The United States hosted a special ASEAN Summit amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine. However, ASEAN leaders refrained from criticising Russia.

The US hosts ASEAN Summit amid Ukraine crisis

Russia's invasion of Ukraine has entered day 79. G7 nations say they need to deepen Moscow's isolation. Meanwhile, German Chancellor Scholz dials Russian President Putin over the Ukraine crisis.

Day 79 of the Russia-Ukraine Conflict: German Chancellor Scholz dials Russian President Putin

A Ukrainian circus group is on a never-ending "Alice in Wonderland" tour of Italy, trapped in the real-world rabbit hole of having to put on happy shows on stage while their people at home are suffering through war.

Ukrainian performers raise money for families back home, amid war

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has officially entered its third month and more people are fleeing the war-torn cities in order to get away from the Russian military forces. The port-city of Mariupol has sustained a lot of damage and over the course of the invasion, it has turned into a ‘ghost town’ with most of the residents moving to neighbouring cities. Igor Pedin was among the people fleeing the besieged city, but his plight took him on a 225km journey to the city of Zaporizhzhia.

Pedin, who is 61 years old, decided to escape the city with nothing more than a small bag of supplies and his nine-year-old mongrel terrier Zhu-Zhu. The long journey took him through Russian-occupied territories, and it was a miracle, according to him, that he made it to Zaporizhzhia safely.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/deadbots-the-digital-soul-that-can-speak-for-you-after-your-death-478639">Deadbots: The digital soul that can speak for you after your death</a>

According to the report of The Guardian, Pedin, a former ship’s cook, decided to leave Mariupol on April 20 when Russian military had already invaded his part of the city and were ‘shooting at will’.

He packed all his belongings carefully and the next morning, he decided to travel to the outskirts of the city where he was handed food and water by the Russian soldiers positioned at the barricades before he started walking on Zaporizhzhia Road.

“I looked like a vagabond to them, I was nothing. I was dirty and covered from dust, as my house had been filled with a fog of smoke. I walked out of the city by this motorway and at the top I turned around. I looked back down at the city and I said to myself, it was the right decision. I said goodbye. There was an explosion. I turned and walked on,” Pedin told The Guardian in an exclusive interview.

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It took him a long time and a lot of hardship but he was finally able to reach the central part of Zaporizhzhia where he was given a pass by the Donetsk People’s Republic militia.

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The Russian invasion of Ukraine has officially entered its third month and more people are fleeing the war-torn cities in order to get away from the Russian military forces.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has officially entered its third month and more people are fleeing the war-torn cities in order to get away from the Russian military forces. The port-city of Mariupol has sustained a lot of damage and over the course of the invasion, it has turned into a ‘ghost town’ with most of the residents moving to neighbouring cities. Igor Pedin was among the people fleeing the besieged city, but his plight took him on a 225km journey to the city of Zaporizhzhia. Pedin, who is 61 years old, decided to escape the city with nothing more than a small bag of supplies and his nine-year-old mongrel terrier Zhu-Zhu. The long journey took him through Russian-occupied territories, and it was a miracle, according to him, that he made it to Zaporizhzhia safely. Also read | Deadbots: The digital soul that can speak for you after your death According to the report of The Guardian, Pedin, a former ship’s cook, decided to leave Mariupol on April 20 when Russian military had already invaded his part of the city and were ‘shooting at will’. He packed all his belongings carefully and the next morning, he decided to travel to the outskirts of the city where he was handed food and water by the Russian soldiers positioned at the barricades before he started walking on Zaporizhzhia Road. “I looked like a vagabond to them, I was nothing. I was dirty and covered from dust, as my house had been filled with a fog of smoke. I walked out of the city by this motorway and at the top I turned around. I looked back down at the city and I said to myself, it was the right decision. I said goodbye. There was an explosion. I turned and walked on,” Pedin told The Guardian in an exclusive interview. Also read | UAE President and ruler Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan passes away It took him a long time and a lot of hardship but he was finally able to reach the central part of Zaporizhzhia where he was given a pass by the Donetsk People’s Republic militia. WATCH WION TV LIVE HERE -

