Nine people were killed and 14 have been hospitalised as a series of forest fires swept through part of the eastern Ukrainian region of Luhansk, the emergency service said on Thursday.

Nine killed, 14 hospitalised in forest fires blazing in eastern Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday praised the only survivor of a military plane crash as the death toll climbed to 26, after another cadet died and three more bodies were found.

Zelensky went to the scene of the tragedy near the eastern city of Kharkiv where an Antonov An-26 transport plane carrying 20 cadets and seven officers crashed during a training flight on Friday evening.

"Ukraine has lost 26 worthy sons," Zelensky said on Facebook, referring to the cadets and officers of the Kharkiv National Air Force University.

"It is difficult to find words to express the pain of this loss," he said, declaring Saturday a day of mourning.

The plane burst into flames on landing around two kilometres (more than one mile) from the Chuguiv military air base.

On Saturday, the death toll rose after three more bodies were found under the charred remains of the plane and one of the two survivors died in hospital from extensive burns.

Zelensky visited the only remaining survivor in a military hospital in Kharkiv, posting a picture of the 20-year-old cadet lying in bed with a bandaged head and right arm.

He said the cadet, Vyacheslav Zolochevsky, "came to his senses near the wreckage of the An-26."

"The plane was destroyed, there was fire, darkness and bodies all around. One of the guys was burning," he said on Facebook, adding that Zolochevsky rushed to try and save him.

The second cadet died in hospital, the Ukrainian president said as he praised Zolochevsky for his "heroism."

"Ukraine is proud of you!" he said.

Doctors said that Zolochevsky suffered a concussion but his life was not in danger.

Most cadets onboard were believed to be between the ages of 19 and 22.

Zelensky said the cause of the crash should be quickly established and called for an "objective" investigation.

- Training flight -

Ukraine's SBU security service said the plane was performing a training flight but the cadets were not involved in piloting it.

The security service, citing preliminary information, said the pilot reported an engine failure and seven minutes later the plane hit the ground.

Defence Minister Andriy Taran said "the plane likely caught the ground with its wing" and then burst into flames.

Citing preliminary information, the defence minister said that one of the sensors in the left engine had failed. He said the final conclusion would be made after authorities analyse the plane's black boxes.

"Everything went according to plan: the plane was performing a training flight for cadets," he was quoted as saying by the defence ministry.

He said the instructor was at the wheel and cadets took turns to sit next to the pilot.

Taran said the aircraft was made in 1977 but could be operated for three more years without undergoing repairs.

On Friday, the plane made six take-offs and five landings, he said.

A number of foreign leaders including Polish President Andrzej Duda, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the EU's top diplomat Josep Borrell expressed their condolences.

"We send our heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of the cadets, officers, and crew killed and injured in the An-26 plane crash," the US embassy in Ukraine said on Facebook.

The town of Chuguiv, with a population of more than 30,000 people, is located around 30 kilometres southeast of Kharkiv.

Chuguiv also lies some 100 kilometres west of the front line where government forces are fighting pro-Russian separatists.

About 24 meters long and with a wingspan of 29 metres, the Antonov An-26 was designed in Soviet-era Ukraine.

Several military planes crashed during training flights in Ukraine in recent years.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday praised the only survivor of a military plane crash as the death toll climbed to 26, after another cadet died and three more bodies were found.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday praised the only survivor of a military plane crash as the death toll climbed to 26, after another cadet died and three more bodies were found. Zelensky went to the scene of the tragedy near the eastern city of Kharkiv where an Antonov An-26 transport plane carrying 20 cadets and seven officers crashed during a training flight on Friday evening. "Ukraine has lost 26 worthy sons," Zelensky said on Facebook, referring to the cadets and officers of the Kharkiv National Air Force University. "It is difficult to find words to express the pain of this loss," he said, declaring Saturday a day of mourning. The plane burst into flames on landing around two kilometres (more than one mile) from the Chuguiv military air base. On Saturday, the death toll rose after three more bodies were found under the charred remains of the plane and one of the two survivors died in hospital from extensive burns. Zelensky visited the only remaining survivor in a military hospital in Kharkiv, posting a picture of the 20-year-old cadet lying in bed with a bandaged head and right arm. He said the cadet, Vyacheslav Zolochevsky, "came to his senses near the wreckage of the An-26." "The plane was destroyed, there was fire, darkness and bodies all around. One of the guys was burning," he said on Facebook, adding that Zolochevsky rushed to try and save him. The second cadet died in hospital, the Ukrainian president said as he praised Zolochevsky for his "heroism." "Ukraine is proud of you!" he said. Doctors said that Zolochevsky suffered a concussion but his life was not in danger. Most cadets onboard were believed to be between the ages of 19 and 22. Zelensky said the cause of the crash should be quickly established and called for an "objective" investigation. - Training flight - Ukraine's SBU security service said the plane was performing a training flight but the cadets were not involved in piloting it. The security service, citing preliminary information, said the pilot reported an engine failure and seven minutes later the plane hit the ground. Defence Minister Andriy Taran said "the plane likely caught the ground with its wing" and then burst into flames. Citing preliminary information, the defence minister said that one of the sensors in the left engine had failed. He said the final conclusion would be made after authorities analyse the plane's black boxes. "Everything went according to plan: the plane was performing a training flight for cadets," he was quoted as saying by the defence ministry. He said the instructor was at the wheel and cadets took turns to sit next to the pilot. Taran said the aircraft was made in 1977 but could be operated for three more years without undergoing repairs. On Friday, the plane made six take-offs and five landings, he said. A number of foreign leaders including Polish President Andrzej Duda, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the EU's top diplomat Josep Borrell expressed their condolences. "We send our heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of the cadets, officers, and crew killed and injured in the An-26 plane crash," the US embassy in Ukraine said on Facebook. The town of Chuguiv, with a population of more than 30,000 people, is located around 30 kilometres southeast of Kharkiv. Chuguiv also lies some 100 kilometres west of the front line where government forces are fighting pro-Russian separatists. About 24 meters long and with a wingspan of 29 metres, the Antonov An-26 was designed in Soviet-era Ukraine. Several military planes crashed during training flights in Ukraine in recent years.

Ukraine leader praises crash survivor as toll climbs to 26

One of the two survivors of a Ukrainian military plane crash died in hospital as the death count climbed to 22 on Saturday after three more bodies were found.

