Pro-Russian officials claim to have removed Grigory Potemkin's remains from the captured Ukrainian city of Kherson. Potemkin was a famous Russian general who served in the 18th century.

According to Vladimir Saldo, the region's pro-Russian proxy governor, Potemkin's remains were removed from St. Catherine's Cathedral and relocated across the Dnipro river and farther into Russian-controlled territory, along with a statue of the military leader, reported&nbsp;CNN.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-task-set-by-you-has-been-completed-russia-ends-mobilisation-for-ukraine-zelensky-expresses-doubt-529302">'The task set by you has been completed': Russia ends mobilisation for Ukraine, Zelensky expresses doubt</a>

“We have moved the remains of His Serene Highness Prince Potemkin from St. Catherine’s Church and the monument itself to the left [east] bank,” Saldo said, according to Russian state news agency RIA Novosti.

Potemkin's memory is important to those in Russia who want to restore the country's former imperial power because of his crucial part in the conquest of Crimea from the Turks in 1783. Putin heavily relied on his legacy to support the 2014 annexation of Crimea.

Saldo reported that memorials commemorating naval commanders Fyodor Ushakov, Alexander Suvorov, and Vasily Margelov were also taken out of the chapel and placed somewhere secret. He said that the artefacts will be returned once the city was safe.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-firm-will-build-polands-first-nuclear-power-plant-529294">US firm will build Poland's first nuclear power plant</a>

The plan to conquer Crimea, which Russia originally seized in 1783 as a result of a peace treaty with the Ottoman Empire, is thought to have been orchestrated by Potemkin. After receiving the title of field marshal, he established the city of Sevastopol in the Crimea, which is now the principal Russian naval station on the Black Sea. The newly constructed Black Sea fleet under Potemkin was crucial to Russia's victory in the second Turkish war of 1768–1774.

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Pro-Russian officials claim to have removed Grigory Potemkin's remains from the captured Ukrainian city of Kherson. Potemkin was a famous Russian general who served in the 18th century.

Pro-Russian officials claim to have removed Grigory Potemkin's remains from the captured Ukrainian city of Kherson. Potemkin was a famous Russian general who served in the 18th century. According to Vladimir Saldo, the region's pro-Russian proxy governor, Potemkin's remains were removed from St. Catherine's Cathedral and relocated across the Dnipro river and farther into Russian-controlled territory, along with a statue of the military leader, reported CNN. Also read | 'The task set by you has been completed': Russia ends mobilisation for Ukraine, Zelensky expresses doubt “We have moved the remains of His Serene Highness Prince Potemkin from St. Catherine’s Church and the monument itself to the left [east] bank,” Saldo said, according to Russian state news agency RIA Novosti. Potemkin's memory is important to those in Russia who want to restore the country's former imperial power because of his crucial part in the conquest of Crimea from the Turks in 1783. Putin heavily relied on his legacy to support the 2014 annexation of Crimea. Saldo reported that memorials commemorating naval commanders Fyodor Ushakov, Alexander Suvorov, and Vasily Margelov were also taken out of the chapel and placed somewhere secret. He said that the artefacts will be returned once the city was safe. Also read | US firm will build Poland's first nuclear power plant The plan to conquer Crimea, which Russia originally seized in 1783 as a result of a peace treaty with the Ottoman Empire, is thought to have been orchestrated by Potemkin. After receiving the title of field marshal, he established the city of Sevastopol in the Crimea, which is now the principal Russian naval station on the Black Sea. The newly constructed Black Sea fleet under Potemkin was crucial to Russia's victory in the second Turkish war of 1768–1774. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Russia removes bones of commander admired by Putin from occupied Ukrainian city

President Volodymyr Zelensky said&nbsp;that four million people in Ukraine have lost electricity as a result of Russia's bombing campaign, and officials in the capital Kyiv have issued warnings of "unprecedented" outages.&nbsp;

Zelensky was speaking after Russia announced that it had finished calling up all 300,000 reserve soldiers to fight in Ukraine.&nbsp;

In the meantime, the United States offered new military assistance to Ukraine, in part as a result of Russian attacks on the nation's infrastructure for civilian use.&nbsp;

Zelensky emphasised in his Friday evening speech that the Russian campaign's effects were being felt throughout the entire nation.

"About 4 million Ukrainians face restrictions now" from the rolling blackouts, he said. "We are doing everything so that the state has the opportunity to reduce such blackouts."

In advance of winter, Russian forces have been hammering Ukraine with airstrikes that specifically target energy infrastructure and have destroyed at least a third of the nation's power plants.&nbsp;

DTEK, the energy provider for the Kyiv region, warned Friday that because of the Russian attacks, it would have to implement "unprecedented" power cuts there in order to prevent a total blackout.

"More severe and longer blackouts will be implemented in the coming days," it said.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-moscow-has-sent-1000-troops-as-reinforcement-as-fighting-intensifies-in-kherson-529171">Ukraine: Moscow has sent 1,000 troops as reinforcement as fighting intensifies in Kherson</a>

In the meantime, in a televised meeting with President Vladimir Putin, Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu announced that they had reached their call-up goal of 300,000 soldiers.&nbsp;

The mobilisation was announced on September 21 to help turn the tide after Moscow suffered a string of defeats in Ukraine, which resulted in some Russian men running for the borders to flee the conflict.

(with inputs from agencies)

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1  width=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe>

President Volodymyr Zelensky said that four million people in Ukraine have lost electricity as a result of Russia's bombing campaign, and officials in the capital Kyiv have issued warnings of "unprecedented" outages.

President Volodymyr Zelensky said that four million people in Ukraine have lost electricity as a result of Russia's bombing campaign, and officials in the capital Kyiv have issued warnings of "unprecedented" outages. Zelensky was speaking after Russia announced that it had finished calling up all 300,000 reserve soldiers to fight in Ukraine. In the meantime, the United States offered new military assistance to Ukraine, in part as a result of Russian attacks on the nation's infrastructure for civilian use. Zelensky emphasised in his Friday evening speech that the Russian campaign's effects were being felt throughout the entire nation. "About 4 million Ukrainians face restrictions now" from the rolling blackouts, he said. "We are doing everything so that the state has the opportunity to reduce such blackouts." In advance of winter, Russian forces have been hammering Ukraine with airstrikes that specifically target energy infrastructure and have destroyed at least a third of the nation's power plants. DTEK, the energy provider for the Kyiv region, warned Friday that because of the Russian attacks, it would have to implement "unprecedented" power cuts there in order to prevent a total blackout. "More severe and longer blackouts will be implemented in the coming days," it said. Also Read: Ukraine: Moscow has sent 1,000 troops as reinforcement as fighting intensifies in Kherson In the meantime, in a televised meeting with President Vladimir Putin, Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu announced that they had reached their call-up goal of 300,000 soldiers. The mobilisation was announced on September 21 to help turn the tide after Moscow suffered a string of defeats in Ukraine, which resulted in some Russian men running for the borders to flee the conflict. (with inputs from agencies)

Kyiv bracing for 'unprecedented' power outages due to Russia's bombing campaign

Don’t count your chickens before they hatch, an old English proverb says. Its Russian counterpart advises you to count your chickens in the fall.

