Russia and Ukraine traded fresh accusations over shelling at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant further intensifying fears that the fighting could intensify a massive radiation leak. Ukrainian officials accused Moscow of firing Russian artillery at Ukrainian towns.

Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant: Ukraine and Russia trade accusations

A team from the UN's International Atomic Energy Agency will be visiting Ukraine's nuclear power plant. The director-general of IAEA confirmed the same, taking it to Twitter. WION in an exclusive interview with Olexi Pasyuk, energy expert from Kyiv.

Zaporizhzhia: Concerns over nuclear safety in Ukraine, IAEA to evaluate working conditions

A team from the UN's International Atomic Energy Agency will be visiting Ukraine's nuclear power plant. The director-general of IAEA confirmed the same, taking it to Twitter.

IAEA team heads to Ukraine Nuclear plant, more strikes reported at Zaporizhzhia

War in Ukraine has entered its seventh month with no end in sight to what Moscow calls its special military operation. Meanwhile Russian artillery fired at Ukrainian towns near nuclear plant.

Russian artillery fires at Ukrainian towns near nuclear plant

There appears to be no end in sight for the conflict in Ukraine-Russia. Some fresh allegations have been put against each other about shelling on the Zaporihzhia nuclear power plant.

Russia-Ukraine accuse each other of shelling at nuke plant

The Russia-Ukraine war continues to grind on European countries dependent on Russian energy, imports have been left floundering. Poland which is heavily reliant on Russian coal is witnessing its citizens standing in queues to stock up on fuel as winter approaches.

Poland: People line up at coal mine, fearful of winter shortages

After shutting its offices earlier in the month, US-based multinational technology giant Dell Technologies on Saturday (August 27) announced that it had completely ceased its operations in Russia.

After shutting its offices earlier in the month, US-based multinational technology giant Dell Technologies on Saturday (August 27) announced that it had completely ceased its operations in Russia. With the termination, Dell has joined the list of more than 300 global companies to have exited the Russian market, ever since it invaded Ukraine. Unlike other companies that acted on a whim and tried to wind up operations rather too quickly and suffered losses, Dell did it in phases. It halted the sales of its products and services in February, before closing the offices in mid-August. "Back in February, we made the decision to not sell, service, or support products in Russia, Belarus, and the Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Ukraine, in addition to the already embargoed Crimea," Dell spokesman Mike Siemienas was quoted as saying by Reuters. WATCH | Gravitas: Russia becomes the world's most sanctioned country × Meanwhile, according to state-run news agency TASS which quoted Russian deputy industry and trade minister Vasily Shpak, the majority of employees at Dell had been absorbed by Russian producers. "We are monitoring the development of the situation. According to our data, the vast majority of Dell's R&D centre specialists and support engineers in St. Petersburg and Moscow have already received job offers with competitive pay from Russian producers," said Shpak Read More: McDonald's to leave Russia after more than three decades over Ukraine conflict As reported extensively by WION, brands like McDonald's, Starbucks, Coca-Cola, Zara, H&M, and Netflix have all suspended operations in Russia. Spotify and Amazon have also hit a pause on their services in the country. Meanwhile, Citi bank, Goldman Sachs, IBM, Intel, Snapchat and Twitter are few of the other banking and technological giants to turn their backs on Russia. On the contrary, in Ukraine, after months of upheaval, the companies are starting to open their shutters. Reportedly, global fast-food giant McDonald, earlier this month announced that it was gearing for a phased reopening of its outlets in the war-torn country. Read more: McDonald's to open in a phased manner in Ukraine for the first time since war began (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Few weeks after closing offices, Dell winds up its operations in Russia for good

World at War | Episode 17: Russia to unleash 'General Winter' on Europe to win the Ukraine war Turf war between the Taliban & Islamic State Khorasan escalates in Afghanistan Al-Shabab strikes again in the heart of Mogadishu & Myanmar's military generals 'planned' the Rohingya genocide Mohammed Saleh gets you an indepth report of the World's biggest warzones of the week in World At War

World at War | Episode 17: Russia to unleash 'General Winter' on Europe to win the Ukraine war

Russia has posed a new challenge for NATO and an Israeli firm said that Russia sent S-300 air defence system back home. Meanwhile, NATO chief Stoltenberg said Russia's capabilities in the North are a strategic challenge for NATO.

