Officials from the United States and Russia are currently holding talks to discuss the crisis that is unfolding in Ukraine and also Moscow's demands for security guarantee. The amassing of Russian troops and equipment along the border with Ukraine has caused a lot of worry in Kiev and also in the West. Officials on both sides have expressed pessimism about any concrete breakthrough from the US and Russia security talks that are currently underway.

US, Russia kick-off talks in Geneva, high-stakes meet amid rising tensions

After weeks of warnings and political shadowboxing officials of US and Russia will sit across tables for open talks to discuss Moscow's demands for wasting security guarantees amid Russian troop build up near Ukraine. The talks will be held in Geneva.

Officials of US, Russia to sit across tables in Geneva for open talks

James Webb Space Telescope, the most powerful telescope ever built has been fully deployed. Humanity is now one step closer to using cutting-edge technology to glace at previously unknown corners of the universe. In other news, missiles, drills in Ukraine are likely to feature in talks between US and Russia in Geneva. Check out our morning news brief to know what's hot at the start of the day.

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-fully-deploys-james-webb-telescope-in-space-443264">NASA fully deploys James Webb telescope in space</a> 
 
NASA's James Webb Space Telescope is enabling humanity to observe reaches of space with a wholly new generation of technology. Web telescope will be the successor of aging Hubble Space Telescope. The unfolding process of the Webb telescope is complete

<img alt="James Webb" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d31b655b-6881-4c58-adb6-c8fc1f5eb7a5" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/James%20Webb%20Space%20Telescope.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-ready-to-talk-missiles-and-military-exercises-in-ukraine-with-russia-official-443265">US ready to talk missiles and military exercises in Ukraine with Russia: Official</a> 
 
Senior US official said that "there are some areas... where we think it might be possible to make progress," provided any promises are "reciprocal".

<img alt="Geneva" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="568d2b64-10b0-44bf-87d0-18450dfd295d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Geneva%20talks.JPG" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-in-rock-face-collapse-at-waterfall-7-killed-9-seriously-hurt-3-still-missing-in-brazil-443267">Watch: In rock face collapse at waterfall, 7 killed, 9 seriously hurt, 3 still missing in Brazil&nbsp;</a> 
 
Around seven people have been killed and nine seriously hurt after a wall of rock fell on motor boats below a waterfall in southeastern Brazil. The incident happened when a tower of rocks suddenly broke away from the canyon wall and came down on many leisure boats in the area. It triggered a massive wave in the lake at Capitolio, in Minas Gerais state.

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkmenistan-president-wants-gateway-to-hell-extinguished-443269">Turkmenistan president wants 'Gateway to Hell' extinguished</a> 
 
Fire at the 'Gateway of Hell', a natural gas crater in Karkum desert in Turkmenistan has been raging since 1971. It was a result of failed Soviet drilling operation.

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US approaches new pandemic trend

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James Webb Space Telescope, the most powerful telescope ever built has been fully deployed. Humanity is now one step closer to using cutting-edge technology to glace at previously unknown corners of the universe.

James Webb Space Telescope, the most powerful telescope ever built has been fully deployed. Humanity is now one step closer to using cutting-edge technology to glace at previously unknown corners of the universe. In other news, missiles, drills in Ukraine are likely to feature in talks between US and Russia in Geneva. Check out our morning news brief to know what's hot at the start of the day. NASA fully deploys James Webb telescope in space NASA's James Webb Space Telescope is enabling humanity to observe reaches of space with a wholly new generation of technology. Web telescope will be the successor of aging Hubble Space Telescope. The unfolding process of the Webb telescope is complete US ready to talk missiles and military exercises in Ukraine with Russia: Official Senior US official said that "there are some areas... where we think it might be possible to make progress," provided any promises are "reciprocal". Watch: In rock face collapse at waterfall, 7 killed, 9 seriously hurt, 3 still missing in Brazil Around seven people have been killed and nine seriously hurt after a wall of rock fell on motor boats below a waterfall in southeastern Brazil. The incident happened when a tower of rocks suddenly broke away from the canyon wall and came down on many leisure boats in the area. It triggered a massive wave in the lake at Capitolio, in Minas Gerais state. Turkmenistan president wants 'Gateway to Hell' extinguished Fire at the 'Gateway of Hell', a natural gas crater in Karkum desert in Turkmenistan has been raging since 1971. It was a result of failed Soviet drilling operation. US approaches new pandemic trend ×

