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<p>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.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During the meeting, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said he spoke earlier this week with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan after he won the re-election. The conversation comes as Stoltenberg announced he would soon travel to Turkey to discuss Sweden's request (to join NATO), to close a process that has been delayed due to objections from member countries Turkey and Hungary.</p>

<p>Turkey ratified Finland's NATO accession in March but said Sweden harbours members of militant groups it considers terrorists.</p>

<p>Stoltenberg also said that Russia cannot stop Ukraine from becoming a NATO member.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>'NATO needs to think about what security guarantees it can give Ukraine'</strong></h2>

<p>Ahead of the NATO foreign ministers meeting, French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna said the intergovernmental military alliance needed to think about what kind of security guarantees it can give Ukraine. "I have to recall a simple principle of international law, which is that all sovereign states have the right to freely choose their alliances," Colanna said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Apart from Colanna, Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said Ukraine should be given a "very clear path" towards becoming a NATO member. "We must give a very strong message that there won't be any grey zones any more in the neighbouring of Russia," Tsahkna said, Reuters reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock warned NATO cannot be joined by a country while it is in the midst of a war.</p>

<p>"And as a result of the Russian war of aggression, cooperation with Ukraine and NATO has further intensified and therefore what NATO has always made clear is the open door policy and at the same time it is also clear that in the middle of a war we cannot speak about a new membership," Baerbock said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>And Luxembourg's Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn warned NATO's mutual assistance clause meant the alliance would enter the war with Russia if it accepted Ukraine as a member while the fighting goes on.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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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.

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. During the meeting, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said he spoke earlier this week with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan after he won the re-election. The conversation comes as Stoltenberg announced he would soon travel to Turkey to discuss Sweden's request (to join NATO), to close a process that has been delayed due to objections from member countries Turkey and Hungary. Turkey ratified Finland's NATO accession in March but said Sweden harbours members of militant groups it considers terrorists. Stoltenberg also said that Russia cannot stop Ukraine from becoming a NATO member. 'NATO needs to think about what security guarantees it can give Ukraine' Ahead of the NATO foreign ministers meeting, French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna said the intergovernmental military alliance needed to think about what kind of security guarantees it can give Ukraine. "I have to recall a simple principle of international law, which is that all sovereign states have the right to freely choose their alliances," Colanna said. Apart from Colanna, Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said Ukraine should be given a "very clear path" towards becoming a NATO member. "We must give a very strong message that there won't be any grey zones any more in the neighbouring of Russia," Tsahkna said, Reuters reported. However, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock warned NATO cannot be joined by a country while it is in the midst of a war. "And as a result of the Russian war of aggression, cooperation with Ukraine and NATO has further intensified and therefore what NATO has always made clear is the open door policy and at the same time it is also clear that in the middle of a war we cannot speak about a new membership," Baerbock said. And Luxembourg's Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn warned NATO's mutual assistance clause meant the alliance would enter the war with Russia if it accepted Ukraine as a member while the fighting goes on. (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.

NATO foreign ministers meet in Oslo to discuss support for Ukraine, Sweden's membership bid

Ukrainian forces shelled a Russian town close to the border for the third time in a week, injuring four people, damaging buildings, and setting vehicles on fire, the governor of the region said on Wednesday.

Russia official says Ukraine shelling of border town injures four

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 in Oslo to discuss support for Ukraine, Sweden`s membership bid

The ongoing Ukraine war continues to escalate with the recent Russian aggression, with Western calls to provide Kyiv with advanced weapons and long-range missiles.

Macron calls on West to offer Ukraine `tangible and credible` security guarantees

Ukraine is intensifying attacks in Russian territories beyond the frontlines. It is more focused on the heartland than retaking Russian-occupied territories. The US and UK sent weapons to Ukraine only for defence and counteroffensives. How will the West react to this?

Gravitas: Ukraine targeting Russian heartland | How will the US react?

