Amid the ongoing Ukraine-Russia war, the United Kingdom has been supporting Volodymyr Zelensky and his troops with arms and ammunition. While UK's military aid to Ukraine has reached $2.8 billion so far, a rather secret military route appears to have opened up to allegedly supply arms, and it involves Pakistan. 
 
Curiously enough, the reports in this regard came out even as Pakistan Army Chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa visited UK, as part of a global trip that also includes stops at Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates. He is also expected to visit the US.

A Twitter handle by the name of 'The Intel Consortium' recently <a href="https://threadreaderapp.com/thread/1559420896456097792.html">published </a>a tweet thread using open source intelligence, where it was revealed that Britain’s Royal Air Force (RAF) was supplying some kind of military equipment to the war-torn country via a running air bridge. The original tweet appears to have disappeared, but screenshots and tweet thread are still available online.

The running air bridge has three points which RAF's C-17A Globemaster III (call sign: ZZ173) has been using to make daily trips. According to the thread, the Globemaster is using the Nur Khan Air Base in Rawalpindi, Pakistan to Avram Iancu Cluj International Airport in Romania via RAF base Akrotiri in Cyprus.

According to data sourced from commercially available flight tracking software, the aircraft made daily trips on this route from August 6 to August 15, till the report was published.&nbsp;

It is pertinent to note that while entering Pakistan, the Globemaster avoided Iran and Afghanistan airspace and used the air route through Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Oman.&nbsp;

Moreover, the military aircraft spent an average of one hour and 30 minutes at the Romanian Airport, about three-four hours in Cyprus and almost 12-20 hours at the Pakistani garrison city of Rawalpindi.&nbsp;

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-us-now-britain-to-send-multiple-launch-rocket-systems-to-ukraine-485401">After US, now Britain to send multiple-launch rocket systems to Ukraine</a>

However, no official word has been released by the authorities of the three countries regarding this rather secretive air route. It is also not clear what kind of equipment the cargo plane was carrying.

The Twitter account, however, had its own theory regarding the military piece of equipment being ferried.&nbsp;

“Ukrainian war planners have said the best aid they can get is 155mm artillery ammunition. The US recently sent 75,000 rounds of it to Ukraine. Guess who else makes that ammunition: Pakistan Ordinance Factory,” 'the Intel Consortium said in a tweet.

“Pakistan also has over 320 Ukrainian T-80UD tanks in service, and a completely developed ecosystem of their maintenance, operation, ammunition, and spare parts,” the account further claimed.

The account noted that the Globemaster can carry C-17A can carry 77,500 kilogrammes of cargo in one trip and so far, with six round trips, it had carried almost 465,000 kilogrammes of 'something' to Romania and beyond.&nbsp;

Officially, the UK has sent&nbsp;three M270 multiple-launch rocket systems with M31A1 precision munitions,&nbsp;5,000&nbsp;light anti-tank weapons, hundreds of&nbsp;Brimstone missiles,&nbsp;120 armoured vehicles,&nbsp;heavy lift T-150 unmanned aerial vehicle (drones),&nbsp;six air defence systems, including Starstreak missiles and&nbsp;six Stormer vehicles to Ukraine.&nbsp;

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Amid the ongoing Ukraine-Russia war, the United Kingdom has been supporting Volodymyr Zelensky and his troops with arms and ammunition. While UK's military aid to Ukraine has reached $2.

Amid the ongoing Ukraine-Russia war, the United Kingdom has been supporting Volodymyr Zelensky and his troops with arms and ammunition. While UK's military aid to Ukraine has reached $2.8 billion so far, a rather secret military route appears to have opened up to allegedly supply arms, and it involves Pakistan. Curiously enough, the reports in this regard came out even as Pakistan Army Chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa visited UK, as part of a global trip that also includes stops at Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates. He is also expected to visit the US. A Twitter handle by the name of 'The Intel Consortium' recently published a tweet thread using open source intelligence, where it was revealed that Britain’s Royal Air Force (RAF) was supplying some kind of military equipment to the war-torn country via a running air bridge. The original tweet appears to have disappeared, but screenshots and tweet thread are still available online. The running air bridge has three points which RAF's C-17A Globemaster III (call sign: ZZ173) has been using to make daily trips. According to the thread, the Globemaster is using the Nur Khan Air Base in Rawalpindi, Pakistan to Avram Iancu Cluj International Airport in Romania via RAF base Akrotiri in Cyprus. According to data sourced from commercially available flight tracking software, the aircraft made daily trips on this route from August 6 to August 15, till the report was published. It is pertinent to note that while entering Pakistan, the Globemaster avoided Iran and Afghanistan airspace and used the air route through Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Oman. Moreover, the military aircraft spent an average of one hour and 30 minutes at the Romanian Airport, about three-four hours in Cyprus and almost 12-20 hours at the Pakistani garrison city of Rawalpindi. Read more: After US, now Britain to send multiple-launch rocket systems to Ukraine However, no official word has been released by the authorities of the three countries regarding this rather secretive air route. It is also not clear what kind of equipment the cargo plane was carrying. The Twitter account, however, had its own theory regarding the military piece of equipment being ferried. “Ukrainian war planners have said the best aid they can get is 155mm artillery ammunition. The US recently sent 75,000 rounds of it to Ukraine. Guess who else makes that ammunition: Pakistan Ordinance Factory,” 'the Intel Consortium said in a tweet. “Pakistan also has over 320 Ukrainian T-80UD tanks in service, and a completely developed ecosystem of their maintenance, operation, ammunition, and spare parts,” the account further claimed. The account noted that the Globemaster can carry C-17A can carry 77,500 kilogrammes of cargo in one trip and so far, with six round trips, it had carried almost 465,000 kilogrammes of 'something' to Romania and beyond. Officially, the UK has sent three M270 multiple-launch rocket systems with M31A1 precision munitions, 5,000 light anti-tank weapons, hundreds of Brimstone missiles, 120 armoured vehicles, heavy lift T-150 unmanned aerial vehicle (drones), six air defence systems, including Starstreak missiles and six Stormer vehicles to Ukraine. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Pakistan may be helping UK ferry military equipment to Ukraine via Cyprus, Romania

