The world was taken by storm on Saturday, after Russia's infamous Wagner PMC group abandoned their posts in Ukraine, crossed the border uncontested and seized the Russian city of Rostov-on-don with ease. While the move orchestrated by Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin might be the biggest existential crisis Vladimir Putin's regime has faced in over two decades negotiations with Belarusian president and mutual ally alexander Lukashenko successfully convinced the mercenaries to seize their march to Moscow. Reports state that Prigozhin will move to Belarus following the attempted mutiny, with kremlin choosing to drop all charges against the Wagner chief. However, given the weight and scale of the incident, what does this mean for the Russian war effort and the troops aiding it, conscripts and mercenaries alike?

Zelensky: Putin likely 'very scared' of mutiny and 'hiding' | Russia-Ukraine War

The head of the Wagner mercenary group vowed Saturday to "go to the end" to topple the Russian military leadership in the country. The Wagner Group chief, Yevgeny Prigozhin has also claimed the removal of Vladimir Putin as the President, saying there will be a new leader soon.

Russia: Prigozhin to move to Belarus under Wagner deal, says Kremlin

The conflict between Russian military brass and Wagner Chief Prigozhin has been resolved. The heavily armed Wagner force stopped their approach to Moscow after travelling nearly 200 kilometres.

Russia-Ukraine War: Prigozhin to leave Russia and move to Belarus

Russia-Ukraine War: Russian Prez Putin's strongman image dented by Prigozhin's rebellion?

The dust appears to be settling after one of the most remarkable days in Russian history in decades after Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin stood down his troops who were heading towards Moscow but what lies ahead for Prigozhin and Putin and how are the NATO countries reacting to what is happening in Russia?

Russia-Ukraine War: Wagner forces halt advance in Moscow

Yevgeny Prigozhin, the chief of the Wagner mercenary group, has left the southern Russian city of Rostov-on-Don with his soldiers.

Russia-Ukraine war : Prigozhin, Wagner troops leave Rostov-on-Don

Wagner mercenary group's chief Yevgeny Prigozhin accused the Russian military of orchestrating an attack on his men and killing 2,000 of them. Prigozhin's uprising has claimed military control over the Russian city of Rostov, as his forces continue to 'march' on the capital with an aim to oust the army's leadership.

Wagner rebellion: Russia thanks Belarus for diffusing mutiny crisis

Ukrainian missiles struck the bridge that Russians used to transport equipment to parts of Ukraine. Russia has now threatened Ukraine. What will Russia do? How is Ukraine's counter-offensive progressing? Molly Gambhir tells you more.

Gravitas: Ukraine attacks the Chonhar bridge | How will Russia retaliate?

Fragments from downed Russian missiles caused a fire injuring seven in Kyiv, while other Ukrainian cities, including Kharkiv, were also hit, officials said early on Saturday, as air alerts sounded nationwide.

Russia-Ukraine war: Seven injured in Kyiv as attack causes fire, Kharkiv also hit

While the situation in Moscow is tense three people were killed and others wounded in Kyiv early on Saturday after the first strikes were reported from several parts of Ukraine. The Ukrainian authorities also reported explosions in the eastern city of Kharkiv their defense systems have been put to work in Ukrainian Capital as the city was rocked by Russian strikes.

Fighting rages in multiple parts of Ukraine

Something peculiar is occurring on the Ukrainian battlefield. In an odd turn of events, the Ukrainians have no part to play in it, but the Russians are concerned. The head of Wagner Group said that it was attacked by Russian forces. Russian defence officials refuted the mercenary group leader's assertions. Russian mercenary Chief claims that his fighters were destroyed by the Russian military.

Russia-Ukraine War: Wagner chief accuses Russia military of bombing its forces

Russia has ordered the arrest of Wagner Group chief Yevgeny Prigozhin Yevgeny Prigozhin, owner of the Wagner private military contractor, made his most direct challenge to the Kremlin yet on Friday, calling for a rebellion aimed at ousting Russia's defense minister.

Kremlin orders arrest of Wagner leader after he calls to oust Russian defense chief

Prigozhin was convicted of robbery and assault in 1981, and sentenced to 12 years in prison. Following his release, he opened a restaurant business in St. Petersburg in the 1990s. It was in this capacity that he got to know vladimir putin, then the city’s deputy mayor. Prigozhin used that connection to develop a catering business and won lucrative Russian government contracts that earned him the nickname, 'Putin’s chef'. He later expanded into other areas, including media and an infamous internet troll factory that led to his indictment in US For meddling in the 2016 presidential election. Prigozhin recently acknowledged founding, leading, and financing the shadowy Wagner company.

'Putin's chef' vs Defence Minister: Where has Wagner operated?

Vladimir Putin said an “armed mutiny” by the Wagner Group mercenary force was treason and a “mortal blow” to Russia’s troops.

'This is treason': Putin promises to defend Russia, hits out Wagner group

<p>Ukraine on Friday claimed to have struck down 13 cruise missiles fired by Russian forces overnight targeting an airfield in the west of the country.</p>

<p>"Thirteen of the occupiers' cruise missiles were destroyed on June 23.... This time, the attack was aimed at a military airfield in the Khmelnytskyi region," the Ukrainian air force said on social media.</p>

<p>The country’s air force said that four TU-95 bombers fired 13 Kh-101/Kh-555 cruise missiles from the Caspian Sea against a military airfield in Khmelnytskyi Oblast.</p>

<p>"The launches were carried out around midnight from the Caspian Sea from four Tu-95MS bombers," the air force statement said.</p>

<p>Air raid alerts rang across&nbsp; Ukraine early on Friday, with warnings of Russian missile and drone attacks issued over wide areas.</p>

<p>The military also alleged that it has eliminated one reconnaissance drone of an unspecified type.</p>

<p>Mayor of Khmelnytskyi, Oleksandr Symchyshyn reported explosions in the town with a pre-war population of around 275,000 and praised Ukrainian air defence systems.</p>

<h2><strong>Russia considering nuclear plant terror attack: Zelensky</strong></h2>

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<p>Meanwhile, Ukraine’s armed forces said they have halted a Russian offensive towards the cities of Kupiansk and Lyman in the east of the country, and are advancing in the south.</p>

<p>“We had very fierce battles in the Kupiansk and Lyman directions, but our soldiers stopped the enemy there,” Deputy Defence Minister Hanna Maliar told Ukrainian television.</p>

<p>Attacks on Russia-held regions have intensified over the past month, after Ukraine received military aid to start its counter-offensive.</p>

<p>So far, it has retaken eight villages during its counteroperation, its first substantial gains on the battlefield for seven months, but Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky admitted that it has not been smooth sailing as he&nbsp;would have expected.</p>

<h2><strong>‘Russian Navy likely training dolphins’</strong></h2>

<p>The British Ministry of Defence (MoD) in its report has claimed that Russia has been training combat dolphins in the Crimean peninsula.</p>

<p>In its daily intelligence update, the report said that the Russian Navy has invested heavily in security at the Black Sea Fleet’s main base at Sevastopol.</p>

<p>“In recent weeks, these defences have highly likely also been augmented by an increased number of trained marine mammals. Imagery shows a near doubling of floating mammal pens in the harbour which highly likely contain bottle-nosed dolphins,” the report said.</p>

<p>“In Arctic waters, the navy also uses Beluga whales and seals. Russia has trained animals for a range of missions, but the ones housed in Sevastopol harbour are highly likely intended to counter enemy divers.”</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong><em>Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.</em></strong></p>

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Ukraine on Friday claimed to have struck down 13 cruise missiles fired by Russian forces overnight targeting an airfield in the west of the country. "Thirteen of the occupiers' cruise missiles were destroyed on June 23.

