p>

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Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez stated that he reached Kyiv early on Saturday to hold talks with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky as the country kicked off its European Union's presidency.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez stated that he reached Kyiv early on Saturday to hold talks with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky as the country kicked off its European Union's presidency. "In Kyiv already. I wanted the first act of the Spanish presidency of the Council of the European Union to be in Ukraine" with its president, wrote Sanchez on his official Twitter account, stating he would convey "all of Europe's solidarity". "We will keep supporting the Ukrainian people until peace returns to Europe," added the prime minister, who had announced his visit during an EU summit on Thursday, claiming that its aim was to show the "unfaltering support" of the EU for Kyiv as it continues to battle the Russian invasion. ALSO READ | Volodymyr Zelensky orders tighter security at Ukraine-Belarus border after arrival of Wagner fighters A year ago, Ukraine was given the EU candidacy status and this year, it hopes to start formal negotiations on what it is required to do to firm up its membership bid. Kyiv plans to win over LatAm through Spain's presidency Ukraine has been hoping to use the EU presidency of Spain to try to "gain influence" in Latin America, where many countries have opposed the efforts of Kyiv to retake territories which have been occupied by Russia, said President Volodymyr Zelensky, while speaking to Spanish media. Speaking on Friday, Zelensky said that the invitation to participate in an EU-Latin American summit in Brussels on July 17-18 was extended to him by Sanchez, however, many unspecified countries had blocked it. "We have a peace formula, and Pedro has supported us a lot. He has a constant dialogue with Latin America and they listen to him, it's a fact. But I'll say frankly that some Latin American countries are blocking the decision and this invitation," he stated, in remarks from Kyiv which aired by state broadcaster TVE. WATCH | Russia-Ukraine war environmental damage: Greta Thunberg discusses with Zelensky "I want them not only to join the peace formula but to stand against war," he stated. Earlier this year, Western countries were irritated by Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva when he stated that the West had been "encouraging" war by arming Ukraine. Zelensky, in the interview, also appealed for a concrete plan for Ukraine to join NATO. Kyiv has been working with allies to get major international support for a peace blueprint, without any territorial compromises. Senior officials from the EU, Ukraine, G7 countries, and nations like Brazil, India, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and Turkey held a meeting on Saturday in Denmark to discuss the concept and stated that some progress was made by them, however, any summit for endorsing a document was at least months away. 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

Spanish PM Sanchez reaches Kyiv to kick off Madrid's EU presidency

<p>Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday ordered the security at his country's border with Belarus to be tightened after the arrival of fighters from the mercenary group Wagner in the neighbouring nation.</p>

<p>The mercenary group's fighters and its chief were offered an exile in Belarus after their mutiny against Russian military leadership&nbsp;was aborted last week. As a part of a deal, President Vladimir Putin gave the fighters a choice of signing contracts with the Russian defence ministry, returning to civilian life or going into exile in Belarus.</p>

<p>Zelensky, on Friday, said that he had been informed of the situation in Belarus by the Ukrainian intelligence service GUR, foreign intelligence services and border guards.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"By the decision of the Stavka (chief of staff), Commander-in-Chief (Valery) Zaluzhny and General (Sergey) Nayev were instructed to strengthen the northern direction in order to guarantee peace. There are appropriate deadlines," the Ukraine leader said in a video posted on Telegram.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Wagner mutineers 'can join army or go to Belarus': Putin</strong></h2>

<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin, in a televised address to the nation late on Monday, said that he would honour his promise to allow Wagner fighters to relocate to Belarus, if they wanted, or to sign a contract with the Defence Ministry or simply return to their families.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-how-lukashenko-emerged-as-a-key-player-to-resolve-wagner-situation-608913">Explained | How Lukashenko emerged as key player to resolve Wagner situation</a></p>

<p>"I thank those soldiers and commanders of the Wagner Group who made the only right decision - they did not turn to fratricidal bloodshed, they stopped at the last line. Today, you have the opportunity to continue serving Russia by entering into a contract with the Ministry of Defence or other law enforcement agencies or to return to your family and friends. Whoever wants to, can go to Belarus. The promise I made will be fulfilled."</p>

<p>He then thanked the Wagner mercenary fighters and commanders who had stood down to avoid bloodshed.</p>

