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 />
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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 />
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However, the intercepted missiles' burning debris fell in residential areas of central Kyiv.<br />
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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 />
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“Our answer will not be long,” he added.<br />
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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 />
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“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 />
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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 />
<br />
"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>

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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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<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>&nbsp;</p>

<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

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

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