At least 22 dead as military plane crashes in Ukraine

A military transport plane carrying Air Force cadets crashed and burst into flames near a highway in northeastern Ukraine on Friday evening, killing at least 23 people on board, officials said.

The Antonov An-26 aircraft crashed while trying to land during a training exercise, the General Staff of the Armed Forces Ruslan Khomchak said in a statement, adding that at least two more people were critically injured.

Video posted by Deputy Interior Minister Anton Gerashchenko on Facebook showed the plane in flames lying near a road and smoke billowing upwards in the night sky.

Footage taken later showed rescue workers inspecting the smoking wreckage near the town of Chuhuiv.

An investigation has started on what caused the crash.

One pilot reported failure in the left engine of the twin-engined plane, said Oleksiy Kucher, the governor of the Kharkiv region, according to Interfax Ukraine, adding this would not have been a critical situation for an experienced pilot.

Citing preliminary information, Kucher said that some of the people on board managed to jump out of the plane when it was at low altitude.

An eyewitness who was driving along the road towards Chuhuiv told Reuters he saw a man in flames running from the plane after it crashed.

"Another car stopped behind us. We took a fire extinguisher and ran with another driver to help him," said Yaroslav, who gave only his first name.

"Another man came from the plane. He had a cut on his head. We pulled him to the opposite side (of the road). The one who was on fire, we put the fire out."

The crash happened around 2 km (1.2 miles) from a military airport, the State Emergency Service of Ukraine said in a statement. It said 27 people had been on board the plane.

The cadets were from the Kharkiv University of Air Force, which is run by the defence ministry.

"A state commission is being created to identify all the circumstances and causes of this disaster. Search and rescue work continues on the spot," President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's office said. Zelenskiy will travel to the area on Saturday.

A military transport plane carrying Air Force cadets crashed and burst into flames near a highway in northeastern Ukraine on Friday evening, killing at least 23 people on board, officials said.

A military transport plane carrying Air Force cadets crashed and burst into flames near a highway in northeastern Ukraine on Friday evening, killing at least 23 people on board, officials said. The Antonov An-26 aircraft crashed while trying to land during a training exercise, the General Staff of the Armed Forces Ruslan Khomchak said in a statement, adding that at least two more people were critically injured. Video posted by Deputy Interior Minister Anton Gerashchenko on Facebook showed the plane in flames lying near a road and smoke billowing upwards in the night sky. Footage taken later showed rescue workers inspecting the smoking wreckage near the town of Chuhuiv. An investigation has started on what caused the crash. One pilot reported failure in the left engine of the twin-engined plane, said Oleksiy Kucher, the governor of the Kharkiv region, according to Interfax Ukraine, adding this would not have been a critical situation for an experienced pilot. Citing preliminary information, Kucher said that some of the people on board managed to jump out of the plane when it was at low altitude. An eyewitness who was driving along the road towards Chuhuiv told Reuters he saw a man in flames running from the plane after it crashed. "Another car stopped behind us. We took a fire extinguisher and ran with another driver to help him," said Yaroslav, who gave only his first name. "Another man came from the plane. He had a cut on his head. We pulled him to the opposite side (of the road). The one who was on fire, we put the fire out." The crash happened around 2 km (1.2 miles) from a military airport, the State Emergency Service of Ukraine said in a statement. It said 27 people had been on board the plane. The cadets were from the Kharkiv University of Air Force, which is run by the defence ministry. "A state commission is being created to identify all the circumstances and causes of this disaster. Search and rescue work continues on the spot," President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's office said. Zelenskiy will travel to the area on Saturday.

Military plane crashes in Ukraine; death toll rises to 23

United Kingdom and Ukraine hold joint military drill, exercises conducted near crimean border. Watch Video

Video: UK and Ukraine hold joint military drill

Thousands of Hasidic Jews camped at the Ukraine border - because they wanted to go on a pilgrimage. The city of Seoul wants $4 million in damages from a church over a new Covid-19 outbreak. WION's Palki Sharma tells you more about the virus of blind faith.

Gravitas: Defiance in the name of faith, Putting reason above religion

As cases of the Wuhan virus spike, thousands of Hasidic Jewish pilgrims broke social distancing rules for a pilgrimage. They camped for three nights outside the Ukrainian border. Why was it so important for them to cross the border? WION's Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Why thousands of pilgrims were camping at Ukraine border

The United States and Ukraine launched joint military exercises on September 17. 'Raped Trident' exercises that involved close to 4,000 servicemen. Watch report.

Show of strength of US-Ukraine partnership the 'Rapid Trident'

A renowned church leader in Ukraine, who has earlier described coronavirus pandemic as "god's punishment" for same-sex marriage has been infected with the virus.&nbsp;

Patriarch Filaret, head of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church--Kiev Patriarchate, has tested positive and is reportedly stable and undergoing treatment, the church in a Facebook post said on Friday.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-traces-church-members-confines-troops-to-base-as-virus-spreads-321439">South Korea traces church members, confines troops to base as virus spreads</a>

On Tuesday, the church said: "His Holiness Patriarch Filaret is especially grateful to everyone who shows his love and support in prayers for his health," reported CNN.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-of-church-members-in-south-korea-quarantined-over-coronavirus-321086">Thousands of church members in South Korea quarantined over coronavirus</a> 
&nbsp; 
"Today the state of health of Patriarch Filaret is stable, treatment continues. We ask you to continue to pray for His Holiness Patriarch Filaret, so that the All-Merciful and Almighty Lord God will heal the Patriarch and heal him from his illness."

Filaret, 91-year-old, in an interview to a Ukrainian TV channel in March, said that the outbreak was "God's punishment for the sins of men, the sinfulness of humanity," as he put the blame on same-sex marriages.&nbsp;

Insight, a Ukrainian LGBTQ+ group filed a lawsuit against the leader, saying these remarks have the potential to trigger hate and discrimination. They demanded an apology from Filaret and asked the channel and Filaret to withdraw from the comments, as reported by news agency Reuters.&nbsp;

Responding to the legal suit, the church said that as a man and the head of the church, he has the freedom to voice out his opinions, which are based on "morality".&nbsp;

A renowned church leader in Ukraine, who has earlier described coronavirus pandemic as "god's punishment" for same-sex marriage has been infected with the virus.

