A long-awaited exchange of prisoners between Moscow and Kiev has begun, Russian state television reported on Saturday, broadcasting footage of buses leaving a jail in the capital.

"Buses have left the Lefortovo jail within the framework of preparations for a prisoner exchange," the Rossiya 24 news channel said.

AFP journalists at the scene saw two buses with tinted windows leaving the high-security prison in Moscow under a police convoy.

The channel said the buses had arrived at Moscow's Vnukovo airport, where there is a terminal for government flights.

On Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin said the "large-scale" prisoner exchange with Ukraine was being finalised.

The Russian leader said the swap would be "a huge step towards normalising relations" with Kiev.

It would be the first major exchange of prisoners between Ukraine and Russia since the conflict over eastern Ukraine broke out in 2014.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky raised the prospect of a prisoner swap after the comedian-turned-politician swept to power in May.

His election has revived peace efforts, with the leaders of Russia, Ukraine, Germany and France expected to meet this month for talks.&nbsp;

Last week media reports said the prisoner exchange was imminent and some Ukrainian prisoners had been moved to Moscow from their jails.&nbsp;

The apparent preparations then stalled.

It is unclear who will be part of the swap and Moscow has been tight-lipped.

But reports have suggested up to 35 prisoners on both sides could be exchanged.

The head of the defence team for 24 Ukrainian sailors captured by Russia last year said they would be part of the exchange.

"According to my information, they were put on a bus. All 24 of them," Nikolai Polozov told AFP, adding that he expected them to arrive in Ukraine "in the next few hours".

Russia has been holding the sailors since seizing three vessels last November in the most dangerous direct clash between Russia and Ukraine in years.

Among those who could be released by Russia could be film director and activist Oleg Sentsov, 43, who has become Ukraine's most famous political prisoner.&nbsp;

He was arrested in 2014 and has been serving a 20-year sentence in a Russian Arctic penal colony for planning "terrorist attacks" in Moscow-annexed Crimea.

Reports emerged last week that Sentsov had been moved to Moscow.

Ukraine could hand over Kyrylo Vyshynsky, a journalist at Russia's RIA Novosti state news agency who was released on bail late last month pending a trial for "high treason".

A Ukrainian court this week also released from detention a man investigators have described as a key witness in the downing of flight MH17.

The release of Vladimir Tsemakh, an alleged air defence specialist for pro-Russian separatists, prompted concern from the Netherlands that he may avoid questioning.

Some 13,000 people have been killed in Ukraine's conflict with Russian-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine, which broke out shortly after Moscow annexed Crimea in 2014.

A long-awaited exchange of prisoners between Moscow and Kiev has begun, Russian state television reported on Saturday, broadcasting footage of buses leaving a jail in the capital.

A long-awaited exchange of prisoners between Moscow and Kiev has begun, Russian state television reported on Saturday, broadcasting footage of buses leaving a jail in the capital. "Buses have left the Lefortovo jail within the framework of preparations for a prisoner exchange," the Rossiya 24 news channel said. AFP journalists at the scene saw two buses with tinted windows leaving the high-security prison in Moscow under a police convoy. The channel said the buses had arrived at Moscow's Vnukovo airport, where there is a terminal for government flights. On Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin said the "large-scale" prisoner exchange with Ukraine was being finalised. The Russian leader said the swap would be "a huge step towards normalising relations" with Kiev. It would be the first major exchange of prisoners between Ukraine and Russia since the conflict over eastern Ukraine broke out in 2014. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky raised the prospect of a prisoner swap after the comedian-turned-politician swept to power in May. His election has revived peace efforts, with the leaders of Russia, Ukraine, Germany and France expected to meet this month for talks. Last week media reports said the prisoner exchange was imminent and some Ukrainian prisoners had been moved to Moscow from their jails. The apparent preparations then stalled. It is unclear who will be part of the swap and Moscow has been tight-lipped. But reports have suggested up to 35 prisoners on both sides could be exchanged. The head of the defence team for 24 Ukrainian sailors captured by Russia last year said they would be part of the exchange. "According to my information, they were put on a bus. All 24 of them," Nikolai Polozov told AFP, adding that he expected them to arrive in Ukraine "in the next few hours". Russia has been holding the sailors since seizing three vessels last November in the most dangerous direct clash between Russia and Ukraine in years. Among those who could be released by Russia could be film director and activist Oleg Sentsov, 43, who has become Ukraine's most famous political prisoner. He was arrested in 2014 and has been serving a 20-year sentence in a Russian Arctic penal colony for planning "terrorist attacks" in Moscow-annexed Crimea. Reports emerged last week that Sentsov had been moved to Moscow. Ukraine could hand over Kyrylo Vyshynsky, a journalist at Russia's RIA Novosti state news agency who was released on bail late last month pending a trial for "high treason". A Ukrainian court this week also released from detention a man investigators have described as a key witness in the downing of flight MH17. The release of Vladimir Tsemakh, an alleged air defence specialist for pro-Russian separatists, prompted concern from the Netherlands that he may avoid questioning. Some 13,000 people have been killed in Ukraine's conflict with Russian-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine, which broke out shortly after Moscow annexed Crimea in 2014.

Preparations for Russia-Ukraine prisoner exchange underway: Report

A Ukrainian court on Thursday (September 5) released on bail a man suspected of involvement in the downing of a Malaysia Airlines flight over eastern Ukraine in 2014 that killed 298 people.

Ukraine court releases MH17 suspect on bail

A court in Ukraine on Thursday released from pre-trial detention a man suspected of involvement in the downing of flight MH17, amid speculation he might be used in a prisoner swap with Russia.

Ukraine captured Vladimir Tsemakh, accused of fighting for pro-Russian separatists, in June, but he is believed to be a person of interest in the downing of MH17.&nbsp;

European lawmakers described him as a "key suspect" and asked Kyiv to make him available for testimony in the probe.

An AFP journalist was present as appellate court judge Yury Sliva in Kyiv ruled to release Tsemakh, cautioning him to remain available for questioning and not attempt to flee.

Tsemakh is a Ukrainian who is believed to have been in charge of air defence in the forces of the separatist Donetsk People's Republic near Snizhne in eastern Ukraine.

This is where Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 came down in 2014, killing 298 people, most of them Dutch citizens.

Through his involvement in MH17 has never been confirmed by Ukraine, 40 European lawmakers on Wednesday asked President Volodymyr Zelensky to make sure he is available to be questioned by the Dutch-led Joint Investigation Team.

Russian and Ukrainian media have reported that Moscow is demanding that Tsemakh be handed over to Russia as part of an expected prisoner swap between the two countries.&nbsp;

Several high-profile Ukrainian prisoners are to be released from Russian jails under the swap, but the process had stalled amid reports that some Ukrainians have already been moved to Moscow from their prisons.

Dutch MEP Kati Piri said demanding the exchange of Tsemakh is a "strange request" which "suggests that the Russian government wants to prevent this suspect from appearing in court".

A Ukrainian source close to the talks told AFP that the exchange will happen "soon," possibly this week, but refused to comment on whether Tsemakh is among the individuals prepared for the swap.

The MH17 Boeing jet en route from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur was shot down by a BUK anti-aircraft missile.&nbsp;

Dutch investigators say the projectile originated from the Russian military's 53rd anti-aircraft missile brigade after it was transported to Snizhne from Russia's south-west Kursk region.

Tsemakh's release provoked criticism in Ukraine, with some predicting there would be consequences for the attempts by Ukraine's new president to build relations with the European Union.

"Ukraine is becoming a de facto co-conspirator in the MH17 crime," wrote journalist Petro Shuklinov on Facebook.&nbsp;

Some 13,000 people have been killed in Ukraine's conflict with Russian-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine, which broke out shortly after Moscow annexed Crimea in 2014.

A court in Ukraine on Thursday released from pre-trial detention a man suspected of involvement in the downing of flight MH17, amid speculation he might be used in a prisoner swap with Russia.