Morning news brief: James Webb telescope fully deployed, US-Russia talks, and more

NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg warned that there is still a 'real risk' of a Russian invasion of Ukraine. He also added that the US would not take decisions on European security without Europe at the table.

NATO warns of 'real' risk of fresh Russian invasion of Ukraine

2014: Russia annexed #Crimea 2022: Will Russia invade Eastern #Ukraine? What's behind the latest conflict between Russia-Ukraine? Can the US, NATO stop Russia from attacking Ukraine? Is a new war imminent? Our experts weigh in on #WIONWideangle

Ukraine-Russia Tensions: Is War Imminent

High ranking officials from the United States and NATO are set to hold talks with Russia amid Ukraine invasion threat.

NATO to hold a special meeting with Russia over Ukraine invasion threat

Western leaders are stepping up warnings to Moscow ahead of security talks with Russia. Top US diplomat Antony Blinken has said that the upcoming talks will not succeed so long as there is a gun to Ukraine's head.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken warns Russia ahead of talks over Ukraine

Western leaders are stepping up pressure on Moscow ahead of the security talks with Russia. The top American diplomat Antony Blinken has said that the upcoming dialogue will not succeed so long as a gun is pointed towards Ukraine's head.

Antony Blinken: No progress with a gun to Ukraine's head

High ranking officials from the United States and NATO are set to hold talks with Russia next week but before that NATO's foreign ministers will be holding a press briefing via a video conference on Friday.

US, NATO to hold talks with Russia over military build-up in Ukraine

A Canadian court has awarded 83.94 million dollars to the families of six victims who were killed when Iran downed a Ukrainian plane two years ago.

Canada court give $83.94 mn to the families of six victims who died when Iran downed Ukrainian jet

High-ranking officials from the United States and NATO are all set to hold talks with Russia next week, but before that, NATO Foreign Ministers will hold a video conference on Friday.

NATO Foreign Ministers to hold a video conference ahead of talks with Russia amid tensions

Tensions between Russia and Ukraine show no signs of ending with the west and NATO getting involved, the two neighbors have now refused to see eye to eye.

US President Joe Biden has assured of action against Russia if Moscow invades Ukraine

A new law has now come into effect in Ukraine which will effectively ban access for Russian ships in Ukrainian administered waters. According to this new law, the Russian-owned cargo and passenger vessels will be banned from accessing Ukrainian rivers and reservoirs.

Russia, Ukraine tensions continue with Ukraine banning access for Russian ships on its waters

US President Joe Biden and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky held a talk on Sunday. Biden told Ukrainian President Zelensky that the United States and its allies will "respond decisively" if Russia invades Ukraine.

US President speaks to his Ukrainian counterpart and assures support

The second season of 'Emily In Paris' has not gone down well with the people of Ukraine. The series premiered its second season in December 2021 on Netflix, and it has been accussed of cultural appropriation.&nbsp; 
 
Multiple news reports state that Ukraine's culture minister has complained to the OTT platform over the portrayal of a character from Kyiv in the show.&nbsp; 
 
The character Petra, a Ukrainian, is shown to shoplift during a trip with Emily- the main protagonist of the show. The show follows a young American woman Emily, played by Lily Collins, who travels to Paros for work.&nbsp; 
 
Oleksandr Tkachenko described the caricature image of Petra as "insulting".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-emily-in-paris-s2-review-lily-collins-starrer-is-a-pleasant--entertaining-holiday-watch-439250">Emily in Paris S2 review: Lily Collins starrer is a pleasant &amp; entertaining holiday watch</a> 
 
The character Petra - played by Ukrainian actress Daria Panchenko- is shown to have poor taste in fashion and is afraid of being deported.&nbsp; 
 
"In Emily in Paris, we have a caricature image of a Ukrainian woman that is unacceptable. It is also insulting," Tkachenko wrote on Telegram. 
 
