Amid Russia-Ukraine conflict, NATO warned China against giving military help to Russia and chemical weapons use. On the other side, NATO is ready to deploy 4 battle groups in east Europe.

Russia-Ukraine Crisis: NATO bolsters defences in east Europe

In a recent update on Ukraine-Russia conflict, United States has charged Russia of war crimes. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said, "There are numerous reports of indiscriminate attacks and attacks on civilians" by Russian forces in Ukraine.

US charges Russia of war crimes, statement heavily relies on Mariupol attacks

Vladimir Putin’s special envoy Anatoly Chubais has resigned and became the first official to quit since Russia launched his invasion of Ukraine a month ago.

Russian reformer Anatoly Chubais quits as Putin's special envoy

Today is day 29 of the Ukraine-Russia war, and Russia is continuously attacking Ukraine. Recently, Boris Johnson urged the west to step up to help Ukraine.

UK to send 6,000 missiles and $33 million financial aid to Ukraine

As per the reports, Russian forces are not advancing, they are on the defense side. However, troops appear to be more focused on Donetsk and Luhansk.

Russia-Ukraine war update: Russian forces facing a setback?

The Russian government has expelled several US diplomats from Moscow and declared them 'persona non grata'. The decision came after the US ousted the Russian envoy at the United Nations.

Russia expels several American diplomats in tit-for-tat move

The ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict has caused mass destruction with civilians feeling Ukrainian cities to save their lives. The situation continues to deteriorate, with bombing and shelling by the Russian military.&nbsp;

In the latest development, a Russian journalist named Oksana Baulina was killed during shelling. She was working for the investigative news outlet The Insider and was killed when Russian troops shelled a residential neighbourhood in the Ukrainian capital.

Since the conflict began a month ago on February 24, at least five journalists have died while covering the Russian invasion. &nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-to-provide-6000-missiles-to-ukraine-germany-says-further-strela-missiles-on-way-to-kyiv-465032">UK to provide 6,000 missiles to Ukraine; Germany says further Strela missiles on way to Kyiv</a>

On Wednesday (March 23), the media outlet on its website said, "Insider journalist Oksana Baulina died during a bombardment in Kyiv while carrying out an editorial assignment ... another civilian died with her."&nbsp;

The outlet, whose editorial offices are based in Latvia, in its statement also noted that during the shelling, another civilian was also killed alongside Baulina and two other people were wounded.&nbsp;

Important to note that Baulina previously also worked for Russian opposition leader Navalny's anti-corruption group. She had worked for Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation until it was declared an extremist organisation last year.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-ukraine-invasion-russia-intesifies-crackdown-on-media-464863">Imprisonment of up to 15 years? Amid Ukraine invasion, Russia intensifies crackdown on media</a>

Navalny's arrest had prompted her to leave the country and focus on reporting on corruption in Russia for The Insider, the news outlet said.&nbsp;

"The Insider expresses its deepest condolences to Oksana's family and friends," it said.&nbsp;

Sergiy Tomilenko, head of the Ukrainian journalists' union, confirmed the death in a statement on Facebook, saying that Baulina was reporting on the aftermath of shelling when she was hit by fresh fire.

As per a report by The Guardian, the 42-year-old Baulina began her career working for lifestyle magazines including Time Out Moscow and In Style.&nbsp;

But after a decade she shifted to more political work and became a producer for Alexander Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation.&nbsp;

WATCH | Conflict in Ukraine affect oil supplies, price increases take toll on businesses

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The ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict has caused mass destruction with civilians feeling Ukrainian cities to save their lives. The situation continues to deteriorate, with bombing and shelling by the Russian military.

The ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict has caused mass destruction with civilians feeling Ukrainian cities to save their lives. The situation continues to deteriorate, with bombing and shelling by the Russian military. In the latest development, a Russian journalist named Oksana Baulina was killed during shelling. She was working for the investigative news outlet The Insider and was killed when Russian troops shelled a residential neighbourhood in the Ukrainian capital. Since the conflict began a month ago on February 24, at least five journalists have died while covering the Russian invasion. ALSO READ | UK to provide 6,000 missiles to Ukraine; Germany says further Strela missiles on way to Kyiv On Wednesday (March 23), the media outlet on its website said, "Insider journalist Oksana Baulina died during a bombardment in Kyiv while carrying out an editorial assignment ... another civilian died with her." The outlet, whose editorial offices are based in Latvia, in its statement also noted that during the shelling, another civilian was also killed alongside Baulina and two other people were wounded. Important to note that Baulina previously also worked for Russian opposition leader Navalny's anti-corruption group. She had worked for Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation until it was declared an extremist organisation last year. ALSO READ | Imprisonment of up to 15 years? Amid Ukraine invasion, Russia intensifies crackdown on media Navalny's arrest had prompted her to leave the country and focus on reporting on corruption in Russia for The Insider, the news outlet said. "The Insider expresses its deepest condolences to Oksana's family and friends," it said. Sergiy Tomilenko, head of the Ukrainian journalists' union, confirmed the death in a statement on Facebook, saying that Baulina was reporting on the aftermath of shelling when she was hit by fresh fire. As per a report by The Guardian, the 42-year-old Baulina began her career working for lifestyle magazines including Time Out Moscow and In Style. But after a decade she shifted to more political work and became a producer for Alexander Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation. WATCH | Conflict in Ukraine affect oil supplies, price increases take toll on businesses ×

Oksana Baulina: Russian journalist killed during bombardment in Kyiv

Amidst the shelling, sandbags and security forces clashing, these musicians are playing to add their bit of sweetness to the bitter air in Odesa, Ukraine.

Melodious background to Ukraine's bitter reality

Amid the Ukraine-Russia crisis, the Investigative Committee of Russia has opened up a criminal case against famous journalist Alexander Nevzorov. Various other journalist are raising their voice against Kremlin propaganda.

Russian Journalists speak out, Russia opens criminal case against Alexander Nevzorov

It is day 28 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. In a recent development, Joe Biden likely to announce more sanctions against Russia.

Day 28 of the Russian invasion of Ukraine: Joe Biden to visit Brussels for NATO Summit

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has continued for nearly one month now. A nuclear war once was in the realm of impossibility but has now become a valid concern due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. In the latest, Russia has refused to take back its threats of using nuclear weapons as Russian invasion nears a month.

Will Russia use nuclear weapons against Ukraine?

It's been almost a month since Russia started its invasion of Ukraine after President Vladimir Putin ordered so-called special "military operations" in the neighbouring country to "demilitarise" it.

It's been almost a month since Russia started its invasion of Ukraine after President Vladimir Putin ordered so-called special "military operations" in the neighbouring country to "demilitarise" it. But little did he know about the resistance of Ukraine, which defied all expectations and tried to block Russian forces. Nearly a month after the Russian invasion, its forces have continued heavy bombings and shelling that have caused massive damage to the cities. One of those cities is Mariupol. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky said almost 100,000 people are trapped by Russian bombardment and facing starvation in the ruins of Mariupol. According to Human Rights Watch, tens of thousands of residents have already fled the besieged southern port city, leaving it to be the "freezing hellscape riddled with dead bodies and destroyed buildings". ALSO READ | Amid Ukraine invasion, Russia intensifies crackdown on media For Ukrainians besieged in Mariupol and other cities, Russian talk of peace rings hollow as they come under indiscriminate shelling that Western countries say amounts to a war crime. "Failing in their war against the Ukrainian people, the enemy is executing the total destruction of critical infrastructure," Ukraine's armed forces command said on Facebook. Satellite images of Mariupol released by private company Maxar showed a charred landscape, with several buildings ablaze and smoke billowing from the city. United Nations chief Antonio Guterres said, "Even if Mariupol falls, Ukraine cannot be conquered city by city, street by street, house by house. This war is unwinnable. Sooner or later, it will have to move from the battlefield to the peace table. That is inevitable." ALSO READ | US sending secretly acquired Soviet defence equipment to Ukraine: Report What makes Mariupol strategically important for Putin? Land bridge: Mariupol is a pivotal target in Putin's war - providing a land bridge between Russian forces in Crimea to the southwest and Russian-controlled territory to the north and east. As per a BBC report, General Sir Richard Barrons, who is a former commander of UK Joint Forces Command, said that capturing Mariupol is vital to Russia's war effort. Barrons said, "When the Russians feel they have successfully concluded that battle, they will have completed a land bridge from Russia to Crimea and they will see this as a major strategic success." Economy: Mariupol is an important port on the Sea of Azov, part of the Black Sea. BBC report stated that it is the biggest port in the Azov Sea region, which is home to major iron and steelworks. If Russia occupies it, it will cause massive harm to Ukraine's economy as it is a key export hub for Ukraine's steel, coal and corn. The port exports to customers in the Middle East and other parts of the world. WATCH | Explained: Why Mariupol is important for Russia? × (With inputs from agencies)

Mariupol: What makes this port city strategically important to Russia?

