Russian President Vladimir Putin held his first telephone conversation with the newly elected German chancellor Olaf Scholz. The conversation surrounded the rising tensions between Russia and Ukraine.

Vladimir Putin calls German chancellor Olaf Scholz for 'serious' security talks| Russia-Ukraine News

The Latest Russian submarine has successfully launched a Kalibr cruise missile from the Sea of Japan at a target more than 1,000 kilometres (621 miles) away, located at a Russian training ground onshore.

Russia test-fires new Kalibr cruise missiles fired off from their new diesel submarine

Tensions are simmering at the Ukraine border and in the latest remark, Russian president Vladimir Putin has blamed the West for escalating tensions across Europe and has stated that Russia will respond adequately to any western aggression.

'Will respond to aggression,' Putin blames West for escalating tensions | Russia-Ukraine tensions

Amid the ongoing border conflict with Ukraine and Russia, Moscow sought security guarantees from the US. However, the US says some of Moscow's demands are unacceptable.

Russia seeks security guarantees from US amid Ukraine conflict

Amid ongoing showdown over Ukraine invasion threats, Russia demands talks with US and NATO alliance to ease tensions.

Russia demands talks with US & NATO amid showdown over Ukraine

Russia releases security proposal to 'ease tensions' amid showdown with Ukraine

Amid high tensions between Russia and the West on Ukraine, United States expressed its interest to hold talks with Russia but warned of massive consequences of any aggression.

Russia-Ukraine border crisis: US ready for 'dialogue with Russia'

Ukraine's ambassador to Israel said that Kyiv could recognise Jerusalem as Israel's capital. Kyiv also plans to open an embassy branch there to promote bilateral ties.

Kyiv could open an embassy branch in Jerusalem after recognising it as Israel's capital

Tensions continue to simmer between Russia and the West, amid possibilities of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. In the latest, the Western allies rejected Russia's attempt at thwarting Ukraine's ambition of joining the NATO alliance. WION's Susan Tehrani brings in more on this.

Russia-Ukraine tensions | Moscow proposes talks with West, US says no talks without 'EU allies'

Amid the ongoing Ukraine invasion threat from Russia, the US expressed a desire to hold talks with Moscow. This comes days virtual meet between President Biden and Putin.

The US expressed a desire to hold talks with Russia amid the ongoing Ukraine invasion threat

A Ukrainian soldier deployed to the frontline in country's east said on Wednesday that he didn't think that Russians would invade Ukraine. Soldiers said they remained calm but were ready for worst case scenario.

Serviceman Serhiy, who serves in the village of Travneve in the Donetsk region, told Reuters he doubts the Russians will invade Ukrainian territory.

Serhiy's fellow soldier, who identified himself by nom-de-guerre Camomile, said the army is ready to repel any attack.

A senior Ukrainian security official said on Wednesday that Russia has made no move to withdraw troops it has amassed at the border with Ukraine but there is no sign that a Russian invasion is imminent.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/west-rejects-russian-attempts-to-thwart-ukraines-nato-ambitions-437531">West rejects Russian attempts to thwart Ukraine's NATO ambitions</a>

Oleksiy Danilov, Secretary of Ukraine's Security and Defence Council, told Reuters in an interview that Russia had 92,000 troops at the frontier but would need many more if it were to invade Ukraine.

Russia says it suspects Ukraine of gearing up to take back the breakaway regions by force, which Kyiv in turn denies.

Ukrainian government forces have been fighting Russian-backed separatists since 2014.

Ukraine and the West have periodically accused Moscow, despite its denials, of sending weapons and servicemen to support the separatists.

(With inputs from agencies)

A Ukrainian soldier deployed to the frontline in country's east said on Wednesday that he didn't think that Russians would invade Ukraine. Soldiers said they remained calm but were ready for worst case scenario.

