Indian PM Narendra Modi has arrived in Munich for the G7 meeting. The 2-day visit will see interaction with the diaspora, meeting with world leaders & participation at the G7. But why India is a regular guest at the G7? Wath this report.

India & The Group of Seven: From US to French Presidents, India is a regular guest at the G7

Indian PM Narendra Modi has arrived in Munich for G7 meeting. The 2 day visit will see interaction with diaspora, meeting with world leaders & participation at the G7.

Indian PM Modi lands in Munich as Germany gears up for the 48th G7 meeting

India's growing influence in global geopolitics has been grabbing eyeballs for some time now. Amid the ongoing geopolitical tensions, India's diplomacy was lauded by the West. Know why G7 invited India to the summit.

Why has G7 invited India to the summit? India's diplomacy lauded by the West

Talks on the global supply chain are also on the agenda of the G7 summit. WION's Siddhant Sibbal spoke to Sabina Wolf. She said that 'We need India & we need global markets to function'.

Sabina Wolf ahead of 48th G7 Summit in Germany: 'We need India & we need global markets to function'

The Gujarat Diamond Workers' Union has asked Gujarat's chief minister for a 10-billion-rupee ($128-million) relief package for workers who have lost their jobs as diamond supply chains have been disrupted due to the Russia-Ukraine war.

As reported by AFP, Union vice-president Bhavesh Tank said, "If the situation does not improve in the coming days, our workers will be compelled to commit suicide. Surat has given the world so much. Surat has scrubbed diamonds for the entire world but our diamond workers are now getting scrubbed."

"We can only pray to God that the war will end. If the war does not end, we don't know how bad things will get," he added.

Originally founded as a port city at the mouth of the Tapi river, Surat earned a reputation as the "Diamond City of India" in the 1960s and '70s. Some 90 per cent of the world's diamonds are cut and polished in the bustling industrial city and elsewhere in the western state of Gujarat.

Traders in Surat's crowded Mahidharpura market openly trade diamonds worth millions of dollars on the streets each day, carrying the precious gems loose in paper wrappings.

"If it doesn't go through Surat, a diamond is not a diamond," said Chirag Patel, CEO of Chirag Gems.

Also Read:&nbsp;Illegal <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/illegal-afghan-migrants-deported-to-afghanistan-by-turkey-491967">Afghan migrants deported to Afghanistan by Turkey</a>

Russian mining giants like Alrosa traditionally accounted for over a third of India's rough diamonds, but supply has all but stopped because of Western sanctions.

For Chirag Gems, Russia was even more important, accounting for half the 900 "roughs" that his firm turns into dazzling gems that sell anywhere from $150 to $150,000.

"We are not getting goods from Russia because the payments system is stuck due to the war," Patel, 32, told AFP, saying he is trying to bridge the gap with supplies from South Africa and Ghana.

(with inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

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>.

The Gujarat Diamond Workers' Union has asked Gujarat's chief minister for a 10-billion-rupee ($128-million) relief package for workers who have lost their jobs as diamond supply chains have been disrupted due to the Russia-Ukraine war.

The Gujarat Diamond Workers' Union has asked Gujarat's chief minister for a 10-billion-rupee ($128-million) relief package for workers who have lost their jobs as diamond supply chains have been disrupted due to the Russia-Ukraine war. As reported by AFP, Union vice-president Bhavesh Tank said, "If the situation does not improve in the coming days, our workers will be compelled to commit suicide. Surat has given the world so much. Surat has scrubbed diamonds for the entire world but our diamond workers are now getting scrubbed." "We can only pray to God that the war will end. If the war does not end, we don't know how bad things will get," he added. Originally founded as a port city at the mouth of the Tapi river, Surat earned a reputation as the "Diamond City of India" in the 1960s and '70s. Some 90 per cent of the world's diamonds are cut and polished in the bustling industrial city and elsewhere in the western state of Gujarat. Traders in Surat's crowded Mahidharpura market openly trade diamonds worth millions of dollars on the streets each day, carrying the precious gems loose in paper wrappings. "If it doesn't go through Surat, a diamond is not a diamond," said Chirag Patel, CEO of Chirag Gems. Also Read: Illegal Afghan migrants deported to Afghanistan by Turkey Russian mining giants like Alrosa traditionally accounted for over a third of India's rough diamonds, but supply has all but stopped because of Western sanctions. For Chirag Gems, Russia was even more important, accounting for half the 900 "roughs" that his firm turns into dazzling gems that sell anywhere from $150 to $150,000. "We are not getting goods from Russia because the payments system is stuck due to the war," Patel, 32, told AFP, saying he is trying to bridge the gap with supplies from South Africa and Ghana. (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.

‘Diamond city’ of India loses its sheen, as Ukraine war disrupts supply chains

The stage is set in Germany for the 48th G7 Summit. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in Munich for the G7 Summit. India is not a member of the G7 but, India has been specially invited. This year's G7 Summit will again be dominated by Russian actions.