In Russia, fall starts looming in August and is often revelatory. The August 1991 putsch burst open the cracks within the Soviet elite, accelerating the country’s implosion, and the August 1998 financial crisis exposed the bankruptcy of the new Russian state. Terrorist bombings in 1999, the Beslan massacre in 2004 and even the revolution in 1917 all took place in the fall — as if not only nature but also social and political forces ripen and bear fruit this season.

In the fall of 2022, Russians have been forced to face the reality of war. Vladimir Putin’s decision in September to mobilize Russians lifted the final flimsy veil from what the government continues to call a special military operation in Ukraine. Many Russian families, after months of detachment, have had to confront the ugly face of war, a full 210 days into the full-scale invasion. Almost half of Russians felt “anxiety, fear and horror,” while 13 percent were angry, according to surveys conducted by the independent Levada Center after the announcement. A bitter war of revenge, borne with stunning resilience and moral courage in Ukraine, has been further underlined by Russia’s escalatory assault on civilian targets.

Yet for all the emotion it has inspired, the escalation hasn’t seemed to affect most Russians’ views of the war. According to one recent study, 43 percent of Russians support the bombing of Ukrainian cities and overall support for the war has not changed much. Given the parlous state of the country — internationally isolated and economically precarious — and the dawning realization of what the war in Ukraine entails, such a sturdy bank of support for the Kremlin’s actions might seem surprising. But it emerges from a deep well of collective feeling, nurtured in recent decades, that conflates individuals’ interests with those of the state, embodied by Mr. Putin. That support may dim, but it won’t disappear.

When the war started, hopes that Russians would rise up and challenge the senseless cruelty of their country’s leadership were quickly disappointed. Some courageous Russians, often from younger generations, took to the streets or engaged in more clandestine opposition to the war. But the protests, while attended by thousands in the initial days after the invasion, never really snowballed to a grand scale. The main factor was fear. After the Kremlin made criticism of the war punishable by up to 15 years in prison, protests understandably dropped away. After all, people have one life and want to live it, rather than spend it being tortured by a police officer and left to rot in jail.

If a minority of Russians were roused to anger by the invasion, the majority were in a state of shock. In days, Russia had become a pariah, cut off from international travel and targeted with deep sanctions. It was profoundly disorienting. To navigate this uncharted territory, Russians in the main reached for familiar moral ground: collective national identity. “My country, right or wrong” was the default reaction. One message from a popular movie star resonated intensely: “You don’t criticize your own folks in war, even if they are wrong.” Instead, people blamed President Joe Biden, NATO expansion and the West, as well as Ukrainian nationalists.

As time passed, many Russians distanced themselves. They lived the summer months as if nothing was happening. The Russian state took note of public disengagement and at the beginning of September state-controlled media moved away from the style of coverage that characterized the early war, with its emphasis on the demilitarization and denazification of Ukraine, and toward infotainment, with new historical television series and late-night shows with familiar hosts. For a while, soccer results and “House of the Dragon” trended in Google searches in Russia. Mr. Putin’s mobilization order, in response to the military’s difficulties on the battlefield, shattered this equilibrium. As men were called up to fight, Russians’ attitude toward the war was once again tested.

Mobilization was a second shock that was, once again, internalized by society. Despite instances of unrest and disquiet in some regions, the Russian public broadly acquiesced. The more educated and well-resourced Russians looked for ways to circumvent the potential draft; exit options ranged from leaving the country to obtaining official paperwork to avoid conscription. But the duty to the state and to their own folks is seen, by many ordinary Russians, as an unavoidable obligation.

This ought not to be too surprising. War, after all, magnifies the role of collective identity — itself the primary standpoint from which many Russian individuals understand their reality. This isn’t just a matter of propaganda, though it’s true that the majority of citizens take their cues from government-controlled media. It operates at a deeper level of perception and interpretation, where citizens shape their opinions on the basis of what they know — or imagine — are the dominant, socially desirable views.

This reflex explains seeming contradictions thrown up by polling. A recent poll revealed that almost 40 percent of Russians were hypothetically ready to support any of Mr. Putin’s decisions, whether he were to sign a peace agreement or march to Kyiv. The paradox of support for these antithetical strategies dissolves once you grasp that people respond to these surveys not individually but collectively — they support whatever is thought to serve the collective interest, expressed by their president. In wartime, with the nation pitted against a range of adversaries, these dynamics are only intensified.

Rallying around the flag at times of war is not unique to Russia, of course. The uniqueness of Russia today is in the symbolic merger of its national identity with the figure of Vladimir Putin. This strange conflation is the fruit of a two-decade-long process of depoliticization, in which the Kremlin encouraged people to trust Mr. Putin — conceived as a uniquely heroic figure who saved the country from the wild and painful 1990s — while sowing a deep distrust of all other politicians.

In the 2000s, this largely successful strategy depended on rising living standards. In the past decade, as economic growth stalled and discontent broke out, it has taken the form of national identity politics. Patriotism, veneration of state symbols and admiration for the glories of Russian history and the country’s recent successes have become a burnished mirror in which citizens see themselves. At the center of this national idea sits Mr. Putin, the embodiment of a stronger and more successful Russia.

Awakening from this illusion will be nothing if not painful and prolonged. As of now, like their leader, many Russian citizens are invested in victory in Ukraine — whatever that is deemed to mean. Yet this fall, though it may take some time for Russians to admit it, has been similarly revelatory. It marks the point at which Mr. Putin started to slide, slowly but surely, from Russia’s national pedestal.

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

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Don’t count your chickens before they hatch, an old English proverb says. Its Russian counterpart advises you to count your chickens in the fall. In Russia, fall starts looming in August and is often revelatory.

