<p>Leader of Wagner mercenary forces Yevgeny Prigozhin on Monday (June 5) said that Russia's tactics would lead to more setbacks within two weeks. He decried Ukrainian victory at a village near Bakhmut. Prigozhin's comments have come just as a top Russian-backed official in occupied Donetsk decribed Russia's military situation around Bakhmut as difficult.</p>

<p>Prigozhin's private Wagner militia captured virtually all of Bakhmut in Ukraine's east last month after the longest battle of the war and handed its positions there to regular Russian troops.</p>

<p>Ukraine has since then continued to attack areas that are in the north and south of the city.</p>

<p>"Now part of the settlement of Berkhivka has already been lost, the troops are quietly running away. Disgrace!" Prigozhin said in an audio message published by his press service.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Ukraine claims gain around Bakhmut</strong>&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Wagner claimed capture of Berkhivka on February 24. The village lies about 3 km northwest of Bakhmut.</p>

<h2><strong>'Significant tactical defeats'</strong></h2>

<p>In an interview posted on Telegram later on Monday, Prigozhin said Russia's defence ministry was duping the public and Kremlin leaders with its tactics.</p>

<p>He said Ukrainian movements in the area "can happen much faster than our advances".</p>

<p>"The Ministry of Defence's tactics are malicious and deceptive," he said in the online interview.</p>

<p>"The Ministry of Defence's main goal is to pretend that everything is ok and that we are advancing. In reality, what is happening now ... will result in significant tactical defeats in two weeks' time."</p>

<p>Prigozhin also criticised the Russian Defence Ministry's latest account of the battle in Donetsk. The battle account describes big losses inflicted on Ukrainian forces. Prigozhin slammed them as "simply wild and absurd science fiction".</p>

<p>Denis Pushilin, the top Moscow-backed official in the Russian-occupied part of Donetsk region, which includes Bakhmut, told Russian state television the situation on the city's flanks was "under control" but "very difficult".</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kyiv-conducting-offensive-actions-russia-says-it-thwarts-major-attack-in-ukraine-601010">Kyiv conducting 'offensive' actions, Russia says it thwarts major attack in Ukraine</a></strong></p>

<p>Prigozhin urged Russia's Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and chief of the general staff Valery Gerasimov to come to the frontlines so that they will be able to boost the morale of the fighting troops.</p>

<p>"Come on, you can do it!" he said in his message. "And if you can't, you'll die heroes."</p>

<p>For months, Prigozhin has publically lashed out at Shoigu and Gerasimov. He has raised allegations that the leaders failed to provide adequate ammunition and support to Wagner forces causing them to suffer heavy losses which could easily&nbsp;have been prevented.</p>

<p>In recent days, Prigozhin has further escalated the row, accusing regular forces under the command of the defence ministry of mining roads out of Bakhmut used by Wagner units.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><em>You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form"><strong>here</strong></a>.</em></p>

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Leader of Wagner mercenary forces Yevgeny Prigozhin on Monday (June 5) said that Russia's tactics would lead to more setbacks within two weeks. He decried Ukrainian victory at a village near Bakhmut.

Leader of Wagner mercenary forces Yevgeny Prigozhin on Monday (June 5) said that Russia's tactics would lead to more setbacks within two weeks. He decried Ukrainian victory at a village near Bakhmut. Prigozhin's comments have come just as a top Russian-backed official in occupied Donetsk decribed Russia's military situation around Bakhmut as difficult. Prigozhin's private Wagner militia captured virtually all of Bakhmut in Ukraine's east last month after the longest battle of the war and handed its positions there to regular Russian troops. Ukraine has since then continued to attack areas that are in the north and south of the city. "Now part of the settlement of Berkhivka has already been lost, the troops are quietly running away. Disgrace!" Prigozhin said in an audio message published by his press service. Watch | Ukraine claims gain around Bakhmut × Wagner claimed capture of Berkhivka on February 24. The village lies about 3 km northwest of Bakhmut. 'Significant tactical defeats' In an interview posted on Telegram later on Monday, Prigozhin said Russia's defence ministry was duping the public and Kremlin leaders with its tactics. He said Ukrainian movements in the area "can happen much faster than our advances". "The Ministry of Defence's tactics are malicious and deceptive," he said in the online interview. "The Ministry of Defence's main goal is to pretend that everything is ok and that we are advancing. In reality, what is happening now ... will result in significant tactical defeats in two weeks' time." Prigozhin also criticised the Russian Defence Ministry's latest account of the battle in Donetsk. The battle account describes big losses inflicted on Ukrainian forces. Prigozhin slammed them as "simply wild and absurd science fiction". Denis Pushilin, the top Moscow-backed official in the Russian-occupied part of Donetsk region, which includes Bakhmut, told Russian state television the situation on the city's flanks was "under control" but "very difficult". Also Read | Kyiv conducting 'offensive' actions, Russia says it thwarts major attack in Ukraine Prigozhin urged Russia's Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and chief of the general staff Valery Gerasimov to come to the frontlines so that they will be able to boost the morale of the fighting troops. "Come on, you can do it!" he said in his message. "And if you can't, you'll die heroes." For months, Prigozhin has publically lashed out at Shoigu and Gerasimov. He has raised allegations that the leaders failed to provide adequate ammunition and support to Wagner forces causing them to suffer heavy losses which could easily have been prevented. In recent days, Prigozhin has further escalated the row, accusing regular forces under the command of the defence ministry of mining roads out of Bakhmut used by Wagner units. (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 ×

Russian strategy will cause 'significant' defeats near Bakhmut, warns Wagner boss

Russia claims to have thwarted a large-scale Ukrainian offensive in the Donetsk region. Was this the much-touted Ukrainian counter-offensive? Molly Gambhir brings you a report.

Gravitas: Has Russia thwarted Ukraine's counter-offensive?

Intense cross-border shelling between Ukraine and Russia continues into the 16th month of the war. Ukraine force of Russian partisan has now infiltrated a Russian city and captured multiple Russian soldiers.

Russia-Ukraine War: Russia 'thwarts' Ukrainian assault on Donetsk | World News | WION

<p>As per some sources linked to US intelligence quoted by CNN, Ukraine is working on arming its "agents and sympathisers"&nbsp;inside Russia with drones to undertake sabotage operations against the Russian establishment. The sources also attributed the recent drone attack on the Kremlin to these agents, who launched the drones from inside Russia rather than flying them from Ukrainian territory far away.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Several other drone attacks have taken place in Russia over the last few days, including one on a residential neighbourhood near Moscow and another on an oil refinery in southern Russia. However, it was not clear whether those strikes were carried out by Ukrainian agents operating within Russian territory.</p>

<h2><strong>"No US-made drone used in attacks"</strong></h2>

<p>The sources quoted by CNN also clarified that drones used by Ukraine's agents in Russia were manufactured by Ukraine itself, and no US-made drone was used to stage attacks inside Russia. As per the sources, Ukrainian forces have established well-practised smuggling routes beyond the Russian border to send drone components to its operatives in Russia, where they assemble drones and carry out strikes on Russian targets.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Russia claims US behind Ukraine drone attack on the Kremlin</strong></p>

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<p>CNN also quoted a European intelligence source as saying that since the Russia-Ukraine border was very vast and difficult to control, it provided Ukraine with a god-sent opportunity to set up such smuggling routes along the border and use it to its own advantage.</p>

<h2><strong>"Strikes and explosions inside Russia will continue"</strong></h2>

<p>According to a spokesperson from the Ukrainian Security Service, as reported by CNN, it was suggested that the series of unexplained explosions and drone strikes within Russia would continue, indicating that its network of agents will continue to be active.</p>

<p>The spokesperson quoted the head of the Security Service, Vasyl Malyuk, stating that they would only comment on these incidents, referred to as "cotton" by Ukrainians, after achieving victory. Furthermore, the spokesperson emphasised that "cotton" had occurred, is currently happening, and will continue to occur.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/did-alleged-ukrainian-drones-targeted-luxury-homes-of-putins-ex-wife-and-daughter-600180"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Did Ukrainian drones allegedly target luxury homes of Putin's ex-wife and daughters?</strong></a></p>

<p>The term "cotton" is a slang word used by Ukrainians to describe explosions, particularly those happening in Russia or Russia-occupied territories within Ukraine. The term originated during the early stages of the war due to the similarity between the Russian word for "pop" and the Ukrainian word for "cotton".</p>

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As per some sources linked to US intelligence quoted by CNN, Ukraine is working on arming its "agents and sympathisers" inside Russia with drones to undertake sabotage operations against the Russian establishment.