The Ukrainian man who walked 225km to safety from Mariupol to Zaporizhzhia

Russian and Ukrainian soldiers have been fighting for nearly 80 days now as troops on Kremlin’s order make advances into Ukraine’s territories. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky have been ordering their troops for offensive and counter-offensive in different cities including Kyiv, Mariupol, Kherson and others since the Russian troops marched into Ukrainian territory on February 24 this year. Russia successfully occupied Ukrainian regions in a battle that has been going on for months now. Notably, Luhansk and Donetsk were the regions in Ukraine that were already occupied by Russia before February 24. Which other territories have Russia occupied? And where does Ukraine hold back Russian troops?

Ukraine conflict: Russian-controlled territories vs Ukraine’s counter-offensive

Pressure on Europe to secure alternative gas supplies increased on Thursday as Moscow imposed sanctions on European subsidiaries of state-owned Gazprom a day after Ukraine stopped a major gas transit route.

Pressure grows on Europe to secure alternative gas supply

Ukrainian forces have reportedly attacked a Russian logistics support vessel in the black sea. Ukraine has claimed to have damaged the Russian ship near Snake island, it is a small but strategic outpost in the Black Sea.

Report: Russian logistics support vessel on fire

Foreign ministers from the G7 are currently in Germany for their annual meeting talks are said to be dominated by Ukraine and how to manage the consequences of a conflict that could drag on for months. One of the biggest focus will be on ways to alleviate food security concerns.

G7 to discuss how to end Ukraine grain blockade, condemns Taliban over women's rights

The Russian invasion of Ukraine is currently in its third month and the United Nations has decided to launch an enquiry into the alleged human rights violations committed during the ongoing conflict.

The United Nations Human Rights Council decided to launch the enquiry into the possible misconducts of the Russian military after the motion was passed with 33 votes in favour.

According to the motion tabled in the Council, the enquiry will include extrajudicial executions, civilian casualties, the use of torture and abuses against children during the crisis.

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The only two nations to vote against the motion were China and Eritrea. 12 countries, including India and Pakistan, decided to abstain from the vote while Russia did not attend the meeting.

According to an AFP report, Ukraine's Deputy Foreign Minister Emine Dzhaparova addressed the council from Kyiv and said that Russian President Vladimir Putin's army were "pure evil".

Russia was committing "the most gruesome human rights violations on the European continent in decades", she said in the address.

"These have been 10 weeks of sheer horror to the people of my country.

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"Torture and enforced disappearances, sexual and gender-based violence; the list of Russia's crimes is endless.

"Only the world standing strong in solidarity with the Ukrainian people can defeat this pure evil."

Although Russia is currently suspended from the Human Rights Council, they were called to the meeting in order to present their defence. However, they declined to attend, and Russian ambassador Gennady Gatilov called it a "political rout to demonise Russia".

WATCH |&nbsp;Finland may soon announce bid to join NATO

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The Russian invasion of Ukraine is currently in its third month and the United Nations has decided to launch an enquiry into the alleged human rights violations committed during the ongoing conflict.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine is currently in its third month and the United Nations has decided to launch an enquiry into the alleged human rights violations committed during the ongoing conflict. The United Nations Human Rights Council decided to launch the enquiry into the possible misconducts of the Russian military after the motion was passed with 33 votes in favour. According to the motion tabled in the Council, the enquiry will include extrajudicial executions, civilian casualties, the use of torture and abuses against children during the crisis. Also read | Sri Lanka crisis — PM Ranil Wickremesinghe pledges to uplift the economy The only two nations to vote against the motion were China and Eritrea. 12 countries, including India and Pakistan, decided to abstain from the vote while Russia did not attend the meeting. According to an AFP report, Ukraine's Deputy Foreign Minister Emine Dzhaparova addressed the council from Kyiv and said that Russian President Vladimir Putin's army were "pure evil". Russia was committing "the most gruesome human rights violations on the European continent in decades", she said in the address. "These have been 10 weeks of sheer horror to the people of my country. Also read | Despite sanctions, Russian ruble is world's top performing currency in 2022 "Torture and enforced disappearances, sexual and gender-based violence; the list of Russia's crimes is endless. "Only the world standing strong in solidarity with the Ukrainian people can defeat this pure evil." Although Russia is currently suspended from the Human Rights Council, they were called to the meeting in order to present their defence. However, they declined to attend, and Russian ambassador Gennady Gatilov called it a "political rout to demonise Russia". WATCH | Finland may soon announce bid to join NATO

