<p>India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday (April 6) weighed in on the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, stating&nbsp;the nation has chosen a side — a side of peace. He asserted that India is strongly against the conflict, which continues to escalate.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Jaishankar was replying to questions over India's stand&nbsp;in the lower house of the Parliament, especially over the latest developments coming in from ground zero.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Russia has been accused of war crimes and genocide after mass graves were allegedly found in Bucha, a town outside Kyiv after Russian troops recently withdrew from that area.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/volodymyr-zelensky-impact-of-war-on-ukraines-comedian-president-and-an-unlikely-wartime-leader-468665">How Ukraine war took toll on comedian-turned unlikely war president Volodymyr Zelensky</a></strong></p>

<p>Apart from mass graves, some of the dead bodies were lying on the streets. Authorities claimed that women and young girls were raped, tortured and then killed. The bodies of some girls were even branded.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In response to Bucha reports, Jaishankar condemned the alleged atrocities and supported the call for an independent investigation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said, "We're deeply disturbed by the reports. We strongly condemn the killings which have taken place there. It's an extremely serious matter and&nbsp;we support the call for an independent investigation."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Reports have said that more than 300 people have been killed and the total number of casualties&nbsp;is likely to increase.</p>

<p>Refuting the claims of brutality, Russia said the reports of civilian killings in Bucha were "fakes" aimed at discrediting Russia.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukrainian-mums-write-family-contacts-on-bodies-of-their-babies-and-europe-is-still-discussing-gas-468513">'Ukrainian mums write family contacts on bodies of their babies and Europe is still discussing gas'</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Ukrainian President Zelensky to address UNSC, blames Russia for brutal killings in Bucha</strong></p>

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<p>"What is India advocating in Ukraine? We are, first and foremost, strongly against conflict. We believe that no solution can be arrived at by shedding blood and at the cost of innocent lives. In this day and age, dialogue and diplomacy are the right answers to any disputes," said Jaishankar.</p>

<p>He urged countries to respect the international law, sovereignty and territorial integrity of all States. "This should bear in mind that contemporary global order has been built on UN Charter, on respect for international law, and for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all States," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said. "In terms of diplomacy, India continues to press forcefully for an immediate cessation of hostilities and&nbsp;an end to violence. We encourage talks between Ukraine and&nbsp;Russia, including at the level of their Presidents. PM has spoken to them both in this regard."&nbsp;</p>


India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday (April 6) weighed in on the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, stating the nation has chosen a side — a side of peace.

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday (April 6) weighed in on the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, stating the nation has chosen a side — a side of peace. He asserted that India is strongly against the conflict, which continues to escalate. Jaishankar was replying to questions over India's stand in the lower house of the Parliament, especially over the latest developments coming in from ground zero. Russia has been accused of war crimes and genocide after mass graves were allegedly found in Bucha, a town outside Kyiv after Russian troops recently withdrew from that area. ALSO READ | How Ukraine war took toll on comedian-turned unlikely war president Volodymyr Zelensky Apart from mass graves, some of the dead bodies were lying on the streets. Authorities claimed that women and young girls were raped, tortured and then killed. The bodies of some girls were even branded. In response to Bucha reports, Jaishankar condemned the alleged atrocities and supported the call for an independent investigation. He said, "We're deeply disturbed by the reports. We strongly condemn the killings which have taken place there. It's an extremely serious matter and we support the call for an independent investigation." Reports have said that more than 300 people have been killed and the total number of casualties is likely to increase. Refuting the claims of brutality, Russia said the reports of civilian killings in Bucha were "fakes" aimed at discrediting Russia. ALSO READ | 'Ukrainian mums write family contacts on bodies of their babies and Europe is still discussing gas' WATCH | Ukrainian President Zelensky to address UNSC, blames Russia for brutal killings in Bucha × "What is India advocating in Ukraine? We are, first and foremost, strongly against conflict. We believe that no solution can be arrived at by shedding blood and at the cost of innocent lives. In this day and age, dialogue and diplomacy are the right answers to any disputes," said Jaishankar. He urged countries to respect the international law, sovereignty and territorial integrity of all States. "This should bear in mind that contemporary global order has been built on UN Charter, on respect for international law, and for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all States," he added. He said. "In terms of diplomacy, India continues to press forcefully for an immediate cessation of hostilities and an end to violence. We encourage talks between Ukraine and Russia, including at the level of their Presidents. PM has spoken to them both in this regard."

'We're deeply disturbed': India supports calls for independent probe in Bucha atrocities, says Jaishankar

<p>Just months ago, Germany’s plans to build a terminal for receiving shiploads of liquefied natural gas were in disarray. Would-be developers were not convinced that customers would make enough use of a facility that can cost billions of dollars. And concerns about climate change undermined the future of a fossil fuel like natural gas.</p>

<p>Perceptions have changed. After Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the Kremlin’s threats to sever fuel supplies, the government in Berlin has decided it needs these massive facilities — as many as four of them — to wean the country off Russian gas and act as a lifeline in case Moscow turns off the taps. The cost to the taxpayer now seems to be a secondary consideration.</p>

<p>Most of the gas that Europe buys from Russia to power its electrical utilities is delivered through pipelines, over land or under the sea. Liquefied natural gas provides another way to move gas great distances when pipelines are not an option. Natural gas is chilled to a liquid and loaded on special tankers. It then can be transported to any port with equipment to turn it back into a gas and pump it into the power grid.</p>

<p>“We are aiming to build LNG terminals in Germany,” Robert Habeck, the country’s economy minister, recently said before talks with potential gas suppliers.</p>

<p>Habeck is a politician from the environmentalist Greens but is finding, somewhat to his dismay, that Germany needs the fossil fuel.</p>

<p>On Saturday, Lithuania said it had stopped buying natural gas from Russia. The cutoff won’t cause much pain to the Russian budget because Lithuania is a tiny country. But, as a member of the European Union, its decision held symbolic geopolitical importance. Europe’s energy transition took on new urgency Monday in the wake of global horror at images of bodies lying in the streets in areas of Ukraine from which Russian troops have withdrawn. Leaders debated how to punish Russia without putting Europe at risk of losing critical fuel supplies too quickly.</p>

<p>Much as it is changing attitudes across Europe and in Germany, the continent’s largest economy, Russia’s invasion into Ukraine is reshaping energy markets globally. For years, Europe has imported enormous volumes of gas from Russia to heat homes and power industry, but now that practice, which depends on billions of dollars’ worth of pipelines, faces severe curtailment.</p>

<p>The EU wants to end what is now deemed an unhealthy entanglement by 2030. Within a year, it wants to slash dependence on Russia, which supplied 40% of European gas last year, by two-thirds.</p>

<p>How will these huge volumes of Russian gas be replaced? The EU is betting on liquefied natural gas.</p>

<p>Europe’s leaders want to round up 50 billion cubic meters of additional LNG cargoes over the next year, which amounts to about half of the Russian gas it wants to ditch. That’s not all Europe is doing. Officials could get more gas via a pipeline from Norway and Azerbaijan. They also want to reduce gas consumption by ramping up wind and solar power projects, and are calling on citizens to turn down thermostats. But analysts say that Europe would struggle to swiftly replace so much gas. That is one reason that Germany is preparing for rationing.</p>

<p>These higher volumes of LNG, which would most likely need to continue for years, could cost around $50 billion at current prices, but much less if bought on long-term contracts from the United States, where prices are a fraction of those in Europe and Asia.</p>

<p>Europe’s scramble raises the prospect of a global battle over supplies in a market that analysts say has little slack. Asia, not Europe, is usually the prime destination for LNG. China, Japan and South Korea were the leading buyers last year.</p>

<p>The additional gas that Europe is targeting would add around 10% to global demand, creating a tug of war with other countries for fuel. That prospect could mean that gas prices that have touched record levels in recent months will remain high, prolonging misery for consumers and squeezing industry.</p>

<p>On Friday, for instance, home energy bills for millions of British consumers rose by 54%, largely because of soaring wholesale gas costs. Futures prices don’t offer any sign of relief.</p>

<p>“Over the next three years, competition for LNG is going to be extremely fierce,” said Massimo Di Odoardo, vice president for gas at Wood Mackenzie, a market research firm. “Europe and Asia are going to be pulling the blanket” to cover their needs, he added.</p>

<p>In theory, high prices should spur investment in more gas fields. But it is far from certain how much new production today’s high prices in Europe will encourage.</p>

<p>“Clearly in the short term you can’t replace that amount of gas,” said James Henderson, chair of the gas program at the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies, a research institution.</p>

<p>But, Henderson added, Europe is also likely to spend money accelerating its shift to cleaner energy, reducing demand for fossil fuels.</p>

<p>That potential damper isn’t stopping Germany from building what would be its first liquefied natural gas terminal and a flurry of new and expansion projects elsewhere in Europe. Berlin seems to have settled on a permanent terminal for a port called Brunsbüttel near Hamburg and also has options on three floating structures, which are cheaper. One could be ready in a matter of months.</p>

<p>Even before the latest announcements, LNG volumes for Europe were outpacing Russian pipeline gas. Tankers carrying gas were attracted by the high prices in Europe, which were stoked by tensions over Ukraine; they are now about seven times what they were a year ago. Those prices are a boon to the world’s major liquefied natural gas exporters: Qatar, Australia and, above all, the United States, whose shipments of the fuel, a product of shale drilling, increased by 50% in 2021 over the year before.</p>

<p>These energy riches bring political clout. Washington has been offering LNG to help Europe break its Russian energy links, a longstanding goal of some U.S. politicians.</p>

<p>On March 25, the Biden administration and the EU agreed that the United States would “strive to ensure” that at least 15 billion cubic meters in additional LNG this year reaches Europe, an amount comparable to around 10% of the gas that Europe imports from Russia.</p>

<p>Analysts say that this commitment is achievable, but mainly because of market dynamics rather than government policies. In the first three months of 2022, at least 115 cargoes of chilled gas left the facilities of Cheniere Energy, the largest U.S. supplier of LNG, and headed to Europe, more than double the total in the same period in 2021, according to the company.</p>

