The recent tensions between Russia and Ukraine near the Crimean peninsula has hit a number of industries there. One major victim of rising disturbances across the Black Sea is the tourism industry.

George is one of very few English speaking people in Crimea. He is a guide and had learnt English for this profession, but now his language skill is getting wasted.

While rising tensions between Ukraine and Russia have kept foreign tourists away, the winter season is also leading to less domestic tourists now venturing out for leisure or travel.

"Politics is bad in every country. It is bad in India, it is bad in Crimea also," said George.

Crimea has been witnessing a steady fall in number of tourists visiting the peninsula since its annexation by Russia in 2014. Moscow claims 5.5 million tourists visited Crimea in 2016 as compared to 6.1 million in 2012 when Ukraine controlled the peninsula, though the numbers are contested by the Ukrainian government. The latest stand-off has further led to decline in the number of foreign tourists, however, Russia maintains that the number is rising.

Apart from Black Sea beaches and mountains, Crimea is famous for its palaces including this Livadia Palace in Yalta. This summer palace was designed in the Italian style and ended up being the last residence built for the Russian imperial family, the Romanovs. In 1861, Tsar Alexander II bought land in Livadia and had the grand palace built there as a gift to his wife. It was the site of many significant events, such as the Yalta Conference, where leaders of the allied forces met in 1945.

The Vorontsov Palace in Alupka is also very popular among tourists. It is a historic palace situated at the foot of the Crimean mountains near the town of Alupka. The Vorontsov Palace is one of the oldest and largest palaces in Crimea and is one of the most popular tourist attractions on Crimea's southern coast. Also, Hitler wanted this palace for himself during the Second World War so the German army didn't touch the palace during their assault.

But visiting these places is not easy, especially for foreign tourists as foreign-registered SIM cards don't work in Crimea. The economy works only on cash as foreign cards are not accepted by machines. There is also the ban imposed by Kiev on foreigners entering Crimea through its border with Ukraine and the sanction imposed by the European Union which bans importing goods from Crimea and prohibits EU members to invest there or provide tourism services.

Till the time the tensions between Ukraine and Russia die down and these the logistic problems for foreign tourists are solved, getting back the days of the sun shining bright on tourism industry in Crimea will remain a dream.

The recent tensions between Russia and Ukraine near the Crimean peninsula has hit a number of industries there. One major victim of rising disturbances across the Black Sea is the tourism industry.

The recent tensions between Russia and Ukraine near the Crimean peninsula has hit a number of industries there. One major victim of rising disturbances across the Black Sea is the tourism industry. George is one of very few English speaking people in Crimea. He is a guide and had learnt English for this profession, but now his language skill is getting wasted. While rising tensions between Ukraine and Russia have kept foreign tourists away, the winter season is also leading to less domestic tourists now venturing out for leisure or travel. "Politics is bad in every country. It is bad in India, it is bad in Crimea also," said George. Crimea has been witnessing a steady fall in number of tourists visiting the peninsula since its annexation by Russia in 2014. Moscow claims 5.5 million tourists visited Crimea in 2016 as compared to 6.1 million in 2012 when Ukraine controlled the peninsula, though the numbers are contested by the Ukrainian government. The latest stand-off has further led to decline in the number of foreign tourists, however, Russia maintains that the number is rising. Apart from Black Sea beaches and mountains, Crimea is famous for its palaces including this Livadia Palace in Yalta. This summer palace was designed in the Italian style and ended up being the last residence built for the Russian imperial family, the Romanovs. In 1861, Tsar Alexander II bought land in Livadia and had the grand palace built there as a gift to his wife. It was the site of many significant events, such as the Yalta Conference, where leaders of the allied forces met in 1945. The Vorontsov Palace in Alupka is also very popular among tourists. It is a historic palace situated at the foot of the Crimean mountains near the town of Alupka. The Vorontsov Palace is one of the oldest and largest palaces in Crimea and is one of the most popular tourist attractions on Crimea's southern coast. Also, Hitler wanted this palace for himself during the Second World War so the German army didn't touch the palace during their assault. But visiting these places is not easy, especially for foreign tourists as foreign-registered SIM cards don't work in Crimea. The economy works only on cash as foreign cards are not accepted by machines. There is also the ban imposed by Kiev on foreigners entering Crimea through its border with Ukraine and the sanction imposed by the European Union which bans importing goods from Crimea and prohibits EU members to invest there or provide tourism services. Till the time the tensions between Ukraine and Russia die down and these the logistic problems for foreign tourists are solved, getting back the days of the sun shining bright on tourism industry in Crimea will remain a dream.

Rising tension between Russia and Ukraine keeps tourists away from Crimea

Amid tensions with Russia, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-russia-conflict-putin-explains-his-side-of-the-story-to-trump-180807">Ukraine today tested a new anti-ship </a>cruise missile even as it conducted military drill on Russia's border.

Ukraine test launched the S-125 air defence system and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-bans-entry-to-russian-men-border-service-chief-180423">Neptune subsonic cruise missile</a>. The test launch comes as Russia last week deployed the S-400 missile defence system in Crimea.

"Today, we tested the ability of the cruise missile to hit surface targets at long distances. It is important that the missile could destroy the target accurately at a distance of 280 km. This is a very good result," chief of national security and defence council of Ukraine, Oleksandr Turchynov said.

Ukranian forces undertook military exercise on the northern part of its capital Kiev bordering Russia as relations between the two countries continued to go&nbsp;downhill.

Ukraine had imposed martial law on November 26th after its ships were earlier seized by Russian Navy in the Sea of Azov in a clash which was criticsed by Western powers.

"Test launches of Ukrainian missiles proved its ability to secure our country's borders along the Black Sea and the Azov Sea," Turchynov added.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko met with families of the sailors caputured by Russia and vowed to bring them back. "For me there's nothing more important than getting them out," Poroshenko told the relatives.

At least 24 saloirs have been arrested by Russia, and it has refused to free them despite international pressure. Russian President Vladimir Putin has dismissed any move to send back the sailors to Ukraine.

On Tuesday the European Court of Human Rights, acting on a request from Kiev, called on Moscow to provide "appropriate medical treatment" to the soldiers who were wounded during the clash at sea.

The standoff led Ukraine to call for NATO's help as it requested the European military organization to come up with a "comprehensive answer" to Russian aggression in the Black Sea.

However, Ukraine also said Russia had allowed the partial opening of Sea of Azov allowing Ukrainian ships to dock in its ports.