A court in Ukraine on Thursday released from pre-trial detention a man suspected of involvement in the downing of flight MH17, amid speculation he might be used in a prisoner swap with Russia. Ukraine captured Vladimir Tsemakh, accused of fighting for pro-Russian separatists, in June, but he is believed to be a person of interest in the downing of MH17. European lawmakers described him as a "key suspect" and asked Kyiv to make him available for testimony in the probe. An AFP journalist was present as appellate court judge Yury Sliva in Kyiv ruled to release Tsemakh, cautioning him to remain available for questioning and not attempt to flee. Tsemakh is a Ukrainian who is believed to have been in charge of air defence in the forces of the separatist Donetsk People's Republic near Snizhne in eastern Ukraine. This is where Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 came down in 2014, killing 298 people, most of them Dutch citizens. Through his involvement in MH17 has never been confirmed by Ukraine, 40 European lawmakers on Wednesday asked President Volodymyr Zelensky to make sure he is available to be questioned by the Dutch-led Joint Investigation Team. Russian and Ukrainian media have reported that Moscow is demanding that Tsemakh be handed over to Russia as part of an expected prisoner swap between the two countries. Several high-profile Ukrainian prisoners are to be released from Russian jails under the swap, but the process had stalled amid reports that some Ukrainians have already been moved to Moscow from their prisons. Dutch MEP Kati Piri said demanding the exchange of Tsemakh is a "strange request" which "suggests that the Russian government wants to prevent this suspect from appearing in court". A Ukrainian source close to the talks told AFP that the exchange will happen "soon," possibly this week, but refused to comment on whether Tsemakh is among the individuals prepared for the swap. The MH17 Boeing jet en route from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur was shot down by a BUK anti-aircraft missile. Dutch investigators say the projectile originated from the Russian military's 53rd anti-aircraft missile brigade after it was transported to Snizhne from Russia's south-west Kursk region. Tsemakh's release provoked criticism in Ukraine, with some predicting there would be consequences for the attempts by Ukraine's new president to build relations with the European Union. "Ukraine is becoming a de facto co-conspirator in the MH17 crime," wrote journalist Petro Shuklinov on Facebook. Some 13,000 people have been killed in Ukraine's conflict with Russian-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine, which broke out shortly after Moscow annexed Crimea in 2014.

Ukraine court releases MH17 'suspect' pending trial

Ukraine's parliament has approved a much-anticipated bill to scrap immunity from prosecution for lawmakers. Watch this video to know more.

Ukraine strips legislators' immunity

US Vice President Mike Pence on Sunday said Washington will continue to support Ukraine, after meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in Warsaw, reported news agency Reuters.

US Vice President Mike Pence on Sunday said Washington will continue to support Ukraine, after meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in Warsaw, reported news agency Reuters. Washington is a key ally for Kiev, having imposed sanctions on Russia for annexing Crimea in 2014 and backing pro-Moscow separatists in Ukraine's east. Pence and Zelenskiy were in Warsaw for commemoration to mark the 80th anniversary of the start of World War Two.

US Vice President Pence says US will continue to support Ukraine

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-walks-out-of-europe-rights-body-as-russia-returns-230295">Ukraine</a> on Friday denied reports that a prisoner swap with Russia was underway, as announced earlier by some Russian media and a Ukrainian official.

"The process for the mutual release of prisoners is continuing. Information about its completion is not true," the Ukrainian presidency said in a post on Facebook.

Speculation has spread in recent days that a prisoner swap was imminent and reports surfaced overnight that it had begun.

Some reports were based on a report on Facebook by Ukraine's new prosecutor-general Ruslan Ryaboshapka suggesting the swap had started.&nbsp;

Russian media outlets retracted a report of the swap and apologised.

"This is not the first time we have seen information chaos caused by... unconfirmed information," the presidency said, warning against "misinformation" and urging people not to "play with society's emotions".

"Nobody is flying anywhere," Valentyn Rybin, a lawyer for several of the Russian and Ukrainian nationals held by Ukraine and mooted for the swap. Some of his clients are still in prison, he said.

"Let's be patient and not have any false starts," he said in a video posted on his Facebook page.

Russian news agencies reported on Thursday that Oleg Sentsov, a Ukrainian filmmaker serving a 20-year jail term in Russia, had been moved to Moscow ahead of a possible prisoner swap.

That came a day after Ukraine released Russian state media journalist Kyrylo Vyshynsky pending his treason trial.

However, Sentsov's lawyer Dmitry Dinze told AFP he had "no information" on the matter.&nbsp;

Vyshynsky remained in Kiev on Friday, his lawyer said.

On Friday there was still no official statement regarding Sentsov's whereabouts. Russian prison monitors who attempted to see him in a Moscow jail said they failed.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky whose election earlier this year has raised hopes of a reduction in tensions with Russia proposed an exchange of Sentsov and Vyshynsky a few weeks ago.

Some 13,000 people have been killed in Ukraine's conflict with Russian-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine, which broke out shortly after Moscow annexed Crimea in 2014.

A prisoner exchange could be a key first step in easing tensions between Kiev and Moscow.

Ukraine on Friday denied reports that a prisoner swap with Russia was underway, as announced earlier by some Russian media and a Ukrainian official. "The process for the mutual release of prisoners is continuing.

Ukraine on Friday denied reports that a prisoner swap with Russia was underway, as announced earlier by some Russian media and a Ukrainian official. "The process for the mutual release of prisoners is continuing. Information about its completion is not true," the Ukrainian presidency said in a post on Facebook. Speculation has spread in recent days that a prisoner swap was imminent and reports surfaced overnight that it had begun. Some reports were based on a report on Facebook by Ukraine's new prosecutor-general Ruslan Ryaboshapka suggesting the swap had started. Russian media outlets retracted a report of the swap and apologised. "This is not the first time we have seen information chaos caused by... unconfirmed information," the presidency said, warning against "misinformation" and urging people not to "play with society's emotions". "Nobody is flying anywhere," Valentyn Rybin, a lawyer for several of the Russian and Ukrainian nationals held by Ukraine and mooted for the swap. Some of his clients are still in prison, he said. "Let's be patient and not have any false starts," he said in a video posted on his Facebook page. Russian news agencies reported on Thursday that Oleg Sentsov, a Ukrainian filmmaker serving a 20-year jail term in Russia, had been moved to Moscow ahead of a possible prisoner swap. That came a day after Ukraine released Russian state media journalist Kyrylo Vyshynsky pending his treason trial. However, Sentsov's lawyer Dmitry Dinze told AFP he had "no information" on the matter. Vyshynsky remained in Kiev on Friday, his lawyer said. On Friday there was still no official statement regarding Sentsov's whereabouts. Russian prison monitors who attempted to see him in a Moscow jail said they failed. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky whose election earlier this year has raised hopes of a reduction in tensions with Russia proposed an exchange of Sentsov and Vyshynsky a few weeks ago. Some 13,000 people have been killed in Ukraine's conflict with Russian-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine, which broke out shortly after Moscow annexed Crimea in 2014. A prisoner exchange could be a key first step in easing tensions between Kiev and Moscow.

Ukraine denies reports of prisoner swap with Russia

The world is backsliding in the fight against measles, which can disable or kill, especially children, with a record number of cases recorded up to August only since 2006 and nearly three times as many cases than in July 2018 at that time, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Thursday. The biggest outbreaks of the highly contagious disease -- one person with measles can spread it up to 18 non-immunized other people -- are raging in the Democratic Republic of Congo (155,460 cases), Madagascar (127,454) and Ukraine (54,246) it said.

Global measles cases three times higher than last year - WHO

Eight people were killed and ten were injured in a hotel fire in Ukraine's port city of Odesa early Saturday, emergency services said.&nbsp;

The fire broke out at 1.34 am (2234 GMT) in the southern city's Tokyo Star hotel.

Some 65 firefighters backed by 13 emergency vehicles put out the blaze three hours later.&nbsp;

Emergency services said in a statement that eight people died and ten were injured.&nbsp;

In a statement on his Facebook page, <a href="wionews.com/world/emmanuel-macron-says-new-ukraine-peace-talks-possible-under-volodymyr-zelensky-228118">President Volodymyr Zelensky</a> said four of those injured were in a critical condition.&nbsp;

Odessa authorities said around 150 people were evacuated from the area.&nbsp;

Police opened a criminal investigation into possible violations of fire safety requirements and the causes of the fire were being established.&nbsp;

"We lost eight lives overnight," Zelensky said on Facebook.&nbsp;

"And this is not due to war and shelling. It is because of criminal negligence, neglect of elementary safety standards and neglect towards human life."&nbsp;

Zelensky added he would "personally make sure" that those responsible are punished "by the norms of the law."&nbsp;

Odesa is a Black Sea port 475 kilometres (300 miles) south of Ukraine's capital Kiev. The seaside town also attracts summer tourists. 
&nbsp;

Eight people were killed and ten were injured in a hotel fire in Ukraine's port city of Odesa early Saturday, emergency services said. The fire broke out at 1.34 am (2234 GMT) in the southern city's Tokyo Star hotel.

Eight people were killed and ten were injured in a hotel fire in Ukraine's port city of Odesa early Saturday, emergency services said. The fire broke out at 1.34 am (2234 GMT) in the southern city's Tokyo Star hotel. Some 65 firefighters backed by 13 emergency vehicles put out the blaze three hours later. Emergency services said in a statement that eight people died and ten were injured. In a statement on his Facebook page, President Volodymyr Zelensky said four of those injured were in a critical condition. Odessa authorities said around 150 people were evacuated from the area. Police opened a criminal investigation into possible violations of fire safety requirements and the causes of the fire were being established. "We lost eight lives overnight," Zelensky said on Facebook. "And this is not due to war and shelling. It is because of criminal negligence, neglect of elementary safety standards and neglect towards human life." Zelensky added he would "personally make sure" that those responsible are punished "by the norms of the law." Odesa is a Black Sea port 475 kilometres (300 miles) south of Ukraine's capital Kiev. The seaside town also attracts summer tourists.

Eight killed in Ukraine hotel fire

Nine Chinese and eight Ukrainian seamen were abducted on Thursday when two merchant vessels came under attack in Cameroonian waters, sources said Friday.