<p>Di Odoardo figures that LNG flows from the United States to Europe have already reached two-thirds of the bilateral target for this year, and so reaching it should be “easy.”</p>

<p>Washington has also leaned on other countries, including Japan, to give up some of their cargoes, and this has led to a substantial drop in shipments heading to Asia from the United States, according to analysts. Over time, though, such generosity may be a harder sell, especially if the war in Ukraine continues indefinitely and markets tighten further.</p>

<p>“Under the current conditions, I don’t think that Japan has the room to commit to long-term, continuous LNG shipments,” said Michitaka Hattori, a director at the Japan Institute for Russian &amp; NIS Economic Studies.</p>

<p>The surest way to bring prices down is to add more supply. High prices will encourage marginal increases in exports, but it usually takes more than two years to build new facilities for processing gas such as the terminal that Germany wants to build. Of course, LNG demand, which grew 6% in 2021, will most likely continue to grow as China and other countries shift to gas from pollution-spewing coal.</p>

<p>“I think the winter market for gas is going to remain very tight because of Asia’s shift from coal to gas,” said Marco Alverà, CEO of Snam, a large Italian energy company.</p>

<p>Cheniere Energy is moving ahead with a large expansion of its export facility at Corpus Christi, Texas. Qatar also says it is working on adding an enormous slug of LNG in the next five years.</p>

<p>Developers, though, will be wary of whether the current boom in Europe might fade well before the expiration of the new LNG projects, which are generally expected to operate for 20 years or more. And European leaders insist they still view gas as a temporary fix before renewable energy sources like wind, solar and hydrogen take over.</p>

<p>“There is a question mark there about how much new gas will be needed,” Henderson said.</p>


Just months ago, Germany’s plans to build a terminal for receiving shiploads of liquefied natural gas were in disarray. Would-be developers were not convinced that customers would make enough use of a facility that can cost billions of dollars.

Just months ago, Germany’s plans to build a terminal for receiving shiploads of liquefied natural gas were in disarray. Would-be developers were not convinced that customers would make enough use of a facility that can cost billions of dollars. And concerns about climate change undermined the future of a fossil fuel like natural gas. Perceptions have changed. After Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the Kremlin’s threats to sever fuel supplies, the government in Berlin has decided it needs these massive facilities — as many as four of them — to wean the country off Russian gas and act as a lifeline in case Moscow turns off the taps. The cost to the taxpayer now seems to be a secondary consideration. Most of the gas that Europe buys from Russia to power its electrical utilities is delivered through pipelines, over land or under the sea. Liquefied natural gas provides another way to move gas great distances when pipelines are not an option. Natural gas is chilled to a liquid and loaded on special tankers. It then can be transported to any port with equipment to turn it back into a gas and pump it into the power grid. “We are aiming to build LNG terminals in Germany,” Robert Habeck, the country’s economy minister, recently said before talks with potential gas suppliers. Habeck is a politician from the environmentalist Greens but is finding, somewhat to his dismay, that Germany needs the fossil fuel. On Saturday, Lithuania said it had stopped buying natural gas from Russia. The cutoff won’t cause much pain to the Russian budget because Lithuania is a tiny country. But, as a member of the European Union, its decision held symbolic geopolitical importance. Europe’s energy transition took on new urgency Monday in the wake of global horror at images of bodies lying in the streets in areas of Ukraine from which Russian troops have withdrawn. Leaders debated how to punish Russia without putting Europe at risk of losing critical fuel supplies too quickly. Much as it is changing attitudes across Europe and in Germany, the continent’s largest economy, Russia’s invasion into Ukraine is reshaping energy markets globally. For years, Europe has imported enormous volumes of gas from Russia to heat homes and power industry, but now that practice, which depends on billions of dollars’ worth of pipelines, faces severe curtailment. The EU wants to end what is now deemed an unhealthy entanglement by 2030. Within a year, it wants to slash dependence on Russia, which supplied 40% of European gas last year, by two-thirds. How will these huge volumes of Russian gas be replaced? The EU is betting on liquefied natural gas. Europe’s leaders want to round up 50 billion cubic meters of additional LNG cargoes over the next year, which amounts to about half of the Russian gas it wants to ditch. That’s not all Europe is doing. Officials could get more gas via a pipeline from Norway and Azerbaijan. They also want to reduce gas consumption by ramping up wind and solar power projects, and are calling on citizens to turn down thermostats. But analysts say that Europe would struggle to swiftly replace so much gas. That is one reason that Germany is preparing for rationing. These higher volumes of LNG, which would most likely need to continue for years, could cost around $50 billion at current prices, but much less if bought on long-term contracts from the United States, where prices are a fraction of those in Europe and Asia. Europe’s scramble raises the prospect of a global battle over supplies in a market that analysts say has little slack. Asia, not Europe, is usually the prime destination for LNG. China, Japan and South Korea were the leading buyers last year. The additional gas that Europe is targeting would add around 10% to global demand, creating a tug of war with other countries for fuel. That prospect could mean that gas prices that have touched record levels in recent months will remain high, prolonging misery for consumers and squeezing industry. On Friday, for instance, home energy bills for millions of British consumers rose by 54%, largely because of soaring wholesale gas costs. Futures prices don’t offer any sign of relief. “Over the next three years, competition for LNG is going to be extremely fierce,” said Massimo Di Odoardo, vice president for gas at Wood Mackenzie, a market research firm. “Europe and Asia are going to be pulling the blanket” to cover their needs, he added. In theory, high prices should spur investment in more gas fields. But it is far from certain how much new production today’s high prices in Europe will encourage. “Clearly in the short term you can’t replace that amount of gas,” said James Henderson, chair of the gas program at the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies, a research institution. But, Henderson added, Europe is also likely to spend money accelerating its shift to cleaner energy, reducing demand for fossil fuels. That potential damper isn’t stopping Germany from building what would be its first liquefied natural gas terminal and a flurry of new and expansion projects elsewhere in Europe. Berlin seems to have settled on a permanent terminal for a port called Brunsbüttel near Hamburg and also has options on three floating structures, which are cheaper. One could be ready in a matter of months. Even before the latest announcements, LNG volumes for Europe were outpacing Russian pipeline gas. Tankers carrying gas were attracted by the high prices in Europe, which were stoked by tensions over Ukraine; they are now about seven times what they were a year ago. Those prices are a boon to the world’s major liquefied natural gas exporters: Qatar, Australia and, above all, the United States, whose shipments of the fuel, a product of shale drilling, increased by 50% in 2021 over the year before. These energy riches bring political clout. Washington has been offering LNG to help Europe break its Russian energy links, a longstanding goal of some U.S. politicians. On March 25, the Biden administration and the EU agreed that the United States would “strive to ensure” that at least 15 billion cubic meters in additional LNG this year reaches Europe, an amount comparable to around 10% of the gas that Europe imports from Russia. Analysts say that this commitment is achievable, but mainly because of market dynamics rather than government policies. In the first three months of 2022, at least 115 cargoes of chilled gas left the facilities of Cheniere Energy, the largest U.S. supplier of LNG, and headed to Europe, more than double the total in the same period in 2021, according to the company. Di Odoardo figures that LNG flows from the United States to Europe have already reached two-thirds of the bilateral target for this year, and so reaching it should be “easy.” Washington has also leaned on other countries, including Japan, to give up some of their cargoes, and this has led to a substantial drop in shipments heading to Asia from the United States, according to analysts. Over time, though, such generosity may be a harder sell, especially if the war in Ukraine continues indefinitely and markets tighten further. “Under the current conditions, I don’t think that Japan has the room to commit to long-term, continuous LNG shipments,” said Michitaka Hattori, a director at the Japan Institute for Russian & NIS Economic Studies. The surest way to bring prices down is to add more supply. High prices will encourage marginal increases in exports, but it usually takes more than two years to build new facilities for processing gas such as the terminal that Germany wants to build. Of course, LNG demand, which grew 6% in 2021, will most likely continue to grow as China and other countries shift to gas from pollution-spewing coal. “I think the winter market for gas is going to remain very tight because of Asia’s shift from coal to gas,” said Marco Alverà, CEO of Snam, a large Italian energy company. Cheniere Energy is moving ahead with a large expansion of its export facility at Corpus Christi, Texas. Qatar also says it is working on adding an enormous slug of LNG in the next five years. Developers, though, will be wary of whether the current boom in Europe might fade well before the expiration of the new LNG projects, which are generally expected to operate for 20 years or more. And European leaders insist they still view gas as a temporary fix before renewable energy sources like wind, solar and hydrogen take over. “There is a question mark there about how much new gas will be needed,” Henderson said.

How the recoil from Russian gas is scrambling world markets

<p>In an address to the Security Council on Tuesday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky railed against the UN's ineffectiveness in stopping Russia's ongoing conflict.</p>

<p>Following the finding of widespread civilian executions in the Kyiv district of Bucha, Zelensky warned the UN Security Council that the group had two options: Punish Russia or disband itself.</p>

<p>"As an aggressor and a cause of conflict," Zelensky urged the Security Council to remove Russia, which is a permanent member of the body, "so it cannot block decisions regarding its own aggression."</p>

<p>He also suggested that the UN's security council "dissolve" and reorganise completely.</p>

<p>"If there is no other option," Zelensky&nbsp;remarked, "the next option would be to disintegrate yourself completely."</p>

<p>After Russian forces retreated from the Kyiv region, hundreds of Ukrainian people were found dead in Bucha. Zelensky spoke before the council a few days later.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zelensky-says-ukraine-had-no-option-but-to-negotiate-with-russia-to-end-war-but-will-putin-hold-talks-468562">Zelensky says Ukraine had 'no option but to negotiate' with Russia to end war. But will Putin hold talks?</a></strong></p>

<p>According to media sources, many bodies were discovered in partially excavated mass graves, while others were discovered lying on the streets.</p>

<p>Zelensky used his Tuesday speech to push for a global security system reform.</p>

<p>Russia, which invaded Ukraine in late February, has used its veto to prevent the UN from taking measures to stop and condemn Putin's aggression.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: Ukraine accuses Russia of genocide in Bucha</strong></p>

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<p><br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In an address to the Security Council on Tuesday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky railed against the UN's ineffectiveness in stopping Russia's ongoing conflict.