Amid tensions with Russia, Ukraine today tested a new anti-ship cruise missile even as it conducted military drill on Russia's border. Ukraine test launched the S-125 air defence system and Neptune subsonic cruise missile.

Amid tensions with Russia, Ukraine today tested a new anti-ship cruise missile even as it conducted military drill on Russia's border. Ukraine test launched the S-125 air defence system and Neptune subsonic cruise missile. The test launch comes as Russia last week deployed the S-400 missile defence system in Crimea. "Today, we tested the ability of the cruise missile to hit surface targets at long distances. It is important that the missile could destroy the target accurately at a distance of 280 km. This is a very good result," chief of national security and defence council of Ukraine, Oleksandr Turchynov said. Ukranian forces undertook military exercise on the northern part of its capital Kiev bordering Russia as relations between the two countries continued to go downhill. Ukraine had imposed martial law on November 26th after its ships were earlier seized by Russian Navy in the Sea of Azov in a clash which was criticsed by Western powers. "Test launches of Ukrainian missiles proved its ability to secure our country's borders along the Black Sea and the Azov Sea," Turchynov added. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko met with families of the sailors caputured by Russia and vowed to bring them back. "For me there's nothing more important than getting them out," Poroshenko told the relatives. At least 24 saloirs have been arrested by Russia, and it has refused to free them despite international pressure. Russian President Vladimir Putin has dismissed any move to send back the sailors to Ukraine. On Tuesday the European Court of Human Rights, acting on a request from Kiev, called on Moscow to provide "appropriate medical treatment" to the soldiers who were wounded during the clash at sea. The standoff led Ukraine to call for NATO's help as it requested the European military organization to come up with a "comprehensive answer" to Russian aggression in the Black Sea. However, Ukraine also said Russia had allowed the partial opening of Sea of Azov allowing Ukrainian ships to dock in its ports.

Ukraine tests new anti-ship cruise missile and S-125 air defence system

Ukraine's armed forces conducted military <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/war-will-continue-so-long-as-ukraine-government-stays-putin-180802">drills even as Kiev said Russia</a> has partially opened the Sea of Azov for Ukranian ships to enter the ports.

"The Berdyansk and Mariupol ports have been partially unblocked," Ukraine's infrastructure minister Volodymyr Omelyan said.

Ukraine and Russia have been at loggerheads after the Russian Navy last week seized three Ukranian ships and took at least 24 sailors into custody. Russia has refused to free the sailors and hasn't released the ships amid sustained Western pressure.

"We can see how instead of thirty soldiers, who were invited to arrive at a military commission in order to participate in exercises, 165 soldiers came - with backpacks and ready to defend Ukraine at any time," Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko said.&nbsp;

Ukranian forces conducted drills in the north of the capital bordering Russia as tensions between the two countries continued unabated. Ukraine had imposed martial law on November 26th after the skirmish with Russian forces in the Sea of Azov.

Canadian armed forces joined Ukraine's land forces during the drill. Canadian commander Jean-Marc Lanthier said Canada stands shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine.

However, in the past two days, tensions have eased as Russia began to open the sea route.

"Ships are coming and going through the Kerch Strait towards Ukrainian ports... movement has been partially restored," a Ukranian ministry statement said.

Meanwhile, EU nations including Poland called for tougher sanctions on Russia amid the standoff.

Polish foreign minister Jacek Czaputowicz said: If they are ready to use more than ten military ships and the whole military mechanism against two Ukrainian motor boats and one tug, can you imagine what they are able to use in the Baltic Sea in order to protect Nord Stream 2?"

Last week, Ukrainian state border guards allowed only Ukrainian citizens to cross the border into Crimea. Ukraine had earlier barred entry of Russian men aged between 16-60 years from entering its territory.

President Petro Poroshenko had said banning Russian men was important for stopping a full-scale invasion.&nbsp;

Ukraine's armed forces conducted military drills even as Kiev said Russia has partially opened the Sea of Azov for Ukranian ships to enter the ports. "The Berdyansk and Mariupol ports have been partially unblocked," Ukraine's infrastructure minister Volodymyr Omelyan said.

Ukraine's armed forces conducted military drills even as Kiev said Russia has partially opened the Sea of Azov for Ukranian ships to enter the ports. "The Berdyansk and Mariupol ports have been partially unblocked," Ukraine's infrastructure minister Volodymyr Omelyan said. Ukraine and Russia have been at loggerheads after the Russian Navy last week seized three Ukranian ships and took at least 24 sailors into custody. Russia has refused to free the sailors and hasn't released the ships amid sustained Western pressure. "We can see how instead of thirty soldiers, who were invited to arrive at a military commission in order to participate in exercises, 165 soldiers came - with backpacks and ready to defend Ukraine at any time," Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko said. Ukranian forces conducted drills in the north of the capital bordering Russia as tensions between the two countries continued unabated. Ukraine had imposed martial law on November 26th after the skirmish with Russian forces in the Sea of Azov. Canadian armed forces joined Ukraine's land forces during the drill. Canadian commander Jean-Marc Lanthier said Canada stands shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine. However, in the past two days, tensions have eased as Russia began to open the sea route. "Ships are coming and going through the Kerch Strait towards Ukrainian ports... movement has been partially restored," a Ukranian ministry statement said. Meanwhile, EU nations including Poland called for tougher sanctions on Russia amid the standoff. Polish foreign minister Jacek Czaputowicz said: If they are ready to use more than ten military ships and the whole military mechanism against two Ukrainian motor boats and one tug, can you imagine what they are able to use in the Baltic Sea in order to protect Nord Stream 2?" Last week, Ukrainian state border guards allowed only Ukrainian citizens to cross the border into Crimea. Ukraine had earlier barred entry of Russian men aged between 16-60 years from entering its territory. President Petro Poroshenko had said banning Russian men was important for stopping a full-scale invasion.

Watch: Ukraine conducts military drill as Russia partially reopens Azov Sea ports

Russia-Ukraine crisis: War will continue as long as Ukraine govt stays; says Vladimir Putin

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Saturday he saw no end to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/russia-confirms-seizing-three-ukrainian-naval-ships-off-crimea-179412">the conflict in eastern Ukraine</a> "as long as the current authorities remain in power."

"The current Ukrainian authorities have no interest in resolving the conflict, especially by peaceful means," Putin told reporters at the end of the G20 summit in Argentina.

"As long as they remain in power, the war will continue," the Russian leader said.

The conflict pitting Russian separatists against Ukrainian government forces is estimated to have claimed more than 10,000 lives -- one-third of them civilian -- since it broke out four years ago.

