German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Tuesday (August 23) said&nbsp;that Germany planned to send more arms worth USD 498.55 million to Ukraine, reports Reuters quoting sources. The report has come on the eve of Ukraine's Independence Day. Ukraine will celebrate its 31st Independence Day on August 24.

Scholz made the announcement as he participated in an online conference on Ukraine which took place in Toronto. Germany plans to supply three additional Iris-T air defence systems, a dozen armoured recovery vehicles, 20 rocket launchers, precision ammunition and anti-drone systems.

These weapons will be delivered in 2023, some of them possibly sooner. A source quoted by Reuters said that Germany's parliamentary budget committee must still approve the supplies which Scholz described as a contribution to the modernization of Ukraine's armed forces.

Ukraine is on high alert as it celebrates its Independence Day. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has already said that Russia might do something 'ugly' on Ukraine's Independence Day. Yuriy Sak, adviser to Ukraine's defence minister, confirmed the high-alert status of Ukraine.&nbsp;

The celebrations will be muted this year and large gatherings have been banned in the capital Kyiv.

There is also a mounting concern after Russia accused Ukrainian intelligence of being behind the assassination of the daughter of a prominent ultranationalist intellectual in Moscow on Saturday.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Tuesday (August 23) said that Germany planned to send more arms worth USD 498.55 million to Ukraine, reports Reuters quoting sources.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Tuesday (August 23) said that Germany planned to send more arms worth USD 498.55 million to Ukraine, reports Reuters quoting sources. The report has come on the eve of Ukraine's Independence Day. Ukraine will celebrate its 31st Independence Day on August 24. Scholz made the announcement as he participated in an online conference on Ukraine which took place in Toronto. Germany plans to supply three additional Iris-T air defence systems, a dozen armoured recovery vehicles, 20 rocket launchers, precision ammunition and anti-drone systems. These weapons will be delivered in 2023, some of them possibly sooner. A source quoted by Reuters said that Germany's parliamentary budget committee must still approve the supplies which Scholz described as a contribution to the modernization of Ukraine's armed forces. Ukraine is on high alert as it celebrates its Independence Day. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has already said that Russia might do something 'ugly' on Ukraine's Independence Day. Yuriy Sak, adviser to Ukraine's defence minister, confirmed the high-alert status of Ukraine. The celebrations will be muted this year and large gatherings have been banned in the capital Kyiv. There is also a mounting concern after Russia accused Ukrainian intelligence of being behind the assassination of the daughter of a prominent ultranationalist intellectual in Moscow on Saturday.

Germany to send more weapons worth USD 500 million to Ukraine

Today is an important day for Ukraine as the country marks 31 years of independence from the soviet union. However, celebrations will be muted, curfew has been imposed and security heightened as Ukraine marks six months since Russia began its invasion.

Ukraine on alert for 'brutal strikes', celebrations muted on country's 31st Independence day

The world continues to worry over the strikes around Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. IAEA has renewed request for the plant visit. Meanwhile IAEA said that Zaporizhzhia plant visit to happen soon if talks succeed.

Russia-Ukraine war: Fears over strikes around Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant

Three Ukrainian troops who claimed they were injured and captured by Russia before being later freed, accused their captors of torturing and using psychological pressure after one of the fiercest engagements in the war.

Following Russia's invasion on February 24, the soldiers, who were a part of a group that fought for weeks from a sizable steelworks in the southern port of Mariupol, claimed during a news conference in Kyiv that their captors sought to force them to confess to atrocities against civilians.

Russia has already been charged with war crimes by Ukraine, but Moscow has refuted the claims.&nbsp;

Vladyslav Zhaivoronok, who lost a leg, said, "I was interrogated even before I started receiving antibiotics after my limb was amputated."&nbsp;

"The guys who were there were tortured. Some had needles inserted into their wounds, some were tortured with water, some received inadequate treatment " he explained, according to a Reuters report.

The three individuals were traded for Russian POWs. Although the exact date of the exchange was not immediately known, Ukraine declared in June that Russia had released 144 prisoners.&nbsp;

Zhaivoronok served in the national guard's Azov Regiment. Azov included some individuals with far-right and ultranationalist roots.

Hundreds of Azov forces gave up in May after weeks of combat from the steelworks' tunnels and bunkers. The Russian Supreme Court declared the regiment to be a terrorist organisation on August 2, despite the fact that the Azov inmates have not yet received formal charges.&nbsp;

In order to demilitarise its smaller neighbour and safeguard Russian-speaking minorities, Russia invaded Ukraine in what it refers to as a "special military operation." Moscow is accused of pursuing an imperial-style war of conquest by Ukraine and its Western sponsors.

(with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Three Ukrainian troops who claimed they were injured and captured by Russia before being later freed, accused their captors of torturing and using psychological pressure after one of the fiercest engagements in the war.

Three Ukrainian troops who claimed they were injured and captured by Russia before being later freed, accused their captors of torturing and using psychological pressure after one of the fiercest engagements in the war. Following Russia's invasion on February 24, the soldiers, who were a part of a group that fought for weeks from a sizable steelworks in the southern port of Mariupol, claimed during a news conference in Kyiv that their captors sought to force them to confess to atrocities against civilians. Russia has already been charged with war crimes by Ukraine, but Moscow has refuted the claims. Vladyslav Zhaivoronok, who lost a leg, said, "I was interrogated even before I started receiving antibiotics after my limb was amputated." "The guys who were there were tortured. Some had needles inserted into their wounds, some were tortured with water, some received inadequate treatment " he explained, according to a Reuters report. The three individuals were traded for Russian POWs. Although the exact date of the exchange was not immediately known, Ukraine declared in June that Russia had released 144 prisoners. Zhaivoronok served in the national guard's Azov Regiment. Azov included some individuals with far-right and ultranationalist roots. Hundreds of Azov forces gave up in May after weeks of combat from the steelworks' tunnels and bunkers. The Russian Supreme Court declared the regiment to be a terrorist organisation on August 2, despite the fact that the Azov inmates have not yet received formal charges. In order to demilitarise its smaller neighbour and safeguard Russian-speaking minorities, Russia invaded Ukraine in what it refers to as a "special military operation." Moscow is accused of pursuing an imperial-style war of conquest by Ukraine and its Western sponsors. (with inputs from agencies)

Released Ukrainian soldiers accuse Russians of atrocities in prison

The US has information suggesting that Russia is preparing to shortly conduct new assaults against the government and civilian infrastructure of Ukraine,&nbsp; an American official has said on Monday.