A Ukrainian soldier deployed to the frontline in country's east said on Wednesday that he didn't think that Russians would invade Ukraine. Soldiers said they remained calm but were ready for worst case scenario. Serviceman Serhiy, who serves in the village of Travneve in the Donetsk region, told Reuters he doubts the Russians will invade Ukrainian territory. Serhiy's fellow soldier, who identified himself by nom-de-guerre Camomile, said the army is ready to repel any attack. A senior Ukrainian security official said on Wednesday that Russia has made no move to withdraw troops it has amassed at the border with Ukraine but there is no sign that a Russian invasion is imminent. Also Read | West rejects Russian attempts to thwart Ukraine's NATO ambitions Oleksiy Danilov, Secretary of Ukraine's Security and Defence Council, told Reuters in an interview that Russia had 92,000 troops at the frontier but would need many more if it were to invade Ukraine. Russia says it suspects Ukraine of gearing up to take back the breakaway regions by force, which Kyiv in turn denies. Ukrainian government forces have been fighting Russian-backed separatists since 2014. Ukraine and the West have periodically accused Moscow, despite its denials, of sending weapons and servicemen to support the separatists. (With inputs from agencies)

Unlikely that Russians will advance, says Ukrainian soldier in east

As tensions between Russia and Ukraine reached all-time high EU leaders focused on preventing a Russian invasion of Ukraine. They threatened Moscow of unprecedented sanctions.

EU leaders warns of sanctions against Russia amid rising tensions at Ukraine border

Tensions continue to simmer between Russia and the West, amid possibilities of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. In the latest, the Western allies rejected Russia's attempt at thwarting Ukraine's ambition of joining the NATO alliance.

Russia: Response from West not promising | Russia-Ukraine tensions simmer

European Union threatens Russia with sanctions as it demands 4-way talks between Paris, Berlin, Kyiv and Moscow amid Ukraine invasion fears.

EU wants 4-way talks between Paris, Berlin, Kyiv & Moscow as it threatens Russia with sanctions

Tensions at the Russia-Ukraine border are showing no signs of diminishing and the prolonged crisis has angered the west. In the latest, France has sent warnings to Russia. In case Ukraine is attacked, The Emmanuel Macron government has threatened strategic consequences.

France warns Russia of ‘consequences’ over Ukraine

Russia has submitted draft documents outlining security arrangements it wants to negotiate with the United States and its NATO allies amid spiraling tensions over Ukraine.

Russia hands draft security pact to US, expects talks

Amid the ongoing crisis between Ukraine and Russia, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that he was ready for any format of talks with Russia but would like to see a strong western sanctions policy against Moscow to avoid further escalation.

Ukraine President Zelensky says it is ready for talks with Russia but favours sanctions

Ukraine was ready for any format of talks with Russia but would like to see a strong western sanctions policy against Moscow to avoid further escalation, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy stated during a summit in Brussels.

Ukraine ready for any format of talks with Russia but favours sanctions

Western countries offered 'unwavering' support to Ukraine's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity in the United Nations in Geneva.

Situation at border between Ukraine and Russia is tense as there are specuklations of Russian invasion.

"We are gravely concerned by evidence that Russia has developed plans to take further aggressive action against Ukraine," Patrick Elliot, a human rights officer at the US mission in Geneva, told the council.

"We are unwavering in our support of Ukraine's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity."&nbsp;

British Ambassador Simon Manley also voiced alarm at the "pattern of destabilising activity and military buildups on Ukraine's border", warning that "Russia's activity poses a threat to Ukraine's and international security."

Ukraine and its Western allies have accused Moscow of massing tens of thousands of troops near its border with Ukraine in preparation for an invasion.&nbsp;

Kiev's military command believes a possible escalation could come at the end of January.&nbsp;

Moscow has said the troop build-up is part of routine deployments, saying it has the right to do what it wants on its territory.

Ukrainian Ambassador Yevheniia Filipenko warned the rights council Wednesday that "the impact of possible invasion will have disastrous consequences for the security, humanitarian and human rights situation in my country and well beyond."