As per some sources linked to US intelligence quoted by CNN, Ukraine is working on arming its "agents and sympathisers" inside Russia with drones to undertake sabotage operations against the Russian establishment. The sources also attributed the recent drone attack on the Kremlin to these agents, who launched the drones from inside Russia rather than flying them from Ukrainian territory far away. Several other drone attacks have taken place in Russia over the last few days, including one on a residential neighbourhood near Moscow and another on an oil refinery in southern Russia. However, it was not clear whether those strikes were carried out by Ukrainian agents operating within Russian territory. "No US-made drone used in attacks" The sources quoted by CNN also clarified that drones used by Ukraine's agents in Russia were manufactured by Ukraine itself, and no US-made drone was used to stage attacks inside Russia. As per the sources, Ukrainian forces have established well-practised smuggling routes beyond the Russian border to send drone components to its operatives in Russia, where they assemble drones and carry out strikes on Russian targets. Watch: Russia claims US behind Ukraine drone attack on the Kremlin × CNN also quoted a European intelligence source as saying that since the Russia-Ukraine border was very vast and difficult to control, it provided Ukraine with a god-sent opportunity to set up such smuggling routes along the border and use it to its own advantage. "Strikes and explosions inside Russia will continue" According to a spokesperson from the Ukrainian Security Service, as reported by CNN, it was suggested that the series of unexplained explosions and drone strikes within Russia would continue, indicating that its network of agents will continue to be active. The spokesperson quoted the head of the Security Service, Vasyl Malyuk, stating that they would only comment on these incidents, referred to as "cotton" by Ukrainians, after achieving victory. Furthermore, the spokesperson emphasised that "cotton" had occurred, is currently happening, and will continue to occur. Also read | Did Ukrainian drones allegedly target luxury homes of Putin's ex-wife and daughters? The term "cotton" is a slang word used by Ukrainians to describe explosions, particularly those happening in Russia or Russia-occupied territories within Ukraine. The term originated during the early stages of the war due to the similarity between the Russian word for "pop" and the Ukrainian word for "cotton". WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Ukraine has built network of agents inside Russia to sabotage Kremlin operations: Report

The threat of a nuclear exchange has increased significantly since the start of the war in Ukraine last year. Although Ukraine is not a nuclear power, both Russia and its Western allies are, and as the conflict between Russia and the West has widened, the possibility of a nuclear exchange is ever present.

Russia-Ukraine war and the nuclear threat

<p>The governor of Belgorod region in Russia, which shares&nbsp;a border with Ukraine, on Sunday reported ongoing clashes&nbsp;on&nbsp;the frontier and accepted that pro-Ukrainian forces had captured Russians prisoner during cross-border fighting.</p>

<p>Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov&nbsp;said that he was willing to&nbsp;talk with pro-Ukrainian forces&nbsp;to retrieve "our guys" from the fighters who claim to have&nbsp;captured Russian soldiers as prisoners in the Belgorod region.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>For the first time, Russian official have admitted that there fighters have been&nbsp;captured&nbsp;by pro-Ukraine forces during the war.</p>

<p>The pro-Kyiv groups like the Russian Volunteer Corps and the Legion for Freedom of Russia, earlier had called on the governor of&nbsp;Belgorod to meet fighters and release captive soldiers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The only thing stopping me from negotiating with them is our guys that are in their hands, maybe they are already dead," Gladkov said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"A sabotage group came in, there is combat in Novaya Tavolzhanka. I hope they will all be destroyed,"&nbsp;Gladkov stated.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Russia's army stated that they&nbsp;have repelled a "sabotage group of Ukrainian terrorists" who were trying to cross the frontier near the settlement. "The enemy was hit by artillery. The enemy scattered and retreated," the army said in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Evacuate border district, says governor</strong></h2>

<p>The government authorities in Russia on Sunday appealed to the residents of the Shebekino district&nbsp;sharing borders with Ukraine&nbsp;to evacuate the area as shelling intensified.<br />
<br />
The Russian district of Shebekino, which is located in the western Belgorod on the Ukraine border, has been facing daily shelling which has killed many civilians and forced villagers to flee from the region.<br />
<br />
The region's governor Vyacheslav Gladkov appealed to residents to co-operate with the government authorities and evacuate the district.<br />
<br />
"I ask that in the villages of, first of all, the Shebekino district that has been shelled, to listen to the position of authorities and leave — temporarily leave — their homes," Gladkov&nbsp;said on Telegram.<br />
<br />
He added that their goal was "to safeguard what is most important: your life and the lives of your close ones". He added that the district went through another "not calm night" with "a lot of damage".</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wagner-mercenary-group-ready-to-defend-russian-border-region-of-belgorod-yevgeny-prigozhin-600346">Wagner mercenary group ready to defend Russian border region of Belgorod: Yevgeny Prigozhin</a></p>

<p>The statement was made by Gladkov a day after two women died in border villages because of shelling. He stated that "more than 4,000 people" who belong to border areas are currently staying in temporary housing in the Belgorod region.<br />
<br />
He added that on Sunday, the government authorities would shift the children of soldiers, who have been deployed to Ukraine, and minors from border villages to youth camps.</p>

<p>Meanwhile,&nbsp;Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the war with Russia&nbsp;has killed at least 500 Ukrainian children.</p>

<p>In a statement, the president said that “Russian weapons and hatred, which continue to take and destroy the lives of Ukrainian children every day," killed the hundreds who had perished since the full-scale invasion by Russia of Ukraine started on February 24, 2022.</p>

<p>“Many of them could have become famous scholars, artists, sports champions, contributing to Ukraine's history,” he added.</p>

<h2><strong>Russia missiles hit airfield in central Ukraine, says Kyiv</strong></h2>

<p>On Sunday, the Ukrainian authorities claimed that the Russian missiles struck an airfield located near the city of Kropyvnytskyi, in the central region of the country.<br />
<br />
Russia launched “six missiles and five attack drones", said Ukrainian air force spokesman Yuriy Ignat on television.<br />
<br />
"Unfortunately not all of them were destroyed. Of the six, four were destroyed by air defence and two hit the operational airfield near Kropyvnytskyi," he added.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Sirens wail as Kyiv repels Russian air attacks | Ukraine-Russia War</strong></p>

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<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">&nbsp;</div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">Meanwhile, the Russian army also confirmed that&nbsp;it hit military airfields of Ukraine with long-range weapons.</div>

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<p>"Today at night, the armed forces of the Russian Federation carried out a group strike with long-range precision-guided air-launched weapons against enemy targets at military airfields," said the Russian army in a statement.&nbsp;</p>
</div>

<p>Kropyvnytskyi is a small city located in central Ukraine's Kirovohrad region, south of the capital Kyiv.<br />
<br />
The attack comes as air assaults were intensified by Russia on Ukraine, with the capital city Kyiv facing attacks for several days in a row this week.<br />
<br />
The war, which has now continued for more than 15 months, has escalated further as Kyiv has been claiming that they are preparing for a major counteroffensive.<br />
<br />
The border villages of Russia also faced intense shelling this week.<br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>You can&nbsp;<strong>now write for&nbsp;wionews.com</strong>&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>

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The governor of Belgorod region in Russia, which shares a border with Ukraine, on Sunday reported ongoing clashes on the frontier and accepted that pro-Ukrainian forces had captured Russians prisoner during cross-border fighting.