<p>The U.N. has proposed that Kyiv, Moscow and Ankara start preparatory work for the transit of Russian ammonia through Ukraine as it tries to salvage a deal allowing safe Black Sea grain exports, a source close to the talks said on Wednesday.</p>

<p>As the preparatory work starts, the U.N. wants parallel talks to be held on widening the Black Sea deal that was agreed last July to include more Ukrainian ports and other cargoes, said the source, who spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity.</p>

<p>Russia agreed this month to a two-month extension of the deal but has said the initiative will cease unless an agreement aimed at overcoming obstacles to Russian grain and fertiliser exports is fulfilled.</p>

<p>Ukraine and Turkey have agreed to the new proposal, intended to improve operations in the Black Sea grain export corridor, but Russia has not yet responded, the source said.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-announces-new-300-million-package-for-ukraine-but-opposes-strike-inside-russia-598956">US announces new $300 million package for Ukraine, but opposes strikes inside Russia</a></strong></p>

<p>U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric, asked about the Reuters report at a daily press briefing, said conversations were continuing.</p>

<p>"As you recall, the Secretary General had put forward some ideas to the parties to improve the facilitation of the work of the Joint Coordination Centre, to also work on the issue of ammonia export, which is part of the deal that was signed. Those conversations and contacts are continuing. But that's as much as I'll say right now," Dujarric said.</p>

<p>The U.N. and Turkey brokered the Black Sea Grain Initiative between Moscow and Kyiv last July to help tackle a global food crisis aggravated by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, a leading global grain exporter.</p>

<h2><strong>Appeal to&nbsp;improve grain corridor</strong></h2>

<p>The U.N. has handed "an official appeal to the leaders of Ukraine, Turkey and Russia with a proposal for a specific mutually beneficial algorithm to radically improve" the work of the grain corridor, the source told Reuters.</p>

<p>"Ukraine and Turkey have confirmed their readiness to work on the algorithm proposed by the Secretary General. At the same time, as of May 30, Russia has not given its consent, despite the presence of favourable positions in the algorithm."</p>

<p>Ukrainian officials have said that since mid-April, Russia has "unreasonably restricted" the work of the Black Sea grain deal.</p>

<p>Russia has denied this and urged all parties to unblock the transit of ammonia via the Ukrainian port of Pivdennyi, near the Black Sea port of Odesa, which was halted after Russia's invasion in February last year.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Battleground Bakhmut: Russia vs Ukraine | WION Wideangle</strong></p>

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<p>Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in his nightly video address, accused Russia of blocking all activity at Pivdennyi, with 1.5 million tonnes of agricultural products unable to move. Other countries, he said, should take note.</p>

<p>"All maritime countries can now see what can threaten their ports, their coastlines if Russia gets away with blocking navigation in the Black Sea," Zelenskiy said.</p>

<p>"In other words, the blockade of one port in Ukraine poses extremely serious risks for different nations, particularly those with relations that Russia tries to use for speculative purposes."</p>

<p>Ukrainian authorities have said workers would need about 30 days to prepare the pipeline to pump ammonia again.</p>

<p>Ukraine's deputy renovation minister said on Tuesday that Kyiv was seeking guarantees from Moscow and the U.N. that the grain deal will work normally if Ukraine allows Russia to export ammonia via the pipeline.</p>

<p>A senior government source told Reuters this month that Kyiv would consider allowing Russian ammonia to transit its territory for export on condition that the Black Sea grain deal is expanded to include more Ukrainian ports and a wider range of commodities.</p>

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The U.N. has proposed that Kyiv, Moscow and Ankara start preparatory work for the transit of Russian ammonia through Ukraine as it tries to salvage a deal allowing safe Black Sea grain exports, a source close to the talks said on Wednesday.