As Russia's advance slows across Ukraine, experts believe Vladimir Putin is switching to Plan B. Will Putin use his military advantage to force a favourable peace deal? What are Zelensky's conditions for accepting neutrality? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Zelensky's conditions for Ukraine's neutrality

Russia would only use nuclear weapons in the context of the Ukraine conflict if it were facing an "existential threat," said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov during an interaction with CNN International on Tuesday (March 22).&nbsp;

Peskov said as quoted by the media outlet, "We have a concept of domestic security, and it's public. You can read all the reasons for nuclear arms to be used. So if it is an existential threat for our country, then it can be used in accordance with our concept."&nbsp;

Peskov's crucial comments came on being asked whether he was "convinced or confident" that Russian President Vladimir Putin would not use the nuclear option in the Ukrainian context.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-due-to-visit-europe-today-expected-to-announce-new-sanctions-against-russia-464727">US President due to visit Europe today, expected to announce new sanctions against Russia</a>

Western allies fear that Russia might use weapons of mass destruction during its invasion of Ukraine. In the past, Putin hinted at using nuclear weapons against nations that he saw as a threat to Russia.&nbsp;

In February, Putin said in a televised statement: "No matter who tries to stand in our way or all the more so create threats for our country and our people, they must know that Russia will respond immediately, and the consequences will be such as you have never seen in your entire history."&nbsp;

On February 28, Putin had also ordered the Minister of Defense and the chief of the General Staff to place the Russian Army Deterrence Force on "combat alert".&nbsp;

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/drone-warfare-in-ukraine-switchblade-buzzing-bee-drones-vs-russias-orlan-10-463449">Drone warfare in Ukraine: Switchblade 'buzzing bee' drones vs Russia's Orlan-10</a>

Russia has already admitted that it used hypersonic missiles in Ukraine. Russia's defence ministry said that they have used its newest Kinzhal hypersonic missiles for the first time in Ukraine on March 17 to destroy a weapons storage site in the country's west.&nbsp;

Important to note that Russia has never before admitted using high-precision weapons in combat. State news agency RIA Novosti said it was the first use of the Kinzhal hypersonic weapons during the conflict in pro-Western Ukraine.&nbsp;

When it comes to nuclear capability, Russia maintains the world's largest stockpile of nuclear warheads and has earned minimal support around the world for its attack on its ex-Soviet neighbour.&nbsp;

Asked about Peskov's statement, and Russia's&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;stance, Pentagon spokesman John Kirby called Moscow's rhetoric on the potential use of&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;weapons "dangerous."&nbsp;

"It's not the way a responsible&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;power should act," he told reporters.

That said, Kirby stressed that Pentagon officials "haven't seen anything that would lead us to conclude that we need to change our strategic deterrent posture."

"We monitor this as best we can every day," he added.

WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: Zelensky's conditions for Ukraine's neutrality

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Russia would only use nuclear weapons in the context of the Ukraine conflict if it were facing an "existential threat," said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov during an interaction with CNN International on Tuesday (March 22).