The governor of Belgorod region in Russia, which shares a border with Ukraine, on Sunday reported ongoing clashes on the frontier and accepted that pro-Ukrainian forces had captured Russians prisoner during cross-border fighting. Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said that he was willing to talk with pro-Ukrainian forces to retrieve "our guys" from the fighters who claim to have captured Russian soldiers as prisoners in the Belgorod region. For the first time, Russian official have admitted that there fighters have been captured by pro-Ukraine forces during the war. The pro-Kyiv groups like the Russian Volunteer Corps and the Legion for Freedom of Russia, earlier had called on the governor of Belgorod to meet fighters and release captive soldiers. "The only thing stopping me from negotiating with them is our guys that are in their hands, maybe they are already dead," Gladkov said. "A sabotage group came in, there is combat in Novaya Tavolzhanka. I hope they will all be destroyed," Gladkov stated. Russia's army stated that they have repelled a "sabotage group of Ukrainian terrorists" who were trying to cross the frontier near the settlement. "The enemy was hit by artillery. The enemy scattered and retreated," the army said in a statement. Evacuate border district, says governor The government authorities in Russia on Sunday appealed to the residents of the Shebekino district sharing borders with Ukraine to evacuate the area as shelling intensified. The Russian district of Shebekino, which is located in the western Belgorod on the Ukraine border, has been facing daily shelling which has killed many civilians and forced villagers to flee from the region. The region's governor Vyacheslav Gladkov appealed to residents to co-operate with the government authorities and evacuate the district. "I ask that in the villages of, first of all, the Shebekino district that has been shelled, to listen to the position of authorities and leave — temporarily leave — their homes," Gladkov said on Telegram. He added that their goal was "to safeguard what is most important: your life and the lives of your close ones". He added that the district went through another "not calm night" with "a lot of damage". ALSO READ | Wagner mercenary group ready to defend Russian border region of Belgorod: Yevgeny Prigozhin The statement was made by Gladkov a day after two women died in border villages because of shelling. He stated that "more than 4,000 people" who belong to border areas are currently staying in temporary housing in the Belgorod region. He added that on Sunday, the government authorities would shift the children of soldiers, who have been deployed to Ukraine, and minors from border villages to youth camps. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the war with Russia has killed at least 500 Ukrainian children. In a statement, the president said that “Russian weapons and hatred, which continue to take and destroy the lives of Ukrainian children every day," killed the hundreds who had perished since the full-scale invasion by Russia of Ukraine started on February 24, 2022. “Many of them could have become famous scholars, artists, sports champions, contributing to Ukraine's history,” he added. Russia missiles hit airfield in central Ukraine, says Kyiv On Sunday, the Ukrainian authorities claimed that the Russian missiles struck an airfield located near the city of Kropyvnytskyi, in the central region of the country. Russia launched “six missiles and five attack drones", said Ukrainian air force spokesman Yuriy Ignat on television. "Unfortunately not all of them were destroyed. Of the six, four were destroyed by air defence and two hit the operational airfield near Kropyvnytskyi," he added. WATCH | Sirens wail as Kyiv repels Russian air attacks | Ukraine-Russia War Meanwhile, the Russian army also confirmed that it hit military airfields of Ukraine with long-range weapons. "Today at night, the armed forces of the Russian Federation carried out a group strike with long-range precision-guided air-launched weapons against enemy targets at military airfields," said the Russian army in a statement. Kropyvnytskyi is a small city located in central Ukraine's Kirovohrad region, south of the capital Kyiv. The attack comes as air assaults were intensified by Russia on Ukraine, with the capital city Kyiv facing attacks for several days in a row this week. The war, which has now continued for more than 15 months, has escalated further as Kyiv has been claiming that they are preparing for a major counteroffensive. The border villages of Russia also faced intense shelling this week. (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

New fighting on Russian side of Ukraine border, says governor

For more than a week, Ukraine has increased the tempo of the conflict by firing the Belga Road section near the Russian border. The Russian authorities are now requesting that people living in the frequently shelled District vacate their houses since they claim that many civilians have been murdered in the area in recent attacks. Thousands have already fled the area as a result of Ukrainian attacks.

Russia-Ukraine War: Russian authorities ask villagers to evacuate border villages

Several blasts were heard in the Kyiv region signaling air defence systems hitting the target. This comes after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky declaring that Kyiv is ready to launch its much anticipated counter offensive against russia. In an interview to wall street journal, Ukraine's President Zelensky suggested a significant attack in the near future, further reiterating his faith in Ukraine’s victory.

Sirens wail as Kyiv repels Russian air attacks | Ukraine-Russia War

The Russia-Ukraine war continues to intensify with no end in sight. The war has disrupted the lives of almost everyone residing in Ukraine & Russia. The war has even tainted long-established underworld ties between Russia & Ukraine. Meet Kirim, a local Ukrainian smuggler in the Ukrainian port city of Odesa. Kirim explains how the war has affected his daily life.

How the ongoing war is disrupting the Ukrainian-Russian mafia bond

Since it started in February of last year, the Russian-Ukrainian war has been in the spotlight. Over the course of the past 15 months, Ukraine has experienced many twists and turns as it has fought its way through battle after battle with military support from the west. However, there is another point of contention that has marred this war: the Battle of media narratives.

Russia-Ukraine War: Is Ukraine 'successfully' resisting the Russian invasion?

<p>A Russian-installed official claimed on Sunday (June 4), that five&nbsp;drones were shot down in Dzhankoi in annexed Crimea and caused damage to some infrastructure. Meanwhile, at least 22&nbsp;people, including five children, were injured and a&nbsp;two-year-old girl was killed&nbsp;after an explosion near the central Ukrainian city of Dnipro on Saturday the regional governor said in an update on Sunday.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>A drone attack in Crimea?</strong><br />
<br />
Russian-installed official&nbsp;Sergei Aksyonov&nbsp;took to Telegram and said five&nbsp;drones were shot down and four others were jammed but did not hit targets,&nbsp;in Crimea's Dzhankoi which is also reported to be near a Moscow military air base.<br />
<br />
"There is damage to windows in several houses in a residential district," said Kryuchkov about the overnight incident, adding, "All services are working. Official information - in the morning." However, the Russian official said that an&nbsp;unexploded drone was found near&nbsp;a residential house which forced the evacuation of some 50 people.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Crimea, annexed by Russia in 2014, whose city Dzhankoi is said to be home to Moscow’s largest military base in the region, as per Ukrainian officials. This also comes a day after the regional official of Russia's Belgorod, Vyacheslav Gladkov, claimed that an unprecedented Ukrainian shelling killed two people in the border region.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Since this morning, the district of Shebekino has been under shelling of the Ukrainian armed forces," said Gladkov, adding that an "elderly woman" was killed in the village of Novaya Tavolzhanka and another woman succumbed to her wounds in the village of Bezlyudovka. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>What happened in Dnipro?</strong><br />
<br />
An explosion near the central Ukrainian city of Dnipro, on Saturday, in a two-storey residential building has injured at least 20 people, said Ukrainian regional governor, Serhiy Lysak. He also claimed that three of the children were in serious condition, while a total of 17 people were being treated at the hospital.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The incident was reported in the Pidhorodnenska community where, as per local media reports four people were later pulled out of the rubble but Lysak said another child was likely still trapped in the debris. The strike which is said to be caused by a Russian missile, has also reportedly hit an emergency services building.</p>

<p>However, hours later, in an update of the incident, he said that a total of 22 people were injured and a&nbsp;two-year-old girl was killed. The regional governor also said that 10 homes,&nbsp;a shop and a gas pipeline were also hit during the strike.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After the incident, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky took to Telegram and wrote, "Unfortunately, there are people under the rubble. Once again, Russia proves it is a terrorist state. The Russians will bear responsibility for everything committed against our state and people."</p>

<p>The two-year-old girl's&nbsp;body was pulled from the wreckage after the missile strike on Saturday, said the Ukrainian official.&nbsp;"At night, a girl's body was retrieved from under the rubble of a house in the Pidhorodnenska community," said&nbsp;Lysak, on Telegram, adding that she had just turned two.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Russian air attack repelled: Ukraine</strong></p>

<p>Early Sunday, Ukrainian officials said that Russia launched a wave of air attacks on Kyiv and they were able to repel all missiles and drones on their approach to the capital city using air defence systems. Around this time, the entire country was under air raid alert for nearly three hours.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The head of the military administration took to Telegram, on Sunday and wrote, "According to preliminary information, not a single air target reached the capital."&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added, "Air defence destroyed everything that was heading towards the city already at their distant approaches." According to a report by Reuters, witnesses heard several blasts in the Kyiv region but not in the city. Additionally, the blasts were also said to be likely from the air defence systems hitting targets.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
<br />
<em><strong>Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.</strong></em></p>

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A Russian-installed official claimed on Sunday (June 4), that five drones were shot down in Dzhankoi in annexed Crimea and caused damage to some infrastructure. Meanwhile, at least 22 people, including five children, were injured and a two-year-old girl was killed after an explosion near the central Ukrainian city of Dnipro on Saturday the regional governor said in an update on Sunday.