In an address to the Security Council on Tuesday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky railed against the UN's ineffectiveness in stopping Russia's ongoing conflict. Following the finding of widespread civilian executions in the Kyiv district of Bucha, Zelensky warned the UN Security Council that the group had two options: Punish Russia or disband itself. "As an aggressor and a cause of conflict," Zelensky urged the Security Council to remove Russia, which is a permanent member of the body, "so it cannot block decisions regarding its own aggression." He also suggested that the UN's security council "dissolve" and reorganise completely. "If there is no other option," Zelensky remarked, "the next option would be to disintegrate yourself completely." After Russian forces retreated from the Kyiv region, hundreds of Ukrainian people were found dead in Bucha. Zelensky spoke before the council a few days later. ALSO READ | Zelensky says Ukraine had 'no option but to negotiate' with Russia to end war. But will Putin hold talks? According to media sources, many bodies were discovered in partially excavated mass graves, while others were discovered lying on the streets. Zelensky used his Tuesday speech to push for a global security system reform. Russia, which invaded Ukraine in late February, has used its veto to prevent the UN from taking measures to stop and condemn Putin's aggression. WATCH | Gravitas: Ukraine accuses Russia of genocide in Bucha × (With inputs from agencies)

'Punish Russia or 'dissolve yourself altogether': Zelensky tells the UNSC

The Bucha massacre in Ukraine has shocked the entire world. The West has pledged to punish Russia for Bucha and European Union is planning to ban Russian coals completely.

European Union plans to ban Russian coals completely as West pledges to punish Russia for Bucha

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy blames Russia for the brutual killings in Bucha and will address UNSC meet via video link.

Ukrainian President Zelensky to address UNSC, blames Russia for brutal killings in Bucha

<p>Taking a strict stance against Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Latvia has ordered the closure of two Russian consulates in the country and told staff to leave the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A report by Sputnik mentioned that Latvia will also expel 13 Russian diplomats because of the "unprovoked and unjustified" military operations by Russia in Ukrainian cities.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The so-called "special military operation" ordered by Russian President Vladimir Putin on February 24 has left the country reeling as several towns and cities have been completely destroyed by shelling and bombing by Russian troops.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zelensky-says-ukraine-had-no-option-but-to-negotiate-with-russia-to-end-war-but-will-putin-hold-talks-468562">Zelensky says Ukraine had 'no option but to negotiate' with Russia to end war. But will Putin hold talks?</a></strong></p>

<p>As per data provided by the Ukrainian authorities, hundreds have been killed, thousands are injured and millions have been displaced in Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Russia is also facing wrath as Western countries have slapped multiple economic sanctions to cripple and isolate the nation.</p>

<p>The country has also been accused of committing war crimes in Ukraine after mass graves and evidence of rape and torture were claimed to be found in the town of Bucha, which is west of the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Fresh calls have been made to issue more sanctions against Russia after reports of Bucha atrocities emerged.&nbsp; &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukrainian-mums-write-family-contacts-on-bodies-of-their-babies-and-europe-is-still-discussing-gas-468513">'Ukrainian mums write family contacts on bodies of their babies and Europe is still discussing gas'</a></strong></p>

<p>As quoted by news agencies, Latvia's&nbsp;ministry said in a statement: "The decision was taken in solidarity with Ukraine in its fight against the unprovoked and unjustified military aggression and war started by Russia."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Quoting the ministry statement, news agencies also mentioned that in Latvia, the consulates in the towns of Daugavpils and Liepaja will have to close and the staff members will have to leave by the end of April.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As reported by Sputnik, Estonia is expelling 14 Russian diplomats, closing the consulate in Narva and the office of the embassy in Tartu. Meanwhile, Spain expelled 'around' 25 Russian diplomats.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In response, Kremlin has said that Europe's expulsion of diplomats is a "short-sighted move".&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Spain seizes Russian oligarch Viktor Vekselberg's superyacht for US</strong></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>


Taking a strict stance against Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Latvia has ordered the closure of two Russian consulates in the country and told staff to leave the country.

Taking a strict stance against Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Latvia has ordered the closure of two Russian consulates in the country and told staff to leave the country. A report by Sputnik mentioned that Latvia will also expel 13 Russian diplomats because of the "unprovoked and unjustified" military operations by Russia in Ukrainian cities. The so-called "special military operation" ordered by Russian President Vladimir Putin on February 24 has left the country reeling as several towns and cities have been completely destroyed by shelling and bombing by Russian troops. ALSO READ | Zelensky says Ukraine had 'no option but to negotiate' with Russia to end war. But will Putin hold talks? As per data provided by the Ukrainian authorities, hundreds have been killed, thousands are injured and millions have been displaced in Ukraine. Russia is also facing wrath as Western countries have slapped multiple economic sanctions to cripple and isolate the nation. The country has also been accused of committing war crimes in Ukraine after mass graves and evidence of rape and torture were claimed to be found in the town of Bucha, which is west of the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv. Fresh calls have been made to issue more sanctions against Russia after reports of Bucha atrocities emerged. ALSO READ | 'Ukrainian mums write family contacts on bodies of their babies and Europe is still discussing gas' As quoted by news agencies, Latvia's ministry said in a statement: "The decision was taken in solidarity with Ukraine in its fight against the unprovoked and unjustified military aggression and war started by Russia." Quoting the ministry statement, news agencies also mentioned that in Latvia, the consulates in the towns of Daugavpils and Liepaja will have to close and the staff members will have to leave by the end of April. As reported by Sputnik, Estonia is expelling 14 Russian diplomats, closing the consulate in Narva and the office of the embassy in Tartu. Meanwhile, Spain expelled 'around' 25 Russian diplomats. In response, Kremlin has said that Europe's expulsion of diplomats is a "short-sighted move". WATCH | Spain seizes Russian oligarch Viktor Vekselberg's superyacht for US ×

Latvia closes two Russian consulates, expels staff in a move against 'unjustified' war in Ukraine

<p>Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday (April 5) said that negotiation with Russia is the only option left to end the ongoing war, which has left the country in tatters. But will the talks happen?&nbsp;</p>

<p>During an interview with Ukrainian journalists broadcast on national television, Zelensky said, "All of us, including myself, will perceive even the possibility of negotiations as a challenge."&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added that the "challenge is internal". During the conversation, the Ukrainian President said, "First of all, one's own, human challenge. Then, when you pull yourself together, and you have to do it, I think that we have no other choice."&nbsp;</p>

<p>As he addressed the media outlet, Zelensky spoke about how Russian troops carried out extra-judicial killings in the town of Bucha west of the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukrainian-mums-write-family-contacts-on-bodies-of-their-babies-and-europe-is-still-discussing-gas-468513">'Ukrainian mums write family contacts on bodies of their babies and Europe is still discussing gas'</a></strong></p>

<hr />
<blockquote>
<p>All of us will perceive even the possibility of negotiations – I am not even talking about the content of the talks – as a challenge. The challenge is internal, first of all, one's own, human challenge. What shall we do now? Then, when you pull yourself together, and you have to do it, I think that I have no other choice" -&nbsp;<strong>Zelensky</strong></p>
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
<p>"The most difficult thing is to talk about what they (Russians) have done, recognize them as an enemy, know that it is a Russian war against Ukraine. It needs to be recognized. We believe it is genocide. We believe they must be held accountable for it. And having such a stance, we must look for a possibility to meet. And when we meet, we must find a solution. And solution cannot mean loss of our territory. I believe we must set such a goal for the talks. And then we will see what happens. There is a chance that the meeting will not happen. It is possible" -&nbsp;<strong>Zelensky</strong></p>

<p>"Russia has its own view of Donbas while we have ours. For that reason, I had a simple proposal. I believe we will not be able to reach an agreement on all points at once. It is impossible even if we hold talks. It is impossible" -&nbsp;<strong>Zelensky</strong></p>
</blockquote>

<hr />
<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/swastika-shaped-burns-ukrainian-mp-claims-russian-soldiers-raped-and-branded-girls-shows-gory-image-468336">'Swastika-shaped burns': Ukrainian MP claims Russian soldiers raped and branded girls, shows gory image</a></strong></p>

<p>Mass graves were found in Bucha and some of the dead bodies were lying on the streets. Authorities claimed that women and young girls were raped, tortured and then killed. The bodies of some girls were even branded.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Refuting the claims of brutality, former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said the reports of civilian killings in Bucha were "fakes" aimed at discrediting Russia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Moscow has also said it would present "empirical evidence" to a meeting of the United Nations Security Council on Tuesday (April 5) to provide credible information that its forces were not involved in any killings.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Zelensky said that the events in Bucha were unforgivable but Ukraine and Russia should take the difficult option of pursuing talks.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Important to note that the talks are going via video link, reported the Russian news agency Interfax citing a deputy Russian foreign minister as saying.&nbsp;</p>

<p>So far, there's no official comment on whether Russian President Vladimir Putin is interested in holding talks with his Ukrainian counterpart.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Russian invasion: 4.2 million Ukrainians displaced in 40 days</strong></p>