The U.N. has proposed that Kyiv, Moscow and Ankara start preparatory work for the transit of Russian ammonia through Ukraine as it tries to salvage a deal allowing safe Black Sea grain exports, a source close to the talks said on Wednesday. As the preparatory work starts, the U.N. wants parallel talks to be held on widening the Black Sea deal that was agreed last July to include more Ukrainian ports and other cargoes, said the source, who spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity. Russia agreed this month to a two-month extension of the deal but has said the initiative will cease unless an agreement aimed at overcoming obstacles to Russian grain and fertiliser exports is fulfilled. Ukraine and Turkey have agreed to the new proposal, intended to improve operations in the Black Sea grain export corridor, but Russia has not yet responded, the source said. ALSO READ | US announces new $300 million package for Ukraine, but opposes strikes inside Russia U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric, asked about the Reuters report at a daily press briefing, said conversations were continuing. "As you recall, the Secretary General had put forward some ideas to the parties to improve the facilitation of the work of the Joint Coordination Centre, to also work on the issue of ammonia export, which is part of the deal that was signed. Those conversations and contacts are continuing. But that's as much as I'll say right now," Dujarric said. The U.N. and Turkey brokered the Black Sea Grain Initiative between Moscow and Kyiv last July to help tackle a global food crisis aggravated by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, a leading global grain exporter. Appeal to improve grain corridor The U.N. has handed "an official appeal to the leaders of Ukraine, Turkey and Russia with a proposal for a specific mutually beneficial algorithm to radically improve" the work of the grain corridor, the source told Reuters. "Ukraine and Turkey have confirmed their readiness to work on the algorithm proposed by the Secretary General. At the same time, as of May 30, Russia has not given its consent, despite the presence of favourable positions in the algorithm." Ukrainian officials have said that since mid-April, Russia has "unreasonably restricted" the work of the Black Sea grain deal. Russia has denied this and urged all parties to unblock the transit of ammonia via the Ukrainian port of Pivdennyi, near the Black Sea port of Odesa, which was halted after Russia's invasion in February last year. WATCH | Battleground Bakhmut: Russia vs Ukraine | WION Wideangle × Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in his nightly video address, accused Russia of blocking all activity at Pivdennyi, with 1.5 million tonnes of agricultural products unable to move. Other countries, he said, should take note. "All maritime countries can now see what can threaten their ports, their coastlines if Russia gets away with blocking navigation in the Black Sea," Zelenskiy said. "In other words, the blockade of one port in Ukraine poses extremely serious risks for different nations, particularly those with relations that Russia tries to use for speculative purposes." Ukrainian authorities have said workers would need about 30 days to prepare the pipeline to pump ammonia again. Ukraine's deputy renovation minister said on Tuesday that Kyiv was seeking guarantees from Moscow and the U.N. that the grain deal will work normally if Ukraine allows Russia to export ammonia via the pipeline. A senior government source told Reuters this month that Kyiv would consider allowing Russian ammonia to transit its territory for export on condition that the Black Sea grain deal is expanded to include more Ukrainian ports and a wider range of commodities. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

UN proposes 'mutually beneficial' deal for Black Sea grain exports

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.

US at NATO meet: Military aid for Ukraine includes drones and weapons

Here, we bring you the news that is trending across WION's social media platforms - China fighter jets' 'aggressive manoeuvre', UN Nuclear Chief briefs on Zaporizhzhia power plant, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky pulls up Kyiv authorities, North Korea's satellite launch ends in failure.

China fighter jets' 'aggressive manoeuvre' | IAEA Chief briefs on Zaporizhzhia | WION Speed News

In the face of Ukrainian crisis, a hero emerges - The story of Prytula

President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday accused Kyiv of seeking to "frighten" Russians after drones hit Moscow high-rises in the first such attack since the beginning of the Kremlin's assault on Ukraine. As drones struck in and around Moscow, Russian drones targeted Kyiv for a third straight day while Ukraine gears up for a major offensive against Russian forces.

Russian President Vladimir Putin slams Ukraine as attack drones hit Moscow high-rises

The UN Nuclear chief stressed that the world is fortunate a nuclear accident hasn’t happened in Ukraine. IAEA Chief pushed Moscow and Kyiv to commit to preventing any attack on the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. The Russian and Ukrainian envoys at the United Nations blamed each other's countries for the crisis, although they did not reject the principles put forward by the IAEA.

UN pushes Russia & Ukraine to protect Europe's largest nuclear power facility | Details

Russian President Vladimir Putin has accused Ukraine of seeking to frighten Russia after drones hit Moscow's high-rises as the drones struck in and around Moscow. The US said that it does not support attacks inside Russia.

Putin slams Ukraine after drone attack | US says, 'Kyiv must use arms to defend & retake areas'

Putin slams Ukraine as drones hit Moscow, says 'Kyiv seeking to frighten Russians'

Large-scale drone attack hits Moscow for first time in Ukraine war

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all the latest news and top headlines from all across the globe: Russian President Vladimir Putin has accused Ukraine of seeking to frighten Russia after drones hit Moscow's high-rises as the drones struck in and around Moscow. The US said that it does not support attacks inside Russia.

Fighting in Luhansk: Russia claims 5 killed in Ukraine shelling

Has the Ukraine war reached Moscow? The Russian capital was struck by drones in the second such attack in recent weeks. Is the war about to become more dangerous? Molly Gambhir reports.

Gravitas: Drones strike heart of Moscow | Is the war getting more dangerous?

