World leaders will this week attend the Munich Security Conference ahead of the anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and with tensions between China and the United States rising over espionage claims.

War in Ukraine, US-China tensions in focus at Key Security Meet

President Joe Biden’s visit to Poland later this month, to mark the first anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, will be a “historic moment” that will emphasise the strength of Polish-U.S, relations and of Washington’s support for Ukraine, says US ambassador Mark Brzezinski.

Will U.S. President Joe Biden visit Ukraine?

Ukraine war nears one year anniversary, now Russia is reportedly gaining in the Luhansk region. While, western allies pledge more weapons to Ukraine, in the latest, Russia launched missile strikes across Ukraine.

Russia Ukraine War: Russia fires missiles across Ukraine

Russia, which has one of the largest military forces in the world, has got some harsh estimations thrown up at it by a new think tank report. International Institute of Strategic Studies (IISS) has made an estimation that in the first nine months of Russia's war on Ukraine there has been a substantial decrease in the Russian army's fleets of tanks. How much loss are we talking about? According to the think tank, Moscow may just have lost about 40 per cent of its prewar fleet of tanks.&nbsp;

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The estimations were made mostly with the aid of images taken by drones, and satellites from the battlefield from February through November end. However, these are only estimations and cannot be relied upon completely. The think tank went on to say that because of this significant dearth of tanks which is estimated to have gone for up to 50 per cent for few key tanks, Russia is now forced to use its cold war-era weaponry.&nbsp;

In contrast, the think tank said that Ukraine’s tank numbers are estimated to have increased. The reason for this increase is Kyiv's capture of Soviet-era tanks as well as aid received from western allies.&nbsp;John Chipman, the chair of the think tank called the war “a political and military failure for Russia." He said that this is a leadership issue compounded by deficiencies in Moscow's munitions. Chipman also noted that all this transpired even after Kremlin's modernisation efforts.

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While launching the think tank's annual Military Balance audit of the world’s armed forces, he said, “Russia’s actions over the past year have raised questions not only over the competence of its military and senior military leadership, but also over command cohesion."&nbsp;

As per the think tank, Russia’s number of tanks in its army may have reduced by 38 per cent from 2,927 to 1,800. Additionally, there may have been heavy losses of its workhorse T-72B3 which is an upgrade to the battle tanks which was in use in 2013.

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Despite the losses, the think tank said that Russia still has about 5,000 old tanks in long-term storage and the country with the help of these tanks still has strategic advances. Ukraine, on the other hand, seems to have accentuated in its tank count. Ukraine's tanks have gone up to 953 from 858. Kyiv is estimated to have captured an estimated of 500 tanks from Russia.&nbsp;

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Russia, which has one of the largest military forces in the world, has got some harsh estimations thrown up at it by a new think tank report. International Institute of Strategic Studies (IISS) has made an estimation that in the first nine months of Russia's war on Ukraine there has been a substantial decrease in the Russian army's fleets of tanks.

Russia, which has one of the largest military forces in the world, has got some harsh estimations thrown up at it by a new think tank report. International Institute of Strategic Studies (IISS) has made an estimation that in the first nine months of Russia's war on Ukraine there has been a substantial decrease in the Russian army's fleets of tanks. How much loss are we talking about? According to the think tank, Moscow may just have lost about 40 per cent of its prewar fleet of tanks. Also Read | Munich Security Conference to kick off tomorrow: what issues will take centre stage? The estimations were made mostly with the aid of images taken by drones, and satellites from the battlefield from February through November end. However, these are only estimations and cannot be relied upon completely. The think tank went on to say that because of this significant dearth of tanks which is estimated to have gone for up to 50 per cent for few key tanks, Russia is now forced to use its cold war-era weaponry. In contrast, the think tank said that Ukraine’s tank numbers are estimated to have increased. The reason for this increase is Kyiv's capture of Soviet-era tanks as well as aid received from western allies. John Chipman, the chair of the think tank called the war “a political and military failure for Russia." He said that this is a leadership issue compounded by deficiencies in Moscow's munitions. Chipman also noted that all this transpired even after Kremlin's modernisation efforts. Also Read | Violent protests erupt in Nigeria over scarcity of cash: Reports While launching the think tank's annual Military Balance audit of the world’s armed forces, he said, “Russia’s actions over the past year have raised questions not only over the competence of its military and senior military leadership, but also over command cohesion." As per the think tank, Russia’s number of tanks in its army may have reduced by 38 per cent from 2,927 to 1,800. Additionally, there may have been heavy losses of its workhorse T-72B3 which is an upgrade to the battle tanks which was in use in 2013. Watch | Tesla to share charging network, 3,500 chargers for non-Tesla customers Despite the losses, the think tank said that Russia still has about 5,000 old tanks in long-term storage and the country with the help of these tanks still has strategic advances. Ukraine, on the other hand, seems to have accentuated in its tank count. Ukraine's tanks have gone up to 953 from 858. Kyiv is estimated to have captured an estimated of 500 tanks from 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.

War a military failure for Russia, Ukraine's tank count rising: Think tank

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg warned that Ukraine is using up ammunition far faster than its allies can provide it and putting pressure on Western defense industries, just as Russia ramps up its military offensive.

NATO: Ukraine's ammo use outstripping supply

Iran has used boats and a state-owned airline to smuggle new types of advanced long-range armed drones to Russia for use in its war on Ukraine, sources inside the Middle Eastern country have revealed.

Russia and Iran team up in 'The Game of Drones'

A U.S. backed report claims Moscow has held 6,000 Ukrainian children in sites in Crimea and Russia and the primary purpose appears to be political re-education. WION tells you more in this report.

Report: Thousands of Ukrainian children put through Russian ‘re-education’ camps

A large network of camps being operated by the federal government in Russia has held at least 6,000 children from the war-ravaged Ukraine, a study by Yale University's Humanitarian Research Lab (HRL) has revealed. At least 43 such facilities and their locations have been identified, as per the findings. ‘Re-education,’ an effort to ostensibly make children more pro-Russia in their personal and political views, has been counted among the purposes of the network. &nbsp;The facilities have been located in Crimea, and mainland Russia apart from installations found in Siberia and along Russia’s far eastern Pacific coast.

The transport of the kids started before Moscow launched a full-scale invasion in February last year. "These first transports of children in early February 2022 included a group of 500 purported orphans ‘evacuated’ from Donetsk oblast by Russia," the report states. These efforts were linked to the apparent threat of an offensive by the Ukrainian armed forces in the rebel-dominated regions of Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR) and Luhansk People’s Republic (LPR).&nbsp;

The children are believed to be staying in the state-operated facilities over the past year. Segmented into four categories, children deemed orphans, those who were under the care of the Ukrainian state institutions before the war began, whose custody is unclear amid the conflict, and those who have clear familial guardianship are found to be staying in these facilities.&nbsp;

While those who have clear guardianship have been targeted for "re-education", children - deemed orphans - have been targeted for&nbsp; 
"deportation to the Russian territory or for adoption or foster care", the study claims. "At least 32 (78 per cent) of the camps identified by Yale HRL appear engaged in systematic re-education efforts that expose children from Ukraine to Russia-centric academic, cultural, patriotic, and/or military education," the HRL study underlines. &nbsp;"Multiple camps endorsed by the Russian Federation are advertised as 'integration programs', &nbsp;with the apparent goal of integrating children from Ukraine into the Russian government’s vision of national culture, history, and society," it further stresses.&nbsp;

In 10 per cent of these camps, the return of children to Ukraine was allegedly delayed. Some parents have been reported as saying that they were unable to get information about their children.&nbsp;

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The program involves every level of the Russian government, according to the Yale investigation, which stresses that &nbsp;"dozens of federal, regional, and local figures (are) directly engaged in operating and politically justifying the program". &nbsp;Medical care of the children in the war-torn country has also been cited as one of the reasons for the transport.&nbsp;

“Giving (Ukraine’s children Russian) nationality or having them adopted goes against the fundamental principles of child protection in situations of war. This is something that is happening in Russia and must not happen," Filippo Grande, UN High Commissioner for Refugees, &nbsp;

The issue was raised last year by officials at the United Nations. In June, the former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, told the Security Council that the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) was investigating alleged plans for the forcible deportation of Ukraine’s children to Russia, “which do not appear to include steps for 
family reunification".&nbsp;

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A large network of camps being operated by the federal government in Russia has held at least 6,000 children from the war-ravaged Ukraine, a study by Yale University's Humanitarian Research Lab (HRL) has revealed.