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<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday (April 5) said that negotiation with Russia is the only option left to end the ongoing war, which has left the country in tatters.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday (April 5) said that negotiation with Russia is the only option left to end the ongoing war, which has left the country in tatters. But will the talks happen? During an interview with Ukrainian journalists broadcast on national television, Zelensky said, "All of us, including myself, will perceive even the possibility of negotiations as a challenge." He added that the "challenge is internal". During the conversation, the Ukrainian President said, "First of all, one's own, human challenge. Then, when you pull yourself together, and you have to do it, I think that we have no other choice." As he addressed the media outlet, Zelensky spoke about how Russian troops carried out extra-judicial killings in the town of Bucha west of the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv. ALSO READ | 'Ukrainian mums write family contacts on bodies of their babies and Europe is still discussing gas' All of us will perceive even the possibility of negotiations – I am not even talking about the content of the talks – as a challenge. The challenge is internal, first of all, one's own, human challenge. What shall we do now? Then, when you pull yourself together, and you have to do it, I think that I have no other choice" - Zelensky "The most difficult thing is to talk about what they (Russians) have done, recognize them as an enemy, know that it is a Russian war against Ukraine. It needs to be recognized. We believe it is genocide. We believe they must be held accountable for it. And having such a stance, we must look for a possibility to meet. And when we meet, we must find a solution. And solution cannot mean loss of our territory. I believe we must set such a goal for the talks. And then we will see what happens. There is a chance that the meeting will not happen. It is possible" - Zelensky "Russia has its own view of Donbas while we have ours. For that reason, I had a simple proposal. I believe we will not be able to reach an agreement on all points at once. It is impossible even if we hold talks. It is impossible" - Zelensky ALSO READ | 'Swastika-shaped burns': Ukrainian MP claims Russian soldiers raped and branded girls, shows gory image Mass graves were found in Bucha and some of the dead bodies were lying on the streets. Authorities claimed that women and young girls were raped, tortured and then killed. The bodies of some girls were even branded. Refuting the claims of brutality, former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said the reports of civilian killings in Bucha were "fakes" aimed at discrediting Russia. Moscow has also said it would present "empirical evidence" to a meeting of the United Nations Security Council on Tuesday (April 5) to provide credible information that its forces were not involved in any killings. Meanwhile, Zelensky said that the events in Bucha were unforgivable but Ukraine and Russia should take the difficult option of pursuing talks. Important to note that the talks are going via video link, reported the Russian news agency Interfax citing a deputy Russian foreign minister as saying. So far, there's no official comment on whether Russian President Vladimir Putin is interested in holding talks with his Ukrainian counterpart. WATCH | Russian invasion: 4.2 million Ukrainians displaced in 40 days × (With inputs from agencies)

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Ukraine is accusing Russia of unleashing a genocide in the recently liberated city of Bucha. Russia has rejected the charges, calling them fake news. Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you more.

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The Russian invasion of Ukraine has displaced millions but it's been a particular challenge to the elderly. A lot of them are Jewish survivors of the Nazi holocaust and eight decades after world war 2 appended their lives another war has arrived at their doorsteps.

Russian invasion: 4.2 million Ukrainians displaced in 40 days

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<p><strong><em>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.</em></strong></p>

<p>Russia has been accused of committing war crimes and genocide after mass graves were allegedly found in Bucha, a town outside Kyiv. Russian troops recently withdrew from that area. But Ukrainian authorities claimed that multiple dead bodies were found and reports of loot, rape and torture also emerged.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Millions have left Ukraine to save their lives and those who are still there speak about the brutality committed by Russian troops. Kremlin, on the other hand, denies all the allegations, labelling them as "fake" and Western "propaganda".&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/swastika-shaped-burns-ukrainian-mp-claims-russian-soldiers-raped-and-branded-girls-shows-gory-image-468336">'Swastika-shaped burns': Ukrainian MP claims Russian soldiers raped and branded girls, shows gory image</a></strong></p>

<p>Meanwhile, such claims keep emerging. In the latest development, Ukrainian mothers, who fear dying and leaving kids behind, are writing family contact details on the bodies of their children.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Photos of the same are going viral on social media forums. An independent journalist Anastasiia Lapatina also posted a similar image on Twitter, claiming that "Ukrainian mothers are writing family contacts on the bodies of their children in case they are killed and their child survives. And Europe is still discussing gas."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-russia-destroys-worlds-largest-commercial-airplane-in-ukraine-mriya-468458">Russia-Ukraine war: Antonov AN-225, world's largest plane, in tatters. See pics</a></strong></p>

<p>In the photo, a small girl can be seen with contact details written in the local language on her back. While cross-checking, the same photo was posted by the girl's mother Sasha Makoviy on Instagram three days ago.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After translation, it was revealed that the woman wrote details of family contact "in case something happens, someone would welcome her as a survivor".&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><em>Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media.&nbsp;</em></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Ukrainian mothers are writing their family contacts on the bodies of their children in case they get killed and the child survives. And Europe is still discussing gas. <a href="https://t.co/sK26wnBOWj">pic.twitter.com/sK26wnBOWj</a></p>
— Anastasiia Lapatina (@lapatina_) <a href="https://twitter.com/lapatina_/status/1511059303611969542?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Russian invasion: 4.2 million Ukrainians displaced in 40 days</strong></p>

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<p>Meanwhile, satellite images taken in mid-March and released by the firm Maxar Technologies appeared to show bodies lying in the streets of Bucha.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Moscow has "categorically" denied responsibility for civilian deaths in the area, claiming images were "fakes" and that any killings came after Ukrainian forces entered Bucha.&nbsp;</p>


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. Russia has been accused of committing war crimes and genocide after mass graves were allegedly found in Bucha, a town outside Kyiv. Russian troops recently withdrew from that area. But Ukrainian authorities claimed that multiple dead bodies were found and reports of loot, rape and torture also emerged. Millions have left Ukraine to save their lives and those who are still there speak about the brutality committed by Russian troops. Kremlin, on the other hand, denies all the allegations, labelling them as "fake" and Western "propaganda". ALSO READ | 'Swastika-shaped burns': Ukrainian MP claims Russian soldiers raped and branded girls, shows gory image Meanwhile, such claims keep emerging. In the latest development, Ukrainian mothers, who fear dying and leaving kids behind, are writing family contact details on the bodies of their children. Photos of the same are going viral on social media forums. An independent journalist Anastasiia Lapatina also posted a similar image on Twitter, claiming that "Ukrainian mothers are writing family contacts on the bodies of their children in case they are killed and their child survives. And Europe is still discussing gas." IN PICS | Russia-Ukraine war: Antonov AN-225, world's largest plane, in tatters. See pics In the photo, a small girl can be seen with contact details written in the local language on her back. While cross-checking, the same photo was posted by the girl's mother Sasha Makoviy on Instagram three days ago. After translation, it was revealed that the woman wrote details of family contact "in case something happens, someone would welcome her as a survivor". Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media. Ukrainian mothers are writing their family contacts on the bodies of their children in case they get killed and the child survives. And Europe is still discussing gas. pic.twitter.com/sK26wnBOWj — Anastasiia Lapatina (@lapatina_) April 4, 2022 × View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sasha Makoviy (@aleksandra.mako) × View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sasha Makoviy (@aleksandra.mako) × WATCH | Russian invasion: 4.2 million Ukrainians displaced in 40 days × Meanwhile, satellite images taken in mid-March and released by the firm Maxar Technologies appeared to show bodies lying in the streets of Bucha. Moscow has "categorically" denied responsibility for civilian deaths in the area, claiming images were "fakes" and that any killings came after Ukrainian forces entered Bucha.

'Ukrainian mums write family contacts on bodies of their babies and Europe is still discussing gas'

<p>Emphasizing the "trust which underpins the Australia India relationship", Australian High Commissioner to India has said that the two countries "share the Indian Ocean" and "at our heart...are both Indo-Pacific nations."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The comments come even as both sides have seen increased engagement, including the signing of the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement over the weekend.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/rice-from-india-to-arrive-in-the-country-soon-says-indian-envoy-to-sri-lanka-gopal-baglay-468358" hreflang="en">Exclusive: 'Rice from India to arrive in the country soon,' says Indian envoy to Sri Lanka Gopal Baglay</a></strong></p>

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison met each other virtually three times in the last month; the QUAD meet, summit and the signing of the trade pact.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The High commissioner explained, "Our geography places us squarely in the middle of the world’s strategic centre of gravity. And as the international system becomes more multi-polar, the region’s resilience will be tested".</p>

<p>This comes even as an ever-aggressive China has been a worry for both countries.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Without mentioning China's name, he said, "there is a panda in the room" pointing to the border tensions India has been facing and the trade coercion that Australia faces which has also been the driving force behind Indo-Australia defence ties.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/as-indias-sc-resumes-physical-hearing-after-2-years-lets-look-at-key-rulings-that-marked-lockdown-468215" hreflang="en">As India’s SC resumes physical hearing after 2 years, let’s look at key rulings that marked lockdown</a></strong></p>

<p>The 2020 Virtual Summit saw both sides deepening military cooperation through a Mutual Logistics Support Agreement – allowing more interoperability.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Australia is part of the Malabar exercises, and the Australian Navy also participates in India's largest naval exercise, Milan. Additionally, an Australian Navy liaison officer has been deputed at India's Information Fusion Centre. Canberra also has a 2+2 ministerial dialogue with Delhi.</p>

<p>At the 2022 Australia-India Institute Oration, in response to a question over Indian position on the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the High Commissioner said, "Australia understands India's position.." explaining, "some of my friends and I have differences but I respect their right to support another football team, there right to send their children to this school, my right to send children to that school...so it has not got in the way, that way clear in the quad meeting where each country made the position clear at Ukraine"</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;India goods trade crosses $1 trillion</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-goods-trade-crosses-1-trillion-468158/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Amid the invasion, India has abstained from various resolutions on the Ukraine-Russia war at the United Nations. While Delhi has called for respecting the UN Charter, international law and territorial integrity and sovereignty of countries, it has also asked Moscow and Kyiv to have direct talks to cease hostilities.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Western countries have been asking India to strongly condemn Russian action, but Moscow has been a key support of Delhi at international forums and a key defence supplier as well.</p>

<p>The High commissioner said, "I get the fact, 65 years ago Prime Minister of India, an Indian PM 65 years ago....outlined a sensible doctrine where he said India was not in the business of condemnation but in the business of creating conditions in which solutions can be found, so keeping avenues open, dialogue open, got to be a good thing"</p>

<p>Asked about Canberra's position on Russia at the G20 grouping, HC underlined his government's position, saying, "we will continue to lobby that Putin should not be at G20. That is Australian government's position, and that is the position of number of other governments and that will be resolved by the G20 themselves."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Indonesia is the chair of the grouping this year and will hold the summit in November. Several western countries have been in touch with Jakarta for Russia's suspension from the economic grouping, but this will require a consensus that will be hard to achieve.</p>


Emphasizing the "trust which underpins the Australia India relationship", Australian High Commissioner to India has said that the two countries "share the Indian Ocean" and "at our heart.

