Russian engineers have arrived at Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine's city in which Europe's biggest atomic power plant is located. Seizure of this nuclear plant has sparkd international outcry.

Its reactors appeared undamaged after the assault despite a fire that broke out there after tanks bombarded it.

Officials from Russia's nuclear firm Rosatom arrived at the site on Friday, the Ukrainian nuclear agency Energoatom said in a message on Telegram.

The Russians told Ukrainian personnel they were there "to evaluate the radiation level" and "help to repair the plant" which was hit by shells, Energoatom said.

At the time of the attack, Moscow's UN ambassador denied that Russia had shelled the plant.

The Ukrainian agency said that the Russians had come directly to the site because Ukrainian personnel had refused to collaborate with them.

It said one of the Russians who arrived at the plant had introduced himself as the new civil and military administrator of the area and declared the plant part of Russian territory, to be run by Rosatom.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russian engineers have arrived at Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine's city in which Europe's biggest atomic power plant is located. Seizure of this nuclear plant has sparkd international outcry.

Russian engineers have arrived at Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine's city in which Europe's biggest atomic power plant is located. Seizure of this nuclear plant has sparkd international outcry. Its reactors appeared undamaged after the assault despite a fire that broke out there after tanks bombarded it. Officials from Russia's nuclear firm Rosatom arrived at the site on Friday, the Ukrainian nuclear agency Energoatom said in a message on Telegram. The Russians told Ukrainian personnel they were there "to evaluate the radiation level" and "help to repair the plant" which was hit by shells, Energoatom said. At the time of the attack, Moscow's UN ambassador denied that Russia had shelled the plant. The Ukrainian agency said that the Russians had come directly to the site because Ukrainian personnel had refused to collaborate with them. It said one of the Russians who arrived at the plant had introduced himself as the new civil and military administrator of the area and declared the plant part of Russian territory, to be run by Rosatom. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia engineers inspect seized nuclear plant, Europe's biggest

Amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, millions of people mostly women and children are fleeing the conflict-ridden country. However, Ukraine's neighbours now report a dip in the number of refugees.

Ukraine's neighbours report a dip in the number of refugees fleeing the Russian invasion

It is day 18 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.

Russia ramps up the attack in South Ukraine as the Russian invasion enters day 18

The Russian invasion of Ukraine is now in its 18th day. Russian forces are advancing to Ukraine's capital from the North West and North East.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Russian troops continue to advance towards capital Kyiv

Russia on Sunday (March 13) launched an attack on Ukrainian military training ground which is closer to Poland. The training ground is located in Ukraine's western city of Lviv.&nbsp;

Russia "launched an air strike on the International Centre for Peacekeeping and Security," the head of the Lviv regional administration, Maxim Kozitsky, said on his verified Facebook page.&nbsp;

"Unfortunately, we have 9 dead. 57 people were injured," Lviv's mayor, Andriy Sadoviy, wrote on Telegram. 
Some of the injured have been taken to Lviv hospitals, he said.

The military base in Yavoriv, located some 40 kilometres (25 miles) northwest of the city, was a training centre for Ukrainian forces with foreign instructors, including from the United States and Canada.

It was also a hub for joint exercises of Ukrainians soldier with NATO allies.

Ukrainian Defence Minister Oleksiy Reznikov said "foreign instructors work here," although it was unclear whether any were present during the attacks.

Foreign troops left Ukraine shortly before Russian launched an invasion of its pro-Western neighbour on February 24.

The United States said on February 12 that it withdrew 150 of its instructors from Ukraine.&nbsp;

Reznikov condemned the bombardment as a "new terrorist attack on peace &amp; security near the EU-NATO border", calling for the imposition of a no-fly zone.

"Action must be taken to stop this. Close the sky!" he wrote.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russia on Sunday (March 13) launched an attack on Ukrainian military training ground which is closer to Poland. The training ground is located in Ukraine's western city of Lviv.

Russia on Sunday (March 13) launched an attack on Ukrainian military training ground which is closer to Poland. The training ground is located in Ukraine's western city of Lviv. Russia "launched an air strike on the International Centre for Peacekeeping and Security," the head of the Lviv regional administration, Maxim Kozitsky, said on his verified Facebook page. "Unfortunately, we have 9 dead. 57 people were injured," Lviv's mayor, Andriy Sadoviy, wrote on Telegram. Some of the injured have been taken to Lviv hospitals, he said. The military base in Yavoriv, located some 40 kilometres (25 miles) northwest of the city, was a training centre for Ukrainian forces with foreign instructors, including from the United States and Canada. It was also a hub for joint exercises of Ukrainians soldier with NATO allies. Ukrainian Defence Minister Oleksiy Reznikov said "foreign instructors work here," although it was unclear whether any were present during the attacks. Foreign troops left Ukraine shortly before Russian launched an invasion of its pro-Western neighbour on February 24. The United States said on February 12 that it withdrew 150 of its instructors from Ukraine. Reznikov condemned the bombardment as a "new terrorist attack on peace & security near the EU-NATO border", calling for the imposition of a no-fly zone. "Action must be taken to stop this. Close the sky!" he wrote. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia conducts airstrike on Ukrainian military target near Poland, 9 dead

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday said that Russia was sending fresh troops after Ukraine put 31 of Russian battalions out of action. He called this Russia's largest army loss in decades. Zelensky did not give details about this claim and it has not been independently verified.

Zelensky also said he had spoken to German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron about pressuring Russia to release the mayor of the city of Melitopol, who Ukraine says was kidnapped on Friday (March 11) by Russian forces.

More than 2,000 residents of the southern city, which is now under Russian control, protested outside the city administration building to demand the release of the mayor, Ivan Fedorov, Kyrylo Tymoshenko, deputy head of the president's office, said.

A call between Scholz, Macron and Russian President Vladimir Putin was underway, the French presidency said. Russia has not commented on the fate of Fedorov, who Ukrainian officials said was kidnapped by Russian forces on false accusations of terrorism.

Zelenskiy said his country could not stop fighting but was upholding a ceasefire around an agreed humanitarian corridor out of the southern port of Mariupol, which has been under an almost two-week siege, and called on Russia to do the same.

Moscow has previously blamed Kyiv for failed evacuations.

Putin launched the invasion on Feb. 24 in an operation that has been near universally condemned around the world and that has drawn tough Western sanctions on Russia.

(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. &nbsp;

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday said that Russia was sending fresh troops after Ukraine put 31 of Russian battalions out of action. He called this Russia's largest army loss in decades.

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday said that Russia was sending fresh troops after Ukraine put 31 of Russian battalions out of action. He called this Russia's largest army loss in decades. Zelensky did not give details about this claim and it has not been independently verified. Zelensky also said he had spoken to German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron about pressuring Russia to release the mayor of the city of Melitopol, who Ukraine says was kidnapped on Friday (March 11) by Russian forces. More than 2,000 residents of the southern city, which is now under Russian control, protested outside the city administration building to demand the release of the mayor, Ivan Fedorov, Kyrylo Tymoshenko, deputy head of the president's office, said. A call between Scholz, Macron and Russian President Vladimir Putin was underway, the French presidency said. Russia has not commented on the fate of Fedorov, who Ukrainian officials said was kidnapped by Russian forces on false accusations of terrorism. Zelenskiy said his country could not stop fighting but was upholding a ceasefire around an agreed humanitarian corridor out of the southern port of Mariupol, which has been under an almost two-week siege, and called on Russia to do the same. Moscow has previously blamed Kyiv for failed evacuations. Putin launched the invasion on Feb. 24 in an operation that has been near universally condemned around the world and that has drawn tough Western sanctions on Russia. (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.