A Russian-installed official claimed on Sunday (June 4), that five drones were shot down in Dzhankoi in annexed Crimea and caused damage to some infrastructure. Meanwhile, at least 22 people, including five children, were injured and a two-year-old girl was killed after an explosion near the central Ukrainian city of Dnipro on Saturday the regional governor said in an update on Sunday. A drone attack in Crimea? Russian-installed official Sergei Aksyonov took to Telegram and said five drones were shot down and four others were jammed but did not hit targets, in Crimea's Dzhankoi which is also reported to be near a Moscow military air base. "There is damage to windows in several houses in a residential district," said Kryuchkov about the overnight incident, adding, "All services are working. Official information - in the morning." However, the Russian official said that an unexploded drone was found near a residential house which forced the evacuation of some 50 people. Crimea, annexed by Russia in 2014, whose city Dzhankoi is said to be home to Moscow’s largest military base in the region, as per Ukrainian officials. This also comes a day after the regional official of Russia's Belgorod, Vyacheslav Gladkov, claimed that an unprecedented Ukrainian shelling killed two people in the border region. "Since this morning, the district of Shebekino has been under shelling of the Ukrainian armed forces," said Gladkov, adding that an "elderly woman" was killed in the village of Novaya Tavolzhanka and another woman succumbed to her wounds in the village of Bezlyudovka. What happened in Dnipro? An explosion near the central Ukrainian city of Dnipro, on Saturday, in a two-storey residential building has injured at least 20 people, said Ukrainian regional governor, Serhiy Lysak. He also claimed that three of the children were in serious condition, while a total of 17 people were being treated at the hospital. The incident was reported in the Pidhorodnenska community where, as per local media reports four people were later pulled out of the rubble but Lysak said another child was likely still trapped in the debris. The strike which is said to be caused by a Russian missile, has also reportedly hit an emergency services building. However, hours later, in an update of the incident, he said that a total of 22 people were injured and a two-year-old girl was killed. The regional governor also said that 10 homes, a shop and a gas pipeline were also hit during the strike. After the incident, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky took to Telegram and wrote, "Unfortunately, there are people under the rubble. Once again, Russia proves it is a terrorist state. The Russians will bear responsibility for everything committed against our state and people." The two-year-old girl's body was pulled from the wreckage after the missile strike on Saturday, said the Ukrainian official. "At night, a girl's body was retrieved from under the rubble of a house in the Pidhorodnenska community," said Lysak, on Telegram, adding that she had just turned two. Russian air attack repelled: Ukraine Early Sunday, Ukrainian officials said that Russia launched a wave of air attacks on Kyiv and they were able to repel all missiles and drones on their approach to the capital city using air defence systems. Around this time, the entire country was under air raid alert for nearly three hours. The head of the military administration took to Telegram, on Sunday and wrote, "According to preliminary information, not a single air target reached the capital." He added, "Air defence destroyed everything that was heading towards the city already at their distant approaches." According to a report by Reuters, witnesses heard several blasts in the Kyiv region but not in the city. Additionally, the blasts were also said to be likely from the air defence systems hitting targets. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Russian official says 5 drones shot down in Crimea; two-year-old killed after blast in Ukraine’s Dnipro

<p>The head of the Wagner mercenary group, on Saturday (June 3), said that his fighters would be ready to defend the Russian border region of Belgorod which has recently witnessed a number of attacks. This comes as the group’s founder and chief Yevgeny Prigozhin has criticised the Russian military brass for not being able to defend Belgorod.</p>

<h2><strong>What did Prigozhin say about Belgorod?</strong></h2>

<p>The Wagner chief said that he would not wait for an “invitation” to deploy his fighters in the Russian border region. “If the defence ministry, in the near future, does not stop what is happening in the Belgorod region…then of course we will come to defend Russian land,” said&nbsp;Prigozhin.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added, “The civilian population is dying in Belgorod.”&nbsp;So far, thousands have been evacuated from southwestern Belgorod days after an incursion from Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Prigozhin, who founded the Wagner mercenary group and&nbsp;whose fighters&nbsp;have spearheaded battles in Ukraine, particularly in Bakhmut has&nbsp;gained widespread notoriety since the war in Ukraine began over a year ago.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What is happening in Belgorod?</strong></h2>

<p>On Saturday,&nbsp;Belgorod governor Vyacheslav Gladkov claimed that an unprecedented Ukrainian shelling killed two people in the border region. “Since this morning, the district of Shebekino has been under shelling of the Ukrainian armed forces,” said the Russian official.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Among those killed were two women, one “elderly woman” was killed in the village of Novaya Tavolzhanka while the other succumbed to her wounds in the village of Bezlyudovka. Last week, Russia claimed that it repelled an attempted incursion along its border with Ukraine from what it calls pro-Ukrainian militants.</p>

<p>According to Gladkov, the region has been hit by 500 attacks on Friday which included artillery and rocket fire and five people lost their lives during these attacks.</p>

<p>The reported incursion with a suspected drone attack and heavy shelling also prompted a partial evacuation of civilians from the area. The Russian defence ministry said that it repelled three cross-border attacks on Thursday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It was said to be a joint effort by the Russian army units, border guards and units of the Federal Security Service which repelled the attack which involved five tanks and four armoured vehicles and some 70 fighters who&nbsp;tried to enter the entire border near Novaya Tavolzhanka and Shebekino.</p>

<p>The defence ministry claimed over 50 Ukrainian fighters were killed and four armoured vehicles were destroyed.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em><strong>Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.</strong></em></p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
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The head of the Wagner mercenary group, on Saturday (June 3), said that his fighters would be ready to defend the Russian border region of Belgorod which has recently witnessed a number of attacks.

The head of the Wagner mercenary group, on Saturday (June 3), said that his fighters would be ready to defend the Russian border region of Belgorod which has recently witnessed a number of attacks. This comes as the group’s founder and chief Yevgeny Prigozhin has criticised the Russian military brass for not being able to defend Belgorod. What did Prigozhin say about Belgorod? The Wagner chief said that he would not wait for an “invitation” to deploy his fighters in the Russian border region. “If the defence ministry, in the near future, does not stop what is happening in the Belgorod region…then of course we will come to defend Russian land,” said Prigozhin. He added, “The civilian population is dying in Belgorod.” So far, thousands have been evacuated from southwestern Belgorod days after an incursion from Ukraine. Prigozhin, who founded the Wagner mercenary group and whose fighters have spearheaded battles in Ukraine, particularly in Bakhmut has gained widespread notoriety since the war in Ukraine began over a year ago. What is happening in Belgorod? On Saturday, Belgorod governor Vyacheslav Gladkov claimed that an unprecedented Ukrainian shelling killed two people in the border region. “Since this morning, the district of Shebekino has been under shelling of the Ukrainian armed forces,” said the Russian official. Among those killed were two women, one “elderly woman” was killed in the village of Novaya Tavolzhanka while the other succumbed to her wounds in the village of Bezlyudovka. Last week, Russia claimed that it repelled an attempted incursion along its border with Ukraine from what it calls pro-Ukrainian militants. According to Gladkov, the region has been hit by 500 attacks on Friday which included artillery and rocket fire and five people lost their lives during these attacks. The reported incursion with a suspected drone attack and heavy shelling also prompted a partial evacuation of civilians from the area. The Russian defence ministry said that it repelled three cross-border attacks on Thursday. It was said to be a joint effort by the Russian army units, border guards and units of the Federal Security Service which repelled the attack which involved five tanks and four armoured vehicles and some 70 fighters who tried to enter the entire border near Novaya Tavolzhanka and Shebekino. The defence ministry claimed over 50 Ukrainian fighters were killed and four armoured vehicles were destroyed. 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. (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.

Wagner mercenary group ready to defend Russian border region of Belgorod: Yevgeny Prigozhin

A U.S. Congress panel has mentioned that India should be made a part of NATO plus, a group allied with ‘Western’ military powers. India’s inclusion in NATO Plus is to counter China and enhance the deterrence for Taiwan. The question is, does joining NATO benefit India or does it actually benefit the West?

India, a NATO state? | Whose gain whose loss?

Why is the United States keen on making India part of the NATO plus grouping?

Should India join NATO plus?

Russia's military has likely ordered Chechen Republic Head Ramzan Kadyrov’s forces to begin offensive operations in Ukraine following the withdrawal of Wagner Group forces from Bakhmut, according to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).

Ukraine war: Russia orders Chechen soldiers to begin offensive

President Volodymyr Zelensky ordered Strategic Industries Minister Oleksandr Kamyshin and Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko to conduct a full audit of all bomb shelters in Ukraine. He also ordered a "comprehensive review" of Ukraine's air defense systems.