A renowned church leader in Ukraine, who has earlier described coronavirus pandemic as "god's punishment" for same-sex marriage has been infected with the virus. Patriarch Filaret, head of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church--Kiev Patriarchate, has tested positive and is reportedly stable and undergoing treatment, the church in a Facebook post said on Friday. Also read | South Korea traces church members, confines troops to base as virus spreads On Tuesday, the church said: "His Holiness Patriarch Filaret is especially grateful to everyone who shows his love and support in prayers for his health," reported CNN. Also read | Thousands of church members in South Korea quarantined over coronavirus "Today the state of health of Patriarch Filaret is stable, treatment continues. We ask you to continue to pray for His Holiness Patriarch Filaret, so that the All-Merciful and Almighty Lord God will heal the Patriarch and heal him from his illness." Filaret, 91-year-old, in an interview to a Ukrainian TV channel in March, said that the outbreak was "God's punishment for the sins of men, the sinfulness of humanity," as he put the blame on same-sex marriages. Insight, a Ukrainian LGBTQ+ group filed a lawsuit against the leader, saying these remarks have the potential to trigger hate and discrimination. They demanded an apology from Filaret and asked the channel and Filaret to withdraw from the comments, as reported by news agency Reuters. Responding to the legal suit, the church said that as a man and the head of the church, he has the freedom to voice out his opinions, which are based on "morality".

Ukrainian church leader, who called coronavirus 'god's punishment' to same-sex marriages tests positive

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Saturday that it was a matter of Ukraine's national security to stay out of US internal politics, particularly its election.

"#Ukraine did not and will not allow itself to interfere in the elections and thus harm our trusting and sincere partnership with the #USA," he wrote on Twitter late on Saturday.

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Never, under any circumstances it's acceptable to meddle in another country's sovereign elections. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ukraine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ukraine</a> did not and will not allow itself to interfere in the elections and thus harm our trusting and sincere partnership with the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/USA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#USA</a>
— Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1292177872317304834?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Zelenskiy, 42, was a comic actor when he won a landslide election last year. But the first year of his presidency was overshadowed by Ukraine's unwitting involvement in events that led to the impeachment of Republican US President Donald Trump. Trump had unsuccessfully pressed Ukraine to launch an investigation into his Democratic rival in the 2020 presidential race, former Vice President Joe Biden.

"Never, under any circumstances, it`s acceptable to meddle in another country's sovereign elections," Zelenskiy wrote.

Zelenskiy appealed to Ukrainian politicians to avoid any actions that could be linked to US&nbsp;elections, nor allow themselves to try to solve any of their personal, political or business problems that way.

"Ukraine's reputation is worth much more than the reputation of any of our politicians," the president said.

Earlier this week, Zelenskiy told Reuters that he hoped U.S. support for Ukraine would remain strong regardless of who wins the American election.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Saturday that it was a matter of Ukraine's national security to stay out of US internal politics, particularly its election.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Saturday that it was a matter of Ukraine's national security to stay out of US internal politics, particularly its election. "#Ukraine did not and will not allow itself to interfere in the elections and thus harm our trusting and sincere partnership with the #USA," he wrote on Twitter late on Saturday. Never, under any circumstances it's acceptable to meddle in another country's sovereign elections. #Ukraine did not and will not allow itself to interfere in the elections and thus harm our trusting and sincere partnership with the #USA — Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) August 8, 2020 × Zelenskiy, 42, was a comic actor when he won a landslide election last year. But the first year of his presidency was overshadowed by Ukraine's unwitting involvement in events that led to the impeachment of Republican US President Donald Trump. Trump had unsuccessfully pressed Ukraine to launch an investigation into his Democratic rival in the 2020 presidential race, former Vice President Joe Biden. "Never, under any circumstances, it`s acceptable to meddle in another country's sovereign elections," Zelenskiy wrote. Zelenskiy appealed to Ukrainian politicians to avoid any actions that could be linked to US elections, nor allow themselves to try to solve any of their personal, political or business problems that way. "Ukraine's reputation is worth much more than the reputation of any of our politicians," the president said. Earlier this week, Zelenskiy told Reuters that he hoped U.S. support for Ukraine would remain strong regardless of who wins the American election.

Ukraine president says Kyiv staying out of US internal politics, elections

The representatives of Ukraine, Russia and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe agreed on establishing a complete and comprehensive ceasefire

Ukraine says Pro-Russian rebels violated 2 ceasefires

Ukrainian government and Russia backed rebel forces have begun a full and comprehensive ceasefire in eastern Ukraine. This attempt is the latest in the series of peace efforts between the two sides. Watch report.

Ukraine-Russia ceasefire: Germany and France welcome the decision

A group of researchers have found&nbsp;that humans could live on Mars only if fungi found inside the Chernobyl nuclear reactor is used to protect against radiation.&nbsp;

According to researchers, a layer of fungus, that is around 21 centimetres thick, could "largely negate the annual dose-equivalent of the radiation environment on the surface of Mars".

Nils Averesch, Stanford researcher and study co-author told a science website called New Scientist: "What makes the fungus great is that you only need a few grams to start out."

"It self-replicates and self-heals, so even if there's a solar flare that damages the radiation shield significantly, it will be able to grow back in a few days."&nbsp;

The fungi have been able to absorb harmful cosmic rays on the International Space Station (ISS). It could be used to protect future colonies on Mars.&nbsp;

In 1986, a power station on the outskirts of Pripyat suffered a massive accident in which one of the reactors caught fire and exploded, spreading radioactive material into the surroundings. It was one of the biggest disasters in Ukraine. Five years later, in 1991 &nbsp;black fungi was found on the reactor which had been flooded with gamma.

The fungi not only survive the radiation, but it also grew towards it as if it was attracted. Large amounts of 'melanin' allow the fungi to absorb normally harmful rays which it then converts into chemical energy. &nbsp;&nbsp;

These fungi use the deadly rays to produce energy via radiosynthesis.&nbsp;

NASA's research scientist Kasthuri Venkateswaran leads the&nbsp;experiments on the Cryptococcus neoformans fungi. He believes that the radiation-absorbing power could be extracted from the fungi and manufactured in drug form so that it could be used as a 'sun block' against toxic rays.&nbsp;

A group of researchers have found that humans could live on Mars only if fungi found inside the Chernobyl nuclear reactor is used to protect against radiation. According to researchers, a layer of fungus, that is around 21 centimetres thick, could "largely negate the annual dose-equivalent of the radiation environment on the surface of Mars".