Russia sending fresh troops after heavy losses, claims Zelensky

Russia has ramped up the attack against Ukraine with the heads of Ukrainian government officials reportedly being targeted. in the latest reports suggest Russian military has installed a new mayor in the city of Melitopol after detaining former mayor.

New mayor installed in Ukraine's Melitopol after former mayor's ‘abduction’

Russian troops continue to unleash their assaults on southern Ukrainian cities. The local authorities are also ramping up their measures to fortify the region against further Russian air raids.

Russia ramps up attacks in southern Ukraine, Odessa residents fortify city

The Russian forces are advancing towards the Ukrainian capital Kyiv in the north west and the north east regions. A top Ukrainian official stated that Kyiv effectively is 'under seige'.

Top Ukrainian official: Kyiv effectively 'under seige'

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that some 1,300 Ukrainian forces have been killed since the Russian invasion of Ukraine began.

At a press conference, Volodymyr Zelensky said that rather than trading ultimatums, negotiating teams from Kyiv and Moscow had begun discussing concrete themes.

He urged Western countries to become more active in peace talks, but praised Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett's efforts to mediate between Ukraine and Russia. 
 
Ukraine has killed almost 12,000 Russian troops and destroyed 1,205 armoured vehicles, 58 aircraft, 83 helicopters, 362 tanks, 585 vehicles, and 135 artillery pieces, according to a data sheet released by Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs earlier in the day.

On Friday, between 500 and 600 Russian soldiers surrendered to Ukrainian forces, according to Zelensky.

On Saturday, large crowd gathered in Melitopol's southern port to protest the alleged kidnapping of the city's mayor, Ivan Fedorov, by Russian troops, an act characterised by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as "a crime against democracy."&nbsp; 
 
Watch | Mariupol: Satellite images show heavy damage | Day 18 of Russian invasion

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Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Saturday, and urged them to influence the Kiev authorities to stop "criminal acts" of Ukrainian "nationalist battalions," according to the Kremlin. 
 
Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/live-russia-claims-to-have-besieged-two-big-cities-in-ukraine-455211">LIVE: Ukraine says Russians shot 7 evacuees, including 1 child, near Kyiv</a>

The German government stated in a statement that Macron and Scholz advocated an urgent ceasefire and a diplomatic solution to the situation in Ukraine, citing the 75-minute meeting as part of ongoing international efforts to end the violence, according to Xinhua. 
 
Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-send-weapons-worth-200-million-to-help-ukraine-fight-off-russia-461767" hreflang="en">US to send weapons worth $200 million to help Ukraine fight off Russia</a>

The three leaders discussed issues pertaining to agreements being worked out concerning the implementation of earlier Russian demands, according to the Kremlin. Putin gave a "detailed account of the series of talks held via videoconference by Russian and Ukrainian representatives over the past days," and the three leaders reviewed issues pertaining to agreements being worked out concerning the implementation of earlier Russian demands, according to the Kremlin.

(With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that some 1,300 Ukrainian forces have been killed since the Russian invasion of Ukraine began. At a press conference, Volodymyr Zelensky said that rather than trading ultimatums, negotiating teams from Kyiv and Moscow had begun discussing concrete themes.

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that some 1,300 Ukrainian forces have been killed since the Russian invasion of Ukraine began. At a press conference, Volodymyr Zelensky said that rather than trading ultimatums, negotiating teams from Kyiv and Moscow had begun discussing concrete themes. He urged Western countries to become more active in peace talks, but praised Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett's efforts to mediate between Ukraine and Russia. Ukraine has killed almost 12,000 Russian troops and destroyed 1,205 armoured vehicles, 58 aircraft, 83 helicopters, 362 tanks, 585 vehicles, and 135 artillery pieces, according to a data sheet released by Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs earlier in the day. On Friday, between 500 and 600 Russian soldiers surrendered to Ukrainian forces, according to Zelensky. On Saturday, large crowd gathered in Melitopol's southern port to protest the alleged kidnapping of the city's mayor, Ivan Fedorov, by Russian troops, an act characterised by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as "a crime against democracy." Watch | Mariupol: Satellite images show heavy damage | Day 18 of Russian invasion Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Saturday, and urged them to influence the Kiev authorities to stop "criminal acts" of Ukrainian "nationalist battalions," according to the Kremlin. Also Read | LIVE: Ukraine says Russians shot 7 evacuees, including 1 child, near Kyiv The German government stated in a statement that Macron and Scholz advocated an urgent ceasefire and a diplomatic solution to the situation in Ukraine, citing the 75-minute meeting as part of ongoing international efforts to end the violence, according to Xinhua. Also Read: US to send weapons worth $200 million to help Ukraine fight off Russia The three leaders discussed issues pertaining to agreements being worked out concerning the implementation of earlier Russian demands, according to the Kremlin. Putin gave a "detailed account of the series of talks held via videoconference by Russian and Ukrainian representatives over the past days," and the three leaders reviewed issues pertaining to agreements being worked out concerning the implementation of earlier Russian demands, according to the Kremlin. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia-Ukraine war: Zelensky says 1,300 Ukrainian soldiers have been killed

The last thing on anybody’s mind these days in Ukraine seems to be COVID-19.

With millions of people on the move fleeing the Russian invasion, health systems disrupted, and testing and vaccination programs suspended in many places, health officials fear that conditions could spread disease. But the pandemic, they said, was no longer a top priority.

“People are not frightened about COVID anymore,” said Dr. Marta Saiko, head of the therapy department at the Clinical Municipal Emergency Hospital here in western Ukraine. “People are frightened of the war.”

The chaos of war has made it impossible to gauge how the pandemic is progressing. Coronavirus testing has largely been suspended since the war began Feb. 24, and physicians have been told to make an observation of clinical symptoms without bothering with a laboratory test, Dr. Oleksandr Matskov, deputy director of the General Public Health Center of Ukraine, said in a written response to questions.

As a result, new recorded cases have declined sharply in the past two weeks, but “the decrease also may be natural,” he added, noting that the omicron variant surge was already waning before Russian troops and tanks crossed the border.

The invasion has brought attacks on some of the largest cities, including the capital, Kyiv, and the second-largest city, Kharkiv, causing an exodus of people and a breakdown in services. Half the population of Kyiv, a city of about 3 million, has left, the mayor said this past week. Other cities are under siege with little or no access to medical services, Matskov wrote.

Ukraine has a relatively low COVID-19 vaccination rate, barely one-third of the population, and millions of people fleeing their homes have crowded into evacuation trains, resettlement centers, temporary housing and underground shelters — conditions ripe for a new surge of infections. The areas of Ukraine that remain relatively safe from the war for now face new problems as the medical networks in those regions are overloaded by the influx of displaced people, Matskov said.

For the average Ukrainian these days, COVID-19 ranks low on the list of worries.

“It faded into the background,” said Olexander, 46, a seaman who was returning from his job in Norway to join his family in Odessa in southern Ukraine. He declined to give his surname for security in wartime conditions. “Our enemy is much more frightening.”

His company in Norway had insisted on very strict rules during the pandemic, he said, but in Ukraine no one was bothering. He was resting inside a tent at the railway station in Lviv, waiting for the night train to Odesa. The half-dozen people inside were not wearing masks.

“I am vaccinated, and at home, they all got sick with COVID already,” he said with a shrug. He was going home to defend his city and his brother had already enlisted, he said.

Recently, Ukraine has also been grappling with a rare outbreak of polio, which spreads through the kind of unsanitary conditions and water contamination that are common in a refugee crisis. Compounding the threat, vaccination for polio and other diseases has slowed worldwide during the coronavirus pandemic.

