World at War | Episode 18: Taiwan shoots down suspected Chinese drone for the first time Ukraine mounts a counter-offensive to retake Kherson Solomon Islands bans all foreign military ships from docking at its port & 32 killed in Tripoli, as Libya edges closer to another civil war Mohammed Saleh gets you an indepth report of the World's biggest warzones of the week in World At War

World at War | Episode 18: Taiwan shoots down suspected Chinese drone for the first time

Meanwhile, India has reportedly raised concern over United Kingdom's transfer of Pak arms to Ukraine. It might cast a bit of a shadow or India's defense ties with Britain. As per reports, Indian government is closely monitoring the situation.

India raises concern over UK's transfer of Pak arms to Ukraine

Europe's largest nuclear plant, Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant has been disconnected from his late remaining power line. Zaporizhzhia plant is currently relying on reserve line.

Russia-Ukraine crisis: Zaporizhzhia plant cut from main power line to the grid

Jared Kushner, the right-hand and son-in-law of former US President Donald Trump in an interview stated that the Ukraine-Russia war would have never taken place if Trump had still been in power.

Jared Kushner, the right-hand and son-in-law of former US President Donald Trump in an interview stated that the Ukraine-Russia war would have never taken place if Trump had still been in power. Kushner, who had a tumultuous brief period as Trump's adviser, claimed that Trump and his policies had brought peace to Europe and pushed China onto the 'backfoot'. “We had peace in Europe, peace in the world. China was on the backfoot. Now, we have a war in Ukraine with Russia — that never would have happened,” said Kushner in an interview with SkyNews. Kushner also said that Trump was laughed at when he warned Germany of being overly reliant on Russia for the gas supplies. It is pertinent to note that in a public address, Trump had suggested that Germany should not be reliant on Russian gas. And ever since the war broke out, Berlin has been running from pillar to post, attempting to fill its reserves ahead of a bitter winter as Moscow halts the supply of natural gas via the Nord Stream 1 pipeline. Read more: Germany agrees on $65 billion relief package, to include tax breaks and one-off payments When asked if his father-in-law was preparing to run for a second term as president, Kushner asserted that "nobody can speak for him on that". “I know that he's obviously thinking about it, he hates seeing what's happening in the country. With Trump, it's hard to rule anything out, he's a very flexible thing,” added Kushner. Read more: Jared Kushner was treated for thyroid cancer during his time in White House Currently, Trump is in the middle of an FBI investigation regarding the top-secret, classified documents found at his Mar-a-Lago estate. Republican supporters are of the view that the witch-hunt started by the Biden administration against the former president could help him in his re-election campaign for the White House. Read more: Trump calls Biden 'enemy of the state', claims MAGA 'movement' is saving democracy (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Russia-Ukraine war would not have taken place had Trump still been president, claims Jared Kushner

Zaporizhzhia running on backup line; Fourth operational power line down

Around 70,000 people took to the streets in Prague, the Czech Republic to protest against the government over rising inflation. The protesters also expressed displeasure over the government's focus on Ukraine over their own people.

Around 70,000 people protest against government in Prague over rising inflation

Li Zhanshu, no. 3 leader of China, is due to visit Russia next week, as per reports in Chinese state media on Sunday (September 4). Li will thus become the highest-ranking Communist Party politician to travel to Russia since its invasion of Ukraine.

China and Russia, as part of what they call a "no limits" relationship, have ramped up co-operation and drawn closer as a counterweight to US.

China has not condemned Russia's Ukraine invasion and has even provided diplomatic cover by blasting Western sanctions.

Li will embark on official visit&nbsp;to Russia, Mongolia, Nepal and South Korea from Wednesday until September 17, according to the official Xinhua news agency. He will attend Eastern Economic Forum due to be held from Monday in Russia's far eastern city Vladivostok.

Li, 72, is likely to retire from his role in the Communist Party at a landmark conference next month, where President Xi Jinping is expected to secure a precedent-busting third consecutive term in office.

Xi himself has not left China since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic in early 2020.

(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 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

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Li Zhanshu, no. 3 leader of China, is due to visit Russia next week, as per reports in Chinese state media on Sunday (September 4). Li will thus become the highest-ranking Communist Party politician to travel to Russia since its invasion of Ukraine.