A large network of camps being operated by the federal government in Russia has held at least 6,000 children from the war-ravaged Ukraine, a study by Yale University's Humanitarian Research Lab (HRL) has revealed. At least 43 such facilities and their locations have been identified, as per the findings. ‘Re-education,’ an effort to ostensibly make children more pro-Russia in their personal and political views, has been counted among the purposes of the network. The facilities have been located in Crimea, and mainland Russia apart from installations found in Siberia and along Russia’s far eastern Pacific coast. The transport of the kids started before Moscow launched a full-scale invasion in February last year. "These first transports of children in early February 2022 included a group of 500 purported orphans ‘evacuated’ from Donetsk oblast by Russia," the report states. These efforts were linked to the apparent threat of an offensive by the Ukrainian armed forces in the rebel-dominated regions of Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR) and Luhansk People’s Republic (LPR). The children are believed to be staying in the state-operated facilities over the past year. Segmented into four categories, children deemed orphans, those who were under the care of the Ukrainian state institutions before the war began, whose custody is unclear amid the conflict, and those who have clear familial guardianship are found to be staying in these facilities. While those who have clear guardianship have been targeted for "re-education", children - deemed orphans - have been targeted for "deportation to the Russian territory or for adoption or foster care", the study claims. "At least 32 (78 per cent) of the camps identified by Yale HRL appear engaged in systematic re-education efforts that expose children from Ukraine to Russia-centric academic, cultural, patriotic, and/or military education," the HRL study underlines. "Multiple camps endorsed by the Russian Federation are advertised as 'integration programs', with the apparent goal of integrating children from Ukraine into the Russian government’s vision of national culture, history, and society," it further stresses. In 10 per cent of these camps, the return of children to Ukraine was allegedly delayed. Some parents have been reported as saying that they were unable to get information about their children. Also read: Pakistan to provide military supplies to Ukraine via German port, says report The program involves every level of the Russian government, according to the Yale investigation, which stresses that "dozens of federal, regional, and local figures (are) directly engaged in operating and politically justifying the program". Medical care of the children in the war-torn country has also been cited as one of the reasons for the transport. “Giving (Ukraine’s children Russian) nationality or having them adopted goes against the fundamental principles of child protection in situations of war. This is something that is happening in Russia and must not happen," Filippo Grande, UN High Commissioner for Refugees, The issue was raised last year by officials at the United Nations. In June, the former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, told the Security Council that the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) was investigating alleged plans for the forcible deportation of Ukraine’s children to Russia, “which do not appear to include steps for family reunification". 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.

Thousands of Ukrainian children held in Russia targeted for 're-education': Yale study

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday (February 14) called for faster military aid as Russian troops said they broke through two fortified lines of Ukrainian defences on the eastern front. In his evening address on Tuesday, Zelensky said that Russia was in a hurry to achieve as much as it can with its latest push before Kyiv and its allies gathered strength. "That is why speed is of the essence. Speed in everything - adopting decisions, carrying out decisions, shipping supplies, training. Speed saves people's lives," Zelensky added, news agency Reuters reported on Wednesday.&nbsp;

The Ukrainian president pointed out that the situation in the frontline, especially in the regions of Donetsk and Luhansk, remained very difficult. "The battles are literally for every foot of Ukrainian land," Zelensky told citizens on Tuesday.&nbsp;

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Russia's defence ministry said that Ukrainian troops retreated in the face of Russian attacks in Luhansk. Taking to Telegram, the ministry said, "During the offensive ... the Ukrainian troops randomly retreated to a distance of up to 3 km (1.9 miles) from the previously occupied lines. Even the more fortified second line of defence of the enemy could not hold the breakthrough of the Russian military."

In recent weeks, the Kremlin intensified attacks across a swathe of southern and eastern Ukraine, and a major new offensive has been widely anticipated. The Reuters report on Wednesday said that Moscow's main effort has been&nbsp;focused on Bakhmut in Donetsk province adjacent to Luhansk.

Capturing Bakhmut would act as a stepping stone for Russia to advance on Kramatorsk and Sloviansk cities in Donetsk. Oleh Zhdanov, a Ukrainian military analyst, said there was fighting "around every single house" in Bakhmut, adding the situation remained extremely difficult.&nbsp;

The Ukrainian government said that it was using shells faster than the West could make them, adding, it needed fighter jets and long-range missiles to counter the Russian offensive and recapture lost territory. Earlier, the United States and NATO pledged that Western support would not falter in the face of a looming Moscow offensive.&nbsp;

"Ukraine has urgent requirements to help it meet this crucial moment in the course of the war. We believe there'll be a window of opportunity for them to exercise initiative," US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin said. Meanwhile, German Defence Minister &nbsp;Boris Pistorius said that supplying Kyiv with fighter jets would certainly be discussed but that it was not a focus at the moment. 
&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday (February 14) called for faster military aid as Russian troops said they broke through two fortified lines of Ukrainian defences on the eastern front.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday (February 14) called for faster military aid as Russian troops said they broke through two fortified lines of Ukrainian defences on the eastern front. In his evening address on Tuesday, Zelensky said that Russia was in a hurry to achieve as much as it can with its latest push before Kyiv and its allies gathered strength. "That is why speed is of the essence. Speed in everything - adopting decisions, carrying out decisions, shipping supplies, training. Speed saves people's lives," Zelensky added, news agency Reuters reported on Wednesday. The Ukrainian president pointed out that the situation in the frontline, especially in the regions of Donetsk and Luhansk, remained very difficult. "The battles are literally for every foot of Ukrainian land," Zelensky told citizens on Tuesday. ALSO READ | Russian student under house arrest for cricitising Ukraine war. Here's what she says Russia's defence ministry said that Ukrainian troops retreated in the face of Russian attacks in Luhansk. Taking to Telegram, the ministry said, "During the offensive ... the Ukrainian troops randomly retreated to a distance of up to 3 km (1.9 miles) from the previously occupied lines. Even the more fortified second line of defence of the enemy could not hold the breakthrough of the Russian military." In recent weeks, the Kremlin intensified attacks across a swathe of southern and eastern Ukraine, and a major new offensive has been widely anticipated. The Reuters report on Wednesday said that Moscow's main effort has been focused on Bakhmut in Donetsk province adjacent to Luhansk. Capturing Bakhmut would act as a stepping stone for Russia to advance on Kramatorsk and Sloviansk cities in Donetsk. Oleh Zhdanov, a Ukrainian military analyst, said there was fighting "around every single house" in Bakhmut, adding the situation remained extremely difficult. The Ukrainian government said that it was using shells faster than the West could make them, adding, it needed fighter jets and long-range missiles to counter the Russian offensive and recapture lost territory. Earlier, the United States and NATO pledged that Western support would not falter in the face of a looming Moscow offensive. "Ukraine has urgent requirements to help it meet this crucial moment in the course of the war. We believe there'll be a window of opportunity for them to exercise initiative," US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin said. Meanwhile, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said that supplying Kyiv with fighter jets would certainly be discussed but that it was not a focus at the moment. (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.