Don’t count your chickens before they hatch, an old English proverb says. Its Russian counterpart advises you to count your chickens in the fall. In Russia, fall starts looming in August and is often revelatory. The August 1991 putsch burst open the cracks within the Soviet elite, accelerating the country’s implosion, and the August 1998 financial crisis exposed the bankruptcy of the new Russian state. Terrorist bombings in 1999, the Beslan massacre in 2004 and even the revolution in 1917 all took place in the fall — as if not only nature but also social and political forces ripen and bear fruit this season. In the fall of 2022, Russians have been forced to face the reality of war. Vladimir Putin’s decision in September to mobilize Russians lifted the final flimsy veil from what the government continues to call a special military operation in Ukraine. Many Russian families, after months of detachment, have had to confront the ugly face of war, a full 210 days into the full-scale invasion. Almost half of Russians felt “anxiety, fear and horror,” while 13 percent were angry, according to surveys conducted by the independent Levada Center after the announcement. A bitter war of revenge, borne with stunning resilience and moral courage in Ukraine, has been further underlined by Russia’s escalatory assault on civilian targets. Yet for all the emotion it has inspired, the escalation hasn’t seemed to affect most Russians’ views of the war. According to one recent study, 43 percent of Russians support the bombing of Ukrainian cities and overall support for the war has not changed much. Given the parlous state of the country — internationally isolated and economically precarious — and the dawning realization of what the war in Ukraine entails, such a sturdy bank of support for the Kremlin’s actions might seem surprising. But it emerges from a deep well of collective feeling, nurtured in recent decades, that conflates individuals’ interests with those of the state, embodied by Mr. Putin. That support may dim, but it won’t disappear. When the war started, hopes that Russians would rise up and challenge the senseless cruelty of their country’s leadership were quickly disappointed. Some courageous Russians, often from younger generations, took to the streets or engaged in more clandestine opposition to the war. But the protests, while attended by thousands in the initial days after the invasion, never really snowballed to a grand scale. The main factor was fear. After the Kremlin made criticism of the war punishable by up to 15 years in prison, protests understandably dropped away. After all, people have one life and want to live it, rather than spend it being tortured by a police officer and left to rot in jail. If a minority of Russians were roused to anger by the invasion, the majority were in a state of shock. In days, Russia had become a pariah, cut off from international travel and targeted with deep sanctions. It was profoundly disorienting. To navigate this uncharted territory, Russians in the main reached for familiar moral ground: collective national identity. “My country, right or wrong” was the default reaction. One message from a popular movie star resonated intensely: “You don’t criticize your own folks in war, even if they are wrong.” Instead, people blamed President Joe Biden, NATO expansion and the West, as well as Ukrainian nationalists. As time passed, many Russians distanced themselves. They lived the summer months as if nothing was happening. The Russian state took note of public disengagement and at the beginning of September state-controlled media moved away from the style of coverage that characterized the early war, with its emphasis on the demilitarization and denazification of Ukraine, and toward infotainment, with new historical television series and late-night shows with familiar hosts. For a while, soccer results and “House of the Dragon” trended in Google searches in Russia. Mr. Putin’s mobilization order, in response to the military’s difficulties on the battlefield, shattered this equilibrium. As men were called up to fight, Russians’ attitude toward the war was once again tested. Mobilization was a second shock that was, once again, internalized by society. Despite instances of unrest and disquiet in some regions, the Russian public broadly acquiesced. The more educated and well-resourced Russians looked for ways to circumvent the potential draft; exit options ranged from leaving the country to obtaining official paperwork to avoid conscription. But the duty to the state and to their own folks is seen, by many ordinary Russians, as an unavoidable obligation. This ought not to be too surprising. War, after all, magnifies the role of collective identity — itself the primary standpoint from which many Russian individuals understand their reality. This isn’t just a matter of propaganda, though it’s true that the majority of citizens take their cues from government-controlled media. It operates at a deeper level of perception and interpretation, where citizens shape their opinions on the basis of what they know — or imagine — are the dominant, socially desirable views. This reflex explains seeming contradictions thrown up by polling. A recent poll revealed that almost 40 percent of Russians were hypothetically ready to support any of Mr. Putin’s decisions, whether he were to sign a peace agreement or march to Kyiv. The paradox of support for these antithetical strategies dissolves once you grasp that people respond to these surveys not individually but collectively — they support whatever is thought to serve the collective interest, expressed by their president. In wartime, with the nation pitted against a range of adversaries, these dynamics are only intensified. Rallying around the flag at times of war is not unique to Russia, of course. The uniqueness of Russia today is in the symbolic merger of its national identity with the figure of Vladimir Putin. This strange conflation is the fruit of a two-decade-long process of depoliticization, in which the Kremlin encouraged people to trust Mr. Putin — conceived as a uniquely heroic figure who saved the country from the wild and painful 1990s — while sowing a deep distrust of all other politicians. In the 2000s, this largely successful strategy depended on rising living standards. In the past decade, as economic growth stalled and discontent broke out, it has taken the form of national identity politics. Patriotism, veneration of state symbols and admiration for the glories of Russian history and the country’s recent successes have become a burnished mirror in which citizens see themselves. At the center of this national idea sits Mr. Putin, the embodiment of a stronger and more successful Russia. Awakening from this illusion will be nothing if not painful and prolonged. As of now, like their leader, many Russian citizens are invested in victory in Ukraine — whatever that is deemed to mean. Yet this fall, though it may take some time for Russians to admit it, has been similarly revelatory. It marks the point at which Mr. Putin started to slide, slowly but surely, from Russia’s national pedestal. 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 ×

Russians know the reality of war, and many of them still support Putin

The Pentagon said on Thursday that Russia's invasion of Ukraine highlights the "acute threat" posed by Moscow, but China is the most consequential challenge for the United States.

The U.S. warns of acute threats from Russia as battle looms over the Kherson region

In the latest warning, Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that the coming decade will be the most dangerous since the end of World War II. Putin further accused the West for inciting the war in Ukraine.

Russia-Ukraine War: US warns of acute threats from Russia

Russia rehearsed its response to a nuclear attack on Wednesday in an exercise that involved nuclear submarines, strategic bombers and ballistic missiles at a time when tensions are high over a dirty bomb allegation it has made against Ukraine.

Russia rehearses nuclear attack response as tensions rise over dirty bomb blame game

The recent events in Ukraine, as well as some Ukrainian officials' allegations that Iran gave drones to Russia many years ago, and Moscow's employment of unmanned aircraft in the fight, were all brought up by the Iranian foreign minister, FNA reported.

The comments were made by Amir Abdollahian to Gordan Grlic-Radman, the foreign and European affairs minister of Croatia, over the phone.