Li Zhanshu, no. 3 leader of China, is due to visit Russia next week, as per reports in Chinese state media on Sunday (September 4). Li will thus become the highest-ranking Communist Party politician to travel to Russia since its invasion of Ukraine. China and Russia, as part of what they call a "no limits" relationship, have ramped up co-operation and drawn closer as a counterweight to US. China has not condemned Russia's Ukraine invasion and has even provided diplomatic cover by blasting Western sanctions. Li will embark on official visit to Russia, Mongolia, Nepal and South Korea from Wednesday until September 17, according to the official Xinhua news agency. He will attend Eastern Economic Forum due to be held from Monday in Russia's far eastern city Vladivostok. Li, 72, is likely to retire from his role in the Communist Party at a landmark conference next month, where President Xi Jinping is expected to secure a precedent-busting third consecutive term in office. Xi himself has not left China since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic in early 2020. (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 ×

China's number 3 leader Li Zhanshu to visit Russia next week

Russia claims to foil Ukrainian attempt to seize Zaporizhzhia

Ukraine Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant is in the eye of the war. Both Russia and Ukraine are blaming each other for shelling the plant on Friday. UN inspectors spent a second day at the plant assessing the situation.

IAEA spends 2nd day at plant, Russian defence minister accuses Ukraine of 'nuclear terrorism'

As Europe continues to remain without natural gas supplies via the Nord Stream 1 pipeline, Gazprom on Saturday announced that Siemens Energy was ready to carry out the repairs.

As Europe continues to remain without natural gas supplies via the Nord Stream 1 pipeline, Gazprom on Saturday announced that Siemens Energy was ready to carry out the repairs. However, it also added that no place was available to carry out the repair job. "Siemens is taking part in repair work in accordance with the current contract, is detecting malfunctions ... and is ready to fix the oil leaks. Only there is nowhere to do the repair," said the company on its official Telegram account. Moscow has repeatedly stated that Western countries, in addition to the sanctions, have also put barriers in the route of the pipeline which increased difficulties in the maintenance process. However, Siemens, the Germany-based company refuted Gazprom's statement saying it was not carrying any maintenance work currently but was available. "Irrespective of this, we have already pointed out several times that there are enough additional turbines available in the Portovaya compressor station for Nord Stream 1 to operate," the company further quashed Kremlin's version. As reported extensively by WION, Gazprom, the Russian-state-owned gas company, on Friday announced that the pipeline will not open on Saturday, after the three-day maintenance period that started on August 31. Read more: Russia: Nord Stream 1 gas pipeline, due to reopen on weekend, will remain shut The pipeline which runs from Russia to Germany under the Baltic Sea is the lifeline of the European countries. With the frigid winter season approaching, Russia is looking to use its position to pin the 27-nation bloc into the mat. While the pipeline remains shut, Gazprom is shipping 42.7 million cubic metres (mcm) of natural gas to Europe through Ukraine via the Sudzha entry point. Read more: Gazprom to ship gas to Europe via Ukraine as Nord Stream 1 remains shut However, experts have argued that the quantity is not enough to make up for the supplies that were expected to be pumped through the pipeline. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Siemens ready to fix the leaks in Nord Stream 1 pipeline, claims Gazprom

As the global agencies continue to ring warning bells over the condition of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has reportedly offered to mediate between Kyiv and Moscow.