Since the beginning of the Ukraine war, Russia has stepped up its cyber warfare activities to launch attacks on Ukrainian website. Even after months into the war, such attacks have not ended. In the latest, Ukraine state nuclear operator has now said that Moscow-backed hackers have attacked their official website in an attempt to disrupt the activities.

Ukraine's nuclear operator claims cyberattacks on its website

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. Ukraine's foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba alleged that the Russian crude oil, India has been importing has "Ukrainian blood" even as he hoped for more support from New Delhi. Speaking to a select group of journalists from South and South-East Asia virtually, the foreign minister claimed, "When India purchases Russian crude oil with high discounts from Russia, they have to understand this discount is paid with Ukrainian blood." "Ukrainian killed, tortured, raped people with destroyed cities and towns. Every barrel of Russian crude oil delivered to India has a good portion of Ukrainian blood in it," he further said. While India has progressively increased its import of Russian crude oil since February, it is still less than the energy Europe imports from Russia. It was in February, that Russia invaded Ukraine, something that not only impacted Europe but also global food security. The foreign minister said that "two democracies, theoretically, have to stand by each other. However, yes, we know, that India is buying Russian crude oil. We are not surprised by that." He alleged, "Throughout human history, in every conflict, every war, there are those who suffer from the war, there are those who make money from the war." While there hasn't been any reaction by New Delhi over the comments by minister Kuleba, external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar has several times pointed to how Europe continues to import energy from Russia. In June, at the Bratislava Forum on foreign policy, he questioned, "Is buying Russian gas not funding the war? It’s only Indian money and oil coming to India that funds it, but not the gas coming to Europe?" The Ukrainian foreign minister, in his response, hoped to build "very open relations with India" and that his country "expected stronger practical support from India to Ukraine under the current circumstances." He even highlighted the evacuation of foreign students, especially the Indian students who "always considered Ukraine as a second home, whom we always considered as part of our society." India was able to bring back more than 22,000 of its nationals, mostly students, since February 1. Under Operation Ganga launched for evacuation, 90 evacuation flights, of which 76 were by commercial airlines and 14 were by IAF were operated at the Indian government's cost. The Ukrainian FM also commented on the Russia and Myanmar engagement saying, "Russia wants to put its foot in the security environment and use Myanmar as a leverage in its relations with India and other neighbouring countries." He warned that "you must be careful of the strategic intentions of Russia's presence in Myanmar and strengthen relations because in the end it will be a security presence of Russia next to you, will be your problem and your national security risk." Recently, Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov visited Myanmar. That was also the first high-level visit from Russia to Myanmar since the coup in the country last year. The Ukraine FM spoke on ties with Pakistan saying that the "relationship has a big potential to be exploited" and that his country expects a "greater solidarity of Pakistan with Ukraine, under the current circumstances". Asked about Imran Khan's visit to Moscow in February, he said, "It is the choice of every leader of the world to decide if he/she wants to shake the hand of President Putin or not. We cannot impose decisions on them. They represent sovereign nations, to make choices. But in our view, it is shameful to provide, to offer any understanding, any sympathy to President Putin of Russia for everything he has done." The then PM of Pakistan Imran Khan was in Russia on the day the Russian President announced the invasion of Ukraine, in what was seen as an embarrassment for Islamabad. 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.

Russian oil imported by India has Ukrainian blood, alleges Ukraine's foreign minister

Russian President Vladimir Putin promised to arm Russia's allies amid reports of military setbacks in Ukraine. How important is the global defence market for Russia? Can shipments continue amid the war in Ukraine? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Putin promises to arm Russia's allies

Russia alleged sabotage after two separate explosions were reported in the occupied peninsula of Crimea. Is this part of Ukraine's southern counter-offensive? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: More explosions reported in Crimea, Russia alleges sabotage

Indian PM Narendra Modi held telephonic talks with French President Emmanuel Macron. Both leaders vowed to strengthen bilateral ties and reviewed civil nuclear energy initiatives.

Indian PM Narendra Modi holds talks with French President Emmanuel Macron

The recent shelling around the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant has scared the world, experts have predicted that these strikes could lead to a possible catastrophe. Meanwhile, Russia has denied claims of plans to use nuke weapons.