Ukraine on Friday claimed to have struck down 13 cruise missiles fired by Russian forces overnight targeting an airfield in the west of the country. "Thirteen of the occupiers' cruise missiles were destroyed on June 23.... This time, the attack was aimed at a military airfield in the Khmelnytskyi region," the Ukrainian air force said on social media. The country’s air force said that four TU-95 bombers fired 13 Kh-101/Kh-555 cruise missiles from the Caspian Sea against a military airfield in Khmelnytskyi Oblast. "The launches were carried out around midnight from the Caspian Sea from four Tu-95MS bombers," the air force statement said. Air raid alerts rang across Ukraine early on Friday, with warnings of Russian missile and drone attacks issued over wide areas. The military also alleged that it has eliminated one reconnaissance drone of an unspecified type. Mayor of Khmelnytskyi, Oleksandr Symchyshyn reported explosions in the town with a pre-war population of around 275,000 and praised Ukrainian air defence systems. Russia considering nuclear plant terror attack: Zelensky Meanwhile, Ukraine’s armed forces said they have halted a Russian offensive towards the cities of Kupiansk and Lyman in the east of the country, and are advancing in the south. “We had very fierce battles in the Kupiansk and Lyman directions, but our soldiers stopped the enemy there,” Deputy Defence Minister Hanna Maliar told Ukrainian television. Attacks on Russia-held regions have intensified over the past month, after Ukraine received military aid to start its counter-offensive. So far, it has retaken eight villages during its counteroperation, its first substantial gains on the battlefield for seven months, but Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky admitted that it has not been smooth sailing as he would have expected. ‘Russian Navy likely training dolphins’ The British Ministry of Defence (MoD) in its report has claimed that Russia has been training combat dolphins in the Crimean peninsula. In its daily intelligence update, the report said that the Russian Navy has invested heavily in security at the Black Sea Fleet’s main base at Sevastopol. “In recent weeks, these defences have highly likely also been augmented by an increased number of trained marine mammals. Imagery shows a near doubling of floating mammal pens in the harbour which highly likely contain bottle-nosed dolphins,” the report said. “In Arctic waters, the navy also uses Beluga whales and seals. Russia has trained animals for a range of missions, but the ones housed in Sevastopol harbour are highly likely intended to counter enemy divers.” (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Ukraine claims to have struck down 13 cruise missiles fired by Russia

<p>The United Nations has put the Russian army and its armed groups on its “list of shame” for killing and maiming hundreds of children during its ongoing war in Ukraine, reported news agency AFP, on Thursday (June 22). The report seen by Reuters, says Russia killed at least 136 children in Ukraine last year and has since added Moscow’s forces to a global list of offenders.</p>

<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-e2bfd44a-7fff-72d5-ff48-4d5ecb69e0bc">What was the report about?</b></h2>

<p dir="ltr">The UN report, as per Reuters, said that at least 24,300 violations had been committed against children in 2022.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The annual report is about the treatment of children in conflict zones which is submitted to the 15-member UNSC and accounts attacks such as killing, maiming, sexual abuse, abduction or recruitment of children, denial of aid access and targeting of schools and hospitals.</p>

<p>The report was compiled by Virginia Gamba, United Nations chief Antonio Guterres’ special representative for children and armed conflict.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, the so-called “list of shame” is intended to shame the parties involved in the conflict and hopes to push them to implement measures for protecting children during a war.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The report, in question, will be made public next week. It also reportedly noted most violations were in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories, Somalia, Syria, Ukraine, Afghanistan, Haiti and Yemen.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Guterres in the report said that “non-state armed groups” were responsible for 50 per cent of the “grave violations,” adding that “government forces were the main perpetrator of the killing and maiming of children, attacks on schools and hospitals, and the denial of humanitarian access,” as quoted by Reuters.</p>

<h2><strong>What did it find about Russia and Ukraine?</strong></h2>

<p>According to the UN report, Russian armed forces and affiliated groups in addition to killing over 100 children, also maimed 518 children and carried out 480 attacks on schools and hospitals, reported Reuters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Russian forces have also been accused of using 91 children as human shields. Last year, as per the document, a total of 477 were killed in Ukraine and 909 were maimed, as per AFP.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On the other hand, the report also shows that Ukrainian armed forces killed 80 children, maimed 175 children and carried out 212 attacks on schools and hospitals, as per Reuters, but has not made it to the so-called “list of shame”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, Gamba visited Kyiv and Moscow where she met with Russia’s envoy for children’s rights, Maria Lvova-Belova who is currently wanted by the International Criminal Court for war crimes charges along with Russian President Vladimir Putin.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This comes after the ICC issued an arrest warrant against them, earlier this year, for the illegal deportation of Ukrainian children and unlawful transfer of people from Ukraine to Russia since the beginning of the conflict over a year ago.</p>

<h2><strong>‘Particularly shocked…’: UN chief fumes over findings</strong></h2>

<p>In the document, as per reports, the UN chief said he is “appalled” by the high number of grave violations committed in Ukraine, last year. Guterres also said that he is “particularly disturbed” by such a number of offences committed against children by Ukrainian armed forces.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I am particularly shocked by the high number of attacks on schools and hospitals and protected personnel, and by the high number of children killed and maimed attributed to the Russian forces and affiliated armed groups,” said Guterres about Russia, in the report, as quoted by AFP.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It is also worth noting that despite years of criticism and push by human rights organisations, Israel has not made it to the so-called list for killing dozens of Palestinian children. According to the UN report, Israeli forces killed 42 children last year, and 78 in 2021.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Addressing this the UN chief noted, a “meaningful decrease in the number of children killed by Israeli forces, including by air strikes.” “Nevertheless, I remain deeply concerned by the number of children killed and maimed by Israeli forces during hostilities,” Guterres said, as quoted by AFP. &nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
<br />
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The United Nations has put the Russian army and its armed groups on its “list of shame” for killing and maiming hundreds of children during its ongoing war in Ukraine, reported news agency AFP, on Thursday (June 22).

The United Nations has put the Russian army and its armed groups on its “list of shame” for killing and maiming hundreds of children during its ongoing war in Ukraine, reported news agency AFP, on Thursday (June 22). The report seen by Reuters, says Russia killed at least 136 children in Ukraine last year and has since added Moscow’s forces to a global list of offenders. What was the report about? The UN report, as per Reuters, said that at least 24,300 violations had been committed against children in 2022. The annual report is about the treatment of children in conflict zones which is submitted to the 15-member UNSC and accounts attacks such as killing, maiming, sexual abuse, abduction or recruitment of children, denial of aid access and targeting of schools and hospitals. The report was compiled by Virginia Gamba, United Nations chief Antonio Guterres’ special representative for children and armed conflict. Notably, the so-called “list of shame” is intended to shame the parties involved in the conflict and hopes to push them to implement measures for protecting children during a war. The report, in question, will be made public next week. It also reportedly noted most violations were in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories, Somalia, Syria, Ukraine, Afghanistan, Haiti and Yemen. Guterres in the report said that “non-state armed groups” were responsible for 50 per cent of the “grave violations,” adding that “government forces were the main perpetrator of the killing and maiming of children, attacks on schools and hospitals, and the denial of humanitarian access,” as quoted by Reuters. What did it find about Russia and Ukraine? According to the UN report, Russian armed forces and affiliated groups in addition to killing over 100 children, also maimed 518 children and carried out 480 attacks on schools and hospitals, reported Reuters. The Russian forces have also been accused of using 91 children as human shields. Last year, as per the document, a total of 477 were killed in Ukraine and 909 were maimed, as per AFP. On the other hand, the report also shows that Ukrainian armed forces killed 80 children, maimed 175 children and carried out 212 attacks on schools and hospitals, as per Reuters, but has not made it to the so-called “list of shame”. Notably, Gamba visited Kyiv and Moscow where she met with Russia’s envoy for children’s rights, Maria Lvova-Belova who is currently wanted by the International Criminal Court for war crimes charges along with Russian President Vladimir Putin. This comes after the ICC issued an arrest warrant against them, earlier this year, for the illegal deportation of Ukrainian children and unlawful transfer of people from Ukraine to Russia since the beginning of the conflict over a year ago. ‘Particularly shocked…’: UN chief fumes over findings In the document, as per reports, the UN chief said he is “appalled” by the high number of grave violations committed in Ukraine, last year. Guterres also said that he is “particularly disturbed” by such a number of offences committed against children by Ukrainian armed forces. “I am particularly shocked by the high number of attacks on schools and hospitals and protected personnel, and by the high number of children killed and maimed attributed to the Russian forces and affiliated armed groups,” said Guterres about Russia, in the report, as quoted by AFP. It is also worth noting that despite years of criticism and push by human rights organisations, Israel has not made it to the so-called list for killing dozens of Palestinian children. According to the UN report, Israeli forces killed 42 children last year, and 78 in 2021. Addressing this the UN chief noted, a “meaningful decrease in the number of children killed by Israeli forces, including by air strikes.” “Nevertheless, I remain deeply concerned by the number of children killed and maimed by Israeli forces during hostilities,” Guterres said, as quoted by AFP. (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.