Ukraine war: President Zelensky calls for faster military aid, says situation in east very difficult

Ukraine war: President Zelensky calls for faster military aid, says situation in east difficult

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.&nbsp;

The Ukrainian presidential office, on Monday (February 13), said that the eastern Ukrainian city of Bakhmut is witnessing fierce battle as Russian forces continue heavy shelling and infantry attacks. At least five civilians have been killed while several others have been wounded in the last 24 hours across Ukraine, they added. Meanwhile, speaking to reporters in Brussels, the NATO chief while urging Kyiv’s allies in the West to ramp up military support for the conflict-torn country said that Russia’s so-called spring offensive might already have begun.&nbsp;

According to Ukrainian military officials, positions in Bakhmut have been fortified with only those with a military role being allowed inside the city in eastern Ukraine, reported Reuters, and any civilians who still want to leave the city would have to brave the incoming fire. They have also reported Russian shelling along the frontlines and bombardment of at least 16 settlements near Bakhmut.&nbsp;

Additionally, the deputy commander of Ukraine's Svoboda battalion, told Reuters that “the city, the city's suburbs, the entire perimeter, and essentially the entire Bakhmut direction and Kostyantynivka are under crazy, chaotic shelling”. He added that while there is no fighting in the city centre, the forces are prepared for any assault.

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Meanwhile, the Ukrainian presidential office has also called the situation in the city’s northern suburb of Paraskoviivka “difficult” as it endures intense shelling, while the nearby town of Vuhledar is also under heavy bombardment. This comes as the eastern Ukrainian city is said to be an important objective for Russian President Vladimir Putin as its capture would allow Moscow to establish a strong hold over the Donetsk region after facing months of setbacks.&nbsp;

In the past 24 hours, Russia has shelled dozens of cities and villages in Donetsk which also includes Druzhkivka where a missile hit a hospital and Pokrovsk where constant shelling damaged at least seven houses and a kindergarten, said a report by the Associated Press. Additionally, Donetsk Governor Pavlo Kyrylenko said that the Russian shelling has intensified as they “accumulate more forces for an attack on peaceful cities”.&nbsp;

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On the other hand, Ukrainian region Luhansk’s Governor Serhii Haidai, in a TV interview said that while Moscow’s troops have pulled back after days of intense fighting near the key city of Kreminna they are not “running out of steam”. The Dnipropetrovsk region also witnessed shelling where one person was killed and two others were injured in the city of Nikopol, as per media reports.&nbsp;

NATO chief’s address in Brussels 
 
Addressing reporters, on Monday, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said, “The reality is we have seen the start (of a Russian offensive) already”. This comes as many have feared a massive offensive by Moscow as it nears the one-year anniversary of its “special military operation” in Ukraine.&nbsp;

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The NATO chief also said how this “highlights the importance of timing. It’s urgent to provide Ukraine with more weapons” and that Russian President Vladimir Putin has shown “no sign whatsoever” of “preparing for peace”. He added, “President Putin does now - is to send thousands and thousands more troops, accepting a very high rate of casualty.” Therefore, he believes that arming Ukraine more quickly could save lives and bring a quicker end to the conflict.

“The current rate of Ukraine’s ammunition expenditure is many times higher than our current rate of production”, said Stoltenberg adding that it will increase targets for stockpiling ammunition. This also comes as Ukraine has sought fighter jets and long-range missiles from its western allies to counter-offensive, which the NATO chief said would be discussed but that Kyiv needs support on the ground.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

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Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. The Ukrainian presidential office, on Monday (February 13), said that the eastern Ukrainian city of Bakhmut is witnessing fierce battle as Russian forces continue heavy shelling and infantry attacks. At least five civilians have been killed while several others have been wounded in the last 24 hours across Ukraine, they added. Meanwhile, speaking to reporters in Brussels, the NATO chief while urging Kyiv’s allies in the West to ramp up military support for the conflict-torn country said that Russia’s so-called spring offensive might already have begun. According to Ukrainian military officials, positions in Bakhmut have been fortified with only those with a military role being allowed inside the city in eastern Ukraine, reported Reuters, and any civilians who still want to leave the city would have to brave the incoming fire. They have also reported Russian shelling along the frontlines and bombardment of at least 16 settlements near Bakhmut. Additionally, the deputy commander of Ukraine's Svoboda battalion, told Reuters that “the city, the city's suburbs, the entire perimeter, and essentially the entire Bakhmut direction and Kostyantynivka are under crazy, chaotic shelling”. He added that while there is no fighting in the city centre, the forces are prepared for any assault. ALSO READ | Russia clears final 'military' hurdle to set up a naval base on Red Sea Meanwhile, the Ukrainian presidential office has also called the situation in the city’s northern suburb of Paraskoviivka “difficult” as it endures intense shelling, while the nearby town of Vuhledar is also under heavy bombardment. This comes as the eastern Ukrainian city is said to be an important objective for Russian President Vladimir Putin as its capture would allow Moscow to establish a strong hold over the Donetsk region after facing months of setbacks. In the past 24 hours, Russia has shelled dozens of cities and villages in Donetsk which also includes Druzhkivka where a missile hit a hospital and Pokrovsk where constant shelling damaged at least seven houses and a kindergarten, said a report by the Associated Press. Additionally, Donetsk Governor Pavlo Kyrylenko said that the Russian shelling has intensified as they “accumulate more forces for an attack on peaceful cities”. ALSO READ | NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg plans to step down in October, not keen for fourth term: Spokesperson On the other hand, Ukrainian region Luhansk’s Governor Serhii Haidai, in a TV interview said that while Moscow’s troops have pulled back after days of intense fighting near the key city of Kreminna they are not “running out of steam”. The Dnipropetrovsk region also witnessed shelling where one person was killed and two others were injured in the city of Nikopol, as per media reports. NATO chief’s address in Brussels Addressing reporters, on Monday, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said, “The reality is we have seen the start (of a Russian offensive) already”. This comes as many have feared a massive offensive by Moscow as it nears the one-year anniversary of its “special military operation” in Ukraine. ALSO READ | F-16 fighter jets should be given to Ukraine only after consensus: Poland The NATO chief also said how this “highlights the importance of timing. It’s urgent to provide Ukraine with more weapons” and that Russian President Vladimir Putin has shown “no sign whatsoever” of “preparing for peace”. He added, “President Putin does now - is to send thousands and thousands more troops, accepting a very high rate of casualty.” Therefore, he believes that arming Ukraine more quickly could save lives and bring a quicker end to the conflict. “The current rate of Ukraine’s ammunition expenditure is many times higher than our current rate of production”, said Stoltenberg adding that it will increase targets for stockpiling ammunition. This also comes as Ukraine has sought fighter jets and long-range missiles from its western allies to counter-offensive, which the NATO chief said would be discussed but that Kyiv needs support on the ground. (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.

Russia launches attack on Ukraine’s Bakhmut; signs of new offensive by Moscow, says NATO chief

Russia has begun a new offense in the Eastern Ukrainian city of Bakhmut. Ukrainian military are now bracing for new ground attacks. As the anniversary of invasion of Ukraine nears, Russian forces pounded the city of Bakhmut on Monday.

War in Ukraine: NATO looks at new start of offence in Bakhmut

Has Pakistan joined the war in Ukraine? Reports say, Islamabad is secretly sending weapons & mercenaries to Ukraine. Priyanka Sharma brings you a report.

Gravitas: Pak caught sending mercenaries & weapons to Ukraine

Heavy fighting was underway in the northern parts of the frontline hotspot Bakhmut, while Russian missile strikes on Ukraine's second-largest city Kharkiv killed and wounded five people.