Emphasizing the "trust which underpins the Australia India relationship", Australian High Commissioner to India has said that the two countries "share the Indian Ocean" and "at our heart...are both Indo-Pacific nations." The comments come even as both sides have seen increased engagement, including the signing of the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement over the weekend. Also read | Exclusive: 'Rice from India to arrive in the country soon,' says Indian envoy to Sri Lanka Gopal Baglay Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison met each other virtually three times in the last month; the QUAD meet, summit and the signing of the trade pact. The High commissioner explained, "Our geography places us squarely in the middle of the world’s strategic centre of gravity. And as the international system becomes more multi-polar, the region’s resilience will be tested". This comes even as an ever-aggressive China has been a worry for both countries. Without mentioning China's name, he said, "there is a panda in the room" pointing to the border tensions India has been facing and the trade coercion that Australia faces which has also been the driving force behind Indo-Australia defence ties. Also read | As India’s SC resumes physical hearing after 2 years, let’s look at key rulings that marked lockdown The 2020 Virtual Summit saw both sides deepening military cooperation through a Mutual Logistics Support Agreement – allowing more interoperability. Australia is part of the Malabar exercises, and the Australian Navy also participates in India's largest naval exercise, Milan. Additionally, an Australian Navy liaison officer has been deputed at India's Information Fusion Centre. Canberra also has a 2+2 ministerial dialogue with Delhi. At the 2022 Australia-India Institute Oration, in response to a question over Indian position on the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the High Commissioner said, "Australia understands India's position.." explaining, "some of my friends and I have differences but I respect their right to support another football team, there right to send their children to this school, my right to send children to that school...so it has not got in the way, that way clear in the quad meeting where each country made the position clear at Ukraine" Watch | India goods trade crosses $1 trillion Amid the invasion, India has abstained from various resolutions on the Ukraine-Russia war at the United Nations. While Delhi has called for respecting the UN Charter, international law and territorial integrity and sovereignty of countries, it has also asked Moscow and Kyiv to have direct talks to cease hostilities. Western countries have been asking India to strongly condemn Russian action, but Moscow has been a key support of Delhi at international forums and a key defence supplier as well. The High commissioner said, "I get the fact, 65 years ago Prime Minister of India, an Indian PM 65 years ago....outlined a sensible doctrine where he said India was not in the business of condemnation but in the business of creating conditions in which solutions can be found, so keeping avenues open, dialogue open, got to be a good thing" Asked about Canberra's position on Russia at the G20 grouping, HC underlined his government's position, saying, "we will continue to lobby that Putin should not be at G20. That is Australian government's position, and that is the position of number of other governments and that will be resolved by the G20 themselves." Indonesia is the chair of the grouping this year and will hold the summit in November. Several western countries have been in touch with Jakarta for Russia's suspension from the economic grouping, but this will require a consensus that will be hard to achieve.

India and Australia share the Indian Ocean, says Australian Envoy to India Barry O’Farrell

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="4">After apparent proof of mass atrocities by Russian forces surfaced from the Ukrainian city of Bucha, near the capital Kyiv, US President Joe Biden called for his Russian counterpart to face a war crimes tribunal on Monday.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="5">What is being revealed in Bucha, a city from which Russian troops recently left, has been dubbed "outrageous" by Biden.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="6">Biden told reporters that Russian President Vladimir Putin is a "war criminal" who "should be held accountable."</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="7">He insisted that before any legal action, the US and the international community needed to gather more evidence to back up the charges of war crimes.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="8">Putin, according to Biden, is "brutal."</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="9">"Everyone has seen what's going on in Bucha, and it's outrageous."&nbsp;</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="10">Biden feels what he has witnessed does not amount to genocide, but it is still a war crime.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Pro-Ukraine demonstrations begin in the West over Bucha mass killings</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pro-ukraine-demonstrations-begin-in-the-west-over-bucha-mass-killings-468307/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="10">He also promised to inflict more sanctions on the Kremlin.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="12">According to Ukraine's prosecutor-general, the bodies of at least 410 civilians were discovered in the city of Bucha on Sunday.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Russia-Ukrainian Crisis: Kharkiv becomes the worst-affected city in the country</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukrainian-crisis-kharkiv-becomes-the-worst-affected-city-in-the-country-468343/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="13">Russia has denied killing people during the withdrawal of its forces from villages near Kyiv.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="14">Antonio Guterres, the UN Secretary-General, has called for an independent investigation into the mass atrocities, as well as "effective accountability."</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="15">Ukraine has requested that international organisations send specialists to the country as quickly as possible to gather proof of Russian troops' war crimes.&nbsp;</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="16"><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


After apparent proof of mass atrocities by Russian forces surfaced from the Ukrainian city of Bucha, near the capital Kyiv, US President Joe Biden called for his Russian counterpart to face a war crimes tribunal on Monday.

After apparent proof of mass atrocities by Russian forces surfaced from the Ukrainian city of Bucha, near the capital Kyiv, US President Joe Biden called for his Russian counterpart to face a war crimes tribunal on Monday. What is being revealed in Bucha, a city from which Russian troops recently left, has been dubbed "outrageous" by Biden. Biden told reporters that Russian President Vladimir Putin is a "war criminal" who "should be held accountable." He insisted that before any legal action, the US and the international community needed to gather more evidence to back up the charges of war crimes. Putin, according to Biden, is "brutal." "Everyone has seen what's going on in Bucha, and it's outrageous." Biden feels what he has witnessed does not amount to genocide, but it is still a war crime. Watch | Pro-Ukraine demonstrations begin in the West over Bucha mass killings He also promised to inflict more sanctions on the Kremlin. According to Ukraine's prosecutor-general, the bodies of at least 410 civilians were discovered in the city of Bucha on Sunday. Watch | Russia-Ukrainian Crisis: Kharkiv becomes the worst-affected city in the country Russia has denied killing people during the withdrawal of its forces from villages near Kyiv. Antonio Guterres, the UN Secretary-General, has called for an independent investigation into the mass atrocities, as well as "effective accountability." Ukraine has requested that international organisations send specialists to the country as quickly as possible to gather proof of Russian troops' war crimes. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia-Ukraine conflict: Biden calls for Putin to face war crimes trial for Bucha killings

Mass graves, corpses in bags, these are the gruesome discoveries reported from the town of Bucha prompting Ukraine to once again accuse Russia of carrying out war crimes. global outrage grew over the images coming out of towns near Kyiv.

Ukraine accuses Russia after shocking images of civilian killings in Ukraine's Bucha surfaces

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<p><strong><em>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.</em></strong></p>

<p>Lesia Vasylenk, who is a Ukrainian Member of Parliament, alleged that Russian soldiers have raped girls and also branded them. According to Vasylenk, "swastika-shaped burns" were found on their bodies.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Taking to her official Twitter handle on Monday (April 4), the Ukrainian MP stated that&nbsp;Russian soldiers raped girls as young as 10 years old. She also mentioned that crimes such as loot and killings were also committed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Labelling Russia as a "nation of immoral criminals", Vasylenk alleged that the young girls were left with "vaginal and rectal tears". She also claimed that women's bodies with burns in the shape of a 'swastika', which is a hooked cross — to some extent similar to a sacred Hindu symbol, but entirely different. <em>(WION had previously explained it. <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-why-is-the-swastika-reviled-by-the-west-353475">Click Here</a></strong> to watch the report)&nbsp;</em></p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-war-russia-categorically-rejects-accusations-of-bucha-killings-and-atrocities-orders-probe-468270">Ukraine war: Russia 'categorically' rejects accusations of Bucha killings and atrocities, orders probe</a></strong></p>

<p>"Russian soldiers loot, rape and kill. 10 y.o. girls with vaginal and rectal tears. Women with swastika shaped burns. Russia. Russian Men did this. And Russian mothers raised them. A nation of immoral criminals," she tweeted.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With hashtags #StopGenocide #StopPutinNOW, Vasylenk tweeted a gory image of a body on which the symbol can be seen. She wrote: "Tortured body of a raped and killed woman. I'm speechless. My@mind is paralyzed with anger and fear and hatred."&nbsp;</p>

<p><em><strong>Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media.</strong></em></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Russian soldiers loot, rape and kill. 10 y.o. girls with vaginal and rectal tears. Women with swastika shaped burns. Russia. Russian Men did this. And Russian mothers raised them. A nation of immoral criminals</p>
— Lesia Vasylenko (@lesiavasylenko) <a href="https://twitter.com/lesiavasylenko/status/1510749611174109193?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 3, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">18300 Russian soldiers killed in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ukraine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ukraine</a>. And I’m not sorry for any one of them. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WarDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WarDay</a> #40</p>
— Lesia Vasylenko (@lesiavasylenko) <a href="https://twitter.com/lesiavasylenko/status/1510890774799523842?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Tortured body of a raped and killed woman. I’m speechless. My@mind is paralyzed with anger and fear and hatred. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StopGenocide?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#StopGenocide</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StopPutinNOW?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#StopPutinNOW</a> <a href="https://t.co/Kl0ufDigJi">pic.twitter.com/Kl0ufDigJi</a></p>
— Lesia Vasylenko (@lesiavasylenko) <a href="https://twitter.com/lesiavasylenko/status/1510736577592537092?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 3, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>WATCH&nbsp;|&nbsp;Amid Russia-Ukraine Crisis Poland hints at hosting nuclear warheads</strong></p>

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<p>Russia has been levelled with fresh allegations of war crimes after mass graves were allegedly found in Bucha, a town outside Kyiv after Russian troops recently withdrew from that area.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Reports have stated that Russian troops tortured, killed civilians and raped women. In response, the Kremlin on Monday (April 4) "categorically" rejected accusations.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">🇷🇺 came in 🇺🇦 with military bands and columns of the Rosguard. But they were followed by mobile crematories. Why do you need them if you don’t believe in resistance? Now we know - to hide war crimes. This is not a performer's mistake. This is a planned genocide. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BuchaMassacre?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BuchaMassacre</a> <a href="https://t.co/koRdQbtbX8">pic.twitter.com/koRdQbtbX8</a></p>
— Михайло Подоляк (@Podolyak_M) <a href="https://twitter.com/Podolyak_M/status/1510658726973292550?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 3, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>In the latest European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen said the EU was ready to send a team of investigators to gather evidence of possible war crimes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The EU is ready to reinforce this effort by sending investigation teams on the ground to support the Ukrainian Prosecution Services. Eurojust and Europol are ready to assist," she said.&nbsp;</p>


