What was supposed to be a unique parade has left the Ukrainian authorities in the middle of a sexist controversy ahead of its 30 years of independence celebrations.

Female Ukrainian troops are preparing to stage a military parade next month to celebrate 30 years of independence and to show the preparations the defence ministry released images of these women soldiers marching in black heels.

"Today, for the first time, training takes place in heeled shoes," cadet Ivanna Medvid was quoted as saying by the defence ministry's information site ArmiaInform. "It is slightly harder than in army boots but we are trying."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ukraine-female-soldiers-made-to-practice-for-parade-in-heels-395592">WATCH |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ukraine-female-soldiers-made-to-practice-for-parade-in-heels-395592/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

However, this post backfired at the authorities as many believe the female troops have been sexualised with this choice of footwear. The defence ministry is being accused of sexism and misogyny.

Not just the social media users, but members of parliament, too, ridiculed the idea and blamed the defence ministry for ignoring the health risks the women are being exposed to by being made to march in heels.

"It is hard to imagine a more idiotic, harmful idea," said Inna Sovsun, a member of the Golos party, pointing to health risks.

People also said that the ministry is mocking the service done by women troops, even though they put in equal efforts and induce similar risks as male soldiers.

What was supposed to be a unique parade has left the Ukrainian authorities in the middle of a sexist controversy ahead of its 30 years of independence celebrations.

What was supposed to be a unique parade has left the Ukrainian authorities in the middle of a sexist controversy ahead of its 30 years of independence celebrations. Female Ukrainian troops are preparing to stage a military parade next month to celebrate 30 years of independence and to show the preparations the defence ministry released images of these women soldiers marching in black heels. "Today, for the first time, training takes place in heeled shoes," cadet Ivanna Medvid was quoted as saying by the defence ministry's information site ArmiaInform. "It is slightly harder than in army boots but we are trying." WATCH | However, this post backfired at the authorities as many believe the female troops have been sexualised with this choice of footwear. The defence ministry is being accused of sexism and misogyny. Not just the social media users, but members of parliament, too, ridiculed the idea and blamed the defence ministry for ignoring the health risks the women are being exposed to by being made to march in heels. "It is hard to imagine a more idiotic, harmful idea," said Inna Sovsun, a member of the Golos party, pointing to health risks. People also said that the ministry is mocking the service done by women troops, even though they put in equal efforts and induce similar risks as male soldiers.

Watch: Ukraine's female soldiers made to march in heels

Russia said on Saturday that its warplanes practised bombing enemy ships in the Black Sea during training exercises. There is tension between Russia and the West over NATO drills in the region and recent incident with a British warship.

Last week, Russia challenged right of British navy warship HMS Defender to pass through waters near Crimean. UK maintained that it has every right to do so. Russia has annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014. However, most of the world still considers Crimea to be part of Ukraine.

Russia assertively maintained that the vessel had illegally entered its territorial waters. It also accused London of "provocation"

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-accuses-us-of-involvement-in-british-warship-row-with-russia-395002">Putin accuses US of involvement in British warship row with Russia</a> 
 
Moscow has said it could bomb British naval vessels if there are more such actions by the British navy off Crimea.

On Saturday, Russia's Black Sea Fleet said warplanes from its aviation units and those of the southern military district had taken part in training drills.

"Aircraft crews ... conducted training flights over the Black Sea, practicing missile and bombing strikes against simulated enemy ships," it was quoted as saying by the RIA news agency.

The drills involved aircraft including Sukhoi Su-30SM multi-purpose fighters, Sukhoi Su-24M bombers, Sukhoi Su-34 fighter-bombers and Sukhoi Su-27 fighter jets, the report said.

The exercise comes as NATO, Ukraine and allies conduct their large-scale Sea Breeze drills in the region.

Those drills are set to last two weeks and involve about 5,000 military personnel from NATO and other allies, and around 30 ships and 40 aircraft, with U.S. missile destroyer USS Ross and the U.S. Marine Corps taking part.

Moscow had called for the exercise to be cancelled and the Russian defence ministry has said it will react to safeguard national security if necessary.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russia said on Saturday that its warplanes practised bombing enemy ships in the Black Sea during training exercises. There is tension between Russia and the West over NATO drills in the region and recent incident with a British warship.

Russia said on Saturday that its warplanes practised bombing enemy ships in the Black Sea during training exercises. There is tension between Russia and the West over NATO drills in the region and recent incident with a British warship. Last week, Russia challenged right of British navy warship HMS Defender to pass through waters near Crimean. UK maintained that it has every right to do so. Russia has annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014. However, most of the world still considers Crimea to be part of Ukraine. Russia assertively maintained that the vessel had illegally entered its territorial waters. It also accused London of "provocation" Also Read | Putin accuses US of involvement in British warship row with Russia Moscow has said it could bomb British naval vessels if there are more such actions by the British navy off Crimea. On Saturday, Russia's Black Sea Fleet said warplanes from its aviation units and those of the southern military district had taken part in training drills. "Aircraft crews ... conducted training flights over the Black Sea, practicing missile and bombing strikes against simulated enemy ships," it was quoted as saying by the RIA news agency. The drills involved aircraft including Sukhoi Su-30SM multi-purpose fighters, Sukhoi Su-24M bombers, Sukhoi Su-34 fighter-bombers and Sukhoi Su-27 fighter jets, the report said. The exercise comes as NATO, Ukraine and allies conduct their large-scale Sea Breeze drills in the region. Those drills are set to last two weeks and involve about 5,000 military personnel from NATO and other allies, and around 30 ships and 40 aircraft, with U.S. missile destroyer USS Ross and the U.S. Marine Corps taking part. Moscow had called for the exercise to be cancelled and the Russian defence ministry has said it will react to safeguard national security if necessary. (With inputs from agencies)

Russian planes practise bombing ships in Black Sea

Ukrainian authorities have found themselves buried in controversy after official pictures showed female soldiers practicing for a parade in heels. The images sparked anger online in Ukraine and protests in the country's parliament.

Ukraine: Female soldiers made to practice for parade in heels

The Euro 2020 is back with another significant quarterfinal fixture as England takes on Ukraine at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday. England are the better group on paper and holds the high ground going into this fixture.&nbsp;

Ukraine have been genuinely noteworthy over the previous year however persevered through their battles in the gathering stage. Andriy Shevchenko's charges can be deadly on their day and have a highlight demonstrate today.&nbsp;

England, then again, have dominated under Gareth Southgate and will be determined to benefiting as much as possible from their purple fix this year. The Three Lions dazed Germany in their last game and will need a comparative presentation in this match.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="Football: Germany's Toni Kroos retires from international football">Football: Germany's Toni Kroos retires from international football</a>

<h2>Head-to-Head&nbsp;</h2>

England have a decent record against Ukraine and have won four out of seven matches played between the two groups. Ukraine have overseen only one triumph against England and have a lot of work to do in front of this game. The last clash between the two groups occurred in 2013 and finished in a 0-0 impasse. Ukraine set up a vigorous front on the day and will require a comparative presentation in this match.&nbsp;

<h2>Ukraine versus England</h2>

Ukraine forward Artem Besedin will pass up this game after a genuine knee injury endured in the match against Sweden this week. Denys Popov is additionally out, while star man Andriy Yarmolenko just as Oleksandr Zubkov are likewise suspicious.&nbsp;

With respect to the two wing-backs, Oleksandr Karavaev and Oleksandr Zinchenko will have the onus on them to give the imagination from the flanks at whatever point Ukraine charges forward. When off the ball, the pair will rapidly drop profound to make a back five that will successfully kill off space for England to work from.

Ukraine's Probable XI (3-5-2): Bushchan, Zabarnyi, Kryvtsov, Matviyenko; Karavaev, Sydorchuk, Stepanenko, Shaparenko, Zinchenko; Yarmolenko, Yaremchuk&nbsp;&nbsp;

Mason Mount and Ben Chilwell have finished their quarantine and have rejoined the crew ahead of this game. England selected a 3-4-3 formation against Germany however are probably not going to endure with the methodology against Ukraine.&nbsp;Jack Grealish improved things significantly off the seat versus Germany. In this way, if Bukayo Saka can't demonstrate his fitness on the schedule ahead of the Ukraine clash, the Aston Villa star could get an opportunity to intrigue consistently for a change.&nbsp;

Raheem Sterling and skipper Harry Kane basically pick themselves in the last three, with Mason Mount liable to be the last man in attack for England.&nbsp;Additionally, Kalvin Phillips and Harry Maguire are additionally one booking away from suspension.&nbsp;

England's Probable XI (4-2-3-1): Pickford; Walker, Stones, Maguire, Shaw; Rice, Phillips; Grealish, Mount, Sterling; Kane

<h2>Prediction&nbsp;</h2>

England will come into this match as weighty top picks, yet it ought to be intriguing to perceive how they adapt playing away from Wembley without precedent for the competition.&nbsp;

Ukraine will be a hazardous adversary for them, yet they may likewise be drained after their efforts against Sweden on Tuesday, and their guard didn't look extraordinary during the league stage.