WION Fineprint: Arm race between nations amid Ukraine war | Russia poses a new challenge for NATO

Hundreds of thousands of Russians and Belarusians moved to Ukraine for a better future but once Moscow attacked their new home, things started to change. While they support their host country fully, many of them are now facing challenges.

WION Fineprint: Tale of Belarusians & Russians in Ukraine | War turned neighbours into enemies

There's a fresh concern of radiation leak at Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant. Russia and Ukraine both are again trading charges. Russia has blamed the Ukrainian troops of shelling continuously near the plants.

Russia accuses Ukraine of shelling near Zaporizhzhia plant

Ukraine war and pandemic has accelerated the food scarcity around the globe. An alarming report by the United Nations world food program said 345 million people in the world are facing severe food shortages.

War in Ukraine drives global food crisis; African nations suffering acute food scarcity

War in Ukraine has entered its seventh month with no end in sight to what Moscow calls its special military operation. Meanwhile Russia has reportedly stepped up attacks in Donetsk.

War in Ukraine enters its seventh month | Russia steps up attacks in Donetsk

The Russia controlled Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant has resumed energy supplies to Ukraine. The plant was reconnected to the Ukrainian power grid after it was disconnected on Thursday due to a fire caused by alleged Russian shelling.

Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant reconnected to Ukrainian grid after shelling, situation remains risky

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday signed a financial decree under which people who left Ukrainian territory to come to Russia after the latter's invasion will be provided financial benefits.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday signed a financial decree under which people who left Ukrainian territory to come to Russia after the latter's invasion will be provided financial benefits. Reportedly, under the decree, published on a government portal, pensioners, disabled as well as pregnant women have been covered. Accordingly, a monthly pension of $170 (10,000 roubles) will be provided to people who have been forced to leave Ukraine since February 18. Disabled people will also be entitled to the same amount. Meanwhile, pregnant women will receive the sum as a one-off benefit. Read more: Explained: Six months into the Russia-Ukraine war, what are the consequences so far? In February this year when Moscow invaded Kyiv, Putin ordered every person who arrived in Russia from Donetsk and Luhansk to be given a payment of 10,000 roubles. Not only that, Moscow has been providing Russian passports to the Ukrainians who have ventured into Russian soil. According to international experts, this is an illegal ploy by Moscow to annex territory in the occupied part. Read more: Putin signs decree to boost the size of Russian forces Moreover, this is the second decree signed by Putin in as many days. As reported by WION, Putin on Thursday authorised a significant expansion of his nation's military forces. Under the decree, Putin wants to boost army numbers by 137,000, or 13 per cent to 1.15 million by the end of the year. With the addition of the 1.15 million personnel, the move will increase Russia's total armed forces to 2.04 million. WATCH | WION Fineprint | Putin Orders Expansion of Russia’s Hard-Hit Armed Forces × However, Putin's order was vague as to whether the increase would be accomplished by expanding the draught, increasing volunteerism, or a combination of the two. According to estimates from the West, more Russians have lost their lives than what the Soviet Union lost in its ten-year war in Afghanistan. Up to 80,000 Russian soldiers may have been killed or wounded, according to the Pentagon's report from last week, which makes Moscow less effective in launching major offensives. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Vladimir Putin signs a decree to provide financial benefits to Ukrainians arriving in Russia

According to Russian President Vladimir Putin's ally, even if Ukrain renounces its plans to join NATO, Russia will not stop the war. Meanwhile, Argentina has shown&nbsp;interest in India's Tejas fighter aircraft. As for former President Donald Trump, his troubles cease to end. Reportedly, a Ukrainian woman entered his Mar-a-Lago home by claiming herself as the heiress of the Rothschild family.&nbsp;

Click on the headlines to read more

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putins-ally-says-moscow-would-not-stop-its-military-campaign-in-ukraine-even-if-kyiv-drops-nato-hopes-510651">Putin's ally says Moscow would not stop its military campaign in Ukraine even if Kyiv drops NATO hopes</a>

Even if Kyiv formally renounces its aspirations to join NATO, Moscow would not stop its military campaign in Ukraine, according to Russian President Vladimir Putin's top ally Dmitry Medvedev.