“We have information that Russia is stepping up efforts to launch strikes against Ukraine’s civilian infrastructure and government facilities in the coming days. Given Russia’s track record in Ukraine, we are concerned about the continued threat that Russian strikes pose to civilians and civilian infrastructure," the official said, as reported by Reuters.

The assertion, according to the official, was supported by American intelligence.

This week marks six months since Vladimir Putin issued an order for tens of thousands of Russian soldiers to invade Ukraine for a "special military operation"—a magnitude of invasion not seen in Europe since World War II. As a result of Russia's continuous bombardment, tens of thousands have died, millions have fled, and cities have been completely destroyed.&nbsp;

At least four persons were hurt by Russian rockets fired at Nikopol, Krivyi Rih, and Synelnykovsky, which are all close to the largest nuclear power plant in Europe, Zaporizhzhia, overnight, according to regional governor Valentyn Reznichenko's Telegram post.&nbsp;

According to the General Staff of Ukraine, Russian forces damaged the Soledar, Zaytseve, and Bilogorivka regions in the eastern Bakhmut region using artillery and multiple rocket launcher systems.

In the southeast of Ukraine's Odesa region, Russia claimed that its Kalibr missiles had targeted a granary, while Kyiv claimed that a missile stockpile including missiles for a US-made HIMARS rocket had been hit.&nbsp;

The commander of Ukraine's armed forces reported that about 9,000 military soldiers from his country had died in the conflict with Russia.&nbsp;

According to local authorities, Ukraine's capital Kyiv forbade public celebrations this week honouring the country's independence from the Russian-dominated Soviet Union, and its second-largest city Kharkiv imposed a curfew because of an increased risk of Russian aggression.

(with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

The US has information suggesting that Russia is preparing to shortly conduct new assaults against the government and civilian infrastructure of Ukraine, an American official has said on Monday.

The US has information suggesting that Russia is preparing to shortly conduct new assaults against the government and civilian infrastructure of Ukraine, an American official has said on Monday. “We have information that Russia is stepping up efforts to launch strikes against Ukraine’s civilian infrastructure and government facilities in the coming days. Given Russia’s track record in Ukraine, we are concerned about the continued threat that Russian strikes pose to civilians and civilian infrastructure," the official said, as reported by Reuters. The assertion, according to the official, was supported by American intelligence. This week marks six months since Vladimir Putin issued an order for tens of thousands of Russian soldiers to invade Ukraine for a "special military operation"—a magnitude of invasion not seen in Europe since World War II. As a result of Russia's continuous bombardment, tens of thousands have died, millions have fled, and cities have been completely destroyed. At least four persons were hurt by Russian rockets fired at Nikopol, Krivyi Rih, and Synelnykovsky, which are all close to the largest nuclear power plant in Europe, Zaporizhzhia, overnight, according to regional governor Valentyn Reznichenko's Telegram post. According to the General Staff of Ukraine, Russian forces damaged the Soledar, Zaytseve, and Bilogorivka regions in the eastern Bakhmut region using artillery and multiple rocket launcher systems. In the southeast of Ukraine's Odesa region, Russia claimed that its Kalibr missiles had targeted a granary, while Kyiv claimed that a missile stockpile including missiles for a US-made HIMARS rocket had been hit. The commander of Ukraine's armed forces reported that about 9,000 military soldiers from his country had died in the conflict with Russia. According to local authorities, Ukraine's capital Kyiv forbade public celebrations this week honouring the country's independence from the Russian-dominated Soviet Union, and its second-largest city Kharkiv imposed a curfew because of an increased risk of Russian aggression. (with inputs from agencies)

Russia planning strikes on Ukraine civilian infrastructure soon: US intelligence

Shakhtar Donetsk and Metalist 1925 played out a 0-0 draw in Kyiv’s empty Olympic Stadium as competitive football returned to war-torn Ukraine. Molly Gambhir tells you how the sport has become a symbol of hope for the country.

WION Fineprint: Ukraine football season kicks off amid threat of Russian attacks

Russia’s counterintelligence agency claimed that the car bomb that killed the daughter of Vladimir Putin’s ally Alexander Dugina was planted by an alleged female Ukrainian spy who then fled to Estonia. Molly Gambhir tells you more.

WION Fineprint: Russia says female Ukrainian spy killed daughter of Putin’s ally

As Ukraine's independence day from Russia approaches (August 24), all eyes are on the Ukraine war again. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has already said that Russia might try to do something to reduce the symbolic and morale-boosting value of Ukrainian independence day. On the eve of the important day for Ukraine, WION's Mohammed Saleh spoke with Yuriy Sak, advisor to Ukraine's defence minister.

WION: Mr Sak this a crucial moment in terms of what is happening in the war. Tomorrow marks exactly six months since Russia invaded Ukraine. Also tomorrow is your 31st independence anniversary from the former Soviet Union. And in keeping with this, Ukraine has said that it has received intelligence that Russia may try to do something reallu ugly. What is the threat you perceive from Russia tomorrow?