"Seventeen Chinese and Ukrainians were kidnapped... (of whom) nine (are) Chinese who were abducted on one of the ships," an official in the port of Douala told AFP.&nbsp;

A Cameroonian security official, likewise speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the account.

The abduction was reported on Thursday by sources in the Cameroonian navy and the country's port service, but their number and nationality were not then known.

The navy source had said the kidnappers "are probably Nigerian pirates," adding that Cameroon's security forces had launched a search for them.

The Gulf of Guinea, whose coastline stretches in a huge arc from Liberia to Gabon, is notorious for piracy as well as oil theft, illegal fishing and human and drugs trafficking.

In Malaysia, Noel Choong, who heads the International Maritime Bureau (IMB), a watchdog agency, said the 17 seamen were seized from two ships that were attacked within hours of each other while they were anchored off Douala.

Choong said one of the ships was a multipurpose German-owned ship that flew the flag of Antigua and Barbuda.&nbsp;

"Eight crew were kidnapped from the ship consisting of a total of 12 Asian and European sailors," he said.

The other vessel was a Liberian-flagged bulk carrier managed in Greece with a Greek owner.

"There were 21 crew on board. All were Asians. Nine crew were taken," Choong told AFP.

"(The) IMB has issued a warning to all ships at Douala. We ask all ships to take additional precaution."

According to the IMB's figures, 62 seafarers were taken hostage or abducted in the area in the first half of 2019.

The Gulf of Guinea accounts for 73 percent of kidnappings and 92 percent of hostage-takings at sea worldwide, it says.

The 17 countries in the Gulf of Guinea and adjacent regions have limited surveillance and maritime defence capabilities.

They have been trying for several years to bolster their means of intervention and to put in place closer collaboration.

Nine Chinese and eight Ukrainian seamen were abducted on Thursday when two merchant vessels came under attack in Cameroonian waters, sources said Friday. "Seventeen Chinese and Ukrainians were kidnapped.

Nine Chinese and eight Ukrainian seamen were abducted on Thursday when two merchant vessels came under attack in Cameroonian waters, sources said Friday. "Seventeen Chinese and Ukrainians were kidnapped... (of whom) nine (are) Chinese who were abducted on one of the ships," an official in the port of Douala told AFP. A Cameroonian security official, likewise speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the account. The abduction was reported on Thursday by sources in the Cameroonian navy and the country's port service, but their number and nationality were not then known. The navy source had said the kidnappers "are probably Nigerian pirates," adding that Cameroon's security forces had launched a search for them. The Gulf of Guinea, whose coastline stretches in a huge arc from Liberia to Gabon, is notorious for piracy as well as oil theft, illegal fishing and human and drugs trafficking. In Malaysia, Noel Choong, who heads the International Maritime Bureau (IMB), a watchdog agency, said the 17 seamen were seized from two ships that were attacked within hours of each other while they were anchored off Douala. Choong said one of the ships was a multipurpose German-owned ship that flew the flag of Antigua and Barbuda. "Eight crew were kidnapped from the ship consisting of a total of 12 Asian and European sailors," he said. The other vessel was a Liberian-flagged bulk carrier managed in Greece with a Greek owner. "There were 21 crew on board. All were Asians. Nine crew were taken," Choong told AFP. "(The) IMB has issued a warning to all ships at Douala. We ask all ships to take additional precaution." According to the IMB's figures, 62 seafarers were taken hostage or abducted in the area in the first half of 2019. The Gulf of Guinea accounts for 73 percent of kidnappings and 92 percent of hostage-takings at sea worldwide, it says. The 17 countries in the Gulf of Guinea and adjacent regions have limited surveillance and maritime defence capabilities. They have been trying for several years to bolster their means of intervention and to put in place closer collaboration.

17 Chinese, Ukrainian seamen kidnapped off Cameroon

French President Emmanuel Macron hosts his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Monday for a rare visit, with Paris hoping to nudge Moscow towards steps to help end the conflict in the east of Ukraine.

French President Emmanuel Macron hosts his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Monday for a rare visit, with Paris hoping to nudge Moscow towards steps to help end the conflict in the east of Ukraine. Putin is seldom invited by major Western powers for visits at a time of growing tensions, but France believes the arrival of Volodymyr Zelensky as Ukraine's new president could give a new impulse to halting the fighting. Macron will welcome Putin at 5:30 pm (1530 GMT) at his official holiday residence in Bregancon in southern France, days before he hosts other world leaders including US President Donald Trump for the August 24-26 Group of Seven (G7) summit in Biarritz. Russia was slung out of what was the G8 in 2014 after it seized Ukraine's Black Sea peninsula of Crimea, an annexation the international community has deemed illegal. And since 2014, an estimated 13,000 people have been killed in the war between Ukrainian forces and Russian-backed separatists over Ukraine's eastern Donbas provinces of Donetsk and Lugansk. Room to manoeuvre Zelensky has pledged to end the five-year-old conflict and shown signs of greater willingness to be flexible than his predecessor Petro Poroshenko, though he has not signalled any major concession. "President Zelensky has made offers to which it seems to us President Putin should respond encouragingly," said a French official, who asked not to be named. "We will intensify our efforts on the question of Ukraine, notably within the Normandy format" that groups Russia, Ukraine, France, and Germany. "The election of President Zelensky gives us some room to manoeuvre," the official added. Macron has taken a keen interest in brokering an end to the conflict in eastern Ukraine, hosting Zelensky for talks in June, one of the former comedian's first foreign trips as president. It would be a major feather in the cap for Macron, who since coming to office in 2017 has sought to magnify France's international role. 'Chance of progress' Zelensky has offered to meet Putin for face-to-face talks, saying "let's do it", and spoke to him by phone last week when four Ukrainian soldiers were killed in a grenade attack. "I called him urgently. I told him that this brings us no closer to peace," Zelensky said. Alexander Baunov, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Moscow Center, said Macron would be looking for ways to resuscitate the 2015 Minsk ceasefire deal. "The main public issue will be reviving the Minsk accords. The main promise of the Ukrainian president is ending the war," Baunov told AFP. He said he believed Putin would be prepared to make a move if the Donbas region, which has a large ethnic Russian population, received a special status within Ukraine. "There is a real chance of progress. Moscow will only go in that direction if its main conditions are respected," Baunov said, adding that these consisted of a transition period and local elections in which the main Ukrainian parties would not take part. Treading carefully Iran will also feature high on the agenda of talks between Macron and Putin, with Paris keen for Moscow to use its close ties with Tehran to prevent a further escalation of conflicts in the Middle East. Tensions have shot up since Washington's unilateral pullout from a 2015 deal to rein in Iran's nuclear ambitions, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JPCOA). Macron will also press Putin to use his influence on the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to stop an offensive in the northern region of Idlib and ward off new refugee flows towards Turkey. On Russia's domestic front, France has repeatedly rebuked Moscow over its crackdown on protesters angered by a refusal to register opposition candidates for elections later this year. But it remains to be seen if Macron will dare spoil the mood of such sensitive talks by raising that issue in public. "Making a point to Putin on this would be seen as interference in Russian internal affairs, but if Macron decides to do this Putin will know what to say," Baunov said. "What is said behind closed doors is another matter."

French president Emmanuel Macron seeks Ukraine progress from Russia's Vladimir Putin in rare pre-G7 talks

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/comedian-volodymyr-zelensky-takes-office-as-ukraines-president-220079">Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky</a> signed a decree on Tuesday offering citizenship to Russians suffering political persecution, and also to foreigners who fought on Kiev's side in the conflict in eastern Ukraine.

Zelensky had announced such a move last month in response to a Russian decree expanding the number of Ukrainians who can apply for fast-track Russian passports.

Separately Ukraine's state security service declared a Russian consular officer in the western city of Lviv as persona non grata, accusing him of spying.

The officer had already left the country, a statement said.

Relations between Kiev and Moscow plunged after Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014 and its support for fighters in the eastern Donbass region in a conflict that has killed 13,000 people despite a notional ceasefire.

Zelenskiy has<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraines-new-president-zelensky-says-ceasefire-first-priority-220138"> prioritised achieving peace in the Donbass region,</a> but days after his election victory in April Russian President Vladimir Putin eased rules for residents of rebel-controlled parts of Donbass to receive passports.

In July he extended the offer to government-held areas.

Zelensky's decree would apply to citizens of the Russian Federation who had been persecuted for political reasons, a statement on the presidential website said.

They would need to provide a certificate from Ukraine's foreign ministry or a diplomatic mission or a consular post confirming they were being persecuted in their native country for their political beliefs.

It is now up to the government and parliament to legislate for the proposal to take effect.

The president's Servant of the People party will be the largest in the new parliament following its landslide victory in a snap election in July.

Zelensky last week pressed Putin for a resumption of peace talks after four Ukrainian soldiers were killed by shelling in the Donbass region.