<p>A fire was sparked at an oil refinery located in southern Russia by a Ukrainian drone. The drone attack came as Ukraine carried out shelling for the third time in a Russian town which is close to the border, stated Russian officials on Wednesday. They said vehicles were set afire and buildings were damaged in the attack. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The statement was made by the governor of Russia's Krasnodar region, a day after Ukraine was accused by Russia of carrying out a drone attack in Moscow. The governor added that the drone had set the Afipsky oil refinery ablaze.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On the Telegram messaging app, Governor Veniamin Kondratyev said that the officials soon extinguished the fire and there were no casualties.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ukrainian-drones-hit-buildings-in-russia-598300">Russia blames Ukraine for massive drone attack on Moscow, Kyiv denies involvement</a></p>

<p>The Afipsky refinery is close to the Black Sea port of Novorossiisk, which is near another refinery that had been attacked various times this month.</p>

<p>No immediate information was released about who launched the drone, but Kyiv was accused by Moscow of carrying out increased attacks inside Russia in recent weeks. Ukrainian cities have meanwhile been recently pounded with drones and missiles by Russia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Tuesday, the skies of Ukraine remained relatively quiet and no major air raids were reported. One person was killed in Russian drone attacks and four others were wounded in Kyiv on Tuesday, as per Ukrainian officials.</p>

<p>The attacks in Russia took place as Ukraine prepares a counter-offensive to push back the Russian forces out of the occupied territories since a full-scale invasion has been launched by Moscow in Kyiv in February 2022.</p>

<p>"A Ukrainian artillery strike wounded at least one person in the Russian town of Shebekino, about 7 km (4.5 miles) north of the border with Ukraine's Kharkiv region," stated regional Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov on the Telegram messaging app.</p>

<h2><strong>Drone war&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The wealthy districts of Moscow on Tuesday were struck by Ukrainian drones, claimed Russia in what was once considered as the capital's most dangerous attack since World War Two, &nbsp;while Kyiv also faced an attack for the third time in 24 hours.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Kyiv pledges swift action against Russian strikes</strong></p>

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<p>The aerial strikes by both countries have further escalated amid a stalemate on the ground as Russian forces remain entrenched along Ukraine's extended line in the east and south.</p>

<p>The Russian defence ministry stated that eight drones were sent by Kyiv to Moscow, which targeted civilians.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ukrainian presidential aide Mykhailo Podolyak denied Kyiv's direct involvement but said "we are pleased to watch events" and predicted more such strikes.</p>

<h2><strong>Five killed in strike on Luhansk</strong></h2>

<p>Russian administrators stated that at least five people were killed and 19 others wounded in a night bombardment in Luhansk region of Ukraine as they&nbsp;blamed&nbsp;the Ukrainian Army for the attack.</p>

<p>"The strike on the village of Karpaty by Ukrainian armed groups... killed five and wounded 19 -- and was carried out by HIMARS systems according to preliminary information," stated Russian security authorities in the Luhansk region posted on Telegram.</p>

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<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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A fire was sparked at an oil refinery located in southern Russia by a Ukrainian drone. The drone attack came as Ukraine carried out shelling for the third time in a Russian town which is close to the border, stated Russian officials on Wednesday.

A fire was sparked at an oil refinery located in southern Russia by a Ukrainian drone. The drone attack came as Ukraine carried out shelling for the third time in a Russian town which is close to the border, stated Russian officials on Wednesday. They said vehicles were set afire and buildings were damaged in the attack. The statement was made by the governor of Russia's Krasnodar region, a day after Ukraine was accused by Russia of carrying out a drone attack in Moscow. The governor added that the drone had set the Afipsky oil refinery ablaze. On the Telegram messaging app, Governor Veniamin Kondratyev said that the officials soon extinguished the fire and there were no casualties. ALSO READ | Russia blames Ukraine for massive drone attack on Moscow, Kyiv denies involvement The Afipsky refinery is close to the Black Sea port of Novorossiisk, which is near another refinery that had been attacked various times this month. No immediate information was released about who launched the drone, but Kyiv was accused by Moscow of carrying out increased attacks inside Russia in recent weeks. Ukrainian cities have meanwhile been recently pounded with drones and missiles by Russia. On Tuesday, the skies of Ukraine remained relatively quiet and no major air raids were reported. One person was killed in Russian drone attacks and four others were wounded in Kyiv on Tuesday, as per Ukrainian officials. The attacks in Russia took place as Ukraine prepares a counter-offensive to push back the Russian forces out of the occupied territories since a full-scale invasion has been launched by Moscow in Kyiv in February 2022. "A Ukrainian artillery strike wounded at least one person in the Russian town of Shebekino, about 7 km (4.5 miles) north of the border with Ukraine's Kharkiv region," stated regional Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov on the Telegram messaging app. Drone war The wealthy districts of Moscow on Tuesday were struck by Ukrainian drones, claimed Russia in what was once considered as the capital's most dangerous attack since World War Two, while Kyiv also faced an attack for the third time in 24 hours. WATCH | Kyiv pledges swift action against Russian strikes The aerial strikes by both countries have further escalated amid a stalemate on the ground as Russian forces remain entrenched along Ukraine's extended line in the east and south. The Russian defence ministry stated that eight drones were sent by Kyiv to Moscow, which targeted civilians. Ukrainian presidential aide Mykhailo Podolyak denied Kyiv's direct involvement but said "we are pleased to watch events" and predicted more such strikes. Five killed in strike on Luhansk Russian administrators stated that at least five people were killed and 19 others wounded in a night bombardment in Luhansk region of Ukraine as they blamed the Ukrainian Army for the attack. "The strike on the village of Karpaty by Ukrainian armed groups... killed five and wounded 19 -- and was carried out by HIMARS systems according to preliminary information," stated Russian security authorities in the Luhansk region posted on Telegram. (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