This year's G7 Summit will again be dominated by Russian actions

Russian president Vladimir Putin has now offered his Belarusian counterpart 'missile systems' that are capable of carrying nuclear warheads. The Kremlin has offered Iskander-M missile systems which can use ballistic or cruise missile.

Ukraine war: Moscow to send Iskander-M missile systems to Belarus

The United Nations&nbsp;nuclear watchdog is increasingly concerned about the welfare of Ukrainian staff at the Russian-held Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine, Europe's largest, it said on Friday, adding that it must go there as soon as possible.

The International Atomic Energy Agency has for months said that the situation at Zaporizhzhia, where Ukrainian staff are working operating the plant under the order of Russian troops, poses a safety risk and that it wants to send a mission there.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-a-tough-bite-to-chew-and-so-would-be-finland-says-armed-forces-chief-on-russian-invasion-490781">Ukraine a tough bite to chew and so would be Finland, says armed forces chief on Russian invasion</a>

"The IAEA is aware of recent reports in the media and elsewhere indicating a deteriorating situation for Ukrainian staff at the country's largest nuclear power plant," a statement by the Vienna-based United Nations agency said.

It added that it was "increasingly concerned about the difficult conditions facing staff, and it must go there as soon as possible to address this and other urgent issues".

One of those issues was that IAEA inspectors need to carry out verification work, including checking on the "large amounts" of nuclear material there.

Watch |&nbsp;War in Ukraine: European lab CERN to halt cooperation with Russia

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/war-in-ukraine-european-lab-cern-to-halt-cooperation-with-russia-489227/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Although remote transmission of data on that material to IAEA headquarters was restored this month, physical inventory verifications must still be carried out in person by inspectors within an interval that "cannot exceed a specified duration", the agency said, without elaborating.

Two of the plant's six reactors have recently been refuelled and such checks on that fuel are a prerequisite before restarting them, it added. Two reactors are currently operating.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-condemns-political-unconstructive-iaea-resolution-486543">Iran condemns 'political, unconstructive' IAEA resolution</a>

"The situation at this major nuclear power plant is clearly untenable. We are informed that Ukrainian staff are operating the facility under extremely stressful conditions while the site is under the control of Russian armed forces," IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi said in the statement.

"The recent reports are very troubling and further deepen my concern about the well-being of personnel there."

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

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>.

The United Nations nuclear watchdog is increasingly concerned about the welfare of Ukrainian staff at the Russian-held Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine, Europe's largest, it said on Friday, adding that it must go there as soon as possible.

The United Nations nuclear watchdog is increasingly concerned about the welfare of Ukrainian staff at the Russian-held Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine, Europe's largest, it said on Friday, adding that it must go there as soon as possible. The International Atomic Energy Agency has for months said that the situation at Zaporizhzhia, where Ukrainian staff are working operating the plant under the order of Russian troops, poses a safety risk and that it wants to send a mission there. Also read | Ukraine a tough bite to chew and so would be Finland, says armed forces chief on Russian invasion "The IAEA is aware of recent reports in the media and elsewhere indicating a deteriorating situation for Ukrainian staff at the country's largest nuclear power plant," a statement by the Vienna-based United Nations agency said. It added that it was "increasingly concerned about the difficult conditions facing staff, and it must go there as soon as possible to address this and other urgent issues". One of those issues was that IAEA inspectors need to carry out verification work, including checking on the "large amounts" of nuclear material there. Watch | War in Ukraine: European lab CERN to halt cooperation with Russia Although remote transmission of data on that material to IAEA headquarters was restored this month, physical inventory verifications must still be carried out in person by inspectors within an interval that "cannot exceed a specified duration", the agency said, without elaborating. Two of the plant's six reactors have recently been refuelled and such checks on that fuel are a prerequisite before restarting them, it added. Two reactors are currently operating. Also read | Iran condemns 'political, unconstructive' IAEA resolution "The situation at this major nuclear power plant is clearly untenable. We are informed that Ukrainian staff are operating the facility under extremely stressful conditions while the site is under the control of Russian armed forces," IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi said in the statement. "The recent reports are very troubling and further deepen my concern about the well-being of personnel there." 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.

IAEA voices concern for staff at Ukrainian nuclear plant, demands access

The two-day European council summit ended in Brussels. Meanwhile, EU has granted Ukraine candidate and urged Russia to unblock black sea. EU has recognised Russia's attempt to weaponise food.

EU grants Ukraine candidate status and urges Russia to unblock Black Sea

At a farm in northern Ukraine, a spooked-looking heifer has been limping since one of her hind legs was shredded by shrapnel in a Russian attack that has been mirrored on farms across the country since the war began.

The four-month-old survived bombardments that killed around a third of animals on the meat and dairy facility in Mala Rogan, a village around 25 kilometres (15 miles) south of Ukraine's second city Kharkiv.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/four-months-into-the-russian-aggression-ukraine-retreats-from-key-embattled-city-of-sievierodonetsk-491358">Four months into the Russian aggression, Ukraine retreats from key embattled city of Sievierodonetsk</a>

It was a "nightmare" recalls owner Lyubov Zlobina, 62, who says she is "haunted by the howls of cows burned alive" during the attacks on March 26.