Europe had been certified as polio-free, but in October, 20 people in Ukraine tested positive for the virus, which can cause fever and paralysis, and then it spread to a second region in the country. The outbreak seems to have been contained, but two patients were affected by paralysis, Matskov said.

The outbreak was identified by genetic sequencing to match a variant in Tajikistan, indicating that the virus was brought by someone traveling from Tajikistan. It is hard to tell when the threat has abated, because most people infected with poliovirus show no symptoms but can still spread it for weeks or months.

“The risk of the spread of polio has increased significantly since the beginning of the war, as there are crowds of people in shelters, places of temporary residence of refugees at the borders, which cannot provide adequate sanitation and hygiene,” Matskov wrote. “Due to the damage to the infrastructure and the humanitarian crisis, there are interruptions in the supply of drinking water and food.”

Like much of Europe, Ukraine experienced a coronavirus surge earlier this year, averaging more than 35,000 cases per day in early February and more than 200 daily deaths by the middle of the month, according to figures compiled by Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center. The official figures declined rapidly from those highs — and then fell to zero in the days immediately after the Russian invasion, indicating a rupture in reporting.

Matskov said cases were once again being registered as before in the regions not directly affected by fighting. For Wednesday, he said, there were 6,112 cases and 115 deaths.

Ukrainians had been relatively disciplined about wearing masks inside shops and restaurants and on public transport before the war, but most people seem to have abandoned any protocol. As refugees have crammed on to trains and into station waiting halls, social distancing became impossible and there is barely a mask to be seen amid the crowds.

Saiko, at the hospital in Lviv, said she had 32 patients with COVID-19 in her ward, four of them in intensive care at midweek, she said. Only one patient had died this past week, she said.

The caseload was much less than that of previous months, she said. “Now it’s usually four or five patients a day, and it used to be 20 to 25 a day.”

She said cases could increase because of the influx of people into Lviv from other parts of the country, but the hospital has the largest COVID-19 ward and can manage 730 patients at a time. Supplies, she added, were “good enough.”

The last thing on anybody’s mind these days in Ukraine seems to be COVID-19. With millions of people on the move fleeing the Russian invasion, health systems disrupted, and testing and vaccination programs suspended in many places, health officials fear that conditions could spread disease.

The last thing on anybody’s mind these days in Ukraine seems to be COVID-19. With millions of people on the move fleeing the Russian invasion, health systems disrupted, and testing and vaccination programs suspended in many places, health officials fear that conditions could spread disease. But the pandemic, they said, was no longer a top priority. “People are not frightened about COVID anymore,” said Dr. Marta Saiko, head of the therapy department at the Clinical Municipal Emergency Hospital here in western Ukraine. “People are frightened of the war.” The chaos of war has made it impossible to gauge how the pandemic is progressing. Coronavirus testing has largely been suspended since the war began Feb. 24, and physicians have been told to make an observation of clinical symptoms without bothering with a laboratory test, Dr. Oleksandr Matskov, deputy director of the General Public Health Center of Ukraine, said in a written response to questions. As a result, new recorded cases have declined sharply in the past two weeks, but “the decrease also may be natural,” he added, noting that the omicron variant surge was already waning before Russian troops and tanks crossed the border. The invasion has brought attacks on some of the largest cities, including the capital, Kyiv, and the second-largest city, Kharkiv, causing an exodus of people and a breakdown in services. Half the population of Kyiv, a city of about 3 million, has left, the mayor said this past week. Other cities are under siege with little or no access to medical services, Matskov wrote. Ukraine has a relatively low COVID-19 vaccination rate, barely one-third of the population, and millions of people fleeing their homes have crowded into evacuation trains, resettlement centers, temporary housing and underground shelters — conditions ripe for a new surge of infections. The areas of Ukraine that remain relatively safe from the war for now face new problems as the medical networks in those regions are overloaded by the influx of displaced people, Matskov said. For the average Ukrainian these days, COVID-19 ranks low on the list of worries. “It faded into the background,” said Olexander, 46, a seaman who was returning from his job in Norway to join his family in Odessa in southern Ukraine. He declined to give his surname for security in wartime conditions. “Our enemy is much more frightening.” His company in Norway had insisted on very strict rules during the pandemic, he said, but in Ukraine no one was bothering. He was resting inside a tent at the railway station in Lviv, waiting for the night train to Odesa. The half-dozen people inside were not wearing masks. “I am vaccinated, and at home, they all got sick with COVID already,” he said with a shrug. He was going home to defend his city and his brother had already enlisted, he said. Recently, Ukraine has also been grappling with a rare outbreak of polio, which spreads through the kind of unsanitary conditions and water contamination that are common in a refugee crisis. Compounding the threat, vaccination for polio and other diseases has slowed worldwide during the coronavirus pandemic. Europe had been certified as polio-free, but in October, 20 people in Ukraine tested positive for the virus, which can cause fever and paralysis, and then it spread to a second region in the country. The outbreak seems to have been contained, but two patients were affected by paralysis, Matskov said. The outbreak was identified by genetic sequencing to match a variant in Tajikistan, indicating that the virus was brought by someone traveling from Tajikistan. It is hard to tell when the threat has abated, because most people infected with poliovirus show no symptoms but can still spread it for weeks or months. “The risk of the spread of polio has increased significantly since the beginning of the war, as there are crowds of people in shelters, places of temporary residence of refugees at the borders, which cannot provide adequate sanitation and hygiene,” Matskov wrote. “Due to the damage to the infrastructure and the humanitarian crisis, there are interruptions in the supply of drinking water and food.” Like much of Europe, Ukraine experienced a coronavirus surge earlier this year, averaging more than 35,000 cases per day in early February and more than 200 daily deaths by the middle of the month, according to figures compiled by Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center. The official figures declined rapidly from those highs — and then fell to zero in the days immediately after the Russian invasion, indicating a rupture in reporting. Matskov said cases were once again being registered as before in the regions not directly affected by fighting. For Wednesday, he said, there were 6,112 cases and 115 deaths. Ukrainians had been relatively disciplined about wearing masks inside shops and restaurants and on public transport before the war, but most people seem to have abandoned any protocol. As refugees have crammed on to trains and into station waiting halls, social distancing became impossible and there is barely a mask to be seen amid the crowds. Saiko, at the hospital in Lviv, said she had 32 patients with COVID-19 in her ward, four of them in intensive care at midweek, she said. Only one patient had died this past week, she said. The caseload was much less than that of previous months, she said. “Now it’s usually four or five patients a day, and it used to be 20 to 25 a day.” She said cases could increase because of the influx of people into Lviv from other parts of the country, but the hospital has the largest COVID-19 ward and can manage 730 patients at a time. Supplies, she added, were “good enough.”

Chaos of war in Ukraine could fuel new COVID-19 surge, doctors say

As the situation intensifies in Ukraine, with Russia dropping bombs every day, one of the world’s best snipers, ‘Wali’, has arrived in the embattled nation to help them fight the Russian forces. He is a veteran of the royal Canadian 22nd regiment.&nbsp;

As per reports, Wali has already killed 6 Russian soldiers.&nbsp;

Wali has come to Ukraine as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's urged foreign soldiers to join the country in its fight against Russia.&nbsp;

&nbsp;"I want to help them. It's as simple as that. I have to help because there are people here being bombarded just because they want to be European and not Russian," Wali said in a recent interview.&nbsp;

He has previously served in Afghanistan war during the operations in Kandahar between 2009 and 2011. He got his nickname 'Wali' during this time only.&nbsp;

He built a reputation during his tours to Syria and Iraq.