<p>“We knew and we know that the vast majority of the fighters and commanders of the Wagner Group are also Russian patriots, devoted to their people and state. They proved it with their courage on the battlefield, liberating the Donbas and Novorossiya. They tried to use them in the dark against their brothers-in-arms, with whom they fought together for the sake of the country and its future. Therefore, from the very beginning of the events, on my direct instructions, steps were taken to avoid a lot of bloodshed."</p>

<p>Belarus leader Alexander Lukashenko offered Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin refuge after he aborted the armed rebellion against Moscow a week ago.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday ordered the security at his country's border with Belarus to be tightened after the arrival of fighters from the mercenary group Wagner in the neighbouring nation.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday ordered the security at his country's border with Belarus to be tightened after the arrival of fighters from the mercenary group Wagner in the neighbouring nation. The mercenary group's fighters and its chief were offered an exile in Belarus after their mutiny against Russian military leadership was aborted last week. As a part of a deal, President Vladimir Putin gave the fighters a choice of signing contracts with the Russian defence ministry, returning to civilian life or going into exile in Belarus. Zelensky, on Friday, said that he had been informed of the situation in Belarus by the Ukrainian intelligence service GUR, foreign intelligence services and border guards. "By the decision of the Stavka (chief of staff), Commander-in-Chief (Valery) Zaluzhny and General (Sergey) Nayev were instructed to strengthen the northern direction in order to guarantee peace. There are appropriate deadlines," the Ukraine leader said in a video posted on Telegram. Wagner mutineers 'can join army or go to Belarus': Putin Russian President Vladimir Putin, in a televised address to the nation late on Monday, said that he would honour his promise to allow Wagner fighters to relocate to Belarus, if they wanted, or to sign a contract with the Defence Ministry or simply return to their families. Also read: Explained | How Lukashenko emerged as key player to resolve Wagner situation "I thank those soldiers and commanders of the Wagner Group who made the only right decision - they did not turn to fratricidal bloodshed, they stopped at the last line. Today, you have the opportunity to continue serving Russia by entering into a contract with the Ministry of Defence or other law enforcement agencies or to return to your family and friends. Whoever wants to, can go to Belarus. The promise I made will be fulfilled." He then thanked the Wagner mercenary fighters and commanders who had stood down to avoid bloodshed. “We knew and we know that the vast majority of the fighters and commanders of the Wagner Group are also Russian patriots, devoted to their people and state. They proved it with their courage on the battlefield, liberating the Donbas and Novorossiya. They tried to use them in the dark against their brothers-in-arms, with whom they fought together for the sake of the country and its future. Therefore, from the very beginning of the events, on my direct instructions, steps were taken to avoid a lot of bloodshed." Belarus leader Alexander Lukashenko offered Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin refuge after he aborted the armed rebellion against Moscow a week ago. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Volodymyr Zelensky orders tighter security on Ukraine-Belarus border after arrival of Wagner fighters

European Council Summit 2023: World leaders to discuss Ukraine, economy and defence strategies

<p>Former US vice president and a contender for the Republican nomination in the 2024 presidential elections Mike Pence made a surprise visit to war-torn Ukraine on Thursday. He held discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. In a statement released to the media, Pence said, “Freedom is winning in Ukraine, and now more than ever, we need to keep faith with the courageous fighters here in Ukraine who are standing for freedom and pushing back on Russian aggression."</p>

<p>The trip comes amidst the ongoing counteroffensive by the Ukrainian forces against the Russian invading forces even as the Kremlin continues to manage the fallout of the failed rebellion staged by the private militia group Wagner.</p>

<p>Pence was quoted by NBC News as saying, “I believe America’s the leader of the free world.” He added, “But coming here just as a private citizen — being able to really see firsthand the heroism of the Ukrainian soldiers holding the line in those woods, see the heroism of the people here in Irpin that held back the Russian army, to see families whose homes were literally shelled in the midst of an unconscionable and unprovoked Russian invasion — just steels my resolve to do my part, to continue to call for strong American support for our Ukrainian friends and allies.”</p>

<h2><strong>Pence vs Trump on Ukraine</strong></h2>

<p>Pence has been a vocal supporter of Ukraine and a fierce critic of Russian leader Vladimir Putin. Also, he has become the first Republican presidential candidate to visit the war-battered nation.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Mike Pence on National Abortion ban</strong></p>