“We have always been and still are strongly opposed to war and to the arming of any warring side and we have told the Ukrainian officials to show any evidence they have that would prove the use of Iranian drones in the Ukraine war,” Amir Abdollahian said.

The top diplomat emphasised that although Iran and Russia have long-standing defence ties, Tehran neither endorsed nor provided Russia with any weapons developed in Iran for use in the conflict in Ukraine.&nbsp;

Tehran has consistently dismissed as unfounded accusations that it has sent drones to Russia for use in the continuing conflict with Ukraine. Iranian officials cautioned that arming Moscow or Kyiv would only serve to prolong the confrontation between the two neighbours and repeated that Tehran will not support either side in the Russia-Ukraine issue.&nbsp;

The Council of the Ministers of the European Union's "wrong move" against Tehran, which was taken "based on a set of false information," was also mentioned by the foreign minister of Iran.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rishi-sunak-hopes-to-build-a-britain-where-children-can-light-their-diyas-528747">At Diwali event, Rishi Sunak hopes to build a Britain where children can 'light their diyas'</a>

Iran is mulling a suitable retaliation in kind to the EU decision, according to Amir Abdollahian.&nbsp;

Iranian officials empathised&nbsp;for not taking sides in the brutal conflict and refraining from doing any actions that would cause the crisis to worsen. They reaffirmed their aversion to violence between the two nations and emphasised Iran's impartial stance on the issue.

(with inputs from agencies)

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The recent events in Ukraine, as well as some Ukrainian officials' allegations that Iran gave drones to Russia many years ago, and Moscow's employment of unmanned aircraft in the fight, were all brought up by the Iranian foreign minister, FNA reported.

The recent events in Ukraine, as well as some Ukrainian officials' allegations that Iran gave drones to Russia many years ago, and Moscow's employment of unmanned aircraft in the fight, were all brought up by the Iranian foreign minister, FNA reported. The comments were made by Amir Abdollahian to Gordan Grlic-Radman, the foreign and European affairs minister of Croatia, over the phone. “We have always been and still are strongly opposed to war and to the arming of any warring side and we have told the Ukrainian officials to show any evidence they have that would prove the use of Iranian drones in the Ukraine war,” Amir Abdollahian said. The top diplomat emphasised that although Iran and Russia have long-standing defence ties, Tehran neither endorsed nor provided Russia with any weapons developed in Iran for use in the conflict in Ukraine. Tehran has consistently dismissed as unfounded accusations that it has sent drones to Russia for use in the continuing conflict with Ukraine. Iranian officials cautioned that arming Moscow or Kyiv would only serve to prolong the confrontation between the two neighbours and repeated that Tehran will not support either side in the Russia-Ukraine issue. The Council of the Ministers of the European Union's "wrong move" against Tehran, which was taken "based on a set of false information," was also mentioned by the foreign minister of Iran. Also Read: At Diwali event, Rishi Sunak hopes to build a Britain where children can 'light their diyas' Iran is mulling a suitable retaliation in kind to the EU decision, according to Amir Abdollahian. Iranian officials empathised for not taking sides in the brutal conflict and refraining from doing any actions that would cause the crisis to worsen. They reaffirmed their aversion to violence between the two nations and emphasised Iran's impartial stance on the issue. (with inputs from agencies)

Iran asks Ukraine to offer evidence of use of Iranian drones in war

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday that the ongoing crisis in Ukraine is Moscow’s attempt to "defend its right to exist" as western countries try to “destroy the country”. Putin also accused the countries of interfering in the region and trying to disrupt its existing peace.

He further warned that the world is facing "probably the most dangerous" decade since the end of World War II.

"Russia is not challenging the elites of the West, Russia is just trying to defend its right to exist," Putin said during his annual speech at Russian think tank Valdai Club according to Reuters.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-moscow-warns-that-it-may-target-western-satellites-528918" hreflang="en">Russia-Ukraine war: Moscow warns of targeting West satellites helping Ukraine</a>

"Ahead is probably the most dangerous, unpredictable and at the same time important decade since the end of the Second World War," Putin said before adding the situation will "to a certain extent revolutionary" as the west try to "destroy (Russia), wipe if off the face of the political map."

Putin also said that the need for Russia’s victory in the crisis is very important for the world as the result can end up creating "tectonic shifts of the entire world order".

"The historical period of undivided dominance of the West in world affairs is coming to an end. The unipolar world is becoming a thing of the past," he said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-united-states-planning-to-accelerate-the-plans-to-store-upgraded-nukes-in-europe-528891">Is United States accelerating plans to upgrade nukes at NATO bases in Europe?</a>

"We are at a historical frontier," he added.

Earlier, Russian diplomat Konstantin Vorontsov said that the “trend” of using western satellites can cause harm to both Russia and Ukraine.

"Quasi-civilian infrastructure may be a legitimate target for a retaliatory strike."

"We are talking about the involvement of components of civilian space infrastructure, including commercial, by the United States and its allies in armed conflicts," Vorontsov said. 
&nbsp;

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Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday that the ongoing crisis in Ukraine is Moscow’s attempt to "defend its right to exist" as western countries try to “destroy the country”.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday that the ongoing crisis in Ukraine is Moscow’s attempt to "defend its right to exist" as western countries try to “destroy the country”. Putin also accused the countries of interfering in the region and trying to disrupt its existing peace. He further warned that the world is facing "probably the most dangerous" decade since the end of World War II. "Russia is not challenging the elites of the West, Russia is just trying to defend its right to exist," Putin said during his annual speech at Russian think tank Valdai Club according to Reuters. Also read | Russia-Ukraine war: Moscow warns of targeting West satellites helping Ukraine "Ahead is probably the most dangerous, unpredictable and at the same time important decade since the end of the Second World War," Putin said before adding the situation will "to a certain extent revolutionary" as the west try to "destroy (Russia), wipe if off the face of the political map." Putin also said that the need for Russia’s victory in the crisis is very important for the world as the result can end up creating "tectonic shifts of the entire world order". "The historical period of undivided dominance of the West in world affairs is coming to an end. The unipolar world is becoming a thing of the past," he said. Also read | Is United States accelerating plans to upgrade nukes at NATO bases in Europe? "We are at a historical frontier," he added. Earlier, Russian diplomat Konstantin Vorontsov said that the “trend” of using western satellites can cause harm to both Russia and Ukraine. "Quasi-civilian infrastructure may be a legitimate target for a retaliatory strike." "We are talking about the involvement of components of civilian space infrastructure, including commercial, by the United States and its allies in armed conflicts," Vorontsov said.