During June 2017 in Iraq, he shot an IS jihadist at an incredible distance of 3,540 metres. This is the longest distance any sniper has ever hit a target.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/legitimate-russia-may-target-western-arms-supplies-to-ukraine-461657">Also read |&nbsp;'Legitimate': Russia may target Western arms supplies to Ukraine</a>

For coming to Ukraine, he left behind his wife and baby son, who will celebrate his first birthday without his father next week. 
He is considered one of the best snipers in the world as he can provide 40 kills on a productive day. Usually, a good sniper, on average, gets 5-6 kills per day.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, as the war in Ukraine entered the seventeenth day on Saturday, Russia said it could target Western weapon supplies into Ukraine.

"We warned the United States that the orchestrated pumping of weapons from a number of countries is not just a dangerous move, it is a move that turns these convoys into legitimate targets," the Russian foreign ministry spokesman Sergei Ryabkov said.

The Russians are reportedly firing long-range missiles from Ukraine's border while being cautious even as reports claim Ukraine has held back its own Air Force jets.

Reports claimed on Saturday that Russian rocket attack had destroyed a Ukrainian airbase near Vasylkiv in Kyiv region even as fighting rages near the capital.

(With inputs from agencies)

As the situation intensifies in Ukraine, with Russia dropping bombs every day, one of the world’s best snipers, ‘Wali’, has arrived in the embattled nation to help them fight the Russian forces.

As the situation intensifies in Ukraine, with Russia dropping bombs every day, one of the world’s best snipers, ‘Wali’, has arrived in the embattled nation to help them fight the Russian forces. He is a veteran of the royal Canadian 22nd regiment. As per reports, Wali has already killed 6 Russian soldiers. Wali has come to Ukraine as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's urged foreign soldiers to join the country in its fight against Russia. "I want to help them. It's as simple as that. I have to help because there are people here being bombarded just because they want to be European and not Russian," Wali said in a recent interview. He has previously served in Afghanistan war during the operations in Kandahar between 2009 and 2011. He got his nickname 'Wali' during this time only. He built a reputation during his tours to Syria and Iraq. During June 2017 in Iraq, he shot an IS jihadist at an incredible distance of 3,540 metres. This is the longest distance any sniper has ever hit a target. Also read | 'Legitimate': Russia may target Western arms supplies to Ukraine For coming to Ukraine, he left behind his wife and baby son, who will celebrate his first birthday without his father next week. He is considered one of the best snipers in the world as he can provide 40 kills on a productive day. Usually, a good sniper, on average, gets 5-6 kills per day. Meanwhile, as the war in Ukraine entered the seventeenth day on Saturday, Russia said it could target Western weapon supplies into Ukraine. "We warned the United States that the orchestrated pumping of weapons from a number of countries is not just a dangerous move, it is a move that turns these convoys into legitimate targets," the Russian foreign ministry spokesman Sergei Ryabkov said. The Russians are reportedly firing long-range missiles from Ukraine's border while being cautious even as reports claim Ukraine has held back its own Air Force jets. Reports claimed on Saturday that Russian rocket attack had destroyed a Ukrainian airbase near Vasylkiv in Kyiv region even as fighting rages near the capital. (With inputs from agencies)

World's best sniper 'Wali' joins Ukrainian forces, here is what you should know

Amidst the Ukraine-Russian conflict, Russia lost it's most favoured nation status. This move has been taken to isolate the Russian economy further.

Ukraine Under Attack: Russia loses 'most favoured nation' status

It is day 17 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.

Amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine Heavy bombardment reported in Irpin & Bucha

Amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, Russia has given the latest warning to the West. Russia to target Western arms supply? Watch this report to find out.

Russia's latest warning to the West: Russia to target Western arms supply?

Amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Seventh attempt of evacuation is underway in Mariupol. This after several attempts have been failed by the Russian aggression.

Seventh attempt of evacuation underway in Mariupol amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine

As Russia and Ukraine conflict continues to escalate, the latest reports from ground zero show the grim reality of the Ukrainian cities that are under attack.&nbsp;

Massive loss of life and property has been reported in Ukraine and the crisis has also triggered a refugee crisis, as people are fleeing the country to save their lives.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday (March 12) urged the mothers of Russian soldiers to prevent their sons from being sent to Ukraine to fight.&nbsp;

WATCH | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-ivan-fedorov-mayor-of-ukrainian-city-abducted-by-russian-troops-461462">Ivan Fedorov, mayor of Ukrainian city abducted by Russian troops</a>

In a video address released on Telegram, Zelensky said, "I want to say this once again to Russian mothers, especially mothers of conscripts. Do not send your children to war in a foreign country." &nbsp;

He said, "Check where your son is. And if you have the slightest suspicion that your son could be sent to war against Ukraine, act immediately" to prevent him being killed or captured."&nbsp;

Kyiv last week invited mothers of Russian soldiers captured on its territory to come and pick their children up. The Ukrainian defence ministry published phone numbers and an email through which they could obtain information about them.&nbsp;

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-tank-man-to-snake-island-defenders-brave-stories-of-resistance-by-ukrainians-against-vladimir-putin-460353">From 'tank man' to snake island defenders: Brave stories of resistance by Ukrainians against Vladimir Putin</a>

On Friday (March 11), the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said that it remains "gravely concerned by the rising death toll and human suffering in Ukraine".&nbsp;

Requesting an "immediate end to the attacks", spokesperson Liz Throssell said, "Civilians are being killed and maimed in what appear to be indiscriminate attacks, with Russian forces using explosive weapons with wide area effects in or near populated areas. These include missiles, heavy artillery shells and rockets, as well as airstrikes."&nbsp;

As per the OHCHR, 549 civilian deaths have been recorded and 957 injuries since the invasion began after Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a military operation in Ukraine.&nbsp;

Although, some of the officials have noted that the actual death toll could be much higher than reported ones.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: Turkey taking advantage of war in Ukraine?

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As Russia and Ukraine conflict continues to escalate, the latest reports from ground zero show the grim reality of the Ukrainian cities that are under attack. Massive loss of life and property has been reported in Ukraine and the crisis has also triggered a refugee crisis, as people are fleeing the country to save their lives.

As Russia and Ukraine conflict continues to escalate, the latest reports from ground zero show the grim reality of the Ukrainian cities that are under attack. Massive loss of life and property has been reported in Ukraine and the crisis has also triggered a refugee crisis, as people are fleeing the country to save their lives. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday (March 12) urged the mothers of Russian soldiers to prevent their sons from being sent to Ukraine to fight. WATCH | Ivan Fedorov, mayor of Ukrainian city abducted by Russian troops In a video address released on Telegram, Zelensky said, "I want to say this once again to Russian mothers, especially mothers of conscripts. Do not send your children to war in a foreign country." He said, "Check where your son is. And if you have the slightest suspicion that your son could be sent to war against Ukraine, act immediately" to prevent him being killed or captured." Kyiv last week invited mothers of Russian soldiers captured on its territory to come and pick their children up. The Ukrainian defence ministry published phone numbers and an email through which they could obtain information about them. IN PICS | From 'tank man' to snake island defenders: Brave stories of resistance by Ukrainians against Vladimir Putin On Friday (March 11), the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said that it remains "gravely concerned by the rising death toll and human suffering in Ukraine". Requesting an "immediate end to the attacks", spokesperson Liz Throssell said, "Civilians are being killed and maimed in what appear to be indiscriminate attacks, with Russian forces using explosive weapons with wide area effects in or near populated areas. These include missiles, heavy artillery shells and rockets, as well as airstrikes." As per the OHCHR, 549 civilian deaths have been recorded and 957 injuries since the invasion began after Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a military operation in Ukraine. Although, some of the officials have noted that the actual death toll could be much higher than reported ones. WATCH | Gravitas: Turkey taking advantage of war in Ukraine? ×

'Prevent him from being killed or captured': Zelensky appeals to mothers of Russian soldiers

Russia-Ukraine Conflict enters day 17: Russians 25 kilometres away from Kyiv

Amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, the United States has announced fresh set of sanctions on Russia. Russia also also lost most favoured nation status.