The minister has reportedly sent a letter to streaming service complaining about the portrayal of Petra.&nbsp; 
A few seem to be echoing Tkachenko's thoughts.&nbsp; 
 
"The way you treated the image of Ukrainians in your second season, 4th episode is such a low-cost trick, absolute scandal and a shame," Yevheniya Havrylk, an Ukrainian in Paris wrote in an Instagram post, which has had more than 75,000 likes. 
 
There are others who have spoken in defence of the show. Ukrainian film producer Natalka Yakymovych said, "So in a TV series, negative characters can be anything but Ukrainian? Obviously, we all would like her to be from Moscow, but you don't always get what you want." 
 
Interestingly, this is not the first time that 'Emily In Paris' has been criticised for its sweeping portrayal of other nationalities.&nbsp; 
 
The first season was criticised by the French for promoting stereotypical images of Paris and its residents. 
 
The show portrayed the French as rude, and the sorts who frequently cheat on their partners.&nbsp; 
 
In the&nbsp;second season, the new character Alfie, a Brit, is shown to spend his time drinking in pubs and watching football. 
 
Darren Star, the creator of the show, previously defended the first series, saying he was "not sorry for looking at Paris through a glamorous lens". He stated that he created the series based on his own experiences while visiting the city.

The second season of 'Emily In Paris' has not gone down well with the people of Ukraine. The series premiered its second season in December 2021 on Netflix, and it has been accussed of cultural appropriation.

The second season of 'Emily In Paris' has not gone down well with the people of Ukraine. The series premiered its second season in December 2021 on Netflix, and it has been accussed of cultural appropriation. Multiple news reports state that Ukraine's culture minister has complained to the OTT platform over the portrayal of a character from Kyiv in the show. The character Petra, a Ukrainian, is shown to shoplift during a trip with Emily- the main protagonist of the show. The show follows a young American woman Emily, played by Lily Collins, who travels to Paros for work. Oleksandr Tkachenko described the caricature image of Petra as "insulting". Emily in Paris S2 review: Lily Collins starrer is a pleasant & entertaining holiday watch The character Petra - played by Ukrainian actress Daria Panchenko- is shown to have poor taste in fashion and is afraid of being deported. "In Emily in Paris, we have a caricature image of a Ukrainian woman that is unacceptable. It is also insulting," Tkachenko wrote on Telegram. The minister has reportedly sent a letter to streaming service complaining about the portrayal of Petra. A few seem to be echoing Tkachenko's thoughts. "The way you treated the image of Ukrainians in your second season, 4th episode is such a low-cost trick, absolute scandal and a shame," Yevheniya Havrylk, an Ukrainian in Paris wrote in an Instagram post, which has had more than 75,000 likes. There are others who have spoken in defence of the show. Ukrainian film producer Natalka Yakymovych said, "So in a TV series, negative characters can be anything but Ukrainian? Obviously, we all would like her to be from Moscow, but you don't always get what you want." Interestingly, this is not the first time that 'Emily In Paris' has been criticised for its sweeping portrayal of other nationalities. The first season was criticised by the French for promoting stereotypical images of Paris and its residents. The show portrayed the French as rude, and the sorts who frequently cheat on their partners. In the second season, the new character Alfie, a Brit, is shown to spend his time drinking in pubs and watching football. Darren Star, the creator of the show, previously defended the first series, saying he was "not sorry for looking at Paris through a glamorous lens". He stated that he created the series based on his own experiences while visiting the city.

'Emily In Paris' S2 draws criticism from Ukrainian minister over the portrayal of a character

Ukraine effectively bans access for Russian ships in Ukrainian administered waters

The Presidents of the United States and Russia held a telephonic conversation that lasted about 50 minutes. This is the second such conversation between the world leaders within 3 weeks.