World facing most dangerous decade since World War II, Russia defending its right to exist: Putin

It has been several months since the Russian invasion of Ukraine has been raging on and scores of civilians have lost their lives in the conflict. Now, Ukrainians expect a tough fight for Kherson.

Russia-Ukraine war: Ukrainians expect a tough fight for Kherson

After repeated denial by Russia and Iran regarding the supply of arms, Israel President Isaac Herzog on Tuesday said his country had shared 'intelligence' with the US to prove the deals had indeed taken place.

After repeated denial by Russia and Iran regarding the supply of arms, Israel President Isaac Herzog on Tuesday said his country had shared 'intelligence' with the US to prove the deals had indeed taken place. Herzog said Iran supplied drones that Russia has used in recent times to create havoc in Ukraine. The Israeli president made the statement during a meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, in Washington. According to Herzog's office, Israel shared images assessed that show similarity between the drones downed in Ukraine and parts tested by Iran in December last year. It added that both images have similarities to the drones displayed at an exposition in Iran in 2014. Read more: Why is West bothered about Iran sending drones to Russia? "Iranian weapons play a key role in destabilizing our world, and the international community must learn its lessons, now and in the future," said Herzog. He added that the "world must speak with Iran in the same language. A tough, united and uncompromising language." The eight-month-long war has depleted Russia's weapon arsenal. It is now looking for alternatives to have them filled. After Ukraine regained significant ground by pushing Russian troops, forcing Putin to call for partial mobilisation, Moscow closed the gap by bombarding Ukrainian cities and towns with deadly Iranian drones, according to news reports. Earlier this week, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky claimed that Russia had ordered around 2,000 drones from Iran. "The disgusting sound of Iranian drones is heard in our skies every night. Russia ordered about 2,000 'Shaheds' from Iran," said Zelensky Read more: Russia-Ukraine war: Zelensky claims Moscow ordered some 2,000 drones from Iran Moreover, Iran is expected to deliver short-range ballistic missiles viz. Fateh-110 and its advanced version such as Zolfaghar to Kremlin, per a report by the Washington Post. However, Iran has rejected the claims saying it is not sending any weapons. "We believe that the arming of each side of the crisis will prolong the war. We have not considered and do not consider war to be the right path either in Ukraine or in Afghanistan, Syria and Yemen," said Amir-Abdollahian, the Iranian foreign minister. On the other hand, Kremlin said that it had no knowledge of its army using such weapons and Moscow accused the West of seeking to put "pressure" on Tehran with the allegations. Read more: Iran denies claims that it supplied weapons to Russia 'for being used in war against Ukraine' (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Israel shares 'proof' with US that Iran supplied drones to Russia

North Korea fires over 250 artillery shells Ethiopia captures key towns in the Northern Tigray province Mohammed Saleh gets you an in depth report of the world's biggest warzones of the week in World At War

World at War | Episode 25: Russia deploys Iranian Shahed drones against Ukraine

Ahead of a United Nations Security Council meeting called by Russia, it has sought the help of the council to set up a commission to investigate claims that the US and Ukraine are carrying out biological weapons activities in the laboratories to be used in the warzone.

According to draft resolution obtained by the Associated Press, Russia argued that the move violated the UNSC convention which prohibits&nbsp;the use of biological weapons.&nbsp;

Vasily&nbsp;Nebenzya, Russia's permanent representative of Russia to the United Nations said apart from the resolution, Moscow was circulating some 300-page worth of material detailing the Ukraine-US collusion for developing biological weapons.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-zelensky-claims-moscow-ordered-some-2000-drones-from-iran-528044">Read more:&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine war: Zelensky claims Moscow ordered some 2,000 drones from Iran</a>

According to reports, Russia's draft resolution will authorise the UNSC to set up a 15-member&nbsp;commission that will investigate the claims made. The panel is expected to submit its report to the council by November 30 and later in a review conference in Geneva, scheduled to take place from November 28-December 16.&nbsp;

Ever since the Russia-Ukraine war broke out in February earlier this year, Moscow has been claiming that the US, in cooperation with Ukraine is developing biological bombs. The claim was denied by both parties.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-warns-russia-against-using-nukes-says-would-be-incredibly-serious-mistake-528412">Read more: Biden warns Russia against using nukes, says would be 'incredibly serious mistake'</a>

Notably, the development comes in the backdrop of Russia&nbsp;claiming that Ukraine is planning to detonate a dirty bomb.&nbsp;In recent telephonic conversations between Moscow and the West, the country's Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu discussed Ukraine and informed about the supposed 'dirty bomb'.&nbsp;

Shoigu "conveyed to his British colleague his concern about possible provocations by Ukraine with the use of a 'dirty bomb'," the ministry said in a statement.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-is-a-dirty-bomb-russia-claims-ukraine-plotting-detonation-of-dirty-bomb-528348">Read more: What is a 'dirty bomb'? Russia claims Ukraine plotting detonation of dirty bomb</a>

The so-called "dirty bomb" is a conventional explosive device that is laced with toxic nuclear material. Instead of producing an atomic explosion that would level a whole city, dirty bombs are made to disperse poisonous waste.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
WATCH&nbsp;WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;

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Ahead of a United Nations Security Council meeting called by Russia, it has sought the help of the council to set up a commission to investigate claims that the US and Ukraine are carrying out biological weapons activities in the laboratories to be used in the warzone.

Ahead of a United Nations Security Council meeting called by Russia, it has sought the help of the council to set up a commission to investigate claims that the US and Ukraine are carrying out biological weapons activities in the laboratories to be used in the warzone. According to draft resolution obtained by the Associated Press, Russia argued that the move violated the UNSC convention which prohibits the use of biological weapons. Vasily Nebenzya, Russia's permanent representative of Russia to the United Nations said apart from the resolution, Moscow was circulating some 300-page worth of material detailing the Ukraine-US collusion for developing biological weapons. Read more: Russia-Ukraine war: Zelensky claims Moscow ordered some 2,000 drones from Iran According to reports, Russia's draft resolution will authorise the UNSC to set up a 15-member commission that will investigate the claims made. The panel is expected to submit its report to the council by November 30 and later in a review conference in Geneva, scheduled to take place from November 28-December 16. Ever since the Russia-Ukraine war broke out in February earlier this year, Moscow has been claiming that the US, in cooperation with Ukraine is developing biological bombs. The claim was denied by both parties. Read more: Biden warns Russia against using nukes, says would be 'incredibly serious mistake' Notably, the development comes in the backdrop of Russia claiming that Ukraine is planning to detonate a dirty bomb. In recent telephonic conversations between Moscow and the West, the country's Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu discussed Ukraine and informed about the supposed 'dirty bomb'. Shoigu "conveyed to his British colleague his concern about possible provocations by Ukraine with the use of a 'dirty bomb'," the ministry said in a statement. Read more: What is a 'dirty bomb'? Russia claims Ukraine plotting detonation of dirty bomb The so-called "dirty bomb" is a conventional explosive device that is laced with toxic nuclear material. Instead of producing an atomic explosion that would level a whole city, dirty bombs are made to disperse poisonous waste. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Russia demands UNSC probe into claims of Ukraine biological labs

In his latest warning to the Russian President Vladimir Putin, US President Joe Biden has said that Russia would be making a serious mistake if it deploys a tactical nuclear weapon in Ukraine.