The comments came after UN deputy rights chief Nada Al-Nashif presented the council with an update on the rights situation across Ukraine. 
She did not touch on the feared Russian buildup at the border.

But she did decry significant restrictions of the freedom of expression and assembly in the Crimean peninsula, which was annexed by Russia in 2014, and in eastern regions where Kiev has been fighting a pro-Russian insurgency since then.

Al-Nashif also highlighted rights concerns in areas under the control of the Ukrainian government, including the "lack of accountability" for threats and violence targeting rights defenders, media workers and women and gay rights activists, among others.

Russian representative Yaroslave Eremin seized onto that criticism, slamming Kiev for "maintaining an atmosphere of impunity" exploited by the far right.&nbsp;

He also urged UN rights office to "stop including in their reports (on Ukraine), matters related to Russian regions" -- referring to Crimea.

(With inputs from agencies)

Western countries offered 'unwavering' support to Ukraine's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity in the United Nations in Geneva. Situation at border between Ukraine and Russia is tense as there are specuklations of Russian invasion.

Western countries offered 'unwavering' support to Ukraine's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity in the United Nations in Geneva. Situation at border between Ukraine and Russia is tense as there are specuklations of Russian invasion. "We are gravely concerned by evidence that Russia has developed plans to take further aggressive action against Ukraine," Patrick Elliot, a human rights officer at the US mission in Geneva, told the council. "We are unwavering in our support of Ukraine's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity." British Ambassador Simon Manley also voiced alarm at the "pattern of destabilising activity and military buildups on Ukraine's border", warning that "Russia's activity poses a threat to Ukraine's and international security." Ukraine and its Western allies have accused Moscow of massing tens of thousands of troops near its border with Ukraine in preparation for an invasion. Kiev's military command believes a possible escalation could come at the end of January. Moscow has said the troop build-up is part of routine deployments, saying it has the right to do what it wants on its territory. Ukrainian Ambassador Yevheniia Filipenko warned the rights council Wednesday that "the impact of possible invasion will have disastrous consequences for the security, humanitarian and human rights situation in my country and well beyond." The comments came after UN deputy rights chief Nada Al-Nashif presented the council with an update on the rights situation across Ukraine. She did not touch on the feared Russian buildup at the border. But she did decry significant restrictions of the freedom of expression and assembly in the Crimean peninsula, which was annexed by Russia in 2014, and in eastern regions where Kiev has been fighting a pro-Russian insurgency since then. Al-Nashif also highlighted rights concerns in areas under the control of the Ukrainian government, including the "lack of accountability" for threats and violence targeting rights defenders, media workers and women and gay rights activists, among others. Russian representative Yaroslave Eremin seized onto that criticism, slamming Kiev for "maintaining an atmosphere of impunity" exploited by the far right. He also urged UN rights office to "stop including in their reports (on Ukraine), matters related to Russian regions" -- referring to Crimea. (With inputs from agencies)

Nations declare 'unwavering support' to Ukraine at UN

Russian President Vladimir Putin is all set to meet his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, their second virtual session this year, days after both the countries were left out of a democracy summit organised by US president Joe Biden.

Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping to hold talks amid Ukraine border crisis

Russia ups the hostile rhetoric as it threatens to deploy nuclear missiles in Europe amid invasion fears in Ukraine. UK PM Boris Johnson asks Putin to de-escalate tensions.

Russia ups the hostile rhetoric | Threatens to deploy nuclear missiles in Europe

Russia on Monday said that it may be forced to deploy nuclear missiles in Europe as a reaction to what it perceives as NATO's plan to do the same.&nbsp;

Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov told Russia's RIA news agency in an interview that Moscow would have to take the step if NATO refused to engage with it on preventing such an escalation.

The comments may heighten tensions as West sees Russia to be preparing for an invasion in Ukraine. The US and its allies are warning Moscow against it.&nbsp;

Missiles that Russia has threatened to deploy are Intermediate nuclear missiles.

