Kremlin has confirmed Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich's role in peace talks between Russia and Ukraine. Well, Ukraine has also urged not to sanction Abramovich.

Kremlin confirms role of Russian oligarch Abramovich in peace talks

Destroyed buildings & damaged cars - what’s left in Mariupol is rubble & dust. Russian troops bombed civilian areas in Mariupol and several people fled the port city. Now, some people are returning and finding their homes reduced to rubble.

'Nowhere to live here': Mariupol residents return to destroyed homes | Ukraine

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

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. Ukraine had recently appealed to a Chinese maker of civilian drones to cut ties with Russia as they claimed that the drones are being used by the Russian army to target missile attacks. Now, the drone maker DJI has responded to the allegations as they dismissed the "utterly false" accusations that the Russian military is using its drones. On March 16, Mykhailo Fedorov, who is Ukraine's minister of digital transformation, said he asked DJI founder Frank Wang in a letter to cut ties with Russia. On Twitter, the Chinese firm wrote, "DJI promotes civilian drone applications that benefit society," adding that MediaMarkt's accusation was "utterly false". In Saturday's statement, it said, "We do not support any use that does harm to people's lives, rights and interests." ALSO READ | What does Joe Biden's 'horrendous gaffe' over Ukraine mean? Reports have stated that users of the Chinese drone giant's products range from photography hobbyists to US fire departments. The firm has found itself in an uncomfortable position after Russia invaded Ukraine more than a month ago in what Moscow calls a "special military operation". While Western firms have pulled out of Russia in protest, DJI has stayed on, like many Chinese companies, taking a cue from Beijing's stance of refraining from criticism of Moscow over the invasion. WATCH | Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Zelensky calls on NATO to support Kyiv × (With inputs from agencies)

Chinese drone maker reacts to allegations that Russian military uses its drones in Ukraine

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.

Britain's Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi said that Russian President Vladimir Putin and his armed forces face a "day of reckoning" as there is evidence of war crimes that are apparently being committed in Ukraine during the invasion.&nbsp;

In a report published by Sky News on Sunday (March 27), the minister weighed in on a range of topics, from US President Joe Biden's '[Putin] cannot remain in power' to sanctions against Russia.&nbsp;

While speaking to the media outlet, Zahawi said: "The important thing to remember is that there is evidence that war crimes have been committed in Ukraine, the targeting of civilian areas."&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-does-joe-bidens-gaffe-over-ukraine-mean-466272">What does Joe Biden's 'horrendous gaffe' over Ukraine mean?</a>

"The Deputy Prime Minister (and Justice Secretary) Dominic Raab has been working with the international criminal court to make sure that that evidence is well documented, well collected, so those who commit war crimes know that there will be a day of reckoning," he added.&nbsp;

Zahawi further said that he did not agree with comments made by Biden, who said during a speech on Saturday (March 26) that Putin "cannot remain in power".&nbsp;

Recently, an assessment done by the United States claimed that the Russian military committed war crimes in Ukraine after Putin ordered special "military operations" in the neighbouring country.&nbsp;

On March 23, the US said that public information and intelligence it has collected amounts to strong evidence that the war crimes have been committed in Ukraine.&nbsp;

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken had said in a statement, "Today, I can announce that, based on information currently available, the US government assesses that members of Russia's forces have committed war crimes in Ukraine."&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukrainian-president-zelensky-says-ukraine-ready-to-discuss-adopting-neutral-status-466182">President Zelensky says Ukraine ready to discuss adopting neutral status</a>

As per United Nations, the concept of war crimes developed particularly at the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century.&nbsp;

During that time, the international humanitarian law, which is also known as the law of armed conflict, was codified.&nbsp;

The Hague Conventions was adopted in 1899 and 1907 focus on the prohibition of warring parties to use certain means and methods of warfare.&nbsp;

War crimes mean grave breaches of the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949. Violation includes wilful killing, torture or inhuman treatment, wilfully causing great suffering, extensive destruction and appropriation of property, etc.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Biden admin's course-correction over 'regime change in Russia' remark

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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. Britain's Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi said that Russian President Vladimir Putin and his armed forces face a "day of reckoning" as there is evidence of war crimes that are apparently being committed in Ukraine during the invasion. In a report published by Sky News on Sunday (March 27), the minister weighed in on a range of topics, from US President Joe Biden's '[Putin] cannot remain in power' to sanctions against Russia. While speaking to the media outlet, Zahawi said: "The important thing to remember is that there is evidence that war crimes have been committed in Ukraine, the targeting of civilian areas." ALSO READ | What does Joe Biden's 'horrendous gaffe' over Ukraine mean? "The Deputy Prime Minister (and Justice Secretary) Dominic Raab has been working with the international criminal court to make sure that that evidence is well documented, well collected, so those who commit war crimes know that there will be a day of reckoning," he added. Zahawi further said that he did not agree with comments made by Biden, who said during a speech on Saturday (March 26) that Putin "cannot remain in power". Recently, an assessment done by the United States claimed that the Russian military committed war crimes in Ukraine after Putin ordered special "military operations" in the neighbouring country. On March 23, the US said that public information and intelligence it has collected amounts to strong evidence that the war crimes have been committed in Ukraine. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken had said in a statement, "Today, I can announce that, based on information currently available, the US government assesses that members of Russia's forces have committed war crimes in Ukraine." ALSO READ | President Zelensky says Ukraine ready to discuss adopting neutral status As per United Nations, the concept of war crimes developed particularly at the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. During that time, the international humanitarian law, which is also known as the law of armed conflict, was codified. The Hague Conventions was adopted in 1899 and 1907 focus on the prohibition of warring parties to use certain means and methods of warfare. War crimes mean grave breaches of the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949. Violation includes wilful killing, torture or inhuman treatment, wilfully causing great suffering, extensive destruction and appropriation of property, etc. WATCH | Biden admin's course-correction over 'regime change in Russia' remark ×