Putin, in turn, said Ukrainian forces must stop the shelling of settlements in the Donbass that led to civilian casualties.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a decree on Tuesday offering citizenship to Russians suffering political persecution, and also to foreigners who fought on Kiev's side in the conflict in eastern Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a decree on Tuesday offering citizenship to Russians suffering political persecution, and also to foreigners who fought on Kiev's side in the conflict in eastern Ukraine. Zelensky had announced such a move last month in response to a Russian decree expanding the number of Ukrainians who can apply for fast-track Russian passports. Separately Ukraine's state security service declared a Russian consular officer in the western city of Lviv as persona non grata, accusing him of spying. The officer had already left the country, a statement said. Relations between Kiev and Moscow plunged after Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014 and its support for fighters in the eastern Donbass region in a conflict that has killed 13,000 people despite a notional ceasefire. Zelenskiy has prioritised achieving peace in the Donbass region, but days after his election victory in April Russian President Vladimir Putin eased rules for residents of rebel-controlled parts of Donbass to receive passports. In July he extended the offer to government-held areas. Zelensky's decree would apply to citizens of the Russian Federation who had been persecuted for political reasons, a statement on the presidential website said. They would need to provide a certificate from Ukraine's foreign ministry or a diplomatic mission or a consular post confirming they were being persecuted in their native country for their political beliefs. It is now up to the government and parliament to legislate for the proposal to take effect. The president's Servant of the People party will be the largest in the new parliament following its landslide victory in a snap election in July. Zelensky last week pressed Putin for a resumption of peace talks after four Ukrainian soldiers were killed by shelling in the Donbass region. Putin, in turn, said Ukrainian forces must stop the shelling of settlements in the Donbass that led to civilian casualties.

Ukraine President Zelensky offers citizenship to Russian political refugees

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's chief of staff sent in a letter of resignation, after two months in his job, but Zelensky has not signed it, according to a statement on the presidential website on Friday.

Mystery has surrounded the status of Andriy Bogdan, the head of the presidential administration, since Thursday evening.

The local news agency Interfax Ukraine had reported Bogdan's resignation but later retracted the story.

His appointment was controversial.

He was previously a lawyer for Ihor Kolomoisky, one of Ukraine's most powerful tycoons, whose business ties to Zelensky have been under scrutiny since the start of Zelenskiy's election campaign this year.

"Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has confirmed the existence of a letter of resignation of the chief of his staff," a statement on the presidential website said. "The head of the state clarified that he had not signed the letter yet"."

A comedian with no prior political experience, Zelensky won the presidential election in April by a landslide on promises to fight corruption and transform Ukrainian politics.

But he has come under the spotlight for his business ties to Kolomoisky, who is one of Ukraine's richest men and who has been at loggerheads with the authorities over control of PrivatBank, the country's largest bank.

Zelensky has repeatedly pushed back against suggestions that he would take Kolomoisky's side in the PrivatBank dispute.

"We -- all the key people who came with me -- agreed from the beginning that we would write letters of resignations," the statement quoted Zelensky as saying.

"If society or the President feels that one or the other person cannot cope with the tasks set by Ukraine, then at any moment, this person... will resign".

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's chief of staff sent in a letter of resignation, after two months in his job, but Zelensky has not signed it, according to a statement on the presidential website on Friday.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's chief of staff sent in a letter of resignation, after two months in his job, but Zelensky has not signed it, according to a statement on the presidential website on Friday. Mystery has surrounded the status of Andriy Bogdan, the head of the presidential administration, since Thursday evening. The local news agency Interfax Ukraine had reported Bogdan's resignation but later retracted the story. His appointment was controversial. He was previously a lawyer for Ihor Kolomoisky, one of Ukraine's most powerful tycoons, whose business ties to Zelensky have been under scrutiny since the start of Zelenskiy's election campaign this year. "Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has confirmed the existence of a letter of resignation of the chief of his staff," a statement on the presidential website said. "The head of the state clarified that he had not signed the letter yet"." A comedian with no prior political experience, Zelensky won the presidential election in April by a landslide on promises to fight corruption and transform Ukrainian politics. But he has come under the spotlight for his business ties to Kolomoisky, who is one of Ukraine's richest men and who has been at loggerheads with the authorities over control of PrivatBank, the country's largest bank. Zelensky has repeatedly pushed back against suggestions that he would take Kolomoisky's side in the PrivatBank dispute. "We -- all the key people who came with me -- agreed from the beginning that we would write letters of resignations," the statement quoted Zelensky as saying. "If society or the President feels that one or the other person cannot cope with the tasks set by Ukraine, then at any moment, this person... will resign".

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky's staff chief tries to quit after two months

A Ukrainian court has ordered the seizure of a Russian tanker. Ukrainian authorities said that the tanker was used in a Russian operation to block Ukrainian vessels from sailing through the Kerch Strait between the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov in November last year.

Ukraine seizes Russian tanker, releases crew members

Ukraine-Russia tensions: Ukraine court orders seizure of Russian tanker

A Ukrainian court has ordered the seizure of a Russian tanker stopped last week over its alleged involvement in a Ukrainian-Russian naval clash last year, the country's chief military prosecutor said Tuesday.

A court, in the southern city of Odessa, ordered the seizure of the tanker Nika Spirit on Monday, according to documents posted by Anatoliy Matios on social media.

"The court seized the said vessel," Matios said. "We did it legally."

The Russian owner of the arrested tanker, the Altomar Shipping company, told Russian news agency Interfax that its management was "in contact with Ukrainian authorities" to solve a "range of issues related to the vessel".

Ukraine's SBU security service said last week it had stopped the Russian tanker, previously known as the Neyma when it entered the port of Izmail in the southern Odessa region.

Investigators seized documents on board and questioned its 10 crew members.

Moscow responded by threatening Kiev with unspecified "consequences", although it later confirmed the 10 crew members had been released and allowed to return to Russia.

However, Kiev kept the tanker.

In November, Russia opened fire on three Ukrainian navy vessels as they tried to pass through the Kerch Strait from the Black Sea to the Sea of Azov.&nbsp;

Ukraine says the Russian tanker was used in that confrontation, the most dangerous open clash between the two countries in recent years.&nbsp;

According to the SBU, the Neyma had changed its name painted on the hull to "conceal its involvement in the act of aggression".

Moscow also captured 24 Ukrainian sailors manning the vessels and plans to put them on trial, accusing them of violating its maritime borders.

The International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, a UN-established organisation overseeing maritime disputes based in Hamburg, has urged Russia to release the sailors and return them to Ukraine.&nbsp;

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukraine's new leader Volodymyr Zelensky discussed a possible prisoner swap during their first phone call this month.

The two former-Soviet neighbours have been caught up in hostilities since 2014 when Moscow annexed Crimea and supported a separatist insurgency in eastern Ukraine.

A Ukrainian court has ordered the seizure of a Russian tanker stopped last week over its alleged involvement in a Ukrainian-Russian naval clash last year, the country's chief military prosecutor said Tuesday.

A Ukrainian court has ordered the seizure of a Russian tanker stopped last week over its alleged involvement in a Ukrainian-Russian naval clash last year, the country's chief military prosecutor said Tuesday. A court, in the southern city of Odessa, ordered the seizure of the tanker Nika Spirit on Monday, according to documents posted by Anatoliy Matios on social media. "The court seized the said vessel," Matios said. "We did it legally." The Russian owner of the arrested tanker, the Altomar Shipping company, told Russian news agency Interfax that its management was "in contact with Ukrainian authorities" to solve a "range of issues related to the vessel". Ukraine's SBU security service said last week it had stopped the Russian tanker, previously known as the Neyma when it entered the port of Izmail in the southern Odessa region. Investigators seized documents on board and questioned its 10 crew members. Moscow responded by threatening Kiev with unspecified "consequences", although it later confirmed the 10 crew members had been released and allowed to return to Russia. However, Kiev kept the tanker. In November, Russia opened fire on three Ukrainian navy vessels as they tried to pass through the Kerch Strait from the Black Sea to the Sea of Azov. Ukraine says the Russian tanker was used in that confrontation, the most dangerous open clash between the two countries in recent years. According to the SBU, the Neyma had changed its name painted on the hull to "conceal its involvement in the act of aggression". Moscow also captured 24 Ukrainian sailors manning the vessels and plans to put them on trial, accusing them of violating its maritime borders. The International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, a UN-established organisation overseeing maritime disputes based in Hamburg, has urged Russia to release the sailors and return them to Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukraine's new leader Volodymyr Zelensky discussed a possible prisoner swap during their first phone call this month. The two former-Soviet neighbours have been caught up in hostilities since 2014 when Moscow annexed Crimea and supported a separatist insurgency in eastern Ukraine.

Ukraine seizes Russian tanker over naval clash: Prosecutor

Ukrainian authorities said on Saturday they were investigating an attack on a Kiev television station owned by an opposition election candidate, which caused damage but injured no one.

An unknown assailant fired a rocket-propelled grenade at the 112 TV channel building in western Kiev at 0340am (0040 GMT), police said in a statement, adding the incident was being investigated as "an act of terrorism".