Ukrainian drone attack sets Russian refinery ablaze, five killed in strike on Luhansk

The Russia-Ukraine war has been a wake-up call for European countries alerting them to the reality that defense capabilities are highly crucial. Denmark's government has announced it will triple its defense budget over the next 10 years by investing 21 billion US Dollars on it. Denmark currently spends 1.38 percent of its GDP on defense it now intends to reach the NATO goal of spending two percent of gross domestic product on the military by 2030.

Denmark to triple its defence budget to meet NATO commitments

Russia unleashed waves of air strikes on Kyiv overnight in what officials said appeared to be the largest drone attack on the city since the start of the war, as the Ukrainian capital prepared to celebrate the anniversary of its founding on Sunday.

Kyiv hit with new wave of Russian attacks | Russia-Ukraine War

Is there a definite sign of fatigue setting in on the 15-month-old Russia-Ukraine war? A number of actors are pushing to secure a negotiated settlement to the conflict that has been raging on for more than 15 months while China has offered to broker peace and send its special Envoy Denmark too has shown an eagerness to bring the warring sides to the table. According to a new report in an Italian daily, the G7 countries are also preparing for a situation where the warring actually warning sides get back to the negotiating table.

Russia-Ukraine war: G7 preparing 'security guarantees' for Kyiv

<p>Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, who is in the midst of a visit to Africa, on Tuesday (May 30) accused the West of “supporting genocide” in Kyiv over its backing of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s peace plan. Lavrov claims that because of it, “everything Russian” would be destroyed in east Ukraine and Crimea.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, top Ukrainian presidential aid in a recent interview said Kyiv is&nbsp;no longer interested in a ceasefire and&nbsp;Zelensky’s peace plan is the only way to end Russia’s war.</p>

<h2><strong>What did Lavrov say?</strong></h2>

<p>The Russian foreign minister during a press conference with his Burundian counterpart said, “The conclusion is very simple - the West directly supports genocide.” This comes as Moscow has long accused the West of what it calls Ukrainian persecution of Russian language speakers in the eastern Donbas region and elsewhere.</p>

<p>The peace plan proposed&nbsp;by Zelensky late last year calls for the withdrawal of Russian forces from all Ukrainian territory including the Crimean peninsula, which Moscow&nbsp;annexed in 2014. In the context of the recent drone attacks in Moscow, Lavrov also accused the West of directly helping Kyiv conduct such “terrorist” strikes by providing it with military equipment.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The statement of the West that the weapons it is supplying (to Ukraine) must not be used against the territory of the Russian Federation is just another lie,” said the Russian foreign minister. Notably, Moscow has also claimed that US-provided armoured vehicles were used during the border incursion in Russia’s Belgorod&nbsp;earlier this month.&nbsp;</p>

<p>US Army General Mark Milley, addressing Moscow’s accusations of pro-Ukrainian militia using armoured vehicles to carry out the border incursion, said Washington has long asked Kyiv not to use US-provided military equipment for attacks inside Russian territory.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Russia blames the West for Kyiv's 'reckless'&nbsp;drone attacks on Moscow</strong></h2>