Intermediate-range nuclear forces (INF) in Europe were banned under a 1987 treaty agreed between Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev and U.S. President Ronald Reagan in what was hailed at the time as a major easing of Cold War tensions. Washington quit the pact in 2019 after complaining for years of alleged Russian violations.

Ryabkov said there were "indirect indications" that NATO was moving closer to re-deploying INF, including its restoration last month of the 56th Artillery Command which operated nuclear-capable Pershing missiles during the Cold War.

'COMPLETE LACK OF TRUST'

"Lack of progress towards a political and diplomatic solution to this problem will lead to our response being of a military and technical military nature," he said.

"That is, it will be a confrontation, this will the next round, the appearance of such resources on our side. Right now there aren't any, we have a unilateral moratorium. We call for NATO and the U.S. to join this moratorium."

NATO says there will be no new US missiles in Europe and it is ready to deter new Russian missiles with a "measured" response that would only involve conventional weapons.

But Ryabkov said Russia had a "complete lack of trust" in NATO.

"They don't permit themselves to do anything that could somehow increase our security - they believe they can act as they need, to their advantage, and we simply have to swallow all this and deal with it. This is not going to continue."

Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Joe Biden held two hours of talks last week on the Ukraine crisis and Moscow's demand for what it calls legally binding security guarantees from the West.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russia on Monday said that it may be forced to deploy nuclear missiles in Europe as a reaction to what it perceives as NATO's plan to do the same. Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov told Russia's RIA news agency in an interview that Moscow would have to take the step if NATO refused to engage with it on preventing such an escalation.

Russia on Monday said that it may be forced to deploy nuclear missiles in Europe as a reaction to what it perceives as NATO's plan to do the same. Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov told Russia's RIA news agency in an interview that Moscow would have to take the step if NATO refused to engage with it on preventing such an escalation. The comments may heighten tensions as West sees Russia to be preparing for an invasion in Ukraine. The US and its allies are warning Moscow against it. Missiles that Russia has threatened to deploy are Intermediate nuclear missiles. Intermediate-range nuclear forces (INF) in Europe were banned under a 1987 treaty agreed between Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev and U.S. President Ronald Reagan in what was hailed at the time as a major easing of Cold War tensions. Washington quit the pact in 2019 after complaining for years of alleged Russian violations. Ryabkov said there were "indirect indications" that NATO was moving closer to re-deploying INF, including its restoration last month of the 56th Artillery Command which operated nuclear-capable Pershing missiles during the Cold War. 'COMPLETE LACK OF TRUST' "Lack of progress towards a political and diplomatic solution to this problem will lead to our response being of a military and technical military nature," he said. "That is, it will be a confrontation, this will the next round, the appearance of such resources on our side. Right now there aren't any, we have a unilateral moratorium. We call for NATO and the U.S. to join this moratorium." NATO says there will be no new US missiles in Europe and it is ready to deter new Russian missiles with a "measured" response that would only involve conventional weapons. But Ryabkov said Russia had a "complete lack of trust" in NATO. "They don't permit themselves to do anything that could somehow increase our security - they believe they can act as they need, to their advantage, and we simply have to swallow all this and deal with it. This is not going to continue." Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Joe Biden held two hours of talks last week on the Ukraine crisis and Moscow's demand for what it calls legally binding security guarantees from the West. (With inputs from agencies)

May deploy nuclear missiles in Europe, says Russia

US President Joe Biden days after a virtual meet with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, warns Russia over military build-up at Ukraine border amid invasion fears.

US President Joe Biden: Russia will pay a terrible price if it invades Ukraine

Days after US President Joe Biden's virtual meet with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, Russia seems to be escalating its hostile rhetoric against Ukraine.

While President Biden pushes for a diplomatic solution, Russia ups the hostile rhetoric against Kyiv

Days after US president Joe Biden spoke to his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin over the escalating conflict with Ukraine, there seems to be no change in the status quo.