Russia would only use nuclear weapons in the context of the Ukraine conflict if it were facing an "existential threat," said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov during an interaction with CNN International on Tuesday (March 22). Peskov said as quoted by the media outlet, "We have a concept of domestic security, and it's public. You can read all the reasons for nuclear arms to be used. So if it is an existential threat for our country, then it can be used in accordance with our concept." Peskov's crucial comments came on being asked whether he was "convinced or confident" that Russian President Vladimir Putin would not use the nuclear option in the Ukrainian context. ALSO READ | US President due to visit Europe today, expected to announce new sanctions against Russia Western allies fear that Russia might use weapons of mass destruction during its invasion of Ukraine. In the past, Putin hinted at using nuclear weapons against nations that he saw as a threat to Russia. In February, Putin said in a televised statement: "No matter who tries to stand in our way or all the more so create threats for our country and our people, they must know that Russia will respond immediately, and the consequences will be such as you have never seen in your entire history." On February 28, Putin had also ordered the Minister of Defense and the chief of the General Staff to place the Russian Army Deterrence Force on "combat alert". IN PICS | Drone warfare in Ukraine: Switchblade 'buzzing bee' drones vs Russia's Orlan-10 Russia has already admitted that it used hypersonic missiles in Ukraine. Russia's defence ministry said that they have used its newest Kinzhal hypersonic missiles for the first time in Ukraine on March 17 to destroy a weapons storage site in the country's west. Important to note that Russia has never before admitted using high-precision weapons in combat. State news agency RIA Novosti said it was the first use of the Kinzhal hypersonic weapons during the conflict in pro-Western Ukraine. When it comes to nuclear capability, Russia maintains the world's largest stockpile of nuclear warheads and has earned minimal support around the world for its attack on its ex-Soviet neighbour. Asked about Peskov's statement, and Russia's nuclear stance, Pentagon spokesman John Kirby called Moscow's rhetoric on the potential use of nuclear weapons "dangerous." "It's not the way a responsible nuclear power should act," he told reporters. That said, Kirby stressed that Pentagon officials "haven't seen anything that would lead us to conclude that we need to change our strategic deterrent posture." "We monitor this as best we can every day," he added. WATCH | Gravitas: Zelensky's conditions for Ukraine's neutrality ×

'Russia would use nuclear weapons if...': Moscow warns West over Ukraine invasion

Amid Russia-Ukraine crisis, Ukrainian Sailors have protested and raised 'no war in Ukraine' slogans. Sailors have also blocked Russia-linked superyacht during their protest.

Russia-Ukraine Crisis: Ukrainian Sailors chant 'No war in Ukraine', block Russia-linked superyacht

Russian invasion of Ukraine has now entered the 28th day. Mariupol has turned into 'ashes of the dead', however Russian forces are continuously attacking the city.

Russian forces shell humanitarian corridors, Mariupol under continuous attack

Nearly a month since Russian invasion began, the city of Mariupol one one the focus target of Russian assault has been devastated by Russian army. Once a bustling port city, it is now being described as hell.

Ukraine crisis: Mariupol under continuous attack, civilians trapped without food and water

WION's Anas Mallick brings you exclusive ground report of refugees trying to enter Poland from Ukraine during his travel from Lviv to Medyka.

WION special report: Travelling from Lviv to Medyka

As Russia continues to attack Ukrainian cities, Mariupol has been under constant bombarding with civilian casualties rising and thousands fleeing the port city.

Explained: Why Mariupol is important for Russia?

A nuclear war once was in the realm of impossibility but has now become a valid concern due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. In the latest, Russia has refused to take back its threats of using nuclear weapons as Russian invasion nears a month.

Russia reiterates 'nuclear threat', will use weapons if required

The United States is jumping to Ukraine's rescue to fight Russian aggression. The former is now sending soviet-era air defense systems to help Ukraine fight Russian army.

United States bolster Ukraine's air defense system, sends soviet weapons to fight Russia

Almost 100,000 people are trapped among the ruins of the Ukrainian city of&nbsp;Mariupol, facing starvation, thirst and relentless Russian bombardment, President Volodymyr Zelensky said as the UN sharpened demands for Moscow to end its "absurd" and "unwinnable" war.

Tens of thousands of residents have already fled the besieged southern port city, bringing harrowing testimony of a "freezing hellscape riddled with dead bodies and destroyed buildings", according to Human Rights Watch.

In his latest video address Tuesday, Zelensky said more than 7,000 people had escaped in the last 24 hours alone, but one group travelling along an agreed humanitarian route west of the city were "simply captured by the occupiers."

He warned that many thousands more were unable to leave as the humanitarian situation worsens.

"Today, the city still has nearly 100,000 people in inhumane conditions. In a total siege. Without food, water, medication, under constant shelling and under constant bombing," he said, renewing calls for Russia to allow&nbsp;safe humanitarian corridors for civilians to escape.

Satellite images of&nbsp;Mariupol&nbsp;released by private company Maxar showed a charred landscape, with several buildings ablaze and smoke billowing from the city.