'There will be a day of reckoning': UK minister thinks war crimes committed in Ukraine

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.

"For God's sake, this man [Putin] cannot remain in power," United States President Joe Biden said this to a crowd in Warsaw, Poland on Saturday (March 26) while condemning Russia's month-long invasion of Ukraine.&nbsp;

The comments appeared to be a call for Putin's exit and went viral in no time. However, it sent the Biden administration rushing course-correction and giving explanations.&nbsp;

Biden's comments were delivered during the close of three days of marathon diplomacy. The remarks were termed a "horrendous gaffe" by one Republican senator.&nbsp;

US Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), a ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, told CNN: "He gave a good speech at the end, but as you pointed out already, there was a horrendous gaffe right at the end of it."&nbsp;

During his address, Biden cast Russia's invasion of Ukraine as a battle in a much broader conflict between democracy and autocracy.&nbsp;

"The battle for democracy could not conclude and did not conclude with the end of the Cold War. Over the last 30 years, the forces of autocracy have revived all across the globe," Biden said.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukrainian-president-zelensky-says-ukraine-ready-to-discuss-adopting-neutral-status-466182">President Zelensky says Ukraine ready to discuss adopting neutral status</a>

Biden and other Western allies have been aiming at presenting a determined front against Russia's invasion.

However, the 'regime change' comments had risks that could have, to some extent,&nbsp;jeopardised efforts being done to defuse the situation.&nbsp;

In the aftermath of the incident, which apparently caught even US advisors off guard, the White House clarified within minutes that Biden was not advocating "regime change" in Russia.&nbsp;

Hours earlier Biden had described the Russian President as a "butcher".&nbsp;

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that he thinks the President "made the point last night that", quite simply, President Putin cannot be empowered to wage war or engage in aggression against Ukraine or anyone else.&nbsp;

"As you know, and as you have heard us say repeatedly, we do not have a strategy of regime change in Russia - or anywhere else, for that matter," he added.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/refrain-from-publishing-russia-warns-media-says-dont-report-interview-with-zelensky-466209">'Refrain from publishing': Russia warns media, says don't report interview with Zelensky</a>

The Russia and Ukraine conflict has already escalated with reports of multiple loss of lives and massive destruction.&nbsp;Amid all the chaos, such comments can act as a catalyst to aggravate the situation further.&nbsp;

Even France's President Emmanuel Macron warned such language could "escalate" a conflict the United States and its NATO allies have sought at all costs to contain. It can even undercut Western efforts to help suffering Ukrainians.&nbsp;

And as long as gaffes are concerned, Biden has a decades-long reputation for unfortunate off-the-cuff remarks.&nbsp;

Risch said the president had again shot himself in the foot. He told the media outlet, "I wish he would stay on script."

"I think most people who don’t deal in the lane of foreign relations don’t realize that those nine words that he uttered would cause the kind of eruption they did,"&nbsp;Risch added.&nbsp;

"Anytime you say, or even as he did suggest, that the policy was regime change, it’s gonna cause a huge problem," the&nbsp;senator added.&nbsp;

Top media outlets and newspapers have previously listed his "top 10 gaffes of all time".&nbsp;

The comments then a U-turn is a clear example that world leaders should keep a filter while speaking regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Biden admin's course-correction over 'regime change in Russia' remark