United Nations launches probe into Russia's alleged human rights violations in Ukraine

Amid the ongoing Ukraine war, Japan has agreed to further cooperation with the European Union during the Japan-EU summit as the top EU diplomat said that Europe wants a more big role in Asia and welcomes a Japanese participation in action against Russia.

EU, Japan will implement strong sanctions against Russia and strengthen support for Ukraine: Kishida

Pro Kremlin authorities in Ukraine's southern city of Kherson, the first city to be captured by Russian forces on Wednesday urged President Vladimir Putin to annex the region. Moscow responded to the request saying that the local residents should decide their own fate.

Ukraine invasion: Kherson to soon be annexed by Russian troops?

United States intelligence report on the ongoing war in Ukraine is painting a grim picture on how the conflict will unfold in the coming few months. Director of National Intelligence Avril D. Haines briefing the senate armed services committee on Tuesday warned that president Putin appears to be preparing for a long conflict.

Russia-Ukraine crisis: Putin preparing for a prolonged conflict, says US Intel chief

US President Joe Biden has lined up more military aid to help Ukraine defeat Russia. But his ally, Emmanuel Macron has warned against humiliating Putin. Palki Sharma decodes the different signals from Washington & Paris.

Gravitas: Macron warns against humiliating Putin

As intense fighting continues in eastern Ukraine, Kyiv has reported gains near the city of Kharkiv signaling a new phase in the war. President Zelenskyy said that Ukrainian forces have retaken villages in the region but cautioned against expecting victories every week.

Russia-Ukraine crisis: Ukraine recaptures villages on outskirts of Kharkiv

It has been several weeks since the Russian invasion of Ukraine started, and scores of civilians have lost their lives in the conflict. Armies of both countries have been involved in intense fights since Russian troops entered Ukraine. Now, Ukraine gains ground near Kharkiv.

Ukraine gains ground near Kharkiv as fighting continues in Eastern & Southern Ukraine

US lawmakers on Tuesday were set to begin debate on USD 40 billion aid package for Ukraine amid Russian invasion. The US warned that Russia was likely preparing for a long conflict in Ukraine.

It is expected that defense, humanitarian and economic funding will be passed comfortably. 
&nbsp; 
"This is a large package but the need is great and time is of the essence... The president has called on both chambers of Congress to act quickly on the Ukrainian aid package, so act quickly we must," Chuck Schumer, who leads the Senate Democratic majority, said on the floor.

Leaders in US Congress on Monday struck a deal to release $6.8 billion more than the $33 billion previously requested by the White House to help the Eastern European nation ward off Moscow's invasion.

The financial boost will include extra USD 3.4 billion for military and humanitarian assistance.

If the package passes as planned, US spending to bolster Ukraine's defenses against Russia's invasion and address the ensuing humanitarian crisis will soar to around $54 billion.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-intends-to-achieve-goals-beyond-donbas-may-impose-martial-law-us-intelligence-chief-477931">Putin intends to achieve goals beyond Donbas, may impose martial law: US intelligence chief</a>

The action comes as a top US official warned that Russian President Vladimir Putin is preparing for a long war that may not end with Russian victory in the east.