The Pentagon has said Russia is now pummelling&nbsp;Mariupol&nbsp;using artillery, long-range missiles and from naval ships deployed in the nearby Sea of Azov.

Local Ukrainian forces also report "heavy" ground fighting with Russian "infantry storming the city" after they rejected a Monday ultimatum to surrender.

UN relief agencies estimate there have been around 20,000 civilian casualties in the city, and perhaps 3,000 killed, but they stress "the actual figure remains unknown."

Mariupol's former mayor&nbsp;Sergiy Taruta vowed the city would never forgive Russia's siege.&nbsp;

"There will never be enough rage. There will never be enough revenge. There will never be enough retribution," he said in a Facebook post.&nbsp;

"For all the lives taken, the fates broken, for all the children killed, tears and suffering, each of the occupiers will never be at peace."

The almost month-long siege of&nbsp;Mariupol&nbsp;has brought ever-harsher international condemnation.

United Nations chief Antonio Guterres on Tuesday called for Russia to end its "absurd war."

"Even if&nbsp;Mariupol&nbsp;falls, Ukraine cannot be conquered city by city, street by street, house by house," he said.

"This war is unwinnable.&nbsp;Sooner or later, it will have to move from the battlefield to the peace table. That is inevitable."

Mariupol&nbsp;is a pivotal target in President Vladimir Putin's war -- providing a land bridge between Russian forces in Crimea to the southwest and Russian-controlled territory to the north and east.

'We live here'&nbsp;

As US President Joe Biden readied to visit allies in Europe, he warned that with Russia's offensive stalling, Putin was considering using chemical and biological weapons.&nbsp;

"Now Putin's back is against the wall," Biden said. "And the more his back is against the wall, the greater the severity of the tactics he may employ."

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has stated that Russia would use nuclear weapons if under "existential threat."&nbsp;

Biden is due to travel to Brussels on Thursday for a series of summits gathering NATO, EU and G7 leaders, before heading to Poland, which has received the bulk of more than 3.5 million Ukrainians fleeing war in their country.

White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said the United States would consult with allies about Russia's G20 membership.

"We believe that it cannot be business as usual for Russia in international institutions and in the international community," he&nbsp;told a press briefing Tuesday.

Washington has also not observed any Chinese arms shipments to Russia since Biden held a call with President Xi Jinping last week in which he raised concerns about Beijing's support for Moscow, Sullivan said.

"We have not seen... the provision of military equipment by China to Russia. But of course, this is something we are monitoring closely," he said.

On the ground, Russia's defence ministry has reported some advances in the southeast of Ukraine and boasted of strikes against "military infrastructure" across the country.

But Ukraine and its allies have claimed Russian forces are severely depleted, poorly supplied and still unable to carry out complex operations.

In the face of intense Ukrainian resistance, the Pentagon believes as much as 10 percent of Russian forces committed to Ukraine may have been knocked out of the war in just four weeks of fighting.

Ukraine's army command said it believes Russian troops now had enough ammunition, food and fuel to last just three days and there are reports of hundreds of Russian soldiers defecting.

For the first time, there are signs that Ukrainian forces are going on the offensive, retaking a town near Kyiv and attacking Russian forces in the south of the country.

In the southern city of Mykolaiv, one bulwark of the fierce fightback, residents said they were determined to stay and defend it despite incessant bombardment.

At the burial of soldier Igor Dundukov, 46, his brother Sergei wept as he kissed his sibling's swollen, blood-stained face.&nbsp;

"We supported his commitment to defending our homeland," Sergei told AFP. "This is our land. We live here. Where would we run to? We grew up here."

Amid the bloodshed, Moscow and Kyiv have begun holding peace negotiations remotely after in-person talks between delegations meeting on the border of Belarus and Ukraine made little progress.

Russia has said it wants "more substantial" discussion and Zelensky has said all issues would be on the table if Putin agreed to direct talks.

More sanctions

Since Russia launched its invasion on February 24, at least 117 children have been killed in the war, Ukraine's federal prosecutor said.

Some 548 schools have been damaged and 72 destroyed.

Russia has pushed on with its assaults, in the face of unprecedented Western sanctions that have led international companies to pull out of the country.