Ukraine-Russia war: Battle around Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant worries world

The recent shelling around the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant has scared the world, experts have predicted that these strikes could lead to a possible catastrophe.

Ukraine, Russia trade blames over Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant strikes

The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine is in the eye of the Ukraine war after Kyiv accused Russia of shelling the plant again. Is Europe staring at a catastrophic nuclear disaster? Molly Gambhir explains.

WION Fineprint | Ukraine nuclear plant standoff stirs Chernobyl memories

Ukraine claims it had struck a base used by a Wagner Russian paramilitary group in the occupied city of Melitopol in southern Ukraine.

Ukraine: Destroyed Wagner Russian paramilitary group based in Melitopol

The raging war between Russia and Ukraine is escalating. Both the countries have reported fresh shelling around Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant that has reignited the blame game between the two nations.

Fresh shelling at Zaporizhzhia nuke plant, strike reignite tussle between Russia and Ukraine

The raging war between Russia and Ukraine is escalating. Both the countries have reported fresh shelling around Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant that has reignited the blame game between two nations.

Fresh shelling at Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, strike reignite tussle between Russia and Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has described Russian forces’ actions at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant as “nuclear blackmail”. Zelensky also added that Russia hides behind the plant to attack nearby cities.

Zelensky accuses Russia of ‘nuclear blackmail’ after shelling at Zaporizhzhia power plant

An ammunition depot in Russia-controlled Crimea was hit by series of explosions on Tuesday, in which two people got injured. The railway line between the peninsula and the rest of southern Ukraine and Russia also got disrupted.

According to Russia's RIA news agency, seven passenger trains had been delayed and that rail traffic on part of the line in northern Crimea had been suspended

The Russian defence ministry said the fire broke out at a temporary ammunition storage site near Maiske village around 06.15 Moscow time (03:15 GMT) and added that the cause was being investigated.

The ministry further said that no "serious" casualties have been reported, but a Russian-appointed official said two people had been wounded, reports Reuters news agency.

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Crimea, Dzhankoy 
 
Explosions at the ammunition depot - media in the occupied Crimea <a href="https://t.co/6zowH6H6Nw">pic.twitter.com/6zowH6H6Nw</a>
— Anton Gerashchenko (@Gerashchenko_en) <a href="https://twitter.com/Gerashchenko_en/status/1559425122825654272?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 16, 2022</a></blockquote>
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The cause of the the blasts is unclear, but local media reported that the Russian warplanes were destroyed last week in the Ukrainian attack on the Crimean coast.

The Ukrainian presidential office adviser, Mykhailo Podolyak, posted a cryptic tweet describing&nbsp;the incident as "demilitarisation in action", while hinting that the explosions were part of a targetted attack.

"(The) morning near Dzhankoi began with explosions," wrote Podolyak.

A Tatar leader from Crimea, Refat Chubarov, also called the explosions as a "hit" that could be heard "far across the steppe".

Russia had annexed Crimea, an Ukrainian territory, in 2014. And while launching “military action” against Kyiv early February this year, the Russian forces used the region to capture large swathes of southern Ukraine.

(With inputs from agencies)

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An ammunition depot in Russia-controlled Crimea was hit by series of explosions on Tuesday, in which two people got injured. The railway line between the peninsula and the rest of southern Ukraine and Russia also got disrupted.

An ammunition depot in Russia-controlled Crimea was hit by series of explosions on Tuesday, in which two people got injured. The railway line between the peninsula and the rest of southern Ukraine and Russia also got disrupted. According to Russia's RIA news agency, seven passenger trains had been delayed and that rail traffic on part of the line in northern Crimea had been suspended The Russian defence ministry said the fire broke out at a temporary ammunition storage site near Maiske village around 06.15 Moscow time (03:15 GMT) and added that the cause was being investigated. The ministry further said that no "serious" casualties have been reported, but a Russian-appointed official said two people had been wounded, reports Reuters news agency. Crimea, Dzhankoy Explosions at the ammunition depot - media in the occupied Crimea pic.twitter.com/6zowH6H6Nw — Anton Gerashchenko (@Gerashchenko_en) August 16, 2022 × The cause of the the blasts is unclear, but local media reported that the Russian warplanes were destroyed last week in the Ukrainian attack on the Crimean coast. The Ukrainian presidential office adviser, Mykhailo Podolyak, posted a cryptic tweet describing the incident as "demilitarisation in action", while hinting that the explosions were part of a targetted attack. "(The) morning near Dzhankoi began with explosions," wrote Podolyak. A Tatar leader from Crimea, Refat Chubarov, also called the explosions as a "hit" that could be heard "far across the steppe". Russia had annexed Crimea, an Ukrainian territory, in 2014. And while launching “military action” against Kyiv early February this year, the Russian forces used the region to capture large swathes of southern Ukraine. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Explosions rock ammunition depot in Russia-controlled Crimea, Ukraine's role suspected

The mayor of the city where Zaporizhzhia plant is located has warned that, the risk of disaster at Europe's largest nuclear plant is "increasing every day". This after Ukraine and Russia exchanged blame for fresh shelling around the facility.