Russia-Ukraine war: Zelensky orders audit of bomb shelters, review of air defense systems

<p>In an informal meeting of NATO foreign ministers hosted in the Norwegian capital Oslo on Wednesday &amp; Thursday (May 31-June 1), the focus was firmly set on allied unity and a resolute commitment to defending Ukraine's sovereignty. Norwegian Foreign Minister Anniken Huitfeldt, in her role as the host, emphasised the urgent need for a unified front against Moscow amid the ongoing Ukraine conflict.</p>

<p>"The main message is allied unity," Minister Huitfeldt speaking to WION affirmed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We stand together in order to defend Ukraine. Ukraine has tried to defend its own borders and regain the territories that Russia has invaded," she said.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | NATO’s Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on WION | Exclusive</strong></p>

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<p>The meeting, attended by foreign ministers from NATO member-states, underscored the gravity of the situation and the unwavering support for Ukraine's right to protect its territory. The discussions revolved around reinforcing military assistance and providing crucial humanitarian aid to alleviate the dire conditions faced by the Ukrainian people.</p>

<p>"We have to step up assistance, both military and humanitarian, to ensure Ukraine can defend its rights and protect its own territory," Minister Huitfeldt emphasised, highlighting the multifaceted approach necessary to address the crisis.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The conflict that started last year, continues to impact Europe and the global south through increased food, fuel, and commodity prices.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/exclusive-potential-for-india-and-nato-to-work-more-closely-says-stoltenberg-expresses-concern-over-china-599292">EXCLUSIVE: Potential for India and NATO to work more closely, says Stoltenberg; Expresses concern over China</a></strong></p>

<p>While the focus remained on Ukraine, the prospect of Sweden joining NATO was also a significant point of discussion. Minister Huitfeldt expressed her anticipation about Sweden becoming a full-fledged member of the alliance at the earliest opportunity.</p>

<p>"I expect Sweden to be a full-fledged member of NATO as soon as possible," Minister Huitfeldt stated. "They are fulfilling criteria and will bring more collective defense to the alliance as a whole.".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Turkey, along with Hungary, has been opposing inclusion of Sweden into the alliance. The NATO secretary general plans to travel to the Turkish capital Ankara, hoping that country's&nbsp;leadership takes a fresh look at the issue.</p>

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In an informal meeting of NATO foreign ministers hosted in the Norwegian capital Oslo on Wednesday & Thursday (May 31-June 1), the focus was firmly set on allied unity and a resolute commitment to defending Ukraine's sovereignty.

In an informal meeting of NATO foreign ministers hosted in the Norwegian capital Oslo on Wednesday & Thursday (May 31-June 1), the focus was firmly set on allied unity and a resolute commitment to defending Ukraine's sovereignty. Norwegian Foreign Minister Anniken Huitfeldt, in her role as the host, emphasised the urgent need for a unified front against Moscow amid the ongoing Ukraine conflict. "The main message is allied unity," Minister Huitfeldt speaking to WION affirmed. "We stand together in order to defend Ukraine. Ukraine has tried to defend its own borders and regain the territories that Russia has invaded," she said. Watch | NATO’s Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on WION | Exclusive × The meeting, attended by foreign ministers from NATO member-states, underscored the gravity of the situation and the unwavering support for Ukraine's right to protect its territory. The discussions revolved around reinforcing military assistance and providing crucial humanitarian aid to alleviate the dire conditions faced by the Ukrainian people. "We have to step up assistance, both military and humanitarian, to ensure Ukraine can defend its rights and protect its own territory," Minister Huitfeldt emphasised, highlighting the multifaceted approach necessary to address the crisis. The conflict that started last year, continues to impact Europe and the global south through increased food, fuel, and commodity prices. Read | EXCLUSIVE: Potential for India and NATO to work more closely, says Stoltenberg; Expresses concern over China While the focus remained on Ukraine, the prospect of Sweden joining NATO was also a significant point of discussion. Minister Huitfeldt expressed her anticipation about Sweden becoming a full-fledged member of the alliance at the earliest opportunity. "I expect Sweden to be a full-fledged member of NATO as soon as possible," Minister Huitfeldt stated. "They are fulfilling criteria and will bring more collective defense to the alliance as a whole.". Turkey, along with Hungary, has been opposing inclusion of Sweden into the alliance. The NATO secretary general plans to travel to the Turkish capital Ankara, hoping that country's leadership takes a fresh look at the issue. 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 ×

Norway's Foreign Minister Huitfeldt underscores NATO's strong support for Ukraine

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all the latest news and top headlines from all across the globe - Air raid alerts lifted across Ukraine, Zelensky expresses frustration over civilian deaths, BRICS Foreign Ministers meeting in South Africa, US-Taiwan trade deal, Debt ceiling bill cleared.

Air raid alerts lifted across Ukraine | US debt ceiling bill cleared | WION Speed News

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all the latest news and top headlines from all across the globe: Ukraine accuses Russia of halting Black sea grain deal. US-Taiwan finalise trade deal, US senate approves debt ceiling bill.

Ukraine accuses Russia of halting Black sea grain deal | US-Taiwan trade deal

The intensifying head-to-head clash between Russia & Ukraine has set alarm bells ringing. e war shows no prospects of ending any day soon. Nations around the world are reaching out to Ukraine to provide weaponry aid. The US is seeking to secure supplies of TNT in Japan for 155mm artillery shells. Washington is rushing weapons & ammunition to Ukraine for a fresh counteroffensive.

Why is the US seeking explosives in Japan for Ukraine artillery shells?

North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) foreign ministers met in Norway's capital city Oslo on Thursday (June 1) to discuss support for Ukraine and Sweden's NATO membership bid. According to a report by the news agency Reuters, the ministers are expected to discuss the ongoing situation in Ukraine, which has been combating the Russian invasion since February last year.

NATO Foreign Ministers meet concludes, talks included Ukraine & Sweden membership

Ukrainian forces in Kyiv said on Friday they shot down 36 Russian missiles and drones in and around the capital overnight, with two people injured by falling debris before authorities lifted air raid alerts across most of the country.

Ukraine says it downed 36 Russian missiles and drone

<p>A dashboard camera of a moving car captured the moment when a motorist came inches close to death as a Russian missile crashed into the busy road in Ukraine's capital city Kyiv.<br />
<br />
In the video, a part of the missile can be seen falling onto the road right in front of a moving car which continued to drive after the strike.<br />
<br />
The incident took place on Monday (May 29) and the missile came crashing during a rare daytime attack on the capital city. However, no injuries were reported. In the recorded video, the missile crashed in the middle of the road as it narrowly missed two white cars.<br />
<br />
The missile first broke the overhead wire displaying street signs and traffic lights before it crashed into the road and exploded. As it crashed, fragments of the missile and the electronic device blasted towards the camera.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A dashcam video has captured the moment a missile narrowly missed a car in Kyiv, Ukraine on Monday.<br />
One person in Kyiv’s Podil district was taken to hospital, local authorities said.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kyiv?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kyiv</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Missile?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Missile</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Dashcam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Dashcam</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ukraine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ukraine</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Russia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Russia</a> <a href="https://t.co/BSKOhyQewt">pic.twitter.com/BSKOhyQewt</a></p>
— CGTN Europe (@CGTNEurope) <a href="https://twitter.com/CGTNEurope/status/1663959171551879169?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 31, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>A small part of the road is seen on fire as black smoke billows into the sky and vehicles continue to drive as if nothing just happened. As per BBC News, the way the missile fell suggests&nbsp;that the air defences had intercepted it earlier before it reached its target. Later, the police collected the fragments for further investigation.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-children-killed-in-russias-fresh-air-strike-in-kyiv-598975">Two children among three killed in Russia's fresh air strike on Kyiv</a></p>

<p>The location of the missile crash was confirmed by Reuters on the basis of the buildings and roads which were visible in the video and matched the area's satellite and file imagery.<br />
<br />
The aftermath of the incident was filmed by Reuters, further verifying the incident's date and location.</p>

<h2><strong>People not intimidated by Russia's strikes</strong></h2>

<p>The head of Ukraine's military intelligence warned that they will quickly respond to a series of missile strikes carried out by Moscow on Kyiv.<br />
<br />
General Kyrylo Budanov stated that the attacks that took place on Monday failed to intimidate the residents of the city, who continued with daily life.<br />
<br />
However, the intercepted missiles' burning debris fell in residential areas of central Kyiv.<br />
<br />
General Budanov said that he wants to 'upset' Russia's supporters by informing them that people in the city remain unfazed by the missile attack and continue to work after it.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: Ukraine targeting Russian heartland | How will the US react?</strong></p>

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<p><br />
“All those who tried to intimidate us, dreaming that it would have some effect, you will regret it very soon,” he added, in his statement which was published by the intelligence ministry of Ukraine.<br />
<br />
“Our answer will not be long,” he added.<br />
<br />
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky had earlier praised the air defence forces of the nation after the largest drone attack was sustained by the capital.<br />
<br />
“You are heroes,” Zelensky stated after military commanders stated that they intercept most of the drones launched by Russia.</p>

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A dashboard camera of a moving car captured the moment when a motorist came inches close to death as a Russian missile crashed into the busy road in Ukraine's capital city Kyiv.