<p>The Russian foreign ministry in a statement, on Tuesday, blamed Western support of&nbsp;Ukraine and said that it was “pushing” Kyiv towards “increasingly reckless” behaviour in reference to the recent drone attacks in Moscow. They also went on to say that these attacks are designed to spread “panic”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Western support for the Kyiv regime is pushing the Ukrainian leadership towards increasingly reckless acts, including terrorism”. Russia has also said that it intercepted all eight of the Ukrainian drones aimed at Moscow and said there were no deaths but two injuries were reported. Moscow said that it has launched a probe into the incident.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Russian lawmaker Maxim Ivanov called it the most serious assault on Moscow since the Nazis, saying no citizen could now avoid “the new reality”. Meanwhile, Ukrainian presidential aide Mykhailo Podolyak denied Kyiv’s involvement in the attack.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Ukraine’s peace plan the only way to end conflict: Zelensky’s aide</strong></h2>

<p>In an interview with Reuters, chief diplomatic adviser Ihor Zhovkva said that Ukraine is no longer interested in a ceasefire and said that Zelensky’s peace plan is the only way to end Russia’s war. Zhovkva also said that the time for mediation efforts has passed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Ukrainian presidential aid also pushed back on multiple peace plans pitched by China, Brazil, the Vatican and South Africa over the past couple of months and told Reuters, “There cannot be a Brazilian peace plan, a Chinese peace plan, a South African peace plan when you are talking about the war in Ukraine”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He also spoke about how Ukraine’s 10-point peace plan received an extremely positive reaction&nbsp;at the Group of Seven (G7) summit held in Japan, earlier this month, which was also attended by Zelensky. “Not a single formula (point) had any concerns from the (G7) countries,” said Zhovkva, as per Reuters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The presidential aide also said Ukraine wants G7 leaders to help bring as many Global South leaders as possible to a Ukraine-proposed ‘peace summit’ this summer. Japan, which currently holds the G7 presidency&nbsp;also invited leaders from the so-called Global South to Hiroshima for talks including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Indonesian President Joko Widodo.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
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Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, who is in the midst of a visit to Africa, on Tuesday (May 30) accused the West of “supporting genocide” in Kyiv over its backing of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s peace plan.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, who is in the midst of a visit to Africa, on Tuesday (May 30) accused the West of “supporting genocide” in Kyiv over its backing of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s peace plan. Lavrov claims that because of it, “everything Russian” would be destroyed in east Ukraine and Crimea. Meanwhile, top Ukrainian presidential aid in a recent interview said Kyiv is no longer interested in a ceasefire and Zelensky’s peace plan is the only way to end Russia’s war. What did Lavrov say? The Russian foreign minister during a press conference with his Burundian counterpart said, “The conclusion is very simple - the West directly supports genocide.” This comes as Moscow has long accused the West of what it calls Ukrainian persecution of Russian language speakers in the eastern Donbas region and elsewhere. The peace plan proposed by Zelensky late last year calls for the withdrawal of Russian forces from all Ukrainian territory including the Crimean peninsula, which Moscow annexed in 2014. In the context of the recent drone attacks in Moscow, Lavrov also accused the West of directly helping Kyiv conduct such “terrorist” strikes by providing it with military equipment. “The statement of the West that the weapons it is supplying (to Ukraine) must not be used against the territory of the Russian Federation is just another lie,” said the Russian foreign minister. Notably, Moscow has also claimed that US-provided armoured vehicles were used during the border incursion in Russia’s Belgorod earlier this month. US Army General Mark Milley, addressing Moscow’s accusations of pro-Ukrainian militia using armoured vehicles to carry out the border incursion, said Washington has long asked Kyiv not to use US-provided military equipment for attacks inside Russian territory. Russia blames the West for Kyiv's 'reckless' drone attacks on Moscow The Russian foreign ministry in a statement, on Tuesday, blamed Western support of Ukraine and said that it was “pushing” Kyiv towards “increasingly reckless” behaviour in reference to the recent drone attacks in Moscow. They also went on to say that these attacks are designed to spread “panic”. “Western support for the Kyiv regime is pushing the Ukrainian leadership towards increasingly reckless acts, including terrorism”. Russia has also said that it intercepted all eight of the Ukrainian drones aimed at Moscow and said there were no deaths but two injuries were reported. Moscow said that it has launched a probe into the incident. Russian lawmaker Maxim Ivanov called it the most serious assault on Moscow since the Nazis, saying no citizen could now avoid “the new reality”. Meanwhile, Ukrainian presidential aide Mykhailo Podolyak denied Kyiv’s involvement in the attack. Ukraine’s peace plan the only way to end conflict: Zelensky’s aide In an interview with Reuters, chief diplomatic adviser Ihor Zhovkva said that Ukraine is no longer interested in a ceasefire and said that Zelensky’s peace plan is the only way to end Russia’s war. Zhovkva also said that the time for mediation efforts has passed. The Ukrainian presidential aid also pushed back on multiple peace plans pitched by China, Brazil, the Vatican and South Africa over the past couple of months and told Reuters, “There cannot be a Brazilian peace plan, a Chinese peace plan, a South African peace plan when you are talking about the war in Ukraine”. He also spoke about how Ukraine’s 10-point peace plan received an extremely positive reaction at the Group of Seven (G7) summit held in Japan, earlier this month, which was also attended by Zelensky. “Not a single formula (point) had any concerns from the (G7) countries,” said Zhovkva, as per Reuters. The presidential aide also said Ukraine wants G7 leaders to help bring as many Global South leaders as possible to a Ukraine-proposed ‘peace summit’ this summer. Japan, which currently holds the G7 presidency also invited leaders from the so-called Global South to Hiroshima for talks including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Indonesian President Joko Widodo. (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.