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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. "For God's sake, this man [Putin] cannot remain in power," United States President Joe Biden said this to a crowd in Warsaw, Poland on Saturday (March 26) while condemning Russia's month-long invasion of Ukraine. The comments appeared to be a call for Putin's exit and went viral in no time. However, it sent the Biden administration rushing course-correction and giving explanations. Biden's comments were delivered during the close of three days of marathon diplomacy. The remarks were termed a "horrendous gaffe" by one Republican senator. US Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), a ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, told CNN: "He gave a good speech at the end, but as you pointed out already, there was a horrendous gaffe right at the end of it." During his address, Biden cast Russia's invasion of Ukraine as a battle in a much broader conflict between democracy and autocracy. "The battle for democracy could not conclude and did not conclude with the end of the Cold War. Over the last 30 years, the forces of autocracy have revived all across the globe," Biden said. ALSO READ | President Zelensky says Ukraine ready to discuss adopting neutral status Biden and other Western allies have been aiming at presenting a determined front against Russia's invasion. However, the 'regime change' comments had risks that could have, to some extent, jeopardised efforts being done to defuse the situation. In the aftermath of the incident, which apparently caught even US advisors off guard, the White House clarified within minutes that Biden was not advocating "regime change" in Russia. Hours earlier Biden had described the Russian President as a "butcher". US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that he thinks the President "made the point last night that", quite simply, President Putin cannot be empowered to wage war or engage in aggression against Ukraine or anyone else. "As you know, and as you have heard us say repeatedly, we do not have a strategy of regime change in Russia - or anywhere else, for that matter," he added. ALSO READ | 'Refrain from publishing': Russia warns media, says don't report interview with Zelensky The Russia and Ukraine conflict has already escalated with reports of multiple loss of lives and massive destruction. Amid all the chaos, such comments can act as a catalyst to aggravate the situation further. Even France's President Emmanuel Macron warned such language could "escalate" a conflict the United States and its NATO allies have sought at all costs to contain. It can even undercut Western efforts to help suffering Ukrainians. And as long as gaffes are concerned, Biden has a decades-long reputation for unfortunate off-the-cuff remarks. Risch said the president had again shot himself in the foot. He told the media outlet, "I wish he would stay on script." "I think most people who don’t deal in the lane of foreign relations don’t realize that those nine words that he uttered would cause the kind of eruption they did," Risch added. "Anytime you say, or even as he did suggest, that the policy was regime change, it’s gonna cause a huge problem," the senator added. Top media outlets and newspapers have previously listed his "top 10 gaffes of all time". The comments then a U-turn is a clear example that world leaders should keep a filter while speaking regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict. WATCH | Biden admin's course-correction over 'regime change in Russia' remark ×

What does Joe Biden's 'horrendous gaffe' over Ukraine mean?

In a recent development in the Ukraine-Russia conflict, Zelensky has criticised the West for not doing enough and demanded the West give arms to Ukraine.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Zelensky calls on NATO to support Kyiv

On Sunday, around 1,000 local choirs in towns and cities across the world have gathered to sing together for peace in Ukraine.

Russia-Ukraine crisis: Spanish choirs lead global singalong for peace in Ukraine

Ukrainian ballerinas who were forced to flee their war in their home country have found a new shelter at Berlin State Ballet company.

Ukrainian ballerinas find a new shelter at Berlin’s top ballet company

As the delegations prepare for a fresh round of talks in Istanbul, the Kremlin stated Monday that talks between Moscow and Kyiv negotiators have so far yielded no major achievements on the Ukrainian issue.&nbsp;

“So far we cannot state any significant achievements or breakthroughs,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters, adding that it was “important” that it had been decided to continue the talks in person.

Ukraine’s priorities at the Ukrainian-Russian talks in Turkey this week will be “sovereignty and territorial integrity,” President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told his nation Sunday in his nightly address.

“We are looking for peace, really, without delay,” he said. “There is an opportunity and a need for a face-to-face meeting in Turkey.

As the delegations prepare for a fresh round of talks in Istanbul, the Kremlin stated Monday that talks between Moscow and Kyiv negotiators have so far yielded no major achievements on the Ukrainian issue.

As the delegations prepare for a fresh round of talks in Istanbul, the Kremlin stated Monday that talks between Moscow and Kyiv negotiators have so far yielded no major achievements on the Ukrainian issue. “So far we cannot state any significant achievements or breakthroughs,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters, adding that it was “important” that it had been decided to continue the talks in person. Ukraine’s priorities at the Ukrainian-Russian talks in Turkey this week will be “sovereignty and territorial integrity,” President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told his nation Sunday in his nightly address. “We are looking for peace, really, without delay,” he said. “There is an opportunity and a need for a face-to-face meeting in Turkey.

No ‘significant achievements’ so far in Russia-Ukraine talks: Kremlin

On the second day of Poland's trip, Joe Biden has delivered remarks from Warsaw. He said that, "this war is not worthy, Putin can and must end it".

Joe Biden delivers remarks from Warsaw, says Putin is strangling democracy & World order

Ukraine on Sunday warned that fighting around Mariupol, the southern port city in Ukraine may increase in coming days. The warning has come after Moscow said that it was focussing military resources to capture the Donbas region in the east.

"This means a potential or sharp deterioration around Mariupol," an adviser to the head of the President's office, Oleksiy Arestovich, said in a video statement.

He was referring to a surprise Russian statement on Friday that it was time for Moscow to set as its "main goal" controlling Donbas, an eastern region already partly held by Russian proxies.

"This gives us hope in the area of Kyiv, Chernigiv, Sumy and Kharkiv regions, that we will drive the enemy out of here," Arestovich said, referring to north and eastern regions.

He also said that Ukrainian forces were counterattacking the Russian forces in these areas.

Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered troops into Ukraine on February 24 with the aim of defending pro-Moscow separatists to and "demilitarise and de-nazify" the country.

The Russian announcement on Friday would amount to a sharp change of course with much limited goals that would not include an assault on the capital.

Moscow's month-long invasion on its pro-democracy neighbour has largely stalled with no major recent advances and Ukrainian forces even able to counterattack in places.

(With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine on Sunday warned that fighting around Mariupol, the southern port city in Ukraine may increase in coming days. The warning has come after Moscow said that it was focussing military resources to capture the Donbas region in the east.

Ukraine on Sunday warned that fighting around Mariupol, the southern port city in Ukraine may increase in coming days. The warning has come after Moscow said that it was focussing military resources to capture the Donbas region in the east. "This means a potential or sharp deterioration around Mariupol," an adviser to the head of the President's office, Oleksiy Arestovich, said in a video statement. He was referring to a surprise Russian statement on Friday that it was time for Moscow to set as its "main goal" controlling Donbas, an eastern region already partly held by Russian proxies. "This gives us hope in the area of Kyiv, Chernigiv, Sumy and Kharkiv regions, that we will drive the enemy out of here," Arestovich said, referring to north and eastern regions. He also said that Ukrainian forces were counterattacking the Russian forces in these areas. Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered troops into Ukraine on February 24 with the aim of defending pro-Moscow separatists to and "demilitarise and de-nazify" the country. The Russian announcement on Friday would amount to a sharp change of course with much limited goals that would not include an assault on the capital. Moscow's month-long invasion on its pro-democracy neighbour has largely stalled with no major recent advances and Ukrainian forces even able to counterattack in places. (With inputs from agencies)

Increase in fighting around Mariupol possible, Ukraine warns

In this conversation with Strategic Analyst, John Erath said, "Russia is trying to create North, South Korea like divide in Ukraine". Watch this exclusive conversation on WION.

Day 32 of the Russian invasion of Ukraine: Is Moscow changing its strategy?

Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov is expected to visit India, a visit that comes amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The visit will be the first high-level meeting since the Ukraine invasion.

Ukraine-Russia crisis: Russian foreign minister Lavrov likely to visit India

It is day 32 of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, 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. While evacuation is still going on, several residents of Irpin were evacuated on Saturday.

Day 32 of the Russian invasion of Ukraine: Evacuation continues in Irpin

Russia's invasion of Ukraine has a 'Z' symbol, but what does 'Z' stands for? Firms with Z in their logo are worried, but the question remains the same 'Why'?

Ukraine-Russia conflict: Why Zurich insurance drops 'Z' from its logo?

It is day 32 of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, 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, powerful explosions rocked the city of Lviv.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Smoke engulfs Lviv after powerful explosions rock the city

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky has become the most-admired person of the free world. He is being celebrated as the hero of Ukraine war. What's Zelensky's story? Is he really as perfect as the West presents him to be? Palki Sharma Upadhyay tell you.

Gravitas Plus: The story of Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky

Amid Ukraine-Russia crisis, people in UK and Czech Republic came out in support of Ukrainians and held a rally at Prague's historic centre.

Ukraine under attack: Russians come out in support of Ukraine

India's steel minister Ramchandra Prasad Singh on Sunday (March 27) said that the country is leaning toward continuing to import coking coal from Russia amid the Ukraine crisis.&nbsp;

In a press conference in New Delhi, Singh as quoted by Reuters said, "We are moving in the direction of importing coking coal from Russia."&nbsp;

The minister further said that India plans to double imports of Russian coking coal, which is a key ingredient in making steel. He also said that the country had imported 4.5 million tonnes, although he did not tell the exact time and period of import. &nbsp;&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-diamond-city-gets-the-countrys-first-steel-roaddetails-here-465937">India's diamond city gets the country's first 'steel road'. Details here</a>

In an apparent reference to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, the minister said that "smooth supplies" from Russia of coking coal have been affected. Although, he neither gave any specifics nor revealed details.&nbsp;

Soon after Russia ordered special "military operations" in Ukraine on February 24, Western countries slapped Russia with multiple sanctions, leaving the country's economy reeling and in global isolation.&nbsp;

The conflict, which is escalating with the passing of each day, has impacted the world economies immensely. , India, a major buyer of Russian goods from commodities to weapons, has abstained from several key United Nations votes condemning the invasion.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-german-states-outlaw-the-display-of-russias-z-war-symbol-465969">Two German states outlaw the display of Russia's 'Z' war symbol</a>

It has been understood that Russia, typically India's sixth-largest supplier of coking and thermal coal, could start offering more competitive prices to Chinese and Indian buyers as European and other customers spurn Russia because of sanctions.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Ukraine: Poland must send warplanes amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine

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(With inputs from agencies)

India's steel minister Ramchandra Prasad Singh on Sunday (March 27) said that the country is leaning toward continuing to import coking coal from Russia amid the Ukraine crisis.