Ukraine: Risk of disaster at Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant increasing 'each day'

As the war in Ukraine continues, the risk of disaster at Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant occupied by Russian troops is “increasing every day”, the mayor of the city where the facility is located stated.

Russia-Ukraine Crisis | Risks of disaster at nuclear plant ‘increasing every day’: Mayor

Amid the Russia-Ukraine war and the western world attempting to push Kremlin into the corner by imposing sanctions, the West Asian country of Saudi Arabia is busy playing its own game. Reportedly, Saudi Arabia's Kingdom Holding on Sunday announced that it had invested in top Russian energy companies viz. Gazprom, Lukoil and Rosneft.

Kingdom Holding took to Twitter to share the news of its $3.4 billion investment program. The company stated&nbsp;that it had completed the investment in Russian companies within a one-month period from February to March, earlier this year.&nbsp;

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شركة المملكة تعلن تفاصيل برنامجها الاستثماري: <a href="https://t.co/xfKdumZzan">pic.twitter.com/xfKdumZzan</a>
— شركة المملكة القابضة (@Kingdom_KHC) <a href="https://twitter.com/Kingdom_KHC/status/1558818920374718464?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 14, 2022</a></blockquote>
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This development comes on the back of Saudi Arabia joining the growing list of countries importing cheap Russian oil despite Western sanctions. As reported by WION, the Gulf country imported 647,000 tonnes of Russian oil in the second quarter, i.e., from April to June. In the same period a year ago, the Kingdom imported 320,000 tonnes of oil.

Experts are of the view that Russian oil is far too cheap for Saudi Arabia to resist the temptation of buying it. The investment in top Russian energy companies only makes further sense as the war continues to linger.&nbsp;

Read more:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudis-oil-import-from-russia-doubles-in-second-quarter-report-497973">&nbsp;Saudi’s oil import from Russia doubles in second quarter: Report</a>

It is pertinent to note that Saudi Prince Alwaleed bin Talal owns the majority of shares in Kingdom Holding. However, earlier this year in May, Public Investment Fund (PIF), Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund acquired a 16.87 per cent stake in the company.&nbsp;

Ever since the Russia-Ukraine war broke out, the western world has imposed myriad sanctions on Russian companies to hurt Moscow financially. However, the Western sanctions have cleverly circumvented&nbsp;any major oil and energy companies.

WATCH:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/saudi-arabia-doubles-oil-imports-from-russia-this-year-497799">Saudi Arabia doubles oil imports from Russia this year</a>

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Gazprom, which maintains the Nord Stream 1 pipeline, responsible for more than 40 per cent of Europe's energy needs has been left out of the sanctions list. Moreover, when the Nord Stream 1 pipeline was shut down, citing maintenance, the Russian company on multiple occasions issued a warning to Europe that supplies could be culled for good. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia has refused to increase oil output, despite its Western allies' pleading.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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Amid the Russia-Ukraine war and the western world attempting to push Kremlin into the corner by imposing sanctions, the West Asian country of Saudi Arabia is busy playing its own game.

Amid the Russia-Ukraine war and the western world attempting to push Kremlin into the corner by imposing sanctions, the West Asian country of Saudi Arabia is busy playing its own game. Reportedly, Saudi Arabia's Kingdom Holding on Sunday announced that it had invested in top Russian energy companies viz. Gazprom, Lukoil and Rosneft. Kingdom Holding took to Twitter to share the news of its $3.4 billion investment program. The company stated that it had completed the investment in Russian companies within a one-month period from February to March, earlier this year. شركة المملكة تعلن تفاصيل برنامجها الاستثماري: pic.twitter.com/xfKdumZzan — شركة المملكة القابضة (@Kingdom_KHC) August 14, 2022 × This development comes on the back of Saudi Arabia joining the growing list of countries importing cheap Russian oil despite Western sanctions. As reported by WION, the Gulf country imported 647,000 tonnes of Russian oil in the second quarter, i.e., from April to June. In the same period a year ago, the Kingdom imported 320,000 tonnes of oil. Experts are of the view that Russian oil is far too cheap for Saudi Arabia to resist the temptation of buying it. The investment in top Russian energy companies only makes further sense as the war continues to linger. Read more: Saudi’s oil import from Russia doubles in second quarter: Report It is pertinent to note that Saudi Prince Alwaleed bin Talal owns the majority of shares in Kingdom Holding. However, earlier this year in May, Public Investment Fund (PIF), Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund acquired a 16.87 per cent stake in the company. Ever since the Russia-Ukraine war broke out, the western world has imposed myriad sanctions on Russian companies to hurt Moscow financially. However, the Western sanctions have cleverly circumvented any major oil and energy companies. WATCH: Saudi Arabia doubles oil imports from Russia this year × Gazprom, which maintains the Nord Stream 1 pipeline, responsible for more than 40 per cent of Europe's energy needs has been left out of the sanctions list. Moreover, when the Nord Stream 1 pipeline was shut down, citing maintenance, the Russian company on multiple occasions issued a warning to Europe that supplies could be culled for good. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia has refused to increase oil output, despite its Western allies' pleading. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Saudi Arabia's Kingdom Holding invests in top Russian energy companies

Russia & Ukraine play a high-risk nuclear game to control Zaporizhzhia 45 Palestinians killed as Israel pounds Gaza & Pakistan braces for a new war with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Mohammed Saleh gets you an in-depth report on the world's biggest warzones of the week in World At War

World at War | Episode 15: China's biggest military drills shift status quo in Taiwan Strait

The war in Ukraine has triggered concerns over a potential nuclear disaster which comes amid increased tensions in the Zaporizhzhia region. Ukraine president Vladimir Zelensky has warned Russian soldiers against targeting the nuclear plant.