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. Lesia Vasylenk, who is a Ukrainian Member of Parliament, alleged that Russian soldiers have raped girls and also branded them. According to Vasylenk, "swastika-shaped burns" were found on their bodies. Taking to her official Twitter handle on Monday (April 4), the Ukrainian MP stated that Russian soldiers raped girls as young as 10 years old. She also mentioned that crimes such as loot and killings were also committed. Labelling Russia as a "nation of immoral criminals", Vasylenk alleged that the young girls were left with "vaginal and rectal tears". She also claimed that women's bodies with burns in the shape of a 'swastika', which is a hooked cross — to some extent similar to a sacred Hindu symbol, but entirely different. (WION had previously explained it. Click Here to watch the report) ALSO READ | Ukraine war: Russia 'categorically' rejects accusations of Bucha killings and atrocities, orders probe "Russian soldiers loot, rape and kill. 10 y.o. girls with vaginal and rectal tears. Women with swastika shaped burns. Russia. Russian Men did this. And Russian mothers raised them. A nation of immoral criminals," she tweeted. With hashtags #StopGenocide #StopPutinNOW, Vasylenk tweeted a gory image of a body on which the symbol can be seen. She wrote: "Tortured body of a raped and killed woman. I'm speechless. My@mind is paralyzed with anger and fear and hatred." Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media. Russian soldiers loot, rape and kill. 10 y.o. girls with vaginal and rectal tears. Women with swastika shaped burns. Russia. Russian Men did this. And Russian mothers raised them. A nation of immoral criminals — Lesia Vasylenko (@lesiavasylenko) April 3, 2022 × 18300 Russian soldiers killed in #Ukraine. And I’m not sorry for any one of them. #WarDay #40 — Lesia Vasylenko (@lesiavasylenko) April 4, 2022 × Tortured body of a raped and killed woman. I’m speechless. My@mind is paralyzed with anger and fear and hatred. #StopGenocide #StopPutinNOW pic.twitter.com/Kl0ufDigJi — Lesia Vasylenko (@lesiavasylenko) April 3, 2022 × WATCH | Amid Russia-Ukraine Crisis Poland hints at hosting nuclear warheads × Russia has been levelled with fresh allegations of war crimes after mass graves were allegedly found in Bucha, a town outside Kyiv after Russian troops recently withdrew from that area. Reports have stated that Russian troops tortured, killed civilians and raped women. In response, the Kremlin on Monday (April 4) "categorically" rejected accusations. 🇷🇺 came in 🇺🇦 with military bands and columns of the Rosguard. But they were followed by mobile crematories. Why do you need them if you don’t believe in resistance? Now we know - to hide war crimes. This is not a performer's mistake. This is a planned genocide. #BuchaMassacre pic.twitter.com/koRdQbtbX8 — Михайло Подоляк (@Podolyak_M) April 3, 2022 × In the latest European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen said the EU was ready to send a team of investigators to gather evidence of possible war crimes. "The EU is ready to reinforce this effort by sending investigation teams on the ground to support the Ukrainian Prosecution Services. Eurojust and Europol are ready to assist," she said.

'Swastika-shaped burns': Ukrainian MP claims Russian soldiers raped and branded girls, shows gory image

Amid the Russia-Ukrainian Crisis, Kharkiv becomes the worst-affected city in the country. Houses near Kharkiv have been destroyed by Russian shellings

Russia-Ukrainian Crisis: Kharkiv becomes the worst-affected city in the country

It has been more than a month 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.

Ukraine FM Dmytro Kuleba: Russia is worse than ISIS

Pro-Ukraine demonstrations begin in the West over Bucha mass killings

Grammy Awards 2022 was glam and every bit iconic. From BTS’ spy-themed performance, to Billie Eilish's rain dance, Ukraine president’s video message, to Lady Gaga’s tribute to legendary Tony Bennett, the 64th annual Grammy Awards had it all!

Grammy Awards 2022: Key highlights of music’s biggest night

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<p><strong><em>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.</em></strong></p>

<p>Ukrainian authorities claimed to have found mass graves in Bucha, a town outside Kyiv after Russian troops recently withdrew from that area.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, the retreat has led to global outrage and calls for war crimes investigation&nbsp;over the alleged evidence of mass graves, torture&nbsp;and rape.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the Kremlin on Monday (April 4) "categorically" rejected accusations that Russian forces were responsible for killing civilians.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-surprise-debut-ukraine-president-zelensky-makes-virtual-appearance-at-grammys-2022-468115">Surprise debut! Ukraine President Zelensky makes virtual appearance at Grammys 2022</a></strong></p>

<p>"We categorically reject all allegations," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists as quoted by news agencies, suggesting that images of corpses were "fakes".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This information must be seriously questioned.&nbsp;From what we have seen, our experts have identified signs of video falsification and other fakes,"&nbsp;Peskov said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per Peskov, the evidence presented by the Ukrainian authorities are not matching with the facts and the chronology of the events in Bucha. He also urged international leaders not to rush to judgment.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The situation is undoubtedly serious and we would ask that many international leaders not rush with their statements, not rush with their baseless accusations, request information from different sources, and at least listen to our explanations," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/most-outrageous-atrocity-of-21st-century-ukrainian-official-says-mass-grave-of-57-found-in-bucha-468024">'Most outrageous atrocity of 21st century': Ukrainian official says mass graves found in Bucha</a></strong></p>

<p>Oleksiy Arestovych, who is an advisor to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, on Telegram said that the abuse of prisoners constitutes a war crime and should be punished.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We treat prisoners in accordance with the Geneva Convention despite your personal emotional motivations," he said to Ukrainian soldiers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Arestovych also said that Ukrainian troops had found the bodies of civilians, including women who had been raped. They also found bodies of small children.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added, "There are murdered men whose bodies bear signs of torture. Their hands were tied and they were killed by shots to the back of the head."&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Monday (April 4), Russia's chief investigator ordered an official examination of what he called a Ukrainian "provocation".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Alexander Bastrykin, who is the head of the Russian Investigative Committee, ordered that a probe be opened on the basis that Ukraine had spread "deliberately false information" about Russian armed forces in Bucha, the committee said in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;West prepares more sanctions on Russia as Bucha killings in Ukraine shock the world</strong></p>

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<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


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. Ukrainian authorities claimed to have found mass graves in Bucha, a town outside Kyiv after Russian troops recently withdrew from that area. However, the retreat has led to global outrage and calls for war crimes investigation over the alleged evidence of mass graves, torture and rape. Meanwhile, the Kremlin on Monday (April 4) "categorically" rejected accusations that Russian forces were responsible for killing civilians. ALSO READ | Surprise debut! Ukraine President Zelensky makes virtual appearance at Grammys 2022 "We categorically reject all allegations," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists as quoted by news agencies, suggesting that images of corpses were "fakes". "This information must be seriously questioned. From what we have seen, our experts have identified signs of video falsification and other fakes," Peskov said. As per Peskov, the evidence presented by the Ukrainian authorities are not matching with the facts and the chronology of the events in Bucha. He also urged international leaders not to rush to judgment. "The situation is undoubtedly serious and we would ask that many international leaders not rush with their statements, not rush with their baseless accusations, request information from different sources, and at least listen to our explanations," he added. ALSO READ | 'Most outrageous atrocity of 21st century': Ukrainian official says mass graves found in Bucha Oleksiy Arestovych, who is an advisor to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, on Telegram said that the abuse of prisoners constitutes a war crime and should be punished. "We treat prisoners in accordance with the Geneva Convention despite your personal emotional motivations," he said to Ukrainian soldiers. Arestovych also said that Ukrainian troops had found the bodies of civilians, including women who had been raped. They also found bodies of small children. He added, "There are murdered men whose bodies bear signs of torture. Their hands were tied and they were killed by shots to the back of the head." On Monday (April 4), Russia's chief investigator ordered an official examination of what he called a Ukrainian "provocation". Alexander Bastrykin, who is the head of the Russian Investigative Committee, ordered that a probe be opened on the basis that Ukraine had spread "deliberately false information" about Russian armed forces in Bucha, the committee said in a statement. WATCH | West prepares more sanctions on Russia as Bucha killings in Ukraine shock the world × (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine war: Russia 'categorically' rejects accusations of Bucha killings and atrocities, orders probe

West prepares more sanctions on Russia as Bucha killings in Ukraine shock the world

<p>Russia’s retreat from Ukraine’s capital of Kyiv offered a clearer picture of the devastating civilian toll from the war, sparking global outrage against Moscow and calls by Western leaders for war crimes investigations.</p>

<p>The retreat comes after weeks of intense fighting around Kyiv and signals what appears to be a repositioning of troops to expand on territory that Russian forces have captured in the south. On Sunday, Russia attacked key infrastructure on the southern coastline; fighting also has continued elsewhere across the country.</p>

<p>The attacks in the south came as Ukrainian officials accused Russian forces of executing some civilians before their retreat from the areas around Kyiv. Footage posted by Ukraine’s Defense Ministry and photographs from news agencies showed the bodies of men in civilian clothes on the streets of Bucha, a town northwest of Kyiv. Images showed some corpses with hands bound behind their back. Russia’s Defense Ministry dismissed the Bucha photos as “fake.”</p>

<p>Outrage over the civilian deaths could move the needle for the European Union, which has so far rebuffed mounting calls from Ukraine, and by President Joe Biden, to impose sanctions on Russian oil and gas, citing its dependency on Russian fuels. But Sunday, in what would mark a significant shift in her country’s position, Germany’s defense minister, Christine Lambrecht, said that in light of the Bucha atrocities, the bloc should consider banning Russian gas imports.</p>

<p>Here are some other major developments:</p>

<p>— The Black Sea port cities of Odesa and Mykolaiv were stuck by missiles Sunday. Britain’s Ministry of Defense said Sunday that intelligence showed Russian naval forces have maintained a blockade of the Ukrainian coast in the Black Sea and Sea of Azov, which is “preventing Ukrainian resupply by sea.”</p>

<p>— American lawmakers called to send more aid to Ukraine. Charles Michel, president of the European Council, said in a tweet that more European Union sanctions against Russia “are on their way.”</p>

<p>— Russia’s chief negotiator in peace talks, Vladimir Medinsky, rejected a Ukrainian counterpart’s suggestion that Russian President Vladimir Putin and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine could soon hold direct talks. Medinsky said the two sides remained far apart on the status of Crimea and the eastern Donbas region of Ukraine, both of which are claimed by Russia.</p>

<p>— Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk of Ukraine said her government was working with the International Committee of the Red Cross on another planned mass evacuation of civilians from the besieged southern city of Mariupol, after a convoy failed to reach the city for a third time Saturday.</p>


Russia’s retreat from Ukraine’s capital of Kyiv offered a clearer picture of the devastating civilian toll from the war, sparking global outrage against Moscow and calls by Western leaders for war crimes investigations.