"I cling on to this little miracle," she said, referring to the injured heifer, the distant thuds of shelling echoing in the background.

"I gave her antibiotics twice but sadly the wound is still oozing and she isn't putting on weight," she added.

"If we could take out the shard, maybe she would recover. For surgery, we'd have to take her very far away and we can't," said Zlobina visibly upset.

In the first weeks of the war, Mala Rogan was captured by Russian forces. They have since been beat back, leaving behind a battle-scarred hellscape.

Zlobina's husband, who served in the Soviet army in Afghanistan, showed AFP journalists several videos taken during the attacks.

"We were running in every direction out of the shed," Mykolai Zlobin, 57, recalled, describing how hay in the shed burst into flames. A cow that was giving birth had its head severed.

They had to knock down a segment of wall with a tractor to get the trapped cows out, all while explosions were falling around the panicked herd.&nbsp;

"I tried to save a few piglets but their mothers were protecting them under their bellies," said Zlobina. The hens, she said, clucked and pecked through the attack as if nothing was happening.

Yulia Koval, a 38-year-old farm employee said part of a roof fell in while she was trying to hurry calves from a farm building.

Watch |&nbsp;Ukraine to get more US rocket systems as Russia closes in on Severodonetsk

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ukraine-to-get-more-us-rocket-systems-as-russia-closes-in-on-severodonetsk-491258/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"We could have not done it because everything around was falling apart. But we didn't have time to think it over, she says. We just wanted to save them, that's all."

Animals with serious injuries have since had to be put down.

'Attacking the cattle'

The shed now is a burnt out, rusted skeleton. Animals graze and mull about in fields surrounding the farm, which, unlike much farmland in eastern Ukraine does not appear to have been mined.

For the youngest and most vulnerable animals, a hastily-constructed shelter offers some protection but a more robust alternative will have be found for the winter.

Farms and agricultural land across Ukraine have been devastated by the war. Local media routinely report huge losses caused by Russian shelling.

Government figures suggest that 15 percent of the country's livestock have been killed since Russia invaded on February 24.&nbsp;

The NGO Open Cages Ukraine said in a June report that it expects the number of farm animals killed during the conflict to be around 300,000 by the year's end.

Also roaming the two-hectare farm in Mala Rogan are exhausted and starving stray dogs, abandoned by their owners who fled Russia's advance to towns and cities in eastern Ukraine.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amnesty-international-accuses-russia-of-war-crimes-in-ukranian-city-of-kharkiv-487872">Amnesty International accuses Russia of ‘war crimes’ in Ukranian city of Kharkiv</a>

"Look at this injured ewe with her three lambs," Zlobina says, pointing at her as she tries to hide.

"She was attacked not even 24 hours ago."&nbsp;

"At first, the dogs ate the bodies of abandoned Russian soldiers and we sometimes found a foot or a hand on our land. Now they are attacking the cattle," she said.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

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>.

At a farm in northern Ukraine, a spooked-looking heifer has been limping since one of her hind legs was shredded by shrapnel in a Russian attack that has been mirrored on farms across the country since the war began.

At a farm in northern Ukraine, a spooked-looking heifer has been limping since one of her hind legs was shredded by shrapnel in a Russian attack that has been mirrored on farms across the country since the war began. The four-month-old survived bombardments that killed around a third of animals on the meat and dairy facility in Mala Rogan, a village around 25 kilometres (15 miles) south of Ukraine's second city Kharkiv. Also read | Four months into the Russian aggression, Ukraine retreats from key embattled city of Sievierodonetsk It was a "nightmare" recalls owner Lyubov Zlobina, 62, who says she is "haunted by the howls of cows burned alive" during the attacks on March 26. "I cling on to this little miracle," she said, referring to the injured heifer, the distant thuds of shelling echoing in the background. "I gave her antibiotics twice but sadly the wound is still oozing and she isn't putting on weight," she added. "If we could take out the shard, maybe she would recover. For surgery, we'd have to take her very far away and we can't," said Zlobina visibly upset. In the first weeks of the war, Mala Rogan was captured by Russian forces. They have since been beat back, leaving behind a battle-scarred hellscape. Zlobina's husband, who served in the Soviet army in Afghanistan, showed AFP journalists several videos taken during the attacks. "We were running in every direction out of the shed," Mykolai Zlobin, 57, recalled, describing how hay in the shed burst into flames. A cow that was giving birth had its head severed. They had to knock down a segment of wall with a tractor to get the trapped cows out, all while explosions were falling around the panicked herd. "I tried to save a few piglets but their mothers were protecting them under their bellies," said Zlobina. The hens, she said, clucked and pecked through the attack as if nothing was happening. Yulia Koval, a 38-year-old farm employee said part of a roof fell in while she was trying to hurry calves from a farm building. Watch | Ukraine to get more US rocket systems as Russia closes in on Severodonetsk "We could have not done it because everything around was falling apart. But we didn't have time to think it over, she says. We just wanted to save them, that's all." Animals with serious injuries have since had to be put down. 'Attacking the cattle' The shed now is a burnt out, rusted skeleton. Animals graze and mull about in fields surrounding the farm, which, unlike much farmland in eastern Ukraine does not appear to have been mined. For the youngest and most vulnerable animals, a hastily-constructed shelter offers some protection but a more robust alternative will have be found for the winter. Farms and agricultural land across Ukraine have been devastated by the war. Local media routinely report huge losses caused by Russian shelling. Government figures suggest that 15 percent of the country's livestock have been killed since Russia invaded on February 24. The NGO Open Cages Ukraine said in a June report that it expects the number of farm animals killed during the conflict to be around 300,000 by the year's end. Also roaming the two-hectare farm in Mala Rogan are exhausted and starving stray dogs, abandoned by their owners who fled Russia's advance to towns and cities in eastern Ukraine. Also read | Amnesty International accuses Russia of ‘war crimes’ in Ukranian city of Kharkiv "Look at this injured ewe with her three lambs," Zlobina says, pointing at her as she tries to hide. "She was attacked not even 24 hours ago." "At first, the dogs ate the bodies of abandoned Russian soldiers and we sometimes found a foot or a hand on our land. Now they are attacking the cattle," she said. 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.