Zelensky: Kyiv is targeting Russian soldiers who shoot at plant

The mayor of the city where the facility is located stated on Sunday that the danger of an accident at the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine is "increasing&nbsp;every day." The largest plant in Europe was taken over by Russian troops early in the invasion, and it has been on the front lines ever since. The infrastructure has been attacked numerous times this week, with Kyiv and Moscow sharing the blame for the perilous escalation.

The mayor of the city of Energodar in the region's southeast stated that because Russian soldiers are "shelling the infrastructure that ensures the safe operation of the station," "the risks are increasing every day." Dmytro Orlov spoke with AFP over the phone from Zaporizhzhia, which is still a Ukrainian territory,&nbsp;"what is happening there is outright nuclear terrorism. It can end unpredictably at any moment. "

Kyiv has charged Moscow with stationing troops and weaponry there, initiating assaults, and using the nuclear plant as cover from retaliatory fire. President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia of using the plant to "intimidate people in an extremely cynical way" and nuclear "blackmail" in his broadcast address on Saturday. On Thursday, the UN Security Council convened an emergency session to discuss the situation and issued a warning that a "grave" crisis was developing in Zaporizhzhia.

Alos Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-were-heartbroken-were-exhausted-france-battles-monster-wildfire-506842">IN PICS| 'We're heartbroken, we're exhausted': France battles 'Monster wildfire'</a>

Orlov added that Energodar, which he left at the end of April, had begun to receive shelling for the first time in the previous day, and that the number of people wishing to flee had significantly increased. He expressed concern that there would not be enough staff to staff the station in the "near future." When a reactor at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant exploded and released radiation into the atmosphere in 1986, Ukraine was the scene of the worst nuclear disaster in history.

(with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

The mayor of the city where the facility is located stated on Sunday that the danger of an accident at the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine is "increasing every day.

The mayor of the city where the facility is located stated on Sunday that the danger of an accident at the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine is "increasing every day." The largest plant in Europe was taken over by Russian troops early in the invasion, and it has been on the front lines ever since. The infrastructure has been attacked numerous times this week, with Kyiv and Moscow sharing the blame for the perilous escalation. The mayor of the city of Energodar in the region's southeast stated that because Russian soldiers are "shelling the infrastructure that ensures the safe operation of the station," "the risks are increasing every day." Dmytro Orlov spoke with AFP over the phone from Zaporizhzhia, which is still a Ukrainian territory, "what is happening there is outright nuclear terrorism. It can end unpredictably at any moment. " Kyiv has charged Moscow with stationing troops and weaponry there, initiating assaults, and using the nuclear plant as cover from retaliatory fire. President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia of using the plant to "intimidate people in an extremely cynical way" and nuclear "blackmail" in his broadcast address on Saturday. On Thursday, the UN Security Council convened an emergency session to discuss the situation and issued a warning that a "grave" crisis was developing in Zaporizhzhia. Alos Read: IN PICS| 'We're heartbroken, we're exhausted': France battles 'Monster wildfire' Orlov added that Energodar, which he left at the end of April, had begun to receive shelling for the first time in the previous day, and that the number of people wishing to flee had significantly increased. He expressed concern that there would not be enough staff to staff the station in the "near future." When a reactor at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant exploded and released radiation into the atmosphere in 1986, Ukraine was the scene of the worst nuclear disaster in history. (with inputs from agencies)

Ukraine nuclear plant 'risks increasing every day'; city mayor calls it 'nuclear terrorism'

The congressional delegation from the United States that arrived in Taiwan for a visit on Sunday, led by Senator Ed Markey, comprises of four other lawmakers and they will be visiting a number of countries in the “Indo-Pacific region”, the de facto U.S. embassy in Taipei said. In other news,&nbsp;Nepali officials said that the China border will be closed for a week, however, it is not sure if trading will resume as there are high chances of the blockade getting extended.&nbsp;This development comes after Nepal foreign minister Dr. Narayan Khadka visited China and held bilateral talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on August 10.