"We assess President Putin is preparing for prolonged conflict in Ukraine during which he still intends to achieve goals beyond the Donbas," Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines said at a hearing on Capitol Hill.

She added that Putin was counting on US and EU resolve to weaken as the conflict continues to cause food shortages and inflation, including spiraling energy prices.

(With inputs from agencies)

Decode the geostrategy, diplomacy, and ideologies of the world’s unending wars. Catch our special series ‘World at War’ every Saturday at 8:30 PM IST and Sunday at 10:30 PM IST only on WION.

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US lawmakers on Tuesday were set to begin debate on USD 40 billion aid package for Ukraine amid Russian invasion. The US warned that Russia was likely preparing for a long conflict in Ukraine.

US lawmakers on Tuesday were set to begin debate on USD 40 billion aid package for Ukraine amid Russian invasion. The US warned that Russia was likely preparing for a long conflict in Ukraine. It is expected that defense, humanitarian and economic funding will be passed comfortably. "This is a large package but the need is great and time is of the essence... The president has called on both chambers of Congress to act quickly on the Ukrainian aid package, so act quickly we must," Chuck Schumer, who leads the Senate Democratic majority, said on the floor. Leaders in US Congress on Monday struck a deal to release $6.8 billion more than the $33 billion previously requested by the White House to help the Eastern European nation ward off Moscow's invasion. The financial boost will include extra USD 3.4 billion for military and humanitarian assistance. If the package passes as planned, US spending to bolster Ukraine's defenses against Russia's invasion and address the ensuing humanitarian crisis will soar to around $54 billion. Also Read | Putin intends to achieve goals beyond Donbas, may impose martial law: US intelligence chief The action comes as a top US official warned that Russian President Vladimir Putin is preparing for a long war that may not end with Russian victory in the east. "We assess President Putin is preparing for prolonged conflict in Ukraine during which he still intends to achieve goals beyond the Donbas," Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines said at a hearing on Capitol Hill. She added that Putin was counting on US and EU resolve to weaken as the conflict continues to cause food shortages and inflation, including spiraling energy prices. (With inputs from agencies) Decode the geostrategy, diplomacy, and ideologies of the world’s unending wars. Catch our special series ‘World at War’ every Saturday at 8:30 PM IST and Sunday at 10:30 PM IST only on WION. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

US mulls USD 40 billion for Ukraine

Russian president Vladimir Putin has asked the West to stop supplying weapons to Ukraine. In a telephonic conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron, Putin accused Ukraine of committing war crimes and accused Europe of ignoring them.

'Stop supplying weapons to Ukraine,' Putin accuses Europe of ignoring Ukrainian atrocities

'Stop supplying weapons to Ukraine,' Putin accuses Europe

Elon Musk is infamous for his constant tweeting and this time, he has tweeted about his possible death. With the billionaire’s takeover of Twitter for $44 billion dominating headlines at the moment, Musk tweeted that he may die ‘under mysterious circumstances’ sparking a lot of chatter on the site.

"If I die under mysterious circumstances, it's been nice knowin ya", the Tesla CEO tweeted.

However, the tweet did not go down well with his mother and former supermodel Maye Musk who was visibly angry with it and even replied to the tweet saying "That's not funny".

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Musk was quick to apologise as he said “Sorry! I will do my best to stay alive".

The tweet from Musk comes only a day after he posted a note on Twitter where Roscosmos head Dmitry Rogozin accused him of&nbsp;associating with Nazis. Musk also said that Rogozin had sent a note to Russian media accusing him of arming “fascists”.

This was in connection to Musk’s decision to send Starlink hardware to maintain the internet connection in various Ukrainian cities during the ongoing conflict with Russia.