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/08/27/290928-untitled-design-58.png" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/libya-clashes-between-rival-group-rock-capital-510727">Libya: Clashes between rival group rock capital</a>

Clashes and gunfire between rival armed group rocked Libyan capital Tripoli on Saturday (August 27). At least one person has been killed and fears of an all-out conflict have risen in the country in political crisis. The fighting followed months of tensions between &nbsp;two administrations vying for control of the North African country and its vast oil resources

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/08/27/290997-libya.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-hints-it-is-developing-military-option-against-iran-510671">United States hints it is developing military option against Iran after Gantz's visit to Washington: Report</a>

A senior Israeli defence official said in a briefing with reporters that defence minister Benny Gantz received "positive hints" from White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan that the US is developing a military option against Iran.

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/08/27/290957-untitled-design-59.png" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/environmentalists-slam-british-governments-plan-to-tackle-sewage-releases-into-rivers-510691">Environmentalists slam British government for releasing sewage into rivers, sea</a>

After opposition parties and environmentalists slammed the measures as insufficient and costly for consumers, Britain's environment minister on Saturday defended government plans to tackle sewage releases into rivers and sea.

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/08/27/290975-untitled-design.png" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/argentina-shows-interest-in-indias-tejas-fighter-aircraft-wants-to-trade-in-local-currencies-too-510664">Argentina shows interest in India's Tejas fighter aircraft; wants to trade in local currencies too</a>

The Latin American country has shown interest in India's indigenously developed TEJAS fighter aircraft, manufactured under the 'Make&nbsp;in India' campaign for its Air Force.&nbsp;Both countries have also agreed to "request the Central Banks to carry out studies for the development of a payment mechanism in local currencies" so that trade between the two countries can transpire without the use of a third currency.

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/08/27/290937-copy-of-untitled-1.png" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-blocks-un-nuclear-treaty-agreement-text-over-zaporizhzhia-row-510547">Russia blocks final text of UN's NPT agreement over Zaporizhzhia mention</a>

Russia blocked the adoption of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) text over its reported objection to paragraphs linked to the Ukrainian nuclear power plant in Zaporizhzhia which is currently occupied by Russian forces.

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/08/12/286881-new-wion-15.png" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/posing-as-a-rothschild-family-member-a-ukrainian-woman-infiltrated-donald-trumps-mar-a-lago-home-510636">Posing as a Rothschild heiress, a Ukrainian woman infiltrated Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago home</a>

It has been revealed that a Ukrainian woman, claiming to be the heiress of the super-rich Rothschild family, visited Trump's Mar-a-Lago, resort cum home multiple times,&nbsp;mingling with him and several high-profile guests, all under a fake identity.

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/08/27/290921-copy-of-untitled.png" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/limits-of-corporate-governance-norms-being-tested-by-musks-decision-of-having-children-with-aide-510706">Limits of corporate governance norms being tested by Musk's decision of having children with aide</a>

Nine corporate governance experts told news agency Reuters that billionaire Elon Musk's decision to have children with one of his top executives at Neuralink has pushed the limits of corporate governance norms.

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/07/08/277442-musk-2.png" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-to-return-indias-predicted-playing-xi-for-asia-cup-clash-against-pakistan-510649">Virat Kohli to return! India's predicted playing XI for Asia Cup clash against Pakistan</a>

India will be looking to get off to a flying start when they lock horns with arch-rivals Pakistan in their opening game of Asia Cup 2022 at the Dubai International Stadium in Dubai on Sunday (August 28). Rohit Sharma-led India will enter the tournament as the favourites having won the title a record seven times.