Click on the headlines to read more:

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-lawmakers-arrive-in-taiwan-days-after-nancy-pelosis-visit-angered-china-506828">US lawmakers arrive in Taiwan days after Nancy Pelosi's visit angered China</a>
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A congressional delegation from the United States arrived in Taiwan for a visit on Sunday and they will be meeting President Tsai Ing-wen during the two-day trip. This came just days after House Speaker Nancy Pelosi became the first high-ranking US official to visit the country in the recent past drawing the ire of China. In the aftermath of the visit, tensions have grown between the two nations and China have been conducting military drills around the border separating the Taiwan Strait.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-blocks-traders-from-nepal-impacting-trade-yet-again-506816">China blocks trading points citing Covid-19, Nepal traders suffer losses</a>
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China for the last two years has imposed an ‘undeclared blockade’ of Nepal, allowing only a few containers to cross. Now, it has completely shut down both trading points with Nepal —&nbsp; Tatopani and Rasuwagadhi, the two main ones at border for importing goods from China.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/country-most-at-risk-of-natural-disasters-to-switch-to-renewable-energy-by-2030-506745">Country ‘most at risk of natural disasters’ to switch to renewable energy by 2030</a>
<img alt="3" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d42f07c9-b543-4a3f-a422-dba9230efdb8" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/155759-vanuatu-island-nation.jpg" />
The Pacific country of Vanuatu has experienced a number of major natural disasters over the years and according to the United Nations, the country is currently “most at risk of natural disasters” in the world. In order to improve the situation, Vanuatu has decided to switch to renewable energy completely by the year 2030. The small nation became only the 12th country to make this commitment. According to rough estimates, it will cost them around $1.2bn by 2030.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-were-heartbroken-were-exhausted-france-battles-monster-wildfire-506842">IN PICS| 'We're heartbroken, we're exhausted': France battles 'Monster wildfire'</a>
<img alt="4" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8174a2b8-cfac-4d63-9466-8c4433548255" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/287600-untitled-design.png.jpeg" />
The "monster" wildfire, which has destroyed woods and forced 10,000 people to leave their homes, raged for a third day in southwest France on Thursday. The big fire was battling on multiple fronts, and firemen supported by water-bombing planes warned that there wouldn't be a break in the heat until the weekend.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/ghani-buried-by-history-embezzled-money-says-afghan-envoy-to-tajikistan-agbar-506806">Ghani embezzled money, buried by history, says Afghan envoy to Tajikistan Agbar</a>

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<img alt="5" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="da85b078-ab33-42e8-b301-21686df925c7" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/287577-afghan-1.png.jpeg" />
 
The Afghanistan Ambassador to Tajikistan Muhammad Zahir Agbar has slammed Afghanistan's Ashraf Ghani and blamed him for "situation in Afghanistan" for which the responsibility is in the "hand of Ghani."&nbsp;Ghani was the President of the Afghan Republic that collapsed on 15th August 2021 as he fled the country amid Taliban takeover.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/man-crashes-car-into-us-capitol-barricade-kills-self-after-firing-gun-report-506825">Man crashes car into US Capitol barricade, kills self after firing gun: Report</a>
<img alt="6" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="951e0aa6-4dd0-49ad-a6fb-ffb9d8ba1eda" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/287599-untitled-design-8.jpg" />
In the early hours of Sunday, a man crashed his car close to the US Capitol, opened fire, and then killed himself. The US Capitol police are looking into the event.&nbsp;The US Capitol Police stated in a statement that the person didn't seem to be targeting any lawmakers. No other people were hurt.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/41-killed-55-injured-in-egyptian-church-fire-security-sources-506781">41 killed, 55 injured in Cairo church fire during Mass: Security sources</a>
<img alt="7" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="066a52a3-cf3d-45ba-9ec7-5ec0c205198b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/287552-untitled-design-7.jpg" />
At least 41 people were killed and 55 others were injured when a massive fire broke out in a church on Sunday in a crowded neighbourhood of Cairo, the capital of Egypt.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/asia-sees-boom-in-apps-that-turn-restaurant-leftovers-into-low-cost-meals-506822">Asia sees boom in apps that turn restaurant leftovers into low-cost meals</a>
<img alt="8" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="cba18d60-4ef7-47bb-82b9-9510dd509d5f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/287594-r.jpeg" />
The supper buffet at Singapore's Grand Hyatt hotel normally costs customers approximately $70 and features a delicious assortment of satay chicken, wok-fried mud crab, and chilled tiger prawns. For a tenth of that cost, those on a stricter budget who also care about sustainability can fill a box. Tech entrepreneurs in Asia are using food that would have otherwise gone to waste to offer cheap meals through mobile phone apps.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/deepening-cost-of-living-crisis-pushes-britons-to-give-up-pets-506800">Deepening cost-of-living crisis pushes Britons to give up pets</a>
<img alt="9" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d21ff7f5-584f-4883-b427-45b29281c6a6" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/287573-2022-08-14t104746z3lynxmpei7d01artroptp4britain-economy-pets.JPG" />
Harriet, a black English cocker spaniel, has been left behind as an increasing number of Britons are being forced to give up their pets due to the country's spiralling cost of living issue. She is standing on her hind legs to greet any potential owner who might approach her glass-doored kennel.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tomato-crisis-looms-large-in-california-as-drought-intensifies-506764">Tomato crisis looms large in California as drought intensifies &nbsp;</a>
<img alt="10" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c5056c40-2abd-452d-8baa-1168912392ac" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/287539-tomaot.jpg" />
California, which accounts for a quarter of the world’s tomato output, is facing its worst crisis. Lack of adequate rainfall is forcing farmers to brace for a water crisis that’s undermining the crop cultivation.