UN adds Russia to its ‘list of shame’ over Ukraine war: Here’s why

<p><strong>Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said on Tuesday (June 20) that Russia had information that Ukraine was planning to attack Russia-annexed Crimea. Shoigu warned that if Ukraine takes any such step, Russia would retaliate. Shoigu claimed that Ukraine was planning to attack Crimea with US and British long-range missiles.</p>

<p>Russia captured Crimea in 2014. But it considers the peninsula to be outside of the scope of its "special military operation" in Ukraine. The Russian attack this time is focused on eastern and southern Ukraine.</p>

<p>Ukraine says that it is fighting a war against a colonial conquest. It says it wants to reclaim all of its territory, including Crimea.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Shoigu attended a meeting of military officials in Moscow. He said in the meeting that Moscow had info about Ukraine planning to attack Crimea with US-supplied HIMARS long-range rocket systems and with British Storm Shadow cruise missiles.</p>

<h2><strong>Russia issues warning</strong></h2>

<p>"The use of these missiles outside the zone of our special military operation would mean that the United States and Britain would be fully dragged into the conflict and would entail immediate strikes on decision-making centres in Ukraine," said Shoigu.</p>

<p>Ukrainian generals and politicians have said many times they do not announce their military plans ahead of time.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Report: Kyiv can't account for 'hundreds of millions' in weapons</strong></p>

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<p>Shoigu claimed that since June 4, Ukrainian armed forces had carried out 263 attacks on Russian troops.</p>

<p>"Thanks to the smart and selfless actions of our units all of them (the attacks) have been repelled, the enemy has not accomplished its goals," said Shoigu.</p>

<p>Ukraine says it has recaptured eight villages in the early stages of its counteroffensive and a defence official has promised that Kyiv's "biggest blow" lay ahead despite tough resistance from Moscow's troops.</p>

<p>Russia attacked Ukraine in February last year. After gains in the early months of the conflict, Russian forces had to withdraw from large swathes of land in the face of a Ukrainian counteroffensive.</p>

<p>After the Russian invasion, the United States pushed for military support for Ukraine and quickly forged an international coalition to support Kyiv and coordinated aid from dozens of countries.</p>

<p>Russia has accused the West of directly waging war against it by providing weapons to Ukraine.</p>

<p>In recent weeks drone attacks have struck cities in Russia and targets in Crimea, but Kyiv has not claimed responsibility for the incidents.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-war-russian-air-strikes-hit-kyiv-other-regions-far-from-front-lines-606608">Ukraine war: Russian air strikes hit Kyiv, other regions far from front lines</a></strong></p>

<p>Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met African leaders just a few days ago and ruled out negotiations with Russia.</p>

<p>"I clearly said several times at our meeting that to allow any negotiations with Russia now that the occupier is on our land is to freeze the war, to freeze pain and suffering," Zelensky told reporters after meeting several leaders including South Africa's Cyril Ramaphosa.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said on Tuesday (June 20) that Russia had information that Ukraine was planning to attack Russia-annexed Crimea. Shoigu warned that if Ukraine takes any such step, Russia would retaliate. Shoigu claimed that Ukraine was planning to attack Crimea with US and British long-range missiles. Russia captured Crimea in 2014. But it considers the peninsula to be outside of the scope of its "special military operation" in Ukraine. The Russian attack this time is focused on eastern and southern Ukraine. Ukraine says that it is fighting a war against a colonial conquest. It says it wants to reclaim all of its territory, including Crimea. Shoigu attended a meeting of military officials in Moscow. He said in the meeting that Moscow had info about Ukraine planning to attack Crimea with US-supplied HIMARS long-range rocket systems and with British Storm Shadow cruise missiles. Russia issues warning "The use of these missiles outside the zone of our special military operation would mean that the United States and Britain would be fully dragged into the conflict and would entail immediate strikes on decision-making centres in Ukraine," said Shoigu. Ukrainian generals and politicians have said many times they do not announce their military plans ahead of time. Watch | Report: Kyiv can't account for 'hundreds of millions' in weapons × Shoigu claimed that since June 4, Ukrainian armed forces had carried out 263 attacks on Russian troops. "Thanks to the smart and selfless actions of our units all of them (the attacks) have been repelled, the enemy has not accomplished its goals," said Shoigu. Ukraine says it has recaptured eight villages in the early stages of its counteroffensive and a defence official has promised that Kyiv's "biggest blow" lay ahead despite tough resistance from Moscow's troops. Russia attacked Ukraine in February last year. After gains in the early months of the conflict, Russian forces had to withdraw from large swathes of land in the face of a Ukrainian counteroffensive. After the Russian invasion, the United States pushed for military support for Ukraine and quickly forged an international coalition to support Kyiv and coordinated aid from dozens of countries. Russia has accused the West of directly waging war against it by providing weapons to Ukraine. In recent weeks drone attacks have struck cities in Russia and targets in Crimea, but Kyiv has not claimed responsibility for the incidents. Also Read | Ukraine war: Russian air strikes hit Kyiv, other regions far from front lines Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met African leaders just a few days ago and ruled out negotiations with Russia. "I clearly said several times at our meeting that to allow any negotiations with Russia now that the occupier is on our land is to freeze the war, to freeze pain and suffering," Zelensky told reporters after meeting several leaders including South Africa's Cyril Ramaphosa. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Ukraine planning to launch missiles at Crimea, claims Russia

President Vladimir Putin said in remarks shown on Russian state television on Wednesday that Moscow had seen a “lull” in Ukraine’s counteroffensive and that Kyiv had suffered heavy losses in attacks in the south.

Putin says Russia sees 'lull' in Ukrainian counteroffensive

Ukrainian forces have carried out a missile strike on a bridge connecting Ukraine’s Kherson region and Crimea, Russia-appointed officials in both regions said on Friday. Vladimir Saldo, the Russia-appointed Kherson governor, said the bridge was likely to have been attacked by Storm Shadow missiles that damaged the road, but traffic has been diverted to a different route. No casualties have been reported.

Russia-Ukraine War: Ukraine strikes key bridge between mainland and Crimea

<p>The United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, on Wednesday (June 21) said Russia “must pay” for the “destruction” inflicted on Ukraine and pledged billions of dollars to help Kyiv with its recovery and to rebuild. In line with this, Sunak also announced the launch of a war insurance framework which would spur companies to invest.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Kyiv’s allies in the West, including the United States and European Union, have pledged to send billions of dollars worth of aid to Ukraine as governments and private investors met to fund the war-torn country’s reconstruction. The two-day&nbsp;conference in London brought together more than 1,000 public and private sector decision-makers from across 60 countries.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>‘Russia must pay’: UK PM Sunak</strong></h2>

<p>Speaking at the Ukraine Recovery Conference in London, the UK PM said, “It’s clear Russia must pay for the destruction that they’ve inflicted. So we’re working with allies to explore lawful routes to use Russian assets.” This comes as the UK proposed new legislation on Monday which would “keep sanctions in place until Russia pays up".</p>

<p>Sunak also went on to announce loan guarantees worth $3 billion over three years as a part of a “multi-year commitment to support Ukraine’s economy,” which would also allow Kyiv to unlock World Bank loans to help bolster its public services like schools and hospitals.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the International Monetary Fund (IMF)&nbsp;announced a $15 billion plan for Ukraine over the next four years which is part of a $115 billion&nbsp;commitment by the Group of Seven (G7) nations and its partners, said the UK PM.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Additionally, he also announced the London Conference Framework for War Risk insurance which could pave the way for de-risking investment without giving any further details. “Together with our allies we will maintain our support for Ukraine’s defence and for the counteroffensive, and we’ll stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes as they continue to win this war,” said Sunak.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The UK will also provide&nbsp;an extra $306 million in development aid funding for humanitarian projects. Furthermore, the UK PM said more than 400 companies from 38 countries had signed up for the Ukraine Business Compact, a statement of support for the war-torn country’s recovery.</p>

<h2><strong>US&nbsp;announces $1.3 billion additional aid</strong></h2>

<p>Addressing the conference, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, “Recovery is about laying the foundation for Ukraine to thrive as a secure, independent country, fully integrated with Europe, connected to markets around the world.” He added, “Let’s be clear: Russia is causing Ukraine’s destruction.”</p>

<p>The&nbsp;top US diplomat then announced that with the support of Congress, Washington will provide more than $1.3 billion in additional aid to help Ukraine. This would be in addition to the more than $20 billion in economic and development assistance that Washington has provided to Kyiv, said Blinken.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>EU and others</strong></h2>

<p>European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said the EU would provide Ukraine with 50 billion euros between 2024-27.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ajay Banga, president of the World Bank Group, UK’s $3 billion of additional guarantees would allow his group to continue to help “people rebuild their lives after devastation”. This comes as the World Bank has put an estimate of $14 billion on Ukraine’s immediate needs for repairing the damage.</p>

<h2><strong>Will it be enough?</strong></h2>

<p>A recent study by the World Bank, United Nations, EU and the Ukrainian government showed that the wider recovery of the war-torn country’s economy would cost $441 billion.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Kyiv on Wednesday said that the damages to the environment from the recent breach of the Russian-held Kakhovka dam in southern Ukraine will be an estimated $1.5 billion. “Every day Russia is inflicting new losses on Ukraine,” said the Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmygal at the conference in London.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added, that the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/environmental-damage-from-ukraine-dam-breach-at-15-billion-says-kyiv-607053">cost of reconstruction</a> “will grow, especially after the Russians blew up the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rostyslav Shurma, a deputy head of President Volodymyr Zelensky’s office, told Reuters ahead of the conference in London, that Kyiv has sought $40 billion to fund the first part of a “Green Marshall Plan” to rebuild its economy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The plan in question would first focus on the country’s iron and steel industry which accounted for a third of export revenues and employed around 600,000 people in 2021, contributing at least 10 per cent to the country’s GDP.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
The Ukrainian PM&nbsp;urged the Western countries to pledge over $6 billion more to help it rebuild over the next 12 months as&nbsp;shellings and strikes in Ukraine destroyed homes, hospitals and other critical infrastructure.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Ukrainian president addresses the conference</strong></h2>