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<p>On the other hand, his Republican opponent Donald Trump has shied away from publicly throwing his support behind Ukraine, and instead placed his bets on a “mutually agreed solution.” He has also vowed to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict within one day of him becoming the president.</p>

<p>Former vice president Mike Pence is facing a significant gap in support compared to former president Donald Trump among Republican primary voters, as indicated by polls, as they consider the candidate who will challenge President Joe Biden in the upcoming elections.</p>

<h2><strong>Republicans divided over Ukraine</strong></h2>

<p>The issue of Ukraine has become a divisive point among Republican presidential contenders as they vie for the party's nomination for the White House.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-mike-pence-the-former-us-vp-who-will-take-on-donald-trump-601009"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Who is Mike Pence, the former US VP who will take on his ex-boss Donald Trump?</strong></a></p>

<p>Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who is considered Trump's closest rival in the race, has raised questions about the extent of aid that should be provided to Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On the other hand, former US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley and South Carolina Senator Tim Scott have voiced their support for continued assistance to Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

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Former US vice president and a contender for the Republican nomination in the 2024 presidential elections Mike Pence made a surprise visit to war-torn Ukraine on Thursday.

Former US vice president and a contender for the Republican nomination in the 2024 presidential elections Mike Pence made a surprise visit to war-torn Ukraine on Thursday. He held discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. In a statement released to the media, Pence said, “Freedom is winning in Ukraine, and now more than ever, we need to keep faith with the courageous fighters here in Ukraine who are standing for freedom and pushing back on Russian aggression." The trip comes amidst the ongoing counteroffensive by the Ukrainian forces against the Russian invading forces even as the Kremlin continues to manage the fallout of the failed rebellion staged by the private militia group Wagner. Pence was quoted by NBC News as saying, “I believe America’s the leader of the free world.” He added, “But coming here just as a private citizen — being able to really see firsthand the heroism of the Ukrainian soldiers holding the line in those woods, see the heroism of the people here in Irpin that held back the Russian army, to see families whose homes were literally shelled in the midst of an unconscionable and unprovoked Russian invasion — just steels my resolve to do my part, to continue to call for strong American support for our Ukrainian friends and allies.” Pence vs Trump on Ukraine Pence has been a vocal supporter of Ukraine and a fierce critic of Russian leader Vladimir Putin. Also, he has become the first Republican presidential candidate to visit the war-battered nation. Watch: Mike Pence on National Abortion ban × On the other hand, his Republican opponent Donald Trump has shied away from publicly throwing his support behind Ukraine, and instead placed his bets on a “mutually agreed solution.” He has also vowed to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict within one day of him becoming the president. Former vice president Mike Pence is facing a significant gap in support compared to former president Donald Trump among Republican primary voters, as indicated by polls, as they consider the candidate who will challenge President Joe Biden in the upcoming elections. Republicans divided over Ukraine The issue of Ukraine has become a divisive point among Republican presidential contenders as they vie for the party's nomination for the White House. Also read: Who is Mike Pence, the former US VP who will take on his ex-boss Donald Trump? Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who is considered Trump's closest rival in the race, has raised questions about the extent of aid that should be provided to Ukraine. On the other hand, former US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley and South Carolina Senator Tim Scott have voiced their support for continued assistance to Ukraine. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Republican presidential hopeful Mike Pence makes surprise visit to Ukraine 

<p>Your debit and credit card details are up for grabs for scammers for as little as $5 or INR 420, as they continue to keep devising new methods to scam innocent people of millions. As reported by the Times of India, several shady Telegram channels and websites are providing scammers with details of the payment cards of shoppers, including the card number, cardholder's name, and CVV.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The situation is particularly dire in the West, as only the aforementioned details are enough to get a payment request processed. For Indians, two-factor authentication through One-Time Password (OTP) is mandatory,&nbsp;however, scammers have seemingly found a new way to circumvent this predicament.</p>

<h2><strong>How do scammers access OTP required for payment?</strong></h2>

<p>Indian police officials were quoted by Times of India as saying how scammers were accessing the OTP by getting the original sim deactivated. The police said, “The hackers put up these debit/credit card details including the victim's name and phone number for sale through shady websites and Telegram channels. Cyberfraudsters buy this data and use it to place a call to the victim's telecom service provider to get your sim card deactivated. They acquire a duplicate sim which they use to gain access to one-time passwords (OTPs), while the victim is oblivious to the deception.”</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;No need for a debit card to activate UPI&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>Hence, the next time you find your sim card getting deactivated suddenly, sound the warning bell right away as scammers could be minutes away from draining your bank account.</p>