A group of researchers have found that humans could live on Mars only if fungi found inside the Chernobyl nuclear reactor is used to protect against radiation. According to researchers, a layer of fungus, that is around 21 centimetres thick, could "largely negate the annual dose-equivalent of the radiation environment on the surface of Mars". Nils Averesch, Stanford researcher and study co-author told a science website called New Scientist: "What makes the fungus great is that you only need a few grams to start out." "It self-replicates and self-heals, so even if there's a solar flare that damages the radiation shield significantly, it will be able to grow back in a few days." The fungi have been able to absorb harmful cosmic rays on the International Space Station (ISS). It could be used to protect future colonies on Mars. In 1986, a power station on the outskirts of Pripyat suffered a massive accident in which one of the reactors caught fire and exploded, spreading radioactive material into the surroundings. It was one of the biggest disasters in Ukraine. Five years later, in 1991 black fungi was found on the reactor which had been flooded with gamma. The fungi not only survive the radiation, but it also grew towards it as if it was attracted. Large amounts of 'melanin' allow the fungi to absorb normally harmful rays which it then converts into chemical energy. These fungi use the deadly rays to produce energy via radiosynthesis. NASA's research scientist Kasthuri Venkateswaran leads the experiments on the Cryptococcus neoformans fungi. He believes that the radiation-absorbing power could be extracted from the fungi and manufactured in drug form so that it could be used as a 'sun block' against toxic rays.

Fungus found in Chernobyl could protect humans from deadly radiations on Mars

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukraine`s Volodymyr Zelenskiy discussed the conflict in eastern Ukraine and both expressed support for a ceasefire that starts on July 27, their offices said on Sunday.

Ukrainian, Russian and OSCE negotiators agreed on a full ceasefire between government forces and pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine from late July, putting on hold the military conflict that claimed more than 13,000 lives since 2014.

"The leaders agreed on the need for an urgent implementation of extra measures to support the ceasefire regime in Donbass," Zelenskiy`s office said, referring to eastern Ukraine.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-says-russian-navy-to-get-hypersonic-nuclear-strike-weapons-316099">Also read:&nbsp;Putin says Russian Navy to get hypersonic nuclear strike weapons</a>

Zelenskiy came to power last year promising to end the conflict. Since then, Ukraine and Russia have implemented some confidence-building measures, including prisoner swaps and phased troop withdrawals in designated areas.

Putin told Zelenskiy in a phone call that Ukraine`s decision to hold regional elections in 2020 contradicts the Minsk peace accords aimed at resolving the conflict.

Kyiv plans to hold local elections in October across the country apart from breakaway Donetsk and Luhansk regions. 
Zelenskiy`s office said the Ukrainian president told Putin that further steps were needed to free Ukrainian citizens being held in eastern Ukraine, Crimea and Russia.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-honors-its-sailors-on-the-navy-day-president-putin-opens-the-navy-day-parade-316082">Also watch:&nbsp;Russia honors its sailors on the Navy day, President Putin opens the Navy day parade</a>

Ukraine and Russia have been foes since 2014, when Moscow seized Ukraine`s Crimea peninsula and backed the rebellion in the east. Major combat ended with a ceasefire agreed in the Belarus capital Minsk in 2015, but sporadic clashes still regularly kill civilians, Ukrainian soldiers and separatists.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukraine`s Volodymyr Zelenskiy discussed the conflict in eastern Ukraine and both expressed support for a ceasefire that starts on July 27, their offices said on Sunday.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukraine`s Volodymyr Zelenskiy discussed the conflict in eastern Ukraine and both expressed support for a ceasefire that starts on July 27, their offices said on Sunday. Ukrainian, Russian and OSCE negotiators agreed on a full ceasefire between government forces and pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine from late July, putting on hold the military conflict that claimed more than 13,000 lives since 2014. "The leaders agreed on the need for an urgent implementation of extra measures to support the ceasefire regime in Donbass," Zelenskiy`s office said, referring to eastern Ukraine. Also read: Putin says Russian Navy to get hypersonic nuclear strike weapons Zelenskiy came to power last year promising to end the conflict. Since then, Ukraine and Russia have implemented some confidence-building measures, including prisoner swaps and phased troop withdrawals in designated areas. Putin told Zelenskiy in a phone call that Ukraine`s decision to hold regional elections in 2020 contradicts the Minsk peace accords aimed at resolving the conflict. Kyiv plans to hold local elections in October across the country apart from breakaway Donetsk and Luhansk regions. Zelenskiy`s office said the Ukrainian president told Putin that further steps were needed to free Ukrainian citizens being held in eastern Ukraine, Crimea and Russia. Also watch: Russia honors its sailors on the Navy day, President Putin opens the Navy day parade Ukraine and Russia have been foes since 2014, when Moscow seized Ukraine`s Crimea peninsula and backed the rebellion in the east. Major combat ended with a ceasefire agreed in the Belarus capital Minsk in 2015, but sporadic clashes still regularly kill civilians, Ukrainian soldiers and separatists.

Putin, Zelenskiy discuss conflict in eastern Ukraine on eve of ceasefire

A man armed with grenade took a senior police officer hostage on Thursday. Then incident took place in the city of Poltava.

The incident started around 09:05pm when the local police was trying to arrest a man who was a suspect of hijacking a vehicle. The situation escalated when he pulled out a RGD-5&nbsp;grenade and threatened to kill a senior police officers.

"Negotiations are ongoing to force the attacker to surrender to the police without harming himself or others," Deputy Interior Minister Anton Gerashchenko said on his social media account.

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After continous negotiations, the man exchanged the police officer for a police colonel and drove off with him in a car provided by police.

This is the second hostage situation in Ukraine within the past three days. The first hostage situation took place on Tuesday when an armed man held 13 people hostage on a bus for hours.

A man armed with grenade took a senior police officer hostage on Thursday. Then incident took place in the city of Poltava. The incident started around 09:05pm when the local police was trying to arrest a man who was a suspect of hijacking a vehicle.