<p>“Every day of Russian aggression brings new ruins, thousands and thousands of destroyed houses, devastated industries, burnt lives,” said Zelensky to the delegates in London via video link. He also went on to talk about how despite the devastation from the war the country was ripe for development in various sectors including technology, green agriculture, and clean energy.</p>

<p>“The world is watching to see if we will restore normal life in such a way that our transformation will land an ideological defeat on the aggressor,” said the Ukrainian president. He added, “We protect Ukraine, and thus we protect freedom. And when we build Ukraine, we’ll build freedom.”&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>EU announces new sanctions package against Russia</strong></h2>

<p>Hours after the British PM said that the UK will introduce legislation to keep Russian assets frozen till Russia “pays up” compensation to Ukraine. The EU also approved an 11th package of sanctions against Moscow.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The announcement was made by Sweden which holds the 27-nation bloc’s rotating presidency and said it was approved at a meeting of EU ambassadors in Brussels, Belgium.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, some EU diplomats have said that the countries are close to reaching a limit on sanctions against Moscow and the bloc’s attention is also shifting from imposing additional sanctions to closing the loopholes in the existing ones.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking about the sanctions, the EU chief during the conference in London said the 27-nation bloc’s lawmakers will soon outline a plan for how to use the proceeds from seized Russian assets, “because the perpetrator has to be held accountable,” she added.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>

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The United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, on Wednesday (June 21) said Russia “must pay” for the “destruction” inflicted on Ukraine and pledged billions of dollars to help Kyiv with its recovery and to rebuild.

The United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, on Wednesday (June 21) said Russia “must pay” for the “destruction” inflicted on Ukraine and pledged billions of dollars to help Kyiv with its recovery and to rebuild. In line with this, Sunak also announced the launch of a war insurance framework which would spur companies to invest. Meanwhile, Kyiv’s allies in the West, including the United States and European Union, have pledged to send billions of dollars worth of aid to Ukraine as governments and private investors met to fund the war-torn country’s reconstruction. The two-day conference in London brought together more than 1,000 public and private sector decision-makers from across 60 countries. ‘Russia must pay’: UK PM Sunak Speaking at the Ukraine Recovery Conference in London, the UK PM said, “It’s clear Russia must pay for the destruction that they’ve inflicted. So we’re working with allies to explore lawful routes to use Russian assets.” This comes as the UK proposed new legislation on Monday which would “keep sanctions in place until Russia pays up". Sunak also went on to announce loan guarantees worth $3 billion over three years as a part of a “multi-year commitment to support Ukraine’s economy,” which would also allow Kyiv to unlock World Bank loans to help bolster its public services like schools and hospitals. Meanwhile, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) announced a $15 billion plan for Ukraine over the next four years which is part of a $115 billion commitment by the Group of Seven (G7) nations and its partners, said the UK PM. Additionally, he also announced the London Conference Framework for War Risk insurance which could pave the way for de-risking investment without giving any further details. “Together with our allies we will maintain our support for Ukraine’s defence and for the counteroffensive, and we’ll stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes as they continue to win this war,” said Sunak. The UK will also provide an extra $306 million in development aid funding for humanitarian projects. Furthermore, the UK PM said more than 400 companies from 38 countries had signed up for the Ukraine Business Compact, a statement of support for the war-torn country’s recovery. US announces $1.3 billion additional aid Addressing the conference, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, “Recovery is about laying the foundation for Ukraine to thrive as a secure, independent country, fully integrated with Europe, connected to markets around the world.” He added, “Let’s be clear: Russia is causing Ukraine’s destruction.” The top US diplomat then announced that with the support of Congress, Washington will provide more than $1.3 billion in additional aid to help Ukraine. This would be in addition to the more than $20 billion in economic and development assistance that Washington has provided to Kyiv, said Blinken. EU and others European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said the EU would provide Ukraine with 50 billion euros between 2024-27. Ajay Banga, president of the World Bank Group, UK’s $3 billion of additional guarantees would allow his group to continue to help “people rebuild their lives after devastation”. This comes as the World Bank has put an estimate of $14 billion on Ukraine’s immediate needs for repairing the damage. Will it be enough? A recent study by the World Bank, United Nations, EU and the Ukrainian government showed that the wider recovery of the war-torn country’s economy would cost $441 billion. Meanwhile, Kyiv on Wednesday said that the damages to the environment from the recent breach of the Russian-held Kakhovka dam in southern Ukraine will be an estimated $1.5 billion. “Every day Russia is inflicting new losses on Ukraine,” said the Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmygal at the conference in London. He added, that the cost of reconstruction “will grow, especially after the Russians blew up the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant.” Rostyslav Shurma, a deputy head of President Volodymyr Zelensky’s office, told Reuters ahead of the conference in London, that Kyiv has sought $40 billion to fund the first part of a “Green Marshall Plan” to rebuild its economy. The plan in question would first focus on the country’s iron and steel industry which accounted for a third of export revenues and employed around 600,000 people in 2021, contributing at least 10 per cent to the country’s GDP. The Ukrainian PM urged the Western countries to pledge over $6 billion more to help it rebuild over the next 12 months as shellings and strikes in Ukraine destroyed homes, hospitals and other critical infrastructure. Ukrainian president addresses the conference “Every day of Russian aggression brings new ruins, thousands and thousands of destroyed houses, devastated industries, burnt lives,” said Zelensky to the delegates in London via video link. He also went on to talk about how despite the devastation from the war the country was ripe for development in various sectors including technology, green agriculture, and clean energy. “The world is watching to see if we will restore normal life in such a way that our transformation will land an ideological defeat on the aggressor,” said the Ukrainian president. He added, “We protect Ukraine, and thus we protect freedom. And when we build Ukraine, we’ll build freedom.” EU announces new sanctions package against Russia Hours after the British PM said that the UK will introduce legislation to keep Russian assets frozen till Russia “pays up” compensation to Ukraine. The EU also approved an 11th package of sanctions against Moscow. The announcement was made by Sweden which holds the 27-nation bloc’s rotating presidency and said it was approved at a meeting of EU ambassadors in Brussels, Belgium. However, some EU diplomats have said that the countries are close to reaching a limit on sanctions against Moscow and the bloc’s attention is also shifting from imposing additional sanctions to closing the loopholes in the existing ones. Speaking about the sanctions, the EU chief during the conference in London said the 27-nation bloc’s lawmakers will soon outline a plan for how to use the proceeds from seized Russian assets, “because the perpetrator has to be held accountable,” she added. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Explained | The West announces billions in aid for Ukraine's recovery. Will it be enough?

<p>Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Wednesday that the country's&nbsp;counteroffensive against Russia was "slower than desired," but Kyiv will not be pressured into speeding it up as Ukrainian soldiers are moving through dangerous minefields.</p>

<p>"Some people believe this is a Hollywood movie and expect results now. It's not," Britain's BBC quoted him as saying in an interview. "What's at stake is people's lives."</p>

<p>Ukraine has said that its counteroffensive has recaptured eight villages so far. However, Ukrainian forces are yet to tackle the main defensive lines that Russia has prepared. Russia has had months to prepare these defensive lines. It is believed that Ukraine has set aside 12 brigades consisting of thousands of troops for the assault. Most of these troops are yet to join the fight.</p>

<p>Reuters reported that Ukrainian forces have indeed advanced several kilometres.</p>

<p>The BBC quoted Zelensky as saying the military push was not going easily because 200,000 sq km (77,220 sq miles) of Ukrainian territory had been mined by Russian forces.</p>

<p>"Whatever some might want, including attempts to pressure us, with all due respect, we will advance on the battlefield the way we deem best," he added.</p>

<p><strong>Minor recent gains</strong></p>

<p>After a series of initial gains, Ukraine claimed to have captured only one more village last week. On Wednesday, officials said that forces in the south were consolidating earlier gains while those in the east were resisting Russian attacks.</p>

<p>"They had partial success over the past day, they have consolidated at the boundaries that were reached and they have evened up the front line," Deputy Defence Minister Hanna Maliar said.</p>

<p>Zelensky's interview with Britain's public broadcaster was timed to coincide with a conference in London where allies were due to pledge billions of dollars in economic and reconstruction aid.</p>

<p>Washington has offered an additional $1.3 billion to Kyiv. Ukraine's Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal told the conference Kyiv was hoping for more than $6 billion from the event.</p>

<p>The West, led by the US, has already poured in tens of billions of dollars in humanitarian as well as military aid. The military equipment provided to Ukraine includes hundreds of tanks and armoured vehicles. The forces that took shape as a result of all this help are expected to form the core of those set to be unleashed in Ukraine's counteroffensive.</p>

<p>Some of Ukraine's supporters worry that Kyiv will have to show impressive results on the battlefield in the coming weeks or risk political support waning in the West.</p>

<p>Both sides have stepped up longer-range attacks with missiles and drones in preparation for the fighting at the front. Russia said on Wednesday it had shot down drones that had reached the region surrounding Moscow. Kyiv never comments on reports of attacks inside Russia.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Wednesday that the country's counteroffensive against Russia was "slower than desired," but Kyiv will not be pressured into speeding it up as Ukrainian soldiers are moving through dangerous minefields.