Ukraine farm animals burned alive in Russian bombing

A day after the European Union decided to give candidacy status to Ukraine and Moldova, Moscow declared that the move was done to "contain" Russia.

"European Union has confirmed that it continues to actively exploit the CIS on a geopolitical level to use it to 'contain' Russia," the foreign ministry said.

"They are not thinking of the negative consequences of such a step," it added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/historic-moment-eu-agrees-to-grant-candidate-status-to-ukraine-moldova-491142">Also Read:&nbsp;EU agrees to grant candidate status to Ukraine, Moldova</a>

Russia's foreign minister Sergei Lavrov had said earlier that induction of Ukraine and Moldova into the EU presented "no risks" to Russia since the EU wasn't a military alliance. However, the foreign minister took a dig at NATO and EU.

Watch:&nbsp;Russia's gas choke sends Europe back to coal

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/embracing-the-dirty-fuel-russias-gas-choke-sends-europe-back-to-coal-491439/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"Hitler under his banner had brought together a large part of European countries to wage war against the Soviet Union," Lavrov said, adding, "Today the EU and NATO are bringing together such a contemporary coalition to fight and, to a large extent, wage war against Russia."

Meanwhile, Russian forces continued to pound eastern Ukraine as officials said its troops were under heavy artillery fire.

The Ukrainian defence ministry said Russia is seeking to surround Lysychansk in eastern Ukraine as reports claimed Ukrainian forces were prepared to retreat from Severodonetsk.

Russian forces have concentrated their efforts on the eastern Donbas region after failing to capture Kyiv. Severodonetsk has witnessed weeks of heavy fighting with Ukrainians putting up a stubborn resistance.

Sergiy Gaiday, governor of the Lugansk region said Ukrainian forces had received the order to withdraw from Severodonetsk.

(With inputs from Agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

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>.

A day after the European Union decided to give candidacy status to Ukraine and Moldova, Moscow declared that the move was done to "contain" Russia. "European Union has confirmed that it continues to actively exploit the CIS on a geopolitical level to use it to 'contain' Russia," the foreign ministry said.

A day after the European Union decided to give candidacy status to Ukraine and Moldova, Moscow declared that the move was done to "contain" Russia. "European Union has confirmed that it continues to actively exploit the CIS on a geopolitical level to use it to 'contain' Russia," the foreign ministry said. "They are not thinking of the negative consequences of such a step," it added. Also Read: EU agrees to grant candidate status to Ukraine, Moldova Russia's foreign minister Sergei Lavrov had said earlier that induction of Ukraine and Moldova into the EU presented "no risks" to Russia since the EU wasn't a military alliance. However, the foreign minister took a dig at NATO and EU. Watch: Russia's gas choke sends Europe back to coal "Hitler under his banner had brought together a large part of European countries to wage war against the Soviet Union," Lavrov said, adding, "Today the EU and NATO are bringing together such a contemporary coalition to fight and, to a large extent, wage war against Russia." Meanwhile, Russian forces continued to pound eastern Ukraine as officials said its troops were under heavy artillery fire. The Ukrainian defence ministry said Russia is seeking to surround Lysychansk in eastern Ukraine as reports claimed Ukrainian forces were prepared to retreat from Severodonetsk. Russian forces have concentrated their efforts on the eastern Donbas region after failing to capture Kyiv. Severodonetsk has witnessed weeks of heavy fighting with Ukrainians putting up a stubborn resistance. Sergiy Gaiday, governor of the Lugansk region said Ukrainian forces had received the order to withdraw from Severodonetsk. (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.

EU candidacy for Ukraine, Moldova confirm move to 'contain Russia': Moscow

The 48th G7 meeting is going to take place in Germany. Germany has officially invited India to the meeting and Indian PM Narendra Modi will attend it. The Ukraine-Russia war is going to dominate talks.