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The congressional delegation from the United States that arrived in Taiwan for a visit on Sunday, led by Senator Ed Markey, comprises of four other lawmakers and they will be visiting a number of countries in the “Indo-Pacific region”, the de facto U.

The congressional delegation from the United States that arrived in Taiwan for a visit on Sunday, led by Senator Ed Markey, comprises of four other lawmakers and they will be visiting a number of countries in the “Indo-Pacific region”, the de facto U.S. embassy in Taipei said. In other news, Nepali officials said that the China border will be closed for a week, however, it is not sure if trading will resume as there are high chances of the blockade getting extended. This development comes after Nepal foreign minister Dr. Narayan Khadka visited China and held bilateral talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on August 10. Click on the headlines to read more: US lawmakers arrive in Taiwan days after Nancy Pelosi's visit angered China A congressional delegation from the United States arrived in Taiwan for a visit on Sunday and they will be meeting President Tsai Ing-wen during the two-day trip. This came just days after House Speaker Nancy Pelosi became the first high-ranking US official to visit the country in the recent past drawing the ire of China. In the aftermath of the visit, tensions have grown between the two nations and China have been conducting military drills around the border separating the Taiwan Strait. China blocks trading points citing Covid-19, Nepal traders suffer losses China for the last two years has imposed an ‘undeclared blockade’ of Nepal, allowing only a few containers to cross. Now, it has completely shut down both trading points with Nepal — Tatopani and Rasuwagadhi, the two main ones at border for importing goods from China. Country ‘most at risk of natural disasters’ to switch to renewable energy by 2030 The Pacific country of Vanuatu has experienced a number of major natural disasters over the years and according to the United Nations, the country is currently “most at risk of natural disasters” in the world. In order to improve the situation, Vanuatu has decided to switch to renewable energy completely by the year 2030. The small nation became only the 12th country to make this commitment. According to rough estimates, it will cost them around $1.2bn by 2030. IN PICS| 'We're heartbroken, we're exhausted': France battles 'Monster wildfire' The "monster" wildfire, which has destroyed woods and forced 10,000 people to leave their homes, raged for a third day in southwest France on Thursday. The big fire was battling on multiple fronts, and firemen supported by water-bombing planes warned that there wouldn't be a break in the heat until the weekend. Ghani embezzled money, buried by history, says Afghan envoy to Tajikistan Agbar The Afghanistan Ambassador to Tajikistan Muhammad Zahir Agbar has slammed Afghanistan's Ashraf Ghani and blamed him for "situation in Afghanistan" for which the responsibility is in the "hand of Ghani." Ghani was the President of the Afghan Republic that collapsed on 15th August 2021 as he fled the country amid Taliban takeover. Man crashes car into US Capitol barricade, kills self after firing gun: Report In the early hours of Sunday, a man crashed his car close to the US Capitol, opened fire, and then killed himself. The US Capitol police are looking into the event. The US Capitol Police stated in a statement that the person didn't seem to be targeting any lawmakers. No other people were hurt. 41 killed, 55 injured in Cairo church fire during Mass: Security sources At least 41 people were killed and 55 others were injured when a massive fire broke out in a church on Sunday in a crowded neighbourhood of Cairo, the capital of Egypt. Asia sees boom in apps that turn restaurant leftovers into low-cost meals The supper buffet at Singapore's Grand Hyatt hotel normally costs customers approximately $70 and features a delicious assortment of satay chicken, wok-fried mud crab, and chilled tiger prawns. For a tenth of that cost, those on a stricter budget who also care about sustainability can fill a box. Tech entrepreneurs in Asia are using food that would have otherwise gone to waste to offer cheap meals through mobile phone apps. Deepening cost-of-living crisis pushes Britons to give up pets Harriet, a black English cocker spaniel, has been left behind as an increasing number of Britons are being forced to give up their pets due to the country's spiralling cost of living issue. She is standing on her hind legs to greet any potential owner who might approach her glass-doored kennel. Tomato crisis looms large in California as drought intensifies California, which accounts for a quarter of the world’s tomato output, is facing its worst crisis. Lack of adequate rainfall is forcing farmers to brace for a water crisis that’s undermining the crop cultivation.

Top 10 world news: US lawmakers in Taiwan, China's blockade of Nepal, and more

Russian rockets have hit the city of Kramatorsk, leaving 3 people dead and 11 wounded. The strike damaged 62 buildings in the Ukrainian city almost 200 kilometers to the north east.

Russian rockets hit Kramatorsk, strike damages 62 buildings

Amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, a few Ukrainians are using 3D tech to preserve the heritage. Volunteers are scanning buildings and monuments.

Ukrainians use 3D tech to preserve the heritage as volunteers scan buildings and monuments

Ukraine and Russia have accused each other of risking catastrophe by shelling Europe's largest nuclear power plant occupied by Russian forces in a region expected to become one of the next big front lines of the war.

Ukraine: Zelensky condemns Zaporizhzhia shelling

The Russia-Ukraine water ship carrying 13,000 tons of corn from Ukraine entered the Northern Italian port of Ravenna on Friday. The ship had a stopover in Turkey over the past two weeks wherein a total of 14 ships have departed from the war-torn country.