"Policemen are looking for the attacker...There were no injured," the statement said.

112 TV aired footage of the damaged front building banner, a broken window and crumbling plaster inside.

Former supporters of pro-Moscow ex-president Viktor Yanukovich, who oppose Ukraine's integration with the West, often appear as speakers on 112 TV. Yanukovich fled to Russia in 2014 following street protests against his rule.

Taras Kozak, a member of the Russia-friendly Opposition Platform party, owns a 99% stake in the TV station. Kozak is registered as a candidate in Ukraine's July 21 parliamentary election.

Managers at the TV channel said earlier its journalists had previously received threats via social media from Ukrainian nationalists.

Kozak called the attack a "threat to independent media", and blamed "inaction" by authorities.

Relations between Ukraine and Russia have been tense since Moscow's annexation of the Crimean peninsula in 2014 and its support for armed separatists in the Donbass region of eastern Ukraine, in a conflict that has killed 13,000 people.

The Opposition Platform party, of which one of its leaders Viktor Medvedchuk is a frequent 112 TV guest speaker, accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Saturday of encouraging radical nationalists to confront several TV stations, including 112.

Zelenskiy did not immediately respond to the accusations.

His Servant of the People party is the most popular political movement in the country, according to a recent opinion poll. The Opposition Platform was in second place.

Ukrainian authorities said on Saturday they were investigating an attack on a Kiev television station owned by an opposition election candidate, which caused damage but injured no one.

Ukrainian authorities said on Saturday they were investigating an attack on a Kiev television station owned by an opposition election candidate, which caused damage but injured no one. An unknown assailant fired a rocket-propelled grenade at the 112 TV channel building in western Kiev at 0340am (0040 GMT), police said in a statement, adding the incident was being investigated as "an act of terrorism". "Policemen are looking for the attacker...There were no injured," the statement said. 112 TV aired footage of the damaged front building banner, a broken window and crumbling plaster inside. Former supporters of pro-Moscow ex-president Viktor Yanukovich, who oppose Ukraine's integration with the West, often appear as speakers on 112 TV. Yanukovich fled to Russia in 2014 following street protests against his rule. Taras Kozak, a member of the Russia-friendly Opposition Platform party, owns a 99% stake in the TV station. Kozak is registered as a candidate in Ukraine's July 21 parliamentary election. Managers at the TV channel said earlier its journalists had previously received threats via social media from Ukrainian nationalists. Kozak called the attack a "threat to independent media", and blamed "inaction" by authorities. Relations between Ukraine and Russia have been tense since Moscow's annexation of the Crimean peninsula in 2014 and its support for armed separatists in the Donbass region of eastern Ukraine, in a conflict that has killed 13,000 people. The Opposition Platform party, of which one of its leaders Viktor Medvedchuk is a frequent 112 TV guest speaker, accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Saturday of encouraging radical nationalists to confront several TV stations, including 112. Zelenskiy did not immediately respond to the accusations. His Servant of the People party is the most popular political movement in the country, according to a recent opinion poll. The Opposition Platform was in second place.

Ukraine investigates grenade attack on Kiev TV station

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-announces-250-million-in-military-aid-to-ukraine-228506">Ukraine</a> on Tuesday announced it is withdrawing its invitation to monitors from the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe to observe elections later this month, in protest against Russia's reinstatement in the body.

Russian delegates had been stripped of their voting rights in the pan-European rights body in 2014 after Moscow annexed Crimea from Ukraine, but last week were allowed to return over strong objections from Kiev.

Ukrainian parliament speaker Andriy Parubiy on Tuesday said he signed a letter to PACE president Liliane Maury-Pasquier saying its monitors were no longer welcome at the parliamentary elections to be held on July 21.

"Representatives of an aggressor country, Russia, cannot be among international observers; they will be agents of a hybrid war rather than observers," Parubiy wrote on his Facebook page.

"Any influence by Russia on Ukrainian elections, by any means, is not acceptable."

Ukraine, together with Georgia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Slovakia had unsuccessfully tried to block Russia's return to PACE, but it was approved by a vote of 116 in favour to 62 against.

Russia's comeback is the first relaxation of the international sanctions that were imposed on Moscow for seizing Crimea.

Ukraine's snap parliamentary polls were called by the country's recently-elected <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraines-new-president-zelensky-says-ceasefire-first-priority-220138">President Volodymyr Zelensky</a> in a controversial move aimed at replacing lawmakers who he says no longer enjoy public support.

The legal status of Zelensky's move to dissolve parliament was initially disputed, but the Constitutional Court ruled that it is legitimate.

The Council of Europe on Tuesday confirmed to AFP that Russia paid its participant contribution of 33 million euros for the year 2019.

Ukraine on Tuesday announced it is withdrawing its invitation to monitors from the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe to observe elections later this month, in protest against Russia's reinstatement in the body.

Ukraine on Tuesday announced it is withdrawing its invitation to monitors from the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe to observe elections later this month, in protest against Russia's reinstatement in the body. Russian delegates had been stripped of their voting rights in the pan-European rights body in 2014 after Moscow annexed Crimea from Ukraine, but last week were allowed to return over strong objections from Kiev. Ukrainian parliament speaker Andriy Parubiy on Tuesday said he signed a letter to PACE president Liliane Maury-Pasquier saying its monitors were no longer welcome at the parliamentary elections to be held on July 21. "Representatives of an aggressor country, Russia, cannot be among international observers; they will be agents of a hybrid war rather than observers," Parubiy wrote on his Facebook page. "Any influence by Russia on Ukrainian elections, by any means, is not acceptable." Ukraine, together with Georgia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Slovakia had unsuccessfully tried to block Russia's return to PACE, but it was approved by a vote of 116 in favour to 62 against. Russia's comeback is the first relaxation of the international sanctions that were imposed on Moscow for seizing Crimea. Ukraine's snap parliamentary polls were called by the country's recently-elected President Volodymyr Zelensky in a controversial move aimed at replacing lawmakers who he says no longer enjoy public support. The legal status of Zelensky's move to dissolve parliament was initially disputed, but the Constitutional Court ruled that it is legitimate. The Council of Europe on Tuesday confirmed to AFP that Russia paid its participant contribution of 33 million euros for the year 2019.

Ukraine says European observers not welcome at July polls

The Ukrainian delegation at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe on Tuesday walked out in protest after Russian MPs were allowed to return to the human rights body five years after the annexation of Crimea.

Ukrainian President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/emmanuel-macron-says-new-ukraine-peace-talks-possible-under-volodymyr-zelensky-228118">Volodymyr Zelensky</a> said he was "disappointed" by the decision of the assembly (PACE) to readmit Russia, while the head of the delegation said Ukraine would halt its work at the assembly.

The Strasbourg-based assembly agreed early Tuesday to allow Russian representatives to return to the body, five years after Moscow was stripped of its voting rights over the annexation of Crimea.

"I am disappointed by a PACE decision to confirm the rights of the Russian delegation without restrictions," Zelensky said.

He added that he had discussed the issue with French President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/blow-for-president-emmanuel-macron-as-le-pen-tops-european-union-election-in-france-221915">Emmanuel Macron</a> and German Chancellor Angela Merkel last week.

"I tried to convince Mr Macron and Mrs Merkel that the return of the Russian delegation to PACE is possible only after Russia fulfils the assembly's main demands," he said in a post on Facebook.

"It's a pity that our European partners did not listen to us," the president said.

Ukrainian lawmaker Volodymyr Ariev, head of his country's PACE delegation, said it decided "to suspend its participation in the work of PACE except issues related to stripping the Russian delegation of its rights," Ariev said in a post on Facebook.

He said the delegation asked the Ukrainian parliament to "urgently" consider the country's membership of the assembly.

The delegation also asked the Ukrainian president to consider the issue of the country's further work at the Council of Europe.&nbsp;

The Ukrainian delegation at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe on Tuesday walked out in protest after Russian MPs were allowed to return to the human rights body five years after the annexation of Crimea.

The Ukrainian delegation at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe on Tuesday walked out in protest after Russian MPs were allowed to return to the human rights body five years after the annexation of Crimea. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he was "disappointed" by the decision of the assembly (PACE) to readmit Russia, while the head of the delegation said Ukraine would halt its work at the assembly. The Strasbourg-based assembly agreed early Tuesday to allow Russian representatives to return to the body, five years after Moscow was stripped of its voting rights over the annexation of Crimea. "I am disappointed by a PACE decision to confirm the rights of the Russian delegation without restrictions," Zelensky said. He added that he had discussed the issue with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel last week. "I tried to convince Mr Macron and Mrs Merkel that the return of the Russian delegation to PACE is possible only after Russia fulfils the assembly's main demands," he said in a post on Facebook. "It's a pity that our European partners did not listen to us," the president said. Ukrainian lawmaker Volodymyr Ariev, head of his country's PACE delegation, said it decided "to suspend its participation in the work of PACE except issues related to stripping the Russian delegation of its rights," Ariev said in a post on Facebook. He said the delegation asked the Ukrainian parliament to "urgently" consider the country's membership of the assembly. The delegation also asked the Ukrainian president to consider the issue of the country's further work at the Council of Europe.