US imposes fresh sanctions on Russia amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine

First, it influenced elections. Now Big Tech is directing the course of conflicts. It's pushing the western narrative & suppressing Russia's. Platforms have become battlefields, data has been weaponised. Palki Sharma Upadhyay exposes the West's monopoly on information flow.

Gravitas Plus: Why the West is winning the Information War

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. Russian soldiers have kidnapped the mayor of southern Ukraine's Melitopol on Friday (March 11), the country's President Volodymyr Zelensky and Ukrainian officials said. The abduction of Ivan Fedorov, who is the mayor of the southeastern city of Melitopol, was captured in CCTV cameras as he was seen being led away by armed men from a government building on Friday. The video, posted by the deputy head of Ukraine's presidential administration, Kirillo Timoshenko, shows soldiers coming out of a building holding a man dressed in black, his head apparently covered with a black bag. ALSO READ | 'World War III': We will not fight a war against Russia in Ukraine, says Biden Ukraine's ministry of foreign affairs tweeted: "The armed aggression of the RF against #Ukraine is accompanied by gross violations of norms and principles of international law, including int’l humanitarian law. Among such gross violations was the abduction of Melitopol Mayor Ivan Fedorov on March 11." Ukraine's parliament said on Twitter, "A group of 10 occupiers kidnapped the mayor of Melitopol Ivan Fedorov. He refused to cooperate with the enemy." It said the mayor was seized when he was at the city's crisis centre dealing with supply issues. Later, Zelensky also confirmed the news. In a video message, he said, "This is obviously a sign of weakness of the invaders... They have moved to a new stage of terror in which they are trying to physically eliminate representatives of legitimate local Ukrainian authorities," he said. IN PICS | From 'tank man' to snake island defenders: Brave stories of resistance by Ukrainians against Vladimir Putin He called Fedorov "a mayor who bravely defends Ukraine and the members of his community". He added, "The capture of the mayor of Melitopol is, therefore, a crime, not only against a particular person, against a particular community, and not only against Ukraine. It is a crime against democracy itself... The acts of the Russian invaders will be regarded like those of Islamic State terrorists." Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media. Watch the video of abduction here: #RussianWarCrimes Russian #CrimesAgainstHumanity ⚡⚡⚡The mayor of occupied City of 🇺🇦 #Melitopol Ivan Fedorov, was abducted by a 🇷🇺group of occupiers today. Mayor Fedorov refused to cooperate with the 🇷🇺enemy. During the abduction, they put a plastic bag on his head. pic.twitter.com/pc24n6Bxnj — Belarussische Diaspora in Österreich (@BelDiasporaAT) March 11, 2022 × The armed aggression of the RF against #Ukraine is accompanied by gross violations of norms and principles of international law, including int’l humanitarian law. Among such gross violations was the abduction of Melitopol Mayor Ivan Fedorov on March 11. https://t.co/pSyJKi8VY8 pic.twitter.com/SdZVCW1xNx — MFA of Ukraine 🇺🇦 (@MFA_Ukraine) March 11, 2022 ×

Watch: Ivan Fedorov, mayor of Ukrainian city abducted by Russian troops

Amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, Kyiv said that Russia is planning an attack on Chernobyl nuclear plant. Watch this report to know about the risks.

Kyiv: Russia planning attack on Chernobyl nuclear plant amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine

The battle for Kyiv continues as Russian invasion of Ukraine enters day 17

Watch top developments of week three of the Russian invasion of Ukraine

During a press briefing, US Vice President Kamala Harris laughed awkwardly when asked about Ukraine's refugees amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine.

US Vice President Harris under fire for laughing when asked about Ukraine's refugees

It's a fact as to how some issues garner more attention than others. Russia's invasion of Ukraine has been one such issue. From revolving around all Covid-related stories for the past two years to now focussing on every small development in Ukraine - this is how media attention shifted in a span of two weeks. &nbsp;

Russia invaded Ukraine in the early hours of February 24, leading to one of the worst conflicts in Europe. As the world was busy focussing on the atrocities in Ukraine, World Health Organisation's director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned that the pandemic is 'far from over,' as global Covid deaths crossed the 6 million mark.&nbsp;

The first outbreak in Pacific islands&nbsp; 
Two years on, several Pacific islands are experiencing their first outbreak. Earlier this week, Niue became the second island in the Pacific to lose its Covid-zero status after reporting its first case of Covid. As per the government, the case arrived from New Zealand. Chatham islands also reported its first case over the weekend.

As per WHO, there are just eight countries that are Covid-free. These include Tuvalu, Tokelau, Saint Helena, Pitcairn Islands, Nauru, and the Federated states of Micronesia. The disease has ripped nations all across the globe.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-hong-kong-leader-says-city-is-not-yet-past-covid-peak-461568">Also read |&nbsp;COVID-19: Hong Kong leader says city is not yet past Covid peak&nbsp;</a>

Situation in China seems to get worse&nbsp; 
As Russia continued to bomb Ukraine, killing hundreds of people, many were losing lives due to this one disease which has severely impacted the nation.&nbsp;

The situation in China seems to be deteriorating again, this time even worse than the Wuhan outbreak in 2020. The nation has reported 1,524 Covid cases, its highest daily figure since 2020. Meanwhile, a lockdown has been imposed in the northeastern Chinese city of nine million people Changchun as Covid cases continue to surge. Changchun is the capital of Jilin province and an important industrial base. It has ordered the residents to work from home.&nbsp;As per the new rules, only one person will be allowed out every two days to buy "daily necessities."

The health commission said that China will be introducing rapid antigen tests for the first time as Covid outbreaks spread.&nbsp;

Several Chinese cities have been recording a surge in cases. Recently, Shanghai ordered its schools to close and shift to online instruction. The asymptomatic infections caused by the Omicron variant have driven Beijing's daily count to an all-time high.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/pics-even-after-two-years-covid-19-still-torments-the-entire-world-461393">Also read |&nbsp;Pics: Even after two years, COVID-19 still torments the entire world</a>

Temporary bridge in Hong Kong&nbsp; 
Hong Kong, the densely populated metropolis is in the throes of a record virus surge. As the situation worsens, a temporary bridge has been built in Hong Kong to help bring in material from the mainland for the Covid makeshift hospital.&nbsp;Chief Executive Carrie Lam said that China aims to ensure that Hong Kong has enough food and other supplies during the outbreak.&nbsp;

To battle the surge in cases, doctors and nurses from the mainland have also been allowed to work in the city. Beijing, on the other hand, has provided 29 million&nbsp;rapid antigen tests and 54 million&nbsp;masks as of Tuesday.

Earlier, Lam had said that all Hong Kongers must undergo three rounds of compulsory coronavirus testing. "The coming one to three months are crucial in fighting the pandemic," Lam told a press briefing.

France sees an upward trend&nbsp;

France, also, is experiencing a surge in cases as it prepares to lift most Covid restrictions. After weeks of steady decline, Covid infections are going up again, according to the public health body, Santé Publique France.&nbsp; 
On Friday, France recorded 73,000 fresh cases.&nbsp;

Guillaume Rozier, founder of the government-sponsored website CovidTracker, while speaking to AFP said, "The rise in cases is most apparent in northern France and along the Mediterranean coast, roughly corresponding to the areas where children returned to school earliest (on February 21)."