‘West directly supports genocide’ in Ukraine: Russia's Lavrov on Zelensky's peace plan

Ukraine launched one of its biggest drone attacks on Moscow on Tuesday, according to Russia, whose defence ministry said all were destroyed approaching the city. Drones hit several buildings in Moscow, forcing some people to evacuate their homes. Two people sought medical assistance following the drone attack on the Russian capital.

Is Kyiv taking the war to Moscow? | Russia-Ukraine war

Rare drone attack in Russian capital city Moscow, Ukrainian terrorists blamed

Russia has launched a fresh massive wave of attacks on Kyiv in the early hours of Tuesday this after Moscow fired a barrage of missiles in a rare day time attack on the Ukrainian capital. Russia has launched a total of 17 air attacks on the Ukrainian capital this month.

Kyiv pledges swift action against Russian strikes

Drone strikes Moscow after fresh wave of Russian attacks on Kyiv

Here, we bring you the news that is trending across WION's social media platforms- It is the story of a Russian spy who apparently comes in all shapes and species. A Beluga whale that was allegedly trained with Russia by the Russians to be a spy made its appearance on the Norwegian Coastline after almost three years. The mammal has made headlines first in 2019.

Russia's 'spy whale' makes an appearance on Norwegian coastline after three years

Ukrainian 'terrorist attack' says Russia after reported drone strikes

Here, we bring you the news that is trending across WION's social media platforms- Drones hit several buildings in Moscow, forcing some people to evacuate their homes. Two people sought medical assistance following the drone attack on the Russian capital.

Drone attack in Moscow: Two injured, one hospitalised; Ukraine denies involvement | WION Speed News

Russia blames Ukraine for massive drone attack on Moscow, Kyiv denies involvement

A barrage of drone strikes has hit Moscow, according to Russian media, officials say that the attacks resulted in minor damages when some people were forced to evacuate their homes and several buildings were also damaged. However, nobody has claimed responsibility yet.

Russia reports drone strikes after Kyiv hit by attacks, Moscow says, 'it's Ukrainian terror attack'

<p>Kyiv came under a “massive drone attack” on Sunday on the eve of the anniversary of the founding day of Ukraine's capital.</p>

<p>The capital city’s mayor Vitaliy Klitschko confirmed that a 41-year-old man died after debris from a seven-story non-residential building fell on him due to the drone attack, while&nbsp;a 35-year-old woman was hospitalised.</p>

<p>Apart from that, two high-rise buildings in different districts in the capital caught fire after being hit by falling drone fragments. Warehouses in the southern Holosiyivsky district were also set ablaze, Kyiv officials said.</p>

<p>Ukraine's Air Force claimed that Russia launched a record 54 so-called kamikaze Iranian drones on Ukraine, of which 52 were shot down, adding that their response showcased Ukraine’s air defence capability.</p>

<p>“Russia launched the most massive attack on the city overnight Saturday with&nbsp;Iranian-made Shahed drones,” Serhii Popko, a senior Kyiv military official, told AP news agency.</p>