The war has strained relations with Western powers. They blame Putin for starting the conflict in 2014, when his forces annexed Crimea, laying the ground for Russian separatists to seize cities in eastern Ukraine.

Heavy military spending and the loss of vital industries in the separatist regions have weighed heavily on Ukraine's economy.

And Kiev has received only around half of a $17.5 billion rescue loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) because of the slow pace of reforms that include anti-corruption measures.

But Putin dismissed Ukraine's economic problems on Saturday, saying, "It's always easier to blame economic failures on war."

"It's always the 'outside aggressor' who is guilty," he said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Saturday he saw no end to the conflict in eastern Ukraine "as long as the current authorities remain in power." "The current Ukrainian authorities have no interest in resolving the conflict, especially by peaceful means," Putin told reporters at the end of the G20 summit in Argentina.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Saturday he saw no end to the conflict in eastern Ukraine "as long as the current authorities remain in power." "The current Ukrainian authorities have no interest in resolving the conflict, especially by peaceful means," Putin told reporters at the end of the G20 summit in Argentina. "As long as they remain in power, the war will continue," the Russian leader said. The conflict pitting Russian separatists against Ukrainian government forces is estimated to have claimed more than 10,000 lives -- one-third of them civilian -- since it broke out four years ago. The war has strained relations with Western powers. They blame Putin for starting the conflict in 2014, when his forces annexed Crimea, laying the ground for Russian separatists to seize cities in eastern Ukraine. Heavy military spending and the loss of vital industries in the separatist regions have weighed heavily on Ukraine's economy. And Kiev has received only around half of a $17.5 billion rescue loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) because of the slow pace of reforms that include anti-corruption measures. But Putin dismissed Ukraine's economic problems on Saturday, saying, "It's always easier to blame economic failures on war." "It's always the 'outside aggressor' who is guilty," he said.

War will continue so long as Ukraine government stays: Putin

Russian dancer denied entry in Ukraine

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko asked NATO members including Germany Thursday to send naval vessels to the Sea of Azov to back his country in the standoff with Russia.

"Germany is one of our closest allies, and we hope that states within NATO are now ready to relocate naval ships to the Sea of Azov in order to assist Ukraine and provide security," he told Germany's Bild daily.

President Vladimir Putin insisted Wednesday that Russian forces were right to seize three Ukrainian ships last weekend.

But Poroshenko charged that Putin "<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-warns-of-threat-of-full-scale-war-with-russia-179864">wants nothing less than to occupy the sea</a>. The only language he understands is the unity of the Western world.

"We cannot accept this aggressive policy of Russia. First it was Crimea, then eastern Ukraine, now he wants the Sea of Azov.&nbsp;

"Germany, too, has to ask itself: What will Putin do next if we do not stop him?" he added on the day Ukraine's Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman was to visit Berlin.

Russia fired on and then seized three Ukrainian ships on Sunday, accusing them of illegally entering its waters in the Sea of Azov, in a dramatic spike in tensions that raises fears of a wider escalation.

Kiev accused Russia, which annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014, of launching "a new phase of aggression".

NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg on Monday demanded Russia free the Ukrainian ships and sailors, warning Moscow that "its actions have consequences".

Poroshenko also told the German newspaper that German "Chancellor (Angela) Merkel is a great friend of Ukraine.&nbsp;

"In 2015, she already saved our country through her negotiations in Minsk, and we hope she will once again support us so strongly, together with our other allies.

"Putin wants to bring back the old Russian Empire. Crimea, Donbas, he wants the whole country," he added.&nbsp;

"As a Russian emperor, as he sees himself, his empire cannot function without Ukraine, he sees us as a colony."

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko asked NATO members including Germany Thursday to send naval vessels to the Sea of Azov to back his country in the standoff with Russia.

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko asked NATO members including Germany Thursday to send naval vessels to the Sea of Azov to back his country in the standoff with Russia. "Germany is one of our closest allies, and we hope that states within NATO are now ready to relocate naval ships to the Sea of Azov in order to assist Ukraine and provide security," he told Germany's Bild daily. President Vladimir Putin insisted Wednesday that Russian forces were right to seize three Ukrainian ships last weekend. But Poroshenko charged that Putin "wants nothing less than to occupy the sea. The only language he understands is the unity of the Western world. "We cannot accept this aggressive policy of Russia. First it was Crimea, then eastern Ukraine, now he wants the Sea of Azov. "Germany, too, has to ask itself: What will Putin do next if we do not stop him?" he added on the day Ukraine's Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman was to visit Berlin. Russia fired on and then seized three Ukrainian ships on Sunday, accusing them of illegally entering its waters in the Sea of Azov, in a dramatic spike in tensions that raises fears of a wider escalation. Kiev accused Russia, which annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014, of launching "a new phase of aggression". NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg on Monday demanded Russia free the Ukrainian ships and sailors, warning Moscow that "its actions have consequences". Poroshenko also told the German newspaper that German "Chancellor (Angela) Merkel is a great friend of Ukraine. "In 2015, she already saved our country through her negotiations in Minsk, and we hope she will once again support us so strongly, together with our other allies. "Putin wants to bring back the old Russian Empire. Crimea, Donbas, he wants the whole country," he added. "As a Russian emperor, as he sees himself, his empire cannot function without Ukraine, he sees us as a colony."

Ukraine asks NATO to send ships to back it in conflict with Russia

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-asks-nato-to-send-ships-to-back-it-in-conflict-with-russia-180117">Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko</a> on Thursday accused Russia's Vladimir Putin of wanting to annex his entire country and called for NATO to deploy warships to a sea shared by the two nations.

Poroshenko's comments to German media were part of a concerted push by Kiev aimed at gaining Western support for more sanctions against Moscow, securing tangible Western military help, and rallying opposition to a Russian gas pipeline that threatens to deprive Ukraine of important transit revenue.

His Western allies have so far not offered to give him any of these things soon, despite his warnings of a possible invasion by Russia after Moscow seized three Ukrainian naval ships and their crews on Sunday.

Moscow and Kiev blame each other for the Black Sea incident, which took place off Russian-annexed Crimea.

"Don't believe Putin's lies," Poroshenko told Bild, Germany's biggest-selling paper, comparing Russia's protestations of innocence in the affair to Moscow's 2014 denial that it had soldiers in Crimea even as they moved to annex it.

"Putin wants the old Russian empire back," he said. "Crimea, Donbass, the whole country. As Russian Tsar, as he sees himself, his empire cannot function without Ukraine. He sees us as his colony."