Fierce fighting underway in north of Ukraine's Bakhmut

Ramzan Kadyrov, the head of the Chechen Republic, revealed on Monday morning (February 13) that his&nbsp;deputy head&nbsp;was poisoned on Wednesday&nbsp;(February 8) when he opened an envelope containing a toxic substance. Apti Alaudinov, who was also "commander of the Akhmat special forces and deputy commander of the 2nd Army Corps," was not in danger of dying, according to Kadyrov, and would recover. He was examined by a doctor in a Moscow facility, as reported by the Jerusalem Post.&nbsp;

"Friends, our dear brother ... Apti Alaudinov, was poisoned a few days ago," Kdyrov wrote on his Telegram account.&nbsp;

Alaudinov had allegedly received an envelope from an aide. After opening the letter, Alaudinov understood from a caustic smell that he had been exposed to a dangerous&nbsp;chemical. He quickly washed his hands and nasal cavity and&nbsp;was immediately given medical attention.&nbsp;

Samples of the poison were taken for examination and an investigation was opened into the assassination attempt, said Kadyrov. In August, Alaudinov was awarded the Hero of Russia title. The Russian invasion of Ukraine was strongly supported by Kadyrov and his Chechen fighters. The conflict has been dominated by Chechen forces.

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Additionally on Monday (February 13), the Russian Foreign Intelligence Services said that the US military was enlisting terrorists from the Islamic State and Al-Qaeda to carry out strikes on Russia and its allies, according to the Russian state-run news agency TASS. As&nbsp;per&nbsp;Russian intelligence, they were receiving training at an American base in Syria.

Also watch |&nbsp;Sudan military concludes review of Russian Red Sea base deal

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"In the near future, it is planned to carry out the transfer of militants as part of small groups to the territory of Russia and the CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States) states. They will be tasked with preparing and carrying out terrorist attacks against diplomats, civil servants, law enforcement officers and personnel of the armed forces," claimed the intelligence service, according to Russian news agency&nbsp;TASS.&nbsp;

Kadyrov&nbsp;commands a group of soldiers known as "Kadyrovtsy" or "Kadyrovites" in the Muslim-dominated republic of Russia.

Kadyrov has slammed&nbsp;Russian officers for their military failures&nbsp;in Ukraine, despite the fact that he has refrained from publicly criticising Vladimir Putin. Despite frequently denouncing the Kremlin's war to his three million followers on his Telgram channel, Kadyrov predicted last week that Russia will win the battle and that "the West would kneel."

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Ramzan Kadyrov, the head of the Chechen Republic, revealed on Monday morning (February 13) that his deputy head was poisoned on Wednesday (February 8) when he opened an envelope containing a toxic substance.

Ramzan Kadyrov, the head of the Chechen Republic, revealed on Monday morning (February 13) that his deputy head was poisoned on Wednesday (February 8) when he opened an envelope containing a toxic substance. Apti Alaudinov, who was also "commander of the Akhmat special forces and deputy commander of the 2nd Army Corps," was not in danger of dying, according to Kadyrov, and would recover. He was examined by a doctor in a Moscow facility, as reported by the Jerusalem Post. "Friends, our dear brother ... Apti Alaudinov, was poisoned a few days ago," Kdyrov wrote on his Telegram account. Alaudinov had allegedly received an envelope from an aide. After opening the letter, Alaudinov understood from a caustic smell that he had been exposed to a dangerous chemical. He quickly washed his hands and nasal cavity and was immediately given medical attention. Samples of the poison were taken for examination and an investigation was opened into the assassination attempt, said Kadyrov. In August, Alaudinov was awarded the Hero of Russia title. The Russian invasion of Ukraine was strongly supported by Kadyrov and his Chechen fighters. The conflict has been dominated by Chechen forces. Also read | Moscow supplied India with arms worth $13 billion in last 5 years: Russian agencies Additionally on Monday (February 13), the Russian Foreign Intelligence Services said that the US military was enlisting terrorists from the Islamic State and Al-Qaeda to carry out strikes on Russia and its allies, according to the Russian state-run news agency TASS. As per Russian intelligence, they were receiving training at an American base in Syria. Also watch | Sudan military concludes review of Russian Red Sea base deal "In the near future, it is planned to carry out the transfer of militants as part of small groups to the territory of Russia and the CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States) states. They will be tasked with preparing and carrying out terrorist attacks against diplomats, civil servants, law enforcement officers and personnel of the armed forces," claimed the intelligence service, according to Russian news agency TASS. Kadyrov commands a group of soldiers known as "Kadyrovtsy" or "Kadyrovites" in the Muslim-dominated republic of Russia. Kadyrov has slammed Russian officers for their military failures in Ukraine, despite the fact that he has refrained from publicly criticising Vladimir Putin. Despite frequently denouncing the Kremlin's war to his three million followers on his Telgram channel, Kadyrov predicted last week that Russia will win the battle and that "the West would kneel." WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Commander of Russian special forces in Ukraine poisoned by substance sent in envelope

Moldova’s President Maia Sandu, on Monday (February 13) accused Russia of planning to use foreign saboteurs to overthrow her country’s government which aspires to join the European Union amid Moscow’s ongoing conflict with the bordering nation Ukraine. This comes a week after Sandu met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky who said that they discovered plans by Russian intelligence to destroy Moldova, claims which were later confirmed by Moldovan intelligence officials.&nbsp;

“The plan for the next period involves actions with the involvement of diversionists with military training, camouflaged in civilian clothes, who will undertake violent actions, attack some state buildings, and even take hostages,” said the Moldovan president to the press during a briefing. She added that the purpose of these actions is to “overthrow the constitutional order” and change the legitimate government to an illegitimate one which would be “controlled by the Russian Federation.”

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-secret-services-trying-to-subvert-pro-west-govt-in-moldova-report-529199">Russian secret services trying to subvert pro-West govt in Moldova: Report</a>

According to Sandu, the plan involved citizens from Russia, Montenegro, Belarus and Serbia who would enter Moldova and instigate protests in an attempt to overthrow the legitimate government, “in order to stop the European integration process.” Notably, Moldova received European Union candidate status last year on the same day as Ukraine.&nbsp;

“The Kremlin’s attempts to bring violence to Moldova will not work. Our main goal is the security of citizens and the state. Our goal is peace and public order in the country”, Sandu asserted. The alleged plan also relies on “internal forces”, said the Moldovan president and named two Moldovan oligarchs, Ilan Shor and Vladimir Plahotniuc, both of whom are not only currently in exile but also sanctioned by the United States and the United Kingdom.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/moldova-thousands-participate-in-anti-government-protest-amid-high-inflation-517846">Moldova: Thousands participate in anti-government protest amid high inflation</a> 
 
She also alleged that Russia wants to use Moldova amid its ongoing conflict with Ukraine and the information obtained by the two country’s intelligence contained what she described as instructions on rules of entry to Moldova for citizens from the four aforementioned countries, reported the Associated Press. The briefing also comes after authorities in Moldova confirmed that another missile from the conflict between Russia and Ukraine entered its airspace on Friday.

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/war-in-ukraine-two-russian-missiles-crossed-into-romania-and-moldova-560685">War in Ukraine: Two Russian missiles crossed into Romania and Moldova</a>

However, she went on to assure that the officials are working to prevent these challenges as well as keep the situation under control. The Moldovan president also said that late last year the country’s police and its Intelligence and Security Service (SIS) intervened in multiple cases of “organised criminal elements and stopped attempts at violence.”&nbsp;

Furthermore, Sandu also called for the adoption of draft laws which would equip SIS and the prosecutor’s office with the necessary tools and combat risks to the country’s security more effectively. This comes as the former Soviet republic which borders Ukraine has repeatedly raised concerns about Russia’s intentions as well as its troops' presence in the breakaway Transdniestria region.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
&nbsp;

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Moldova’s President Maia Sandu, on Monday (February 13) accused Russia of planning to use foreign saboteurs to overthrow her country’s government which aspires to join the European Union amid Moscow’s ongoing conflict with the bordering nation Ukraine.