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/08/27/290930-india-vs-pakistan-asia-cup-2022.png" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-the-lord-of-the-rings-the-rings-of-power-what-to-know-about-sauron-big-villain-of-amazons-fantasy-series-510712">'The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power': What to know about Sauron, big villain of Amazon's fantasy series</a>

A Tolkien adaptation that will not specifically be based on anything he wrote, 'The Rings of Power' is the most expensive production of its kind, TV or film. With five seasons, it reportedly has a budget of $1 billion, and the rights to the Middle-earth stories from the Tolkien Estate were brought for $250 million.&nbsp;

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/08/27/290987-sauron-1200.PNG" />

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;

<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="100%"></iframe>

&nbsp;

According to Russian President Vladimir Putin's ally, even if Ukrain renounces its plans to join NATO, Russia will not stop the war. Meanwhile, Argentina has shown interest in India's Tejas fighter aircraft.

According to Russian President Vladimir Putin's ally, even if Ukrain renounces its plans to join NATO, Russia will not stop the war. Meanwhile, Argentina has shown interest in India's Tejas fighter aircraft. As for former President Donald Trump, his troubles cease to end. Reportedly, a Ukrainian woman entered his Mar-a-Lago home by claiming herself as the heiress of the Rothschild family. Click on the headlines to read more Putin's ally says Moscow would not stop its military campaign in Ukraine even if Kyiv drops NATO hopes Even if Kyiv formally renounces its aspirations to join NATO, Moscow would not stop its military campaign in Ukraine, according to Russian President Vladimir Putin's top ally Dmitry Medvedev. Libya: Clashes between rival group rock capital Clashes and gunfire between rival armed group rocked Libyan capital Tripoli on Saturday (August 27). At least one person has been killed and fears of an all-out conflict have risen in the country in political crisis. The fighting followed months of tensions between two administrations vying for control of the North African country and its vast oil resources United States hints it is developing military option against Iran after Gantz's visit to Washington: Report A senior Israeli defence official said in a briefing with reporters that defence minister Benny Gantz received "positive hints" from White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan that the US is developing a military option against Iran. Environmentalists slam British government for releasing sewage into rivers, sea After opposition parties and environmentalists slammed the measures as insufficient and costly for consumers, Britain's environment minister on Saturday defended government plans to tackle sewage releases into rivers and sea. Argentina shows interest in India's Tejas fighter aircraft; wants to trade in local currencies too The Latin American country has shown interest in India's indigenously developed TEJAS fighter aircraft, manufactured under the 'Make in India' campaign for its Air Force. Both countries have also agreed to "request the Central Banks to carry out studies for the development of a payment mechanism in local currencies" so that trade between the two countries can transpire without the use of a third currency. Russia blocks final text of UN's NPT agreement over Zaporizhzhia mention Russia blocked the adoption of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) text over its reported objection to paragraphs linked to the Ukrainian nuclear power plant in Zaporizhzhia which is currently occupied by Russian forces. Posing as a Rothschild heiress, a Ukrainian woman infiltrated Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago home It has been revealed that a Ukrainian woman, claiming to be the heiress of the super-rich Rothschild family, visited Trump's Mar-a-Lago, resort cum home multiple times, mingling with him and several high-profile guests, all under a fake identity. Limits of corporate governance norms being tested by Musk's decision of having children with aide Nine corporate governance experts told news agency Reuters that billionaire Elon Musk's decision to have children with one of his top executives at Neuralink has pushed the limits of corporate governance norms. Virat Kohli to return! India's predicted playing XI for Asia Cup clash against Pakistan India will be looking to get off to a flying start when they lock horns with arch-rivals Pakistan in their opening game of Asia Cup 2022 at the Dubai International Stadium in Dubai on Sunday (August 28). Rohit Sharma-led India will enter the tournament as the favourites having won the title a record seven times. 'The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power': What to know about Sauron, big villain of Amazon's fantasy series A Tolkien adaptation that will not specifically be based on anything he wrote, 'The Rings of Power' is the most expensive production of its kind, TV or film. With five seasons, it reportedly has a budget of $1 billion, and the rights to the Middle-earth stories from the Tolkien Estate were brought for $250 million. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Top 10 world news: Russia cannot stop Ukraine war, Argentina wants India's Tejas & more

Ukraine: Russian conducting air strikes in Kharkiv, 3 quarters of Donetsk evacuated

Russia has blocked the adoption of a joint declaration on a nuclear disarmament treaty at the United Nations and Moscow has cited problems with the political aspects of the text concerning the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant.