Yuriy Sak: Hello and thank you for inviting me. Indeed tomorrow is a great national celebration for our country. It's our independence day and this is a celebration that we take very seriously. This will also be the day when we will have six months of aggressive war against Ukraine. And I want to stress that this is a war Russian aggressor was hoping to conduct in three days. They were planning to conquer the whole of Ukraine in maximum of seven days. And our Minister of Defence Oleksiy Reznikov, he personally saw, in the Russian tanks which were left by the occupiers in Kyiv, parade uniforms. They were planning to conduct this war very quickly, to destroy Ukrainian leadership, and to occupy our territory completely. Instead of that what we have now is parade of destroyed Russian tanks on Kyiv central street.&nbsp;

We as a nation have been very very heroically defending our country and European freedom from the Russian aggressor. Ahead of tomorrow's celebrations, we are of course now on high-alert because Russia in addition to being a war criminal and terrorist state has a very strange way of treating certain dates. Ukraine's independence is something that Russia wants to destroy. It wants to destroy Ukrainian people. This is why we are referring to this as genocide. And this is why we are calling on the international community to recognise Russia officially as state sponsor of terrorism.

So tomorrow is a big day. But I want to also stress that we have been living in an atmosphere of missile terror from Russia for last six months. Every day, Russia conducts missile strikes on Ukrainian cities. Every day, peaceful Ukrainian citizens are dying in these missile strikes. So in a sense, tomorrow will be, unfortunately, an ordinary day in the new normal we've been living in since February 24. But we hope that our fears will not come true. And we hope that tomorrow's celebrations will not be spoilt by another atrocity on the part of Russia.

Watch | August 24 marks Ukraine's 31st Independence Day; fear of fresh Russian strikes looms

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WION: This is the issue that a lot of people are talking about around the world, especially in the aftermath of what has happened to Darya Dugina, the daughter of Alexander Dugin, the philosopher and the far-right thinker, someone who is considered to be the brain of Vladimir Putin. Russia has unequivocally accused Ukraine of carrying out her assassination. What does Ukraine have to say for it?

Yuriy Sak: Our official position is very simple. We are not Russians. We are not terrorists. We do not fight with civillian population. We even don't fight with civillians who are hateful towards Ukraine. Because as you probably know, Mr Dugin used to say that Ukrainians must be killed and killed. And his late daughter who was killed in that accident, we are prone to believe that this was a false flag terrorist operation. Our intelligence agencies say that this most probably was an insider job. It was a provocation by the Russians. We do not carry killings of those people because we are a civilized democracy. We fight our enemy on the battlefield. And we value their human life very highly.

WION: I need to ask you about what has happened in Crimea over the course of last 10-12 days. Because your President Volodymyr Zelensky has been saying that Ukraine will stage a counter-attack, that Ukraine will re-conquer Crimea which has been occupied by Russia. What we've seen over the course of last 10-15 days, that there has been a series of mysterious and unexplained explosions which have targetted Russian military installations. Ukraine hasn't directly claimed responsibility for a lot of these attacks that have taken place in Crimea. But is Ukraine behind these explosions?

Yuriy Sak: Let's be clear. Crimea is a sovereign territory of Ukraine. It is an internationally recognised territory of Ukraine which was illegally annexed by Russia in 2014. This is an internationally recognised fact. Point number 2, we have two things to say to Russian occupiers, and this has been our position all the while. Since Crimea is part of Ukraine, we will liberate it sooner or later. It just depends on how quickly we receive interational assistance and high-precision weaponry.

Third point, all we have to say to Russian occupiers who are in Crimea as well as other temporarily occupied parts of Ukraine, they have to get out from our country.

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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As Ukraine's independence day from Russia approaches (August 24), all eyes are on the Ukraine war again. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has already said that Russia might try to do something to reduce the symbolic and morale-boosting value of Ukrainian independence day.