The Euro 2020 is back with another significant quarterfinal fixture as England takes on Ukraine at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday. England are the better group on paper and holds the high ground going into this fixture.

The Euro 2020 is back with another significant quarterfinal fixture as England takes on Ukraine at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday. England are the better group on paper and holds the high ground going into this fixture. Ukraine have been genuinely noteworthy over the previous year however persevered through their battles in the gathering stage. Andriy Shevchenko's charges can be deadly on their day and have a highlight demonstrate today. England, then again, have dominated under Gareth Southgate and will be determined to benefiting as much as possible from their purple fix this year. The Three Lions dazed Germany in their last game and will need a comparative presentation in this match. ALSO READ: Football: Germany's Toni Kroos retires from international football Head-to-Head England have a decent record against Ukraine and have won four out of seven matches played between the two groups. Ukraine have overseen only one triumph against England and have a lot of work to do in front of this game. The last clash between the two groups occurred in 2013 and finished in a 0-0 impasse. Ukraine set up a vigorous front on the day and will require a comparative presentation in this match. Ukraine versus England Ukraine forward Artem Besedin will pass up this game after a genuine knee injury endured in the match against Sweden this week. Denys Popov is additionally out, while star man Andriy Yarmolenko just as Oleksandr Zubkov are likewise suspicious. With respect to the two wing-backs, Oleksandr Karavaev and Oleksandr Zinchenko will have the onus on them to give the imagination from the flanks at whatever point Ukraine charges forward. When off the ball, the pair will rapidly drop profound to make a back five that will successfully kill off space for England to work from. Ukraine's Probable XI (3-5-2): Bushchan, Zabarnyi, Kryvtsov, Matviyenko; Karavaev, Sydorchuk, Stepanenko, Shaparenko, Zinchenko; Yarmolenko, Yaremchuk Mason Mount and Ben Chilwell have finished their quarantine and have rejoined the crew ahead of this game. England selected a 3-4-3 formation against Germany however are probably not going to endure with the methodology against Ukraine. Jack Grealish improved things significantly off the seat versus Germany. In this way, if Bukayo Saka can't demonstrate his fitness on the schedule ahead of the Ukraine clash, the Aston Villa star could get an opportunity to intrigue consistently for a change. Raheem Sterling and skipper Harry Kane basically pick themselves in the last three, with Mason Mount liable to be the last man in attack for England. Additionally, Kalvin Phillips and Harry Maguire are additionally one booking away from suspension. England's Probable XI (4-2-3-1): Pickford; Walker, Stones, Maguire, Shaw; Rice, Phillips; Grealish, Mount, Sterling; Kane Prediction England will come into this match as weighty top picks, yet it ought to be intriguing to perceive how they adapt playing away from Wembley without precedent for the competition. Ukraine will be a hazardous adversary for them, yet they may likewise be drained after their efforts against Sweden on Tuesday, and their guard didn't look extraordinary during the league stage.

Euro 2020: Ukraine eye rare semi-final spot as they take on England

Russian President Vladimir Putin participated in an annual call-in show where he took questions from the citizens. Most of the questions this year were dedicated to the coronavirus pandemic, Moscow’s ties with the West, Ukraine, the black sea spat, jailed Kremlin critic Alexey Navalny and allegations of cyberattacks.

Putin discusses Ukraine, Black Sea, Navalny and vaccines in marathon call-in show

NATO countries and Ukraine have begun the largest Black Sea war games in decades. The 'Sea Breeze' military drills are aimed at deterring Russian aggression in the region. How will Moscow react?

Gravitas: NATO's biggest Black Sea exercise in decades

Ukraine made it to the Euro 2020 quarterfinals for a second time after overpowering 10-man Sweden 2-1, courtesy of Artem Dovbyk`s last-gasp extra-time winner at Hampden Park in Glasgow.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/euro-2020-sterling-kane-vanquish-germany-as-england-reach-quarterfinals-394780" hreflang="en">Euro 2020: Sterling, Kane vanquish Germany as England reach quarterfinals</a> 
 
The Ukrainians started cautiously on Tuesday and let Sweden to pass the ball around. Despite dominating possession, Sweden didn`t pose a threat to Ukraine`s rock-solid defence with only Alexander Isak coming close to scoring with a long-range effort in the 20th minute, reports Xinhua. 
 
Andriy Shevchenko`s side showed no mercy and clinically opened the scoring seven minutes later when Andrey Yarmolenko`s shot with the outside of the boot allowed Oleksandr Zinchenko to break the deadlock against the run of play. 
 
The Swedes responded well with Ukraine goalkeeper Heorhiy Bushcan having to stretch to defuse Sabastian Larsson`s dangerous set-piece moments later. 
 
Sweden continued to attack and were rewarded with the equaliser just before the break as Emil Forsberg got enough time and space to drill the ball from 23 metres past Bushcan into the bottom right corner. 
 
After the restart, both sides came out motivated and created several chances as Serhiy Sydorchuk and Forsberg rattled the right post in quick succession. 
 
Ukraine focused on counterattacks while Sweden remained a constant menace with Forsberg hitting the crossbar from 16 metres in the 69th minute. 
 
Sweden had a golden chance to seal the deal in regulation time but Dejan Kulusevski missed the target from inside the box with only Bushcan to beat. 
 
In extra time, Sweden suffered a huge setback when Marcus Danielson was sent off in the 99th minute. 
 
Outnumbered, the Swedes defended well and hoped to take the match into a penalty shootout, but their resilience was broken in injury time as Zinchenko`s pinpoint cross into the box found Dovbyk, who nodded home the decider from close range. 
 
"Both teams played very well. It was an interesting match. Neither side wanted to lose so we got this drama at the end. With this performance and commitment, our team has deserved the love of the whole country," said Ukraine head coach Andriy Shevchenko. 
 
Ukraine will clash with England in the quarterfinal at Rome on July 3.

Ukraine made it to the Euro 2020 quarterfinals for a second time after overpowering 10-man Sweden 2-1, courtesy of Artem Dovbyk`s last-gasp extra-time winner at Hampden Park in Glasgow.

Ukraine made it to the Euro 2020 quarterfinals for a second time after overpowering 10-man Sweden 2-1, courtesy of Artem Dovbyk`s last-gasp extra-time winner at Hampden Park in Glasgow. ALSO READ: Euro 2020: Sterling, Kane vanquish Germany as England reach quarterfinals The Ukrainians started cautiously on Tuesday and let Sweden to pass the ball around. Despite dominating possession, Sweden didn`t pose a threat to Ukraine`s rock-solid defence with only Alexander Isak coming close to scoring with a long-range effort in the 20th minute, reports Xinhua. Andriy Shevchenko`s side showed no mercy and clinically opened the scoring seven minutes later when Andrey Yarmolenko`s shot with the outside of the boot allowed Oleksandr Zinchenko to break the deadlock against the run of play. The Swedes responded well with Ukraine goalkeeper Heorhiy Bushcan having to stretch to defuse Sabastian Larsson`s dangerous set-piece moments later. Sweden continued to attack and were rewarded with the equaliser just before the break as Emil Forsberg got enough time and space to drill the ball from 23 metres past Bushcan into the bottom right corner. After the restart, both sides came out motivated and created several chances as Serhiy Sydorchuk and Forsberg rattled the right post in quick succession. Ukraine focused on counterattacks while Sweden remained a constant menace with Forsberg hitting the crossbar from 16 metres in the 69th minute. Sweden had a golden chance to seal the deal in regulation time but Dejan Kulusevski missed the target from inside the box with only Bushcan to beat. In extra time, Sweden suffered a huge setback when Marcus Danielson was sent off in the 99th minute. Outnumbered, the Swedes defended well and hoped to take the match into a penalty shootout, but their resilience was broken in injury time as Zinchenko`s pinpoint cross into the box found Dovbyk, who nodded home the decider from close range. "Both teams played very well. It was an interesting match. Neither side wanted to lose so we got this drama at the end. With this performance and commitment, our team has deserved the love of the whole country," said Ukraine head coach Andriy Shevchenko. Ukraine will clash with England in the quarterfinal at Rome on July 3.

Euro 2020: Ukraine's extra-time winner knocks Sweden out

Ukraine manager Andriy Shevchenko said his team would not be intimidated by England's 2-0 win over Germany at Wembley in their Euro 2020 last-16 clash but motivated to produce an upset when they lock horns in Rome on Saturday.