Russian shelling kills 2 in Kramatorsk, EU to mull visa ban on tourists

The US-based firm released satellite images that appear to show extensive damage and several destroyed Russian warplanes at a Crimea airbase following explosions earlier this week. Now, the mystery over the Crimea blasts remains as Moscow is in denial, and Kyiv remains silent.

Deepening mystery over Crimea blasts: Moscow in denial, Kyiv remains silent

In pics: Artists paint sunflowers on cars destroyed during Ukraine war, represent peace and unity

While the two neighbors are busy trading charges over shelling at Zaporizhzhia nuke plant, the world stands in fear of a possible catastrophe.

Fresh strikes at Zaporizhzhia nuke plant, blame game between Moscow and Kyiv continues

Russia-Ukraine crisis: Fresh strikes at Zaporizhzhia nuke plant, UNSC convenes emergency meet

Volodymyr Zelensky, the president of Ukraine addressed his statements to the government, local, and military representatives, as well as other individuals who he claimed, were speculating on what was happening at the front and&nbsp;warned them about divulging information to the press. In other news,&nbsp;the FBI noted that its special agents "put their lives on the line every day to protect the public”. In another news,&nbsp;US strategic command chief Navy admiral Chas Richard said&nbsp;that Russia has been displaying both "implicit and explicit nuclear coercion".&nbsp;

Click on headlines to read more:&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/volodymyr-zelensky-tells-officials-if-you-want-victory-for-ukraine-stop-talking-to-press-506073">Volodymyr Zelensky tells officials, 'if you want victory for Ukraine' stop talking to press</a>
<img alt="1" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c3b6aa98-529b-4355-8ab7-18e60b704c09" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/286879-new-wion-13.png.jpeg" />
Volodymyr Zelensky, the president of Ukraine, has warned his troops about divulging information to the press. He instructed government representatives to stop discussing Kyiv's military strategies against Russia with reporters, branding the practice as "frankly irresponsible."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fbi-condemns-threats-against-agency-following-raid-on-trumps-house-506087">FBI condemns threats against agency following raid on Trump’s house</a>
<img alt="2" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3da040bd-7f28-4b5f-b207-97ca67c99a21" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/286890-fbi.jpg" />
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has condemned the threats made to the law enforcement in the wake of raids on former US president Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago home in Florida.

The statement came hours after Trump and Conservative leaders slammed the FBI as a "corrupt" and "politicised" agency following the Monday raid, in which agents reportedly were searching for classified documents that Trump had retained in violation of rules on official records.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-military-rewriting-nuclear-deterrence-says-stratcom-chief-amid-china-russia-threat-506079">US military 'rewriting' nuclear deterrence, says STRATCOM chief amid China, Russia threat</a>
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Amid the Ukraine war, US strategic command chief Navy admiral Chas Richard said that the military "can start by rewriting deterrence theory".&nbsp;

The US admiral's remarks come as China conducted a series of drills near Taiwan just hours after US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited the island nation angering the Xi regime.

Gravitas: Threat of nuke disaster: Russian forces fire 80 rockets from nuclear plant site

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Kim's sister blames South Korea for spreading COVID-19 in North Korea

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Volodymyr Zelensky, the president of Ukraine addressed his statements to the government, local, and military representatives, as well as other individuals who he claimed, were speculating on what was happening at the front and warned them about divulging information to the press.

Volodymyr Zelensky, the president of Ukraine addressed his statements to the government, local, and military representatives, as well as other individuals who he claimed, were speculating on what was happening at the front and warned them about divulging information to the press. In other news, the FBI noted that its special agents "put their lives on the line every day to protect the public”. In another news, US strategic command chief Navy admiral Chas Richard said that Russia has been displaying both "implicit and explicit nuclear coercion". Click on headlines to read more: Volodymyr Zelensky tells officials, 'if you want victory for Ukraine' stop talking to press Volodymyr Zelensky, the president of Ukraine, has warned his troops about divulging information to the press. He instructed government representatives to stop discussing Kyiv's military strategies against Russia with reporters, branding the practice as "frankly irresponsible." FBI condemns threats against agency following raid on Trump’s house The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has condemned the threats made to the law enforcement in the wake of raids on former US president Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago home in Florida. The statement came hours after Trump and Conservative leaders slammed the FBI as a "corrupt" and "politicised" agency following the Monday raid, in which agents reportedly were searching for classified documents that Trump had retained in violation of rules on official records. US military 'rewriting' nuclear deterrence, says STRATCOM chief amid China, Russia threat Amid the Ukraine war, US strategic command chief Navy admiral Chas Richard said that the military "can start by rewriting deterrence theory". The US admiral's remarks come as China conducted a series of drills near Taiwan just hours after US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited the island nation angering the Xi regime. Gravitas: Threat of nuke disaster: Russian forces fire 80 rockets from nuclear plant site × Kim's sister blames South Korea for spreading COVID-19 in North Korea ×

Morning news brief: Zelensky says stop talking to press, FBI condemns threats, and more

Russia and Ukraine accused each other of shelling Europe’s biggest nuclear power plant as the UN chief proposed a demilitarised zone at the site amid fears of a catastrophe.

WION Dispatch: UN chief calls for demilitarised zone around Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant

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