As Ukraine's independence day from Russia approaches (August 24), all eyes are on the Ukraine war again. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has already said that Russia might try to do something to reduce the symbolic and morale-boosting value of Ukrainian independence day. On the eve of the important day for Ukraine, WION's Mohammed Saleh spoke with Yuriy Sak, advisor to Ukraine's defence minister. WION: Mr Sak this a crucial moment in terms of what is happening in the war. Tomorrow marks exactly six months since Russia invaded Ukraine. Also tomorrow is your 31st independence anniversary from the former Soviet Union. And in keeping with this, Ukraine has said that it has received intelligence that Russia may try to do something reallu ugly. What is the threat you perceive from Russia tomorrow? Yuriy Sak: Hello and thank you for inviting me. Indeed tomorrow is a great national celebration for our country. It's our independence day and this is a celebration that we take very seriously. This will also be the day when we will have six months of aggressive war against Ukraine. And I want to stress that this is a war Russian aggressor was hoping to conduct in three days. They were planning to conquer the whole of Ukraine in maximum of seven days. And our Minister of Defence Oleksiy Reznikov, he personally saw, in the Russian tanks which were left by the occupiers in Kyiv, parade uniforms. They were planning to conduct this war very quickly, to destroy Ukrainian leadership, and to occupy our territory completely. Instead of that what we have now is parade of destroyed Russian tanks on Kyiv central street. We as a nation have been very very heroically defending our country and European freedom from the Russian aggressor. Ahead of tomorrow's celebrations, we are of course now on high-alert because Russia in addition to being a war criminal and terrorist state has a very strange way of treating certain dates. Ukraine's independence is something that Russia wants to destroy. It wants to destroy Ukrainian people. This is why we are referring to this as genocide. And this is why we are calling on the international community to recognise Russia officially as state sponsor of terrorism. So tomorrow is a big day. But I want to also stress that we have been living in an atmosphere of missile terror from Russia for last six months. Every day, Russia conducts missile strikes on Ukrainian cities. Every day, peaceful Ukrainian citizens are dying in these missile strikes. So in a sense, tomorrow will be, unfortunately, an ordinary day in the new normal we've been living in since February 24. But we hope that our fears will not come true. And we hope that tomorrow's celebrations will not be spoilt by another atrocity on the part of Russia. Watch | August 24 marks Ukraine's 31st Independence Day; fear of fresh Russian strikes looms × WION: This is the issue that a lot of people are talking about around the world, especially in the aftermath of what has happened to Darya Dugina, the daughter of Alexander Dugin, the philosopher and the far-right thinker, someone who is considered to be the brain of Vladimir Putin. Russia has unequivocally accused Ukraine of carrying out her assassination. What does Ukraine have to say for it? Yuriy Sak: Our official position is very simple. We are not Russians. We are not terrorists. We do not fight with civillian population. We even don't fight with civillians who are hateful towards Ukraine. Because as you probably know, Mr Dugin used to say that Ukrainians must be killed and killed. And his late daughter who was killed in that accident, we are prone to believe that this was a false flag terrorist operation. Our intelligence agencies say that this most probably was an insider job. It was a provocation by the Russians. We do not carry killings of those people because we are a civilized democracy. We fight our enemy on the battlefield. And we value their human life very highly. WION: I need to ask you about what has happened in Crimea over the course of last 10-12 days. Because your President Volodymyr Zelensky has been saying that Ukraine will stage a counter-attack, that Ukraine will re-conquer Crimea which has been occupied by Russia. What we've seen over the course of last 10-15 days, that there has been a series of mysterious and unexplained explosions which have targetted Russian military installations. Ukraine hasn't directly claimed responsibility for a lot of these attacks that have taken place in Crimea. But is Ukraine behind these explosions? Yuriy Sak: Let's be clear. Crimea is a sovereign territory of Ukraine. It is an internationally recognised territory of Ukraine which was illegally annexed by Russia in 2014. This is an internationally recognised fact. Point number 2, we have two things to say to Russian occupiers, and this has been our position all the while. Since Crimea is part of Ukraine, we will liberate it sooner or later. It just depends on how quickly we receive interational assistance and high-precision weaponry. Third point, all we have to say to Russian occupiers who are in Crimea as well as other temporarily occupied parts of Ukraine, they have to get out from our country. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Ukraine is on high alert as I-day approaches, top Ukrainian official tells WION

Russia has accused Ukrainian forces of carrying out a car bombing that killed Darya Dugina, the daughter of an influential Russian ultra-nationalist who has backed Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.

Russia accuses Ukraine of Darya Dugina's murder

Burial services were held for multiple unidentified bodies found in Bucha, the town outside the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv that saw hundreds of people slaughtered under Russian occupation early in the war. The civilian killings at Bucha have become a symbol of brutality of the war.

Ukraine: Bucha Priest conducts multiple burial services for civilians

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has vowed on Tuesday to raise Ukraine's national flag in currently Russian-occupied parts of the country.

President Zelensky vows to hoist the Ukrainian flag in Russian-occupied territories

In pics - Ukraine shows off demolished Russian tanks during parade in Kyiv

August 24 marks Ukraine's independence from erstwhile soviet union. The day is usually marked by grand parades and also festivities but this year Kyiv has decided to ban all public celebrations citing a heightened threat of a possible attack by the Russian forces.

August 24 marks Ukraine's 31st Independence Day; fears of fresh Russian strikes looms

Let us take a look at stories generating interest across WION's social media channels.

Trending on WION | Magic mushrooms likely to be world's most effective tool against depression

The entire continent of Europe is up in arms once again. Russia and its state-owned energy giant Gazprom has announced that the all-important Nord Stream 1 gas pipeline will remain shut down for three days for 'routine maintenance', starting August 31.

The entire continent of Europe is up in arms once again. Russia and its state-owned energy giant Gazprom has announced that the all-important Nord Stream 1 gas pipeline will remain shut down for three days for 'routine maintenance', starting August 31. "On August 31, 2022, the only gas compressor unit that is currently in operation, Trent 60 will be shut down for a three-day servicing and preventive maintenance period," said Gazprom in an official statement. In the immediate aftermath of the announcement, natural gas prices in Europe skyrocketed as countries looked to build reserves, fearing the temporary halt may very well extend beyond three days. WATCH | Gazprom to shut Nord stream 1 for 3 days, pipeline to close for maintenance work × On Monday, the euro, the major currency of Europe sunk to its lowest level since 2002. According to reports, the currency slid as much as one per cent to as low as $0.9934 in the afternoon. Moreover, the Dutch TTF hub, a European benchmark for natural gas trading saw a hike of 19 per cent to reach $292.9 per megawatt hour. Investment bank Citi has warned that the energy bills, exacerbated by the frequent shutdowns and low supply will drive UK inflation to over 18 per cent early next year. An average UK household is expected to shell out as much as $5,000, come the winters. Meanwhile, UK natural gas prices have risen nearly 96 per cent in the year to July, while electricity prices are up 54 per cent. Read more: UK gas major Centrica's profits soar amid sky-high energy prices 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 have remained toothless against Moscow which has used its position of dominance to circumvent the sanctions. Furthermore, as reported extensively by WION, this is not the first time that Russia has attempted to leverage its position to bring the European countries on their knees. In July too, Russia closed Nord Stream 1 citing maintenance and that the 12-metre turbine used to operate the pipeline was stuck in Canada for repairs. Read More: The turbine conundrum: Russia and Germany play blame game on the delivery of Nord Stream 1 turbine At one time, Gazprom which was to supposedly receive the turbine, even threatened to close the supply for good. However, after 10 days, the supply resumed but it never managed to hit the pre-maintenance levels. Gazprom has stated that the pipeline will resume in line with current volumes of 33 million cubic meters a day, which is only about 20 per cent of the total capacity of the pipeline. The war has been going on for months and yet the European continent has only been able to reduce their combined gas dependency on Russia by a tiny five per cent. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Gazprom's halt of Nord Stream 1 pipeline plunges Europe into a gas crisis