A man armed with grenade took a senior police officer hostage on Thursday. Then incident took place in the city of Poltava. The incident started around 09:05pm when the local police was trying to arrest a man who was a suspect of hijacking a vehicle. The situation escalated when he pulled out a RGD-5 grenade and threatened to kill a senior police officers. "Negotiations are ongoing to force the attacker to surrender to the police without harming himself or others," Deputy Interior Minister Anton Gerashchenko said on his social media account. 23 липня в Полтаві о 09.05 на вулиці біля приміщення адміністративного суду працівники підрозділу карного розшуку... Posted by Антон Геращенко on Thursday, July 23, 2020 × After continous negotiations, the man exchanged the police officer for a police colonel and drove off with him in a car provided by police. This is the second hostage situation in Ukraine within the past three days. The first hostage situation took place on Tuesday when an armed man held 13 people hostage on a bus for hours.

Detained man takes policeman hostage with grenade in Ukraine

All 13 people taken hostage on a bus in western&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;were freed unharmed on Tuesday (July 21) after President Volodymyr Zelenskiy spoke by phone with the hostage-taker and agreed to his demand to endorse a 2005 film starring&nbsp;Joaquin Phoenix.

Police arrested the suspect, whom the state security service (SBU) identified as 44-year-old Maksym Kryvosh, who seized the bus in the city of Lutsk, saying he was armed with guns and explosives.

Interior Minister Arsen Avakov said Kryvosh had served time in prison and the SBU said he had propagated "extremist views." Police said Kryvosh threatened to blow up the bus and detonate another explosive in a crowded area in the city.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/joaquin-phoenix-and-rooney-mara-are-expecting-their-first-child-together-299489">Joaquin Phoenix and Rooney Mara are expecting their first child together</a>

In a move to secure the hostages' release, Zelenskiy said he spoke to Kryvosh for seven to 10 minutes and agreed to one of his demands, to promote the documentary "Earthlings," narrated by Hollywood actor <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joaquin-phoenix">Joaquin Phoenix</a>.

Zelenskiy did so in a six-second clip posted on the presidential Facebook page, which was subsequently deleted.

The president said he had persuaded Kryvosh to first release three of the hostages, including a pregnant woman.

Zelenskiy had been given the option of launching an assault on the bus, but did not want to risk hostages dying during the attack.

Police had blocked off the city center with armed officers, cars and an armoured personnel carrier while they tried to persuade Kryvosh to free the hostages in a day-long standoff.

In posts on social media, Kryvosh had also demanded that senior Ukrainian officials publish statements saying that they were terrorists.

All 13 people taken hostage on a bus in western Ukraine were freed unharmed on Tuesday (July 21) after President Volodymyr Zelenskiy spoke by phone with the hostage-taker and agreed to his demand to endorse a 2005 film starring Joaquin Phoenix.

All 13 people taken hostage on a bus in western Ukraine were freed unharmed on Tuesday (July 21) after President Volodymyr Zelenskiy spoke by phone with the hostage-taker and agreed to his demand to endorse a 2005 film starring Joaquin Phoenix. Police arrested the suspect, whom the state security service (SBU) identified as 44-year-old Maksym Kryvosh, who seized the bus in the city of Lutsk, saying he was armed with guns and explosives. Interior Minister Arsen Avakov said Kryvosh had served time in prison and the SBU said he had propagated "extremist views." Police said Kryvosh threatened to blow up the bus and detonate another explosive in a crowded area in the city. Also read: Joaquin Phoenix and Rooney Mara are expecting their first child together In a move to secure the hostages' release, Zelenskiy said he spoke to Kryvosh for seven to 10 minutes and agreed to one of his demands, to promote the documentary "Earthlings," narrated by Hollywood actor Joaquin Phoenix. Zelenskiy did so in a six-second clip posted on the presidential Facebook page, which was subsequently deleted. The president said he had persuaded Kryvosh to first release three of the hostages, including a pregnant woman. Zelenskiy had been given the option of launching an assault on the bus, but did not want to risk hostages dying during the attack. Police had blocked off the city center with armed officers, cars and an armoured personnel carrier while they tried to persuade Kryvosh to free the hostages in a day-long standoff. In posts on social media, Kryvosh had also demanded that senior Ukrainian officials publish statements saying that they were terrorists.

Ukraine: Hostage standoff ends after president endorses Joaquin Phoenix film

During the hostage crisis, which began on Tuesday morning, Kryvosh opened fire and threw a grenade at a police drone

Ukraine hostage siege ends after President Zelenskiy endorses Joaquin Phoenix

An armed man seized a bus and took some 20 people hostage in northwest Ukraine on Tuesday.

Armed man seizes bus with around 20 hostages in Ukraine

Investigators have begun work on the flight recorders from the Ukrainian jet accidentally shot down by Iran in January, France's BEA accident investigation bureau said on Monday.

Iranian forces say they downed the Ukraine International Airlines (UIA) jet, a Boeing 737, on Jan. 8 after mistaking it for a missile at a time of high tensions with the United States. All 176 people aboard Flight PS752 were killed.

Lab work to extract data from the black boxes got underway after a preliminary meeting with Iranian and other officials present at BEA headquarters outside Paris, a spokesman said.

The cockpit voice recorder will be accessed first, with the flight data recorder to follow, he said, adding that the work was likely to take at least until Thursday.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/india-news/blackbox-of-crashed-an-32-damaged-data-retrieval-for-accident-probe-may-get-delayed-227934" hreflang="en">Blackbox&nbsp;damaged, data retrieval for accident probe may get delayed</a>

The data extraction is also being observed by Canadian, U.S., Swedish and British air accident investigators as well as representatives from UIA, Boeing and engine maker Safran.

Iran agreed in June to send the black boxes to the BEA for analysis, ending a long standoff with Canada, Ukraine and France over access to the data.

Many of the crash victims were Canadian citizens or permanent residents, or had Canada as their final destination.

An interim report by Iran's Civil Aviation Organisation last week blamed a misalignment of a radar system and lack of communication between the air defence operator and his commanders for the tragedy.

Investigators have begun work on the flight recorders from the Ukrainian jet accidentally shot down by Iran in January, France's BEA accident investigation bureau said on Monday.