The Ukrainians booked their quarter-final berth with an extra-time 2-1 win over Sweden on Tuesday thanks to a last-gasp goal by Artem Dovbyk after England sent Germany home on the back of second-half efforts from Raheem Sterling and Harry Kane.

"England are a great team, they have a deep bench, an outstanding coaching staff and we are fully aware how tough this game is going to be," Shevchenko told a news conference.

"I saw all their three group matches, not today's win over Germany because we had to prepare for our own game with Sweden. They are incredibly difficult to score against but their strength shouldn't scare us.

"It should motivate us because everything is possible in&nbsp;football&nbsp;as in life and we will play our hearts out to give our fans, even more, to cheer about."

England are yet to concede in the tournament, having beaten Croatia and the Czech Republic 1-0 in the group stage while they also drew 0-0 with Scotland.

Man of the match Oleksandr Zinchenko, who scored Ukraine's first goal and set up the second against Sweden, heaped praise on his Manchester City teammate Sterling who has scored three of England's four goals in Euro 2020.

"Sterling is one of the best wingers in the world and right now he is making all the difference for England," he said.

"We will need to be at our very best in defense to stop him but it will be difficult because he is on a roll."

Zinchenko added he and the rest of the team had been under pressure to deliver against Sweden after coming under fire for poor group-stage performances, having lost to the Netherlands and Austria while beating North Macedonia.

"It was difficult for me to adjust because a lot of criticism was poured on the whole team and on me in particular.

"Today, we have proved to the whole of Europe that we can achieve our goals."

"I would like to thank the fans, all those who managed to come to the stadium. This is a historic achievement and they should rejoice because moments like this are rare."

Ukraine manager Andriy Shevchenko said his team would not be intimidated by England's 2-0 win over Germany at Wembley in their Euro 2020 last-16 clash but motivated to produce an upset when they lock horns in Rome on Saturday.

Ukraine manager Andriy Shevchenko said his team would not be intimidated by England's 2-0 win over Germany at Wembley in their Euro 2020 last-16 clash but motivated to produce an upset when they lock horns in Rome on Saturday. The Ukrainians booked their quarter-final berth with an extra-time 2-1 win over Sweden on Tuesday thanks to a last-gasp goal by Artem Dovbyk after England sent Germany home on the back of second-half efforts from Raheem Sterling and Harry Kane. "England are a great team, they have a deep bench, an outstanding coaching staff and we are fully aware how tough this game is going to be," Shevchenko told a news conference. "I saw all their three group matches, not today's win over Germany because we had to prepare for our own game with Sweden. They are incredibly difficult to score against but their strength shouldn't scare us. "It should motivate us because everything is possible in football as in life and we will play our hearts out to give our fans, even more, to cheer about." England are yet to concede in the tournament, having beaten Croatia and the Czech Republic 1-0 in the group stage while they also drew 0-0 with Scotland. Man of the match Oleksandr Zinchenko, who scored Ukraine's first goal and set up the second against Sweden, heaped praise on his Manchester City teammate Sterling who has scored three of England's four goals in Euro 2020. "Sterling is one of the best wingers in the world and right now he is making all the difference for England," he said. "We will need to be at our very best in defense to stop him but it will be difficult because he is on a roll." Zinchenko added he and the rest of the team had been under pressure to deliver against Sweden after coming under fire for poor group-stage performances, having lost to the Netherlands and Austria while beating North Macedonia. "It was difficult for me to adjust because a lot of criticism was poured on the whole team and on me in particular. "Today, we have proved to the whole of Europe that we can achieve our goals." "I would like to thank the fans, all those who managed to come to the stadium. This is a historic achievement and they should rejoice because moments like this are rare."

Euro 2020: Ukraine will have no fear against England, says manager Andriy Shevchenko

Students at a Kyiv school have been learning about saving the environment and helping those in need by using a special recycling machine which uses plastic bottles as currency.

Kyiv recycling machine trades plastic for donations to good causes

Russia checked the readiness of its air defence system in Crimea, the peninsula it annexed from Ukraine in 2014, as Ukraine and NATO countries held military drills in the Black Sea, the Interfax news agency reported on Tuesday. 
 
The Sea Breeze military drills follow a rise in tensions between NATO and Moscow, which said last week it had fired warning shots and dropped bombs in the path of a British warship to chase it out of Black Sea waters off the coast of Crimea. Britain rejected Russia's account of the incident.

In the military exercise in the Black Sea and southern Ukraine, more than&nbsp;30 countries are taking part, despite Russian calls to cancel the drills.

Russia says Crimea is its territory, but the peninsula is internationally recognised as part of Ukraine.

Russia's embassy in Washington called last week for the drills to be cancelled, and the Russian defence ministry said it would react if necessary to protect its own national security.

Sea Breeze 2021 will last two weeks and involve about 5,000 military personnel from NATO and other allies, and around 30 ships and 40 aircraft. US missile destroyer USS Ross and the US Marine Corps will take part.

Ukraine says the main goal is to gain experience in joint actions during multinational peacekeeping and security operations.

Relations between Kyiv and Moscow plummeted after Russia seized Crimea and over Russia's support for a separatist rebellion in eastern Ukraine.

Tension rose again this year when Russia massed troops on the border with Ukraine, where some of them remain along with their equipment.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russia checked the readiness of its air defence system in Crimea, the peninsula it annexed from Ukraine in 2014, as Ukraine and NATO countries held military drills in the Black Sea, the Interfax news agency reported on Tuesday.

Russia checked the readiness of its air defence system in Crimea, the peninsula it annexed from Ukraine in 2014, as Ukraine and NATO countries held military drills in the Black Sea, the Interfax news agency reported on Tuesday. The Sea Breeze military drills follow a rise in tensions between NATO and Moscow, which said last week it had fired warning shots and dropped bombs in the path of a British warship to chase it out of Black Sea waters off the coast of Crimea. Britain rejected Russia's account of the incident. In the military exercise in the Black Sea and southern Ukraine, more than 30 countries are taking part, despite Russian calls to cancel the drills. Russia says Crimea is its territory, but the peninsula is internationally recognised as part of Ukraine. Russia's embassy in Washington called last week for the drills to be cancelled, and the Russian defence ministry said it would react if necessary to protect its own national security. Sea Breeze 2021 will last two weeks and involve about 5,000 military personnel from NATO and other allies, and around 30 ships and 40 aircraft. US missile destroyer USS Ross and the US Marine Corps will take part. Ukraine says the main goal is to gain experience in joint actions during multinational peacekeeping and security operations. Relations between Kyiv and Moscow plummeted after Russia seized Crimea and over Russia's support for a separatist rebellion in eastern Ukraine. Tension rose again this year when Russia massed troops on the border with Ukraine, where some of them remain along with their equipment. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia checks Crimea air defence system as Ukraine, US start Black Sea drills: Interfax

Ukraine and the United States will start a military exercise involving more than 30 countries in the Black Sea and southern Ukraine on Monday, despite Russian calls to cancel the drills. 
 
Sea Breeze 2021 follows a rise in tensions between NATO and Moscow, which said last week it had fired warning shots and dropped bombs in the path of a British warship to chase it out of Black Sea waters off the coast of Crimea. Britain rejected Russia's account of the incident. 
 
Russia annexed Crimea in 2014 and says it is Russian territory, but the peninsula is internationally recognised as part of Ukraine. 
 
Russia's embassy in Washington called last week for the drills to be cancelled, and the Russian defence ministry said it would react if necessary to protect its own national security. 
 
Sea Breeze 2021 will last two weeks and involve about 5,000 military personnel from NATO and other allies, and around 30 ships and 40 aircraft. US&nbsp;missile destroyer USS Ross and the US&nbsp;Marine Corps will take part. 
 
Ukraine says the main goal is to gain experience in joint actions during multinational peacekeeping and security operations. 
 
Relations between Kyiv and Moscow plummeted after Russia seized Crimea and over Russia's support for a separatist rebellion in eastern Ukraine. 
 
Tension rose again this year when Russia massed troops on the border with Ukraine, where some of them remain along with their equipment.

Ukraine and the United States will start a military exercise involving more than 30 countries in the Black Sea and southern Ukraine on Monday, despite Russian calls to cancel the drills.

Ukraine and the United States will start a military exercise involving more than 30 countries in the Black Sea and southern Ukraine on Monday, despite Russian calls to cancel the drills. Sea Breeze 2021 follows a rise in tensions between NATO and Moscow, which said last week it had fired warning shots and dropped bombs in the path of a British warship to chase it out of Black Sea waters off the coast of Crimea. Britain rejected Russia's account of the incident. Russia annexed Crimea in 2014 and says it is Russian territory, but the peninsula is internationally recognised as part of Ukraine. Russia's embassy in Washington called last week for the drills to be cancelled, and the Russian defence ministry said it would react if necessary to protect its own national security. Sea Breeze 2021 will last two weeks and involve about 5,000 military personnel from NATO and other allies, and around 30 ships and 40 aircraft. US missile destroyer USS Ross and the US Marine Corps will take part. Ukraine says the main goal is to gain experience in joint actions during multinational peacekeeping and security operations. Relations between Kyiv and Moscow plummeted after Russia seized Crimea and over Russia's support for a separatist rebellion in eastern Ukraine. Tension rose again this year when Russia massed troops on the border with Ukraine, where some of them remain along with their equipment.