Wednesday (August 24) marks Ukraine’s 31 years of independence from Soviet rule and also six months since the Russian invasion often referred to as Moscow's 'special military operation.’

The US state department, in a security advisory, stated that Russia is speeding up its attempts to undertake strikes against Ukraine’s civilian infrastructure and government sites in the coming days.

The US embassy in Kyiv asked all US citizens who are still in Ukraine to leave the nation immediately.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/released-ukrainian-soldiers-accuse-russians-of-atrocities-in-prison-509299">Also read |&nbsp;Released Ukrainian soldiers accuse Russians of atrocities in prison</a>

The state department in its alert said, "If you hear a loud explosion or if sirens are activated, immediately seek cover." It further continued, "If in a home or a building, go to the lowest level of the structure with the fewest exterior walls, windows, and openings; close any doors and sit near an interior wall, away from any windows or openings."

The United States on Monday condemned the targeted killing of civilians, saying it stands against such practices, whether they occur in Ukraine or Russia.

The reason behind the targeted killing by Russia is the killing of Darya Dugina, daughter of a close adviser to the Russian president, in a car bomb blast on Saturday night.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-rejects-volodymyr-zelenskys-request-to-impose-a-blanket-visa-ban-on-russians-509310">Also read |&nbsp;US rejects Volodymyr Zelensky’s request to impose a blanket visa ban on Russians</a>

Russia claimed that the assassination was carried out by Ukraine’s secret services. According to the Federal Service of Russia (FSB), Natalya Vovk, a Ukrainian citizen, committed the crime before escaping to Estonia. However, Ukraine has denied any involvement.

The US has so far imposed sanctions on nearly 5,000 individuals since the beginning of the invasion on February 24, the State Department said.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Wednesday (August 24) marks Ukraine’s 31 years of independence from Soviet rule and also six months since the Russian invasion often referred to as Moscow's 'special military operation.

Wednesday (August 24) marks Ukraine’s 31 years of independence from Soviet rule and also six months since the Russian invasion often referred to as Moscow's 'special military operation.’ The US state department, in a security advisory, stated that Russia is speeding up its attempts to undertake strikes against Ukraine’s civilian infrastructure and government sites in the coming days. The US embassy in Kyiv asked all US citizens who are still in Ukraine to leave the nation immediately. Also read | Released Ukrainian soldiers accuse Russians of atrocities in prison The state department in its alert said, "If you hear a loud explosion or if sirens are activated, immediately seek cover." It further continued, "If in a home or a building, go to the lowest level of the structure with the fewest exterior walls, windows, and openings; close any doors and sit near an interior wall, away from any windows or openings." The United States on Monday condemned the targeted killing of civilians, saying it stands against such practices, whether they occur in Ukraine or Russia. The reason behind the targeted killing by Russia is the killing of Darya Dugina, daughter of a close adviser to the Russian president, in a car bomb blast on Saturday night. Also read | US rejects Volodymyr Zelensky’s request to impose a blanket visa ban on Russians Russia claimed that the assassination was carried out by Ukraine’s secret services. According to the Federal Service of Russia (FSB), Natalya Vovk, a Ukrainian citizen, committed the crime before escaping to Estonia. However, Ukraine has denied any involvement. The US has so far imposed sanctions on nearly 5,000 individuals since the beginning of the invasion on February 24, the State Department said. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US condemns Russia on targeting civilians, warns Moscow plans to hit govt buildings

Drones have become the top focus in Ukraine as thousands are being used by both sides to hit targets behind the enemy lines. Molly Gambhir tells you how drones are shaping this war.

WION Fineprint: How drones are shaping the Ukraine war

The United States has rejected Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s request to impose a blanket visa ban on Russians as conflict continues to rise in Ukraine. While the US has been an ardent supporter of Ukraine during the Russian invasion, the White House has said that a blanket ban will close any opportunity for “dissidents and people vulnerable to human rights abuses”.

Earlier, Zelensky urged the US government to stop any Russian citizen from entering the country by imposing a visa ban. During an interview with the Washington Post, the Ukrainian president said that the Russians need to "live in their own world until they change their philosophy."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/released-ukrainian-soldiers-accuse-russians-of-atrocities-in-prison-509299" hreflang="en">Released Ukrainian soldiers accuse Russians of atrocities in prison</a>

He also made a similar request to the countries of the European Union as he said that such a step will stop them from becoming a "supermarket open to anyone with the means to enter”.

However, the White House made it clear on Monday that they will not be imposing any such ban. A spokesperson from the state department said in the official statement that the US has already sanctioned key Kremlin officials and will continue to aid Ukraine in their ongoing struggle.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-seeks-special-master-to-examine-mar-a-lago-documents-509307">Trump seeks 'special master' to examine Mar-a-Lago documents</a>

"The U.S. wouldn’t want to close off pathways to refuge and safety for Russia’s dissidents or others who are vulnerable to human rights abuses," the spokesperson said, according to Reuters.