Biden talks to Ukraine president, reaffirms support | Russia-Ukraine Tensions

Tensions between Russia and Ukraine remain high. On Tuesday, US president Joe Biden held talks with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin where the two leaders discussed Ukraine issue and the day after the talks Biden has said that sending American troops to Ukraine is not an option without the support of native allies.

Joe Biden: Sending US troops to Ukraine not on cards | Russia-Ukraine tensions

A day after the virtual meet over the Ukraine issue, US President Joe Biden said that it is not an option to send US troops to Ukraine without the support of NATO allies amid invasion fears from Russia. Meanwhile, Russia denies any such invasion plans.

Tensions between US & Russia remain high despite Biden's decision not to send US troops to Ukraine

US President Joe Biden said that the US is refraining from sending its soldiers to Ukraine without the support of its NATO allies. US-Russia tensions have been boiling up because of Ukraine, which faces an Invasion threat from Russia.

US President Joe Biden: Sending US troops to Ukraine without NATO allies' support not an option

US President Biden and Russian President Putin conducted summit talks over a video link on Tuesday which lasted for two hours.

The White House said President Biden "voiced deep concerns" over Russia's escalation of forces surrounding Ukraine.

Biden told the Russian president that the US and its allies would respond with "strong economic and other measures in the event of military escalation."

Biden reiterated his support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and called for de-escalation and a return to diplomacy, the White House added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ahead-of-biden-putin-virtual-summit-russia-slams-us-move-to-boycott-beijing-winter-olympics-434860">Also Read:&nbsp;Ahead of Biden-Putin virtual summit, Russia slams US move to boycott Beijing Winter Olympics</a>

The two leaders also decided to follow up on development in Ukraine in coordination with allies and partners. &nbsp;

Biden and Putin also discussed US-Russia dialogue on strategic stability, ransomware including joint work on regional issues including Iran. &nbsp;

The White House added that President Biden would call US allies including Britain, France, Germany and Italy after talks with the Russian president.

The talks took place amid tensions between Russia and Ukraine with Russian troops reportedly amassed at the border. President Putin has repetedly&nbsp;denied Russia intends to invade Ukraine while asserting that the country's troops can move around freely inside their territory.

Western powers in the past one month have repeatedly warned Russia over escalation of tensions with Ukraine.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Agencies)

US President Biden and Russian President Putin conducted summit talks over a video link on Tuesday which lasted for two hours. The White House said President Biden "voiced deep concerns" over Russia's escalation of forces surrounding Ukraine.

US President Biden and Russian President Putin conducted summit talks over a video link on Tuesday which lasted for two hours. The White House said President Biden "voiced deep concerns" over Russia's escalation of forces surrounding Ukraine. Biden told the Russian president that the US and its allies would respond with "strong economic and other measures in the event of military escalation." Biden reiterated his support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and called for de-escalation and a return to diplomacy, the White House added. Also Read: Ahead of Biden-Putin virtual summit, Russia slams US move to boycott Beijing Winter Olympics The two leaders also decided to follow up on development in Ukraine in coordination with allies and partners. Biden and Putin also discussed US-Russia dialogue on strategic stability, ransomware including joint work on regional issues including Iran. The White House added that President Biden would call US allies including Britain, France, Germany and Italy after talks with the Russian president. The talks took place amid tensions between Russia and Ukraine with Russian troops reportedly amassed at the border. President Putin has repetedly denied Russia intends to invade Ukraine while asserting that the country's troops can move around freely inside their territory. Western powers in the past one month have repeatedly warned Russia over escalation of tensions with Ukraine. (With inputs from Agencies)

Will respond with strong economic measures over Ukraine escalation: Biden tells Putin

US president Joe Biden and Russian president Vladimir Putin had a 'useful' meeting that allowed leaders to talk about the ongoing conflict over Ukraine. Joe Biden has further warned of strong response to its Russian counterpart.

Joe Biden vows strong response over Ukraine crisis with Russia

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