Ukraine walks out of European rights body after Russia's return

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Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday the international community had failed to provide any evidence that Moscow was behind the downing of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/3-russians-1-ukrainian-behind-mh17-flight-crash-over-ukraine-in-2014-investigators-228694">Malaysia Airlines flight MH17</a> in which 298 people died.

"What we've seen as evidence of Russia's guilt absolutely does not suit us. We believe that there is no proof there," Putin told reporters.&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/mh17-crash-4-suspects-to-face-murder-trial-228853/embed" width="560" height="350" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" autoplay=1 allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

On Wednesday, international investigators charged <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/five-years-after-mh17-downing-airline-conflict-alert-system-remains-patchy-224198">three Russians and a Ukrainian</a> over the downing of the plane in eastern Ukraine in 2014.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had said on Thursday that Russia must ensure that those charged with murder over the downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 face justice.

"We call upon Russia to... ensure that any indicted individuals currently in Russia face justice," Pompeo said in a statement.

The authorities have opened criminal proceedings against the suspects behind the crash.

The Dutch-led probe said it was going to prosecute Russian nationals Igor Girkin, Sergey Dubinskiy and Oleg Pulatov as well as Ukrainian Leonid Kharchenko over the downing of the Malaysia Airlines plane.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday the international community had failed to provide any evidence that Moscow was behind the downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 in which 298 people died.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday the international community had failed to provide any evidence that Moscow was behind the downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 in which 298 people died. "What we've seen as evidence of Russia's guilt absolutely does not suit us. We believe that there is no proof there," Putin told reporters. On Wednesday, international investigators charged three Russians and a Ukrainian over the downing of the plane in eastern Ukraine in 2014. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had said on Thursday that Russia must ensure that those charged with murder over the downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 face justice. "We call upon Russia to... ensure that any indicted individuals currently in Russia face justice," Pompeo said in a statement. The authorities have opened criminal proceedings against the suspects behind the crash. The Dutch-led probe said it was going to prosecute Russian nationals Igor Girkin, Sergey Dubinskiy and Oleg Pulatov as well as Ukrainian Leonid Kharchenko over the downing of the Malaysia Airlines plane.

No proof to link Russia was behind downing of MH17 aircraft: Putin

Moscow slammed "unfounded accusations" by international investigators who on Wednesday charged four people, including Russian citizens, with murder over the 2014 shooting down of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/limpet-mine-used-in-oil-tanker-attack-resembled-iranian-mines-us-navy-228762">flight MH17 above rebel-held</a> eastern Ukraine.

"Once again, absolutely unfounded accusations are being made against the Russian side, aimed at discrediting Russia in the eyes of the international community," the foreign ministry said in a statement on its website.

In the statement, Moscow said it had been ready to provide "all-round assistance to the investigation" from the first day, but argued it had been frozen out of the investigation.

The foreign ministry said information given by the Russian side had been ignored. Russia has long denied all involvement in the downing of the jet.

"You know our attitude towards this investigation. Russia had no opportunity to take part in it even though it showed initiative from... the very first days of this tragedy," President Vladimir Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

On Wednesday Dutch-led international investigators issues arrest warrants for three Russians and a Ukrainian, saying they would go on trial in March next year.&nbsp;

However they are likely to be tried in absentia in the Netherlands as neither Russia nor Ukraine extradites their nationals.

Meanwhile, Kiev urged Russia to admit responsibility over the 2014 downing of passenger flight MH17 over rebel-held eastern Ukraine that left 298 people dead, after charges were laid by international investigators.

"We call on the Russian Federation to acknowledge its responsibility for supplying arms" to Kremlin-backed rebels in the region, Ukraine's foreign ministry said in a statement.

It urged Moscow "to cooperate with the probe", referring to international investigators who earlier issued arrest warrants for four suspects, three of them Russian nationals.

Moscow slammed "unfounded accusations" by international investigators who on Wednesday charged four people, including Russian citizens, with murder over the 2014 shooting down of flight MH17 above rebel-held eastern Ukraine.

Moscow slammed "unfounded accusations" by international investigators who on Wednesday charged four people, including Russian citizens, with murder over the 2014 shooting down of flight MH17 above rebel-held eastern Ukraine. "Once again, absolutely unfounded accusations are being made against the Russian side, aimed at discrediting Russia in the eyes of the international community," the foreign ministry said in a statement on its website. In the statement, Moscow said it had been ready to provide "all-round assistance to the investigation" from the first day, but argued it had been frozen out of the investigation. The foreign ministry said information given by the Russian side had been ignored. Russia has long denied all involvement in the downing of the jet. "You know our attitude towards this investigation. Russia had no opportunity to take part in it even though it showed initiative from... the very first days of this tragedy," President Vladimir Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. On Wednesday Dutch-led international investigators issues arrest warrants for three Russians and a Ukrainian, saying they would go on trial in March next year. However they are likely to be tried in absentia in the Netherlands as neither Russia nor Ukraine extradites their nationals. Meanwhile, Kiev urged Russia to admit responsibility over the 2014 downing of passenger flight MH17 over rebel-held eastern Ukraine that left 298 people dead, after charges were laid by international investigators. "We call on the Russian Federation to acknowledge its responsibility for supplying arms" to Kremlin-backed rebels in the region, Ukraine's foreign ministry said in a statement. It urged Moscow "to cooperate with the probe", referring to international investigators who earlier issued arrest warrants for four suspects, three of them Russian nationals.

MH17 crash investigation based on 'unfounded accusations', says Russia; Ukraine urges Moscow to 'cooperate'

International investigators are set on Wednesday (June 19) to launch criminal proceedings against suspects in the shooting down of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 over eastern Ukraine nearly five years ago.

Netherlands set to prosecute suspects in MH17 airliner downing

The United States announced Tuesday a $250 million military aid package for war-torn Ukraine to strengthen the former Soviet republic's naval and land capabilities.&nbsp;

The amount is part of a series of Pentagon payments now totalling $1.5 billion to the country since 2014 when Russia annexed the Crimean peninsula and a conflict erupted in eastern Ukraine.

"The United States remains committed to helping Ukraine ... to strengthen democratic civilian control of the military, promote command and control reforms, enhance transparency and accountability in acquisition and budgeting, and advance defence industry reforms," a Pentagon spokesman said.&nbsp;

"These reforms will bolster Ukraine's ability to defend its territorial integrity in support of a secure, prosperous, democratic, and free Ukraine."

Almost 13,000 people have been killed since the Moscow-backed insurgency broke out in April 2014 following Russia's annexation of Crimea.

Ukraine and its Western allies accuse Russia of funnelling troops and arms to the pro-Moscow rebels across the border. Moscow denies the allegations.

The United States announced Tuesday a $250 million military aid package for war-torn Ukraine to strengthen the former Soviet republic's naval and land capabilities.

The United States announced Tuesday a $250 million military aid package for war-torn Ukraine to strengthen the former Soviet republic's naval and land capabilities. The amount is part of a series of Pentagon payments now totalling $1.5 billion to the country since 2014 when Russia annexed the Crimean peninsula and a conflict erupted in eastern Ukraine. "The United States remains committed to helping Ukraine ... to strengthen democratic civilian control of the military, promote command and control reforms, enhance transparency and accountability in acquisition and budgeting, and advance defence industry reforms," a Pentagon spokesman said. "These reforms will bolster Ukraine's ability to defend its territorial integrity in support of a secure, prosperous, democratic, and free Ukraine." Almost 13,000 people have been killed since the Moscow-backed insurgency broke out in April 2014 following Russia's annexation of Crimea. Ukraine and its Western allies accuse Russia of funnelling troops and arms to the pro-Moscow rebels across the border. Moscow denies the allegations.

United States announces $250 million in military aid to Ukraine

Ukraine's parliament voted to reject Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman's resignation on Thursday, with the largest faction arguing his resignation would lead to "chaos" before a snap election due in July.

Groysman had resigned after the inauguration of President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, saying Zelenskiy had turned down his overtures for cooperation.

Zelenskiy has called a snap election for July 21, which his party is expected to win.

Ukraine's parliament voted to reject Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman's resignation on Thursday, with the largest faction arguing his resignation would lead to "chaos" before a snap election due in July.

Ukraine's parliament voted to reject Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman's resignation on Thursday, with the largest faction arguing his resignation would lead to "chaos" before a snap election due in July. Groysman had resigned after the inauguration of President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, saying Zelenskiy had turned down his overtures for cooperation. Zelenskiy has called a snap election for July 21, which his party is expected to win.

Ukrainian parliament rejects prime minister's resignation

This segment of WION brings to you top stories of the morning from across the globe. Watch this video to get updated with the latest information.

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning, May 28th 2019

Volodymyr Zelenskiy was sworn in as President of Ukraine on Monday (May 20) in the country's parliament. The ceremony included Zelenskiy taking an oath and receiving President of Ukraine's regalia including a sign, a seal and a club.