'Final UN Nuclear draft lacked balance', Russia blocks document

At least 25 people including children have been killed in Russia's strike in Ukraine. The attack took place at Chaplyne railway station in Ukraine's Dnipropetrovsk region. Zelensky has vowed to fight 'until the end'. Ukrainian MP Ivanna spoke to WION and said we will defend our motherland.

Six months of Russia-Ukraine war: 'We will defend our motherland,' says Ukrainian MP Ivanna

Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant were briefly cut off from power grid on Thursday. Three out of four power lines from plant have been damaged in recent days and disconnection from power grid led to large scale outages.

Ukraine's largest nuclear plant cut off from power grid

According to a new Yale University report backed by the US&nbsp;State Department in an effort to hold Moscow accountable, Russia and its proxy forces in Ukraine are running 21 facilities used to detain, question, and process prisoners of war and civilians.&nbsp;

The report, published on Thursday, uses open-source data and commercial satellite imagery to identify the various locations with "high confidence," including buildings that have previously been used as markets, schools, and regular prisons. Additionally, it pinpoints potential graves at one prison complex.

The Conflict Observatory was established in May with funding from the U.S. State Department to gather and examine proof of war crimes and other alleged atrocities committed by Russia in Ukraine. The Conflict Observatory's Humanitarian Research Lab at Yale School of Public Health, which produced the report, is a partner in the Conflict Observatory.&nbsp;

The findings, according to the lab's executive director Nathaniel Raymond, show that Russia and its allies have set up a "system of filtration" to separate people in regions under Russian occupation, which constitutes a "human rights emergency."

At one of the locations, a prison complex close to Olenivka, where 53 Ukrainian prisoners of war were allegedly killed in an explosion on July 29, reports of abuses had already surfaced.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/over-200-ukrainian-troops-killed-in-chaplyne-railway-station-attack-claims-russia-510118">Over 200 Ukrainian troops killed in Chaplyne railway station attack, claims Russia</a>

According to the study, Yale researchers have discovered ground disturbances that are consistent with individual or mass graves as early as April, correlating with a former prisoner's testimony that captives were made to dig graves around that time.&nbsp;

The researchers discovered other disturbances elsewhere in the property were captured on July 27, before to the explosion at Olenivka, even though they were unable to draw any conclusions about the fate of the Ukrainian prisoners of war held at the prison. Unrest at the compound in July was previously covered by The New York Times.

(with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

<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>

According to a new Yale University report backed by the US State Department in an effort to hold Moscow accountable, Russia and its proxy forces in Ukraine are running 21 facilities used to detain, question, and process prisoners of war and civilians.

According to a new Yale University report backed by the US State Department in an effort to hold Moscow accountable, Russia and its proxy forces in Ukraine are running 21 facilities used to detain, question, and process prisoners of war and civilians. The report, published on Thursday, uses open-source data and commercial satellite imagery to identify the various locations with "high confidence," including buildings that have previously been used as markets, schools, and regular prisons. Additionally, it pinpoints potential graves at one prison complex. The Conflict Observatory was established in May with funding from the U.S. State Department to gather and examine proof of war crimes and other alleged atrocities committed by Russia in Ukraine. The Conflict Observatory's Humanitarian Research Lab at Yale School of Public Health, which produced the report, is a partner in the Conflict Observatory. The findings, according to the lab's executive director Nathaniel Raymond, show that Russia and its allies have set up a "system of filtration" to separate people in regions under Russian occupation, which constitutes a "human rights emergency." At one of the locations, a prison complex close to Olenivka, where 53 Ukrainian prisoners of war were allegedly killed in an explosion on July 29, reports of abuses had already surfaced. Also Read: Over 200 Ukrainian troops killed in Chaplyne railway station attack, claims Russia According to the study, Yale researchers have discovered ground disturbances that are consistent with individual or mass graves as early as April, correlating with a former prisoner's testimony that captives were made to dig graves around that time. The researchers discovered other disturbances elsewhere in the property were captured on July 27, before to the explosion at Olenivka, even though they were unable to draw any conclusions about the fate of the Ukrainian prisoners of war held at the prison. Unrest at the compound in July was previously covered by The New York Times. (with inputs from agencies)

Russia operating 21 'filtration' locations to process Ukraine PoW: US Report

Ukraine marked its 31st Independence Day this week which also marks six months of war with Russia after Moscow invaded in February. VOA’s Luliia Larmolenko has this exclusive interview with Ukraine’s ambassador to the United States.