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Wednesday that the country's counteroffensive against Russia was "slower than desired," but Kyiv will not be pressured into speeding it up as Ukrainian soldiers are moving through dangerous minefields. "Some people believe this is a Hollywood movie and expect results now. It's not," Britain's BBC quoted him as saying in an interview. "What's at stake is people's lives." Ukraine has said that its counteroffensive has recaptured eight villages so far. However, Ukrainian forces are yet to tackle the main defensive lines that Russia has prepared. Russia has had months to prepare these defensive lines. It is believed that Ukraine has set aside 12 brigades consisting of thousands of troops for the assault. Most of these troops are yet to join the fight. Reuters reported that Ukrainian forces have indeed advanced several kilometres. The BBC quoted Zelensky as saying the military push was not going easily because 200,000 sq km (77,220 sq miles) of Ukrainian territory had been mined by Russian forces. "Whatever some might want, including attempts to pressure us, with all due respect, we will advance on the battlefield the way we deem best," he added. Minor recent gains After a series of initial gains, Ukraine claimed to have captured only one more village last week. On Wednesday, officials said that forces in the south were consolidating earlier gains while those in the east were resisting Russian attacks. "They had partial success over the past day, they have consolidated at the boundaries that were reached and they have evened up the front line," Deputy Defence Minister Hanna Maliar said. Zelensky's interview with Britain's public broadcaster was timed to coincide with a conference in London where allies were due to pledge billions of dollars in economic and reconstruction aid. Washington has offered an additional $1.3 billion to Kyiv. Ukraine's Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal told the conference Kyiv was hoping for more than $6 billion from the event. The West, led by the US, has already poured in tens of billions of dollars in humanitarian as well as military aid. The military equipment provided to Ukraine includes hundreds of tanks and armoured vehicles. The forces that took shape as a result of all this help are expected to form the core of those set to be unleashed in Ukraine's counteroffensive. Some of Ukraine's supporters worry that Kyiv will have to show impressive results on the battlefield in the coming weeks or risk political support waning in the West. Both sides have stepped up longer-range attacks with missiles and drones in preparation for the fighting at the front. Russia said on Wednesday it had shot down drones that had reached the region surrounding Moscow. Kyiv never comments on reports of attacks inside Russia. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Ukraine counteroffensive is 'slower than desired', says Zelensky

<p>A spokesperson for the Pentagon said Tuesday that it overestimated the value of weapons it sent to Ukraine over the last two years by a whopping $6.2 billion. Sabrina Singh, the Pentagon’s spokeswoman revealed that the accounting error took place as military officials took into account the replacement cost rather than the book value of the weapons pulled from the Pentagon stocks to be delivered to the war-torn nation.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">BREAKING: Pentagon says it overestimated the value of the weapons it has sent to Ukraine by $6.2 billion<a href="https://t.co/GesSDyU1xV">pic.twitter.com/GesSDyU1xV</a></p>
— The Spectator Index (@spectatorindex) <a href="https://twitter.com/spectatorindex/status/1671297929200685056?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 20, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>This adjustment has now led to a surplus in American coffers which the administration plans to use in future security packages meant to shore up Ukraine’s counteroffensive against Russia. Of $6.2 billion, there was an error of $3.6 billion in the current fiscal year and $2.6 billion in the previous year ending September 2022.<br />
<br />
“It’s just going to go back into the pot of money that we have allocated&nbsp;for the future Pentagon stock drawdowns,” the spokeswoman said.</p>

<h2><strong>Ukraine’s new counter-offensive against Russia</strong></h2>

<p>In the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, new developments have emerged as Ukraine launches a counteroffensive against the Kremlin's occupying forces. This move aims to reclaim the territory that has been under Russian control since the full-scale invasion in February 2022.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Fake image of explosion at Pentagon briefly goes viral</strong></p>

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<p>However, Ukrainian forces are encountering challenges such as heavily mined areas and fortified defences, as stated by Valerii Zaluzhnyi, the commander in chief of Ukraine's armed forces.</p>

<h2><strong>Russia’s assault on Ukraine</strong></h2>

<p>Simultaneously, Russia has intensified its assault on the Kyiv region by deploying numerous Shahed exploding drones. This attack has exposed vulnerabilities in the air defence system of Ukraine, which has been engaged in warfare for nearly 16 months. Ukrainian officials reported that they successfully intercepted and destroyed 32 out of the 35 drones launched by Russia early on Tuesday.</p>

<h2><strong>USA’s military aid to Ukraine so far</strong></h2>

<p>Initially estimated on June 13, the US had pledged over $40 billion in security assistance to Ukraine since the Russian invasion. However, with the new calculation, it appears that the actual amount of aid provided by the US is less than $34 billion.</p>

<p>It is difficult for officials to determine the exact remaining funds available for drawdowns or the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, which offers long-term funding for the procurement of various weapons, including larger air defence systems.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-daniel-ellsbergs-history-defining-disclosure-with-pentagon-papers-that-rocked-white-house-605431"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Explained | Daniel Ellsberg's history-defining expose of Pentagon Papers that rocked White House</strong></a></p>

<p>In response to Russia's invasion, the US has approved four rounds of aid to Ukraine, totalling approximately $113 billion. Some of this financial support has been allocated to replenishing US military equipment that was deployed to the frontlines.</p>

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A spokesperson for the Pentagon said Tuesday that it overestimated the value of weapons it sent to Ukraine over the last two years by a whopping $6.2 billion. Sabrina Singh, the Pentagon’s spokeswoman revealed that the accounting error took place as military officials took into account the replacement cost rather than the book value of the weapons pulled from the Pentagon stocks to be delivered to the war-torn nation.

A spokesperson for the Pentagon said Tuesday that it overestimated the value of weapons it sent to Ukraine over the last two years by a whopping $6.2 billion. Sabrina Singh, the Pentagon’s spokeswoman revealed that the accounting error took place as military officials took into account the replacement cost rather than the book value of the weapons pulled from the Pentagon stocks to be delivered to the war-torn nation. BREAKING: Pentagon says it overestimated the value of the weapons it has sent to Ukraine by $6.2 billionpic.twitter.com/GesSDyU1xV — The Spectator Index (@spectatorindex) June 20, 2023 × This adjustment has now led to a surplus in American coffers which the administration plans to use in future security packages meant to shore up Ukraine’s counteroffensive against Russia. Of $6.2 billion, there was an error of $3.6 billion in the current fiscal year and $2.6 billion in the previous year ending September 2022. “It’s just going to go back into the pot of money that we have allocated for the future Pentagon stock drawdowns,” the spokeswoman said. Ukraine’s new counter-offensive against Russia In the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, new developments have emerged as Ukraine launches a counteroffensive against the Kremlin's occupying forces. This move aims to reclaim the territory that has been under Russian control since the full-scale invasion in February 2022. Watch: Fake image of explosion at Pentagon briefly goes viral × However, Ukrainian forces are encountering challenges such as heavily mined areas and fortified defences, as stated by Valerii Zaluzhnyi, the commander in chief of Ukraine's armed forces. Russia’s assault on Ukraine Simultaneously, Russia has intensified its assault on the Kyiv region by deploying numerous Shahed exploding drones. This attack has exposed vulnerabilities in the air defence system of Ukraine, which has been engaged in warfare for nearly 16 months. Ukrainian officials reported that they successfully intercepted and destroyed 32 out of the 35 drones launched by Russia early on Tuesday. USA’s military aid to Ukraine so far Initially estimated on June 13, the US had pledged over $40 billion in security assistance to Ukraine since the Russian invasion. However, with the new calculation, it appears that the actual amount of aid provided by the US is less than $34 billion. It is difficult for officials to determine the exact remaining funds available for drawdowns or the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, which offers long-term funding for the procurement of various weapons, including larger air defence systems. Also read: Explained | Daniel Ellsberg's history-defining expose of Pentagon Papers that rocked White House In response to Russia's invasion, the US has approved four rounds of aid to Ukraine, totalling approximately $113 billion. Some of this financial support has been allocated to replenishing US military equipment that was deployed to the frontlines. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