TV comedian Zelenskiy sworn in as President of Ukraine

Ukraine's new President Volodymyr Zelensky called snap parliamentary polls in his inaugural speech Monday and said his top <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraines-new-president-zelensky-says-ceasefire-first-priority-220138">priority is ending the conflict with Russia-backed separatists</a> in the country's east.

The 41-year-old comedian was sworn in as Ukraine's youngest post-Soviet president a month after scoring a landslide victory over Petro Poroshenko with a campaign capitalising on widespread public discontent with the political establishment.

Zelensky -- whose only previous political experience is appearing as president in a popular TV show -- announced he would dissolve parliament in order to call early elections, originally scheduled for October.

"People must come to power who will serve the public," Zelensky said, after wrangling with hostile lawmakers whom he calls "petty crooks".

Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman resigned in protest shortly afterwards, saying Zelensky had rejected his proposals and "chose another path."

The legal status of Zelensky's move to dissolve parliament is uncertain but it is still likely to go ahead, political analysts said.

"There are no mechanisms or instruments to stop this decision," said analyst Mykola Davydchuk.

'Ready for dialogue'

Zelensky said in his speech in Kiev that "our first task is a ceasefire in the Donbass," referring to the eastern separatist-controlled region, prompting a round of applause.

"We didn't start this war but it is up to us to end it," he said.

"We are ready for dialogue," he added, urging the handover of Ukrainian prisoners.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov responded that an exchange should include all prisoners from both sides, RIA Novosti news agency reported.

Zelensky said that Ukraine's "next challenge is the return of the lost territories," referring to Moscow-annexed Crimea and the separatists' self-proclaimed republics.

Switching to Russian in an emotive speech, he stressed that Ukraine must regain the trust of Russian-speaking people living there, who "are not strangers, they are ours, Ukrainians."

Zelensky also called for the sacking of the head of the state security service, prosecutor-general and defence minister loyal to his predecessor, although this has to be approved by parliament.

Defence Minister Stepan Poltorak and the head of the SBU security service Vasyl Grytsak tendered their resignations on Monday. Foreign minister Pavlo Klimkin stepped aside last week.

High fives and selfies

Zelensky took a non-traditional route to his inauguration -- walking from his nearby home, after saying he wanted a less pompous ceremony.&nbsp;

Dressed in a dark suit, he exchanged high fives with supporters waiting outside, took selfies with them and even jumped up to plant a kiss on a supporter's forehead.

In his speech, Zelensky referred to his background as a comedian. "In my life, I've tried to do all I could to make Ukrainians smile," he said.&nbsp;

"In the next five years I'll do all I can so that Ukrainians don't cry."

Uniquely for a first-time president, Zelensky has played the role before -- for laughs. He starred as a history teacher who was unexpectedly elected president in a television comedy series, "Servant of the People".

His newly-formed party is named "Servant of the People".

When the actor and comedian announced his candidacy in December, few took it seriously, but after a campaign largely waged through social media, he won more than 73 percent in the second round on April 21 against Poroshenko.

Poroshenko led Ukraine for five years, grappling with the fallout from Russia's 2014 Crimea annexation and the deadly conflict in the east.

Although he launched some reforms, he was criticised for failing to improve living standards or effectively fight corruption.

Zelensky has vowed to continue the country's pro-Western course but critics question how he will deal with the enormous challenges of the separatist conflict and ongoing economic problems.

The separatist authorities have indicated that they could be ready to negotiate with Zelensky.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Monday said President Vladimir Putin has no plans to meet Zelensky and would not be congratulating him on his inauguration.

The Russian president will only "congratulate him on the first successes" in resolving the separatist conflict, he said, calling it a "domestic problem" for Ukraine.

Kiev and its allies accuse Moscow of militarily supporting the separatists, which it denies.&nbsp;

Earlier this month, Putin ordered an easing of procedures for Ukrainians living in the separatist regions to gain Russian passports, a move that caused uproar in Kiev.&nbsp;

Ukraine's new President Volodymyr Zelensky called snap parliamentary polls in his inaugural speech Monday and said his top priority is ending the conflict with Russia-backed separatists in the country's east.

Ukraine's new President Volodymyr Zelensky called snap parliamentary polls in his inaugural speech Monday and said his top priority is ending the conflict with Russia-backed separatists in the country's east. The 41-year-old comedian was sworn in as Ukraine's youngest post-Soviet president a month after scoring a landslide victory over Petro Poroshenko with a campaign capitalising on widespread public discontent with the political establishment. Zelensky -- whose only previous political experience is appearing as president in a popular TV show -- announced he would dissolve parliament in order to call early elections, originally scheduled for October. "People must come to power who will serve the public," Zelensky said, after wrangling with hostile lawmakers whom he calls "petty crooks". Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman resigned in protest shortly afterwards, saying Zelensky had rejected his proposals and "chose another path." The legal status of Zelensky's move to dissolve parliament is uncertain but it is still likely to go ahead, political analysts said. "There are no mechanisms or instruments to stop this decision," said analyst Mykola Davydchuk. 'Ready for dialogue' Zelensky said in his speech in Kiev that "our first task is a ceasefire in the Donbass," referring to the eastern separatist-controlled region, prompting a round of applause. "We didn't start this war but it is up to us to end it," he said. "We are ready for dialogue," he added, urging the handover of Ukrainian prisoners. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov responded that an exchange should include all prisoners from both sides, RIA Novosti news agency reported. Zelensky said that Ukraine's "next challenge is the return of the lost territories," referring to Moscow-annexed Crimea and the separatists' self-proclaimed republics. Switching to Russian in an emotive speech, he stressed that Ukraine must regain the trust of Russian-speaking people living there, who "are not strangers, they are ours, Ukrainians." Zelensky also called for the sacking of the head of the state security service, prosecutor-general and defence minister loyal to his predecessor, although this has to be approved by parliament. Defence Minister Stepan Poltorak and the head of the SBU security service Vasyl Grytsak tendered their resignations on Monday. Foreign minister Pavlo Klimkin stepped aside last week. High fives and selfies Zelensky took a non-traditional route to his inauguration -- walking from his nearby home, after saying he wanted a less pompous ceremony. Dressed in a dark suit, he exchanged high fives with supporters waiting outside, took selfies with them and even jumped up to plant a kiss on a supporter's forehead. In his speech, Zelensky referred to his background as a comedian. "In my life, I've tried to do all I could to make Ukrainians smile," he said. "In the next five years I'll do all I can so that Ukrainians don't cry." Uniquely for a first-time president, Zelensky has played the role before -- for laughs. He starred as a history teacher who was unexpectedly elected president in a television comedy series, "Servant of the People". His newly-formed party is named "Servant of the People". When the actor and comedian announced his candidacy in December, few took it seriously, but after a campaign largely waged through social media, he won more than 73 percent in the second round on April 21 against Poroshenko. Poroshenko led Ukraine for five years, grappling with the fallout from Russia's 2014 Crimea annexation and the deadly conflict in the east. Although he launched some reforms, he was criticised for failing to improve living standards or effectively fight corruption. Zelensky has vowed to continue the country's pro-Western course but critics question how he will deal with the enormous challenges of the separatist conflict and ongoing economic problems. The separatist authorities have indicated that they could be ready to negotiate with Zelensky. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Monday said President Vladimir Putin has no plans to meet Zelensky and would not be congratulating him on his inauguration. The Russian president will only "congratulate him on the first successes" in resolving the separatist conflict, he said, calling it a "domestic problem" for Ukraine. Kiev and its allies accuse Moscow of militarily supporting the separatists, which it denies. Earlier this month, Putin ordered an easing of procedures for Ukrainians living in the separatist regions to gain Russian passports, a move that caused uproar in Kiev.

Ukraine's new president Zelensky calls snap elections

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/comedian-volodymyr-zelensky-takes-office-as-ukraines-president-220079">Ukraine's new President Volodymyr Zelensky</a> on Monday used his inaugural speech to announce his first priority was ending the five-year conflict with Moscow-backed separatists in the east of the country that has claimed over 13,000 lives.

A month after scoring a landslide victory against incumbent Petro Poroshenko amid widespread public discontent with the political establishment, the 41-year-old comedian has become Ukraine's youngest post-Soviet president.&nbsp;

"Our first task is a ceasefire in the Donbass," Zelensky said during the ceremony in parliament in Kiev, referring to the eastern region, prompting a round of applause.

"We didn't start this war but it is up to us to end it," he said.

He reiterated Ukraine does not recognise Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea nor the separatists' self-proclaimed republics in the industrial east.

"Crimea and Donbass are Ukrainian lands," Zelensky said, adding that Ukraine had lost not just territory but the hearts and minds of people living there, who "are not strangers, they are ours, Ukrainians."

He also announced that he would dissolve parliament, in order to call early parliamentary elections, which had originally been scheduled for October.

"People must come to power who will serve the public," Zelensky said after wrangling with hostile lawmakers whom he has called "petty crooks".

Critics had questioned whether Zelensky would be able to govern without a parliamentary majority. Even setting a date for his inauguration took weeks of negotiations with lawmakers.&nbsp;

In a hard-hitting speech, Zelensky called for the sacking of the head of the state security service, prosecutor-general and defence minister -- which has to be approved by parliament.