Investigators have begun work on the flight recorders from the Ukrainian jet accidentally shot down by Iran in January, France's BEA accident investigation bureau said on Monday. Iranian forces say they downed the Ukraine International Airlines (UIA) jet, a Boeing 737, on Jan. 8 after mistaking it for a missile at a time of high tensions with the United States. All 176 people aboard Flight PS752 were killed. Lab work to extract data from the black boxes got underway after a preliminary meeting with Iranian and other officials present at BEA headquarters outside Paris, a spokesman said. The cockpit voice recorder will be accessed first, with the flight data recorder to follow, he said, adding that the work was likely to take at least until Thursday. Also read: Blackbox damaged, data retrieval for accident probe may get delayed The data extraction is also being observed by Canadian, U.S., Swedish and British air accident investigators as well as representatives from UIA, Boeing and engine maker Safran. Iran agreed in June to send the black boxes to the BEA for analysis, ending a long standoff with Canada, Ukraine and France over access to the data. Many of the crash victims were Canadian citizens or permanent residents, or had Canada as their final destination. An interim report by Iran's Civil Aviation Organisation last week blamed a misalignment of a radar system and lack of communication between the air defence operator and his commanders for the tragedy.

Work begins on black boxes from Ukrainian jet downed by Iran

Superstorms, landslides, heat waves and raging wildfires have occurred even as the world battles the pandemic. China Rescue teams have been scrambling in the country, although not in full strength.

Superstorms, landslides, heat waves and raging wildfires have occurred even as the world battles the pandemic. China Rescue teams have been scrambling in the country, although not in full strength. They are fighting a war in multiple fronts as heavy rainfall continues to batter large parts of China. On Wednesday, a landslide buried nine people in Hubei province. So far, more than 100 people have been killed in floods caused by the worst storm in decades. In the affected areas rainfall is two to three times higher than normal. A dam in south-eastern China opened its gates for the first time in nine years to lower water levels. It is a difficult time for students sitting for the national college entrance exam or the Gaokao. Nearly 11 million students are taking the exam this year. In the eastern Anhui province, floods have already delayed two tests. Japan Floods and landslides have killed at least 58 people in Japan. Heavy rains have caused rivers to burst their bank. Floods have swept away bridges and submerged houses. Now, entire south-western Japan is on high alert. More torrential rain is expected in the coming days. An emergency warning has been raised to the second-highest level. About 3.6 million people have been advised to evacuate. United States of America The wildfire in the US state of Nevada has now doubled in size. So far, it has engulfed 18,000 acres of land near Carson city. Aerial crews are helping more than 400 firefighters on the ground battling the blaze. Residents in the neighbouring areas are being evacuated. Another huge wildfire is burning in northern California. On July 4, America's independence day -- firefighters battled over 60 wildfires near Fairfield. Ukraine A forest fire has killed six people in eastern Ukraine. The fire broke out in the Luhansk region and spread over 200 acres. It is partially under the control of pro-Russia separatists. More than 120 houses were burnt down close to the battlefront between the separatists and Ukrainian forces. Water-bombing planes have been sent to put out the blaze. Russia Russia is sweltering in unusually high temperatures. Heatwaves struck capital Moscow and four other regions. In Moscow -- special cooling rooms have been set up around the city. With temperatures soaring above 30 degrees celsius. Authorities have declared an orange danger level. In several parts of Russia -- wildfires are intensifying due to the heat.

World battles coronavirus pandemic amid superstorms and wildfires

Four people died and nine were hospitalised as a forest fire swept through villages in the Luhansk region of eastern Ukraine on Tuesday

5 killed, 120 homes damaged by forest fires in Eastern Ukraine

Ukraine has described Russia as a “toxic ex” after the nation’s official Twitter account shared images of the “good ol’ days” of the Soviet Union.

Sharing a set of 4 images, out of which three are black and white and one is coloured, Russia mentioned, “Many #Ukrainians nonetheless keep in mind the great old’ days, when #Soviet Ukraine was the #USSR’s breadbasket, in addition to a well-liked wellbeing #tourism vacation spot &amp; industrial heart. Lots of that, and rather more, is accessible in #Russia’s #Crimea as we speak”.

Quoting this tweet by Russia, Ukraine wrote, “poisonous ex right here”.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
toxic ex here 👇 <a href="https://t.co/zU7EEYoreg">https://t.co/zU7EEYoreg</a>
— Ukraine / Україна (@Ukraine) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ukraine/status/1275391304181125121?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 23, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Ukraine achieved independence from the USSR (Union of Soviet Socialist Republics) in 1991 when the state was dissolved.

It had been part of the bloc since the 1920s after Soviet Russian forces overran the country and millions of Ukrainians died of starvation in the Holodomor famine manufactured under the control of Joseph Stalin – a crime for which the leader was posthumously found guilty of genocide.

Since 2014, Russia has conflicted with its neighbour after the superpower invaded and annexed Ukraine’s Crimea region.

Ukraine has described Russia as a “toxic ex” after the nation’s official Twitter account shared images of the “good ol’ days” of the Soviet Union. Sharing a set of 4 images, out of which three are black and white and one is coloured, Russia mentioned, “Many #Ukrainians nonetheless keep in mind the great old’ days, when #Soviet Ukraine was the #USSR’s breadbasket, in addition to a well-liked wellbeing #tourism vacation spot & industrial heart.

Ukraine has described Russia as a “toxic ex” after the nation’s official Twitter account shared images of the “good ol’ days” of the Soviet Union. Sharing a set of 4 images, out of which three are black and white and one is coloured, Russia mentioned, “Many #Ukrainians nonetheless keep in mind the great old’ days, when #Soviet Ukraine was the #USSR’s breadbasket, in addition to a well-liked wellbeing #tourism vacation spot & industrial heart. Lots of that, and rather more, is accessible in #Russia’s #Crimea as we speak”. Quoting this tweet by Russia, Ukraine wrote, “poisonous ex right here”. toxic ex here 👇 https://t.co/zU7EEYoreg — Ukraine / Україна (@Ukraine) June 23, 2020 × Ukraine achieved independence from the USSR (Union of Soviet Socialist Republics) in 1991 when the state was dissolved. It had been part of the bloc since the 1920s after Soviet Russian forces overran the country and millions of Ukrainians died of starvation in the Holodomor famine manufactured under the control of Joseph Stalin – a crime for which the leader was posthumously found guilty of genocide. Since 2014, Russia has conflicted with its neighbour after the superpower invaded and annexed Ukraine’s Crimea region.

Ukraine hits back at ‘toxic ex’ as Russia reminisces on USSR rule

A gas explosion shook a multi-storey building in&nbsp;Kyiv, Ukraine on Sunday.

The explosion has taken life of one person till now, and has injured many more, according to local media reports.