US overestimated value of weapons sent to Ukraine by $6.2 billion: Pentagon

<p>Moscow region Governor Andrei Vorobyov on Wednesday said that the Russian forces brought down two drones outside the capital city as they approached a local military unit&nbsp;warehouse, which they say was Ukraine's latest attempt&nbsp;to strike targets inside Russia during the initial phase of Kyiv’s recent counteroffensive.</p>

<p>The third drone's wreckage was found discovered around 20 kilometres (12 miles) away from the site where the drones crashed, reported Russian media. No casualties or damage were reported in the alleged drone attack.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Russia calls it an 'unsuccessful attempt at a terrorist attack'</strong></h2>

<p>The Russian defence ministry said that it was “an unsuccessful attempt at a terrorist attack” by “the Kyiv regime” on its facilities located in the region of Moscow. In a statement, the ministry added that they brought down all three drones by radio-electronic means.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-planning-to-launch-missiles-at-crimea-russia-claims-606594https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-planning-to-launch-missiles-at-crimea-russia-claims-606594">Ukraine planning to launch missiles at Crimea, Russia claims&nbsp;</a></p>

<p>Ukraine, which generally does not confirm attacks it carries out on Russian soil, did not make any immediate comment about the drones which were downed. Earlier, Ukrainian officials emphasised the right of the country to strike any target in response to the invasion of Russia and the war that began in February 2022.</p>

<p>In December, Russia claimed to have shot down drones which were targeted at military air bases in the Ryazan and Saratov regions of western Russia.</p>

<h2><strong>Increasing drone attacks&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>As per reports, many drones have flown deep into Russia on several occasions. In February, a UJ-22 crashed 100 kilometres (60 miles) away from Moscow, after which the Russian capital has allegedly been repeatedly approached by Ukrainian drones.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Last month, the Russian capital was jolted by a drone attack, although it suffered only slight damage. The attack was seen as one of the deepest and most daring strikes by Kyiv into Russia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In that month, it was the second reported strike on Moscow after Russian authorities claimed that the Kremlin was targeted by two drones.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Ukraine: Counteroffensive leads to advancements in Southern region | Russia-Ukraine War</strong></p>

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<p>During that time, Russian President Vladimir Putin had stated that the air defence of Moscow “worked in a satisfactory way,” but added it was “clear what we need to do to plug the gaps” in the system.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, there was a disruption in the train traffic on the Crimean Peninsula on Wednesday, as per its Russian-installed governor Sergei Aksyonov.</p>

<p>Aksyonov did not specify what led to the disruption, however, some Russian media outlets stated that apparent sabotage operations blew up the rail lines overnight.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Moscow region Governor Andrei Vorobyov on Wednesday said that the Russian forces brought down two drones outside the capital city as they approached a local military unit warehouse, which they say was Ukraine's latest attempt to strike targets inside Russia during the initial phase of Kyiv’s recent counteroffensive.

Moscow region Governor Andrei Vorobyov on Wednesday said that the Russian forces brought down two drones outside the capital city as they approached a local military unit warehouse, which they say was Ukraine's latest attempt to strike targets inside Russia during the initial phase of Kyiv’s recent counteroffensive. The third drone's wreckage was found discovered around 20 kilometres (12 miles) away from the site where the drones crashed, reported Russian media. No casualties or damage were reported in the alleged drone attack. Russia calls it an 'unsuccessful attempt at a terrorist attack' The Russian defence ministry said that it was “an unsuccessful attempt at a terrorist attack” by “the Kyiv regime” on its facilities located in the region of Moscow. In a statement, the ministry added that they brought down all three drones by radio-electronic means. ALSO READ | Ukraine planning to launch missiles at Crimea, Russia claims Ukraine, which generally does not confirm attacks it carries out on Russian soil, did not make any immediate comment about the drones which were downed. Earlier, Ukrainian officials emphasised the right of the country to strike any target in response to the invasion of Russia and the war that began in February 2022. In December, Russia claimed to have shot down drones which were targeted at military air bases in the Ryazan and Saratov regions of western Russia. Increasing drone attacks As per reports, many drones have flown deep into Russia on several occasions. In February, a UJ-22 crashed 100 kilometres (60 miles) away from Moscow, after which the Russian capital has allegedly been repeatedly approached by Ukrainian drones. Last month, the Russian capital was jolted by a drone attack, although it suffered only slight damage. The attack was seen as one of the deepest and most daring strikes by Kyiv into Russia. In that month, it was the second reported strike on Moscow after Russian authorities claimed that the Kremlin was targeted by two drones. WATCH | Ukraine: Counteroffensive leads to advancements in Southern region | Russia-Ukraine War During that time, Russian President Vladimir Putin had stated that the air defence of Moscow “worked in a satisfactory way,” but added it was “clear what we need to do to plug the gaps” in the system. Meanwhile, there was a disruption in the train traffic on the Crimean Peninsula on Wednesday, as per its Russian-installed governor Sergei Aksyonov. Aksyonov did not specify what led to the disruption, however, some Russian media outlets stated that apparent sabotage operations blew up the rail lines overnight. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Russia claims to have shot down three drones outside Moscow, calls it an attack by Ukraine

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all the latest news and top headlines from all across the globe: Britain will host the latest Ukraine Recovery Conference in London on June 21 and 22 June. It is an international event focussed on the recovery and reconstruction of Ukraine, attended by governments, international organisations, and the private sector. Modi left on Tuesday on a state visit to the US billed as a turning point for bilateral relations, with deeper cooperation in defence and high technology in focus.

Ukraine reconstruction conference in UK | Landmark state visit: Indian PM in US

The UK will back Ukraine's economy to the tune of $3 billion over the next three years while it fights back against Russian forces, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced on Tuesday.

UK unveils $3 billion backing for Ukraine reconstruction

<p>During a meeting with African leaders at the historic Konstantinovsky Palace, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his appreciation for their balanced approach to the conflict in Ukraine and emphasised Russia's openness to engage in constructive dialogue and discussions on Ukraine conflict.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We are open to a constructive dialogue with all those who want peace based on the principles of justice and consideration of the legitimate interests of the parties,” Putin said, reported Reuters.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Meeting with African leaders</strong></h2>

<p>The African&nbsp;leaders from South Africa, Senegal, Egypt, Zambia, Uganda, Congo Republic, and the Comoro Islands were in the meeting. These leaders had previously visited the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv and met Volodymyr Zelensky, before their meeting with President Putin.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/stoltenberg-expected-to-be-asked-to-extend-another-term-as-nato-chief-amid-replacement-challenges-605543">Stoltenberg expected to be asked to extend another term as NATO Chief amid replacement challenges</a></p>

<p>South African President Cyril Ramaphosa presented his stance before Russian President Vladimir Putin, emphasising the urgent need for the conflict in Ukraine to come to an end.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He stressed that the war should be resolved through negotiations and diplomatic means. President Ramaphosa highlighted the negative impact of the ongoing conflict not only on the African continent but also on numerous countries worldwide.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/shehbaz-sharif-calls-on-nawaz-sharif-to-become-pakistan-pm-again-lead-election-campaign-605527">Shehbaz Sharif calls on Nawaz Sharif to become Pakistan PM again, lead election campaign</a></p>

<p>"This war has to have an end... It must be settled through negotiations and through diplomatic means. This war is having a negative impact on the African continent and indeed on many other countries around the world," he said as per reports.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Significance for Africa's food supply</strong></h2>

<p>The peace mission undertaken by African leaders holds significant importance for Africa, as the region heavily relies on food and fertilizer deliveries from both Russia and Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch | China targets ‘unity in thought’ with campaign on Xi’s philosophy</strong></p>

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<p>The war has caused disruptions to exports from one of the world's key sources of agricultural produce, affecting food security and supply chains.</p>

<h2><strong>African leaders advocate for peace&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>African leaders, including Senegalese President Macky Sall, Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema, and Comoros President Azali Assoumani, who currently heads the African Union, expressed their desire for peace between Russia and Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>They firmly believed that dialogue and negotiations were the key to achieving a peaceful resolution.</p>

<h2><strong>Diplomatic efforts in Kyiv</strong></h2>

<p>The African delegation embarked on a diplomatic mission to Kyiv, where they called for peace and expressed their concerns over the impact of Russia's invasion of Ukraine on Africa. Rising grain prices had adversely affected the continent, prompting the leaders to advocate for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.</p>

<p>"There should be peace through negotiations," Ramaphosa told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ramaphosa cited Nelson Mandela multiple times during a news conference held after talks with Ukrainian President.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"To allow any negotiations with Russia now that the occupier is on our land is to freeze the war, to freeze pain and suffering," Zelensky said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During their visit to Kyiv, the African leaders faced a tense situation as air raid sirens sounded across the city, indicating the detection of incoming Russian missiles. The delegation had to take shelter during this alarming situation.</p>

<h2><strong>Ukrainian air force response</strong></h2>

<p>The Ukrainian Air Force swiftly responded to the missile threat and successfully shot down 12 missiles, including six hypersonic ones. Although there were no reports of damage within the city, seven people, including two children, were wounded according to regional police, as per media reports.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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During a meeting with African leaders at the historic Konstantinovsky Palace, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his appreciation for their balanced approach to the conflict in Ukraine and emphasised Russia's openness to engage in constructive dialogue and discussions on Ukraine conflict.