<img alt="Elon Musk tweet" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fc5bd3ab-caae-493b-9006-352d50bd8de8" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/pic_10.png" />

"From the testimony of the captured chief of staff of the 36th Marine Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Colonel Dmitry Kormyankov, it follows that the ground-based subscriber equipment of the Starlink satellite company Elon Musk was delivered to the militants of the Nazi Azov Battalion and the Marines of the Armed Forces of Ukraine to Mariupol by military helicopters," the note read.

"According to our information, the delivery and transfer to the Armed Forces of Ukraine of PO boxes for receiving and transmitting the Internet from Starlink was carried out by the Pentagon. Elon Musk is thus involved in the supply of fascist forces in Ukraine with military communications. And for this you will have to answer in an adult way, Elon, no matter how you turn on the fool," it added.

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Elon Musk is infamous for his constant tweeting and this time, he has tweeted about his possible death. With the billionaire’s takeover of Twitter for $44 billion dominating headlines at the moment, Musk tweeted that he may die ‘under mysterious circumstances’ sparking a lot of chatter on the site.

Elon Musk is infamous for his constant tweeting and this time, he has tweeted about his possible death. With the billionaire’s takeover of Twitter for $44 billion dominating headlines at the moment, Musk tweeted that he may die ‘under mysterious circumstances’ sparking a lot of chatter on the site. "If I die under mysterious circumstances, it's been nice knowin ya", the Tesla CEO tweeted. However, the tweet did not go down well with his mother and former supermodel Maye Musk who was visibly angry with it and even replied to the tweet saying "That's not funny". Also read | Sri Lanka economic crisis: PM Mahinda Rajapaksa resigns as pressure mounts up Musk was quick to apologise as he said “Sorry! I will do my best to stay alive". The tweet from Musk comes only a day after he posted a note on Twitter where Roscosmos head Dmitry Rogozin accused him of associating with Nazis. Musk also said that Rogozin had sent a note to Russian media accusing him of arming “fascists”. This was in connection to Musk’s decision to send Starlink hardware to maintain the internet connection in various Ukrainian cities during the ongoing conflict with Russia. "From the testimony of the captured chief of staff of the 36th Marine Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Colonel Dmitry Kormyankov, it follows that the ground-based subscriber equipment of the Starlink satellite company Elon Musk was delivered to the militants of the Nazi Azov Battalion and the Marines of the Armed Forces of Ukraine to Mariupol by military helicopters," the note read. "According to our information, the delivery and transfer to the Armed Forces of Ukraine of PO boxes for receiving and transmitting the Internet from Starlink was carried out by the Pentagon. Elon Musk is thus involved in the supply of fascist forces in Ukraine with military communications. And for this you will have to answer in an adult way, Elon, no matter how you turn on the fool," it added. Watch WION live TV here -

‘If I die...’: Elon Musk posts cryptic tweet, receives stern reply from mother

Russia continues to intensify its military offensive on Ukraine the European Commission has now said that it will bring in a gradual ban on Russian oil imports in retaliation for its war in Ukraine.

Russia-Ukraine crisis: EU presents sixth package of sanctions against Moscow

It has been 70 days since Russian troops launched a full-scale offensive into Ukrainian territories. Hundreds of lives have been lost, millions have been displaced the question is when will this war end?

Watch | 'Zelensky acting at behest of US,'  Belarus President supports Russia

Ukraine has surprised the world its resistance against Russia, it is being lauded almost everywhere but a pat on the back and supplying weapons are just not enough. Kyiv has been eyeing a seat at the European Union, however, it seems like that dream is decades away.

'Ukraine bid to join EU will take decades,' Macron proposes 'Political Community'

Eiffel Tower in Paris lights up in Ukrainian flag’s colour to show support amid the ongoing Russian invasion.

Eiffel Tower in Ukrainian flag’s color to show support | Paris | Russia-Ukraine

Russia flaunted its massive nuclear arsenal during the Victory Day parade in Moscow's Red Square. A defiant Vladimir Putin blamed the West for forcing him to invade Ukraine. Palki Sharma brings you the biggest takeaways from Russia's show of force.