As the global agencies continue to ring warning bells over the condition of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has reportedly offered to mediate between Kyiv and Moscow. Referring to Türkiye acting as a guarantor when the two countries signed a grain export agreement with the United Nations, the Turkish presidency stated: "President Erdogan stated that Turkey can play a facilitator role in the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant, as they did in the grain deal." Last month, Erdogan met his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky and sounded similar concerns regarding the nuclear plant. "While continuing our efforts to find a solution (to the conflict), we remain on the side of our Ukraine friends. We are worried. We don't want another Chernobyl," Erdogan said at the time. WATCH | International Atomic Energy Agency team inspects Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant × As reported by WION, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on Friday stated that the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station had sustained major damages to its “physical integrity” due to the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine. “It is obvious that the physical integrity of the plant has been violated several times. I worried, I worry and I will continue to be worried about the plant. We spent there four or five hours. I have seen a lot, and I have my people there, we were able to tour the whole site,” said Rafael Grossi, the director general of IAEA. Read more: As Turkey warns of 'another Chernobyl', Zelensky says 'no peace' until Russia withdraws its troops It is pertinent to note that the world's worst nuclear disaster, the 'Chernobyl Catastrophe' took place in Ukraine only, 110 kilometres away from the capital city of Kyiv. If another nuclear disaster takes place, it could practically affect the entire planet this time, forget only Europe. As reported by WION, Russian forces took control of the nuclear power plant in March this year. The plant generates 40-42 billion kWh which accounts for one-fifth (20 per cent) of the average annual electricity production in Ukraine and for almost 47 per cent of electricity generated by Ukrainian nuclear power plants. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Turkey ready to mediate in Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant crisis, Erdogan tells Putin

A day after announcing that Nord Stream 1 will not reopen for supplies, citing leakages, Gazprom on Saturday stated that it would ship 42.7 million cubic metres (mcm) of natural gas to Europe through Ukraine via the Sudzha entry point.

A day after announcing that Nord Stream 1 will not reopen for supplies, citing leakages, Gazprom on Saturday stated that it would ship 42.7 million cubic metres (mcm) of natural gas to Europe through Ukraine via the Sudzha entry point. However, according to experts, the quantity will not be enough to make up for the supplies that were expected to be pumped through the pipeline. Read more: Russian energy giant Gazprom halts Nord Stream 1 gas supplies for maintenance As reported extensively by WION, Gazprom, the Russian-state-owned gas company, on Friday announced that the pipeline will not open on Saturday, after the three-day maintenance period that started on August 31. In a statement, Gazprom indicated it had discovered "oil leaks" in a turbine during a planned three-day maintenance operation and that "until it is repaired... the transport of gas via Nord Stream is completely suspended". Read more: Russia: Nord Stream 1 gas pipeline, due to reopen on weekend, will remain shut The pipeline which runs from Russia to Germany under the Baltic Sea is the lifeline of the European countries. Despite being against Russia since its invasion of Ukraine, the European countries remain toothless against Moscow which has used its position of energy dominance to circumvent the sanctions. WATCH | Gazprom to pay Kremlin $9.94 billion, Russian government owns 49.3% shares × Consequently, the energy demand is likely to go up in winter which is just months away. The gas prices in an energy-starved Europe have already sky-rocketed, hurting the industry and households, surging first due to recovering demand after the pandemic and then rising further because of the Ukraine crisis. Furthermore, many countries in the 27-nation bloc fear that Russia may not resume the supplies in the foreseeable future as well. While Europe prepares for a frigid and bitter winter, Gazprom has already made a staggering profit of $41.75 billion, in the first six months of 2022 alone. Read more: Gazprom makes $41.75 billion in profits in first six months, announces dividend for shareholders (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Gazprom to ship gas to Europe via Ukraine as Nord Stream 1 remains shut

From Missile strike in Kharkiv to assassination attempt on Argentina's Vice President, here are some impactful images from around the world on 2 September 2022.

World in Pictures: Missile strike in Kharkiv; Assassination attempt on Argentina's Vice President

International Atomic Energy Agency's team led by chief Rafael Grossi has visited the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant to assess damages that occurred by consistent shelling. Grossi, the head of the UN nuclear watchdog says the physical integrity of the Russian-occupied nuclear plant in Ukraine had been violated several times.

Ukraine: IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi leads Zaporizhzhia inspection

Students in Ukraine are returning to school months after their custom, makeshift, wartime hospitals. Just months ago, these schools served as a bomb-shelter and then a makeshift hospital. Local residents hid here from Russian forces.

Ukraine: Students return to school in Ukraine, parents hold on to hope as war continues

An International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) delegation inspected the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine as fears have grown about a potential catastrophe.