During a meeting with African leaders at the historic Konstantinovsky Palace, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his appreciation for their balanced approach to the conflict in Ukraine and emphasised Russia's openness to engage in constructive dialogue and discussions on Ukraine conflict. “We are open to a constructive dialogue with all those who want peace based on the principles of justice and consideration of the legitimate interests of the parties,” Putin said, reported Reuters. Meeting with African leaders The African leaders from South Africa, Senegal, Egypt, Zambia, Uganda, Congo Republic, and the Comoro Islands were in the meeting. These leaders had previously visited the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv and met Volodymyr Zelensky, before their meeting with President Putin. Also Read | Stoltenberg expected to be asked to extend another term as NATO Chief amid replacement challenges South African President Cyril Ramaphosa presented his stance before Russian President Vladimir Putin, emphasising the urgent need for the conflict in Ukraine to come to an end. He stressed that the war should be resolved through negotiations and diplomatic means. President Ramaphosa highlighted the negative impact of the ongoing conflict not only on the African continent but also on numerous countries worldwide. Also Read | Shehbaz Sharif calls on Nawaz Sharif to become Pakistan PM again, lead election campaign "This war has to have an end... It must be settled through negotiations and through diplomatic means. This war is having a negative impact on the African continent and indeed on many other countries around the world," he said as per reports. Significance for Africa's food supply The peace mission undertaken by African leaders holds significant importance for Africa, as the region heavily relies on food and fertilizer deliveries from both Russia and Ukraine. Watch | China targets ‘unity in thought’ with campaign on Xi’s philosophy × The war has caused disruptions to exports from one of the world's key sources of agricultural produce, affecting food security and supply chains. African leaders advocate for peace African leaders, including Senegalese President Macky Sall, Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema, and Comoros President Azali Assoumani, who currently heads the African Union, expressed their desire for peace between Russia and Ukraine. They firmly believed that dialogue and negotiations were the key to achieving a peaceful resolution. Diplomatic efforts in Kyiv The African delegation embarked on a diplomatic mission to Kyiv, where they called for peace and expressed their concerns over the impact of Russia's invasion of Ukraine on Africa. Rising grain prices had adversely affected the continent, prompting the leaders to advocate for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. "There should be peace through negotiations," Ramaphosa told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Ramaphosa cited Nelson Mandela multiple times during a news conference held after talks with Ukrainian President. "To allow any negotiations with Russia now that the occupier is on our land is to freeze the war, to freeze pain and suffering," Zelensky said. During their visit to Kyiv, the African leaders faced a tense situation as air raid sirens sounded across the city, indicating the detection of incoming Russian missiles. The delegation had to take shelter during this alarming situation. Ukrainian air force response The Ukrainian Air Force swiftly responded to the missile threat and successfully shot down 12 missiles, including six hypersonic ones. Although there were no reports of damage within the city, seven people, including two children, were wounded according to regional police, as per media reports. (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. ×

'Open for dialogue on Ukraine', Putin tells African leaders, welcomes their balanced approach on conflict

Kakhovka dam burst on June 6 in Ukraine's Kharson - flooded most of the villages along the banks of river Dnipro. The dam breached and unleashed a flood of water and now as the water recedes the extent of the destruction and the destruction is becoming more visible.

Aftermath of Kakhovka dam burst: At least 29 people dead after floods leave trail of destruction

<p>The Riigikogu or Estonian parliament, on Tuesday (June 20) approved a new law to legalise same-sex marriage, becoming the first Baltic nation to do so. This comes months after the incumbent Prime Minister Kaja Kallas’ liberal coalition government took office and nine years after the country recognised same-sex civil unions.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
The vote also makes&nbsp;Estonia the second central European country to pass laws legalising same-sex marriage, after Slovenia which passed&nbsp;an amendment allowing same-sex couples to marry and adopt&nbsp;last year.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What happened during the vote?</strong></h2>

<p>The vote on a marriage equality bill took place in Estonia’s parliament and passed with a majority of 55 votes in the 101-seat parliament with 34 votes against it. This came months after PM Kallas’ coalition of liberal and social democratic parties garnered a majority in the parliament back in March.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Additionally, the incumbent&nbsp;government also survived a vote of no confidence that was tied to the amendments. While&nbsp;Estonia introduced same-sex civil unions back in 2014, it did not recognise&nbsp;adoption rights or&nbsp;parental recognition which comes with&nbsp;marriage.<br />
<br />
According to reports, there will be some 85&nbsp;amendments to the country's Family Law Act, while&nbsp;another legislation was&nbsp;introduced which would include&nbsp;same-sex marriage contracts. Additionally,&nbsp;words in the Family Law Act&nbsp;will also&nbsp;now be modified from&nbsp;"man and woman" to "two natural persons."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The law will come into effect&nbsp;in 2024. Notably, while same-sex marriage is legal in most countries across Western Europe that is not the case with former Soviet nations in central Europe. “My message (to central Europe) is that it’s a difficult fight, but marriage and love is something that you have to promote,” PM Kallas told Reuters, after the vote.&nbsp;</p>

<p>She added, “We have developed a lot in those 30 years since we have freed ourselves from the (Soviet) occupation. We are equals among same-value countries.” Meanwhile, two other Baltic nations, Latvia and Lithuania, have introduced bills to legalise same-sex marriage in their parliaments but are yet to move forward with any decision. &nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">It's official: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Estonia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Estonia</a> has legalised marriage equality. We join other Nordic nations with this historic decision.<br />
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I'm proud of my country. We're building a society where everyone’s rights are respected and people can love freely.<br />
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The decision will enter into force from 2024. <a href="https://t.co/tQJdO70eEo">pic.twitter.com/tQJdO70eEo</a></p>
— Kaja Kallas (@kajakallas) <a href="https://twitter.com/kajakallas/status/1671075778593792002?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 20, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>The Estonian PM, who was also the first female leader of the country, took to Twitter and said, “It’s official: Estonia has legalised marriage equality. We join other Nordic nations with this historic decision. I’m proud of my country. We’re building a society where everyone’s rights are respected and people can love freely.”</p>

<h2><strong>LGBTQ+ people in Estonia</strong></h2>

<p>According to the Estonian Human Rights Centre, attitudes towards LGBTQ+ people have changed dramatically since 2012. In the Baltic nation with 1.3 million people, at least 53 per cent of people supported same-sex marriage in a poll conducted by the rights centre&nbsp;earlier this year. Notably, the number was up from 34 per cent back in 2021 and also six per cent higher than last year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, nearly 40 per cent of Estonians still consider homosexuality unacceptable. The poll also showed that same-sex marriage was opposed by the country’s ethnic-Russian minority which makes up a quarter of the country’s population with less than half (40 per cent) supporting it.</p>

<h2>&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />
<strong>The Ukraine war factor</strong>?</h2>

<p>In an interview with the country’s broadcaster LRT, the president of Estonia’s parliament, Lauri Hussar suggested that the change in attitude towards the LGBTQ+ people can also be attributed to the war in Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I think the mood has changed also, because of what happened in Ukraine, because the war brought us to the real problems and what is really important for us,” said Hussar, as quoted by Euronews.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
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The Riigikogu or Estonian parliament, on Tuesday (June 20) approved a new law to legalise same-sex marriage, becoming the first Baltic nation to do so. This comes months after the incumbent Prime Minister Kaja Kallas’ liberal coalition government took office and nine years after the country recognised same-sex civil unions.