Russia’s retreat from Ukraine’s capital of Kyiv offered a clearer picture of the devastating civilian toll from the war, sparking global outrage against Moscow and calls by Western leaders for war crimes investigations. The retreat comes after weeks of intense fighting around Kyiv and signals what appears to be a repositioning of troops to expand on territory that Russian forces have captured in the south. On Sunday, Russia attacked key infrastructure on the southern coastline; fighting also has continued elsewhere across the country. The attacks in the south came as Ukrainian officials accused Russian forces of executing some civilians before their retreat from the areas around Kyiv. Footage posted by Ukraine’s Defense Ministry and photographs from news agencies showed the bodies of men in civilian clothes on the streets of Bucha, a town northwest of Kyiv. Images showed some corpses with hands bound behind their back. Russia’s Defense Ministry dismissed the Bucha photos as “fake.” Outrage over the civilian deaths could move the needle for the European Union, which has so far rebuffed mounting calls from Ukraine, and by President Joe Biden, to impose sanctions on Russian oil and gas, citing its dependency on Russian fuels. But Sunday, in what would mark a significant shift in her country’s position, Germany’s defense minister, Christine Lambrecht, said that in light of the Bucha atrocities, the bloc should consider banning Russian gas imports. Here are some other major developments: — The Black Sea port cities of Odesa and Mykolaiv were stuck by missiles Sunday. Britain’s Ministry of Defense said Sunday that intelligence showed Russian naval forces have maintained a blockade of the Ukrainian coast in the Black Sea and Sea of Azov, which is “preventing Ukrainian resupply by sea.” — American lawmakers called to send more aid to Ukraine. Charles Michel, president of the European Council, said in a tweet that more European Union sanctions against Russia “are on their way.” — Russia’s chief negotiator in peace talks, Vladimir Medinsky, rejected a Ukrainian counterpart’s suggestion that Russian President Vladimir Putin and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine could soon hold direct talks. Medinsky said the two sides remained far apart on the status of Crimea and the eastern Donbas region of Ukraine, both of which are claimed by Russia. — Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk of Ukraine said her government was working with the International Committee of the Red Cross on another planned mass evacuation of civilians from the besieged southern city of Mariupol, after a convoy failed to reach the city for a third time Saturday.

Global outrage follows allegations that Russia executed civilians

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<p><strong><em>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.</em></strong></p>

<p>The Russia and Ukraine crisis continues to escalate with each day passing. Hundreds are dead, thousands are injured and millions have left the war-torn country to save their lives.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The latest development from ground zero reveals a gruesome reality as Ukrainian authorities claimed to have found a mass grave in Bucha, a town outside Kyiv. Bucha was recently retaken by Ukrainian forces from Russian troops.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As reported by news agency AFP, fifty-seven people were buried in a mass grave in Bucha, a local official said on Sunday (April 3), showing a slit trench where the bodies lay.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irpin-bucha-gostomel-and-the-whole-kyiv-region-liberated-ukraine-467833">Irpin, Bucha, Gostomel and the whole Kyiv region liberated: Ukraine</a></strong></p>

<p>As per the news agency, around ten bodies were visible, either unburied or partially covered by the earth. Some of the bodies were left in civilian clothing, whereas some were said to be concealed in black zip-up body bags.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Serhii Kaplychnyi, who identified himself as head of the rescue services in Bucha, told the news agency: "Here in this long grave, 57 people are buried." As per reports, the mass grave is behind a church in the town centre.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Saturday (April 2), the mayor of Bucha said that 300 residents had been killed by Russian troops during a month-long occupation. The reported atrocities in Bucha led the countries like Germany and France to accuse Russia of war crimes.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-crisis-nearly-42-million-ukrainian-refugees-flee-war-467968">Russia Ukraine crisis: Nearly 4.2 million Ukrainian refugees flee war</a></strong></p>

<p>Also, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said on Sunday (April 3) that civilian killings in Bucha were the "most outrageous atrocity of the 21st century."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Without an exaggeration, by what we have seen in Bucha and vicinity, we can conclude that Russia is worse than ISIS in the scale and ruthlessness of the crimes committed," he said as quoted by the news agency Reuters while speaking to reporters during a visit to Warsaw.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;UN: Over 4.1 million Ukrainians have fled country and 6.83 million displaced since Russia invaded</strong></p>

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<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


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. The Russia and Ukraine crisis continues to escalate with each day passing. Hundreds are dead, thousands are injured and millions have left the war-torn country to save their lives. The latest development from ground zero reveals a gruesome reality as Ukrainian authorities claimed to have found a mass grave in Bucha, a town outside Kyiv. Bucha was recently retaken by Ukrainian forces from Russian troops. As reported by news agency AFP, fifty-seven people were buried in a mass grave in Bucha, a local official said on Sunday (April 3), showing a slit trench where the bodies lay. ALSO READ | Irpin, Bucha, Gostomel and the whole Kyiv region liberated: Ukraine As per the news agency, around ten bodies were visible, either unburied or partially covered by the earth. Some of the bodies were left in civilian clothing, whereas some were said to be concealed in black zip-up body bags. Serhii Kaplychnyi, who identified himself as head of the rescue services in Bucha, told the news agency: "Here in this long grave, 57 people are buried." As per reports, the mass grave is behind a church in the town centre. On Saturday (April 2), the mayor of Bucha said that 300 residents had been killed by Russian troops during a month-long occupation. The reported atrocities in Bucha led the countries like Germany and France to accuse Russia of war crimes. ALSO READ | Russia Ukraine crisis: Nearly 4.2 million Ukrainian refugees flee war Also, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said on Sunday (April 3) that civilian killings in Bucha were the "most outrageous atrocity of the 21st century." "Without an exaggeration, by what we have seen in Bucha and vicinity, we can conclude that Russia is worse than ISIS in the scale and ruthlessness of the crimes committed," he said as quoted by the news agency Reuters while speaking to reporters during a visit to Warsaw. WATCH | UN: Over 4.1 million Ukrainians have fled country and 6.83 million displaced since Russia invaded × (With inputs from agencies)

'Most outrageous atrocity of 21st century': Ukrainian official says mass graves found in Bucha

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<p>Pakistan's State Minister for Information Farrukh Habib said that fresh elections in Pakistan will be held in 90 days. Get the latest updates on Russia and Ukraine crisis.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Click on headlines to read more</strong></p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/absolutely-not-pakistan-military-has-nothing-to-do-with-whatever-happened-today-says-dg-ispr-467938">'Absolutely not': Pakistan military has nothing to do with whatever happened today, says DG ISPR</a></strong><br />
Pakistan’s Director-General Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Major General Babar Iftikhar has denied the involvement of the military establishment in Sunday’s political development. “The military has nothing to do with what happened today,” DG ISPR Major General Babar Iftikhar told Geo News on Sunday.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="Pakistan" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2170b3d1-5838-4c7d-93a6-6e6123d553ca" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Pakistan_1.jpg" /></p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/fresh-elections-in-90-days-heres-whats-next-for-pakistan-politics-467984">Fresh elections in 90 days? What's next for Pakistan politics?</a></strong><br />
In Pakistan, dissolution of the national assembly means fresh elections must be held in the country within three months. Pakistan's State Minister for Information Farrukh Habib said that fresh elections in Pakistan will be held in 90 days.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="Pakistan" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5fe6cebe-649c-46f3-858c-21f55283d455" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Imran%20Khan%20%284%29.jpg" /></p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-chief-justice-takes-cognizance-of-prevailing-political-situation-467971">Big blow to Imran Khan: SC says all orders, actions initiated by president, PM subject to court orders</a></strong><br />
Pakistan’s Supreme Court Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial took cognizance of the prevailing political situation, wherein the National Assembly’s deputy speaker controversially rejected the no-confidence motion and the lower house was subsequently dissolved following the advice of Prime Minister Imran Khan.</p>

<p><img alt="Pakistan’s Supreme Court Chief Justice" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="32283af4-9157-414c-ac56-ce343671638a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Pakistan%E2%80%99s%20Supreme%20Court%20Chief%20Justice.jpg" /></p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/most-outrageous-atrocity-of-21st-century-ukrainian-official-says-mass-grave-of-57-found-in-bucha-468024">'Most outrageous atrocity of 21st century': Ukrainian official says mass grave of 57 found in Bucha</a></strong><br />
Ukrainian authorities claimed to have found a mass grave in Bucha, a town outside Kyiv. Bucha was recently retaken by Ukrainian forces from Russian troops.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="Bucha" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c6442aca-b92e-423c-82cd-82e8f2c574d6" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Russia%27s%20invasion%20on%20Ukraine.jpg" /></p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/california-shooting-at-least-six-dead-nine-injured-in-sacramento-say-police-467997">California shooting: At least six dead, nine injured in Sacramento, say police</a></strong><br />
Police have confirmed that at least six people were killed and nine more wounded in a shooting in the California state capital of Sacramento on Sunday (April 3).&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="California" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6ba1fb99-6b32-4daf-b65f-6bafb3ad151a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Sacramento%2C%20California.jpg" /></p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-lifts-social-media-gag-as-students-defy-curfew-to-protest-against-inflation-power-cuts-467993">Sri Lanka lifts social media gag as students defy curfew to protest against inflation, power cuts</a></strong><br />
After facing flak, Sri Lanka on Sunday lifted all restrictions placed on social media platforms ahead of a planned anti-government protest against the worsening economic crisis that is marked by rising inflation and scarcity of essential items.</p>