More sanctions against Russia and tightening of existing measures will be announced Thursday when Biden meets European allies in Brussels.

In the capital Kyiv, a 35-hour curfew came into effect from Monday evening after Russian strikes laid waste to the Retroville shopping complex, killing at least eight people.

Russia claimed the mall was being used to store rocket systems and ammunition.

With businesses closed and residents told to stay home, Kyiv was a ghost town Tuesday, with air sirens and the distant sound of explosions regularly punching through the silence.

Maxim Kostetskyi, 29, a lawyer, said residents were using the "pause" imposed by the lockdown to regroup.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine conflict: Putin plans to attend G20 Summit

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Almost 100,000 people are trapped among the ruins of the Ukrainian city of Mariupol, facing starvation, thirst and relentless Russian bombardment, President Volodymyr Zelensky said as the UN sharpened demands for Moscow to end its "absurd" and "unwinnable" war.

Almost 100,000 people are trapped among the ruins of the Ukrainian city of Mariupol, facing starvation, thirst and relentless Russian bombardment, President Volodymyr Zelensky said as the UN sharpened demands for Moscow to end its "absurd" and "unwinnable" war. Tens of thousands of residents have already fled the besieged southern port city, bringing harrowing testimony of a "freezing hellscape riddled with dead bodies and destroyed buildings", according to Human Rights Watch. In his latest video address Tuesday, Zelensky said more than 7,000 people had escaped in the last 24 hours alone, but one group travelling along an agreed humanitarian route west of the city were "simply captured by the occupiers." He warned that many thousands more were unable to leave as the humanitarian situation worsens. "Today, the city still has nearly 100,000 people in inhumane conditions. In a total siege. Without food, water, medication, under constant shelling and under constant bombing," he said, renewing calls for Russia to allow safe humanitarian corridors for civilians to escape. Satellite images of Mariupol released by private company Maxar showed a charred landscape, with several buildings ablaze and smoke billowing from the city. The Pentagon has said Russia is now pummelling Mariupol using artillery, long-range missiles and from naval ships deployed in the nearby Sea of Azov. Local Ukrainian forces also report "heavy" ground fighting with Russian "infantry storming the city" after they rejected a Monday ultimatum to surrender. UN relief agencies estimate there have been around 20,000 civilian casualties in the city, and perhaps 3,000 killed, but they stress "the actual figure remains unknown." Mariupol's former mayor Sergiy Taruta vowed the city would never forgive Russia's siege. "There will never be enough rage. There will never be enough revenge. There will never be enough retribution," he said in a Facebook post. "For all the lives taken, the fates broken, for all the children killed, tears and suffering, each of the occupiers will never be at peace." The almost month-long siege of Mariupol has brought ever-harsher international condemnation. United Nations chief Antonio Guterres on Tuesday called for Russia to end its "absurd war." "Even if Mariupol falls, Ukraine cannot be conquered city by city, street by street, house by house," he said. "This war is unwinnable. Sooner or later, it will have to move from the battlefield to the peace table. That is inevitable." Mariupol is a pivotal target in President Vladimir Putin's war -- providing a land bridge between Russian forces in Crimea to the southwest and Russian-controlled territory to the north and east. 'We live here' As US President Joe Biden readied to visit allies in Europe, he warned that with Russia's offensive stalling, Putin was considering using chemical and biological weapons. "Now Putin's back is against the wall," Biden said. "And the more his back is against the wall, the greater the severity of the tactics he may employ." Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has stated that Russia would use nuclear weapons if under "existential threat." Biden is due to travel to Brussels on Thursday for a series of summits gathering NATO, EU and G7 leaders, before heading to Poland, which has received the bulk of more than 3.5 million Ukrainians fleeing war in their country. White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said the United States would consult with allies about Russia's G20 membership. "We believe that it cannot be business as usual for Russia in international institutions and in the international community," he told a press briefing Tuesday. Washington has also not observed any Chinese arms shipments to Russia since Biden held a call with President Xi Jinping last week in which he raised concerns about Beijing's support for Moscow, Sullivan said. "We have not seen... the provision of military equipment by China to Russia. But of course, this is something we are monitoring closely," he said. On the ground, Russia's defence ministry has reported some advances in the southeast of Ukraine and boasted of strikes against "military infrastructure" across the country. But Ukraine and its allies have claimed Russian forces are severely depleted, poorly supplied and still unable to carry out complex operations. In the face of intense Ukrainian resistance, the Pentagon believes as much as 10 percent of Russian forces committed to Ukraine may have been knocked out of the war in just four weeks of fighting. Ukraine's army command said it believes Russian troops now had enough ammunition, food and fuel to last just three days and there are reports of hundreds of Russian soldiers defecting. For the first time, there are signs that Ukrainian forces are going on the offensive, retaking a town near Kyiv and attacking Russian forces in the south of the country. In the southern city of Mykolaiv, one bulwark of the fierce fightback, residents said they were determined to stay and defend it despite incessant bombardment. At the burial of soldier Igor Dundukov, 46, his brother Sergei wept as he kissed his sibling's swollen, blood-stained face. "We supported his commitment to defending our homeland," Sergei told AFP. "This is our land. We live here. Where would we run to? We grew up here." Amid the bloodshed, Moscow and Kyiv have begun holding peace negotiations remotely after in-person talks between delegations meeting on the border of Belarus and Ukraine made little progress. Russia has said it wants "more substantial" discussion and Zelensky has said all issues would be on the table if Putin agreed to direct talks. More sanctions Since Russia launched its invasion on February 24, at least 117 children have been killed in the war, Ukraine's federal prosecutor said. Some 548 schools have been damaged and 72 destroyed. Russia has pushed on with its assaults, in the face of unprecedented Western sanctions that have led international companies to pull out of the country. More sanctions against Russia and tightening of existing measures will be announced Thursday when Biden meets European allies in Brussels. In the capital Kyiv, a 35-hour curfew came into effect from Monday evening after Russian strikes laid waste to the Retroville shopping complex, killing at least eight people. Russia claimed the mall was being used to store rocket systems and ammunition. With businesses closed and residents told to stay home, Kyiv was a ghost town Tuesday, with air sirens and the distant sound of explosions regularly punching through the silence. Maxim Kostetskyi, 29, a lawyer, said residents were using the "pause" imposed by the lockdown to regroup. WATCH | Russia-Ukraine conflict: Putin plans to attend G20 Summit ×