US President Joe Biden warns his Russian Counterpart Vladimir Putin of heavy price over Ukraine

Ukrainian army said on Saturday that one of its soldiers was killed in fighting with pro-Russian separatists. This has come just a day before US President Joe Biden is due to speak with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky. Biden has already warned President Vladimir Putin against invading Ukraine.

In his New Year's Eve address, Zelensky said ending the war in the east remains his "main goal".&nbsp;

"One serviceman of the Joint Forces was fatally wounded," the army said in a statement, adding that separatists had launched three attacks within 24 hours, using grenade launchers and small arms.&nbsp;

The army gave no further details of how the soldier was killed.&nbsp;

Tensions with Moscow have soared in recent months, with Russia massing troops near Ukraine's borders.&nbsp;

The West has accused the Kremlin of planning an invasion.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/the-larger-dimensions-of-the-russia-us-standoff-over-ukraine-441480">The larger dimensions of the Russia–US standoff over Ukraine</a>

This week, Biden held his second phone call with Putin in just over three weeks, threatening Moscow with major economic sanctions should it launch an attack.&nbsp;

The Russian leader said anti-Moscow sanctions would be a "colossal mistake".

On December 22 international monitors said Russia and Ukraine had agreed to restore a ceasefire, but as early as the next day Kiev and separatists accused each other of new violations.&nbsp;

The soldier's death on Saturday was the first since the truce was agreed.&nbsp;

All previous ceasefires -- including the previous truce agreed in July 2020 -- crumbled.&nbsp;

Kiev has been battling a pro-Moscow insurgency in two breakaway regions bordering Russia since 2014, when the Kremlin annexed Ukraine’s Crimean peninsula.&nbsp;

The conflict in eastern Ukraine has so far left more than 13,000 dead.

(With inputs from agencies)

Ukrainian army said on Saturday that one of its soldiers was killed in fighting with pro-Russian separatists. This has come just a day before US President Joe Biden is due to speak with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Ukrainian army said on Saturday that one of its soldiers was killed in fighting with pro-Russian separatists. This has come just a day before US President Joe Biden is due to speak with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky. Biden has already warned President Vladimir Putin against invading Ukraine. In his New Year's Eve address, Zelensky said ending the war in the east remains his "main goal". "One serviceman of the Joint Forces was fatally wounded," the army said in a statement, adding that separatists had launched three attacks within 24 hours, using grenade launchers and small arms. The army gave no further details of how the soldier was killed. Tensions with Moscow have soared in recent months, with Russia massing troops near Ukraine's borders. The West has accused the Kremlin of planning an invasion. Also Read | The larger dimensions of the Russia–US standoff over Ukraine This week, Biden held his second phone call with Putin in just over three weeks, threatening Moscow with major economic sanctions should it launch an attack. The Russian leader said anti-Moscow sanctions would be a "colossal mistake". On December 22 international monitors said Russia and Ukraine had agreed to restore a ceasefire, but as early as the next day Kiev and separatists accused each other of new violations. The soldier's death on Saturday was the first since the truce was agreed. All previous ceasefires -- including the previous truce agreed in July 2020 -- crumbled. Kiev has been battling a pro-Moscow insurgency in two breakaway regions bordering Russia since 2014, when the Kremlin annexed Ukraine’s Crimean peninsula. The conflict in eastern Ukraine has so far left more than 13,000 dead. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukrainian soldier killed in fight with pro-Russian separatists

US President Joe Biden spoke for over an hour with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, agreeing to continue and advance their communication ahead of a summit in Geneva early next year.

Their second phone conversation this month occurred amid mounting Western concerns about Russia's force buildup near Ukraine.

The simmering conflict has recently worsened as the Kremlin has stepped up its demands for more security guarantees.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-trains-civilians-to-defend-against-russian-invasion-440536">Also Read:&nbsp;Ukraine trains civilians to defend against Russian invasion</a>

What was Russia's reaction to the call?