India's steel minister Ramchandra Prasad Singh on Sunday (March 27) said that the country is leaning toward continuing to import coking coal from Russia amid the Ukraine crisis. In a press conference in New Delhi, Singh as quoted by Reuters said, "We are moving in the direction of importing coking coal from Russia." The minister further said that India plans to double imports of Russian coking coal, which is a key ingredient in making steel. He also said that the country had imported 4.5 million tonnes, although he did not tell the exact time and period of import. ALSO READ | India's diamond city gets the country's first 'steel road'. Details here In an apparent reference to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, the minister said that "smooth supplies" from Russia of coking coal have been affected. Although, he neither gave any specifics nor revealed details. Soon after Russia ordered special "military operations" in Ukraine on February 24, Western countries slapped Russia with multiple sanctions, leaving the country's economy reeling and in global isolation. The conflict, which is escalating with the passing of each day, has impacted the world economies immensely. , India, a major buyer of Russian goods from commodities to weapons, has abstained from several key United Nations votes condemning the invasion. ALSO READ | Two German states outlaw the display of Russia's 'Z' war symbol It has been understood that Russia, typically India's sixth-largest supplier of coking and thermal coal, could start offering more competitive prices to Chinese and Indian buyers as European and other customers spurn Russia because of sanctions. WATCH | Ukraine: Poland must send warplanes amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine × (With inputs from agencies)

Is India leaning toward continued import of Russian coking coal?

U.S. President Joe Biden minced no words as called Russian President Vladimir Putin a butcher. He also said that Putin cannot remain in power.

The U.S. warns against conflict on NATO soil amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine

It is day 32 of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and scores of civilians have lost their lives in the conflict. Armies of both countries have been involved in intense fights since Russian troops entered Ukraine. Now, Ukraine called Poland to send warplanes.

Ukraine: Poland must send warplanes amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine

In what appeared to be the first time since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, rockets struck Lviv, the western Ukrainian city, on Saturday. The development came on the same day of Russian capture of the town where workers from the defunct Chernobyl nuclear plant live.

There are no signs of let-up in the Ukraine conflict as fighting is raging in several parts of the country.

On Saturday, US President Joe Biden called Russian President Vladimir Putin a "butcher". He was in Poland.

The Kremlin was cited by Russia's TASS news agency as saying such comments would further damage prospects for mending Russian-US&nbsp;ties.

After more than four weeks of fighting, Russia has failed to seize any major Ukrainian city and the conflict has killed thousands of people, sent nearly 3.8 million abroad and driven more than half of Ukraine's children from their homes, according to the United Nations.

<img alt="Lviv" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a74310d5-fd56-4681-8d29-1374c09c5faa" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/lviv.png" />

Moscow signalled on Friday it was scaling back its military ambitions to focus on territory claimed by Russian-backed separatists in the east

But two rockets hit the outskirts of Lviv, some 60 km (40 miles) from the Polish border, a city that so far have escaped the heavy bombardment and fighting that has devastated some Ukrainian cities closer to Russia.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-to-meet-ukrainian-ministers-in-first-face-to-face-meeting-since-russias-invasion-465684">Biden meets Ukrainian ministers in first face-to-face meeting since Russia's invasion</a>

Regional Governor Maksym Kozytskyy said five people had been wounded and residents were told to head to shelters after three powerful blasts in mid-afternoon. Reuters witnesses saw black smoke rising from the northeast side of the city and Lviv's mayor said an oil storage facility had been hit.

Russian troops seized Slavutych, a town where workers at the nearby Chernobyl plant live, the regional governor said.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mine-like-object-found-floating-off-black-sea-465722">'Mine-like object' found floating off Black Sea</a>

He said Russian forces had fired into the air and thrown stun grenades to disperse residents who unfurled a large Ukrainian flag and shouted "Glory to Ukraine" in protest. Reuters could not independently verify the reports.

Slavutych sits just outside the so-called exclusion zone around Chernobyl, which was the site of the world's worst nuclear disaster in 1986.

Ukrainian staff have continued to work at Chernobyl after the plant was seized by Russian forces soon after the start of the Feb. 24 invasion, and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has expressed alarm about the situation if workers are unable to rotate.

(With inputs from agencies)

In what appeared to be the first time since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, rockets struck Lviv, the western Ukrainian city, on Saturday. The development came on the same day of Russian capture of the town where workers from the defunct Chernobyl nuclear plant live.