Ukraine, US to start Black Sea military drills despite Russian protest

A Ukrainian&nbsp;soldier&nbsp;was&nbsp;killed&nbsp;in the conflict-ridden east of the country in a mortar and grenade attack launched from territory held by pro-Russian separatists, the military said Saturday.

The Ukrainian&nbsp;army&nbsp;has been locked in simmering trench conflict with breakaway fighters in the eastern Donetsk and Lugansk regions since 2014 when Moscow annexed the Crimean peninsula.

The military said in a Facebook post that separatists had fired on its troops with mortars and anti-tank weapons from near their administrative centre of Donetsk.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/now-its-time-to-make-russia-pull-back-from-ukraine-says-foreign-minister-dmytro-kuleba-392238">Now it's time to make Russia pull back from Ukraine, says Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba</a>

"As a result of the&nbsp;shelling, one Ukrainian serviceman received a fatal shrapnel wound," the Ukrainian military's statement said.

It added that Ukrainian troops had returned fire and also accused separatists of near daily violations of a ceasefire brokered last year that has been left in tatters.

After an uptick in violence in the beginning of the year, Russia in April amassed 100,000 troops on&nbsp;Ukraine's borders, raising fears of a major escalation in the long-running conflict.

Moscow soon announced a pullback, but both Washington and Kiev say that the withdrawal has been limited.

The war has claimed more than 13,000 lives.

Kiev and its Western allies accuse Russia of sending troops and arms to support the separatists, which Moscow has denied.&nbsp;

A Ukrainian soldier was killed in the conflict-ridden east of the country in a mortar and grenade attack launched from territory held by pro-Russian separatists, the military said Saturday.

A Ukrainian soldier was killed in the conflict-ridden east of the country in a mortar and grenade attack launched from territory held by pro-Russian separatists, the military said Saturday. The Ukrainian army has been locked in simmering trench conflict with breakaway fighters in the eastern Donetsk and Lugansk regions since 2014 when Moscow annexed the Crimean peninsula. The military said in a Facebook post that separatists had fired on its troops with mortars and anti-tank weapons from near their administrative centre of Donetsk. Also read | Now it's time to make Russia pull back from Ukraine, says Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba "As a result of the shelling, one Ukrainian serviceman received a fatal shrapnel wound," the Ukrainian military's statement said. It added that Ukrainian troops had returned fire and also accused separatists of near daily violations of a ceasefire brokered last year that has been left in tatters. After an uptick in violence in the beginning of the year, Russia in April amassed 100,000 troops on Ukraine's borders, raising fears of a major escalation in the long-running conflict. Moscow soon announced a pullback, but both Washington and Kiev say that the withdrawal has been limited. The war has claimed more than 13,000 lives. Kiev and its Western allies accuse Russia of sending troops and arms to support the separatists, which Moscow has denied.

Ukraine army says soldier killed in separatist shelling

A day after Russian President Vladimir Putin&nbsp;met&nbsp;US President Joe Biden at a &nbsp;summit in Geneva, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Ukraine joining NATO would be a "red line" for&nbsp;Moscow.

The Kremlin spokesman added that&nbsp;Ukraine, as a NATO nation was a "concern" even as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy wanted a clear "yes" or "no" from President Biden on joining the military organization.

Watch:

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Tensions between Ukraine and Russia have increased ever since Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014. Russian forces had earlier this year built up forces in Crimea including Ukraine's border sending out alarm bells within&nbsp;the Biden administration.

Russia had reportedly deployed 100,000 soldiers near the Ukrainian border and in Crimea amid NATO warnings.

President Zelensky said recently that the country is "fighting a war" while pushing for NATO membership. Ukraine had applied to join the NATO alliance in 2008.

NATO had earlier said that Ukraine could join the US-European military alliance although Biden said the country needed to meet several conditions.

Zelensky had said President Biden should have met him before his summit with Putin as the Ukraine president seeks US support for the country's conflict with alleged Russian-backed separatists.

Zelensky has been unhappy with Russian authorities over the delay of a proposed meeting with Putin over the eastern Ukraine situation.

Ahead of the summit with Putin, Pentagon&nbsp;had announced a new $150 million package of military assistance for Ukraine.

(With inputs from Agencies)

A day after Russian President Vladimir Putin met US President Joe Biden at a summit in Geneva, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Ukraine joining NATO would be a "red line" for Moscow.

A day after Russian President Vladimir Putin met US President Joe Biden at a summit in Geneva, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Ukraine joining NATO would be a "red line" for Moscow. The Kremlin spokesman added that Ukraine, as a NATO nation was a "concern" even as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy wanted a clear "yes" or "no" from President Biden on joining the military organization. Watch: Tensions between Ukraine and Russia have increased ever since Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014. Russian forces had earlier this year built up forces in Crimea including Ukraine's border sending out alarm bells within the Biden administration. Russia had reportedly deployed 100,000 soldiers near the Ukrainian border and in Crimea amid NATO warnings. President Zelensky said recently that the country is "fighting a war" while pushing for NATO membership. Ukraine had applied to join the NATO alliance in 2008. NATO had earlier said that Ukraine could join the US-European military alliance although Biden said the country needed to meet several conditions. Zelensky had said President Biden should have met him before his summit with Putin as the Ukraine president seeks US support for the country's conflict with alleged Russian-backed separatists. Zelensky has been unhappy with Russian authorities over the delay of a proposed meeting with Putin over the eastern Ukraine situation. Ahead of the summit with Putin, Pentagon had announced a new $150 million package of military assistance for Ukraine. (With inputs from Agencies)

Day after Putin-Biden summit, Kremlin says Ukraine joining NATO would be a 'red line' for Russia

Ukraine's president, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, thanked the G7 group of wealthy industrial nations on Sunday after it voiced support for Kyiv and called on Russia to withdraw troops and weapons from near Ukraine's eastern border. 
 
Leaders of the United States, Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy and Japan reaffirmed their backing for Ukraine and called on Moscow to stop its destabilising behaviour in a communique issued after a three-day summit in the UK. 
 
"Commend the unwavering support by #G7 states in the Summit's communiqué," Zelenskiy wrote in Twitter. 
 
"Grateful to leaders for the continued support for Ukraine's independence &amp; sovereignty &amp; the call to the aggressor to withdraw troops from Ukraine's borders &amp; Crimea. #Crimea is Ukraine!" 
 
Kyiv hopes pressure from Western allies could force Moscow to withdraw tens of thousands of its troops deployed in April near Ukraine's eastern border and in Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014. 
 
The West expressed concern about the worsening of the situation in the eastern region of Donbass, where Ukrainian troops fought Russian-backed forces in a conflict that Kyiv said had killed 14,000 people since 2014. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine's president, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, thanked the G7 group of wealthy industrial nations on Sunday after it voiced support for Kyiv and called on Russia to withdraw troops and weapons from near Ukraine's eastern border.

Ukraine's president, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, thanked the G7 group of wealthy industrial nations on Sunday after it voiced support for Kyiv and called on Russia to withdraw troops and weapons from near Ukraine's eastern border. Leaders of the United States, Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy and Japan reaffirmed their backing for Ukraine and called on Moscow to stop its destabilising behaviour in a communique issued after a three-day summit in the UK. "Commend the unwavering support by #G7 states in the Summit's communiqué," Zelenskiy wrote in Twitter. "Grateful to leaders for the continued support for Ukraine's independence & sovereignty & the call to the aggressor to withdraw troops from Ukraine's borders & Crimea. #Crimea is Ukraine!" Kyiv hopes pressure from Western allies could force Moscow to withdraw tens of thousands of its troops deployed in April near Ukraine's eastern border and in Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014. The West expressed concern about the worsening of the situation in the eastern region of Donbass, where Ukrainian troops fought Russian-backed forces in a conflict that Kyiv said had killed 14,000 people since 2014. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine's president thanks G7 nations for support

Flying full-back Denzel Dumfries scored a late winner to earn the Netherlands a 3-2 victory over Ukraine in a thrilling Group C opener at the European Championship on Sunday after the Dutch had thrown away a two-goal lead.

Dumfries rescued all three points for the home team five minutes from time after Ukraine had fought their way back into the match at the Johan Cruyff Arena.

The Dutch were 2-0 up with 15 minutes left, only to allow their opponents two quick goals and the chance to share the points before Dumfries headed home a dramatic winner to the delight of the home fans.