International Atomic Energy Agency team inspects Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant

In pics - Ukrainian children return to school amid ongoing Russian conflict

In the first occurrence of this kind since a July export agreement mediated by the United Nations, a cargo ship carrying more than 3,000 tonnes (3,307 tonnes) of corn from Ukraine grounded in Istanbul on Thursday.&nbsp;

The 173-meter (567.59-foot) Lady Zehma was securely grounded and anchored following a rudder failure at around 1800 GMT, according to the Istanbul governor's office and a shipping company.&nbsp;

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📹 | Cargo ship "Lady Zehma" transporting corn from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ukraine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ukraine</a> runs aground at the Bosphorus in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/T%C3%BCrkiye?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Türkiye</a>'s <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Istanbul?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Istanbul</a>. 
 
▪️Turkish Coastguard sends ships to save the Lady Zehma. 
▪️Traffic at the Bosphorus has been suspended. <a href="https://t.co/KbDWsNEBNx">pic.twitter.com/KbDWsNEBNx</a>
— EHA News (@eha_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/eha_news/status/1565434618966409218?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 1, 2022</a></blockquote>
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The office said that no one was wounded and that Coast Guards were responding. According to a witness and Refinitiv Eikon data, its bow was around 150 metres from the beach in the crowded Bebek neighbourhood.&nbsp;

Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine on February 24 and blockade of its Black Sea ports, which raised food prices globally and raised concerns about scarcity in Africa and the Middle East, Ukraine's grain exports plummeted.&nbsp;

The agreement, negotiated by the U.N. and Ankara and signed on July 22 by Moscow and Kyiv, unblocked three ports.&nbsp;

The ship "got stranded during her passage from the strait (and) an emergency boarding operation is underway," according to Turkish police, according to the Istanbul-based Joint Coordination Centre (JCC), which manages the deal and involves U.N., Russian, Ukrainian, and Turkish officials.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-have-discovered-africas-oldest-dinosaur-named-mbiresaurus-raathi-in-zimbabwe-512201">Scientists have discovered Africa's oldest dinosaur named Mbiresaurus raathi in Zimbabwe</a>

The Lady Zehma was given permission earlier this week to sail from the Ukrainian port of Chornomorsk to Ravenna, Italy, carrying 3,000 tonnes of corn, according to the JCC. The Tribeca shipping company in Turkiye reported that it contained 30,274 tonnes of maize.&nbsp;

According to the JCC, 139 inbound and outbound journeys had been made possible as of Wednesday, and around 1.55 million tonnes of grain and other products have been exported from Ukraine as a result of the agreement.&nbsp;

On the gorgeous Bosphorus, which separates Turkiye's largest metropolis and links the Black Sea to the Marmara Sea and ultimately to the Mediterranean, such incidents are uncommon.

(with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

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In the first occurrence of this kind since a July export agreement mediated by the United Nations, a cargo ship carrying more than 3,000 tonnes (3,307 tonnes) of corn from Ukraine grounded in Istanbul on Thursday.

In the first occurrence of this kind since a July export agreement mediated by the United Nations, a cargo ship carrying more than 3,000 tonnes (3,307 tonnes) of corn from Ukraine grounded in Istanbul on Thursday. The 173-meter (567.59-foot) Lady Zehma was securely grounded and anchored following a rudder failure at around 1800 GMT, according to the Istanbul governor's office and a shipping company. 📹 | Cargo ship "Lady Zehma" transporting corn from #Ukraine runs aground at the Bosphorus in #Türkiye's #Istanbul. ▪️Turkish Coastguard sends ships to save the Lady Zehma. ▪️Traffic at the Bosphorus has been suspended. pic.twitter.com/KbDWsNEBNx — EHA News (@eha_news) September 1, 2022 × The office said that no one was wounded and that Coast Guards were responding. According to a witness and Refinitiv Eikon data, its bow was around 150 metres from the beach in the crowded Bebek neighbourhood. Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine on February 24 and blockade of its Black Sea ports, which raised food prices globally and raised concerns about scarcity in Africa and the Middle East, Ukraine's grain exports plummeted. The agreement, negotiated by the U.N. and Ankara and signed on July 22 by Moscow and Kyiv, unblocked three ports. The ship "got stranded during her passage from the strait (and) an emergency boarding operation is underway," according to Turkish police, according to the Istanbul-based Joint Coordination Centre (JCC), which manages the deal and involves U.N., Russian, Ukrainian, and Turkish officials. Also Read: Scientists have discovered Africa's oldest dinosaur named Mbiresaurus raathi in Zimbabwe The Lady Zehma was given permission earlier this week to sail from the Ukrainian port of Chornomorsk to Ravenna, Italy, carrying 3,000 tonnes of corn, according to the JCC. The Tribeca shipping company in Turkiye reported that it contained 30,274 tonnes of maize. According to the JCC, 139 inbound and outbound journeys had been made possible as of Wednesday, and around 1.55 million tonnes of grain and other products have been exported from Ukraine as a result of the agreement. On the gorgeous Bosphorus, which separates Turkiye's largest metropolis and links the Black Sea to the Marmara Sea and ultimately to the Mediterranean, such incidents are uncommon. (with inputs from agencies)