Cases in the UK rising again&nbsp; 
While several European nations have eased restrictions, the situation in the United Kingdom seems to be getting a little out of control. Experts have warned that there can be a resurgence of the virus as cases among older people are increasing. The warning came after nearly 100,000 swabs were collected from people all across England.&nbsp;

Latest estimates from the Office for national statistics (ONS) have revealed that Covid infections are increasing across the UK as every one person in 25 is infected. Sub-variant of Omicron, called BA.2, is believed to be the most common strain in most of the UK.

WHO voiced its frustration 
While countries are trying to move on from the pandemic, WHO recently voiced its frustration at people marking the second anniversary. It insisted that the real alarm came six weeks earlier. However, few people just bothered to sit up and take notice.

WHO declared a public health emergency of international concern, meaning the highest level of alarm in the global health regulations on January 30, 2020. This was done when outside of China, fewer than 100 cases and no deaths had been reported.

WHO chief Tedros, however, described the worsening situation as a pandemic on March 11, 2020. The WHO is not marking the anniversary and is still frustrated at the fact that governments did not heed the original alert.

"The world was possessed with the word pandemic," said WHO emergencies director Michael Ryan.

"The warning in January was way more important than the announcement in March. Do you want the warning to say you've just drowned, or would you like the warning to say the flood is coming?"

Slowly but surely governments have come around to the idea that Covid may be endemic like the flu and have asked people to live with it. WHO, however, is warning against such a conclusion.

It's a fact as to how some issues garner more attention than others. Russia's invasion of Ukraine has been one such issue. From revolving around all Covid-related stories for the past two years to now focussing on every small development in Ukraine - this is how media attention shifted in a span of two weeks.

It's a fact as to how some issues garner more attention than others. Russia's invasion of Ukraine has been one such issue. From revolving around all Covid-related stories for the past two years to now focussing on every small development in Ukraine - this is how media attention shifted in a span of two weeks. Russia invaded Ukraine in the early hours of February 24, leading to one of the worst conflicts in Europe. As the world was busy focussing on the atrocities in Ukraine, World Health Organisation's director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned that the pandemic is 'far from over,' as global Covid deaths crossed the 6 million mark. The first outbreak in Pacific islands Two years on, several Pacific islands are experiencing their first outbreak. Earlier this week, Niue became the second island in the Pacific to lose its Covid-zero status after reporting its first case of Covid. As per the government, the case arrived from New Zealand. Chatham islands also reported its first case over the weekend. As per WHO, there are just eight countries that are Covid-free. These include Tuvalu, Tokelau, Saint Helena, Pitcairn Islands, Nauru, and the Federated states of Micronesia. The disease has ripped nations all across the globe. Also read | COVID-19: Hong Kong leader says city is not yet past Covid peak Situation in China seems to get worse As Russia continued to bomb Ukraine, killing hundreds of people, many were losing lives due to this one disease which has severely impacted the nation. The situation in China seems to be deteriorating again, this time even worse than the Wuhan outbreak in 2020. The nation has reported 1,524 Covid cases, its highest daily figure since 2020. Meanwhile, a lockdown has been imposed in the northeastern Chinese city of nine million people Changchun as Covid cases continue to surge. Changchun is the capital of Jilin province and an important industrial base. It has ordered the residents to work from home. As per the new rules, only one person will be allowed out every two days to buy "daily necessities." The health commission said that China will be introducing rapid antigen tests for the first time as Covid outbreaks spread. Several Chinese cities have been recording a surge in cases. Recently, Shanghai ordered its schools to close and shift to online instruction. The asymptomatic infections caused by the Omicron variant have driven Beijing's daily count to an all-time high. Also read | Pics: Even after two years, COVID-19 still torments the entire world Temporary bridge in Hong Kong Hong Kong, the densely populated metropolis is in the throes of a record virus surge. As the situation worsens, a temporary bridge has been built in Hong Kong to help bring in material from the mainland for the Covid makeshift hospital. Chief Executive Carrie Lam said that China aims to ensure that Hong Kong has enough food and other supplies during the outbreak. To battle the surge in cases, doctors and nurses from the mainland have also been allowed to work in the city. Beijing, on the other hand, has provided 29 million rapid antigen tests and 54 million masks as of Tuesday. Earlier, Lam had said that all Hong Kongers must undergo three rounds of compulsory coronavirus testing. "The coming one to three months are crucial in fighting the pandemic," Lam told a press briefing. France sees an upward trend France, also, is experiencing a surge in cases as it prepares to lift most Covid restrictions. After weeks of steady decline, Covid infections are going up again, according to the public health body, Santé Publique France. On Friday, France recorded 73,000 fresh cases. Guillaume Rozier, founder of the government-sponsored website CovidTracker, while speaking to AFP said, "The rise in cases is most apparent in northern France and along the Mediterranean coast, roughly corresponding to the areas where children returned to school earliest (on February 21)." Cases in the UK rising again While several European nations have eased restrictions, the situation in the United Kingdom seems to be getting a little out of control. Experts have warned that there can be a resurgence of the virus as cases among older people are increasing. The warning came after nearly 100,000 swabs were collected from people all across England. Latest estimates from the Office for national statistics (ONS) have revealed that Covid infections are increasing across the UK as every one person in 25 is infected. Sub-variant of Omicron, called BA.2, is believed to be the most common strain in most of the UK. WHO voiced its frustration While countries are trying to move on from the pandemic, WHO recently voiced its frustration at people marking the second anniversary. It insisted that the real alarm came six weeks earlier. However, few people just bothered to sit up and take notice. WHO declared a public health emergency of international concern, meaning the highest level of alarm in the global health regulations on January 30, 2020. This was done when outside of China, fewer than 100 cases and no deaths had been reported. WHO chief Tedros, however, described the worsening situation as a pandemic on March 11, 2020. The WHO is not marking the anniversary and is still frustrated at the fact that governments did not heed the original alert. "The world was possessed with the word pandemic," said WHO emergencies director Michael Ryan. "The warning in January was way more important than the announcement in March. Do you want the warning to say you've just drowned, or would you like the warning to say the flood is coming?" Slowly but surely governments have come around to the idea that Covid may be endemic like the flu and have asked people to live with it. WHO, however, is warning against such a conclusion.

Media focus shifted from Covid to Ukraine in just two weeks. But virus is not done yet

Amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, scores of people are fleeing the conflict. The Ukrainian refugee crisis is mounting as they narrate their ordeal.

Ukrainian Refugees narrate their ordeal as the Russian invasion of Ukraine triggers a refugee crisis

Russia's invasion of Ukraine has given new boost to Taiwan's military's level of alertness and military reservists reforms.

Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen on Saturday visited army reservists training under a new scheme to bolster war readiness on Saturday, a programme that has gotten added impetus from Russia's invasion of Ukraine, given China's bellicosity against the island.

The war in Ukraine has stirred debate in Chinese-claimed Taiwan about its own readiness and tactics should Beijing ever make good on threats to take the island by force.

Taiwan's government announced late last year a reform of the training of its reserve forces, including doubling down on combat and shooting exercises.

Under the new programme which began this month, reservists get two weeks of training, rather than the previous five to seven days, and spend more time on combat training like firing guns.

Observing the training at the Nanshipu firing range outside the capital Taipei, Tsai, dressed in full military fatigues including body armour, said reservists were specifically getting trained in areas close to their homes.

"The recent situation in Ukraine once again proves that the protection of the country, in addition to international solidarity and assistance, depends on the unity of the whole people," she said, flanked by her top security officials.

Defence Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng told reporters there were many lessons they could learn from Ukraine, where he said people were being given guns and sent to fight after only a few days of training.