The Riigikogu or Estonian parliament, on Tuesday (June 20) approved a new law to legalise same-sex marriage, becoming the first Baltic nation to do so. This comes months after the incumbent Prime Minister Kaja Kallas’ liberal coalition government took office and nine years after the country recognised same-sex civil unions. The vote also makes Estonia the second central European country to pass laws legalising same-sex marriage, after Slovenia which passed an amendment allowing same-sex couples to marry and adopt last year. What happened during the vote? The vote on a marriage equality bill took place in Estonia’s parliament and passed with a majority of 55 votes in the 101-seat parliament with 34 votes against it. This came months after PM Kallas’ coalition of liberal and social democratic parties garnered a majority in the parliament back in March. Additionally, the incumbent government also survived a vote of no confidence that was tied to the amendments. While Estonia introduced same-sex civil unions back in 2014, it did not recognise adoption rights or parental recognition which comes with marriage. According to reports, there will be some 85 amendments to the country's Family Law Act, while another legislation was introduced which would include same-sex marriage contracts. Additionally, words in the Family Law Act will also now be modified from "man and woman" to "two natural persons." The law will come into effect in 2024. Notably, while same-sex marriage is legal in most countries across Western Europe that is not the case with former Soviet nations in central Europe. “My message (to central Europe) is that it’s a difficult fight, but marriage and love is something that you have to promote,” PM Kallas told Reuters, after the vote. She added, “We have developed a lot in those 30 years since we have freed ourselves from the (Soviet) occupation. We are equals among same-value countries.” Meanwhile, two other Baltic nations, Latvia and Lithuania, have introduced bills to legalise same-sex marriage in their parliaments but are yet to move forward with any decision. It's official: #Estonia has legalised marriage equality. We join other Nordic nations with this historic decision. I'm proud of my country. We're building a society where everyone’s rights are respected and people can love freely. The decision will enter into force from 2024. pic.twitter.com/tQJdO70eEo — Kaja Kallas (@kajakallas) June 20, 2023 × The Estonian PM, who was also the first female leader of the country, took to Twitter and said, “It’s official: Estonia has legalised marriage equality. We join other Nordic nations with this historic decision. I’m proud of my country. We’re building a society where everyone’s rights are respected and people can love freely.” LGBTQ+ people in Estonia According to the Estonian Human Rights Centre, attitudes towards LGBTQ+ people have changed dramatically since 2012. In the Baltic nation with 1.3 million people, at least 53 per cent of people supported same-sex marriage in a poll conducted by the rights centre earlier this year. Notably, the number was up from 34 per cent back in 2021 and also six per cent higher than last year. However, nearly 40 per cent of Estonians still consider homosexuality unacceptable. The poll also showed that same-sex marriage was opposed by the country’s ethnic-Russian minority which makes up a quarter of the country’s population with less than half (40 per cent) supporting it. The Ukraine war factor? In an interview with the country’s broadcaster LRT, the president of Estonia’s parliament, Lauri Hussar suggested that the change in attitude towards the LGBTQ+ people can also be attributed to the war in Ukraine. “I think the mood has changed also, because of what happened in Ukraine, because the war brought us to the real problems and what is really important for us,” said Hussar, as quoted by Euronews. (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.

Estonia becomes first Baltic nation to legalise same-sex marriage

According to reports, the Kyiv regime is unable to account for hundreds of millions of arms. A recent mainstream media investigation portrays a devastating picture of Kiev's attempts to obtain enough military weaponry to sustain its faltering counteroffensive, complete with missing arms shipments, broken-down trucks, and internal lawsuits.

Russia-Ukraine War: Europe burning through ammunition reserves

Here, we bring you the news that is trending across WION's social media platforms - According to a report, the Ukrainian government is unable to account for the millions of dollars they spent purchasing weapons for their conflict with Russia.

Ukraine cannot account for millions of dollars spent on weapons in the war

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<p>Germany has run down its stocks of explosive artillery shells, having provided Ukraine with the stocks for its defence ever since the war began. The European nation has only 20,000 artillery shells left, Reuters reported on Tuesday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to confidential defence ministry papers accessed by the magazine <em>Der Spiegel</em>, the budget committee is currently being convinced of the need for urgent purchases.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The ministry is expected to lay out&nbsp;nine contracts for the accelerated purchase of artillery and tank ammunition in the coming months to the budget committee, <em>Der Spiegel</em> wrote.</p>

<p>After Russia invaded Ukraine, Germany rushed supplies of 155-millimetre artillery rounds used by howitzers&nbsp;to Kyiv - leading to the dip in numbers.</p>

<p>The German military needs to build up an inventory of 230,000 shells by 2031 to comply with NATO goals. According to the security bloc, this is the minimum amount required to withstand 30 days of intensive combat.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It was earlier this year that the European Union agreed to deliver one million 155-millimetre shells to Ukraine over the next 12 months. However, experts are of the view that such an amount could easily be used up within five months, perhaps even in three, putting additional pressure on the EU, especially Germany.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ukraine-counteroffensive-leads-to-advancements-in-southern-region-russia-ukraine-war-605765"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Ukraine: Counteroffensive leads to advancements in Southern region | Russia-Ukraine War</strong></a></p>

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<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zelensky-administration-cannot-account-for-hundreds-of-millions-of-dollars-spent-on-weapons-report-606380#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></p>

<h2><strong>Cascading effects of the weapon&nbsp;depletion&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The depletion of arms in Germany could have cascading effects. Ukraine, which is currently dependent on Western nations, including Germany for weapons, would be caught in a frightening situation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A recent NYT report stated Kyiv is hard-pressed for weapons whilst simultaneously being clueless about the millions it has spent to access those arms.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Ukrainian government documents show that as of the end of last year, Kyiv had paid arms suppliers more than $800 million since the Russian invasion in February 2022 for contracts that went completely or partly unfulfilled," the publication noted.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zelensky-administration-cannot-account-for-hundreds-of-millions-of-dollars-spent-on-weapons-report-606380" target="_blank"><strong>Also read | Zelensky administration cannot account for 'hundreds of millions of dollars' spent on weapons: Repor</strong></a>t</p>

<p>Notably, at any instance, over 30 per cent of Kyiv's arsenal is under repair. In its battle with Russia, such a high rate of weapon failure is non-negotiable and can potentially be the difference in eventual win or defeat.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Germany not pushing on under Scholz</strong></h2>

<p>Last year, Chancellor Olaf Scholz gave the "Zeitenwende" (turning of the times) speech in the German parliament in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. During the speech, he announced that the German military would receive a fund of 100 billion euros to be upgraded.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, a year into the speech, it looks like Scholz might be struggling massively. The country has entered a recession and its weapons arsenal is plummeting by the second.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Germany has run down its stocks of explosive artillery shells, having provided Ukraine with the stocks for its defence ever since the war began. The European nation has only 20,000 artillery shells left, Reuters reported on Tuesday.

Germany has run down its stocks of explosive artillery shells, having provided Ukraine with the stocks for its defence ever since the war began. The European nation has only 20,000 artillery shells left, Reuters reported on Tuesday. According to confidential defence ministry papers accessed by the magazine Der Spiegel, the budget committee is currently being convinced of the need for urgent purchases. The ministry is expected to lay out nine contracts for the accelerated purchase of artillery and tank ammunition in the coming months to the budget committee, Der Spiegel wrote. After Russia invaded Ukraine, Germany rushed supplies of 155-millimetre artillery rounds used by howitzers to Kyiv - leading to the dip in numbers. The German military needs to build up an inventory of 230,000 shells by 2031 to comply with NATO goals. According to the security bloc, this is the minimum amount required to withstand 30 days of intensive combat. It was earlier this year that the European Union agreed to deliver one million 155-millimetre shells to Ukraine over the next 12 months. However, experts are of the view that such an amount could easily be used up within five months, perhaps even in three, putting additional pressure on the EU, especially Germany. WATCH | Ukraine: Counteroffensive leads to advancements in Southern region | Russia-Ukraine War × Cascading effects of the weapon depletion The depletion of arms in Germany could have cascading effects. Ukraine, which is currently dependent on Western nations, including Germany for weapons, would be caught in a frightening situation. A recent NYT report stated Kyiv is hard-pressed for weapons whilst simultaneously being clueless about the millions it has spent to access those arms. "Ukrainian government documents show that as of the end of last year, Kyiv had paid arms suppliers more than $800 million since the Russian invasion in February 2022 for contracts that went completely or partly unfulfilled," the publication noted. Also read | Zelensky administration cannot account for 'hundreds of millions of dollars' spent on weapons: Report Notably, at any instance, over 30 per cent of Kyiv's arsenal is under repair. In its battle with Russia, such a high rate of weapon failure is non-negotiable and can potentially be the difference in eventual win or defeat. Germany not pushing on under Scholz Last year, Chancellor Olaf Scholz gave the "Zeitenwende" (turning of the times) speech in the German parliament in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. During the speech, he announced that the German military would receive a fund of 100 billion euros to be upgraded. However, a year into the speech, it looks like Scholz might be struggling massively. The country has entered a recession and its weapons arsenal is plummeting by the second. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Germany running out of explosive artillery shells, having provided it in bulk to Kyiv: Report

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