Watch: Ukrainian grain ship grounded in Istanbul, halting traffic on Turkiye's Bosphorus strait

IAEA is currently in Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhia to visit Europe's largest nuclear plant. The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency said it plans to establish a permanent presence at the nuclear plant.

IAEA wants permanent presence at Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant

A team of United Nation's experts is on its way to Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power plant. The visit of the UN team was delayed after shelling near the plant.

Kremlin fears Ukrainian 'provocation' at Zaporizhzhia plant, reactor shut down due to shelling

UN team heads to Zaporizhzhia plant, IAEA visit delayed by renewed shelling

The Ukraine conflict has had a significant impact on many nations, but a recent report claims that the United States has been particularly affected given its high military spending.

Has US military aid to Ukraine left its ammunition stockpiles uncomfortably low?

The cultural arm of the United Nations, UNESCO, declared on Tuesday that it approved Ukraine's application to add the port city of Odesa to the World Heritage List.&nbsp;

Following a meeting between Oleksandr Tkachenko, the minister of culture for Ukraine, and Audrey Azoulay, the director-general of UNESCO, at the organization's Paris headquarters, UNESCO announced that it had organised experts to assist Ukraine so that the nomination could be urgently reviewed by World Heritage Committee member states.&nbsp;

In addition to Kyiv and Lviv, which are also in danger, UNESCO said it now intends to list Odesa on the List of World Heritage in Danger.

UNESCO said that the Black Sea port of Odesa, which is only a few dozen kilometres from the frontlines, has already been hit by artillery fire. The Odesa Museum of Fine Arts, which opened its doors in 1899, had a portion of its enormous glass roof and windows destroyed last month.&nbsp;

Since the start of the war, UNESCO has paid for renovations to both the museum and the Odesa Museum of Modern Art. They will also pay for additional staff members whose job it is to protect the artefacts. Along with providing safety gear, it will assist in digitising artwork.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zelensky-meets-iaea-chief-in-kyiv-ahead-of-agencys-visit-to-russian-occupied-zaporizhzhia-nuclear-plant-511601">Zelensky meets IAEA chief in Kyiv ahead of agency's visit to Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant</a>

According to UNESCO, it has already raised close to $7 million for Ukraine and will contribute further money to repair war-related damage to museums as well as additional protective gear.

It will also provide assistance for the "digitisation of at least 1,000 works of art in Odessa as well as the documentary collection of the Odessa State Archives," it said.

The beetroot soup known as borshch was added to Ukraine's list of intangible cultural treasures in July, a decision that Moscow criticised as "xenophobic."

(with inputs from agencies)

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The cultural arm of the United Nations, UNESCO, declared on Tuesday that it approved Ukraine's application to add the port city of Odesa to the World Heritage List.