In what appeared to be the first time since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, rockets struck Lviv, the western Ukrainian city, on Saturday. The development came on the same day of Russian capture of the town where workers from the defunct Chernobyl nuclear plant live. There are no signs of let-up in the Ukraine conflict as fighting is raging in several parts of the country. On Saturday, US President Joe Biden called Russian President Vladimir Putin a "butcher". He was in Poland. The Kremlin was cited by Russia's TASS news agency as saying such comments would further damage prospects for mending Russian-US ties. After more than four weeks of fighting, Russia has failed to seize any major Ukrainian city and the conflict has killed thousands of people, sent nearly 3.8 million abroad and driven more than half of Ukraine's children from their homes, according to the United Nations. Moscow signalled on Friday it was scaling back its military ambitions to focus on territory claimed by Russian-backed separatists in the east But two rockets hit the outskirts of Lviv, some 60 km (40 miles) from the Polish border, a city that so far have escaped the heavy bombardment and fighting that has devastated some Ukrainian cities closer to Russia. Also Read | Biden meets Ukrainian ministers in first face-to-face meeting since Russia's invasion Regional Governor Maksym Kozytskyy said five people had been wounded and residents were told to head to shelters after three powerful blasts in mid-afternoon. Reuters witnesses saw black smoke rising from the northeast side of the city and Lviv's mayor said an oil storage facility had been hit. Russian troops seized Slavutych, a town where workers at the nearby Chernobyl plant live, the regional governor said. Also Read | 'Mine-like object' found floating off Black Sea He said Russian forces had fired into the air and thrown stun grenades to disperse residents who unfurled a large Ukrainian flag and shouted "Glory to Ukraine" in protest. Reuters could not independently verify the reports. Slavutych sits just outside the so-called exclusion zone around Chernobyl, which was the site of the world's worst nuclear disaster in 1986. Ukrainian staff have continued to work at Chernobyl after the plant was seized by Russian forces soon after the start of the Feb. 24 invasion, and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has expressed alarm about the situation if workers are unable to rotate. (With inputs from agencies)

Rockets strike western Ukrainian city Lviv, Kremlin denounces Biden's 'butcher' comment

As the conflict in Ukraine intensifies, Russian President Vladimir Putin has placed nuclear forces on high alert. Recently, NATO warned that Russia can't win nuclear war.

The threat of a nuclear war: Russia reasserts rights to use nukes

At the NATO summit this week, President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine lamented what he viewed as the failure of the United States and its allies to help establish a “no-fly zone in any way” over his nation. This follows his earlier pleas for a no-fly zone imposed by NATO or the United States soon after Russia began bombarding Ukraine. The Biden administration and NATO leadership as a whole have continued to reject proposals to impose a no-fly zone over Ukraine. They are right to do so.

Mr. Zelensky’s disappointment is, however, understandable. In just over a month of war, Ukrainians have suffered tremendously from horrific attacks by Russian missiles, artillery and aircraft. Russia’s onslaught hasn’t spared civilians. Its forces have destroyed hospitals and schools. Millions of Ukrainians have fled in fear.

Despite the egregiousness of such violence, a U.S.- or NATO-imposed no-fly zone over Ukraine is not the way to stop Russia’s aggression. It would have unclear humanitarian benefits while increasing, rather than lowering, the risk of war between the world’s two largest nuclear powers, the United States and Russia.

Mr. Putin, through words and exercises, has repeatedly raised the specter of mutually assured destruction since the start of this crisis. If a U.S.-Russian direct confrontation were to occur and Russia were to use nuclear weapons, even the detonation of a so-called lower-yield nuclear weapon would wreak enormous consequences and most likely provoke a NATO response. The conflict could escalate with terrifying speed. A 2019 simulation created at Princeton University suggests that what is intended as a warning shot from Moscow could, within hours, trigger a full-scale nuclear war with more than 90 million casualties.

Rather than run that risk for potentially little real effect, Western nations have chosen the more prudent path of supporting Ukraine in its fight as effectively as possible without getting directly involved.

The purpose of a no-fly zone would be to keep Russia’s planes from bombing civilians. To accomplish that objective would require threatening to shoot down Russian aircraft if they enter the designated zone and shooting down the planes if they fly in anyway. Enforcing a no-fly zone could also mean destroying Russian aircraft by attacking them on the ground, as well as attacking airfields and other support infrastructure.

In addition, NATO planes would most likely have to suppress Russian air defenses to protect their aircrews. This would involve additional NATO airstrikes on Russian forces on the ground, such as surface-to-air missiles and radar facilities. Given the range of some of Russia’s surface-to-air missiles, such as the S-400, some of the defenses covering Ukraine could even be located in Russia. Suppressing them could therefore require NATO to attack Russian forces on Russian territory. This is all true even for a so-called “limited” no-fly zone, one that covers only parts of Ukraine, an idea endorsed by a number of former U.S. officials. Mr. Putin has, unsurprisingly, said that he would regard any U.S. attempt to impose a no-fly zone over Ukraine as bringing the United States and its NATO allies into the conflict.

A war between Russia and NATO will be difficult to keep limited. Given Western conventional superiority and talk of regime change in Russia from a U.S. senator, war could easily be perceived as an existential threat for Moscow. In that case, and in line with Russian doctrine, it is not impossible that the Kremlin could green-light nuclear weapon use, including against air bases supporting any such no-fly zone. Even if officials deem this nightmare scenario not the likeliest outcome of more direct Western action, it poses cataclysmic dangers that cannot be ignored.