Volodymyr Omelyan, Ukraine's infrastructure minister, on Thursday accused Russia of imposing a de facto blockade on two Ukrainian ports on the Sea of Azov by barring ships from leaving and entering the sea via the Russian-controlled Kerch Strait.

The Kremlin denied it was restricting shipping, saying it had not heard of any problems. If there were any delays they were due to bad weather rather than politics, it said.

Poroshenko told Bild he also wanted NATO to deploy warships to the Sea of Azov. There was no immediate reaction from the alliance, which has condemned Russia's seizure of the Ukrainian ships. The Kremlin said Poroshenko's request looked designed to cause more tensions in the area.

'FORTRESS CRIMEA'

There were further signs that Russia was pressing ahead with its plans to fortify Crimea and turn it into what Kremlin-backed media have called a fortress.

Russia on Thursday deployed a new battalion of advanced S-400 surface-to-air missile systems in Crimea, its fourth such, TASS news agency cited a spokesman for Russia's Black Sea Fleet as saying.

Citing a Crimean security source, Interfax news agency also reported Russian plans to build a new missile early-warning radar station in Crimea next year that would be able to track ballistic and cruise missiles from a long distance.

Russia was also working on a new technical system to allow it to better track shipping around the peninsula in order to protect its maritime borders, Interfax said.

The United States and the EU have both imposed sanctions on Russia over its conduct towards Ukraine since 2014, when Moscow seized and annexed Crimea after a pro-Russian leader was toppled in Kiev.

Moscow later backed pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine in a conflict in which more than 10,000 people have been killed. Major fighting ended with a 2015 ceasefire but deadly exchanges of fire are still frequent.

Poroshenko, whom Putin has accused of manufacturing the Black Sea crisis to boost his flagging ratings before an election next year, called on Germany to halt an undersea pipeline project that would allow Russia to supply more gas to Germany directly.

The Nord Stream 2 project is a potentially serious problem for Ukraine which currently earns large transit fees from piping Russian gas to Europe and stands to lose out.

"We need a strong, resolute and clear reaction to Russia's aggressive behaviour," Poroshenko told Funke. "That also means stopping the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project."

But Germany's economy minister dismissed the idea that his country's commitment to the pipeline undermined efforts to de-escalate the Ukraine crisis.

"These are two separate questions," Peter Altmaier told the ARD public broadcaster.

Poroshenko's attempts to get the EU to impose new sanctions on Russia appeared to be falling flat.

Heeding his suggestion, the EU's hawks have called for more sanctions but the divided bloc is not going to act swiftly, if at all, diplomatic sources have said.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said she would raise the Black Sea issue with Putin at a G20 summit which starts in Argentina on Friday where the Russian leader is also due to hold talks with U.S. President Donald Trump.

NATO has urged Russia to release the three Ukrainian navy ships and their crews, saying there was no justification for Moscow's actions. But the military alliance, which Ukraine one day hopes to join, has stopped short of offering to deploy new forces in the area to deter Russia.

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko on Thursday accused Russia's Vladimir Putin of wanting to annex his entire country and called for NATO to deploy warships to a sea shared by the two nations.

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko on Thursday accused Russia's Vladimir Putin of wanting to annex his entire country and called for NATO to deploy warships to a sea shared by the two nations. Poroshenko's comments to German media were part of a concerted push by Kiev aimed at gaining Western support for more sanctions against Moscow, securing tangible Western military help, and rallying opposition to a Russian gas pipeline that threatens to deprive Ukraine of important transit revenue. His Western allies have so far not offered to give him any of these things soon, despite his warnings of a possible invasion by Russia after Moscow seized three Ukrainian naval ships and their crews on Sunday. Moscow and Kiev blame each other for the Black Sea incident, which took place off Russian-annexed Crimea. "Don't believe Putin's lies," Poroshenko told Bild, Germany's biggest-selling paper, comparing Russia's protestations of innocence in the affair to Moscow's 2014 denial that it had soldiers in Crimea even as they moved to annex it. "Putin wants the old Russian empire back," he said. "Crimea, Donbass, the whole country. As Russian Tsar, as he sees himself, his empire cannot function without Ukraine. He sees us as his colony." Volodymyr Omelyan, Ukraine's infrastructure minister, on Thursday accused Russia of imposing a de facto blockade on two Ukrainian ports on the Sea of Azov by barring ships from leaving and entering the sea via the Russian-controlled Kerch Strait. The Kremlin denied it was restricting shipping, saying it had not heard of any problems. If there were any delays they were due to bad weather rather than politics, it said. Poroshenko told Bild he also wanted NATO to deploy warships to the Sea of Azov. There was no immediate reaction from the alliance, which has condemned Russia's seizure of the Ukrainian ships. The Kremlin said Poroshenko's request looked designed to cause more tensions in the area. 'FORTRESS CRIMEA' There were further signs that Russia was pressing ahead with its plans to fortify Crimea and turn it into what Kremlin-backed media have called a fortress. Russia on Thursday deployed a new battalion of advanced S-400 surface-to-air missile systems in Crimea, its fourth such, TASS news agency cited a spokesman for Russia's Black Sea Fleet as saying. Citing a Crimean security source, Interfax news agency also reported Russian plans to build a new missile early-warning radar station in Crimea next year that would be able to track ballistic and cruise missiles from a long distance. Russia was also working on a new technical system to allow it to better track shipping around the peninsula in order to protect its maritime borders, Interfax said. The United States and the EU have both imposed sanctions on Russia over its conduct towards Ukraine since 2014, when Moscow seized and annexed Crimea after a pro-Russian leader was toppled in Kiev. Moscow later backed pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine in a conflict in which more than 10,000 people have been killed. Major fighting ended with a 2015 ceasefire but deadly exchanges of fire are still frequent. Poroshenko, whom Putin has accused of manufacturing the Black Sea crisis to boost his flagging ratings before an election next year, called on Germany to halt an undersea pipeline project that would allow Russia to supply more gas to Germany directly. The Nord Stream 2 project is a potentially serious problem for Ukraine which currently earns large transit fees from piping Russian gas to Europe and stands to lose out. "We need a strong, resolute and clear reaction to Russia's aggressive behaviour," Poroshenko told Funke. "That also means stopping the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project." But Germany's economy minister dismissed the idea that his country's commitment to the pipeline undermined efforts to de-escalate the Ukraine crisis. "These are two separate questions," Peter Altmaier told the ARD public broadcaster. Poroshenko's attempts to get the EU to impose new sanctions on Russia appeared to be falling flat. Heeding his suggestion, the EU's hawks have called for more sanctions but the divided bloc is not going to act swiftly, if at all, diplomatic sources have said. German Chancellor Angela Merkel said she would raise the Black Sea issue with Putin at a G20 summit which starts in Argentina on Friday where the Russian leader is also due to hold talks with U.S. President Donald Trump. NATO has urged Russia to release the three Ukrainian navy ships and their crews, saying there was no justification for Moscow's actions. But the military alliance, which Ukraine one day hopes to join, has stopped short of offering to deploy new forces in the area to deter Russia.