Captain Georginio Wijnaldum and striker Wout Weghorst netted within seven minutes early in the second half as the Dutch sought a successful return to a major tournament -- after a seven-year absence -- in front of 16,000 spectators.

Wijnaldum’s left-foot finish in the 52nd minute opened the scoring before Weghorst quickly added a second.

That put the Dutch in command but Ukraine ensured a nervy finish when captain Andriy Yarmolenko pulled one back in the 75th minute with a superb strike and Roman Yaremchuk equalized four minutes later.

Wijnaldum scored for a fifth time in his last eight appearances for his country as he snapped up a clearance from Ukraine goalkeeper Georgiy Buschcan, who was attempting to push a square pass away from the dangerous Memphis Depay.

It was set up after another strong run down the flank from the Dutch, whose right wing-back Dumfries was particularly dangerous and deserved his big moment at the end.

Dumfries was also the provider of the second in the 59th minute although Ukraine complained he had fouled Rutland Malinovskyi in trying to wrestle his way closer to goal.

Weghorst reacted quickest to a poor clearance from Mykola Matviyenko for his second goal in as many games as he repaid coach Frank de Boer’s faith in his hustling ability upfront.

Yarmolenko brought Ukraine back into the game with a fine curling shot from outside the box after exchanging quick passes with Malinovskyi.

It was the first goal in six matches at the finals for Ukraine and was followed by an equally adept finish as Yaremchuk headed home Malinovskyi’s perfectly weighted free-kick.

Parity lasted only six minutes, however, as Dumfries headed home Nathan Ake’s cross.

"I am relieved," Wijnaldum said. "Overall, we played a good game, but we gave them two chances in 10 minutes which were two goals. We need to learn that if we play such a match we need to finish it off well. We let them get back into the game and that needs to improve."

Flying full-back Denzel Dumfries scored a late winner to earn the Netherlands a 3-2 victory over Ukraine in a thrilling Group C opener at the European Championship on Sunday after the Dutch had thrown away a two-goal lead.

Flying full-back Denzel Dumfries scored a late winner to earn the Netherlands a 3-2 victory over Ukraine in a thrilling Group C opener at the European Championship on Sunday after the Dutch had thrown away a two-goal lead. Dumfries rescued all three points for the home team five minutes from time after Ukraine had fought their way back into the match at the Johan Cruyff Arena. The Dutch were 2-0 up with 15 minutes left, only to allow their opponents two quick goals and the chance to share the points before Dumfries headed home a dramatic winner to the delight of the home fans. Captain Georginio Wijnaldum and striker Wout Weghorst netted within seven minutes early in the second half as the Dutch sought a successful return to a major tournament -- after a seven-year absence -- in front of 16,000 spectators. Wijnaldum’s left-foot finish in the 52nd minute opened the scoring before Weghorst quickly added a second. That put the Dutch in command but Ukraine ensured a nervy finish when captain Andriy Yarmolenko pulled one back in the 75th minute with a superb strike and Roman Yaremchuk equalized four minutes later. Wijnaldum scored for a fifth time in his last eight appearances for his country as he snapped up a clearance from Ukraine goalkeeper Georgiy Buschcan, who was attempting to push a square pass away from the dangerous Memphis Depay. It was set up after another strong run down the flank from the Dutch, whose right wing-back Dumfries was particularly dangerous and deserved his big moment at the end. Dumfries was also the provider of the second in the 59th minute although Ukraine complained he had fouled Rutland Malinovskyi in trying to wrestle his way closer to goal. Weghorst reacted quickest to a poor clearance from Mykola Matviyenko for his second goal in as many games as he repaid coach Frank de Boer’s faith in his hustling ability upfront. Yarmolenko brought Ukraine back into the game with a fine curling shot from outside the box after exchanging quick passes with Malinovskyi. It was the first goal in six matches at the finals for Ukraine and was followed by an equally adept finish as Yaremchuk headed home Malinovskyi’s perfectly weighted free-kick. Parity lasted only six minutes, however, as Dumfries headed home Nathan Ake’s cross. "I am relieved," Wijnaldum said. "Overall, we played a good game, but we gave them two chances in 10 minutes which were two goals. We need to learn that if we play such a match we need to finish it off well. We let them get back into the game and that needs to improve."

Football: Denzel Dumfries header secures Dutch win after Ukraine fightback

The Pentagon announced on Friday a new package of $150 million in military assistance for Ukraine that will include counter-artillery radar, electronic warfare equipment and counter-drone technology, bolstering Kyiv amid elevated tensions with Moscow. 
 
Although the funds were already committed by Congress, the Defense Department's announcement details specifically how the US&nbsp;military will allocate assistance earmarked for Ukraine before the end of the US&nbsp;government's fiscal year in September. 
 
The latest tranche of assistance will come in addition to the $125 million that the Pentagon announced on March 1, which included armed Mark VI patrol boats. 
 
Moscow annexed Ukraine's Crimea region in 2014 and backed a pro-Russian separatist uprising in eastern Ukraine that triggered a conflict that has killed over 14,000 people. 
 
Tensions have flared again in recent months after the two countries traded blame for a surge in fighting in Ukraine's Donbass, and Russia, in what it called a defensive exercise, massed troops on its border with Ukraine and in Crimea. 
 
US&nbsp;President Joe Biden told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Monday that he will stand up for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity ahead of a summit between Biden and Russian leader Vladimir Putin in Geneva on June 16. 
 
The Pentagon said the US&nbsp;security assistance included capabilities 'to enhance the lethality, command and control and situational awareness of Ukraine's forces'. 
 
It would provide counter-artillery radars, counter-drone systems, secure communications gear, electronic warfare and military medical evacuation equipment. The United States would also provide training and equipment to improve the operational safety and capacity of Ukrainian Air Force bases, it said. 
 
The US&nbsp;assistance followed certification by the Pentagon that Ukraine 'made sufficient progress on defence reforms this year',&nbsp;as required by US&nbsp;law. 
 
When he was the US&nbsp;president, Donald Trump was impeached by the Democratic-led House of Representatives in 2019 after accusing him of using US&nbsp;aid as leverage to try to force Kyiv into smearing Joe Biden ahead of the 2020 presidential election. The Republican-led Senate later acquitted Trump. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

The Pentagon announced on Friday a new package of $150 million in military assistance for Ukraine that will include counter-artillery radar, electronic warfare equipment and counter-drone technology, bolstering Kyiv amid elevated tensions with Moscow.

The Pentagon announced on Friday a new package of $150 million in military assistance for Ukraine that will include counter-artillery radar, electronic warfare equipment and counter-drone technology, bolstering Kyiv amid elevated tensions with Moscow. Although the funds were already committed by Congress, the Defense Department's announcement details specifically how the US military will allocate assistance earmarked for Ukraine before the end of the US government's fiscal year in September. The latest tranche of assistance will come in addition to the $125 million that the Pentagon announced on March 1, which included armed Mark VI patrol boats. Moscow annexed Ukraine's Crimea region in 2014 and backed a pro-Russian separatist uprising in eastern Ukraine that triggered a conflict that has killed over 14,000 people. Tensions have flared again in recent months after the two countries traded blame for a surge in fighting in Ukraine's Donbass, and Russia, in what it called a defensive exercise, massed troops on its border with Ukraine and in Crimea. US President Joe Biden told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Monday that he will stand up for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity ahead of a summit between Biden and Russian leader Vladimir Putin in Geneva on June 16. The Pentagon said the US security assistance included capabilities 'to enhance the lethality, command and control and situational awareness of Ukraine's forces'. It would provide counter-artillery radars, counter-drone systems, secure communications gear, electronic warfare and military medical evacuation equipment. The United States would also provide training and equipment to improve the operational safety and capacity of Ukrainian Air Force bases, it said. The US assistance followed certification by the Pentagon that Ukraine 'made sufficient progress on defence reforms this year', as required by US law. When he was the US president, Donald Trump was impeached by the Democratic-led House of Representatives in 2019 after accusing him of using US aid as leverage to try to force Kyiv into smearing Joe Biden ahead of the 2020 presidential election. The Republican-led Senate later acquitted Trump. (With inputs from agencies)

Eying Russia, Pentagon to send Ukraine counter-drone, electronic warfare equipment

Dutch judges said that the investigation into the crash of Malaysian flight MH17 over war-torn Ukraine in 2014 showed that a Russian-made BUK missile must have been responsible.

Judges: Russian-made BUK missile must have downed the Malaysian Airlines flight MH17

&nbsp;

Group of countries led by Canada said on Thursday that they've made reparation claim against Iran over its downing of a Ukrainian jetliner. The countries said that the claim had been made on behalf of victims' families.