The cultural arm of the United Nations, UNESCO, declared on Tuesday that it approved Ukraine's application to add the port city of Odesa to the World Heritage List. Following a meeting between Oleksandr Tkachenko, the minister of culture for Ukraine, and Audrey Azoulay, the director-general of UNESCO, at the organization's Paris headquarters, UNESCO announced that it had organised experts to assist Ukraine so that the nomination could be urgently reviewed by World Heritage Committee member states. In addition to Kyiv and Lviv, which are also in danger, UNESCO said it now intends to list Odesa on the List of World Heritage in Danger. UNESCO said that the Black Sea port of Odesa, which is only a few dozen kilometres from the frontlines, has already been hit by artillery fire. The Odesa Museum of Fine Arts, which opened its doors in 1899, had a portion of its enormous glass roof and windows destroyed last month. Since the start of the war, UNESCO has paid for renovations to both the museum and the Odesa Museum of Modern Art. They will also pay for additional staff members whose job it is to protect the artefacts. Along with providing safety gear, it will assist in digitising artwork. Also Read: Zelensky meets IAEA chief in Kyiv ahead of agency's visit to Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant According to UNESCO, it has already raised close to $7 million for Ukraine and will contribute further money to repair war-related damage to museums as well as additional protective gear. It will also provide assistance for the "digitisation of at least 1,000 works of art in Odessa as well as the documentary collection of the Odessa State Archives," it said. The beetroot soup known as borshch was added to Ukraine's list of intangible cultural treasures in July, a decision that Moscow criticised as "xenophobic." (with inputs from agencies)

UNESCO supports Ukraine's bid to put threatened port of Odesa on World Heritage list

Paying heed to the incessant calls raging since the beginning of the Russia-Ukraine crisis,&nbsp;European Union on Wednesday agreed to suspend a 2007 visa travel deal with Kremlin. Under the suspension, the number of Russian tourists entering the 27-nation bloc for holidays, shopping and other reasons&nbsp;will be curbed.

"We agreed on full suspension of the European Union-Russia visa facilitation agreement. This will significantly reduce the number of new visas issued by the EU member states. It's going to be more difficult, it's going to take longer," said&nbsp;Josep Borrell,&nbsp;EU’s high representative for foreign policy.

Reportedly, while the informal agreement has been struck, a formal law will have to be passed; meaning the date when the suspension comes into force is still unknown.&nbsp;

EU announcing partial restrictions is a toned-down version of the demands of a complete travel ban on the Russians.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/no-gas-supply-though-nord-stream-1-pipeline-eu-chief-calls-out-russia-for-manipulation-511731">WATCH |&nbsp;No gas supply though Nord Stream 1 pipeline, EU chief calls out Russia for 'manipulation'</a>

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Borrell further&nbsp;described the border crossing by Russians as a security risk for neighbouring states while asserting that these were not usual times.&nbsp;

“We have seen many Russians travelling for leisure and shopping as if no war was raging in Ukraine.&nbsp;Member states considered that we are not business as usual. It cannot be business as usual.”

The European Union, along with other western countries have been on Russia's tail since February in the form of sanctions and other restrictions. However, so far, it is the EU that is paying much of the price for its stand.&nbsp;

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-energy-giant-gazprom-halts-nord-stream-gas-supplies-for-maintenance-511723">Russian energy giant Gazprom halts Nord Stream 1 gas supplies for maintenance</a>

Russia and its state-owned gas company Gazprom has stopped the supply of natural gas to Europe through its Nord Stream 1 pipeline, citing maintenance. The pipeline is closed from today till September 2. However, many countries in the bloc fear that Russia may not resume the supplies, even after the said date.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;

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Paying heed to the incessant calls raging since the beginning of the Russia-Ukraine crisis, European Union on Wednesday agreed to suspend a 2007 visa travel deal with Kremlin.

Paying heed to the incessant calls raging since the beginning of the Russia-Ukraine crisis, European Union on Wednesday agreed to suspend a 2007 visa travel deal with Kremlin. Under the suspension, the number of Russian tourists entering the 27-nation bloc for holidays, shopping and other reasons will be curbed. "We agreed on full suspension of the European Union-Russia visa facilitation agreement. This will significantly reduce the number of new visas issued by the EU member states. It's going to be more difficult, it's going to take longer," said Josep Borrell, EU’s high representative for foreign policy. Reportedly, while the informal agreement has been struck, a formal law will have to be passed; meaning the date when the suspension comes into force is still unknown. EU announcing partial restrictions is a toned-down version of the demands of a complete travel ban on the Russians. WATCH | No gas supply though Nord Stream 1 pipeline, EU chief calls out Russia for 'manipulation' × Borrell further described the border crossing by Russians as a security risk for neighbouring states while asserting that these were not usual times. “We have seen many Russians travelling for leisure and shopping as if no war was raging in Ukraine. Member states considered that we are not business as usual. It cannot be business as usual.” The European Union, along with other western countries have been on Russia's tail since February in the form of sanctions and other restrictions. However, so far, it is the EU that is paying much of the price for its stand. Read more: Russian energy giant Gazprom halts Nord Stream 1 gas supplies for maintenance Russia and its state-owned gas company Gazprom has stopped the supply of natural gas to Europe through its Nord Stream 1 pipeline, citing maintenance. The pipeline is closed from today till September 2. However, many countries in the bloc fear that Russia may not resume the supplies, even after the said date. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