A dashboard camera of a moving car captured the moment when a motorist came inches close to death as a Russian missile crashed into the busy road in Ukraine's capital city Kyiv. In the video, a part of the missile can be seen falling onto the road right in front of a moving car which continued to drive after the strike. The incident took place on Monday (May 29) and the missile came crashing during a rare daytime attack on the capital city. However, no injuries were reported. In the recorded video, the missile crashed in the middle of the road as it narrowly missed two white cars. The missile first broke the overhead wire displaying street signs and traffic lights before it crashed into the road and exploded. As it crashed, fragments of the missile and the electronic device blasted towards the camera. A dashcam video has captured the moment a missile narrowly missed a car in Kyiv, Ukraine on Monday. One person in Kyiv’s Podil district was taken to hospital, local authorities said.#Kyiv #Missile #Dashcam #Ukraine #Russia pic.twitter.com/BSKOhyQewt — CGTN Europe (@CGTNEurope) May 31, 2023 × A small part of the road is seen on fire as black smoke billows into the sky and vehicles continue to drive as if nothing just happened. As per BBC News, the way the missile fell suggests that the air defences had intercepted it earlier before it reached its target. Later, the police collected the fragments for further investigation. ALSO READ | Two children among three killed in Russia's fresh air strike on Kyiv The location of the missile crash was confirmed by Reuters on the basis of the buildings and roads which were visible in the video and matched the area's satellite and file imagery. The aftermath of the incident was filmed by Reuters, further verifying the incident's date and location. People not intimidated by Russia's strikes The head of Ukraine's military intelligence warned that they will quickly respond to a series of missile strikes carried out by Moscow on Kyiv. General Kyrylo Budanov stated that the attacks that took place on Monday failed to intimidate the residents of the city, who continued with daily life. However, the intercepted missiles' burning debris fell in residential areas of central Kyiv. General Budanov said that he wants to 'upset' Russia's supporters by informing them that people in the city remain unfazed by the missile attack and continue to work after it. WATCH | Gravitas: Ukraine targeting Russian heartland | How will the US react? “All those who tried to intimidate us, dreaming that it would have some effect, you will regret it very soon,” he added, in his statement which was published by the intelligence ministry of Ukraine. “Our answer will not be long,” he added. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky had earlier praised the air defence forces of the nation after the largest drone attack was sustained by the capital. “You are heroes,” Zelensky stated after military commanders stated that they intercept most of the drones launched by Russia. 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 | Dashcam captures moment when missile crashes into traffic on busy road in Kyiv

<p>An air attack was launched by Russia on Ukraine early on Thursday in which three people,&nbsp;including&nbsp;two children, were killed. The latest attack brought fresh terror to the capital city, after a week of strikes.<br />
<br />
A series of aerial assaults were launched by the Russian forces on the Ukrainian capital, which included a daytime attack on Monday which forced residents to seek shelter.<br />
<br />
The attack on Thursday started around 3:00 am local time (0000 GMT), in which two children were killed and 10 others were injured, stated officials.<br />
<br />
"Among the three dead in the Desnyansky district, there were two children (aged 5-6 and 12-13)," wrote the Kyiv City Military Administration on Telegram.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/diplomatic-declaration-of-war-russia-asked-to-vacate-its-four-consulates-in-germany-598828">‘Diplomatic declaration of war’: Russia asked to vacate its four consulates in Germany</a></p>

<p>On Wednesday, Russia stated that it has started the evacuation of hundreds of children from villages as shelling has intensified in Belgorod, as Kremlin called the situation "alarming".<br />
<br />
Authorities have started the evacuation of children from the border districts of Graivoron and Shebekino, said regional governor Vyacheslav Gladkov on Telegram.<br />
<br />
"The question of children's safety in the two districts...is very important. All of us, adults, are very worried,” Gladkov added.<br />
<br />
On Wednesday, tensions further escalated between Russia and the West as Germany announced that it would drastically cut down the diplomatic presence of Moscow on its soil in reply to a similar step taken by the Kremlin.<br />
<br />
Moscow called the decision taken by Germany "ill-thought-out" and promised a response.</p>

<h2><strong>'Alarming situation'</strong></h2>

<p>Governor Gladkov said that the authorities will take the first 300 evacuated children to Voronezh, a city which is around 250 kilometres into Russia. “And over 1,000 more children will be removed to other provinces over the coming days,” he added.<br />
<br />
State-run agency RIA Novosti's correspondent near Voronezh said that buses, with 150 people on board, had arrived.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Fighting in Luhansk: Russia claims 5 killed in Ukraine shelling</strong></p>

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<p>Gladkov stated that the situation has worsened in the village of Shebekino, where shelling during the day had increased and injured four people. However, no deaths have been reported so far.<br />
<br />
On Tuesday, one citizen died and two others were injured in a strike that took place at a centre for displaced people in the region. In the recent week, various oil depots have also been hit.<br />
<br />
The attacks came as Kyiv stated that it is preparing to launch a major counteroffensive against Moscow's forces. "The situation is quite alarming," said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov about shelling in the region.<br />
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"We have not heard a single word of condemnation from the West so far," Peskov added.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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An air attack was launched by Russia on Ukraine early on Thursday in which three people, including two children, were killed. The latest attack brought fresh terror to the capital city, after a week of strikes.

An air attack was launched by Russia on Ukraine early on Thursday in which three people, including two children, were killed. The latest attack brought fresh terror to the capital city, after a week of strikes. A series of aerial assaults were launched by the Russian forces on the Ukrainian capital, which included a daytime attack on Monday which forced residents to seek shelter. The attack on Thursday started around 3:00 am local time (0000 GMT), in which two children were killed and 10 others were injured, stated officials. "Among the three dead in the Desnyansky district, there were two children (aged 5-6 and 12-13)," wrote the Kyiv City Military Administration on Telegram. ALSO READ | ‘Diplomatic declaration of war’: Russia asked to vacate its four consulates in Germany On Wednesday, Russia stated that it has started the evacuation of hundreds of children from villages as shelling has intensified in Belgorod, as Kremlin called the situation "alarming". Authorities have started the evacuation of children from the border districts of Graivoron and Shebekino, said regional governor Vyacheslav Gladkov on Telegram. "The question of children's safety in the two districts...is very important. All of us, adults, are very worried,” Gladkov added. On Wednesday, tensions further escalated between Russia and the West as Germany announced that it would drastically cut down the diplomatic presence of Moscow on its soil in reply to a similar step taken by the Kremlin. Moscow called the decision taken by Germany "ill-thought-out" and promised a response. 'Alarming situation' Governor Gladkov said that the authorities will take the first 300 evacuated children to Voronezh, a city which is around 250 kilometres into Russia. “And over 1,000 more children will be removed to other provinces over the coming days,” he added. State-run agency RIA Novosti's correspondent near Voronezh said that buses, with 150 people on board, had arrived. WATCH | Fighting in Luhansk: Russia claims 5 killed in Ukraine shelling Gladkov stated that the situation has worsened in the village of Shebekino, where shelling during the day had increased and injured four people. However, no deaths have been reported so far. On Tuesday, one citizen died and two others were injured in a strike that took place at a centre for displaced people in the region. In the recent week, various oil depots have also been hit. The attacks came as Kyiv stated that it is preparing to launch a major counteroffensive against Moscow's forces. "The situation is quite alarming," said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov about shelling in the region. "We have not heard a single word of condemnation from the West so far," Peskov 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

Two children among three killed in Russia's fresh air strike on Ukrainian capital Kyiv

<p>Elon Musk's SpaceX satellite communications service Starlink has secured a contract with the Department of Defense to provide satellite services to Ukraine, according to an announcement made by the Pentagon on Thursday.&nbsp;In October, Musk, SpaceX CEO, expressed concerns about the ongoing funding for Starlink in Ukraine, citing the substantial monthly cost of $20 million to maintain the service. This contract provides a financial boost and support for the future of Starlink in Ukraine.</p>

<p>The Pentagon stated that they are actively collaborating with various global partners to ensure that Ukraine has resilient satellite and communication capabilities.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Satellite communications constitute a vital layer in Ukraine's overall communications network and the department contracts with Starlink for services of this type," the Pentagon said in a statement.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/highly-decorated-australian-soldier-loses-case-against-media-giants-amidst-grave-war-crimes-allegations-599163">Highly-decorated Australian soldier loses case against media giants amidst grave war crimes allegations</a></p>