"We’ve also been clear that it is important to draw a line between the actions of the Russian government and its policies in Ukraine, and the people of Russia," the spokesperson added.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The United States has rejected Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s request to impose a blanket visa ban on Russians as conflict continues to rise in Ukraine.

The United States has rejected Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s request to impose a blanket visa ban on Russians as conflict continues to rise in Ukraine. While the US has been an ardent supporter of Ukraine during the Russian invasion, the White House has said that a blanket ban will close any opportunity for “dissidents and people vulnerable to human rights abuses”. Earlier, Zelensky urged the US government to stop any Russian citizen from entering the country by imposing a visa ban. During an interview with the Washington Post, the Ukrainian president said that the Russians need to "live in their own world until they change their philosophy." Also read | Released Ukrainian soldiers accuse Russians of atrocities in prison He also made a similar request to the countries of the European Union as he said that such a step will stop them from becoming a "supermarket open to anyone with the means to enter”. However, the White House made it clear on Monday that they will not be imposing any such ban. A spokesperson from the state department said in the official statement that the US has already sanctioned key Kremlin officials and will continue to aid Ukraine in their ongoing struggle. Also read | Trump seeks 'special master' to examine Mar-a-Lago documents "The U.S. wouldn’t want to close off pathways to refuge and safety for Russia’s dissidents or others who are vulnerable to human rights abuses," the spokesperson said, according to Reuters. "We’ve also been clear that it is important to draw a line between the actions of the Russian government and its policies in Ukraine, and the people of Russia," the spokesperson added. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE -

US rejects Volodymyr Zelensky’s request to impose a blanket visa ban on Russians

Russia accused Ukraine of murdering Daria Dugina, the daughter of Vladimir Putin's 'guru'. How will this assassination affect the war in Ukraine? Where does it leave the southern counter-attack by Ukraine? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Russia accuses Ukraine of murdering daughter of Putin's 'guru'

It's almost six months since the war in Ukraine began, there is no end to the spiraling tensions. In the latest, Ukraine's military has now claimed that the Russian missiles hit the Bakhmut over the weekend, our next report gets you all the details.

Ukraine: Russian missiles hit Bakhmut

Ukraine is bracing itself for increased Russian attacks ahead of its Independence Day on August 24th which falls exactly six months after Russian President Vladimir Putin announced what he called a 'special operation' in the neighboring nation.

War in Ukraine nears 6 months, braces itself for Russian intensified attacks

Amidst the growing concerns over shelling around the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, leaders of Britain, France, Germany and United States held a telephonic conversation where they stressed the need to ensure the safety of nuclear installations threatened by the conflict in Ukraine.

Western leaders call for more security at Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant

In the centre of the Ukrainian capital's Khreshchatyk Boulevard, burned-out Russian tanks and infantry carriers were on display, attracting the interest of onlookers and amateur photographers.

Burnt Russian tanks on display in Kyiv ahead of Ukraine's Independence Day

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is presently on a 3 day visit to Canada to try and boost energy security. The visit comes after a looming energy crisis in Europe. Scholz is accompanied by Vice-Chancellor Robert Habeck.

Germany: Scholz, Trudeau likely to sign clean hydrogen deal

As the war in Ukraine continues, Kyiv is bracing for Russian attacks since time for Ukraine's Independence day on the 24th of August. This also comes after the killing of Russian philosopher Alexander Dugina's daughter, Darya Dugina.

Kyiv: Ban on public gatherings from today, on alert ahead of Independence Day

Rishi Sunak is not dropping the towel in the PM race. In a change of strategy, he has dubbed himself as the 'underdog' and even released a video that portrayed him the same. Meanwhile Singapore on Sunday did away with the archaic colonial-era law that criminalised gay sex. In other news, Japanese PM&nbsp;Fumio Kishida has tested positive for coronavirus.&nbsp;

Click the headlines to read more

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/underdog-has-got-nothing-to-lose-he-fights-for-every-inch-rishi-sunak-in-campaign-video-508901">Underdog has nothing to lose, he fights for every inch: Rishi Sunak in campaign video</a>

As allies insisted he is still in a position to win, Rishi Sunak has positioned himself as the "underdog" in the race to become the next prime minister of UK. At the Tories' Friday hustings for the party's top job in Manchester, Sunak was introduced in a brand-new video montage that portrayed the former chancellor as an audacious outsider.

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nso-group-ceo-steps-down-amid-mounting-legal-actions-over-its-pegasus-sypware-software-508915">Israel: NSO Group CEO steps down amid mounting legal actions for Pegasus</a>

Israeli spyware firm NSO group that manufactures the controversial Pegasus software has announced a change in the top hierarchy. Reportedly, the company's Chief Executive Officer Shalev Hulio has stepped down with immediate effect from his position on Sunday. Additionaly, the company is&nbsp;laying off 100 employees out of its workforce of 750.

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-east-asia/singapore-lifts-ban-on-gay-sex-repeals-section-377a-but-upholds-marriage-ban-508900">Singapore lifts ban on gay sex, repeals Section 377A, but upholds marriage ban</a>

In what comes as a landmark moment in the history of Singapore, the country has decided to repeal an archaic law that criminalised gay sex. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong made the announcement on Sunday during his annual policy address.&nbsp;

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/08/21/289414-copy-of-untitled-4.png" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-govt-warns-imran-khan-mulls-filing-case-against-him-over-threat-speech-508880">Pakistan govt warns Imran Khan, mulls filing case against him over 'threat speech'</a>

The interior minister for Pakistan, Rana Sanaullah, stated on Sunday that the government was discussing whether to bring a new case against Imran Khan, the PTI chairman, for his "provocative speech" from the previous day or to add him to an existing case.