48th G7 meeting to take place in Germany: Ukraine-Russia war to dominate talks

&nbsp;Wimbledon will give Ukrainian refugees free tickets to the tournament and donate 250,000 pounds ($307,100) to those affected by Russia`s invasion of the country, the All England Lawn Tennis Club, said on Friday.

Following the invasion, Wimbledon banned Russian and Belarusian players from the tournament, resulting in the men`s ATP Tour and women`s WTA Tour taking away its ranking points.

"On behalf of The All England Lawn Tennis Club and the LTA, we wish to express our ongoing support for all those impacted by the conflict in Ukraine. We recognise the fantastic response from the British public to welcome Ukrainian refugees into their homes and communities,"&nbsp;Ian Hewitt, Chairman of the All England Club said in a statement.

Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-will-rafael-nadal-extend-lead-in-goat-race-in-wimbledon-indian-tennis-coach-nandal-bal-opines-491456">&nbsp;Will Rafael Nadal extend lead in GOAT race in Wimbledon? Indian tennis coach Nandal Bal opines</a>

To that end, the All England Club has invited all Ukrainian refugees who have settled in the boroughs of Merton and Wandsworth, alongside their sponsor and charity delivery partners, to join us at The Championships for play on Middle Sunday, 3 July," he added.

"In addition, the All England Club and the LTA have jointly committed a £250,000 donation on behalf of Wimbledon to the refugee response efforts through the Tennis Plays for Peace initiative and the British Red Cross Ukraine Appeal," he added. 
&nbsp;

Wimbledon will give Ukrainian refugees free tickets to the tournament and donate 250,000 pounds ($307,100) to those affected by Russia`s invasion of the country, the All England Lawn Tennis Club, said on Friday.

Wimbledon will give Ukrainian refugees free tickets to the tournament and donate 250,000 pounds ($307,100) to those affected by Russia`s invasion of the country, the All England Lawn Tennis Club, said on Friday. Following the invasion, Wimbledon banned Russian and Belarusian players from the tournament, resulting in the men`s ATP Tour and women`s WTA Tour taking away its ranking points. "On behalf of The All England Lawn Tennis Club and the LTA, we wish to express our ongoing support for all those impacted by the conflict in Ukraine. We recognise the fantastic response from the British public to welcome Ukrainian refugees into their homes and communities," Ian Hewitt, Chairman of the All England Club said in a statement. Also Read: Will Rafael Nadal extend lead in GOAT race in Wimbledon? Indian tennis coach Nandal Bal opines To that end, the All England Club has invited all Ukrainian refugees who have settled in the boroughs of Merton and Wandsworth, alongside their sponsor and charity delivery partners, to join us at The Championships for play on Middle Sunday, 3 July," he added. "In addition, the All England Club and the LTA have jointly committed a £250,000 donation on behalf of Wimbledon to the refugee response efforts through the Tennis Plays for Peace initiative and the British Red Cross Ukraine Appeal," he added.

Wimbledon to provide free tickets to Ukrainian refugees

It has been several months since the Russian invasion of Ukraine is raging on. Armies of both countries have been indulged in intense fighting. Now, Ukraine is all set to get more US rocket systems.

Ukraine to get more US rocket systems as Russia closes in on Severodonetsk

Amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, Kyiv has received EU candidate status but getting a membership is a long process. Ukraine President Zelensky has hailed the decision as historic.

Kyiv crosses the first hurdle of joining the EU as it receives candidate status

The US Senate has passed a new gun control bill. The bill will now be sent back to the House. It is one of the most significant pieces of legislation addressing guns amid the recent rise in gun violence.

Gun control in the US: Senate passes bill on gun safety

Ukraine gets EU candidate status but getting a membership is a long process

Russian gas flow to Europe has dwindled amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine and economic sanctions on Russia. With falling supplies, Germany has triggered a gas alarm stage.

Russian gas flow to Europe dwindles: Germany triggers gas alarm stage as supplies fall

Over 20 million tons of grains stuck in Ukraine and Boris Johnson said Britain was willing to help Ukraine export grain again. UK has considered offering insurance to ships to move millions of tons of grain.

UK mulls ways to resume export from Ukraine's ports

Ukraine is all set to enter the European Union after members of the EU parliament gave Kyiv the green light for the bloc's candidacy. Ukraine applied to be a member of the EU days after the Russian invasion in late February.

Ukraine a step closer to EU membership amid Russian invasion?

Russian forces have pounded Ukraine's second largest city Kharkiv and surrounding countryside with rockets killing at least 15 people. Medical workers are searching for more causalities in Debris.

Russia-Ukraine war: Russia pounds Kharkiv & Eastern Donbas, Ukrainian soldiers fight back

Amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, Lithuania has imposed a transit ban to Kaliningrad. In a recent update, Russia told to Lithuania that your citizens will feel the pain.