<p>The terms of the contract were not disclosed by the Pentagon, citing operational security as the reason&nbsp;and the critical nature of these systems.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Starlink in Ukraine battleground</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Starlink has already been utilised by Ukrainian troops for various purposes, including battlefield communications. Since the start of the war in 2022, SpaceX has been providing Starlink internet service to Ukraine and its military through private donations and a separate contract with a US foreign aid agency.&nbsp;Starlink operates a rapidly expanding network of over 4,000 satellites in low Earth orbit.</p>

<h2><strong>Russia's attempts to block services in Ukraine</strong></h2>

<p>Russia has made attempts to disrupt and block internet services in Ukraine, including targeting Starlink in the region. However, SpaceX has implemented measures to safeguard the service's software and counteract these attacks.</p>

<h2><strong>Starlink not intended to be used as a weapon:&nbsp;Company's president</strong></h2>

<p>SpaceX has implemented measures to prevent the Ukrainian military from utilizing its Starlink satellite internet service for drone control in the region, as stated by Gwynne Shotwell, SpaceX's president. Speaking at a conference in Washington in February, Shotwell emphasised that Starlink was never intended for weaponisation purposes.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tragedy-in-indias-haryana-minor-girl-strangulates-younger-brother-as-she-felt-parents-loved-him-more-599137">Tragedy in India's Haryana: Minor girl strangulates younger brother as she felt parents loved him more</a></p>

<p>While Starlink has supported Ukraine's military by providing broadband communications for defence against Russian forces, Shotwell clarified that the unintended and unauthorized use of the service by the Ukrainian military for drone operations was not part of any agreement.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Singer Sia reveals Autism diagnosis, reflects on personal journey | Details</strong></p>

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<p>Reports had emerged suggesting that the Ukrainian military had utilized Starlink for drone control, enabling effective reconnaissance, target acquisition, and airstrikes. In response to these developments, Shotwell acknowledged that SpaceX has taken action to limit the Ukrainian military's ability to employ Starlink for such purposes.</p>

<p>However, specific details regarding the measures undertaken by SpaceX were not disclosed by Shotwell during a conversation with reporters.</p>

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Elon Musk's SpaceX satellite communications service Starlink has secured a contract with the Department of Defense to provide satellite services to Ukraine, according to an announcement made by the Pentagon on Thursday.

Elon Musk's SpaceX satellite communications service Starlink has secured a contract with the Department of Defense to provide satellite services to Ukraine, according to an announcement made by the Pentagon on Thursday. In October, Musk, SpaceX CEO, expressed concerns about the ongoing funding for Starlink in Ukraine, citing the substantial monthly cost of $20 million to maintain the service. This contract provides a financial boost and support for the future of Starlink in Ukraine. The Pentagon stated that they are actively collaborating with various global partners to ensure that Ukraine has resilient satellite and communication capabilities. "Satellite communications constitute a vital layer in Ukraine's overall communications network and the department contracts with Starlink for services of this type," the Pentagon said in a statement. Also Read | Highly-decorated Australian soldier loses case against media giants amidst grave war crimes allegations The terms of the contract were not disclosed by the Pentagon, citing operational security as the reason and the critical nature of these systems. Starlink in Ukraine battleground Starlink has already been utilised by Ukrainian troops for various purposes, including battlefield communications. Since the start of the war in 2022, SpaceX has been providing Starlink internet service to Ukraine and its military through private donations and a separate contract with a US foreign aid agency. Starlink operates a rapidly expanding network of over 4,000 satellites in low Earth orbit. Russia's attempts to block services in Ukraine Russia has made attempts to disrupt and block internet services in Ukraine, including targeting Starlink in the region. However, SpaceX has implemented measures to safeguard the service's software and counteract these attacks. Starlink not intended to be used as a weapon: Company's president SpaceX has implemented measures to prevent the Ukrainian military from utilizing its Starlink satellite internet service for drone control in the region, as stated by Gwynne Shotwell, SpaceX's president. Speaking at a conference in Washington in February, Shotwell emphasised that Starlink was never intended for weaponisation purposes. Also Read | Tragedy in India's Haryana: Minor girl strangulates younger brother as she felt parents loved him more While Starlink has supported Ukraine's military by providing broadband communications for defence against Russian forces, Shotwell clarified that the unintended and unauthorized use of the service by the Ukrainian military for drone operations was not part of any agreement. Watch | Singer Sia reveals Autism diagnosis, reflects on personal journey | Details × Reports had emerged suggesting that the Ukrainian military had utilized Starlink for drone control, enabling effective reconnaissance, target acquisition, and airstrikes. In response to these developments, Shotwell acknowledged that SpaceX has taken action to limit the Ukrainian military's ability to employ Starlink for such purposes. However, specific details regarding the measures undertaken by SpaceX were not disclosed by Shotwell during a conversation with reporters. 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. ×

SpaceX's Starlink secures Pentagon contract to provide satellite services to Ukraine

Gathering more than 40 European leaders in Moldova on Thursday will be a symbolic thumb in Vladimir Putin's eye - a sign of collective commitment to join hands against Moscow.

European leaders head to Moldova while they bid to show Putin a united front

The second day of the NATO informal meeting of Foreign Ministers will get underway in Oslo in a few hours. Later today, NATO secretary general Jens Stoltenberg will give a joint statement with US Secretary of state Antony Blinken. President Joe Biden has approved a new package of military aid for Ukraine that totals up to 300 million dollars. It includes additional munitions for drones and an array of other weapons.

NATO Foreign Ministers meet day 2 | Ukraine to get $300 million in military aid from US | WION

<p>The second European Political Community summit began in Moldova, the neighbouring country of&nbsp;war-torn Ukraine, on Thursday (June 1) which saw the participation of 47 leaders from the 27-nation bloc, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky who said that Kyiv wanted to receive a “clear” decision on its future in NATO during the military alliance’s leaders' meet which will take place in July in Vilnius.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Ukraine about its NATO bid</strong></h2>

<p>Addressing the summit of European leaders in Moldova, the Ukrainian president said that he wanted to receive a “clear” decision about the war-torn country’s bid to join the military alliance during the upcoming meeting which will be held in Lithuania.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“This year is for decisions. In summer in Vilnius at the NATO summit, a clear invitation to the members of Ukraine is needed and the security guarantees on the way to NATO membership are needed,” said Zelensky. He added, “On our accession to the EU a clear, positive decision is needed.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Ukrainian president also spoke about Kyiv’s preparation for the Peace Summit to “guide the world to jointly implement” the 10-point peace plan proposed by Zelensky, which entails the full withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Why is the summit being held in Moldova?</strong></h2>

<p>The summit of over 40 leaders from the EU’s 27 nations was held at Mimi Castle in southern Moldovan wine country which is some 20 kilometres away from Ukraine and also near to the Russian-backed, breakaway Transdniestria region of Moldova.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The decision to host the summit in Moldova is being seen as a symbolic show of support for Kyiv and Chisinau.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The summit is also&nbsp;taking place with&nbsp;NATO Airborne Warning and Control Systems (AWACS) surveillance planes flying over the former Soviet republic of 2.5 million people. Notably, Moldova, whose President Maia Sandu, a pro-Western leader has sought EU membership, shut its airspace except for official delegation planes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, Moldova has witnessed missile debris multiple times since the beginning of the Russian invasion. “The presence of these leaders in our country is a clear message that Moldova is not alone and neither is our neighbour Ukraine, which for a year and three months has been standing against the barbaric invasion of Russia,” said the Moldovan president.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In addition to the ongoing war in Ukraine, the EU leaders are also expected to discuss issues like ethnic tensions in Kosovo as well as peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>France and Germany are also expected to host a round table involving the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan in an effort to broker a peace deal between the two countries, during the summit in Moldova.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Moldova and Ukraine</strong></h2>

<p>While in Moldova, the Ukrainian president urged the international community to put concrete “security guarantees” in place for Kyiv and its neighbouring Moldova amid threats from&nbsp;Russia. Zelensky also indicated that he would talk to “partner countries” about a possible “air jets coalition” and providing Patriot missiles, which are used by the United States and its allies.</p>

<p>The Ukrainian president said that “security guarantees are very important” for both Kyiv and Chisinau citing “Russia, their aggressions in Ukraine and potential aggression in other parts of Europe.” Notably, Moldova, like Ukraine, applied to join the EU last year shortly after the Russian invasion.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We support Moldova and its people who are integrating into the EU. You supported our people, our refugees who fled in the first days of the war, and we will never forget it,” said Zelensky standing beside Sandu while addressing the press.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Prior to the summit, Zelensky also said that he met with his Moldovan counterpart&nbsp;during which they discussed “strengthening cooperation between our countries and counter the challenges posed by Russia together.”&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
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The second European Political Community summit began in Moldova, the neighbouring country of war-torn Ukraine, on Thursday (June 1) which saw the participation of 47 leaders from the 27-nation bloc, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky who said that Kyiv wanted to receive a “clear” decision on its future in NATO during the military alliance’s leaders' meet which will take place in July in Vilnius.