The explosion shook the building and caused a massive structural damage. Nearly four floors, out of total of nine,&nbsp;of the building were destroyed due to the explosion. Several people might be trapped under the wreckage.

Local authorities have rescued nearly 21 people till now,&nbsp;but it was not immediately clear how many people had been inside when the blast happened.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-one-dead-and-at-least-11-injured-in-minneapolis-shooting-307482">Also read|&nbsp;USA: One dead, 11 injured in Minneapolis shooting</a>

The recent investigations have concluded that the explosion was caused due to a gas-air mixture, or in simpler words, a domestic gas leak.

All the residents of the building are being evacuated to an alternate facility in the city, for the time being.&nbsp;

Rescue mission is ongoing, making sure nobody is trapped in the wreckage. The authorities are making a list of all the people present in the building at that moment.

More details are awaited on this.

A gas explosion shook a multi-storey building in Kyiv, Ukraine on Sunday. The explosion has taken life of one person till now, and has injured many more, according to local media reports.

A gas explosion shook a multi-storey building in Kyiv, Ukraine on Sunday. The explosion has taken life of one person till now, and has injured many more, according to local media reports. The explosion shook the building and caused a massive structural damage. Nearly four floors, out of total of nine, of the building were destroyed due to the explosion. Several people might be trapped under the wreckage. Local authorities have rescued nearly 21 people till now, but it was not immediately clear how many people had been inside when the blast happened. Also read| USA: One dead, 11 injured in Minneapolis shooting The recent investigations have concluded that the explosion was caused due to a gas-air mixture, or in simpler words, a domestic gas leak. All the residents of the building are being evacuated to an alternate facility in the city, for the time being. Rescue mission is ongoing, making sure nobody is trapped in the wreckage. The authorities are making a list of all the people present in the building at that moment. More details are awaited on this.

Ukraine gas explosion kills one, 21 residents evacuated

Ukraine's first lady Olena Zelenska, who last week tested positive for the coronavirus, has been hospitalised with pneumonia, the presidency said on Tuesday. 
 
Zelenska, 42, has been diagnosed with double pneumonia, the presidency said, adding that oxygen treatment was not required. 
 
"Her condition is stable," it said in a statement.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/ukraine-alleges-5-million-bribe-over-burisma-claims-theres-no-biden-link-305650" hreflang="en">Ukraine alleges $5 million bribe over Burisma, claims there's no Biden link</a> 
 
Zelenska said on Friday she had tested positive for the coronavirus, while her husband, President Volodymyr Zelensky, and their two children had tested negative. 
 
Zelensky's spokeswoman Yuliya Mendel said the 42-year-old leader was "feeling well" and being tested for coronavirus "every single day". 
 
"All his results are negative", she told AFP. 
 
Zelensky continues to work from his Kiev office, but has reduced social contact and was now in touch with a "very narrow circle of people", Mendel said. 
 
He also cancelled domestic trips that had been scheduled for this week, she added. 
 
Zelenska said last week the positive test was a surprise as she and the president had sought to follow social distancing rules and protected themselves. 
 
But the president came under fire early this month when he appeared without a mask in a cafe&nbsp;during a visit to the city of Khmelnytsky in central Ukraine.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/ukraine-presidents-wife-tests-positive-for-coronavirus-305425" hreflang="en">Ukraine president's wife tests positive for coronavirus</a> 
 
In an interview with Ukrainska Pravda news site last week, Zelensky said that he even wanted to get infected with the coronavirus to show people that it was "scary" but "not a plague". 
 
Authorities said there had been an "alarming" rise in coronavirus cases as the country eases the lockdown. 
 
Lockdown restrictions eased gradually in late May and early June with a resumption of public transport, including metro systems and long-distance and local train services. 
 
On Tuesday, the ex-Soviet country reported 32,476 cases and 912 fatalities.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Ukraine's first lady Olena Zelenska, who last week tested positive for the coronavirus, has been hospitalised with pneumonia, the presidency said on Tuesday. Zelenska, 42, has been diagnosed with double pneumonia, the presidency said, adding that oxygen treatment was not required.

Ukraine's first lady Olena Zelenska, who last week tested positive for the coronavirus, has been hospitalised with pneumonia, the presidency said on Tuesday. Zelenska, 42, has been diagnosed with double pneumonia, the presidency said, adding that oxygen treatment was not required. "Her condition is stable," it said in a statement. Also read: Ukraine alleges $5 million bribe over Burisma, claims there's no Biden link Zelenska said on Friday she had tested positive for the coronavirus, while her husband, President Volodymyr Zelensky, and their two children had tested negative. Zelensky's spokeswoman Yuliya Mendel said the 42-year-old leader was "feeling well" and being tested for coronavirus "every single day". "All his results are negative", she told AFP. Zelensky continues to work from his Kiev office, but has reduced social contact and was now in touch with a "very narrow circle of people", Mendel said. He also cancelled domestic trips that had been scheduled for this week, she added. Zelenska said last week the positive test was a surprise as she and the president had sought to follow social distancing rules and protected themselves. But the president came under fire early this month when he appeared without a mask in a cafe during a visit to the city of Khmelnytsky in central Ukraine. Also read: Ukraine president's wife tests positive for coronavirus In an interview with Ukrainska Pravda news site last week, Zelensky said that he even wanted to get infected with the coronavirus to show people that it was "scary" but "not a plague". Authorities said there had been an "alarming" rise in coronavirus cases as the country eases the lockdown. Lockdown restrictions eased gradually in late May and early June with a resumption of public transport, including metro systems and long-distance and local train services. On Tuesday, the ex-Soviet country reported 32,476 cases and 912 fatalities.

Ukraine first lady hospitalised with pneumonia 

Olena, the wife of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, said on Friday she had tested positive for coronavirus but her husband and their two children had tested negative.

"Today I received a positive test for coronavirus. Unexpected news. Especially considering that I and my family continue to follow all the rules - masks, gloves, a minimum of contacts," Zelenska wrote on Facebook.

She said she felt well, was not hospitalised, but was isolating from her husband and children.

Ukraine has reported 29,753 coronavirus cases, including 870 deaths.

Olena, the wife of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, said on Friday she had tested positive for coronavirus but her husband and their two children had tested negative.