Putin wants my whole country, says Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-warns-of-threat-of-full-scale-war-with-russia-179864">Ukraine warns of threat of 'full-scale war' with Russia</a>

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko on Tuesday warned of the threat of "full-scale war" and said Russia had sharply increased its military presence on their shared border as tensions escalate between the ex-Soviet neighbours.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/assembly-elections-2018-polling-begins-in-mizoram-179865">Assembly elections 2018: Polling begins in Madhya Pradesh and Mizoram</a>

Madhya Pradesh and Mizoram go to the polls today. While the northeastern state is one of three in the country currently under Congress rule, the BJP has now been in power in Madhya Pradesh for three terms.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/paks-imran-khan-to-lay-foundation-stone-for-kartarpur-corridor-today-179871">Pak's Imran Khan to lay </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/paks-imran-khan-to-lay-foundation-stone-for-kartarpur-corridor-today-179871">foundation</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/paks-imran-khan-to-lay-foundation-stone-for-kartarpur-corridor-today-179871"> stone for Kartarpur Corridor today</a>

Prime Minister Imran Khan will on Wednesday lay the foundation stone for the much-awaited corridor linking Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan's Kartarpur — the final resting place of Sikh faith's founder Guru Nanak Dev — to Dera Baba Nanak shrine in India's Gurdaspur district to facilitate visa-free movement of Indian Sikh pilgrims.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-threatens-to-cut-gm-subsidies-in-retaliation-for-us-job-cuts-179852">After US job cuts, Trump threatens to stop all GM subsidies</a>

US President Donald Trump threatened on Tuesday to eliminate subsidies for General Motors Co in retaliation for the automaker cutting US jobs and plants, and the automaker also took fire from Canadian political and labour leaders for cutbacks there.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-suggests-creating-worldwide-network-to-counter-cnns-unfair-reporting-179855">To counter CNN's 'unfair' reporting, Trump suggests creating a 'Worldwide Network'</a>

President Donald Trump slammed American broadcast network CNN for portraying the US in an "unfair and false way" to the rest of the world and suggested launching a "Worldwide Network" to counter CNN`s reporting by showing another view of the situation in the country.

Ukraine warns of threat of 'full-scale war' with Russia Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko on Tuesday warned of the threat of "full-scale war" and said Russia had sharply increased its military presence on their shared border as tensions escalate between the ex-Soviet neighbours.

Ukraine warns of threat of 'full-scale war' with Russia Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko on Tuesday warned of the threat of "full-scale war" and said Russia had sharply increased its military presence on their shared border as tensions escalate between the ex-Soviet neighbours. Assembly elections 2018: Polling begins in Madhya Pradesh and Mizoram Madhya Pradesh and Mizoram go to the polls today. While the northeastern state is one of three in the country currently under Congress rule, the BJP has now been in power in Madhya Pradesh for three terms. Pak's Imran Khan to lay foundation stone for Kartarpur Corridor today Prime Minister Imran Khan will on Wednesday lay the foundation stone for the much-awaited corridor linking Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan's Kartarpur — the final resting place of Sikh faith's founder Guru Nanak Dev — to Dera Baba Nanak shrine in India's Gurdaspur district to facilitate visa-free movement of Indian Sikh pilgrims. After US job cuts, Trump threatens to stop all GM subsidies US President Donald Trump threatened on Tuesday to eliminate subsidies for General Motors Co in retaliation for the automaker cutting US jobs and plants, and the automaker also took fire from Canadian political and labour leaders for cutbacks there. To counter CNN's 'unfair' reporting, Trump suggests creating a 'Worldwide Network' President Donald Trump slammed American broadcast network CNN for portraying the US in an "unfair and false way" to the rest of the world and suggested launching a "Worldwide Network" to counter CNN`s reporting by showing another view of the situation in the country.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Ukraine today officially imposed <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/putin-warns-against-reckless-moves-after-ukraine-declares-martial-law-179834">martial law as its tension with Russia</a> continued days after Ukranian ships were seized by the Russian navy in the Sea of Azov.

President Vladimir Putin said that border guards "fulfilled their military duty" and protected Russia's border even as Western powers criticised the Russian government's latest move.

Putin said the Ukranian's had "provoked" the incident, "These territorial waters were always ours, even before Crimea joined Russia," Putin said, referring to Moscow's 2014 annexation of the peninsula.

President Petro Poroshenko's government imposed martial law in 10 regions bordering Russia, the Black Sea and the Azov Sea for the next 30 days as the standoff with Russia continued. Russia seized three ships and captured 24 Ukranian soldiers during the skirmish at sea.

A court in Crimea ordered seven of the Ukrainian sailors to be detained for two months pending a possible trial.

Tensions between Russia and Ukraine has been rising since Putin's regime annexed Crimea in 2014 despite international condemnation.

US President Donald Trump siding with Ukraine said he may cancel summit with Putin at the G20 this week as a result of the confrontation. Several European countries called for new sanctions against Russia.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

US State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said that other countries should do more in support of Ukraine with the US taking a strong position. Europen Union foreign ministers are due to discuss the crisis on December 10th.

Meanwhile, Russia's &nbsp;Interfax news agency citing Russian defence ministry said it had deployed the new S-400 surface-to-air missile systems on the Crimean peninsula. RIA news agency said the new S-400 systems would be operational by the end of the year. 
&nbsp;

Ukraine today officially imposed martial law as its tension with Russia continued days after Ukranian ships were seized by the Russian navy in the Sea of Azov. President Vladimir Putin said that border guards "fulfilled their military duty" and protected Russia's border even as Western powers criticised the Russian government's latest move.