According to Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov, Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned his US counterpart, Joe Biden, that fresh sanctions against Russia over the situation in Ukraine could result in the two countries' relations being severed.

According to Ushakov, Biden warned Putin about further financial, military, and economic sanctions if tensions along Russia's western borders escalated.&nbsp;

"Our president clearly responded that this would be a colossal mistake that of course may result in the full severance of relations," the Kremlin aided said.

He added that such sanctions would have serious consequences and expressed hope this would not happen. 
 
Watch | Ukraine Tensions: Biden and Putin hold 50-minute phone call

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ukraine-tensions-biden-and-putin-hold-50-minute-phone-call-441302/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

He went on to say that, despite the pleasantries shared, the call constituted a concrete political development.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-tensions-with-ukraine-russia-inducts-s-550-air-defence-system-report-440960">Also Read:&nbsp;Amid tensions with Ukraine, Russia inducts S-550 air defence system</a>

What about the United States?

According to the White House, Biden told Putin that if Ukraine is invaded, the United States and its allies will respond forcefully.&nbsp;

"President Biden urged Russia to de-escalate tensions with Ukraine, "White House spokesperson Jen Psaki said in a statement.

"He made clear that the United States and its allies and partners will respond decisively if Russia further invades Ukraine," she added.&nbsp; 
 
Thursday`s phone call was the second conversation between Biden and Putin in December. The two leaders spoke on December 7 in a video conference that ended with a pledge to restart diplomatic discussions, Xinhua news agency reported.

(With inputs from agencies)

US President Joe Biden spoke for over an hour with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, agreeing to continue and advance their communication ahead of a summit in Geneva early next year.

US President Joe Biden spoke for over an hour with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, agreeing to continue and advance their communication ahead of a summit in Geneva early next year. Their second phone conversation this month occurred amid mounting Western concerns about Russia's force buildup near Ukraine. The simmering conflict has recently worsened as the Kremlin has stepped up its demands for more security guarantees. Also Read: Ukraine trains civilians to defend against Russian invasion What was Russia's reaction to the call? According to Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov, Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned his US counterpart, Joe Biden, that fresh sanctions against Russia over the situation in Ukraine could result in the two countries' relations being severed. According to Ushakov, Biden warned Putin about further financial, military, and economic sanctions if tensions along Russia's western borders escalated. "Our president clearly responded that this would be a colossal mistake that of course may result in the full severance of relations," the Kremlin aided said. He added that such sanctions would have serious consequences and expressed hope this would not happen. Watch | Ukraine Tensions: Biden and Putin hold 50-minute phone call He went on to say that, despite the pleasantries shared, the call constituted a concrete political development. Also Read: Amid tensions with Ukraine, Russia inducts S-550 air defence system What about the United States? According to the White House, Biden told Putin that if Ukraine is invaded, the United States and its allies will respond forcefully. "President Biden urged Russia to de-escalate tensions with Ukraine, "White House spokesperson Jen Psaki said in a statement. "He made clear that the United States and its allies and partners will respond decisively if Russia further invades Ukraine," she added. Thursday`s phone call was the second conversation between Biden and Putin in December. The two leaders spoke on December 7 in a video conference that ended with a pledge to restart diplomatic discussions, Xinhua news agency reported. (With inputs from agencies)

US-Russia talks: Biden affirms sanctions threat; Putin says that would be colossal mistake

Ukraine Tensions: Biden and Putin hold 50-minute phone call

Russia will be forced to take necessary measures to eliminate unacceptable threats if the United States and NATO don’t respond to Moscow’s security proposals, Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov said on Friday.

“If a constructive response does not follow within a reasonable time and the West continues its aggressive line, then Russia will be forced to take all necessary measures to ensure a strategic balance and eliminate unacceptable threats to our security,” Lavrov told news agency Sputnik.