Moscow fumes over Lithuanian ban: 'Your citizens will feel the pain,' says Russia

It has been more than 100 days since the Russian invasion of Ukraine has been raging on. Scores of civilians have lost their lives in the conflict. Fight for Severodonetsk in Eastern Ukraine has intensified.

Russia-Ukraine conflict: Fight for Severodonetsk in Eastern Ukraine intensifies

This year on February 24, Russia announced an invasion of Ukraine, which Moscow says is a "military operation". The Russian invasion of Ukraine has been described as the biggest attack on a European state since World War II.

This year on February 24, Russia announced an invasion of Ukraine, which Moscow says is a "military operation". The Russian invasion of Ukraine has been described as the biggest attack on a European state since World War II. Amid the Ukraine war, Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday (June 21) said that he was "proud" of the action of his soldiers in Ukraine. In a televised remark during a Kremlin meeting with military academy graduates, Putin said, "We are proud that during the special military operation our fighters act with courage, professionalism, like real heroes." In the aftermath of the war, Russia was slapped with multiple economic sanctions by Western countries, leaving Moscow in tatters. Although referring to Western sanctions, Putin said "they will be overcome". He further said that "in the face of new threats and risks, we will further develop and strengthen our armed forces. Putin also promised that the new Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile would be commissioned by the end of the year. "There is no doubt that we will be even stronger," Putin added. This year on April 20, Putin announced the test launch of its nuclear-capable Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). The Sarmat superheavy intercontinental ballistic missile is designed to elude anti-missile defence systems with a short initial boost phase, giving enemy surveillance systems a tiny window to track. Weighing more than 200 tonnes and able to transport multiple warheads, Putin says the missile can hit any target on Earth. Russia warns Lithuania Meanwhile, Russia's security council chief Nikolai Patrushev warned European Union and NATO member Lithuania of "serious" consequences over its decision to ban the rail transit of goods that are subject to EU sanctions between mainland Russia and Kaliningrad, a Russian region wedged between Lithuania and Poland. 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.

Vladimir Putin 'proud' of Russian troops in Ukraine; says SARMAT missile would be commissioned by year's end

15 people have been killed in Ukraine after Russia strikes the city of Kharkiv. Kyiv says this is part of Moscow's strategy to deflect forces from the Donbas region. Olly Barratt gets you the full story.

Russia-Ukraine crisis: Intense fighting in Luhansk region

Kaliningrad – a Russian region between two European Union nations Poland and Lithuania – has been caught in a row between Russia and Lithuania. How does the row affect the Russian region?

Why is Kaliningrad at center of row between Russia and Lithuania?

Ukraine has inched closer to its European Union dream as the blocks ministers have backed its membership bid ahead of crucial summit in Brussels tomorrow. The European Union ministers supported the decision to grant candidate status to the war-torn nation

Ukraine inches closer to EU dream

Ukraine is inching closer to its European Union dream as the bloc ministers backed its membership bid ahead of the summit in Brussels tomorrow. The European union minister supported the decision to grant candidate status to Ukraine.

EU backs decision to grant candidate status to Ukraine

The ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine has been a tough experience for everyone in the conflict zones and since the march of the Russian military began on February 24, it has been a story of resistance and resilience for the Ukrainians. However, there are some good stories that comes of the conflict zones and one such incident was tweeted out by Anton Gerashchenko, adviser to Ukraine’s minister of internal affairs. Gerashchenko posted a video showing a Ukrainian couple getting married in military uniform with a number of people cheering them on outside the wedding venue.

&nbsp;“Ukrainian weddings these days. No white dresses and tuxedos but plenty of love and happiness! #StandWithUkraine,” he tweeted along with the video of the married couple.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Ukrainian weddings these days. 
No white dresses and tuxedos but plenty of love and happiness! 💛💙 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StandWithUkraine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#StandWithUkraine</a> <a href="https://t.co/7w4QoSYkEe">pic.twitter.com/7w4QoSYkEe</a>
— Anton Gerashchenko (@Gerashchenko_en) <a href="https://twitter.com/Gerashchenko_en/status/1538629690822385667?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 19, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The couple was identified by Oleksandra Matviichuk, head of the Center for Civil Liberties (Ukraine), as Kateryna and Vadyam who celebrated their special day in military uniforms in Poltova.

“Do you need good news from Ukraine? Let’s congratulate two amazing Ukrainian defenders Kateryna and Vadym who have just got married in Poltava. This wedding was organized in just a few hours. I wish them many happy years together!” Mattviichuk posted on Twitter.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Do you need good news from Ukraine? Let’s congratulate two amazing Ukrainian defenders Kateryna and Vadym who have just got married in Poltava. This wedding was organized in just a few hours. I wish them many happy years together!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StandWithUkraine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#StandWithUkraine</a> <a href="https://t.co/D6ZAdkOFfF">pic.twitter.com/D6ZAdkOFfF</a>
— Oleksandra Matviichuk (@avalaina) <a href="https://twitter.com/avalaina/status/1535733252572463104?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 11, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The invasion continues in Ukraine as Russian forces captured some territory along a frontline river in eastern Ukraine. According to Reuters, the forces captured Toshkivka, a town on the mostly Ukrainian-held western bank of the Siverskyi Donets river, south of Sievierodonetsk.