Russia-Ukraine conflict: 'Hellscape' in Mariupol where 100,000 trapped

Russian invasion of Ukraine has now entered the 28th day. In the recent update, Putin is planning to attend G20 summit amid considerations of expulsion. However, Poland has asked US to expel Russia from G20.

Russia-Ukraine conflict: Putin plans to attend G20 Summit

Amid Russia-Ukraine conflict, Russians are facing the pinch of sanctions. In the Russian town of Pokrov, people are running out of sugar and expecting food prices to go up soon.

Western sanctions on Russia take hold, Residents expect food prices to go up soon

A Russian court found jailed Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny guilty of large-scale fraud. Navalny has been sentenced an extra nine years in Jail.

Russian court finds Alexei Navalny guilty of large scale frauds

Leaders of Egypt, Israel and UAE met on Tuesday for talks. In the three-way summit, the focus will be on the economic impact of Russia-Ukraine war.

Egypt, Israel and UAE leaders meet for their first ever three-way summit

Russian invasion of Ukraine has now entered the 28th day and Russia recently said that we will use nuclear option if our existence threatened. US said that Kremlin's nuclear threat is dangerous.

Day 28 of the Russian invasion of Ukraine: Russia reiterates 'Nuclear' threat

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.&nbsp;&nbsp;

According to The Wall Street Journal, the US is delivering to Ukraine some Soviet-made air defence weapons that Washington acquired control of decades ago through a secret operation.

During the Cold War, the US collected various systems, including the S-300, known to NATO as the SA-10, to study Soviet technology and better comprehend their capabilities, according to the Wall Street Journal.&nbsp; 
 
The S-300 system, which is already owned and controlled by the Ukrainians, is designed to guard wider territories.

According to one official, however, that S-300 weapon will not be sent to Ukraine.&nbsp;

"Operational security matters to the Ukrainians, right now," press secretary John Kirby told reporters Monday.