The remarks came hours after Russian President Vladimir Putin and his American counterpart Joe Biden spoke over phone, where the two focused on the security guarantee talks set for early January 2022 amid simmering tensions over Ukraine.

The security guarantees talks will be held in three formats: between Russia and the US in Geneva on 10 January, followed by a Russia-NATO Council meeting on 12 January, and Russia-OSCE consultations on 13 January.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-russia-talks-biden-affirms-sanctions-threat-putin-says-that-would-be-colossal-mistake-441294">US-Russia talks: Biden affirms sanctions threat; Putin says that would be colossal mistake</a>

Lavrov said that Washington and its allies are currently reviewing Russia’s proposals.

Russia had recently sent a draft agreement to&nbsp;NATO&nbsp;and a draft treaty to the United States both on&nbsp;security&nbsp;guarantees in Europe for the Western countries to consider.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-tensions-with-ukraine-russia-inducts-s-550-air-defence-system-report-440960">Also Read:&nbsp;Amid tensions with Ukraine, Russia inducts S-550 air defence system</a>

The security guarantee documents demand that NATO deny membership to Ukraine and other former Soviet countries and roll back its military deployments in Central and Eastern Europe.

However, US and its allies refused to consider Russia's demand on Ukraine, citing NATO’s principle that membership is open to any qualifying country.

They agreed, however, to hold talks with Russia to discuss its concerns.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russia will be forced to take necessary measures to eliminate unacceptable threats if the United States and NATO don’t respond to Moscow’s security proposals, Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov said on Friday.

Russia will be forced to take necessary measures to eliminate unacceptable threats if the United States and NATO don’t respond to Moscow’s security proposals, Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov said on Friday. “If a constructive response does not follow within a reasonable time and the West continues its aggressive line, then Russia will be forced to take all necessary measures to ensure a strategic balance and eliminate unacceptable threats to our security,” Lavrov told news agency Sputnik. The remarks came hours after Russian President Vladimir Putin and his American counterpart Joe Biden spoke over phone, where the two focused on the security guarantee talks set for early January 2022 amid simmering tensions over Ukraine. The security guarantees talks will be held in three formats: between Russia and the US in Geneva on 10 January, followed by a Russia-NATO Council meeting on 12 January, and Russia-OSCE consultations on 13 January. Also read | US-Russia talks: Biden affirms sanctions threat; Putin says that would be colossal mistake Lavrov said that Washington and its allies are currently reviewing Russia’s proposals. Russia had recently sent a draft agreement to NATO and a draft treaty to the United States both on security guarantees in Europe for the Western countries to consider. Also Read: Amid tensions with Ukraine, Russia inducts S-550 air defence system The security guarantee documents demand that NATO deny membership to Ukraine and other former Soviet countries and roll back its military deployments in Central and Eastern Europe. However, US and its allies refused to consider Russia's demand on Ukraine, citing NATO’s principle that membership is open to any qualifying country. They agreed, however, to hold talks with Russia to discuss its concerns. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia will take measures to eliminate threats if US ignores security proposals: Minister Lavrov

Biden, Putin hold 50-minute phone call in a bid to ease tensions over Ukraine

Ukraine conflict: Biden, Putin trade warnings during their 50-minute telephonic conversation

The presidents of United States and Russia are set to hold a telephonic conversation and there will be another round of talks on security next month. The phone call will be covering Ukraine and Moscow security demands from the west, this is going to be the second telephony conversation between Joe Biden and Vladimir Putin in less than one month.

Ukraine Tensions: Biden and Putin phone call seeks diplomatic path forward

President Vladimir Putin is seeking security guarantees from the West in exchange for pulling back from Ukraine. Will Joe Biden agree to halt NATO's eastward expansion? Or will he push ahead with sanctions?

Another high-stakes phone call between US President Joe Biden & Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin

US President Joe Biden to talk on a phone call with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin

Ahead of their talk schedule for the 10th of January next year, both Moscow and Washington have assumed a rather diplomatic tone after ratcheting up the rhetoric and rising tensions over Ukraine. An official from the Biden administration announced that the talks will take place next month where both sides will present their own concerns.