<h2><strong>Who is operating these illegal websites?</strong></h2>

<p>According to the report, the illegal Telegram channels and websites are operated by hackers based out of Russia and Ukraine. "Hackers from Russia and Ukraine primarily sell card details through some websites and Telegram channels. Cards from affluent Western countries can be acquired for approximately $10, while those from Asian countries, including India, can be obtained for a mere $5," said Indian officials.</p>

<p>In January 2022, one such website was tracked and forced to shut down by the authorities, but several identical channels have cropped up of late.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/good-news-for-indias-credit-card-spenders-abroad-on-tax-collected-at-source-tcs-609907"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Good news for India's credit card spenders abroad on Tax Collected at Source</strong></a></p>

<p>"The Gujarat police have successfully identified five such websites and approximately 45 Telegram channels where these sensitive details are exchanged for cash. We have also identified certain individuals who have availed themselves of these services to defraud unsuspecting victims in Banaskantha, Surat, Ahmedabad, and Gandhinagar,” one police official was quoted as saying by Times of India.</p>

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Your debit and credit card details are up for grabs for scammers for as little as $5 or INR 420, as they continue to keep devising new methods to scam innocent people of millions.

Your debit and credit card details are up for grabs for scammers for as little as $5 or INR 420, as they continue to keep devising new methods to scam innocent people of millions. As reported by the Times of India, several shady Telegram channels and websites are providing scammers with details of the payment cards of shoppers, including the card number, cardholder's name, and CVV. The situation is particularly dire in the West, as only the aforementioned details are enough to get a payment request processed. For Indians, two-factor authentication through One-Time Password (OTP) is mandatory, however, scammers have seemingly found a new way to circumvent this predicament. How do scammers access OTP required for payment? Indian police officials were quoted by Times of India as saying how scammers were accessing the OTP by getting the original sim deactivated. The police said, “The hackers put up these debit/credit card details including the victim's name and phone number for sale through shady websites and Telegram channels. Cyberfraudsters buy this data and use it to place a call to the victim's telecom service provider to get your sim card deactivated. They acquire a duplicate sim which they use to gain access to one-time passwords (OTPs), while the victim is oblivious to the deception.” Watch: No need for a debit card to activate UPI × Hence, the next time you find your sim card getting deactivated suddenly, sound the warning bell right away as scammers could be minutes away from draining your bank account. Who is operating these illegal websites? According to the report, the illegal Telegram channels and websites are operated by hackers based out of Russia and Ukraine. "Hackers from Russia and Ukraine primarily sell card details through some websites and Telegram channels. Cards from affluent Western countries can be acquired for approximately $10, while those from Asian countries, including India, can be obtained for a mere $5," said Indian officials. In January 2022, one such website was tracked and forced to shut down by the authorities, but several identical channels have cropped up of late. Also read: Good news for India's credit card spenders abroad on Tax Collected at Source "The Gujarat police have successfully identified five such websites and approximately 45 Telegram channels where these sensitive details are exchanged for cash. We have also identified certain individuals who have availed themselves of these services to defraud unsuspecting victims in Banaskantha, Surat, Ahmedabad, and Gandhinagar,” one police official was quoted as saying by Times of India. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Debit/credit card details up for sale for $5. Here’s one sign that your bank account is in danger

NATO countries have agreed to extend the mandate of Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and will make a formal announcement next week. The former Norwegian premier, at helm of the military alliance since 2014, already had his term prolonged a year to October; in wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. NATO diplomats confirmed 31 member states had reached a consensus to prolong the tenure after struggling to find suitable replacement by a Summit in Lithuania in 2 weeks. Others seen as potential candidates, including Danish Prime Minister Freder-Iksen & British defence minister Wallace, have recently dropped out of contention. Some experts view the Russia-Ukraine war as a manifestation of the renewed geopolitical rivalry between major world powers. Analysts say Moscow is seeking to alter the western-led system prevailing since the end of the cold war. Western allies say the war has broken the entire security architecture built patiently on the European continent over many decades.

NATO Chief Stoltenberg to stay, UK Defence Minister & Danish PM quit race | Russia-Ukraine war

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?

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

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

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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<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>
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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>

<p>&nbsp;</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

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