Setting the escalation risks aside, no-fly zones by themselves counter only threats from the air. They do nothing to protect civilians from ground-based threats like missiles and artillery. Bombs dropped from warplanes have accounted for some of the death and destruction Russia is inflicting upon Ukraine (Russia has in recent days ramped up its sortie rate to hundreds a day). But according to data collected by Action on Armed Violence, an advocacy group that focuses on the impact of armed violence, more civilian casualties have been caused by ground-launched artillery, rockets, and missiles than air-launched weapons.

Even the strikes that come from aircraft may come from planes far away, rather than overhead: the cruise missile barrage against the Ukrainian military base at Yavoriv was launched from aircraft that never left Russian airspace. A no-fly zone would not stop such threats. And when it becomes clear that such a zone is not enough, as happened in Bosnia in 1995, the United States may soon feel pressure to expand its military operation to strike additional targets on the ground, further drawing it into the conflict.

Indeed, past experiences reinforce the need for caution. Since the 1990s, the United States and its allies have imposed no-fly zones in northern and southern Iraq, Bosnia, and Libya. In none of those cases was the United States trying to impose a no-fly zone against a military with Russia’s capabilities, or one with the ability to retaliate with nuclear weapons. Moreover, all had mixed results when it came to protecting civilians.

In 1995, even with a NATO-imposed no-fly zone in effect, Serb forces perpetrated a genocide against Bosnian Muslims at Srebrenica and killed dozens of civilians in a mortar attack on Sarajevo’s Markale Market. After the no-fly zone’s failure to prevent such horror, NATO then expanded its intervention in Bosnia, carrying out additional strikes on ground-based threats to civilians such as Bosnian Serb artillery and arms depots. A similar situation could play out in Ukraine — only with the added risk of escalation.

This isn’t to say that the United States and its NATO allies should not be helping Ukraine to “close the sky” by other means. From the start of the war, Ukrainian air defenses have done serious damage to Russian aircraft. Although difficult to verify, according to Ukraine, its forces have destroyed 101 Russian planes and 124 helicopters as of March 23. They’re poised to get even more lethal: After Mr. Zelensky’s address to the U.S. Congress, the White House announced an additional $800 million in security assistance to Ukraine — adding to the anti-tank and antiaircraft weapons already provided — including some 800 Stinger shoulder-fired antiaircraft systems and switchblade drones, capable of both observation and attacks on targets such as Russian artillery. It is also reportedly exploring whether European allies could transfer Soviet-made S-300 long-range surface-to-air missiles to Ukraine.

It is important to recognize the significance of the measures the United States and others have taken to assist in the defense of Ukraine. The overt transfers of weapons to Ukraine — weapons intended to kill Russian forces — are themselves a remarkable and potentially escalatory step. So far, that does not appear to have crossed Moscow’s redlines for military retaliation against the United States.

Seeking to deprive Russia of airpower in the conflict would be an extraordinarily dangerous gamble with uncertain payoff. The Biden administration should remain resolute in rejecting such proposals, which, although presented as half measures to avoid direct war between the United States and Russia, are in fact tantamount to exactly that war. The United States and its NATO allies must continue to help Ukraine. But they must also do their part to avoid escalating that conflict, as the costs of doing so could well be unfathomable.

At the NATO summit this week, President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine lamented what he viewed as the failure of the United States and its allies to help establish a “no-fly zone in any way” over his nation.