<p><img alt="Sri Lanka" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="aca0c75d-8241-46cd-9b7d-d244b2eba8ae" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Sri%20Lanka.jpg" /></p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-joe-biden-mistakenly-refers-to-michelle-obama-as-ex-vice-president-white-house-corrects-it-467948">Watch: Joe Biden mistakenly refers to Michelle Obama as ex-Vice President, White House corrects it</a></strong><br />
Another gaffe! The United States President Joe Biden mistakenly referred to the former First Lady Michelle Obama as the former Vice President of the country. The mistake was corrected by the White House, however, the clip went viral on social media, leaving the netizens abuzz.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="Joe Biden " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="85991fe6-8ac0-47cc-9d85-414e81edb6b6" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Joe%20Biden-reuters.jpg" /></p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kazakhstan-arrests-spy-planning-attack-on-president-467980">Kazakhstan arrests spy 'planning attack' on president</a></strong><br />
Kazakhstan's security services said Sunday they have arrested a foreign spy allegedly plotting an attack against the president and other high-level officials.</p>

<p><img alt="Kazakhstan" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e73e1a81-104d-46b8-8a11-1797299bbb82" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Kazakhstan.jpg" /></p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-greets-ramadan-with-mass-prayer-as-covid-curbs-ease-467961">Indonesia greets Ramadan with mass prayer as Covid curbs ease</a></strong><br />
The world's largest Muslim-majority nation of Indonesia welcomed the start of the holy fasting month of Ramadan with a mass prayer at Jakarta's grand mosque on Saturday, with plateauing coronavirus cases allowing for eased restrictions this year.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="Indonesia" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f19f8d1b-ddc6-4232-9a0d-077e1e7ed7a3" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Indonesia%20%282%29.jpg" /></p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-struggles-with-leg-pain-on-malta-trip-defends-migrants-467954">Pope struggles with leg pain on Malta trip, defends migrants</a></strong><br />
Pope Francis, struggling with leg pain, on Sunday said countries should always help those trying to survive "amidst the waves of the sea" as he wrapped up a trip to one of the Mediterranean countries at the heart of Europe's migration debate.</p>

<p><img alt="Pope Francis" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="68a0f483-06d9-4db2-b04a-6a8a1635d8bd" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Pope%20Francis.jpg" /></p>


Pakistan's State Minister for Information Farrukh Habib said that fresh elections in Pakistan will be held in 90 days. Get the latest updates on Russia and Ukraine crisis.

Pakistan's State Minister for Information Farrukh Habib said that fresh elections in Pakistan will be held in 90 days. Get the latest updates on Russia and Ukraine crisis. Click on headlines to read more 'Absolutely not': Pakistan military has nothing to do with whatever happened today, says DG ISPR Pakistan’s Director-General Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Major General Babar Iftikhar has denied the involvement of the military establishment in Sunday’s political development. “The military has nothing to do with what happened today,” DG ISPR Major General Babar Iftikhar told Geo News on Sunday. Fresh elections in 90 days? What's next for Pakistan politics? In Pakistan, dissolution of the national assembly means fresh elections must be held in the country within three months. Pakistan's State Minister for Information Farrukh Habib said that fresh elections in Pakistan will be held in 90 days. Big blow to Imran Khan: SC says all orders, actions initiated by president, PM subject to court orders Pakistan’s Supreme Court Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial took cognizance of the prevailing political situation, wherein the National Assembly’s deputy speaker controversially rejected the no-confidence motion and the lower house was subsequently dissolved following the advice of Prime Minister Imran Khan. 'Most outrageous atrocity of 21st century': Ukrainian official says mass grave of 57 found in Bucha Ukrainian authorities claimed to have found a mass grave in Bucha, a town outside Kyiv. Bucha was recently retaken by Ukrainian forces from Russian troops. California shooting: At least six dead, nine injured in Sacramento, say police Police have confirmed that at least six people were killed and nine more wounded in a shooting in the California state capital of Sacramento on Sunday (April 3). Sri Lanka lifts social media gag as students defy curfew to protest against inflation, power cuts After facing flak, Sri Lanka on Sunday lifted all restrictions placed on social media platforms ahead of a planned anti-government protest against the worsening economic crisis that is marked by rising inflation and scarcity of essential items. Watch: Joe Biden mistakenly refers to Michelle Obama as ex-Vice President, White House corrects it Another gaffe! The United States President Joe Biden mistakenly referred to the former First Lady Michelle Obama as the former Vice President of the country. The mistake was corrected by the White House, however, the clip went viral on social media, leaving the netizens abuzz. Kazakhstan arrests spy 'planning attack' on president Kazakhstan's security services said Sunday they have arrested a foreign spy allegedly plotting an attack against the president and other high-level officials. Indonesia greets Ramadan with mass prayer as Covid curbs ease The world's largest Muslim-majority nation of Indonesia welcomed the start of the holy fasting month of Ramadan with a mass prayer at Jakarta's grand mosque on Saturday, with plateauing coronavirus cases allowing for eased restrictions this year. Pope struggles with leg pain on Malta trip, defends migrants Pope Francis, struggling with leg pain, on Sunday said countries should always help those trying to survive "amidst the waves of the sea" as he wrapped up a trip to one of the Mediterranean countries at the heart of Europe's migration debate.

Top 10 world news: Fresh elections in Pakistan 'in 90 days', Russia-Ukraine updates, and more

According to reports, nearly 4.14 million Ukrainians have fled their country since Russia’s full-scale invasion began on February 24. Thousands are continuing to flood into neighboring countries each day, reads the UN numbers.

UN: Over 4.1 million Ukrainians have fled country and 6.83 million displaced since Russia invaded

<p>Grammys are just around the corner, and we can't wait to see all the dazzling outfits and electrifying performances. Apart from everything, this year's ceremony will also feature a segment dedicated to Ukraine's crisis amidst the Russian invasion.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
On Saturday, Recording Academy announced that they are partnering with Global Citizen and its Stand Up For Ukraine campaign to raise awareness about the war-torn country.<br />
<br />
The night will feature a special segment that will raise awareness about the country and will also showcase different opportunities to the viewers about how they can provide help to the European country amid the crisis.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-stars-roll-dice-for-grammys-gold-as-vegas-hosts-musics-best-467862" hreflang="en">Stars roll dice for Grammys gold as Vegas hosts music's best</a></p>

<p>“We are heartbroken by the situation in Ukraine, yet still moved by the resilient spirit on display there every day,” Harvey Mason jr, &nbsp;CEO of Recording<br />
Academy said in a statement. “We hope the segment inspires our worldwide audience to get involved to support these critical humanitarian efforts.”&nbsp;<br />
<br />
In the same press release, Global Citizen CEO Hugh Evans said, ''History has shown us that conflict and poverty are closely interconnected, resulting in the weakening of the rule of law, a collapse in economic development and often catastrophic humanitarian situations. There is no doubt that the conflict in Ukraine has led to a humanitarian crisis – members of Global Citizen saw this ourselves at the Ukrainian-Polish border.''</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/olivia-rodrigo-sweep-to-kanye-antics-five-things-to-watch-for-at-the-grammys-467651">Who will win, what Kanye will do? Five things to watch for at the Grammys</a><br />
<br />
He added, "Millions have fled their homes, with millions more likely on their way. Global Citizen has a history of responding rapidly to humanitarian crises, and this is no different. We're calling for an immediate end to this crisis, and the provision of immediate financing to support refugee relief efforts not just in Ukraine but around the world."</p>


Grammys are just around the corner, and we can't wait to see all the dazzling outfits and electrifying performances. Apart from everything, this year's ceremony will also feature a segment dedicated to Ukraine's crisis amidst the Russian invasion.

Grammys are just around the corner, and we can't wait to see all the dazzling outfits and electrifying performances. Apart from everything, this year's ceremony will also feature a segment dedicated to Ukraine's crisis amidst the Russian invasion. On Saturday, Recording Academy announced that they are partnering with Global Citizen and its Stand Up For Ukraine campaign to raise awareness about the war-torn country. The night will feature a special segment that will raise awareness about the country and will also showcase different opportunities to the viewers about how they can provide help to the European country amid the crisis. Stars roll dice for Grammys gold as Vegas hosts music's best “We are heartbroken by the situation in Ukraine, yet still moved by the resilient spirit on display there every day,” Harvey Mason jr, CEO of Recording Academy said in a statement. “We hope the segment inspires our worldwide audience to get involved to support these critical humanitarian efforts.” In the same press release, Global Citizen CEO Hugh Evans said, ''History has shown us that conflict and poverty are closely interconnected, resulting in the weakening of the rule of law, a collapse in economic development and often catastrophic humanitarian situations. There is no doubt that the conflict in Ukraine has led to a humanitarian crisis – members of Global Citizen saw this ourselves at the Ukrainian-Polish border.'' Who will win, what Kanye will do? Five things to watch for at the Grammys He added, "Millions have fled their homes, with millions more likely on their way. Global Citizen has a history of responding rapidly to humanitarian crises, and this is no different. We're calling for an immediate end to this crisis, and the provision of immediate financing to support refugee relief efforts not just in Ukraine but around the world."

Grammys 2022 to feature special segment for Ukraine

It has been more than a month since 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, Moscow reported air raids on Russian soil.

Russia-Ukraine conflict rages on as Moscow reports air raids on Russian soil

It has been more than a month since 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.

Zelensky says 3,000 rescued from Mariupol amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine

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