"For our reservists, if they train for between seven and 14 days a year, that gives us a lot more confidence."

Taiwan has been gradually shifting from a conscript military to a volunteer-dominated professional force.

But Reuters has reported the switch was troublesome and has led to a gutting of the 2.31 million-strong reserve force. Some complained of wasting time on pointless drills and lectures during retraining.

The new system is being trialed in the first three quarters of this year on about 15,000 reservists and will be reviewed in the fourth quarter to see whether it will continue.

Taiwan and Ukraine's armed forces are both undermanned and undergunned compared to their giant neighbours.

Tsai has championed the concept of "asymmetric warfare" to make the military more mobile, harder to attack and better able to survive and strike back in a war, as Beijing steps up what Taipei views as its threats against the island.

Reservists are part of that plan.

The Defence Ministry has been heavily promoting the new scheme on its social media channels, showing pictures of reservists carrying out live-fire drills and being greeted by flag-waving children shouting messages of support.

Freddy Lim, an independent lawmaker who sits on parliament's defence and foreign affairs committee, told Reuters the Russian invasion of Ukraine has made many Taiwanese more determined to defend the island and has boosted public support for reservist training reform and civil defence.

"In the past, before Ukraine, we were called alarmist when we made these efforts. That's not the case anymore," he said.

"Like Ukraine, I believe we have a very strong will to defend our country."

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen visited army reservists training under a new scheme to bolster war readiness on Saturday, a programme that has gotten added impetus from Russia's invasion of Ukraine, given China's bellicosity against the island.

The war in Ukraine has stirred debate in Chinese-claimed Taiwan about its own readiness and tactics should Beijing ever make good on threats to take the island by force.

Taiwan's government announced late last year a reform of the training of its reserve forces, including doubling down on combat and shooting exercises.

Under the new programme which began this month, reservists get two weeks of training, rather than the previous five to seven days, and spend more time on combat training like firing guns.

Observing the training at the Nanshipu firing range outside the capital Taipei, Tsai, dressed in full military fatigues including body armour, said reservists were specifically getting trained in areas close to their homes.

"The recent situation in Ukraine once again proves that the protection of the country, in addition to international solidarity and assistance, depends on the unity of the whole people," she said, flanked by her top security officials.

Defence Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng told reporters there were many lessons they could learn from Ukraine, where he said people were being given guns and sent to fight after only a few days of training.

"For our reservists, if they train for between seven and 14 days a year, that gives us a lot more confidence."

Taiwan has been gradually shifting from a conscript military to a volunteer-dominated professional force.

But Reuters has reported the switch was troublesome and has led to a gutting of the 2.31 million-strong reserve force. Some complained of wasting time on pointless drills and lectures during retraining.

The new system is being trialed in the first three quarters of this year on about 15,000 reservists and will be reviewed in the fourth quarter to see whether it will continue.

Taiwan and Ukraine's armed forces are both undermanned and undergunned compared to their giant neighbours.

Tsai has championed the concept of "asymmetric warfare" to make the military more mobile, harder to attack and better able to survive and strike back in a war, as Beijing steps up what Taipei views as its threats against the island.

Reservists are part of that plan.

The Defence Ministry has been heavily promoting the new scheme on its social media channels, showing pictures of reservists carrying out live-fire drills and being greeted by flag-waving children shouting messages of support.

Freddy Lim, an independent lawmaker who sits on parliament's defence and foreign affairs committee, told Reuters the Russian invasion of Ukraine has made many Taiwanese more determined to defend the island and has boosted public support for reservist training reform and civil defence.

"In the past, before Ukraine, we were called alarmist when we made these efforts. That's not the case anymore," he said.

"Like Ukraine, I believe we have a very strong will to defend our country."

(With inputs from agencies)

Russia's invasion of Ukraine has given new boost to Taiwan's military's level of alertness and military reservists reforms. Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen on Saturday visited army reservists training under a new scheme to bolster war readiness on Saturday, a programme that has gotten added impetus from Russia's invasion of Ukraine, given China's bellicosity against the island.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine has given new boost to Taiwan's military's level of alertness and military reservists reforms. Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen on Saturday visited army reservists training under a new scheme to bolster war readiness on Saturday, a programme that has gotten added impetus from Russia's invasion of Ukraine, given China's bellicosity against the island. The war in Ukraine has stirred debate in Chinese-claimed Taiwan about its own readiness and tactics should Beijing ever make good on threats to take the island by force. Taiwan's government announced late last year a reform of the training of its reserve forces, including doubling down on combat and shooting exercises. Under the new programme which began this month, reservists get two weeks of training, rather than the previous five to seven days, and spend more time on combat training like firing guns. Observing the training at the Nanshipu firing range outside the capital Taipei, Tsai, dressed in full military fatigues including body armour, said reservists were specifically getting trained in areas close to their homes. "The recent situation in Ukraine once again proves that the protection of the country, in addition to international solidarity and assistance, depends on the unity of the whole people," she said, flanked by her top security officials. Defence Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng told reporters there were many lessons they could learn from Ukraine, where he said people were being given guns and sent to fight after only a few days of training. "For our reservists, if they train for between seven and 14 days a year, that gives us a lot more confidence." Taiwan has been gradually shifting from a conscript military to a volunteer-dominated professional force. But Reuters has reported the switch was troublesome and has led to a gutting of the 2.31 million-strong reserve force. Some complained of wasting time on pointless drills and lectures during retraining. The new system is being trialed in the first three quarters of this year on about 15,000 reservists and will be reviewed in the fourth quarter to see whether it will continue. Taiwan and Ukraine's armed forces are both undermanned and undergunned compared to their giant neighbours. Tsai has championed the concept of "asymmetric warfare" to make the military more mobile, harder to attack and better able to survive and strike back in a war, as Beijing steps up what Taipei views as its threats against the island. Reservists are part of that plan. The Defence Ministry has been heavily promoting the new scheme on its social media channels, showing pictures of reservists carrying out live-fire drills and being greeted by flag-waving children shouting messages of support. Freddy Lim, an independent lawmaker who sits on parliament's defence and foreign affairs committee, told Reuters the Russian invasion of Ukraine has made many Taiwanese more determined to defend the island and has boosted public support for reservist training reform and civil defence. "In the past, before Ukraine, we were called alarmist when we made these efforts. That's not the case anymore," he said. "Like Ukraine, I believe we have a very strong will to defend our country." Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen visited army reservists training under a new scheme to bolster war readiness on Saturday, a programme that has gotten added impetus from Russia's invasion of Ukraine, given China's bellicosity against the island. The war in Ukraine has stirred debate in Chinese-claimed Taiwan about its own readiness and tactics should Beijing ever make good on threats to take the island by force. Taiwan's government announced late last year a reform of the training of its reserve forces, including doubling down on combat and shooting exercises. Under the new programme which began this month, reservists get two weeks of training, rather than the previous five to seven days, and spend more time on combat training like firing guns. Observing the training at the Nanshipu firing range outside the capital Taipei, Tsai, dressed in full military fatigues including body armour, said reservists were specifically getting trained in areas close to their homes. "The recent situation in Ukraine once again proves that the protection of the country, in addition to international solidarity and assistance, depends on the unity of the whole people," she said, flanked by her top security officials. Defence Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng told reporters there were many lessons they could learn from Ukraine, where he said people were being given guns and sent to fight after only a few days of training. "For our reservists, if they train for between seven and 14 days a year, that gives us a lot more confidence." Taiwan has been gradually shifting from a conscript military to a volunteer-dominated professional force. But Reuters has reported the switch was troublesome and has led to a gutting of the 2.31 million-strong reserve force. Some complained of wasting time on pointless drills and lectures during retraining. The new system is being trialed in the first three quarters of this year on about 15,000 reservists and will be reviewed in the fourth quarter to see whether it will continue. Taiwan and Ukraine's armed forces are both undermanned and undergunned compared to their giant neighbours. Tsai has championed the concept of "asymmetric warfare" to make the military more mobile, harder to attack and better able to survive and strike back in a war, as Beijing steps up what Taipei views as its threats against the island. Reservists are part of that plan. The Defence Ministry has been heavily promoting the new scheme on its social media channels, showing pictures of reservists carrying out live-fire drills and being greeted by flag-waving children shouting messages of support. Freddy Lim, an independent lawmaker who sits on parliament's defence and foreign affairs committee, told Reuters the Russian invasion of Ukraine has made many Taiwanese more determined to defend the island and has boosted public support for reservist training reform and civil defence. "In the past, before Ukraine, we were called alarmist when we made these efforts. That's not the case anymore," he said. "Like Ukraine, I believe we have a very strong will to defend our country." (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine conflict puts Taiwan on alert

It is day 17 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. Bombing has caused extensive damage in Baryshivka village.