Ukraine war: Russia warned against false flag operation

North Korea fires over 250 artillery shells Ethiopia captures key towns in the Northern Tigray province Mohammed Saleh gets you an in depth report of the world's biggest warzones of the week in #WorldAtWar

World at War | Episode 25: Russia deploys Iranian Shahed drones

The crucial southern province of Kherson, which is partially under Russian control, will see "the heaviest of battles," according to a senior Ukrainian official, who also said that Moscow's military is fortifying itself to stave off advancing Ukrainian soldiers.&nbsp;

The largest metropolitan centre Russia still controls since conquering it early in the invasion of Ukraine eight months ago is Kherson, the region's principal city and river port, which had a pre-war population of roughly 280,000.&nbsp;

Since early October, when Russia claimed to have annexed Kherson and three other provinces—a move denounced by 143 nations at the UN as an "attempted illegal annexation"—Ukrainian forces do not seem to have made much progress in their counteroffensive in Kherson.

"With Kherson everything is clear. The Russians are replenishing, strengthening their grouping there," in a video posted online on Tuesday night, Oleksiy Arestovych, a counsellor to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, made a statement.&nbsp;

"It means that nobody is preparing to withdraw. On the contrary, the heaviest of battles is going to take place for Kherson, "Arestovych, who did not specify when the conflict would take place, said.&nbsp;

Kherson is undoubtedly the most crucial province in terms of strategy out of the four that Russian President Vladimir Putin declared to have been annexed. Both the mouth of the massive river that divides Ukraine, the Dnipro and the single land access point to the Crimean peninsula that Russia annexed in 2014 are under its authority.

Thousands of citizens have been evacuated by boat to the eastern bank of the Dnipro from the west bank of the city of Kherson, which is administered by a Russian-backed government, after receiving televised warnings that Ukrainian forces were ready to attack the city.&nbsp;

Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-is-a-dirty-bomb-russia-claims-ukraine-plotting-detonation-of-dirty-bomb-528348">&nbsp;What is a 'dirty bomb'? Russia claims Ukraine plotting detonation of dirty bomb</a>

Artillery battles continued all day Tuesday in the Mykolaiv region to the north and west of Kherson city, according to a post from the frontlines on Rybar, a pro-Russian channel on the Telegram messaging app.&nbsp;

Ukrainian soldiers attempted to strengthen their positions in the Ishchenka district, north of Kherson, but were pushed back to earlier lines, according to the report. According to it, the Ukrainian military was getting ready to advance the entire lines.&nbsp;

One of Russia's major failures in the conflict would be a loss in Kherson.

(with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

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The crucial southern province of Kherson, which is partially under Russian control, will see "the heaviest of battles," according to a senior Ukrainian official, who also said that Moscow's military is fortifying itself to stave off advancing Ukrainian soldiers.

The crucial southern province of Kherson, which is partially under Russian control, will see "the heaviest of battles," according to a senior Ukrainian official, who also said that Moscow's military is fortifying itself to stave off advancing Ukrainian soldiers. The largest metropolitan centre Russia still controls since conquering it early in the invasion of Ukraine eight months ago is Kherson, the region's principal city and river port, which had a pre-war population of roughly 280,000. Since early October, when Russia claimed to have annexed Kherson and three other provinces—a move denounced by 143 nations at the UN as an "attempted illegal annexation"—Ukrainian forces do not seem to have made much progress in their counteroffensive in Kherson. "With Kherson everything is clear. The Russians are replenishing, strengthening their grouping there," in a video posted online on Tuesday night, Oleksiy Arestovych, a counsellor to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, made a statement. "It means that nobody is preparing to withdraw. On the contrary, the heaviest of battles is going to take place for Kherson, "Arestovych, who did not specify when the conflict would take place, said. Kherson is undoubtedly the most crucial province in terms of strategy out of the four that Russian President Vladimir Putin declared to have been annexed. Both the mouth of the massive river that divides Ukraine, the Dnipro and the single land access point to the Crimean peninsula that Russia annexed in 2014 are under its authority. Thousands of citizens have been evacuated by boat to the eastern bank of the Dnipro from the west bank of the city of Kherson, which is administered by a Russian-backed government, after receiving televised warnings that Ukrainian forces were ready to attack the city. Also Read: What is a 'dirty bomb'? Russia claims Ukraine plotting detonation of dirty bomb Artillery battles continued all day Tuesday in the Mykolaiv region to the north and west of Kherson city, according to a post from the frontlines on Rybar, a pro-Russian channel on the Telegram messaging app. Ukrainian soldiers attempted to strengthen their positions in the Ishchenka district, north of Kherson, but were pushed back to earlier lines, according to the report. According to it, the Ukrainian military was getting ready to advance the entire lines. One of Russia's major failures in the conflict would be a loss in Kherson. (with inputs from agencies)

Kherson to be ground for 'heaviest of battles' between Russia and Ukraine

Did Iran send suicide drones to Russia? Israel says it will give U.S. intel over Kamizake drones. If the claims proved right, Russia could be facing UN sanctions.

Did Iran send suicide drones to Russia? Israel to give U.S. intel over Kamizake drones

Israel has been caught in the crosshairs over assistance to Kyiv. Ukraine President Zelensky slammed Israel for not sending arms to Ukraine amid the ongoing war.

WION Dispatch: Ukraine President Zelensky slams Israel for not sending arms

Russia has sent a letter to the UN - repeating its claim that Ukraine is preparing to use a dirty bomb on its territory. Do Moscow's allegations have any merit? Priyanka Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas | Ukraine war: Russia raises dirty bomb threat at UN

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg warned Russia against escalation based on false claims that Ukraine is going to use a ‘dirty bomb’ on its territory. Stoltenberg added that it became obvious in recent days that Iran provided military support to the Russian war effort against Ukraine.