Moldova’s President Maia Sandu, on Monday (February 13) accused Russia of planning to use foreign saboteurs to overthrow her country’s government which aspires to join the European Union amid Moscow’s ongoing conflict with the bordering nation Ukraine. This comes a week after Sandu met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky who said that they discovered plans by Russian intelligence to destroy Moldova, claims which were later confirmed by Moldovan intelligence officials. “The plan for the next period involves actions with the involvement of diversionists with military training, camouflaged in civilian clothes, who will undertake violent actions, attack some state buildings, and even take hostages,” said the Moldovan president to the press during a briefing. She added that the purpose of these actions is to “overthrow the constitutional order” and change the legitimate government to an illegitimate one which would be “controlled by the Russian Federation.” ALSO READ | Russian secret services trying to subvert pro-West govt in Moldova: Report According to Sandu, the plan involved citizens from Russia, Montenegro, Belarus and Serbia who would enter Moldova and instigate protests in an attempt to overthrow the legitimate government, “in order to stop the European integration process.” Notably, Moldova received European Union candidate status last year on the same day as Ukraine. “The Kremlin’s attempts to bring violence to Moldova will not work. Our main goal is the security of citizens and the state. Our goal is peace and public order in the country”, Sandu asserted. The alleged plan also relies on “internal forces”, said the Moldovan president and named two Moldovan oligarchs, Ilan Shor and Vladimir Plahotniuc, both of whom are not only currently in exile but also sanctioned by the United States and the United Kingdom. ALSO READ | Moldova: Thousands participate in anti-government protest amid high inflation She also alleged that Russia wants to use Moldova amid its ongoing conflict with Ukraine and the information obtained by the two country’s intelligence contained what she described as instructions on rules of entry to Moldova for citizens from the four aforementioned countries, reported the Associated Press. The briefing also comes after authorities in Moldova confirmed that another missile from the conflict between Russia and Ukraine entered its airspace on Friday. ALSO WATCH | War in Ukraine: Two Russian missiles crossed into Romania and Moldova However, she went on to assure that the officials are working to prevent these challenges as well as keep the situation under control. The Moldovan president also said that late last year the country’s police and its Intelligence and Security Service (SIS) intervened in multiple cases of “organised criminal elements and stopped attempts at violence.” Furthermore, Sandu also called for the adoption of draft laws which would equip SIS and the prosecutor’s office with the necessary tools and combat risks to the country’s security more effectively. This comes as the former Soviet republic which borders Ukraine has repeatedly raised concerns about Russia’s intentions as well as its troops' presence in the breakaway Transdniestria region. (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.

Moldovan President Maia Sandu reveals Russia’s plans to topple its government

Polish President Andrzej Duda has said that giving F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine would have to be a decision that allies take after consensus. He was speaking with BBC. The pre-recorded interview was aired on Sunday (February 12).&nbsp;“We think that this requires a decision by the allies anyway, which means that we have to make a joint decision... We have such jets, but they are fewer than 50... This poses a serious problem, if we donate even a small part of them anywhere because I don't hesitate to say: we have not enough of these jets," he told BBC's Laura Kuenssberg.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met Duda earlier this week. The meet took place as part of Zelensky's tour of European allies where he was enthusiastically received but secured no public promises of the fighter jets he sought.&nbsp;

Slovakia, Poland's and Ukraine's neighbour, has agreed to send 11 MiG fighters to Ukraine to expand its existing fleet.

Russia attacked Ukraine on February 24 last year. After sustained gains in the first few months of the conflict, Russian forces had to retreat in the face of a Ukrainian counterattack. Western nations have offered considerable help to Ukraine in the form of monetary aid and weapons like missile systems and more. Ukraine will soon get tanks from European nations as it battles the Russian forces.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Polish President Andrzej Duda has said that giving F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine would have to be a decision that allies take after consensus. He was speaking with BBC.

Polish President Andrzej Duda has said that giving F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine would have to be a decision that allies take after consensus. He was speaking with BBC. The pre-recorded interview was aired on Sunday (February 12). “We think that this requires a decision by the allies anyway, which means that we have to make a joint decision... We have such jets, but they are fewer than 50... This poses a serious problem, if we donate even a small part of them anywhere because I don't hesitate to say: we have not enough of these jets," he told BBC's Laura Kuenssberg. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met Duda earlier this week. The meet took place as part of Zelensky's tour of European allies where he was enthusiastically received but secured no public promises of the fighter jets he sought. Slovakia, Poland's and Ukraine's neighbour, has agreed to send 11 MiG fighters to Ukraine to expand its existing fleet. Russia attacked Ukraine on February 24 last year. After sustained gains in the first few months of the conflict, Russian forces had to retreat in the face of a Ukrainian counterattack. Western nations have offered considerable help to Ukraine in the form of monetary aid and weapons like missile systems and more. Ukraine will soon get tanks from European nations as it battles the Russian forces. (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 ×

F-16 fighter jets should be given to Ukraine only after consensus: Poland

Russia's Wagner mercenary Group has said it could take two years for Russia to control two eastern Ukrainian regions Donetsk and Luhansk. Moscow has said , its key goal in the war is to capture these two regions. The founder of the Wagner group you give me precautions, says that it would take three years just to get to Danipro, Donetsk.

Russia Ukraine War: Russia's Wagner Group says, 'Two years till Donetsk capture'

An alleged Russian kamikaze water-drone exploded below a critical bridge in Ukraine causing a whole new set of concerns for the Ukrainian side.

Water-drone strikes Ukrainian bridge | WION Shorts

At a time when Ukraine has appealed for increased supplier weapons from the West, Pakistan has reportedly emerged as the Nation paying heed to the call. Reports suggest that Pakistan has stepped up military supplies to Ukraine. The delivery of weapons is said to be taking place from a German port and simultaneously with the Poland route.

Reports: Pakistan steps up arms supply to Ukraine | Russia-Ukraine War

Pakistan will be providing military supplies to Ukraine through a German port, concurrently with the Poland route, for transferring rockets which will be used in multi-barrel rocket launchers, according to a report published by the Economic Times.

Earlier this month, the officials dispatched supplies of rockets from the Karachi Port which will reach Ukraine via Germany's Emden Port, the people concerned stated.

They stated that the officials have shipped more than 10,000 rockets which are used in Grad multi-barrel rocket launchers.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/violent-mob-storms-pakistan-police-station-sets-man-accused-of-blasphemy-on-fire-560933">Violent mob storms Pakistan police station, sets man accused of blasphemy on fire</a>

An official stated that although Pakistan has been requesting the supply of discounted oil from Russia amid the country's deepening economic crisis, the nation has been providing arms on a regular basis to Ukraine.

Last month, 46 containers belonging to Pakistan Ordnance Factories were supplied by shipping firm Project Shipping, based in Karachi, the Economic Times had reported.

Also, Pakistan Ordnance Factories sent another shipment of 50,000 defence stores via Karachi last month. It is believed that Pakistan's shipments are being transferred to Ukraine via Gdansk Port in Poland, reported the Economic Times.

Defence firms, which are present in a few eastern European states which share a border with Ukraine have emerged as a gateway to transfer military equipment manufactured in Pakistan, a report by Economic Times had stated.

WATCH | Pakistan's economy in doldrums: Never-ending nightmare for citizens

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Meanwhile, arms supplier DMI Associates, based in Islamabad, has been collaboratively working with defence firms established in eastern Europe for transferring the Ukrainian military's orders.