Defence Minister Stepan Poltorak and the head of the SBU security service Vasyl Grytsak swiftly tendered their resignations.

High fives outside parliament&nbsp;

Zelensky took a non-traditional route to his inauguration -- walking on foot from his home nearby, after saying he wanted a less pompous ceremony.&nbsp;

Dressed in a dark suit, he exchanged high fives with supporters waiting outside, took selfies with them and even jumped up planting a kiss on a supporter's forehead.

In his speech, Zelensky referred to his background as a comedian. "In my life, I've tried to do all I could to make Ukrainians smile," he said.&nbsp;

"In the next five years, I'll do all I can so that Ukrainians don't cry."The parliament's speaker Andriy Parubiy closed the inauguration ceremony with words: "Thanks to everyone, this has been fun."

Uniquely for a first-time president, Zelensky has played the role before -- for laughs. He starred as a history teacher who was unexpectedly elected president in a television comedy series, "Servant of the People".

When the actor and comedian announced his candidacy on December 31, few took it seriously, but after an unprecedented campaign largely waged through social media, he won more than 73 per cent in the second round on April 21, trouncing Poroshenko.

Poroshenko led Ukraine for five years, overseeing the fallout over the Crimea annexation and the conflict in the east.

Though he launched some reforms, he was criticised for failing to improve living standards or effectively fight corruption.

Challenges Ahead&nbsp;

Zelensky has vowed to continue the country's pro-Western course but his critics question how he will deal with the enormous challenges of the separatist conflict and ongoing economic problems.

The separatist authorities have indicated that they could be ready to negotiate with Zelensky.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Monday said Russian President Vladimir Putin has no plans to meet with Zelensky and would not be congratulating him on taking up the post.

The Russian president will instead "congratulate him on the first successes" in regulating the conflict, he said, calling it a "domestic problem" for Ukraine.

Moscow has been accused of militarily supporting the separatists, and Putin this month ordered an easing of procedures for Ukrainians living in the eastern separatist regions to gain Russian citizenship, a challenge to the new Ukrainian leader.&nbsp;

Ukraine's allies have given Zelensky a warm welcome, but the new president will immediately have to deal with a number of sensitive international issues.

In a sign of possible tensions between Kiev and Washington, Ukraine's key ally against Moscow, US President Donald Trump's personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani this month cancelled a visit to Kiev, saying Zelensky is "surrounded by people who are enemies of the (US) president."

The political situation prompted one pro-Western lawmaker, Serguiy Vysotsky, to warn Zelensky that the inauguration "isn't the end of your adventures -- it's just the beginning".

Ukraine's new President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday used his inaugural speech to announce his first priority was ending the five-year conflict with Moscow-backed separatists in the east of the country that has claimed over 13,000 lives.

Ukraine's new President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday used his inaugural speech to announce his first priority was ending the five-year conflict with Moscow-backed separatists in the east of the country that has claimed over 13,000 lives. A month after scoring a landslide victory against incumbent Petro Poroshenko amid widespread public discontent with the political establishment, the 41-year-old comedian has become Ukraine's youngest post-Soviet president. "Our first task is a ceasefire in the Donbass," Zelensky said during the ceremony in parliament in Kiev, referring to the eastern region, prompting a round of applause. "We didn't start this war but it is up to us to end it," he said. He reiterated Ukraine does not recognise Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea nor the separatists' self-proclaimed republics in the industrial east. "Crimea and Donbass are Ukrainian lands," Zelensky said, adding that Ukraine had lost not just territory but the hearts and minds of people living there, who "are not strangers, they are ours, Ukrainians." He also announced that he would dissolve parliament, in order to call early parliamentary elections, which had originally been scheduled for October. "People must come to power who will serve the public," Zelensky said after wrangling with hostile lawmakers whom he has called "petty crooks". Critics had questioned whether Zelensky would be able to govern without a parliamentary majority. Even setting a date for his inauguration took weeks of negotiations with lawmakers. In a hard-hitting speech, Zelensky called for the sacking of the head of the state security service, prosecutor-general and defence minister -- which has to be approved by parliament. Defence Minister Stepan Poltorak and the head of the SBU security service Vasyl Grytsak swiftly tendered their resignations. High fives outside parliament Zelensky took a non-traditional route to his inauguration -- walking on foot from his home nearby, after saying he wanted a less pompous ceremony. Dressed in a dark suit, he exchanged high fives with supporters waiting outside, took selfies with them and even jumped up planting a kiss on a supporter's forehead. In his speech, Zelensky referred to his background as a comedian. "In my life, I've tried to do all I could to make Ukrainians smile," he said. "In the next five years, I'll do all I can so that Ukrainians don't cry."The parliament's speaker Andriy Parubiy closed the inauguration ceremony with words: "Thanks to everyone, this has been fun." Uniquely for a first-time president, Zelensky has played the role before -- for laughs. He starred as a history teacher who was unexpectedly elected president in a television comedy series, "Servant of the People". When the actor and comedian announced his candidacy on December 31, few took it seriously, but after an unprecedented campaign largely waged through social media, he won more than 73 per cent in the second round on April 21, trouncing Poroshenko. Poroshenko led Ukraine for five years, overseeing the fallout over the Crimea annexation and the conflict in the east. Though he launched some reforms, he was criticised for failing to improve living standards or effectively fight corruption. Challenges Ahead Zelensky has vowed to continue the country's pro-Western course but his critics question how he will deal with the enormous challenges of the separatist conflict and ongoing economic problems. The separatist authorities have indicated that they could be ready to negotiate with Zelensky. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Monday said Russian President Vladimir Putin has no plans to meet with Zelensky and would not be congratulating him on taking up the post. The Russian president will instead "congratulate him on the first successes" in regulating the conflict, he said, calling it a "domestic problem" for Ukraine. Moscow has been accused of militarily supporting the separatists, and Putin this month ordered an easing of procedures for Ukrainians living in the eastern separatist regions to gain Russian citizenship, a challenge to the new Ukrainian leader. Ukraine's allies have given Zelensky a warm welcome, but the new president will immediately have to deal with a number of sensitive international issues. In a sign of possible tensions between Kiev and Washington, Ukraine's key ally against Moscow, US President Donald Trump's personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani this month cancelled a visit to Kiev, saying Zelensky is "surrounded by people who are enemies of the (US) president." The political situation prompted one pro-Western lawmaker, Serguiy Vysotsky, to warn Zelensky that the inauguration "isn't the end of your adventures -- it's just the beginning".

Ukraine's new president Zelensky says ceasefire first priority

Volodymyr Zelensky took office as Ukraine's president on Monday after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-election-poroshenko-concedes-defeat-congratulates-zelensky-212435">winning a landslide election victory</a>.

"I pledge to protect the sovereignty and independence of Ukraine," the newly inaugurated president said during the ceremony in parliament in Kiev.

Zelensky also said that his first task is to end the conflict with Moscow-backed separatists in the country's east.

"Our first task is a ceasefire in the Donbass," the newly inaugurated president said during a ceremony in parliament in Kiev, referring to the eastern region.

Zelensky announced the dissolution of parliament in his inaugural speech in order to hold early elections.

"I dissolve the Verkhovna Rada of the eighth convocation," the newly sworn-in president said during the ceremony in parliament in Kiev.&nbsp;

The next parliamentary polls had been scheduled for October.&nbsp;

Comedian Volodymyr Zelensky won a landslide victory in Ukraine's presidential election on Sunday. He told his supporters he would not let them down and encouraged other-post Soviet countries to bring new leaders to power.

The 41-year-old has been elected president of Ukraine twice -- first as a character in the popular TV show "Servant of the People", now for real.

Volodymyr Zelensky took office as Ukraine's president on Monday after winning a landslide election victory. "I pledge to protect the sovereignty and independence of Ukraine," the newly inaugurated president said during the ceremony in parliament in Kiev.

Volodymyr Zelensky took office as Ukraine's president on Monday after winning a landslide election victory. "I pledge to protect the sovereignty and independence of Ukraine," the newly inaugurated president said during the ceremony in parliament in Kiev. Zelensky also said that his first task is to end the conflict with Moscow-backed separatists in the country's east. "Our first task is a ceasefire in the Donbass," the newly inaugurated president said during a ceremony in parliament in Kiev, referring to the eastern region. Zelensky announced the dissolution of parliament in his inaugural speech in order to hold early elections. "I dissolve the Verkhovna Rada of the eighth convocation," the newly sworn-in president said during the ceremony in parliament in Kiev. The next parliamentary polls had been scheduled for October. Comedian Volodymyr Zelensky won a landslide victory in Ukraine's presidential election on Sunday. He told his supporters he would not let them down and encouraged other-post Soviet countries to bring new leaders to power. The 41-year-old has been elected president of Ukraine twice -- first as a character in the popular TV show "Servant of the People", now for real.

Comedian Volodymyr Zelensky takes office as Ukraine's president

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