<h2><strong>F-16 fighter jet coalition | Is the West preparing Ukraine for a suicide mission?</strong></h2>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/f-16-fighter-jet-coalition-is-the-west-preparing-ukraine-for-a-suicide-mission-597539/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>President Volodymyr Zelensky lauded the air defence, saying, "You look up to destroy enemy missiles, aircraft, helicopters, and drones. Every time you shoot down enemy drones and missiles, lives are saved... you are heroes!"</p>

<p>Ukrainian officials blamed Russia for deliberately targeting Kyiv as the residents were preparing for Kyiv Day — the anniversary of the city's foundation more than 1,500 years ago.</p>

<p>“The history of Ukraine is a long-standing irritant for the insecure Russians,” Ukraine’s chief presidential aide, Andriy Yermak, said on the Telegram messaging app.</p>

<p>“Today, the enemy decided to ‘congratulate’ the people of Kyiv on Kyiv Day with the help of their deadly UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles),” Popko also wrote on the app.</p>

<p>Anticipating air attacks from Russia, Ukraine had on Sunday activated air raid alerts in 12 regions of Ukraine, from Volyn in the northwest to Dnipropetrovsk in the southeast.</p>

<h2><strong>Russia ups the ante as Ukraine prepares for counteroffensive</strong></h2>

<p>Russia has been prolifically using kamikaze drones and a range of cruise and ballistic missiles to target Ukraine.</p>

<p>The frequency of attacks has been increasing as Ukraine steps up its preparations for a counteroffensive.</p>

<p>On Saturday, Ukraine's most senior security official told the BBC that the country was ready to launch attacks against Russia.</p>

<p>Oleksiy Danilov, secretary of the powerful National Security and Defence Council of Ukraine, said an assault to retake territory from President Vladimir Putin's occupying forces could begin "tomorrow, the day after tomorrow or in a week".</p>

<p>(With inputs from agencies)</p>

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Kyiv came under a “massive drone attack” on Sunday on the eve of the anniversary of the founding day of Ukraine's capital. The capital city’s mayor Vitaliy Klitschko confirmed that a 41-year-old man died after debris from a seven-story non-residential building fell on him due to the drone attack, while a 35-year-old woman was hospitalised.

Kyiv came under a “massive drone attack” on Sunday on the eve of the anniversary of the founding day of Ukraine's capital. The capital city’s mayor Vitaliy Klitschko confirmed that a 41-year-old man died after debris from a seven-story non-residential building fell on him due to the drone attack, while a 35-year-old woman was hospitalised. Apart from that, two high-rise buildings in different districts in the capital caught fire after being hit by falling drone fragments. Warehouses in the southern Holosiyivsky district were also set ablaze, Kyiv officials said. Ukraine's Air Force claimed that Russia launched a record 54 so-called kamikaze Iranian drones on Ukraine, of which 52 were shot down, adding that their response showcased Ukraine’s air defence capability. “Russia launched the most massive attack on the city overnight Saturday with Iranian-made Shahed drones,” Serhii Popko, a senior Kyiv military official, told AP news agency. F-16 fighter jet coalition | Is the West preparing Ukraine for a suicide mission? President Volodymyr Zelensky lauded the air defence, saying, "You look up to destroy enemy missiles, aircraft, helicopters, and drones. Every time you shoot down enemy drones and missiles, lives are saved... you are heroes!" Ukrainian officials blamed Russia for deliberately targeting Kyiv as the residents were preparing for Kyiv Day — the anniversary of the city's foundation more than 1,500 years ago. “The history of Ukraine is a long-standing irritant for the insecure Russians,” Ukraine’s chief presidential aide, Andriy Yermak, said on the Telegram messaging app. “Today, the enemy decided to ‘congratulate’ the people of Kyiv on Kyiv Day with the help of their deadly UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles),” Popko also wrote on the app. Anticipating air attacks from Russia, Ukraine had on Sunday activated air raid alerts in 12 regions of Ukraine, from Volyn in the northwest to Dnipropetrovsk in the southeast. Russia ups the ante as Ukraine prepares for counteroffensive Russia has been prolifically using kamikaze drones and a range of cruise and ballistic missiles to target Ukraine. The frequency of attacks has been increasing as Ukraine steps up its preparations for a counteroffensive. On Saturday, Ukraine's most senior security official told the BBC that the country was ready to launch attacks against Russia. Oleksiy Danilov, secretary of the powerful National Security and Defence Council of Ukraine, said an assault to retake territory from President Vladimir Putin's occupying forces could begin "tomorrow, the day after tomorrow or in a week". (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Russia launches ‘massive drone attack’ on eve of Kyiv founding day, two dead

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