EU agrees to suspend visa travel deal with Russia. Defers full tourist visa ban

Intense fighting continues to rage in Ukraine's southern part as Ukrainian forces step up their counter-offensive operations in a bid to retake the Russian-held Kherson region.

Fighting intensifies in Kherson region, Ukraine seeks to retake Russian-held region

A day before Gazprom shut the Nord Stream 1 gas pipeline, the Russian-state-owned company announced it had made a staggering profit of $41.75 billion, in the first six months of 2022.

A day before Gazprom shut the Nord Stream 1 gas pipeline, the Russian-state-owned company announced it had made a staggering profit of $41.75 billion, in the first six months of 2022. Reportedly, the energy major has also proposed a dividend of $0.85 per share for its shareholders, taking the overall dividend payout to $20.26 billion. The decision on the payout, however, will have to be approved in the September 30 extraordinary general meeting. Talking about the company's growth despite the dangling sword of western sanctions, Gazprom's deputy chief executive, Famil Sadygov stated: "Despite sanctions pressure and an unfavourable external environment, the Gazprom Group reported record IFRS revenues and net profit in the first half of 2022, while reducing net debt and leverage to a minimum." It is pertinent to note that after the announcement on Tuesday, Gazprom's shares soared more than 27 per cent in early trade in Moscow on Wednesday. Read more: Russian energy giant Gazprom halts Nord Stream 1 gas supplies for maintenance While Gazprom mints billions, the rest of Europe is anxiously waiting for the next three days to pass. As reported extensively by WION, Gazprom, which maintains the Nord Stream 1 pipeline has closed it for three days, beginning today, citing maintenance work. The pipeline which runs from Russia to Germany under the Baltic Sea is the lifeline of the European countries. Despite being against Russia since its invasion of Ukraine, the European countries remain toothless against Moscow which has used its position of energy dominance to circumvent the sanctions. The West has imposed sanctions on several hundred Russian companies since February, however, none of the countries have dared touch Gazprom. The reason is quite obvious. Russian natural gas accounts for more than 40 per cent of the EU's demands. If Gazprom is sanctioned, the entire economy of Europe could go into a tailspin. Read more: Russian energy giant Gazprom posts record-high net profit of $29 billion in 2021 (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Gazprom makes $41.75 billion in profits in first six months, announces dividend for shareholders

Mikhail Gorbachev, the man who ended the Cold War without bloodshed but failed to prevent the collapse of the Soviet Union, died on Tuesday at the age of 91.

Last Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev who ended Cold War without bloodshed, passes away at 91

Ukraine has launched a counter-offensive in Kherson, a Ukrainian town held by Russia. Kyiv claims to have broken through Russia's first line of defence. Palki Sharma Upadhyay brings you a report.

Gravitas: Ukraine launches counter-offensive in Kherson

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that his country’s troops have launched attacks on Russian positions along the entire front of the war.

Ukrainian troops have attacked Russian positions along entire front of war, says Zelenksy

International Atomic Energy Agency convoy has now set off from Kyiv towards the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant for the much awaited visit. The tour of the site will mainly include damage assessments and evaluating the nuclear facilities safety and security systems.

IAEA to conduct in-person inspection of Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant

International Atomic Energy Agency car convoy has now set off from Kyiv towards the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant for the much awaited visit. The tour of the site will mainly include damage assessments and evaluating the nuclear facilities safety and security systems.

IAEA team heads to Zaporizhzhia plant

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