Iran shot down Ukraine International Airlines flight PS 572 shortly after takeoff from Tehran. All 176 people onboard were killed. These included 85 Canadian citizens and permanent residents.

The Islamic Republic admitted three days later that its forces had targetted the plane by mistake.

Britain, Canada, Sweden and Ukraine said in a joint statement that the two missile strikes on the plane, as well as Iran's "omissions" in an investigation report on the crash, "amount to breaches of international law."

"Our claim states that our respective countries, nationals and residents onboard flight PS752 were seriously and irreversibly harmed by the tragedy and Iran must fulfill its legal responsibility to make full reparations to the group of states," they said, calling on Iran to formally begin negotiations on reparations.

In a separate statement, the group also announced that Afghanistan would not take part in the upcoming talks as it focuses on domestic strife.

In a final report in March, the Iranian Civil Aviation Organisation (CAO) pointed to the "alertness" of its troops on the ground who shot the missiles amid heightened tensions between Iran and the United States at the time.

Ukraine, which lost 11 citizens in the disaster, has said the report was "a cynical attempt to hide (the) true causes" of the tragedy, while Canada said it contained "no hard facts or evidence."

Canada and the other nations said they're seeking "equitable compensation for material and moral damages suffered by the victims and their families regardless of nationality and in an amount consistent with its obligations under international law."

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Group of countries led by Canada said on Thursday that they've made reparation claim against Iran over its downing of a Ukrainian jetliner. The countries said that the claim had been made on behalf of victims' families.

Group of countries led by Canada said on Thursday that they've made reparation claim against Iran over its downing of a Ukrainian jetliner. The countries said that the claim had been made on behalf of victims' families. Iran shot down Ukraine International Airlines flight PS 572 shortly after takeoff from Tehran. All 176 people onboard were killed. These included 85 Canadian citizens and permanent residents. The Islamic Republic admitted three days later that its forces had targetted the plane by mistake. Britain, Canada, Sweden and Ukraine said in a joint statement that the two missile strikes on the plane, as well as Iran's "omissions" in an investigation report on the crash, "amount to breaches of international law." "Our claim states that our respective countries, nationals and residents onboard flight PS752 were seriously and irreversibly harmed by the tragedy and Iran must fulfill its legal responsibility to make full reparations to the group of states," they said, calling on Iran to formally begin negotiations on reparations. In a separate statement, the group also announced that Afghanistan would not take part in the upcoming talks as it focuses on domestic strife. In a final report in March, the Iranian Civil Aviation Organisation (CAO) pointed to the "alertness" of its troops on the ground who shot the missiles amid heightened tensions between Iran and the United States at the time. Ukraine, which lost 11 citizens in the disaster, has said the report was "a cynical attempt to hide (the) true causes" of the tragedy, while Canada said it contained "no hard facts or evidence." Canada and the other nations said they're seeking "equitable compensation for material and moral damages suffered by the victims and their families regardless of nationality and in an amount consistent with its obligations under international law." (With inputs from agencies)

Canada-led group of nations demands reparations from Iran for Ukraine flight's downing

North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said on Monday (May 31) that personnel at Belarus' diplomatic mission to NATO will have their access restricted at the alliance's headquarters. This step comes just days after a passenger plane en route to Lithuania was diverted and forced to land in Belarus.

Belarus is not a member of NATO but has had ties with the military alliance since 1992 following the fall of the Soviet Union, and has maintained a diplomatic mission to NATO since 1998.

Belarusian personnel can attend seminars and meetings at NATO and in NATO countries as part of a cooperation partnership that tackles issues such as arms control and military education.

"We have decided to restrict the access of Belarusian personnel to the NATO headquarters," Stoltenberg told a news conference ahead of meetings of NATO defence and foreign ministers on Tuesday, without giving more details.

Earlier this month, Belarus had scrambled a military fighter jet to force Lithuania-bound Ryanair plane to land in Minsk. The reason given was bomb alert, but Belarusian authorities swooped in to detain dissident activist Roman Protasevich.

Protasevich has been a critic of Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko.

Asked about new Russian military formations and units, intended to be deployed close to the alliance's borders, Stoltenberg said NATO would continue to seek dialogue with Moscow, while also exercising troops for defensive purposes.

"It is important to manage difficult relationship with Russia with transparency on military activities, risk reduction and also for instance related issues like arms control," Stoltenberg told reporters.

Russia's ties with the West are currently accutely strained over jailing of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, a military buildup near Ukraine and allegations of election hacking.

(With inputs from agencies)

North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said on Monday (May 31) that personnel at Belarus' diplomatic mission to NATO will have their access restricted at the alliance's headquarters.

North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said on Monday (May 31) that personnel at Belarus' diplomatic mission to NATO will have their access restricted at the alliance's headquarters. This step comes just days after a passenger plane en route to Lithuania was diverted and forced to land in Belarus. Belarus is not a member of NATO but has had ties with the military alliance since 1992 following the fall of the Soviet Union, and has maintained a diplomatic mission to NATO since 1998. Belarusian personnel can attend seminars and meetings at NATO and in NATO countries as part of a cooperation partnership that tackles issues such as arms control and military education. "We have decided to restrict the access of Belarusian personnel to the NATO headquarters," Stoltenberg told a news conference ahead of meetings of NATO defence and foreign ministers on Tuesday, without giving more details. Earlier this month, Belarus had scrambled a military fighter jet to force Lithuania-bound Ryanair plane to land in Minsk. The reason given was bomb alert, but Belarusian authorities swooped in to detain dissident activist Roman Protasevich. Protasevich has been a critic of Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko. Asked about new Russian military formations and units, intended to be deployed close to the alliance's borders, Stoltenberg said NATO would continue to seek dialogue with Moscow, while also exercising troops for defensive purposes. "It is important to manage difficult relationship with Russia with transparency on military activities, risk reduction and also for instance related issues like arms control," Stoltenberg told reporters. Russia's ties with the West are currently accutely strained over jailing of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, a military buildup near Ukraine and allegations of election hacking. (With inputs from agencies)

NATO restricts Belarusian access to headquarters

Ukraine's parliament voted on Tuesday to fire Health Minister Maksym Stepanov, accusing him of failing to supply adequate vaccine doses to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ukraine is among the European countries most affected by the pandemic and has lagged in its vaccination efforts, with only 948,330 Ukrainians having received their first vaccine dose as of May 18 out of a population of around 41 million.

"The main task that the minister faced for 2021 was vaccination and the provision of Ukraine with a sufficient amount of vaccines in the first half of this year. Progress on this issue is very slow," Prime Minister Denys Shmygal told parliament. Shmygal last week formally asked parliament to sack Stepanov.

"(So far) 2.3 million doses of vaccine have been delivered to Ukraine, which is hard to call the effective work of the Health Minister," the prime minister said.

Stepanov, in turn, said that he did everything possible to combat the epidemic and he has a plan on how to create an effective medical system. He said the country could receive 42 million doses of various vaccines this year.

Ukraine has registered more than 2 million infections and 48,469 deaths since the start of the pandemic last year.

Parliament, which votes to appoint ministers, might consider Stepanov's replacement on Thursday.

Ukraine's parliament voted on Tuesday to fire Health Minister Maksym Stepanov, accusing him of failing to supply adequate vaccine doses to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ukraine's parliament voted on Tuesday to fire Health Minister Maksym Stepanov, accusing him of failing to supply adequate vaccine doses to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. Ukraine is among the European countries most affected by the pandemic and has lagged in its vaccination efforts, with only 948,330 Ukrainians having received their first vaccine dose as of May 18 out of a population of around 41 million. "The main task that the minister faced for 2021 was vaccination and the provision of Ukraine with a sufficient amount of vaccines in the first half of this year. Progress on this issue is very slow," Prime Minister Denys Shmygal told parliament. Shmygal last week formally asked parliament to sack Stepanov. "(So far) 2.3 million doses of vaccine have been delivered to Ukraine, which is hard to call the effective work of the Health Minister," the prime minister said. Stepanov, in turn, said that he did everything possible to combat the epidemic and he has a plan on how to create an effective medical system. He said the country could receive 42 million doses of various vaccines this year. Ukraine has registered more than 2 million infections and 48,469 deaths since the start of the pandemic last year. Parliament, which votes to appoint ministers, might consider Stepanov's replacement on Thursday.

Ukraine's parliament fires health minister over COVID-19 vaccine shortage

A pop-up book style synagogue to commemorate Babyn Yar massacre victims

Ties between Russia and Ukraine continue to remain tense. Russian President Putin has accused Ukraine of becoming anti-Russia and warned that Moscow would be ready to what he said with threats to its own security.