WION-VOA Co-Production: Six months of Russia-Ukraine war

President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree to increase the size of Russia’s armed forces from 1.9 million to 2.04 million, as the war in Ukraine enters its seventh month.

WION Fineprint | Putin Orders Expansion of Russia’s Hard-Hit Armed Forces

India voted against Russia during a procedural vote at the UN Security Council. Why did India side with Ukraine? Does it signal a change in India's neutral position? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: India votes against Russia at UN Security Council

Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelensky claimed that the world was pushed to the brink of a Chernobyl-style radiation disaster when a Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant was disconnected from Ukraine’s power grid.

World narrowly avoided a nuclear disaster at the Zaporizhzhia power plant, says Zelensky

Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, held by Russian forces, was disconnected from the power grid for the first time in its history on Thursday, according to the country's nuclear operator. US has urged Russia to demilitarize nuclear plant.

Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant: World narrowly avoided radiation accident, says Zelensky

It's an opening night like no other at Mykolaiv's theatre, with the audience ushered down into an underground shelter this week for the first performance since war broke out.

"We need this place to fight on the cultural front too," says artistic director Artiom Svytsoun.

The tiny underground stage and the minimalist set provides "a form of 'art therapy'" for the people who have stayed in Mykolaiv and need something other than the grinding fear of war.

Welcoming audience members, giving tours of the subterranean theatre and taking care of the myriad technical details, 41-year-old Svytsoun is the beating heart of the operation. He is the one who worked to get the theatre reopened in the relative safety of an underground bunker.

With the help of a European aid fund, his team took two months to transform a shelter four metres below ground into the 35-seat venue, its irregular white walls covered with a fresco reminiscent of classical theatres.

The strategic port city of Mykolaiv had a population of half a million souls before Russia invaded on February 24.

Now it bears the scars of the many bombardments it has endured almost daily for the past six months.

Three hundred metres (yards) from the elegant neo-classical building that houses the theatre stands the twisted concrete shell of the regional administration, which was hit by a missile on March 29 that killed 37 people.

- Name change -

According to the local town hall, the city has enjoyed just 25 attack-free days since February 24.&nbsp;

President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that, along with Kharkiv in the north and the eastern Donbas region, Mykolaiv is the most heavily bombed city in Ukraine, despite the fact that the front line is about 20 kilometres away.

The destruction has not been limited to military targets. Three universities were recently bombed and, according to regional authorities, 123 cultural institutions have been destroyed in the region since the fighting began.

Another effect of the invasion on the Mykolaiv theatre has been a name change.

The former Mykolaiv Russian Drama Theatre is now the Mykolaiv Theatre of Dramatic Arts.

In the tiny dressing room, its walls covered with photos of Soviet, Ukrainian and Hollywood actors, Kateryna Chernolishenko, 43, receives the final touches to her stage make-up and is in a good mood.

"I'm very happy to be back on our stage, back home, and I think it's important that art can be a support for people," says the actress, who like her fellow thespians volunteered to take part in this premiere.

Her colleague Marina Vassyleva, who is about to don a wedding dress, adds emphatically: "Actors, in these circumstances, are the doctors of the human soul."

"I see my mission and the meaning of my life right now. I am needed here in Mykolaiv," she says.&nbsp;

- 'Makes our lives easier' -

Since the start of the war, three of the theatre's &nbsp;actors have joined the army and another 20 percent of the troupe have taken refuge elsewhere in Ukraine, or abroad - a modest proportion in a town that has lost more than half its population, according to the town hall.

The company is used to playing in a 450-seater theatre.