Ukraine today officially imposed martial law as its tension with Russia continued days after Ukranian ships were seized by the Russian navy in the Sea of Azov. President Vladimir Putin said that border guards "fulfilled their military duty" and protected Russia's border even as Western powers criticised the Russian government's latest move. Putin said the Ukranian's had "provoked" the incident, "These territorial waters were always ours, even before Crimea joined Russia," Putin said, referring to Moscow's 2014 annexation of the peninsula. President Petro Poroshenko's government imposed martial law in 10 regions bordering Russia, the Black Sea and the Azov Sea for the next 30 days as the standoff with Russia continued. Russia seized three ships and captured 24 Ukranian soldiers during the skirmish at sea. A court in Crimea ordered seven of the Ukrainian sailors to be detained for two months pending a possible trial. Tensions between Russia and Ukraine has been rising since Putin's regime annexed Crimea in 2014 despite international condemnation. US President Donald Trump siding with Ukraine said he may cancel summit with Putin at the G20 this week as a result of the confrontation. Several European countries called for new sanctions against Russia. US State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said that other countries should do more in support of Ukraine with the US taking a strong position. Europen Union foreign ministers are due to discuss the crisis on December 10th. Meanwhile, Russia's Interfax news agency citing Russian defence ministry said it had deployed the new S-400 surface-to-air missile systems on the Crimean peninsula. RIA news agency said the new S-400 systems would be operational by the end of the year.

Russia has deployed S-400 missiles in Crimea after martial law in Ukraine: Report

Russia said on Wednesday it would send more of its advanced S-400 surface-to-air missile systems to Crimea and a Reuters reporter saw a Russian warship deploying nearby as tensions with Ukraine rose over Moscow's seizure of Ukrainian navy ships.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-india-russia-conduct-joint-military-exercise-in-uttar-pradesh-179994">Russia has steadily poured new military hardware</a> into Crimea since it annexed it from Ukraine in 2014, turning it into what Kremlin-backed media have called a fortress.

Moscow's announcement about new missiles follows its seizure of three Ukrainian naval vessels and their crews on Sunday over what it said was their illegal entry into Russian waters, something Ukraine denies.

Kiev introduced martial law in parts of the country after the incident, saying it feared a possible Russian invasion.

The episode risks derailing a meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin at the G20 in Argentina later this week. Trump said on Tuesday that he might cancel the meeting due to the incident, but the Kremlin said on Wednesday it thought it was still on.

Vadim Astafyev, a spokesman for Russia's southern military district, was cited by Russian news agencies on Wednesday as saying that a new battalion of S-400 missiles would be delivered to Crimea soon and become operational by the end of the year.

The deployment is likely to have been long-planned, but the timing of the announcement appeared designed to send a message to Ukraine and the West that Russia is serious about defending what it regards as its own territory and waters.

Crimea already hosts three battalions of the anti-aircraft missile systems which have a range of up to 400 km (250 miles) allowing Russia to control large swaths of the skies above the Black Sea.

Minesweeper

The new deployment would allow it to increase its air defence coverage area.

The United States has previously said that Russia's deployment of the missile systems to Crimea is "not good".

Separately, a Reuters correspondent in Crimea on Wednesday observed a Russian navy minesweeper ship, the Vice-Admiral Zakharin, heading for the Sea of Azov, which is used by both Ukraine and Russia and is an area of growing tensions.

Citing sources in Ukraine's ruling circles, Russia's Izvestia newspaper reported that Kiev had been trying to persuade Washington - so far unsuccessfully - to open a military base in Ukraine.

Reuters could not independently confirm the report.

Later on Wednesday, a Crimean court is due to order the detention of nine of the 24 captured Ukrainian sailors - including senior Ukrainian naval officers and at least one member of Ukraine's SBU intelligence agency.

A court in Simferopol, the capital of Crimea, on Tuesday, ordered the other 15 Ukrainian sailors to be detained for two months pending a possible trial.

All of the sailors face jail terms of up to six years if found guilty of what Moscow says was a plot to illegally cross the Russian border by trying to pass through the Russian-controlled Kerch Strait on Sunday without advance notice and ignoring calls to stop.

Ukraine says its ships did nothing wrong and have every right to use the strait, the only gateway to the Sea of Azov from the Black Sea, without Russian permission.

Russia said on Wednesday it would send more of its advanced S-400 surface-to-air missile systems to Crimea and a Reuters reporter saw a Russian warship deploying nearby as tensions with Ukraine rose over Moscow's seizure of Ukrainian navy ships.

Russia said on Wednesday it would send more of its advanced S-400 surface-to-air missile systems to Crimea and a Reuters reporter saw a Russian warship deploying nearby as tensions with Ukraine rose over Moscow's seizure of Ukrainian navy ships. Russia has steadily poured new military hardware into Crimea since it annexed it from Ukraine in 2014, turning it into what Kremlin-backed media have called a fortress. Moscow's announcement about new missiles follows its seizure of three Ukrainian naval vessels and their crews on Sunday over what it said was their illegal entry into Russian waters, something Ukraine denies. Kiev introduced martial law in parts of the country after the incident, saying it feared a possible Russian invasion. The episode risks derailing a meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin at the G20 in Argentina later this week. Trump said on Tuesday that he might cancel the meeting due to the incident, but the Kremlin said on Wednesday it thought it was still on. Vadim Astafyev, a spokesman for Russia's southern military district, was cited by Russian news agencies on Wednesday as saying that a new battalion of S-400 missiles would be delivered to Crimea soon and become operational by the end of the year. The deployment is likely to have been long-planned, but the timing of the announcement appeared designed to send a message to Ukraine and the West that Russia is serious about defending what it regards as its own territory and waters. Crimea already hosts three battalions of the anti-aircraft missile systems which have a range of up to 400 km (250 miles) allowing Russia to control large swaths of the skies above the Black Sea. Minesweeper The new deployment would allow it to increase its air defence coverage area. The United States has previously said that Russia's deployment of the missile systems to Crimea is "not good". Separately, a Reuters correspondent in Crimea on Wednesday observed a Russian navy minesweeper ship, the Vice-Admiral Zakharin, heading for the Sea of Azov, which is used by both Ukraine and Russia and is an area of growing tensions. Citing sources in Ukraine's ruling circles, Russia's Izvestia newspaper reported that Kiev had been trying to persuade Washington - so far unsuccessfully - to open a military base in Ukraine. Reuters could not independently confirm the report. Later on Wednesday, a Crimean court is due to order the detention of nine of the 24 captured Ukrainian sailors - including senior Ukrainian naval officers and at least one member of Ukraine's SBU intelligence agency. A court in Simferopol, the capital of Crimea, on Tuesday, ordered the other 15 Ukrainian sailors to be detained for two months pending a possible trial. All of the sailors face jail terms of up to six years if found guilty of what Moscow says was a plot to illegally cross the Russian border by trying to pass through the Russian-controlled Kerch Strait on Sunday without advance notice and ignoring calls to stop. Ukraine says its ships did nothing wrong and have every right to use the strait, the only gateway to the Sea of Azov from the Black Sea, without Russian permission.