Olena, the wife of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, said on Friday she had tested positive for coronavirus but her husband and their two children had tested negative. "Today I received a positive test for coronavirus. Unexpected news. Especially considering that I and my family continue to follow all the rules - masks, gloves, a minimum of contacts," Zelenska wrote on Facebook. She said she felt well, was not hospitalised, but was isolating from her husband and children. Ukraine has reported 29,753 coronavirus cases, including 870 deaths.

Ukraine president's wife tests positive for coronavirus

For parents Jose Perez and Flavia Lavorino, the wait is finally over. On Wednesday, the couple from Buenos Aires met their baby son Manu for the first time, 71 days after he was born to a surrogate mother 8,000 miles (12,875 km) away in Ukraine.

After long delay, parents finally meet surrogate baby in Ukraine

Ukraine health care system overwhelmed due to Coronavirus outbreak. Doctors fear second wave of the virus. Watch this video to get more details.

Ukraine health care system overwhelmed due to Coronavirus outbreak, fear of second wave

Infants in Ukraine born to surrogate mothers for foreigners are stranded because the country's borders are closed under coronavirus restrictions, preventing parents from the United States, Europe

Dozens of surrogate babies stranded in Ukraine amid lockdown

India sent free medicines to Ukraine; 14000 indians register for repatriation With India, all set to begin repatriation of Indian students from Ukraine, students will be the main focus. Speaking to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Kiev, India's envoy to Ukraine Partha Satpathy said,"14000 students registered but that is an intention. The actual number, we are manually sorting out because we have a criteria list to determine the necessity of students going back." Both countries have been engaging with each other on the crisis with India which is one of the largest pharma suppliers to Ukraine gifting medicines to the country to deal with COVID.

India sent free medicines to Ukraine; 14000 indians register for repatriation

Wildfires in&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;have spread dangerously close to the defunct Chernobyl nuclear power plant where the world's worst nuclear disaster took place.

A video of the incident was posted by a Chernobyl tour operator showed flames and a cloud of smoke rising from the site&nbsp;spread to just over a mile.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/forest-fire-near-chernobyl-spikes-nuclear-radiation-level-by-16-times-290798">Forest fire near Chernobyl spikes nuclear radiation level by 16 times!</a>

The fire had reached the abandoned city of Pripyat and was just 2 kilometres&nbsp;away from the nuclear power plant and the Pidlisny radioactive waste disposal site.

The carcass of Chernobyl’s Unit 4 nuclear reactor is within sight of the wildfires.&nbsp;Witnesses have accused the&nbsp;government of covering up severity of blaze near site of nuclear disaster.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/new-tours-painful-reminders-in-lithuania-after-hit-chernobyl-show-239802">New tours, painful reminders in Lithuania after hit Chernobyl show</a>

Ukraine’s emergency service on Monday said the fire was “difficult” but called for calm, saying all radiation levels in Kyiv, Ukraine’s capital, were normal and urging people not to listen to “apocalyptic messages”.

The agency said 310 firefighters and dozens of fire trucks, as well as three aircraft and three helicopters, had been deployed to extinguish the fire.&nbsp;

Fires have been burning since 4 April in Chernobyl’s exclusion zone, the 30-kilometre&nbsp;area around the former nuclear reactor where authorities have barred people from living.

Wildfires in Ukraine have spread dangerously close to the defunct Chernobyl nuclear power plant where the world's worst nuclear disaster took place. A video of the incident was posted by a Chernobyl tour operator showed flames and a cloud of smoke rising from the site spread to just over a mile.

Wildfires in Ukraine have spread dangerously close to the defunct Chernobyl nuclear power plant where the world's worst nuclear disaster took place. A video of the incident was posted by a Chernobyl tour operator showed flames and a cloud of smoke rising from the site spread to just over a mile. Also read: Forest fire near Chernobyl spikes nuclear radiation level by 16 times! The fire had reached the abandoned city of Pripyat and was just 2 kilometres away from the nuclear power plant and the Pidlisny radioactive waste disposal site. The carcass of Chernobyl’s Unit 4 nuclear reactor is within sight of the wildfires. Witnesses have accused the government of covering up severity of blaze near site of nuclear disaster. Also read: New tours, painful reminders in Lithuania after hit Chernobyl show Ukraine’s emergency service on Monday said the fire was “difficult” but called for calm, saying all radiation levels in Kyiv, Ukraine’s capital, were normal and urging people not to listen to “apocalyptic messages”. The agency said 310 firefighters and dozens of fire trucks, as well as three aircraft and three helicopters, had been deployed to extinguish the fire. Fires have been burning since 4 April in Chernobyl’s exclusion zone, the 30-kilometre area around the former nuclear reactor where authorities have barred people from living.

Ukraine: Blazing inferno comes dangerously near to Chernobyl site

Ukraine&nbsp;in the next two days&nbsp;expects&nbsp;to&nbsp;receive&nbsp;from&nbsp;China&nbsp;coronavirus&nbsp;protection products, including&nbsp;10&nbsp;million&nbsp;tests, masks, disinfectant fluid and ventilators, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy told a televised statement on Friday.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-minister-to-join-china-evacuees-in-bid-to-ease-virus-panic-282059">Ukraine minister to join China evacuees in bid to ease virus panic</a>

"We will do our best to provide personal protective equipment, rapid&nbsp;tests&nbsp;and disinfectants to every citizen of&nbsp;Ukraine. Each of you," Zelenskiy said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/clashes-jeers-and-stone-pelting-during-coronavirus-evacuation-in-ukraine-281955">Clashes, jeers and stone-pelting during coronavirus evacuation in Ukraine</a>

Ukraine&nbsp;has recorded 26 confirmed cases of the&nbsp;coronavirus, including three deaths.

Ukraine in the next two days expects to receive from China coronavirus protection products, including 10 million tests, masks, disinfectant fluid and ventilators, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy told a televised statement on Friday.

Ukraine in the next two days expects to receive from China coronavirus protection products, including 10 million tests, masks, disinfectant fluid and ventilators, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy told a televised statement on Friday. Also read: Ukraine minister to join China evacuees in bid to ease virus panic "We will do our best to provide personal protective equipment, rapid tests and disinfectants to every citizen of Ukraine. Each of you," Zelenskiy said. Also read: Clashes, jeers and stone-pelting during coronavirus evacuation in Ukraine Ukraine has recorded 26 confirmed cases of the coronavirus, including three deaths.

Coronavirus pandemic: Ukraine expects to receive 10 million virus test kits from China

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