In return for the military supplies, Ukraine has assistance to Pakistan in upgrading its Mi-17 helicopters.

A Ukrainian firm, which is a manufacturer of industrial marine gas turbines and aircraft engines, has been providing assistance in the upgradation of helicopters belonging to Pakistan, reports suggested.

You can&nbsp;now write for wionews.com&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

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Pakistan will be providing military supplies to Ukraine through a German port, concurrently with the Poland route, for transferring rockets which will be used in multi-barrel rocket launchers, according to a report published by the Economic Times.

Pakistan will be providing military supplies to Ukraine through a German port, concurrently with the Poland route, for transferring rockets which will be used in multi-barrel rocket launchers, according to a report published by the Economic Times. Earlier this month, the officials dispatched supplies of rockets from the Karachi Port which will reach Ukraine via Germany's Emden Port, the people concerned stated. They stated that the officials have shipped more than 10,000 rockets which are used in Grad multi-barrel rocket launchers. ALSO READ | Violent mob storms Pakistan police station, sets man accused of blasphemy on fire An official stated that although Pakistan has been requesting the supply of discounted oil from Russia amid the country's deepening economic crisis, the nation has been providing arms on a regular basis to Ukraine. Last month, 46 containers belonging to Pakistan Ordnance Factories were supplied by shipping firm Project Shipping, based in Karachi, the Economic Times had reported. Also, Pakistan Ordnance Factories sent another shipment of 50,000 defence stores via Karachi last month. It is believed that Pakistan's shipments are being transferred to Ukraine via Gdansk Port in Poland, reported the Economic Times. Defence firms, which are present in a few eastern European states which share a border with Ukraine have emerged as a gateway to transfer military equipment manufactured in Pakistan, a report by Economic Times had stated. WATCH | Pakistan's economy in doldrums: Never-ending nightmare for citizens Meanwhile, arms supplier DMI Associates, based in Islamabad, has been collaboratively working with defence firms established in eastern Europe for transferring the Ukrainian military's orders. In return for the military supplies, Ukraine has assistance to Pakistan in upgrading its Mi-17 helicopters. A Ukrainian firm, which is a manufacturer of industrial marine gas turbines and aircraft engines, has been providing assistance in the upgradation of helicopters belonging to Pakistan, reports suggested. 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

Pakistan to provide military supplies to Ukraine via German port: report

Russia has unleashed a new wave of missile strikes on energy infrastructure across Ukraine. The fresh strikes has caused power outages and all the disruptions in water supplies.

War in Ukraine: Two Russian missiles crossed into Romania and Moldova

President Joe Biden will travel to Poland from the 20th to the 22nd of February to Mark the first anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The Vice also said that the U.S president would make it clear that U.S will continue to provide additional security and aid to the people of Ukraine.

President biden to travel to Poland, mark first anniversary of Russian invasion of Ukraine

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

In an interview&nbsp;on Friday (February 10), the head of Russia’s Wagner mercenary group, Yevgeny Prigozhin, spoke about how Russian forces must capture the strategic Ukrainian city of Bakhmut to proceed with their “special military operation” in the country. However, he added, they were facing fierce resistance from Ukrainian troops in the region. The interview was taken by a Russian military blogger,&nbsp;Semyon Pegov,&nbsp;and later made public.&nbsp;As per media reports, Prigozhin also said that Moscow needs to establish clear goals as the conflict approaches the one-year mark.&nbsp;

During the interview,&nbsp;Prigozhin said that Russia&nbsp;could take at least two years to control Ukraine's eastern region, whose capture Moscow has stated as a key goal of the conflict. The Wagner founder group also spoke about how, as per his understanding of Moscow's&nbsp;plan, it needed to fully control the Donetsk and Luhansk regions which it previously claimed as "republics" of Russia, a move which drew widespread condemnation.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-missiles-hit-ukraines-power-facilities-escalates-offensive-in-east-560819">Russian missiles hit Ukraine's power facilities, as offensive escalates in east</a> 
 
"As far as I understand, we need to close off the Donetsk and Luhansk republics and in principle that will suit everyone for now," said&nbsp;Prigozhin, as per Reuters, citing the video of the interview posted by&nbsp;Pegov, on Friday. The Wagner chief also said it could take one and a half to two years and if Russia wants to capture the eastern Ukrainian city of&nbsp;Dnipro then it would take about three years.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Additionally, the Wagner chief said that one of those goals could be to firmly establish its presence in eastern Ukraine or push forward to capture more of the country and that Bakhmut was the key to those plans. “Bakhmut is needed so our troops can operate comfortably”, said Prigozhin. He added, “Why is it called the meat grinder? Because the Ukrainian army is sending more and more and more units.”&nbsp;

The Wagner group has recently garnered significant attention and has reportedly been playing an increasingly prominent role in the Russian invasion of Ukraine as it captured the town of Soledar.&nbsp;&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-wagner-group-defector-opens-up-557692">Gravitas: Wagner Group Defector Opens Up</a> 
 
“First we have to quietly take Artyomovsk (Bakhmut) and then we can say loud and clear that we have taken it,”&nbsp;he said, referring to Bakhmut by its Soviet-era name which is still used in Russia. 
 
According to Prigozhin, it is too early to say if they are close to capturing Bakhmut which he has attributed to many roads out of the city but fewer roads in. He added, “Ukrainian troops are well trained...and like any large city it is impossible to capture it from head-on. We are managing very well,” as per Reuters.&nbsp;

He also compared the fight to capture Soledar, undertaken after failures in taking Bakhmut, to the six-month battles that the Soviet Army needed to secure Stalingrad (the present-day Russian city of Volgograd) during World War II. This comes after Prigozhin repeatedly criticised the Russian army and Kremlin commanders for their failures in the offensive against Ukraine and maintained that the battle for Soledar was exclusively waged by his Wagner forces.&nbsp;

However, during the recent interview, he reportedly&nbsp;refrained from&nbsp;further attacks on Russia's military leadership but said that it is important that the top command understands the situation of the men&nbsp;on the front lines. "So if a general goes into a trench and talks to the soldiers, then the soldiers frankly in the current situation will be just fucking amazed and very pleased. That will be enough for them to understand they’re not sitting alone there with their problems,"&nbsp;he said.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russians-seize-eastern-soledar-town-as-ukrainian-forces-retreat-555946">Ukraine pulls back from eastern Soledar town after months-long battle against Russians</a> 
 
Meanwhile, the United Kingdom’s ministry of defence has speculated that the Wagner forces have advanced at least 2-3 km around northern Bakhmut since Tuesday after months of deadlock on the front lines. The ministry also spoke about how this could threaten the main western access road to Bakhmut, however, the Ukrainian military analyst has previously said that the supplies were still getting through.&nbsp;

In a separate interview, military analyst Oleh Zhdanov said that the situation around Bakhmut remains one of the most difficult sectors for the Ukrainian forces as Russia continues to deploy its conscripts. “The area south of Bakhmut is a very difficult sector…And the city itself remains the hottest spot on the front at this time,” said Zhdanov.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