Russia to deploy new missiles to Crimea as Ukraine tensions rise

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko on Tuesday warned of the threat of "<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/russia-confirms-seizing-three-ukrainian-naval-ships-off-crimea-179412">full-scale war</a>" and said Russia had sharply increased its military presence on their shared border as tensions escalate between the ex-Soviet neighbours.

The crisis also threatened growing diplomatic fallout with US President Donald Trump warning that he may cancel a long-awaited summit with Russia's Vladimir Putin.

Trump is scheduled to meet Putin at the G20 summit in Buenos Aires at the end of this week, but he told The Washington Post that it would depend on the results of a report about the incident being prepared by his national security advisers.

"Maybe I won't have the meeting. Maybe I won't even have the meeting," he said.

In Ukraine, Poroshenko warned that the clash at sea could herald more drastic developments in the simmering Ukraine-Russia military standoff.

"I don't want anyone to think this is fun and games. Ukraine is under threat of full-scale war with Russia," the president said in an interview with national television.

The number of Russian units deployed along the Ukraine-Russian border has "grown dramatically" while the number of Russian tanks has tripled, Poroshenko said, citing intelligence reports but giving no precise timescale for the buildup.

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He spoke after Russian forces seized three of Kiev's ships off the coast of Crimea on Sunday and captured 24 Ukrainian sailors.

On Tuesday, a court in Simferopol, the main city in Russian-annexed Crimea, ordered 12 of the sailors to be held in pre-trial detention for two months. Three hospitalised sailors were also formally detained for two months. The rest are to appear in court on Wednesday.

The move stoked already high tensions between Moscow and Kiev, as Russia continues to accuse the sailors of crossing illegally into Russian waters and of ignoring warnings from its border guards.&nbsp;

Kiev has demanded the release of the sailors and urged Western allies to impose further sanctions on Moscow.&nbsp;

The US State Department on Tuesday termed Russia's actions "a dangerous escalation" and said Washington wants to see "our European allies doing more to assist Ukraine."

Putin warns of 'reckless acts' 
The incident was the first major confrontation at sea in the long-running conflict pitting Ukraine against Moscow and Russian-backed separatists in the country's east.

It has raised fears of a wider escalation -- in a conflict that has killed more than 10,000 people since 2014 -- and prompted international calls for restraint.

Putin on Tuesday warned Ukraine against any "reckless acts" after Kiev declared martial law in response to Moscow's seizure of the navy vessels.&nbsp;

The Ukrainian parliament late on Monday voted in favour of Poroshenko's request for the introduction of martial law in border areas for 30 days.&nbsp;

This gives Ukrainian authorities the power to mobilise citizens with military experience, regulate the media and restrict public rallies in affected areas.

In a phone conversation with German Chancellor Angela Merkel Tuesday, Putin expressed "serious concern" over its introduction.

He said he hoped Berlin could intervene with Ukrainian authorities "to dissuade them from further reckless acts".

Moscow has accused Kiev of planning Sunday's confrontation as a provocation aimed at drumming up support for Poroshenko ahead of elections next year and convincing Western governments to impose further sanctions on Russia.&nbsp;

Putin said Kiev's actions were "clearly taken in view of the election campaign in Ukraine".

Sunday's incident has been playing out on Russian and Ukrainian television screens, with dramatic footage of Russian ships chasing down a Ukrainian tugboat that was trying to pass through the Kerch Strait from the Black Sea into the Sea of Azov.&nbsp;

Sailors on Russian TV 
Russian state television late on Monday aired footage of some of the captured sailors being questioned by Moscow's security services.&nbsp;

One of them is heard saying "the actions of the Ukrainian armed vessels in the Kerch Strait had a provocatory character" -- parroting the version of events put forward by Russian authorities.

Ukraine's naval commander, Igor Voronchenko, said the sailors were pressured into giving false evidence.&nbsp;

"I know these sailors, they were always professional. What they are saying now is not true," he told Ukrainian media.&nbsp;

Western governments have rallied behind Kiev in the dispute, accusing Russia of illegally blocking access to the Sea of Azov and of taking military action without justification.

The European Union, Britain, Canada, France, Germany and others expressed support for Kiev on Monday, in statements pro-Kremlin newspaper Izvestia denounced as "predictably anti-Russian".&nbsp;

The foreign minister of Austria, which holds the rotating EU presidency, said Tuesday that the bloc will next month consider further sanctions against Moscow over the flare-up.

"Everything depends on the accounts of events and the actions of both sides. But it will need to be reviewed," Karin Kneissl told reporters.

UN chief Antonio Guterres on Tuesday called for "maximum restraint," urging both sides "to take steps without delay to contain this incident and reduce tensions".

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko on Tuesday warned of the threat of "full-scale war" and said Russia had sharply increased its military presence on their shared border as tensions escalate between the ex-Soviet neighbours.