President of Russia Vladimir Putin says Moscow ready to act against threat

Russia on Friday officially designated the US and Czech Republic as 'unfriendly' states. This move has come amid rising tensions between Russia and the West.&nbsp;

The Russian government released a list of "unfriendly states" that now includes the US and the Czech Republic.&nbsp; 
The Czech embassy will be allowed to employ no more than 19 Russian nationals and the US embassy none at all, Moscow said.

Tensions between Russia and the US have been high from the time the US held it accountable for interference in US elections and hacking of US government departments and agencies. The US expelled some Russian diplomats last month.

Czech Republic has also taken a hard stand against Russia in recent weeks. Last month, it expelled Russian diplomats and accused Russia of having been involved in an explosion at a Czech ammunition dump.

Russia's ties with the West were also strained during its military build-up along its border with Ukraine.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday to respond to what he said was the persecution of Moscow-friendly politicians in Ukraine, accusing the West of turning a blind eye to Kiev's political "clean-up".

With tensions between Moscow and Kiev high, Ukraine this week placed Putin's top ally Viktor Medvedchuk under house arrest on suspicion of high treason.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russia on Friday officially designated the US and Czech Republic as 'unfriendly' states. This move has come amid rising tensions between Russia and the West. The Russian government released a list of "unfriendly states" that now includes the US and the Czech Republic.

Russia on Friday officially designated the US and Czech Republic as 'unfriendly' states. This move has come amid rising tensions between Russia and the West. The Russian government released a list of "unfriendly states" that now includes the US and the Czech Republic. The Czech embassy will be allowed to employ no more than 19 Russian nationals and the US embassy none at all, Moscow said. Tensions between Russia and the US have been high from the time the US held it accountable for interference in US elections and hacking of US government departments and agencies. The US expelled some Russian diplomats last month. Czech Republic has also taken a hard stand against Russia in recent weeks. Last month, it expelled Russian diplomats and accused Russia of having been involved in an explosion at a Czech ammunition dump. Russia's ties with the West were also strained during its military build-up along its border with Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday to respond to what he said was the persecution of Moscow-friendly politicians in Ukraine, accusing the West of turning a blind eye to Kiev's political "clean-up". With tensions between Moscow and Kiev high, Ukraine this week placed Putin's top ally Viktor Medvedchuk under house arrest on suspicion of high treason. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia designates US and Czech Republic as 'unfriendly states'

US President Joe Biden will join a virtual summit of eastern European NATO states held in the Romanian capital Bucharest on Monday, Romanian President Klaus Iohannis said, with a focus on security in the Black Sea region and Ukraine. &nbsp;

The summit of the Bucharest Nine, a group of European countries on the eastern edge of NATO, will be jointly hosted by Iohannis and Poland's President Andrzej Duda and aims at coordinating the security positions of countries in the region.&nbsp;

"Glad to welcome Joe Biden to the Bucharest9 Summit, which I host in Bucharest today," Iohannis said on his Twitter account.&nbsp;

"Together with President Andrzej Duda we'll also welcome ... Jens Stoltenberg in preparation of NATO Summit, focusing on Transatlantic ties, NATO 2030, defence and deterrence on the eastern flank."&nbsp;

Biden, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg and the presidents of Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia will video-conference into the gathering. &nbsp;

"In ... the statement that the nine will publish after the meeting there will be the issue of security in the Black Sea region and the related security issues in Ukraine," the head of Poland's National Security Bureau, Pawel Soloch, told reporters.&nbsp;

Earlier this month, Washington said it could increase security help for Kyiv after Russia moved troops near its border with Ukraine's eastern Donbass region, where Ukrainian troops are in conflict with Moscow-backed separatists.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

US President Joe Biden will join a virtual summit of eastern European NATO states held in the Romanian capital Bucharest on Monday, Romanian President Klaus Iohannis said, with a focus on security in the Black Sea region and Ukraine.

US President Joe Biden will join a virtual summit of eastern European NATO states held in the Romanian capital Bucharest on Monday, Romanian President Klaus Iohannis said, with a focus on security in the Black Sea region and Ukraine. The summit of the Bucharest Nine, a group of European countries on the eastern edge of NATO, will be jointly hosted by Iohannis and Poland's President Andrzej Duda and aims at coordinating the security positions of countries in the region. "Glad to welcome Joe Biden to the Bucharest9 Summit, which I host in Bucharest today," Iohannis said on his Twitter account. "Together with President Andrzej Duda we'll also welcome ... Jens Stoltenberg in preparation of NATO Summit, focusing on Transatlantic ties, NATO 2030, defence and deterrence on the eastern flank." Biden, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg and the presidents of Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia will video-conference into the gathering. "In ... the statement that the nine will publish after the meeting there will be the issue of security in the Black Sea region and the related security issues in Ukraine," the head of Poland's National Security Bureau, Pawel Soloch, told reporters. Earlier this month, Washington said it could increase security help for Kyiv after Russia moved troops near its border with Ukraine's eastern Donbass region, where Ukrainian troops are in conflict with Moscow-backed separatists. (With inputs from agencies)

Biden to join eastern European NATO states summit, focus seen on Ukraine 

President Vladimir Putin is expected to review Russia's traditional World War Two victory parade on Sunday, a patriotic display of raw military power that this year coincides with soaring tensions with the West. &nbsp;

The parade on Moscow's Red Square commemorating the 76th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany in World War Two is expected to feature over 12,000 troops, more than 190 pieces of military hardware, including intercontinental ballistic missile launchers, and - weather permitting - a fly-past by nearly 80 military aircraft. &nbsp;

Putin, who has been in power as either president or prime minister since 1999, traditionally watches the display, which is due to start at 0700 GMT, with Soviet war veterans from a review platform.&nbsp;

This year's parade precedes parliamentary elections in September and comes at a time when Moscow's relations with the West are acutely strained over everything from Ukraine to the fate of jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny.&nbsp;

The United States and Russia have expelled each other's diplomats in recent months in a series of retaliatory moves and Moscow and EU member states have been involved in a similar tit-for-tat diplomatic dispute. &nbsp;

Sunday's parade follows a massive show of Russian military force near the borders of Ukraine and in Crimea, which Russia annexed from Kyiv in 2014, and an uptick in fighting in eastern Ukraine between Russian-backed separatists and Ukrainian government forces. &nbsp;

Moscow said the build-up, which alarmed the West, was a training exercise in response to activity by the NATO military alliance and Ukraine. It has since ordered a withdrawal of some troops.&nbsp;

Smaller military parades are planned on Sunday in cities across Russia, in annexed Crimea, and at Russia's Hmeymim air base in Syria.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

President Vladimir Putin is expected to review Russia's traditional World War Two victory parade on Sunday, a patriotic display of raw military power that this year coincides with soaring tensions with the West.

President Vladimir Putin is expected to review Russia's traditional World War Two victory parade on Sunday, a patriotic display of raw military power that this year coincides with soaring tensions with the West. The parade on Moscow's Red Square commemorating the 76th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany in World War Two is expected to feature over 12,000 troops, more than 190 pieces of military hardware, including intercontinental ballistic missile launchers, and - weather permitting - a fly-past by nearly 80 military aircraft. Putin, who has been in power as either president or prime minister since 1999, traditionally watches the display, which is due to start at 0700 GMT, with Soviet war veterans from a review platform. This year's parade precedes parliamentary elections in September and comes at a time when Moscow's relations with the West are acutely strained over everything from Ukraine to the fate of jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny. The United States and Russia have expelled each other's diplomats in recent months in a series of retaliatory moves and Moscow and EU member states have been involved in a similar tit-for-tat diplomatic dispute. Sunday's parade follows a massive show of Russian military force near the borders of Ukraine and in Crimea, which Russia annexed from Kyiv in 2014, and an uptick in fighting in eastern Ukraine between Russian-backed separatists and Ukrainian government forces. Moscow said the build-up, which alarmed the West, was a training exercise in response to activity by the NATO military alliance and Ukraine. It has since ordered a withdrawal of some troops. Smaller military parades are planned on Sunday in cities across Russia, in annexed Crimea, and at Russia's Hmeymim air base in Syria. (With inputs from agencies)

Putin to review Russian military might as tensions with West soar 

Facebook said on Thursday that it had taken down network of hundreds of fake accounts and pages that targetted people in Ukraine. These accounts and pages were linked to indviduals who were previously sanctioned by the US for interfering in US elections.

Facebook said that this network was managing a deceptive campaign across multiple social media platforms posing as independent news outlets. Facebook said it started its own probe after FBI tipped them off.

Facebook attributed the activity to individuals and entities sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury Department including politician Andriy Derkach, a pro-Russian lawmaker who was blacklisted by the U.S. government in September over accusations he tried to interfere in the 2020 U.S. election won by President Joe Biden. Facebook said it removed Derkach's accounts in October 2020.

Reacting to the investigation, Derkach said big firms were building a "dictatorship in the name of liberal values" and that he was preparing to submit draft legislation to Ukraine's parliament to regulate global social media companies.