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/08/21/289302-new-wion-50.png" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-missiles-pound-odesa-as-ukrainian-independence-day-draws-closer-508917">Russian missiles pound Odesa as Ukrainian Independence Day draws closer</a>

Russian missiles have hit Odesa, the Ukrainian port, overnight. Artillery shells have also rained down on a city close to Europe's biggest nuclear plant. The attacks have come as Ukraine heads towards celebrating its Independence Day on August 24. It will be Ukraine's 31st Independence Day.

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/08/21/289424-ukraine-8.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japans-prime-minister-fumio-kishida-tests-positive-for-coronavirus-ahead-of-an-african-trip-508879">Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida tests positive for coronavirus ahead of an African trip</a>

The Japanese Prime Minister developed a cough and slight fever on Saturday, before taking a PCR test, which returned positive.&nbsp;Kishida, 65, had to depart for a visit to Tunisia but the virus has forced him to recuperate at his official residence

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/07/10/278136-rcipb3froboyfpl7jtr6imqro4.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/alexander-dugins-daughter-killed-in-car-bomb-attack-who-is-darya-dugina-508788">Alexander Dugin's daughter killed in car bomb attack: Who is Darya Dugina?</a>

Russia President Vladimir Putin's ally Alexander Dugin's daughter Darya Dugina, 30, was killed in a car bomb attack near Moscow, reports said. Alexander was in a car behind Darya's vehicle when the explosion occurred. Darya Dugina's death was confirmed by the Russian news agency TASS. She was reportedly driving a Toyota land cruiser Prado when the explosion occurred.

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/08/21/289325-rasp1.JPG" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-urged-to-rethink-its-genetics-data-sharing-policy-with-china-508860">Experts urge UK to rethink its genetics data sharing policy with China</a>

Demands are being raised in the United Kingdom to stop the sharing of confidential&nbsp;genetic data&nbsp;of over 500,000 Britons with&nbsp;China.&nbsp;Reportedly, under&nbsp;several hundred ongoing projects of the UK Biobank,&nbsp;researchers in China have&nbsp;been accessing 'detailed genetic information' and other health-related data of UK citizens.&nbsp;

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/08/21/289387-top3ts4deniujf3zkzaxgipcr4.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/this-victory-is-for-my-country-oleksandr-usyk-pays-tribute-to-ukrainian-military-after-beating-anthony-joshua-508866">This victory is for my country: Oleksandr Usyk pays tribute to Ukrainian military after beating Anthony Joshua</a>

&nbsp;"I did this victory for my country, for all people, militaries who are defending the country. Thank you very, very much." said&nbsp;Oleksandr Usyk after defeating&nbsp;British boxer Anthony Joshua.

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/netizens-strongly-react-to-anonymous-death-threats-made-against-bts-jimin-and-v-508825">Netizens strongly react to anonymous death threats made against BTS' Jimin and V</a>

On Friday, netizens started reporting suspicious posts containing death threats against BTS' Jimin and V on the fan community platform Weverse. Referring to the upcoming Busan concert, an anonymous person made threats to assassinate the popular South Korean singers and shared a picture of a gun. Screenshots of the death threats have been doing rounds on social media.

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/08/21/289355-sdgscffh.jpg" />

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;

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Rishi Sunak is not dropping the towel in the PM race. In a change of strategy, he has dubbed himself as the 'underdog' and even released a video that portrayed him the same.

Rishi Sunak is not dropping the towel in the PM race. In a change of strategy, he has dubbed himself as the 'underdog' and even released a video that portrayed him the same. Meanwhile Singapore on Sunday did away with the archaic colonial-era law that criminalised gay sex. In other news, Japanese PM Fumio Kishida has tested positive for coronavirus. Click the headlines to read more Underdog has nothing to lose, he fights for every inch: Rishi Sunak in campaign video As allies insisted he is still in a position to win, Rishi Sunak has positioned himself as the "underdog" in the race to become the next prime minister of UK. At the Tories' Friday hustings for the party's top job in Manchester, Sunak was introduced in a brand-new video montage that portrayed the former chancellor as an audacious outsider. Israel: NSO Group CEO steps down amid mounting legal actions for Pegasus Israeli spyware firm NSO group that manufactures the controversial Pegasus software has announced a change in the top hierarchy. Reportedly, the company's Chief Executive Officer Shalev Hulio has stepped down with immediate effect from his position on Sunday. Additionaly, the company is laying off 100 employees out of its workforce of 750. Singapore lifts ban on gay sex, repeals Section 377A, but upholds marriage ban In what comes as a landmark moment in the history of Singapore, the country has decided to repeal an archaic law that criminalised gay sex. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong made the announcement on Sunday during his annual policy address. Pakistan govt warns Imran Khan, mulls filing case against him over 'threat speech' The interior minister for Pakistan, Rana Sanaullah, stated on Sunday that the government was discussing whether to bring a new case against Imran Khan, the PTI chairman, for his "provocative speech" from the previous day or to add him to an existing case. Russian missiles pound Odesa as Ukrainian Independence Day draws closer Russian missiles have hit Odesa, the Ukrainian port, overnight. Artillery shells have also rained down on a city close to Europe's biggest nuclear plant. The attacks have come as Ukraine heads towards celebrating its Independence Day on August 24. It will be Ukraine's 31st Independence Day. Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida tests positive for coronavirus ahead of an African trip The Japanese Prime Minister developed a cough and slight fever on Saturday, before taking a PCR test, which returned positive. Kishida, 65, had to depart for a visit to Tunisia but the virus has forced him to recuperate at his official residence Alexander Dugin's daughter killed in car bomb attack: Who is Darya Dugina? Russia President Vladimir Putin's ally Alexander Dugin's daughter Darya Dugina, 30, was killed in a car bomb attack near Moscow, reports said. Alexander was in a car behind Darya's vehicle when the explosion occurred. Darya Dugina's death was confirmed by the Russian news agency TASS. She was reportedly driving a Toyota land cruiser Prado when the explosion occurred. Experts urge UK to rethink its genetics data sharing policy with China Demands are being raised in the United Kingdom to stop the sharing of confidential genetic data of over 500,000 Britons with China. Reportedly, under several hundred ongoing projects of the UK Biobank, researchers in China have been accessing 'detailed genetic information' and other health-related data of UK citizens. This victory is for my country: Oleksandr Usyk pays tribute to Ukrainian military after beating Anthony Joshua "I did this victory for my country, for all people, militaries who are defending the country. Thank you very, very much." said Oleksandr Usyk after defeating British boxer Anthony Joshua. Netizens strongly react to anonymous death threats made against BTS' Jimin and V On Friday, netizens started reporting suspicious posts containing death threats against BTS' Jimin and V on the fan community platform Weverse. Referring to the upcoming Busan concert, an anonymous person made threats to assassinate the popular South Korean singers and shared a picture of a gun. Screenshots of the death threats have been doing rounds on social media. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Top 10 world news: Singapore lifts ban on gay sex, Japan's PM tests positive for COVID-19 and more