Gravitas: Russia flaunts nuclear arsenal on Victory Day

Russia has intensified its military offensive in the Ukrainian port city of Mariupol with all civilians evacuated from the Azovstal steel plant. Ukrainian officials now say that Moscow has stepped up its onslaught to seize the site.

Russia is using tanks in storming operations at Azovstal steel plant

European Council President Charles Michel was forced to take cover during his surprise visit to the war-torn Ukrainian city of Odessa as Russian forces launched a missile attack. A European Union (EU) official told AFP that Michel was in the middle of a meeting when the missiles hit Odessa.

It was later confirmed that the meeting was with Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmygal.

“During the meeting with the PM, the participants needed to interrupt the meeting to take shelter as missiles struck again the region of Odessa,” the official said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraines-european-union-membership-can-take-several-years-says-emmanuel-macron-477700" hreflang="en">Ukraine's European Union membership can take 'several years', says Emmanuel Macron</a>

Michel became the latest high-ranked official to visit Ukraine and the meeting in Odessa was organised in order to meet senior Ukrainian leadership and to record a speech celebrating Europe Day in front of the city’s historic opera house, the senior official said in a report by The Politico.

“The president was briefed by the head of Ukraine’s navy in particular on the damage caused by Russian missiles fired from the sea and was able to witness at first hand the wanton destruction of a residential building and the impact on innocent civilians,” the senior official was quoted as saying.

According to reports in the Ukrainian media, four cruise missiles were launched towards the city of Odessa and this was the latest attack from Russian forces who have been firing at regular intervals.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-is-it-war-tourism-world-leaders-throng-ukraine-to-show-support-477584" hreflang="en">In Pics: Is it war tourism? World leaders throng Ukraine to show support</a>

During his visit to Ukraine, Michel also held meetings with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy through video link as they discussed the ongoing conflict and Ukraine’s EU membership.

&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

European Council President Charles Michel was forced to take cover during his surprise visit to the war-torn Ukrainian city of Odessa as Russian forces launched a missile attack.

European Council President Charles Michel was forced to take cover during his surprise visit to the war-torn Ukrainian city of Odessa as Russian forces launched a missile attack. A European Union (EU) official told AFP that Michel was in the middle of a meeting when the missiles hit Odessa. It was later confirmed that the meeting was with Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmygal. “During the meeting with the PM, the participants needed to interrupt the meeting to take shelter as missiles struck again the region of Odessa,” the official said. Also read | Ukraine's European Union membership can take 'several years', says Emmanuel Macron Michel became the latest high-ranked official to visit Ukraine and the meeting in Odessa was organised in order to meet senior Ukrainian leadership and to record a speech celebrating Europe Day in front of the city’s historic opera house, the senior official said in a report by The Politico. “The president was briefed by the head of Ukraine’s navy in particular on the damage caused by Russian missiles fired from the sea and was able to witness at first hand the wanton destruction of a residential building and the impact on innocent civilians,” the senior official was quoted as saying. According to reports in the Ukrainian media, four cruise missiles were launched towards the city of Odessa and this was the latest attack from Russian forces who have been firing at regular intervals. Also read | In Pics: Is it war tourism? World leaders throng Ukraine to show support During his visit to Ukraine, Michel also held meetings with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy through video link as they discussed the ongoing conflict and Ukraine’s EU membership. (With inputs from agencies)

European Council chief Charles Michel forced to take cover as Russia attacks Odessa with missiles

On April 21, Russia declared victory over Mariupol but did not have complete control over the southern Ukrainian city. Ukrainian forces and civilians remained holed up in the sprawling Azovstal steel plant and two weeks on Russian forces continue to fight to capture the last stronghold of Ukrainian resistance in the city.

Ukraine under attack: Russian assault on Azovstal steel plant continues

A major demand from Ukraine from the start of the Russian invasion has been an accelerated process to include them in the European Union. However, although western countries have helped them with ammunition and funds, the EU membership still remains a far-fetched dream.