War in Ukraine: Stoltenberg says dirty bomb allegations are false

Russia on Tuesday informed the US about its annual nuclear exercise. The prior information is expected to reduce the chance of 'escalation' as the nuclear threat remains at an all-time high.

Russia on Tuesday informed the US about its annual nuclear exercise. The prior information is expected to reduce the chance of 'escalation' as the nuclear threat remains at an all-time high. While the exercise has begun, Russia will fire nuclear-capable missiles from today i.e Wednesday. "The US was notified, and, as we've highlighted before, this is a routine annual exercise by Russia," said the Pentagon in a statement. "Russia is complying with its arms control obligations and its transparency commitments to make those notifications," it added. Russia is obliged to inform about such missile launches under the new START (Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty). The treaty is the last remaining arms reduction pact between the former cold war rivals which limits the nuclear warheads to 1,550. Read more: US-Russia nuclear weapons inspection must as per New START Treaty, says US Russia's exercise coincides wth NATO's nuclear exercise called 'Steadfast Noon' which has been going on from October 17 and will conclude on October 30. Belgium is the host of this year's exercise. When quizzed about Russia's nuclear exercise, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said they will monitor it and "remain vigilant not least in light of the veiled nuclear threats and the dangerous nuclear rhetoric we have seen from the Russian side." The same day as Pentagon released a statement about Russia's intentions, US President Joe Biden issued a strong warning to Russia, stating that unleashing a nuclear weapon in the conflict with Ukraine would be a horrible mistake. Read more: Biden warns Russia against using nukes, says would be 'incredibly serious mistake' The US and its allies fear that Russia may launch a "false flag" strike using a dirty bomb in order to justify the use of conventional nuclear weapons as Moscow finds itself in a precarious position in eastern and southern Ukraine. Interestingly, the last time Russia held a nuclear exercise was in February, the same month it invaded Ukraine. Read more: Footage shows Russia's nuclear 'armageddon' convoy on the move: Report (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Russia notifies US of the annual nuclear exercise it has started

Moscow has accused Kyiv of planning to deploy a 'dirty bomb' on its own land. Ukraine and the West however have denied these claims, Zelensky has counter accused the Kremlin of planning a false flag operation.

Russia-Ukraine blame game: Zelensky accuses Russia of planning of false flag operation

War in Ukraine rages on and a lot has been said about a fierce resistance put up by Kyiv. The Russian military has suffered multiple setbacks at battlefield and it’s the hidden hand of the West which has armed the Ukrainian soldiers.

Russia-Ukraine War: NATO’s AWACS inside Poland border track Ukraine’s battlefield

A French minister on Monday (October 24) told a gathering of regional African leaders in Senegal that France was calling on African nations to show "solidarity" with Europe over Russia's Ukraine invasion.

The Ukraine war has divided opinion in Africa. Nearly half of the continent's countries have abstained or didn't vote to condemn Moscow's annexation of Ukrainian territory.

Russia's invasion is "an existential threat to the stability and integrity of our continent", minister of state at the French foreign ministry Chrysoula Zacharopoulou told the Dakar International Forum on Peace and Security.

"This is what all Europeans are living through," she said. "That's why we expect solidarity from Africa.

"We can never repeat it enough: Russia is solely responsible for this economic, energy and food crisis," she told the conference, opened by Senegalese President Macky Sall.

Africa has strongly felt the war's impact. Food prices have soared as imports of cereal and fertilisers have been restricted.

France and the West in general are often the butt of accusations of neo-colonialism in Africa -- that they try to impose policies on local governments or promote their own economic interests.

In Central African Republic and Mali, Russia has built up close ties that have translated into Russian military support and waning French clout.

Zacharopoulou assured the meeting that when Paris sends a military mission such as the Barkhane force to fight jihadist insurgencies in the Sahel it was not to "substitute" for local armies but to "support" them.

Sall, who is also current head of the African Union, told the conference, "Africa is not against Ukraine. One shouldn't get the impression that Africans are insensitive to the situation in Ukraine. That's not it at all."

But, he said, many Africans felt that their own problems, such as security, the economy or health, were being ignored.

(With inputs from agencies)

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A French minister on Monday (October 24) told a gathering of regional African leaders in Senegal that France was calling on African nations to show "solidarity" with Europe over Russia's Ukraine invasion.

A French minister on Monday (October 24) told a gathering of regional African leaders in Senegal that France was calling on African nations to show "solidarity" with Europe over Russia's Ukraine invasion. The Ukraine war has divided opinion in Africa. Nearly half of the continent's countries have abstained or didn't vote to condemn Moscow's annexation of Ukrainian territory. Russia's invasion is "an existential threat to the stability and integrity of our continent", minister of state at the French foreign ministry Chrysoula Zacharopoulou told the Dakar International Forum on Peace and Security. "This is what all Europeans are living through," she said. "That's why we expect solidarity from Africa. "We can never repeat it enough: Russia is solely responsible for this economic, energy and food crisis," she told the conference, opened by Senegalese President Macky Sall. Africa has strongly felt the war's impact. Food prices have soared as imports of cereal and fertilisers have been restricted. France and the West in general are often the butt of accusations of neo-colonialism in Africa -- that they try to impose policies on local governments or promote their own economic interests. In Central African Republic and Mali, Russia has built up close ties that have translated into Russian military support and waning French clout. Zacharopoulou assured the meeting that when Paris sends a military mission such as the Barkhane force to fight jihadist insurgencies in the Sahel it was not to "substitute" for local armies but to "support" them. Sall, who is also current head of the African Union, told the conference, "Africa is not against Ukraine. One shouldn't get the impression that Africans are insensitive to the situation in Ukraine. That's not it at all." But, he said, many Africans felt that their own problems, such as security, the economy or health, were being ignored. (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 ×

France seeks African support over Russian invasion of Ukraine

Russia-Ukraine blame game: 'Dirty bomb' claims reach United Nations' door

Five people were injured after a blast rocked the Russian-occupied city of Melitopol in Ukraine. Melitopol was among one of the first cities under attack by Putin's forces when Russia's tanks first rolled into Ukraine in February.

Five injured as blast rocks Russian-occupied city Melitopol in Ukraine

Ukraine has been facing a barrage of missile strikes in the last few days. In the latest, Russia fired missiles and carried out drone strikes in Mykolaiv.