As the war in Ukraine continues, a drone was shot down near Russia's Black sea fleet headquarters in Crimea. The headquarters is located in the city of Sevastopol.

Crimea: Russia intercepts drone attack, shot down near Black sea fleet headquarters

As the war in Ukraine continues, the drone was shot down near Russia's black sea fleet headquarters in Crimea. This is the second such attempted attack against the Russian black sea fleet headquarters in less than a month.

Drone shot down near Russia's black sea fleet headquarters

Russian missiles have hit Odesa, the Ukrainian port, overnight. Artillery shells have also rained down on a city close to Europe's biggest nuclear plant. The attacks have come as Ukraine heads towards celebrating its Independence Day on August 24. It will be Ukraine's 31st Independence Day.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has already said that Moscow could try "something particularly ugly" close to its Independence Day.

Authorities in Russia said on Sunday that investigation was on in a suspected car bomb attack outside Moscow which killed the daughter of Alexander Dugin, an ultra-nationalist Russian ideologue who advocates Russia absorbing Ukraine.

Russian foreign ministry has speculated that the attack may have links with Ukraine. This has been quickly dismissed by Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky's adviser.

"Ukraine, of course, had nothing to do with this because we are not a criminal state, like the Russian Federation, and moreover we are not a terrorist state," Mykhailo Podolyak said on Ukrainian television, suggesting the incident was a "karmic" payback for supporters of Moscow's invasion.

As Ukraine prepared to mark its Independence Day embroiled in a war that has flattened towns and cities, killed thousands and forced millions to flee, military and regional officials reported more Russian strikes on targets in the east and south of the country.

Of particular concern was the shelling of Nikopol, a city which lies across the Dnipro river from Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine's and Europe's biggest nuclear plant. It has been held by Russian forces since March.

Nikopol was shelled on five different occasions overnight, regional governor Valentyn Reznichenko wrote on Telegram. He said 25 artillery shells hit the city, causing a fire at an industrial premises and cut&nbsp;power to 3,000 residents.

(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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Russian missiles have hit Odesa, the Ukrainian port, overnight. Artillery shells have also rained down on a city close to Europe's biggest nuclear plant. The attacks have come as Ukraine heads towards celebrating its Independence Day on August 24.

Russian missiles have hit Odesa, the Ukrainian port, overnight. Artillery shells have also rained down on a city close to Europe's biggest nuclear plant. The attacks have come as Ukraine heads towards celebrating its Independence Day on August 24. It will be Ukraine's 31st Independence Day. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has already said that Moscow could try "something particularly ugly" close to its Independence Day. Authorities in Russia said on Sunday that investigation was on in a suspected car bomb attack outside Moscow which killed the daughter of Alexander Dugin, an ultra-nationalist Russian ideologue who advocates Russia absorbing Ukraine. Russian foreign ministry has speculated that the attack may have links with Ukraine. This has been quickly dismissed by Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky's adviser. "Ukraine, of course, had nothing to do with this because we are not a criminal state, like the Russian Federation, and moreover we are not a terrorist state," Mykhailo Podolyak said on Ukrainian television, suggesting the incident was a "karmic" payback for supporters of Moscow's invasion. As Ukraine prepared to mark its Independence Day embroiled in a war that has flattened towns and cities, killed thousands and forced millions to flee, military and regional officials reported more Russian strikes on targets in the east and south of the country. Of particular concern was the shelling of Nikopol, a city which lies across the Dnipro river from Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine's and Europe's biggest nuclear plant. It has been held by Russian forces since March. Nikopol was shelled on five different occasions overnight, regional governor Valentyn Reznichenko wrote on Telegram. He said 25 artillery shells hit the city, causing a fire at an industrial premises and cut power to 3,000 residents. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Russian missiles pound Odesa as Ukrainian Independence Day draws closer

As an energy crisis looms due to the war in Ukraine, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is all set to embark on a 3 day visit to Canada. On the agenda is a deal on the supply of clean hydrogen energy and access to critical minerals.

Germany: Olaf Scholz to embark on 3 day Canada visit, sign hydrogen supply deal

Six months into Russia's invasion, Ukrainians are preparing to mark 31 years of independence from the Soviet rule this Wednesday but President Zelensky has issued a warning asking citizens to be more vigilant.

August 24: Ukraine to mark Independence day, to mark 31 years of independence from Soviet rule

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