France president Emmanuel Macron said on Monday that it can take decades before Ukraine becomes a member of the European Union. During his speech at the EU parliament, he suggested that Ukraine should consider joining a "parallel European community" in the meantime.

"We all know perfectly well that the process to allow [Ukraine] to join would take several years indeed, probably several decades," Macron said on Monday according to the BBC.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-economic-crisis-pm-mahinda-rajapaksa-announces-decision-to-resign-477587" hreflang="en">Sri Lanka economic crisis: PM Mahinda Rajapaksa resigns as pressure mounts up</a>

"That is the truth, unless we decide to lower the standards for accession. And rethink the unity of our Europe," he added while talking about the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine.

There have been talks about accelerating the membership process but it seems unlikely considering the past record of the EU. Macron insisted that the introduction of another parallel organisation can be "a way of anchoring countries which are geographically in Europe and share our values."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/victory-day-parade-absolutely-unacceptable-threat-russia-defending-motherland-in-ukraine-says-putin-477528">Victory Day Parade: Russia defending motherland in Ukraine, says Putin</a>

Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelensky has asked for a special consideration from the EU and the Ukrainian authorities submitted the second part of their application on Monday.

However, the membership of the European Union is generally granted keeping a number of factors in mind like the economic and global standing of the nations but considering the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, there is a slight chance that the EU may decide to treat this as a special situation.

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A major demand from Ukraine from the start of the Russian invasion has been an accelerated process to include them in the European Union. However, although western countries have helped them with ammunition and funds, the EU membership still remains a far-fetched dream.

A major demand from Ukraine from the start of the Russian invasion has been an accelerated process to include them in the European Union. However, although western countries have helped them with ammunition and funds, the EU membership still remains a far-fetched dream. France president Emmanuel Macron said on Monday that it can take decades before Ukraine becomes a member of the European Union. During his speech at the EU parliament, he suggested that Ukraine should consider joining a "parallel European community" in the meantime. "We all know perfectly well that the process to allow [Ukraine] to join would take several years indeed, probably several decades," Macron said on Monday according to the BBC. Also read | Sri Lanka economic crisis: PM Mahinda Rajapaksa resigns as pressure mounts up "That is the truth, unless we decide to lower the standards for accession. And rethink the unity of our Europe," he added while talking about the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine. There have been talks about accelerating the membership process but it seems unlikely considering the past record of the EU. Macron insisted that the introduction of another parallel organisation can be "a way of anchoring countries which are geographically in Europe and share our values." Also read | Victory Day Parade: Russia defending motherland in Ukraine, says Putin Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelensky has asked for a special consideration from the EU and the Ukrainian authorities submitted the second part of their application on Monday. However, the membership of the European Union is generally granted keeping a number of factors in mind like the economic and global standing of the nations but considering the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, there is a slight chance that the EU may decide to treat this as a special situation. Watch WION live TV here -

Ukraine's European Union membership can take 'several years', says Emmanuel Macron

Russia will celebrate Victory Day on Monday even as the Russia-Ukraine war enters its third month. All eyes are on Russian President Putin's address to the nation on Victory Day.

Russia prepares to mark victory day as Russia-Ukraine war enters third month

US First Lady Jill Biden made a surprise visit to Ukraine and met Ukraine’s First Lady Olena Zelenska.

US First Lady Jill Biden’s surprise Ukraine visit, meets Ukraine First Lady

Russia celebrates its victory over Nazi Germany in World War II on May 9. Fewer Russian tanks and other military hardware will rumble through Moscow’s Red Square on Monday due to the invasion of Ukraine. The patriotic fervor associated with the sacred holiday, however, could be as strong as ever. This year’s Victory Day won’t just honor a conflict that ended 77 years ago. Many Russians will be thinking about the thousands of troops fighting in neighboring Ukraine.

Why Victory Day in Russia is different this year?

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