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Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. In an interview on Friday (February 10), the head of Russia’s Wagner mercenary group, Yevgeny Prigozhin, spoke about how Russian forces must capture the strategic Ukrainian city of Bakhmut to proceed with their “special military operation” in the country. However, he added, they were facing fierce resistance from Ukrainian troops in the region. The interview was taken by a Russian military blogger, Semyon Pegov, and later made public. As per media reports, Prigozhin also said that Moscow needs to establish clear goals as the conflict approaches the one-year mark. During the interview, Prigozhin said that Russia could take at least two years to control Ukraine's eastern region, whose capture Moscow has stated as a key goal of the conflict. The Wagner founder group also spoke about how, as per his understanding of Moscow's plan, it needed to fully control the Donetsk and Luhansk regions which it previously claimed as "republics" of Russia, a move which drew widespread condemnation. ALSO READ | Russian missiles hit Ukraine's power facilities, as offensive escalates in east "As far as I understand, we need to close off the Donetsk and Luhansk republics and in principle that will suit everyone for now," said Prigozhin, as per Reuters, citing the video of the interview posted by Pegov, on Friday. The Wagner chief also said it could take one and a half to two years and if Russia wants to capture the eastern Ukrainian city of Dnipro then it would take about three years. Additionally, the Wagner chief said that one of those goals could be to firmly establish its presence in eastern Ukraine or push forward to capture more of the country and that Bakhmut was the key to those plans. “Bakhmut is needed so our troops can operate comfortably”, said Prigozhin. He added, “Why is it called the meat grinder? Because the Ukrainian army is sending more and more and more units.” The Wagner group has recently garnered significant attention and has reportedly been playing an increasingly prominent role in the Russian invasion of Ukraine as it captured the town of Soledar. ALSO WATCH | Gravitas: Wagner Group Defector Opens Up “First we have to quietly take Artyomovsk (Bakhmut) and then we can say loud and clear that we have taken it,” he said, referring to Bakhmut by its Soviet-era name which is still used in Russia. According to Prigozhin, it is too early to say if they are close to capturing Bakhmut which he has attributed to many roads out of the city but fewer roads in. He added, “Ukrainian troops are well trained...and like any large city it is impossible to capture it from head-on. We are managing very well,” as per Reuters. He also compared the fight to capture Soledar, undertaken after failures in taking Bakhmut, to the six-month battles that the Soviet Army needed to secure Stalingrad (the present-day Russian city of Volgograd) during World War II. This comes after Prigozhin repeatedly criticised the Russian army and Kremlin commanders for their failures in the offensive against Ukraine and maintained that the battle for Soledar was exclusively waged by his Wagner forces. However, during the recent interview, he reportedly refrained from further attacks on Russia's military leadership but said that it is important that the top command understands the situation of the men on the front lines. "So if a general goes into a trench and talks to the soldiers, then the soldiers frankly in the current situation will be just fucking amazed and very pleased. That will be enough for them to understand they’re not sitting alone there with their problems," he said. ALSO READ | Ukraine pulls back from eastern Soledar town after months-long battle against Russians Meanwhile, the United Kingdom’s ministry of defence has speculated that the Wagner forces have advanced at least 2-3 km around northern Bakhmut since Tuesday after months of deadlock on the front lines. The ministry also spoke about how this could threaten the main western access road to Bakhmut, however, the Ukrainian military analyst has previously said that the supplies were still getting through. In a separate interview, military analyst Oleh Zhdanov said that the situation around Bakhmut remains one of the most difficult sectors for the Ukrainian forces as Russia continues to deploy its conscripts. “The area south of Bakhmut is a very difficult sector…And the city itself remains the hottest spot on the front at this time,” said Zhdanov. (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.

Mercenary group Wagner chief says Moscow could take two years to capture eastern Ukrainian regions

February 24th will mark a year since Russia's invasion of Ukraine began. And to mark the occasion, U.S. President joe biden will be travelling to neighbouring Poland , even as Ukrainian President Volodmyr Zelensky rallies European Nations to arm his troops in efforts to defeat the Russian onslaught. So are there any gains in this conflict, who has benefitted from the war so far, is the West supplying Ukraine with weapons, fanning the war or causing a distraction? WION's Eric Njoka speaks to Robert Bell, a distinguished professor of the practice at the Georgia Institute of Technology, for a perspective.

Ukraine invasion one-year anniversary

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

The power facilities in Ukraine were hit by Russian missiles on Friday as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky returned after completing a tour of Western capitals and Ukrainian officials confirmed that the Russian offensive was underway in the east and had escalated.

The armed forces of Ukraine said that more than 100 missiles were fired by the Russian forces throughout the country and 12 air attacks and 20 shelling attacks had taken place.

Ukraine's Energy Minister German Galushchenko said that the power facilities were hit by Russian drones and missiles launched in six regions, which led to blackouts across most of the country.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-claims-russian-missiles-entered-romanian-airspace-romania-denies-560667">Ukraine claims Russian missiles entered Romanian airspace, Romania denies</a>

Biden's visit to Poland

The White House has announced that US President Joe Biden will be visiting Poland from February 20 to 22 to show his support for Ukraine before the first anniversary of its invasion by Russia on February 24 and will speak about additional security assistance and aid to be extended by the United States.

The White House National Security Council's spokesperson John Kirby said, “The president will make it very clear that the United States will continue to stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes.”

IMF to hold talks with Ukrainian officials

The staff of International Monetary Fund staff will hold talks with Ukrainian officials next week in Warsaw, reports suggested on Friday, as Ukraine is demanding a multi-billion dollar borrowing programme to meet its expenses in the wake of war with Russia.

The sovereign rating of Ukraine was downgraded to Ca by the global ratings agency Moody's on Friday, as it predicted long-lasting challenges for the nation as the war continues.

As per Moody's website, the rating reflects that debt obligations are "likely in, or very near, default."

Civilian infrastructure under attack 

The latest attacks were launched by Russia as Zelensky completed his tour of European allies.

"London, Paris, Brussels - everywhere I spoke these past few days about how to strengthen our soldiers. There are very important understandings and we received good signals. This concerns long-range missiles and tanks and the next level of our co-operation — fighter aircraft,” he stated in his nightly video address.

WATCH | Russian missiles hit energy sites across Ukraine

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Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said that Russia shot down 10 missiles over the capital as sirens blared in the morning hours and civilians took shelter.

Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said that the country was without 75 per cent of thermal power and 44 per cent of nuclear generation capacity.

"This is a deliberate targeting of infrastructure that keeps Ukrainians alive in winter," said US State Department deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. The power facilities in Ukraine were hit by Russian missiles on Friday as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky returned after completing a tour of Western capitals and Ukrainian officials confirmed that the Russian offensive was underway in the east and had escalated. The armed forces of Ukraine said that more than 100 missiles were fired by the Russian forces throughout the country and 12 air attacks and 20 shelling attacks had taken place. Ukraine's Energy Minister German Galushchenko said that the power facilities were hit by Russian drones and missiles launched in six regions, which led to blackouts across most of the country. ALSO READ | Ukraine claims Russian missiles entered Romanian airspace, Romania denies Biden's visit to Poland The White House has announced that US President Joe Biden will be visiting Poland from February 20 to 22 to show his support for Ukraine before the first anniversary of its invasion by Russia on February 24 and will speak about additional security assistance and aid to be extended by the United States. The White House National Security Council's spokesperson John Kirby said, “The president will make it very clear that the United States will continue to stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes.” IMF to hold talks with Ukrainian officials The staff of International Monetary Fund staff will hold talks with Ukrainian officials next week in Warsaw, reports suggested on Friday, as Ukraine is demanding a multi-billion dollar borrowing programme to meet its expenses in the wake of war with Russia. The sovereign rating of Ukraine was downgraded to Ca by the global ratings agency Moody's on Friday, as it predicted long-lasting challenges for the nation as the war continues. As per Moody's website, the rating reflects that debt obligations are "likely in, or very near, default." Civilian infrastructure under attack The latest attacks were launched by Russia as Zelensky completed his tour of European allies. "London, Paris, Brussels - everywhere I spoke these past few days about how to strengthen our soldiers. There are very important understandings and we received good signals. This concerns long-range missiles and tanks and the next level of our co-operation — fighter aircraft,” he stated in his nightly video address. WATCH | Russian missiles hit energy sites across Ukraine Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said that Russia shot down 10 missiles over the capital as sirens blared in the morning hours and civilians took shelter. Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said that the country was without 75 per cent of thermal power and 44 per cent of nuclear generation capacity. "This is a deliberate targeting of infrastructure that keeps Ukrainians alive in winter," said US State Department deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Russian missiles hit Ukraine's power facilities, as offensive escalates in east

IOC president Thomas Bach has told Ukraine its calls to boycott the 2024 Paris Games over the possible participation of Russian competitors goes against Olympic “principles” as his organisation was accused of being “on the wrong side of history”.