Ukraine Tensions | US, Russia to hold talks on January 10

Ukraine is preparing itself against the Russian troop build-up near its border. Russia is said to have amassed more than 100,000 of its troops along the border with Ukraine. Ukraine is readying itself for the worst.

Russian troops amass near Ukraine border

Russia has withdrawn 10,000 soldiers from the Ukraine border amid reports of a security summit with NATO in January. Is this a sign of de-escalation from Moscow? What is President Vladimir Putin thinking? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Russia pulls back 10,000 soldiers from Ukraine border

The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) on Tuesday said that it had to scramble fighter jets hundreds of times this year to counter Russian warplanes near its member&nbsp;countries’ borders in northwest Europe.

The West-led military alliance said that 290 of around 370 total missions were flown in 2021 in response to the activities of Russian aircraft.

“Generally, intercepts occurred without incident as NATO planes take off to identify the approaching aircraft and escort it out of the area. Very few intercepted flights entered allied airspace,” a statement from NATO said.

NATO intercept flights are a routine occurrence. But despite high tensions between NATO and Moscow over the activities of Russian armed forces near Ukraine’s borders in recent months, the number of Russia-linked intercepts decreased this year, reported news agency AP.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-warns-nato-against-inclusion-of-finland-sweden-440093">Russia warns NATO against inclusion of Finland, Sweden</a>

“NATO fighter jets are on duty around the clock, ready to take off in case of unverified flights near the airspace of our Allies,” said NATO spokesperson Oana Lungescu.

“NATO is vigilant, and we will always do what it takes to protect and defend all Allies.”

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nato-sends-proposal-to-hold-talks-with-russia-report-440216">NATO sends proposal to hold talks with Russia: Report</a>

Most of the intercepts in 2021 occurred in the Baltic region, where NATO operates an air-policing mission for Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. NATO has similar missions for Albania, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Slovenia.

“Across Europe, over 60 NATO jets are on high alert at all times, ready to respond to unannounced military flights, as well as to civilian aircraft losing communication with air-traffic controllers for any reason – which could range from technical problems to hijacking,” NATO said.

(With inputs from agencies)

The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) on Tuesday said that it had to scramble fighter jets hundreds of times this year to counter Russian warplanes near its member countries’ borders in northwest Europe.

The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) on Tuesday said that it had to scramble fighter jets hundreds of times this year to counter Russian warplanes near its member countries’ borders in northwest Europe. The West-led military alliance said that 290 of around 370 total missions were flown in 2021 in response to the activities of Russian aircraft. “Generally, intercepts occurred without incident as NATO planes take off to identify the approaching aircraft and escort it out of the area. Very few intercepted flights entered allied airspace,” a statement from NATO said. NATO intercept flights are a routine occurrence. But despite high tensions between NATO and Moscow over the activities of Russian armed forces near Ukraine’s borders in recent months, the number of Russia-linked intercepts decreased this year, reported news agency AP. Also read | Russia warns NATO against inclusion of Finland, Sweden “NATO fighter jets are on duty around the clock, ready to take off in case of unverified flights near the airspace of our Allies,” said NATO spokesperson Oana Lungescu. “NATO is vigilant, and we will always do what it takes to protect and defend all Allies.” Also read | NATO sends proposal to hold talks with Russia: Report Most of the intercepts in 2021 occurred in the Baltic region, where NATO operates an air-policing mission for Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. NATO has similar missions for Albania, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Slovenia. “Across Europe, over 60 NATO jets are on high alert at all times, ready to respond to unannounced military flights, as well as to civilian aircraft losing communication with air-traffic controllers for any reason – which could range from technical problems to hijacking,” NATO said. (With inputs from agencies)

NATO says its jets scrambled hundreds of times against Russia in 2021 to guard allies’ airspace

US and Russian officials will take part in security talks on January 10 as the countries confront rising tensions over a military build-up around Ukraine.

US, Russian officials set for security talks on January 10

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