At the NATO summit this week, President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine lamented what he viewed as the failure of the United States and its allies to help establish a “no-fly zone in any way” over his nation. This follows his earlier pleas for a no-fly zone imposed by NATO or the United States soon after Russia began bombarding Ukraine. The Biden administration and NATO leadership as a whole have continued to reject proposals to impose a no-fly zone over Ukraine. They are right to do so. Mr. Zelensky’s disappointment is, however, understandable. In just over a month of war, Ukrainians have suffered tremendously from horrific attacks by Russian missiles, artillery and aircraft. Russia’s onslaught hasn’t spared civilians. Its forces have destroyed hospitals and schools. Millions of Ukrainians have fled in fear. Despite the egregiousness of such violence, a U.S.- or NATO-imposed no-fly zone over Ukraine is not the way to stop Russia’s aggression. It would have unclear humanitarian benefits while increasing, rather than lowering, the risk of war between the world’s two largest nuclear powers, the United States and Russia. Mr. Putin, through words and exercises, has repeatedly raised the specter of mutually assured destruction since the start of this crisis. If a U.S.-Russian direct confrontation were to occur and Russia were to use nuclear weapons, even the detonation of a so-called lower-yield nuclear weapon would wreak enormous consequences and most likely provoke a NATO response. The conflict could escalate with terrifying speed. A 2019 simulation created at Princeton University suggests that what is intended as a warning shot from Moscow could, within hours, trigger a full-scale nuclear war with more than 90 million casualties. Rather than run that risk for potentially little real effect, Western nations have chosen the more prudent path of supporting Ukraine in its fight as effectively as possible without getting directly involved. The purpose of a no-fly zone would be to keep Russia’s planes from bombing civilians. To accomplish that objective would require threatening to shoot down Russian aircraft if they enter the designated zone and shooting down the planes if they fly in anyway. Enforcing a no-fly zone could also mean destroying Russian aircraft by attacking them on the ground, as well as attacking airfields and other support infrastructure. In addition, NATO planes would most likely have to suppress Russian air defenses to protect their aircrews. This would involve additional NATO airstrikes on Russian forces on the ground, such as surface-to-air missiles and radar facilities. Given the range of some of Russia’s surface-to-air missiles, such as the S-400, some of the defenses covering Ukraine could even be located in Russia. Suppressing them could therefore require NATO to attack Russian forces on Russian territory. This is all true even for a so-called “limited” no-fly zone, one that covers only parts of Ukraine, an idea endorsed by a number of former U.S. officials. Mr. Putin has, unsurprisingly, said that he would regard any U.S. attempt to impose a no-fly zone over Ukraine as bringing the United States and its NATO allies into the conflict. A war between Russia and NATO will be difficult to keep limited. Given Western conventional superiority and talk of regime change in Russia from a U.S. senator, war could easily be perceived as an existential threat for Moscow. In that case, and in line with Russian doctrine, it is not impossible that the Kremlin could green-light nuclear weapon use, including against air bases supporting any such no-fly zone. Even if officials deem this nightmare scenario not the likeliest outcome of more direct Western action, it poses cataclysmic dangers that cannot be ignored. Setting the escalation risks aside, no-fly zones by themselves counter only threats from the air. They do nothing to protect civilians from ground-based threats like missiles and artillery. Bombs dropped from warplanes have accounted for some of the death and destruction Russia is inflicting upon Ukraine (Russia has in recent days ramped up its sortie rate to hundreds a day). But according to data collected by Action on Armed Violence, an advocacy group that focuses on the impact of armed violence, more civilian casualties have been caused by ground-launched artillery, rockets, and missiles than air-launched weapons. Even the strikes that come from aircraft may come from planes far away, rather than overhead: the cruise missile barrage against the Ukrainian military base at Yavoriv was launched from aircraft that never left Russian airspace. A no-fly zone would not stop such threats. And when it becomes clear that such a zone is not enough, as happened in Bosnia in 1995, the United States may soon feel pressure to expand its military operation to strike additional targets on the ground, further drawing it into the conflict. Indeed, past experiences reinforce the need for caution. Since the 1990s, the United States and its allies have imposed no-fly zones in northern and southern Iraq, Bosnia, and Libya. In none of those cases was the United States trying to impose a no-fly zone against a military with Russia’s capabilities, or one with the ability to retaliate with nuclear weapons. Moreover, all had mixed results when it came to protecting civilians. In 1995, even with a NATO-imposed no-fly zone in effect, Serb forces perpetrated a genocide against Bosnian Muslims at Srebrenica and killed dozens of civilians in a mortar attack on Sarajevo’s Markale Market. After the no-fly zone’s failure to prevent such horror, NATO then expanded its intervention in Bosnia, carrying out additional strikes on ground-based threats to civilians such as Bosnian Serb artillery and arms depots. A similar situation could play out in Ukraine — only with the added risk of escalation. This isn’t to say that the United States and its NATO allies should not be helping Ukraine to “close the sky” by other means. From the start of the war, Ukrainian air defenses have done serious damage to Russian aircraft. Although difficult to verify, according to Ukraine, its forces have destroyed 101 Russian planes and 124 helicopters as of March 23. They’re poised to get even more lethal: After Mr. Zelensky’s address to the U.S. Congress, the White House announced an additional $800 million in security assistance to Ukraine — adding to the anti-tank and antiaircraft weapons already provided — including some 800 Stinger shoulder-fired antiaircraft systems and switchblade drones, capable of both observation and attacks on targets such as Russian artillery. It is also reportedly exploring whether European allies could transfer Soviet-made S-300 long-range surface-to-air missiles to Ukraine. It is important to recognize the significance of the measures the United States and others have taken to assist in the defense of Ukraine. The overt transfers of weapons to Ukraine — weapons intended to kill Russian forces — are themselves a remarkable and potentially escalatory step. So far, that does not appear to have crossed Moscow’s redlines for military retaliation against the United States. Seeking to deprive Russia of airpower in the conflict would be an extraordinarily dangerous gamble with uncertain payoff. The Biden administration should remain resolute in rejecting such proposals, which, although presented as half measures to avoid direct war between the United States and Russia, are in fact tantamount to exactly that war. The United States and its NATO allies must continue to help Ukraine. But they must also do their part to avoid escalating that conflict, as the costs of doing so could well be unfathomable.

A no-fly zone won't stop the killing in Ukraine

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Russia: Complete focus on liberating Ukraine's Donbas region

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Gravitas: Is Putin at risk of a coup?

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Gravitas: YouTube blocks WION for 7 days

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Straight Talk with Hungarian FM Peter Szijjarto

U.S. President Joe Biden has called for unity among democracies ahead of his meeting with Polish President Duda. Meanwhile, humanitarian groups briefed both the Presidents.

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