The second European Political Community summit began in Moldova, the neighbouring country of war-torn Ukraine, on Thursday (June 1) which saw the participation of 47 leaders from the 27-nation bloc, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky who said that Kyiv wanted to receive a “clear” decision on its future in NATO during the military alliance’s leaders' meet which will take place in July in Vilnius. Ukraine about its NATO bid Addressing the summit of European leaders in Moldova, the Ukrainian president said that he wanted to receive a “clear” decision about the war-torn country’s bid to join the military alliance during the upcoming meeting which will be held in Lithuania. “This year is for decisions. In summer in Vilnius at the NATO summit, a clear invitation to the members of Ukraine is needed and the security guarantees on the way to NATO membership are needed,” said Zelensky. He added, “On our accession to the EU a clear, positive decision is needed.” The Ukrainian president also spoke about Kyiv’s preparation for the Peace Summit to “guide the world to jointly implement” the 10-point peace plan proposed by Zelensky, which entails the full withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine. Why is the summit being held in Moldova? The summit of over 40 leaders from the EU’s 27 nations was held at Mimi Castle in southern Moldovan wine country which is some 20 kilometres away from Ukraine and also near to the Russian-backed, breakaway Transdniestria region of Moldova. The decision to host the summit in Moldova is being seen as a symbolic show of support for Kyiv and Chisinau. The summit is also taking place with NATO Airborne Warning and Control Systems (AWACS) surveillance planes flying over the former Soviet republic of 2.5 million people. Notably, Moldova, whose President Maia Sandu, a pro-Western leader has sought EU membership, shut its airspace except for official delegation planes. Notably, Moldova has witnessed missile debris multiple times since the beginning of the Russian invasion. “The presence of these leaders in our country is a clear message that Moldova is not alone and neither is our neighbour Ukraine, which for a year and three months has been standing against the barbaric invasion of Russia,” said the Moldovan president. In addition to the ongoing war in Ukraine, the EU leaders are also expected to discuss issues like ethnic tensions in Kosovo as well as peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan. France and Germany are also expected to host a round table involving the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan in an effort to broker a peace deal between the two countries, during the summit in Moldova. Moldova and Ukraine While in Moldova, the Ukrainian president urged the international community to put concrete “security guarantees” in place for Kyiv and its neighbouring Moldova amid threats from Russia. Zelensky also indicated that he would talk to “partner countries” about a possible “air jets coalition” and providing Patriot missiles, which are used by the United States and its allies. The Ukrainian president said that “security guarantees are very important” for both Kyiv and Chisinau citing “Russia, their aggressions in Ukraine and potential aggression in other parts of Europe.” Notably, Moldova, like Ukraine, applied to join the EU last year shortly after the Russian invasion. “We support Moldova and its people who are integrating into the EU. You supported our people, our refugees who fled in the first days of the war, and we will never forget it,” said Zelensky standing beside Sandu while addressing the press. Prior to the summit, Zelensky also said that he met with his Moldovan counterpart during which they discussed “strengthening cooperation between our countries and counter the challenges posed by Russia together.” (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.

Zelensky joins European leaders summit in Moldova, asks for ‘clear’ decision on NATO membership

<p>The United States on Wednesday (May 31) announced a fresh USD 300 million arms package for Ukraine. The package includes air defence systems and tens of thousands of ammunition rounds. However, the US has warned Ukraine that the weaponry should not be used to carry out attacks within Russia.</p>

<p>“We have been very clear with the Ukrainians privately — we’ve certainly been clear publicly — that we do not support attacks inside Russia. We do not enable and we do not encourage attacks inside Russia,” National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters.</p>

<p>The US Defense Department said that the latest package brings the value to US security assistance to Ukraine to USD 37.6 billion so far.</p>

<p>"The United States will continue to work with its allies and partners to provide Ukraine with capabilities to meet its immediate battlefield needs and longer-term security assistance requirements," the Pentagon said in a statement.</p>

<p>Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. Since then, the US has led an unprecedented effort by NATO and other allies to provide Ukraine with military, security&nbsp;as well as&nbsp;humanitarian&nbsp;aid.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Russian President Vladimir Putin slams Ukraine as attack drones hit Moscow high-rises</strong></p>

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<p>The latest package has come just when Ukraine is preparing for a counter-offensive. The manoeuvre is aimed at pushing Russian forces back from occupied territory in the east and south of the country.</p>

<p>The assistance also comes after a spate of attacks made in shadowy circumstances on targets inside Russia itself, including an unprecedented barrage of drone attacks on Moscow.</p>

<h2><strong>Ground rules laid out</strong></h2>

<p>Kirby said that the US has laid out some ground rules.</p>

<p>“We don't tell them where to strike. We don't tell them where not to strike,” he said. “Ultimately, President (Volodymyr) Zelensky and his military commanders decide what they're going to do.”</p>

<p>However, "we certainly don’t want to see attacks inside Russia that are being propagated, that are being conducted, using US-supplied equipment."</p>

<p>He said that in spite of growing worries over this, the White House is confident that Ukraine will not use the US-built F-16 fighter jets to carry out attacks beyond Ukraine borders. European countries are set to provide Ukraine with F-16 fighter jets.</p>

<p>"We have gotten that assurance at various levels," Kirby said.</p>

<p>Kirby said that while Washington is full-heartedly backing the Ukrainian effort to defeat the Russian invasion, it wants to avoid situations that "suck in the West and NATO and the United States" and to "avoid World War III."</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | &nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-says-it-has-destroyed-ukraines-last-remaining-warship-598736">Russia claims it has destroyed Ukraine's last remaining warship</a></strong></p>

<p>The Pentagon said the $300 million package includes munitions for Patriot air defense systems, AIM-7 air defense missiles, Avenger air defense systems and Stinger anti-aircraft missiles.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The United States on Wednesday (May 31) announced a fresh USD 300 million arms package for Ukraine. The package includes air defence systems and tens of thousands of ammunition rounds.

The United States on Wednesday (May 31) announced a fresh USD 300 million arms package for Ukraine. The package includes air defence systems and tens of thousands of ammunition rounds. However, the US has warned Ukraine that the weaponry should not be used to carry out attacks within Russia. “We have been very clear with the Ukrainians privately — we’ve certainly been clear publicly — that we do not support attacks inside Russia. We do not enable and we do not encourage attacks inside Russia,” National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters. The US Defense Department said that the latest package brings the value to US security assistance to Ukraine to USD 37.6 billion so far. "The United States will continue to work with its allies and partners to provide Ukraine with capabilities to meet its immediate battlefield needs and longer-term security assistance requirements," the Pentagon said in a statement. Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. Since then, the US has led an unprecedented effort by NATO and other allies to provide Ukraine with military, security as well as humanitarian aid. Watch | Russian President Vladimir Putin slams Ukraine as attack drones hit Moscow high-rises × The latest package has come just when Ukraine is preparing for a counter-offensive. The manoeuvre is aimed at pushing Russian forces back from occupied territory in the east and south of the country. The assistance also comes after a spate of attacks made in shadowy circumstances on targets inside Russia itself, including an unprecedented barrage of drone attacks on Moscow. Ground rules laid out Kirby said that the US has laid out some ground rules. “We don't tell them where to strike. We don't tell them where not to strike,” he said. “Ultimately, President (Volodymyr) Zelensky and his military commanders decide what they're going to do.” However, "we certainly don’t want to see attacks inside Russia that are being propagated, that are being conducted, using US-supplied equipment." He said that in spite of growing worries over this, the White House is confident that Ukraine will not use the US-built F-16 fighter jets to carry out attacks beyond Ukraine borders. European countries are set to provide Ukraine with F-16 fighter jets. "We have gotten that assurance at various levels," Kirby said. Kirby said that while Washington is full-heartedly backing the Ukrainian effort to defeat the Russian invasion, it wants to avoid situations that "suck in the West and NATO and the United States" and to "avoid World War III." Also Read | Russia claims it has destroyed Ukraine's last remaining warship The Pentagon said the $300 million package includes munitions for Patriot air defense systems, AIM-7 air defense missiles, Avenger air defense systems and Stinger anti-aircraft missiles. (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 ×

US announces new $300 million package for Ukraine, but opposes strikes inside Russia

In Pics | Russia accuses West of backing Ukraine's attack on Moscow

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