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"I proceed from the fact that no one has the right to restrict basic human rights and freedoms. Neither Facebook nor the state," he said in a statement sent to Reuters on Friday.

Facebook also attributed the network to political consultants associated with Ukrainian politicians Oleh Kulinich and Volodymyr Groysman, Ukraine's former prime minister. Kulinich did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Groysman could not immediately be reached for comment.

Facebook said that as well as promoting these politicians, the network also pushed positive material about actors across the political spectrum. This was likely as a paid service.&nbsp;

"You can really think of these operators as would-be influence mercenaries, renting out inauthentic online support in Ukrainian political circles," Ben Nimmo, Facebook's global influence operations threat intelligence lead, said on a call with reporters.

Facebook's investigation team said Ukraine, which has been among the top sources of "coordinated inauthentic behavior" that it removes from the site, is home to an increasing number of influence operations selling services.

Facebook said it removed 363 pages. These pages were followed by 2.37 million accounts. In addition to these pages, 477 accounts have been removed.

The network also spent about $496,000 in Facebook and Instagram ads, Facebook said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Facebook said on Thursday that it had taken down network of hundreds of fake accounts and pages that targetted people in Ukraine. These accounts and pages were linked to indviduals who were previously sanctioned by the US for interfering in US elections.

Facebook said on Thursday that it had taken down network of hundreds of fake accounts and pages that targetted people in Ukraine. These accounts and pages were linked to indviduals who were previously sanctioned by the US for interfering in US elections. Facebook said that this network was managing a deceptive campaign across multiple social media platforms posing as independent news outlets. Facebook said it started its own probe after FBI tipped them off. Facebook attributed the activity to individuals and entities sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury Department including politician Andriy Derkach, a pro-Russian lawmaker who was blacklisted by the U.S. government in September over accusations he tried to interfere in the 2020 U.S. election won by President Joe Biden. Facebook said it removed Derkach's accounts in October 2020. Reacting to the investigation, Derkach said big firms were building a "dictatorship in the name of liberal values" and that he was preparing to submit draft legislation to Ukraine's parliament to regulate global social media companies. Also Read | Twitter suspends several accounts that tried promoting Donald Trump's content "I proceed from the fact that no one has the right to restrict basic human rights and freedoms. Neither Facebook nor the state," he said in a statement sent to Reuters on Friday. Facebook also attributed the network to political consultants associated with Ukrainian politicians Oleh Kulinich and Volodymyr Groysman, Ukraine's former prime minister. Kulinich did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Groysman could not immediately be reached for comment. Facebook said that as well as promoting these politicians, the network also pushed positive material about actors across the political spectrum. This was likely as a paid service. "You can really think of these operators as would-be influence mercenaries, renting out inauthentic online support in Ukrainian political circles," Ben Nimmo, Facebook's global influence operations threat intelligence lead, said on a call with reporters. Facebook's investigation team said Ukraine, which has been among the top sources of "coordinated inauthentic behavior" that it removes from the site, is home to an increasing number of influence operations selling services. Facebook said it removed 363 pages. These pages were followed by 2.37 million accounts. In addition to these pages, 477 accounts have been removed. The network also spent about $496,000 in Facebook and Instagram ads, Facebook said. (With inputs from agencies)

Facebook removes 'influence-for hire' network that targetted Ukrainian people

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken landed in Kiev in a show of support for Ukraine in its standoff with Russia and to push officials to tackle corruption. The top US diplomat landed in the Ukrainian capital ahead of a day that includes talks with President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Antony Blinken arrives in Kiev to lend support to Ukraine

Despite Russia's troop drawdown, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday said that Ukraine remains under Russian military threat. &nbsp; &nbsp;

Blinken called on Russia to cease "reckless and aggressive actions" against Ukraine, saying that Moscow has kept "significant forces" near the border.

"We stand strongly with you... and we look to Russia to cease reckless and aggressive actions," Blinken told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during the first visit to Kiev by a senior US official under President Joe Biden.

"We're aware that Russia has withdrawn some forces from the border with Ukraine, but we also see that significant forces remain there." 
 
Also read |&nbsp;<a href="http://wionews.com/world/russia-begins-withdrawing-troops-from-ukraine-borders-379476">Russia begins withdrawing troops from Ukraine borders</a>

Last month, Kremlin has sent several thousand troops on Ukraine's borders, the biggest such buildup since Russia seized Crimea in 2014 which led to a war breaking out in eastern Ukraine.

The violence between the Ukrainian government and pro-Russian separatists escalated since January in eastern Ukraine.

(With inputs from agencies)

Despite Russia's troop drawdown, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday said that Ukraine remains under Russian military threat. Blinken called on Russia to cease "reckless and aggressive actions" against Ukraine, saying that Moscow has kept "significant forces" near the border.

Despite Russia's troop drawdown, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday said that Ukraine remains under Russian military threat. Blinken called on Russia to cease "reckless and aggressive actions" against Ukraine, saying that Moscow has kept "significant forces" near the border. "We stand strongly with you... and we look to Russia to cease reckless and aggressive actions," Blinken told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during the first visit to Kiev by a senior US official under President Joe Biden. "We're aware that Russia has withdrawn some forces from the border with Ukraine, but we also see that significant forces remain there." Also read | Russia begins withdrawing troops from Ukraine borders Last month, Kremlin has sent several thousand troops on Ukraine's borders, the biggest such buildup since Russia seized Crimea in 2014 which led to a war breaking out in eastern Ukraine. The violence between the Ukrainian government and pro-Russian separatists escalated since January in eastern Ukraine. (With inputs from agencies)

US calls on Russia to cease 'reckless and aggressive' actions against Ukraine

The United States on Thursday reaffirmed the country's "commitment" to "Ukraine's sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence" in what is seen as a message to Russia over its troop buildup. &nbsp;

"I'm here really for a very simple reason, which is to, on behalf of President Biden, reaffirm -- strongly -- our commitment to the partnership between our countries, our commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence," US Secretary of State Antony Blinken was quoted as saying by news agency AFP.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://wionews.com/videos/antony-blinken-arrives-in-kiev-to-lend-support-to-ukraine-383150/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Blinken made these comments during his one-day visit to Kiev and came hours after he along with other G7 foreign ministers condemned Russia's "irresponsible and destabilising behaviour" in Ukraine and elsewhere.

The G7 renewed its call "for Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders including its territorial waters," a statement said.&nbsp;

"It is critical that Moscow now fully withdraws its forces and takes the necessary steps to help alleviate tensions."

Also read | <a href="http://wionews.com/world/russia-begins-withdrawing-troops-from-ukraine-borders-379476">Russia begins withdrawing troops from Ukraine borders</a>

Last month, Kremlin has sent several thousand troops on Ukraine's borders, the biggest such buildup since Russia seized Crimea in 2014 which led to a war breaking out in eastern Ukraine.

The violence between the Ukrainian government and pro-Russian separatists escalated since January in eastern Ukraine. 
&nbsp;

The United States on Thursday reaffirmed the country's "commitment" to "Ukraine's sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence" in what is seen as a message to Russia over its troop buildup.

The United States on Thursday reaffirmed the country's "commitment" to "Ukraine's sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence" in what is seen as a message to Russia over its troop buildup. "I'm here really for a very simple reason, which is to, on behalf of President Biden, reaffirm -- strongly -- our commitment to the partnership between our countries, our commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence," US Secretary of State Antony Blinken was quoted as saying by news agency AFP. Watch | Blinken made these comments during his one-day visit to Kiev and came hours after he along with other G7 foreign ministers condemned Russia's "irresponsible and destabilising behaviour" in Ukraine and elsewhere. The G7 renewed its call "for Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders including its territorial waters," a statement said. "It is critical that Moscow now fully withdraws its forces and takes the necessary steps to help alleviate tensions." Also read | Russia begins withdrawing troops from Ukraine borders Last month, Kremlin has sent several thousand troops on Ukraine's borders, the biggest such buildup since Russia seized Crimea in 2014 which led to a war breaking out in eastern Ukraine. The violence between the Ukrainian government and pro-Russian separatists escalated since January in eastern Ukraine.

US reaffirms commitment to Ukraine's 'sovereignty', 'territorial integrity'

Former Israeli army sniper David Roytman has turned his hand to action painting, but with live-fire ranges as studios and guns instead of brushes to blast colours into abstract patterns.

Art attack: Israeli ex-sniper fired up as action painter

According to American media reports, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will visit Ukraine amid heightened tensions with Russia over a military buildup in the region. A Russian troop buildup in recent weeks near Ukraine's border and in occupied Crimea has raised concerns of an escalation of the conflict in Kyiv and in the West.

Reports: US top diplomat Antony Blinken to visit Ukraine next week

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