"They're fighting for their country, and the Pentagon is not going to be detailing publicly the tools with &nbsp;which they are doing that," he added.&nbsp; 
 
IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/drone-warfare-in-ukraine-switchblade-buzzing-bee-drones-vs-russias-orlan-10-463449">Drone warfare in Ukraine: Switchblade 'buzzing bee' drones vs Russia's Orlan-10</a>

Ukrainian forces will benefit from the weapons because their military is already familiar with Soviet systems.

The National Security Council and the Pentagon also declined to disclose on what specific weapons the United States has delivered to Ukraine to aid in the country's fightback against a brutal Russian invasion that began on February 24.&nbsp;

The Ukrainian administration of Volodymyr Zelensky has called for a NATO no-fly zone to protect people, but Washington has refused.

Watch | Gravitas: Zelensky's conditions for Ukraine's neutrality

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-zelenskys-conditions-for-ukraines-neutrality-464726/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Instead, it prefers that Ukraine develop its own air defence systems.

Last week, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin paid a visit to the country, but has yet to negotiate an arrangement in which the US will provide a replacement. 
 
The SA-8, which can be quickly deployed with ground forces and provide cover from planes and helicopters, is one of the weapons the US got — some of which have been retained at Redstone Arsenal, Ala.

When the S-8 entered service in 1971, it was a significant step forward for Soviet defences.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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. According to The Wall Street Journal, the US is delivering to Ukraine some Soviet-made air defence weapons that Washington acquired control of decades ago through a secret operation. During the Cold War, the US collected various systems, including the S-300, known to NATO as the SA-10, to study Soviet technology and better comprehend their capabilities, according to the Wall Street Journal. The S-300 system, which is already owned and controlled by the Ukrainians, is designed to guard wider territories. According to one official, however, that S-300 weapon will not be sent to Ukraine. "Operational security matters to the Ukrainians, right now," press secretary John Kirby told reporters Monday. "They're fighting for their country, and the Pentagon is not going to be detailing publicly the tools with which they are doing that," he added. IN PICS | Drone warfare in Ukraine: Switchblade 'buzzing bee' drones vs Russia's Orlan-10 Ukrainian forces will benefit from the weapons because their military is already familiar with Soviet systems. The National Security Council and the Pentagon also declined to disclose on what specific weapons the United States has delivered to Ukraine to aid in the country's fightback against a brutal Russian invasion that began on February 24. The Ukrainian administration of Volodymyr Zelensky has called for a NATO no-fly zone to protect people, but Washington has refused. Watch | Gravitas: Zelensky's conditions for Ukraine's neutrality Instead, it prefers that Ukraine develop its own air defence systems. Last week, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin paid a visit to the country, but has yet to negotiate an arrangement in which the US will provide a replacement. The SA-8, which can be quickly deployed with ground forces and provide cover from planes and helicopters, is one of the weapons the US got — some of which have been retained at Redstone Arsenal, Ala. When the S-8 entered service in 1971, it was a significant step forward for Soviet defences. (With inputs from agencies)

US sending secretly acquired Soviet defence equipment to Ukraine: Report

An online petition has been launched against Alina Kabaeva, who is Vladimir Putin’s alleged girlfriend. People from Russia, Belarus and Ukraine have signed up the petition and are demanding Swiss government to expel her.

Petition in Switzerland calls for expulsion of 'Putin's Girlfriend'

In pics: Multiple forest fires erupt near Chernobyl nuclear plant in Ukraine, say reports

Austrian foreign minister Alexander Schallenberg who is on India visit has said that Russian President Putin "miscalculated" his invasion of Ukraine and " thought Ukrainians won't put up a fight, and he thought west won't react strongly". The Austrian FM met External Affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar on Sunday and he is the first European Foreign minister to visit Delhi since the Russian invasion started on 24th February. Speaking to our Principal Diplomatic Sidhant Sibal, FM Schallenberg on Austrian Model of neutrality for Ukraine said, " this is something Ukrainians themselves have to decide and we have to respect their own decision". There were reports of Kremlin proposing an Austria, Sweden model for Ukraine. Asked on French President Macron proposing EU army, FM said, " Austria by constitution is neutral country we could not prevent such a development but might not be part of EU army at the end because that is core issue of being neutral". During Delhi visit the foreign minister is accompanied by a large business delegation.

In Delhi, Austrian Foreign Minister Schallenberg says Putin "Miscalculated" his invasion of Ukraine

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