Now the plays are being adapted and squeezed into the "stage in the shelter", as it is called.&nbsp;

But despite the war, it is not just about performing patriotic works. After a curtain-raiser paying tribute to Ukraine, the first play of the new season, by a contemporary national author, is an absurdist play about "the realisation of our desires", says Svytsoun.

The bunker theatre will put on two shows a day, from Thursday to Sunday, much to the delight of theatregoer Olga Kroutchok.&nbsp; "I hope to come back every weekend. Theatre brings emotions to people in these times of war, and it makes our lives easier," said &nbsp;the 55-year-old.

Fellow audience member Oleksander Skotnikov, 42, agrees. "When we are under the bombs, as we are now, the theatre gives us a big smile and inspires people to keep on living".

It's an opening night like no other at Mykolaiv's theatre, with the audience ushered down into an underground shelter this week for the first performance since war broke out.

It's an opening night like no other at Mykolaiv's theatre, with the audience ushered down into an underground shelter this week for the first performance since war broke out. "We need this place to fight on the cultural front too," says artistic director Artiom Svytsoun. The tiny underground stage and the minimalist set provides "a form of 'art therapy'" for the people who have stayed in Mykolaiv and need something other than the grinding fear of war. Welcoming audience members, giving tours of the subterranean theatre and taking care of the myriad technical details, 41-year-old Svytsoun is the beating heart of the operation. He is the one who worked to get the theatre reopened in the relative safety of an underground bunker. With the help of a European aid fund, his team took two months to transform a shelter four metres below ground into the 35-seat venue, its irregular white walls covered with a fresco reminiscent of classical theatres. The strategic port city of Mykolaiv had a population of half a million souls before Russia invaded on February 24. Now it bears the scars of the many bombardments it has endured almost daily for the past six months. Three hundred metres (yards) from the elegant neo-classical building that houses the theatre stands the twisted concrete shell of the regional administration, which was hit by a missile on March 29 that killed 37 people. - Name change - According to the local town hall, the city has enjoyed just 25 attack-free days since February 24. President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that, along with Kharkiv in the north and the eastern Donbas region, Mykolaiv is the most heavily bombed city in Ukraine, despite the fact that the front line is about 20 kilometres away. The destruction has not been limited to military targets. Three universities were recently bombed and, according to regional authorities, 123 cultural institutions have been destroyed in the region since the fighting began. Another effect of the invasion on the Mykolaiv theatre has been a name change. The former Mykolaiv Russian Drama Theatre is now the Mykolaiv Theatre of Dramatic Arts. In the tiny dressing room, its walls covered with photos of Soviet, Ukrainian and Hollywood actors, Kateryna Chernolishenko, 43, receives the final touches to her stage make-up and is in a good mood. "I'm very happy to be back on our stage, back home, and I think it's important that art can be a support for people," says the actress, who like her fellow thespians volunteered to take part in this premiere. Her colleague Marina Vassyleva, who is about to don a wedding dress, adds emphatically: "Actors, in these circumstances, are the doctors of the human soul." "I see my mission and the meaning of my life right now. I am needed here in Mykolaiv," she says. - 'Makes our lives easier' - Since the start of the war, three of the theatre's actors have joined the army and another 20 percent of the troupe have taken refuge elsewhere in Ukraine, or abroad - a modest proportion in a town that has lost more than half its population, according to the town hall. The company is used to playing in a 450-seater theatre. Now the plays are being adapted and squeezed into the "stage in the shelter", as it is called. But despite the war, it is not just about performing patriotic works. After a curtain-raiser paying tribute to Ukraine, the first play of the new season, by a contemporary national author, is an absurdist play about "the realisation of our desires", says Svytsoun. The bunker theatre will put on two shows a day, from Thursday to Sunday, much to the delight of theatregoer Olga Kroutchok. "I hope to come back every weekend. Theatre brings emotions to people in these times of war, and it makes our lives easier," said the 55-year-old. Fellow audience member Oleksander Skotnikov, 42, agrees. "When we are under the bombs, as we are now, the theatre gives us a big smile and inspires people to keep on living".

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