Day 17 of the Russian invasion of Ukraine: Bombing causes extensive damage in Baryshivka village

Ukraine has been under attack after Russian President Vladimir Putin on February 24 ordered his armed forces to carry out a "military operation" in Ukrainian cities.&nbsp;

Since then, the conflict has escalated with reports of multiple casualties and massive loss of property. The situation has also led to a refugee crisis as people are fleeing Ukraine to save their lives.&nbsp;

The economic impact of the Russia-Ukraine conflict is immense as countries across the world are reeling with a surge in prices of various commodities. But panic was caused when the conflict involved the nuclear plants and concerns were raised over radiation leaks.&nbsp;

On February 24, Russian forces seized the defunct Chernobyl plant, the site of the 1986 disaster that killed hundreds and spread radioactive contamination west across Europe.&nbsp;

After that, Russian forces had attacked Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia NPP, which is Europe's largest nuclear power plant, on March 4. The plant and a five-story training facility building next to it were on fire, which was later extinguished.&nbsp;

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/napoleons-waterloo-hitlers-barbarossa-5-lessons-putin-can-learn-from-failed-war-campaigns-461556">Napoleon's Waterloo &amp; Hitler's Barbarossa: 5 lessons Putin can learn from failed war campaigns</a>

Ukraine has four active nuclear power plants, providing about half the country's electricity, as well as stores of nuclear waste such as the one at Chernobyl.&nbsp;

In the latest development, the United States on Friday (March 11) accused Russia of violating nuclear safety principles in Ukraine. US also demanded its invading forces stop firing on nuclear power plants.&nbsp;

Important to note that there were no signs detected yet of any radiological release.&nbsp;

US Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm said in a Twitter post that radiation monitors in much of Ukraine were still functioning although the United States was concerned by the lack of data from safeguards monitors at Chernobyl or Zaporizhzhia.&nbsp;

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ukraine-war-what-weapons-are-being-used-in-russias-invasion-461326">Ukraine war: What weapons are being used in Russia's invasion?</a>

The conundrum here is, both sites are under Russian forces' control but are being operated by Ukrainian staff in conditions that the International Atomic Energy Agency says endanger the safety of the facilities.

"We remain concerned about Russia’s reckless actions and violations of nuclear safety principles. We are monitoring reports of damage to a research facility in Kharkiv. Near-term safety risk is low, but the continued Russian firing on nuclear facilities must cease," Granholm said.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Ukraine and its allies are concerned about the risk Russia's invasion poses to nuclear facilities across the country, including power plants and research centres.&nbsp;

'Chernobyl&nbsp;plant still without external power supply'

On Friday (March 10) Ukraine's state nuclear power regulator said that the electricity supply to the Chernobyl nuclear power station had not yet been restored. On the other hand, Russia's energy ministry claimed that it was restored by Belarusian specialists on Thursday.&nbsp;

Ukraine has warned of an increased risk of a radiation leak if the high-voltage power line, damaged in fighting, is not repaired to the plant, which is occupied by Russian forces.&nbsp;

"Attempts to restore the external power supply to the site are in progress," the State Nuclear Regulatory Inspectorate of Ukraine said in a statement. When the external electricity supply is severed, an emergency diesel generator kicks in.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;WION Ground Report from Brovary: Russian forces bombarded cities across Ukraine

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(With inpusts from agencies)

Ukraine has been under attack after Russian President Vladimir Putin on February 24 ordered his armed forces to carry out a "military operation" in Ukrainian cities.

Ukraine has been under attack after Russian President Vladimir Putin on February 24 ordered his armed forces to carry out a "military operation" in Ukrainian cities. Since then, the conflict has escalated with reports of multiple casualties and massive loss of property. The situation has also led to a refugee crisis as people are fleeing Ukraine to save their lives. The economic impact of the Russia-Ukraine conflict is immense as countries across the world are reeling with a surge in prices of various commodities. But panic was caused when the conflict involved the nuclear plants and concerns were raised over radiation leaks. On February 24, Russian forces seized the defunct Chernobyl plant, the site of the 1986 disaster that killed hundreds and spread radioactive contamination west across Europe. After that, Russian forces had attacked Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia NPP, which is Europe's largest nuclear power plant, on March 4. The plant and a five-story training facility building next to it were on fire, which was later extinguished. IN PICS | Napoleon's Waterloo & Hitler's Barbarossa: 5 lessons Putin can learn from failed war campaigns Ukraine has four active nuclear power plants, providing about half the country's electricity, as well as stores of nuclear waste such as the one at Chernobyl. In the latest development, the United States on Friday (March 11) accused Russia of violating nuclear safety principles in Ukraine. US also demanded its invading forces stop firing on nuclear power plants. Important to note that there were no signs detected yet of any radiological release. US Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm said in a Twitter post that radiation monitors in much of Ukraine were still functioning although the United States was concerned by the lack of data from safeguards monitors at Chernobyl or Zaporizhzhia. IN PICS | Ukraine war: What weapons are being used in Russia's invasion? The conundrum here is, both sites are under Russian forces' control but are being operated by Ukrainian staff in conditions that the International Atomic Energy Agency says endanger the safety of the facilities. "We remain concerned about Russia’s reckless actions and violations of nuclear safety principles. We are monitoring reports of damage to a research facility in Kharkiv. Near-term safety risk is low, but the continued Russian firing on nuclear facilities must cease," Granholm said. Meanwhile, Ukraine and its allies are concerned about the risk Russia's invasion poses to nuclear facilities across the country, including power plants and research centres. 'Chernobyl plant still without external power supply' On Friday (March 10) Ukraine's state nuclear power regulator said that the electricity supply to the Chernobyl nuclear power station had not yet been restored. On the other hand, Russia's energy ministry claimed that it was restored by Belarusian specialists on Thursday. Ukraine has warned of an increased risk of a radiation leak if the high-voltage power line, damaged in fighting, is not repaired to the plant, which is occupied by Russian forces. "Attempts to restore the external power supply to the site are in progress," the State Nuclear Regulatory Inspectorate of Ukraine said in a statement. When the external electricity supply is severed, an emergency diesel generator kicks in. WATCH | WION Ground Report from Brovary: Russian forces bombarded cities across Ukraine × (With inpusts from agencies)

Russia-Ukraine conflict: Concerns raised over violation of nuclear safety principles in Ukraine

Satellite images show Russian troops closing in on the capital Kyiv with multiple homes and buildings on fire. There has been widespread damage in towns located close to Kyiv.

Russia Ukraine Conflict: Russian troops appear to be re-grouping for assault

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