Ukraine: Russian S-300 missile hit top floor of a residential building

After being pushed back by the Ukrainian troops for the better part of the last few weeks, Russia is gearing up for a comeback. Reportedly, Moscow on Sunday bombarded missiles and drones in the southern Ukrainian municipality of Mykolaiv, per a report by Reuters, destroying numerous apartment blocks in the process.

After being pushed back by the Ukrainian troops for the better part of the last few weeks, Russia is gearing up for a comeback. Reportedly, Moscow on Sunday bombarded missiles and drones in the southern Ukrainian municipality of Mykolaiv, per a report by Reuters, destroying numerous apartment blocks in the process. "After the first blast, I tried to get out, but the door was stuck. After a minute or two, there was a second loud blast. Our door was blown into the corridor," a local was quoted as saying by the publication. Kremlin simultaneously issued a statement saying the war was heading towards an 'uncontrolled escalation'. According to the Russian defence ministry, Sergei Shoigu, the defence minister spoke to his French, British and Turkish counterparts and discussed the 'rapidly deteriorating situation'. Shoigu said Ukraine could escalate the situation with a "dirty bomb," a type of "radiological dispersal device" that combines a conventional explosive, such as dynamite, with radioactive material. Read more: Russia's defence minister calls up US, UK counterparts, raises escalation concerns in Ukraine Ukraine, meanwhile said it shot down 14 Russian 'kamikaze' drones that were fired in the city's direction. "Everyone understands full well. They understand who is the source of all the dirty things imaginable in this war," said President Volodymyr Zelensky in his nightly message. The pounding of missiles, especially in the southern part of Ukraine comes in the backdrop of Russia evacuating its civilians from the Moscow-controlled region of Kherson in southern Ukraine. As reported by WION, Russian news agencies stated last week that an organised movement of civilians had started. "In Kherson, the organised movement of residents to the other side of the Dnieper has begun," said local media reports Russia's military commander for Ukraine operations admitted last Tuesday that the situation in the Kherson regions is "difficult" and Russian forces were planning a "safe evacuation". Read more: Kremlin-installed officials begin evacuating civilians from Kherson region of Ukraine However, this is not the first time that Russia has resorted to missile attacks on Ukraine. After the Kerch bridge was destroyed connecting Russia with Crimea, Putin's troops pounded Ukrainian cities with indiscriminate missiles. Such was the situation that Zelensky was forced to plead with the international community for days, requesting the quick delivery of air defence systems. Read more: France to deliver air-defence systems to Ukraine in the coming weeks: Macron (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Russia warns of 'uncontrolled escalation' after fresh bout of missile, drone strikes on Ukraine

United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken denied all reports claiming Ukraine is ready to use a “dirty bomb” in the ongoing conflict with Russia. The claim was initially made by Russia’s defence minister, Sergei Shoigu during his phone calls with his British, French and Turkish counterparts.

During a conversation with Ukrainian Secretary of State Dmytro Kuleba, Blinken said that “the world would see through any attempt by Russia to use this allegation as a pretext for escalation”.

Kuleba also criticised Russia for making “absurd and “dangerous” claims in the middle of the ongoing conflict before adding that “Russians often accuse others of what they plan themselves”.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-warns-of-uncontrolled-escalation-after-fresh-bout-of-missile-drone-strikes-on-ukraine-527857">Russia warns of 'uncontrolled escalation' after fresh bout of missile strikes</a>

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also expressed his concerns at the “misinformation campaign” from Russia and urged world leaders to take a stand against the Kremlin.

&nbsp;“If Russia calls and says that Ukraine is allegedly preparing something, it means one thing: Russia has already prepared all this,” Zelenskiy said in a video address on social media.

“I believe that now the world should react as harshly as possible.”

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-and-south-korea-exchange-warning-fire-at-maritime-border-amid-tensions-527870">North and South Korea exchange warning fire at maritime border amid tensions</a>

Although Russia has made the “dirty bomb” claims on multiple occasions, no proof was provided to back the claims. According to CNN, Ukraine gave up its nuclear weapons in the 1990s and since then, they do not possess any radioactive materials or weapons to cause that damage.

Russia has faced a number of setbacks recently with Ukrainian forces claiming as many as 88 towns and villages in the Kherson region – an area that Russia previously had “annexed”.

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United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken denied all reports claiming Ukraine is ready to use a “dirty bomb” in the ongoing conflict with Russia. The claim was initially made by Russia’s defence minister, Sergei Shoigu during his phone calls with his British, French and Turkish counterparts.

United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken denied all reports claiming Ukraine is ready to use a “dirty bomb” in the ongoing conflict with Russia. The claim was initially made by Russia’s defence minister, Sergei Shoigu during his phone calls with his British, French and Turkish counterparts. During a conversation with Ukrainian Secretary of State Dmytro Kuleba, Blinken said that “the world would see through any attempt by Russia to use this allegation as a pretext for escalation”. Kuleba also criticised Russia for making “absurd and “dangerous” claims in the middle of the ongoing conflict before adding that “Russians often accuse others of what they plan themselves”. Also read | Russia warns of 'uncontrolled escalation' after fresh bout of missile strikes Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also expressed his concerns at the “misinformation campaign” from Russia and urged world leaders to take a stand against the Kremlin. “If Russia calls and says that Ukraine is allegedly preparing something, it means one thing: Russia has already prepared all this,” Zelenskiy said in a video address on social media. “I believe that now the world should react as harshly as possible.” Also read | North and South Korea exchange warning fire at maritime border amid tensions Although Russia has made the “dirty bomb” claims on multiple occasions, no proof was provided to back the claims. According to CNN, Ukraine gave up its nuclear weapons in the 1990s and since then, they do not possess any radioactive materials or weapons to cause that damage. Russia has faced a number of setbacks recently with Ukrainian forces claiming as many as 88 towns and villages in the Kherson region – an area that Russia previously had “annexed”.

Antony Blinken dismisses Russian claims of Ukraine planning to use ‘dirty bomb’

As the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, braces power blackouts after Russia reigned missiles in the country's electricity infrastructure, patients and staff or a hospital in Kyiv have been putting on a brave face despite the situation.

Ukraine braces for harsh winter as over a million Ukrainians don't have power supply

Tensions between Russia and Ukraine continue as the war enters its ninth month. Russian defense minister rang his US and other European counterparts, he alleged that Ukraine is preparing a provocation with 'dirty bombs'.

Russia: Ukraine is preparing 'dirty bomb' attacks

Ukraine: Russia could use nuclear weapons near Mykolaiv

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