The Ukrainian authorities confirmed that Russia have taken parts of Toshkivka but reiterated that they are in control of the region.

The ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine has been a tough experience for everyone in the conflict zones and since the march of the Russian military began on February 24, it has been a story of resistance and resilience for the Ukrainians.

The ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine has been a tough experience for everyone in the conflict zones and since the march of the Russian military began on February 24, it has been a story of resistance and resilience for the Ukrainians. However, there are some good stories that comes of the conflict zones and one such incident was tweeted out by Anton Gerashchenko, adviser to Ukraine’s minister of internal affairs. Gerashchenko posted a video showing a Ukrainian couple getting married in military uniform with a number of people cheering them on outside the wedding venue. “Ukrainian weddings these days. No white dresses and tuxedos but plenty of love and happiness! #StandWithUkraine,” he tweeted along with the video of the married couple. Ukrainian weddings these days. No white dresses and tuxedos but plenty of love and happiness! 💛💙 #StandWithUkraine pic.twitter.com/7w4QoSYkEe — Anton Gerashchenko (@Gerashchenko_en) June 19, 2022 × The couple was identified by Oleksandra Matviichuk, head of the Center for Civil Liberties (Ukraine), as Kateryna and Vadyam who celebrated their special day in military uniforms in Poltova. “Do you need good news from Ukraine? Let’s congratulate two amazing Ukrainian defenders Kateryna and Vadym who have just got married in Poltava. This wedding was organized in just a few hours. I wish them many happy years together!” Mattviichuk posted on Twitter. Do you need good news from Ukraine? Let’s congratulate two amazing Ukrainian defenders Kateryna and Vadym who have just got married in Poltava. This wedding was organized in just a few hours. I wish them many happy years together!#StandWithUkraine pic.twitter.com/D6ZAdkOFfF — Oleksandra Matviichuk (@avalaina) June 11, 2022 × The invasion continues in Ukraine as Russian forces captured some territory along a frontline river in eastern Ukraine. According to Reuters, the forces captured Toshkivka, a town on the mostly Ukrainian-held western bank of the Siverskyi Donets river, south of Sievierodonetsk. The Ukrainian authorities confirmed that Russia have taken parts of Toshkivka but reiterated that they are in control of the region.

Ukrainian couple gets married in military uniform amid Russian invasion - WATCH

Ukraine's southern Kherson region, where Moscow has already introduced the ruble and began distributing Russian passports, is now broadcasting Russian television, as said by the Russian army on Tuesday. It said that the Russian armed forces have “reconfigured the last of the seven television towers in the Kherson region to broadcast Russian television channels” for free.

Bordering the Crimea peninsula, which Russia annexed in 2014, the Kherson region was occupied by Russian forces in the days following the Kremlin's offensive in late February. Tuesday, one of the pro-Moscow officials in the region, Kirill Stremousov, said that the territory could join Russia "before the end of the year."

The city in southern Ukraine, which had 300,000 inhabitants before the war, has been virtually cut off from the outside world since it fell into Russian hands. Residents are subjected to "constant checks at numerous checkpoints" with Russians checking "documents, phones and bags".

On a Moscow-organised visit to Kherson earlier this month, there were only a few soldiers in the centre, but many checkpoints on the outskirts, as reported by AFP. &nbsp;But he said, unlike in other towns and cities in the south, such as the port of Berdyansk, few Russian flags were flying.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/toki-modern-phoenix-of-japan-brought-back-from-extinction-490258">Toki, 'modern phoenix' of Japan brought back from extinction</a>

Tetyana said some residents had painted Ukrainian flags in the streets or hung blue and yellow ribbons on tree branches in protest. &nbsp;Russian forces were also struggling to enforce the use of the Russian ruble in Kherson, with people insisting on "paying in (Ukrainian) hryvnia".&nbsp;

Since the takeover, residents of Kherson and other occupied areas say food prices have skyrocketed. After severe shortages of medicine in the region, some critical drugs were once again available but hard to get hold of, she said.

Not everyone in Kherson has given up hope that the Ukrainian army will eventually liberate the town.&nbsp;

(with inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

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>.

Ukraine's southern Kherson region, where Moscow has already introduced the ruble and began distributing Russian passports, is now broadcasting Russian television, as said by the Russian army on Tuesday.