Ukraine’s call to boycott Paris 2024 over Russian participation against Olympic principles, says IOC

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has urged Ukraine to drop the threats of an Olympic boycott at the Paris Games next year if Russia and Belarus are cleared to compete. Ukraine secure widespread international support for a ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes after the IOC opened the door for them to compete.

2024 Paris Olympics: International Olympic Committee says 'Ukraine should drop threat of boycott'

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. 
 
Ukraine on Friday (February 10) claimed that two Russian missiles violated the airspace of Romania on their way to Ukraine. Romania is a NATO member. Ukrainian claim was, however, refuted by Romania. Ukraine's armed forces chief said that Russian missiles crossed Romania and Moldova's airspace as they charted their course to Ukraine.

Romania detected an "aerial target launched from the Black Sea from a ship of the Russian Federation" but "at no point did it intersect with Romania's airspace," the ministry of defence said. &nbsp;

"The closest point of the target's trajectory from Romania's airspace was registered by the radar systems at approximately 35 kilometres (22 miles) north-east of the border," the statement added.&nbsp;

Two Romanian Air Force MiG-21 LanceR aircraft on air policing duty under NATO command were sent towards the north of Romania "to supplement our reaction options," the statement added.&nbsp;

In spite of official denials, if it comes to light in future that the airspace was indeed violated, it would mark first such instance involving Romania. In NATO alliance, attack against one member is considered to be attack against all others as well. &nbsp;

Neighbouring Moldova has confirmed it detected "a missile that crossed the airspace of Moldova" and has summoned the Russian ambassador.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-escalation-has-already-started-in-the-east-ukrainian-officials-say-560461">Russia hits critical infrastructure in Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia; explosions heard in Kyiv</a>

Moldova has already seen debris of Russian missiles during the nearly year-long Russian invasion of Ukraine.&nbsp;

Russia attacked Ukraine on February 24. After sustained battlefield advances in initial months, Russian forces had to retreat in the face of Ukrainian counteroffensives. Russia then chose&nbsp;to carry out devastating missile attacks in Ukraine.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. Ukraine on Friday (February 10) claimed that two Russian missiles violated the airspace of Romania on their way to Ukraine. Romania is a NATO member. Ukrainian claim was, however, refuted by Romania. Ukraine's armed forces chief said that Russian missiles crossed Romania and Moldova's airspace as they charted their course to Ukraine. Romania detected an "aerial target launched from the Black Sea from a ship of the Russian Federation" but "at no point did it intersect with Romania's airspace," the ministry of defence said.  "The closest point of the target's trajectory from Romania's airspace was registered by the radar systems at approximately 35 kilometres (22 miles) north-east of the border," the statement added. Two Romanian Air Force MiG-21 LanceR aircraft on air policing duty under NATO command were sent towards the north of Romania "to supplement our reaction options," the statement added. In spite of official denials, if it comes to light in future that the airspace was indeed violated, it would mark first such instance involving Romania. In NATO alliance, attack against one member is considered to be attack against all others as well. Neighbouring Moldova has confirmed it detected "a missile that crossed the airspace of Moldova" and has summoned the Russian ambassador. Also Read | Russia hits critical infrastructure in Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia; explosions heard in Kyiv Moldova has already seen debris of Russian missiles during the nearly year-long Russian invasion of Ukraine. Russia attacked Ukraine on February 24. After sustained battlefield advances in initial months, Russian forces had to retreat in the face of Ukrainian counteroffensives. Russia then chose to carry out devastating missile attacks in Ukraine. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Ukraine claims Russian missiles entered Romanian airspace, Romania denies

French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday warned that even if the European allies decide to send fighter jets to Kyiv, they can't be dispatched in "the coming weeks".

"I'm not ruling anything out ... but that doesn't correspond to today's requirements," said Macron, after an EU summit in Brussels, where Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky was also present.&nbsp;

A renewed offensive has been launched by Russia in the war-torn east of Ukraine and this week, Zelensky visited London, Paris and Brussels as he appealed for more advanced weapons for his country.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-escalation-has-already-started-in-the-east-ukrainian-officials-say-560461">Russian escalation has already started in the east, Ukrainian officials say</a>

Ukraine has been demanding heavy tanks, long-range missiles and western combat jets, however, the nation is running out of basic supplies like artillery shells.

Britain has agreed to provide training to the Ukrainian pilots on Western jets, while Slovakia and Poland have been planning to supply more Soviet-designed Mig-29 fighters which Kyiv is already using.

However, the allies of Ukraine are concerned that sending advanced Western fighter jets would escalate the tensions with Moscow and may result in open conflict between Russia and NATO.&nbsp;

Zelensky was hailed as a hero by Macron along with other EU leaders in Brussels, as they promised to support Ukraine till victory is achieved, however, they remain cautious about sending fighter jets.

WATCH | Russia-Ukraine War: UK promises to train Ukrainian pilots

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"It is essential the allies favour the most useful equipment" and "the fastest", &nbsp;said Macron, citing the MAMBA medium-range surface-to-air defence system and the Caesar guns which were supplied by France.&nbsp;

He added that it may be important to finalise the delivery of munitions and artillery pieces so that Ukraine can resist or launch ground offensives, as he promised to "work on it in the coming days".

(With inputs from agencies)

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French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday warned that even if the European allies decide to send fighter jets to Kyiv, they can't be dispatched in "the coming weeks".

French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday warned that even if the European allies decide to send fighter jets to Kyiv, they can't be dispatched in "the coming weeks". "I'm not ruling anything out ... but that doesn't correspond to today's requirements," said Macron, after an EU summit in Brussels, where Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky was also present. A renewed offensive has been launched by Russia in the war-torn east of Ukraine and this week, Zelensky visited London, Paris and Brussels as he appealed for more advanced weapons for his country. ALSO READ | Russian escalation has already started in the east, Ukrainian officials say Ukraine has been demanding heavy tanks, long-range missiles and western combat jets, however, the nation is running out of basic supplies like artillery shells. Britain has agreed to provide training to the Ukrainian pilots on Western jets, while Slovakia and Poland have been planning to supply more Soviet-designed Mig-29 fighters which Kyiv is already using. However, the allies of Ukraine are concerned that sending advanced Western fighter jets would escalate the tensions with Moscow and may result in open conflict between Russia and NATO. Zelensky was hailed as a hero by Macron along with other EU leaders in Brussels, as they promised to support Ukraine till victory is achieved, however, they remain cautious about sending fighter jets. WATCH | Russia-Ukraine War: UK promises to train Ukrainian pilots "It is essential the allies favour the most useful equipment" and "the fastest", said Macron, citing the MAMBA medium-range surface-to-air defence system and the Caesar guns which were supplied by France. He added that it may be important to finalise the delivery of munitions and artillery pieces so that Ukraine can resist or launch ground offensives, as he promised to "work on it in the coming days". (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

Macron says European allies won't be able to send fighter jets to Ukraine in coming weeks

Russia's mercenary organisation, Wagner Group, has stopped recruiting prisoners to fight in Ukraine. According to the group's founder, Wagner began recruiting in Russia's prisoners sprawling penal system in summer last year.

Wagner to not recruit prisoners to fight in Ukraine, says founder Dmitriy Utkin

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