Ukraine's southern Kherson region, where Moscow has already introduced the ruble and began distributing Russian passports, is now broadcasting Russian television, as said by the Russian army on Tuesday. It said that the Russian armed forces have “reconfigured the last of the seven television towers in the Kherson region to broadcast Russian television channels” for free. Bordering the Crimea peninsula, which Russia annexed in 2014, the Kherson region was occupied by Russian forces in the days following the Kremlin's offensive in late February. Tuesday, one of the pro-Moscow officials in the region, Kirill Stremousov, said that the territory could join Russia "before the end of the year." The city in southern Ukraine, which had 300,000 inhabitants before the war, has been virtually cut off from the outside world since it fell into Russian hands. Residents are subjected to "constant checks at numerous checkpoints" with Russians checking "documents, phones and bags". On a Moscow-organised visit to Kherson earlier this month, there were only a few soldiers in the centre, but many checkpoints on the outskirts, as reported by AFP. But he said, unlike in other towns and cities in the south, such as the port of Berdyansk, few Russian flags were flying. Also Read: Toki, 'modern phoenix' of Japan brought back from extinction Tetyana said some residents had painted Ukrainian flags in the streets or hung blue and yellow ribbons on tree branches in protest. Russian forces were also struggling to enforce the use of the Russian ruble in Kherson, with people insisting on "paying in (Ukrainian) hryvnia". Since the takeover, residents of Kherson and other occupied areas say food prices have skyrocketed. After severe shortages of medicine in the region, some critical drugs were once again available but hard to get hold of, she said. Not everyone in Kherson has given up hope that the Ukrainian army will eventually liberate the town. (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.

Russian television starts broadcast in Ukraine’s Kherson

Russian journalist Dmitry Muratov has decided to auction off his Noble Peace Prize medal in order to help children who were affected by the ongoing crisis in Ukraine. The journalist, who received the prestigious award in 2021, said that all the proceeds from the auction will go to UNICEF and their efforts in helping the children who were displaced due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Muratov founded Russian newspaper Novaya Gazeta and was heavily involved in it before it was shut down due to his criticism of the government. Muratov has already donated the $500,000 cash award that came with the Nobel Prize to charity and his aim “is to give the children refugees a chance for a future.”

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-legislative-polls-french-president-emmanuel-macron-loses-majority-in-parliament-489775">In legislative polls, French President Macron loses majority in parliament</a>

“We want to return their future,” he said in an interview with Associated Press.

“It has to become a beginning of a flash mob as an example to follow so people auction their valuable possessions to help Ukrainians,” Muratov said in a video released by Heritage Auctions.

Muratov was extremely critical of the Russian government after the annexation of Crimea in 2014 and last year, he shared the Nobel Peace Prize with journalist Maria Ressa of the Philippines.

“It’s a very bespoke deal,” said Joshua Benesh, the chief strategy officer for Heritage Auctions. “Not everyone in the world has a Nobel Prize to auction and not every day of the week that there’s a Nobel Prize crossing the auction block.”

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-in-major-blow-to-lgbtq-rights-court-rules-same-sex-marriage-ban-is-not-unconstitutional-489900" hreflang="en">Japan: In major blow to LGBTQ rights, court rules same-sex marriage ban is not unconstitutional</a>

Benesh also said that the ongoing crisis and the noble mission of the auction will generate more interest among the potential buyers and that can increase the value of the medal.

“I think there’s certainly going to be some excitement Monday,” Benesh said according to AP. “It’s such a unique item being sold under unique circumstances ... a significant act of generosity, and such a significant humanitarian crisis.”

(With inputs from agencies)

Russian journalist Dmitry Muratov has decided to auction off his Noble Peace Prize medal in order to help children who were affected by the ongoing crisis in Ukraine.

Russian journalist Dmitry Muratov has decided to auction off his Noble Peace Prize medal in order to help children who were affected by the ongoing crisis in Ukraine. The journalist, who received the prestigious award in 2021, said that all the proceeds from the auction will go to UNICEF and their efforts in helping the children who were displaced due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Muratov founded Russian newspaper Novaya Gazeta and was heavily involved in it before it was shut down due to his criticism of the government. Muratov has already donated the $500,000 cash award that came with the Nobel Prize to charity and his aim “is to give the children refugees a chance for a future.” Also read | In legislative polls, French President Macron loses majority in parliament “We want to return their future,” he said in an interview with Associated Press. “It has to become a beginning of a flash mob as an example to follow so people auction their valuable possessions to help Ukrainians,” Muratov said in a video released by Heritage Auctions. Muratov was extremely critical of the Russian government after the annexation of Crimea in 2014 and last year, he shared the Nobel Peace Prize with journalist Maria Ressa of the Philippines. “It’s a very bespoke deal,” said Joshua Benesh, the chief strategy officer for Heritage Auctions. “Not everyone in the world has a Nobel Prize to auction and not every day of the week that there’s a Nobel Prize crossing the auction block.” Also read | Japan: In major blow to LGBTQ rights, court rules same-sex marriage ban is not unconstitutional Benesh also said that the ongoing crisis and the noble mission of the auction will generate more interest among the potential buyers and that can increase the value of the medal. “I think there’s certainly going to be some excitement Monday,” Benesh said according to AP. “It’s such a unique item being sold under unique circumstances ... a significant act of generosity, and such a significant humanitarian crisis.” (With inputs from agencies)

Russian journalist to sell Nobel Peace Prize medal to support Ukrainian children

ukraine

Ukraine, News on Ukraine, stories on Ukraine, articles on Ukraine, Ukraine stories at Wion, Ukraine news, Ukraine latest news