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko on Tuesday warned of the threat of "full-scale war" and said Russia had sharply increased its military presence on their shared border as tensions escalate between the ex-Soviet neighbours. The crisis also threatened growing diplomatic fallout with US President Donald Trump warning that he may cancel a long-awaited summit with Russia's Vladimir Putin. Trump is scheduled to meet Putin at the G20 summit in Buenos Aires at the end of this week, but he told The Washington Post that it would depend on the results of a report about the incident being prepared by his national security advisers. "Maybe I won't have the meeting. Maybe I won't even have the meeting," he said. In Ukraine, Poroshenko warned that the clash at sea could herald more drastic developments in the simmering Ukraine-Russia military standoff. "I don't want anyone to think this is fun and games. Ukraine is under threat of full-scale war with Russia," the president said in an interview with national television. The number of Russian units deployed along the Ukraine-Russian border has "grown dramatically" while the number of Russian tanks has tripled, Poroshenko said, citing intelligence reports but giving no precise timescale for the buildup. × He spoke after Russian forces seized three of Kiev's ships off the coast of Crimea on Sunday and captured 24 Ukrainian sailors. On Tuesday, a court in Simferopol, the main city in Russian-annexed Crimea, ordered 12 of the sailors to be held in pre-trial detention for two months. Three hospitalised sailors were also formally detained for two months. The rest are to appear in court on Wednesday. The move stoked already high tensions between Moscow and Kiev, as Russia continues to accuse the sailors of crossing illegally into Russian waters and of ignoring warnings from its border guards. Kiev has demanded the release of the sailors and urged Western allies to impose further sanctions on Moscow. The US State Department on Tuesday termed Russia's actions "a dangerous escalation" and said Washington wants to see "our European allies doing more to assist Ukraine." Putin warns of 'reckless acts' The incident was the first major confrontation at sea in the long-running conflict pitting Ukraine against Moscow and Russian-backed separatists in the country's east. It has raised fears of a wider escalation -- in a conflict that has killed more than 10,000 people since 2014 -- and prompted international calls for restraint. Putin on Tuesday warned Ukraine against any "reckless acts" after Kiev declared martial law in response to Moscow's seizure of the navy vessels. The Ukrainian parliament late on Monday voted in favour of Poroshenko's request for the introduction of martial law in border areas for 30 days. This gives Ukrainian authorities the power to mobilise citizens with military experience, regulate the media and restrict public rallies in affected areas. In a phone conversation with German Chancellor Angela Merkel Tuesday, Putin expressed "serious concern" over its introduction. He said he hoped Berlin could intervene with Ukrainian authorities "to dissuade them from further reckless acts". Moscow has accused Kiev of planning Sunday's confrontation as a provocation aimed at drumming up support for Poroshenko ahead of elections next year and convincing Western governments to impose further sanctions on Russia. Putin said Kiev's actions were "clearly taken in view of the election campaign in Ukraine". Sunday's incident has been playing out on Russian and Ukrainian television screens, with dramatic footage of Russian ships chasing down a Ukrainian tugboat that was trying to pass through the Kerch Strait from the Black Sea into the Sea of Azov. Sailors on Russian TV Russian state television late on Monday aired footage of some of the captured sailors being questioned by Moscow's security services. One of them is heard saying "the actions of the Ukrainian armed vessels in the Kerch Strait had a provocatory character" -- parroting the version of events put forward by Russian authorities. Ukraine's naval commander, Igor Voronchenko, said the sailors were pressured into giving false evidence. "I know these sailors, they were always professional. What they are saying now is not true," he told Ukrainian media. Western governments have rallied behind Kiev in the dispute, accusing Russia of illegally blocking access to the Sea of Azov and of taking military action without justification. The European Union, Britain, Canada, France, Germany and others expressed support for Kiev on Monday, in statements pro-Kremlin newspaper Izvestia denounced as "predictably anti-Russian". The foreign minister of Austria, which holds the rotating EU presidency, said Tuesday that the bloc will next month consider further sanctions against Moscow over the flare-up. "Everything depends on the accounts of events and the actions of both sides. But it will need to be reviewed," Karin Kneissl told reporters. UN chief Antonio Guterres on Tuesday called for "maximum restraint," urging both sides "to take steps without delay to contain this incident and reduce tensions".

Ukraine warns of threat of 'full-scale war' with Russia

WION Gravitas: Russia-Ukraine tensions spike

As tensions between<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-says-russia-rams-navy-tugboat-off-crimea-179358"> Ukraine and Russia continued</a> to simmer, US President Trump said he wasn't happy about it.

Russian President <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-president-signs-decree-to-introduce-martial-law-amid-tensions-with-russia-179605">Vladimir Putin expressed</a> "serious concern" on the current Ukraine-Russia situation. Putin called German Chancellor Angela Merkel and requested her to intervene.

"We do not like what's happening, either way we don't like what's happening and hopefully they'll get straight," the US president said, adding, "I know Europe is not they are not thrilled, they're working on it too."

"We're all working on it together," Trump said.

The situation turned into an ugly spat after Russia refused to return the two armoured artillery vessels and a tug boat which was involved in a skirmish with the Russian Navy. &nbsp;

President Petro Poroshenko on Monday pressed for a decree to impose martial law in the country, a move which was backed by Ukrainian lawmakers today.

The martial law will be imposed for the next 30 days in areas vulnerable to attack by Russia. Relations between the two countries nosedived after Russia annexed Crimea in 2014 setting off a cold war-like situation.

NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg called Russia to free Ukrainian ships and sailors while emphasising freedom of navigation for Ukraine in the sea of Azov and Kerch Strait. 
&nbsp; 
"There is no justification for the use of military force against Ukrainian ships and naval personnel," Stoltenberg said.

Ukraine has put its military on high alert after its ships were involved in a clash in the Sea of Azov. Kiev has urged Western nations to consider further sanctions against Moscow.

Russia, on the other hand, has reiterated that Ukraine provoked the situation by entering its territory. Russia reopened the Kerch Strait near Crimea Sea of Azov on Monday even as tensions continued to boil. Russian jet fighters flew over a bridge connecting the Russian mainland with the Crimean Peninsula&nbsp;

Kerch Strait links the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov, dividing Crimea from southern Russia.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov accused the Ukrainian vessels of illegally intruding into Russian territorial waters and of ignoring attempts by Russian border guards to contact them.&nbsp;

As tensions between Ukraine and Russia continued to simmer, US President Trump said he wasn't happy about it. Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed "serious concern" on the current Ukraine-Russia situation.

As tensions between Ukraine and Russia continued to simmer, US President Trump said he wasn't happy about it. Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed "serious concern" on the current Ukraine-Russia situation. Putin called German Chancellor Angela Merkel and requested her to intervene. "We do not like what's happening, either way we don't like what's happening and hopefully they'll get straight," the US president said, adding, "I know Europe is not they are not thrilled, they're working on it too." "We're all working on it together," Trump said. The situation turned into an ugly spat after Russia refused to return the two armoured artillery vessels and a tug boat which was involved in a skirmish with the Russian Navy. President Petro Poroshenko on Monday pressed for a decree to impose martial law in the country, a move which was backed by Ukrainian lawmakers today. The martial law will be imposed for the next 30 days in areas vulnerable to attack by Russia. Relations between the two countries nosedived after Russia annexed Crimea in 2014 setting off a cold war-like situation. NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg called Russia to free Ukrainian ships and sailors while emphasising freedom of navigation for Ukraine in the sea of Azov and Kerch Strait. "There is no justification for the use of military force against Ukrainian ships and naval personnel," Stoltenberg said. Ukraine has put its military on high alert after its ships were involved in a clash in the Sea of Azov. Kiev has urged Western nations to consider further sanctions against Moscow. Russia, on the other hand, has reiterated that Ukraine provoked the situation by entering its territory. Russia reopened the Kerch Strait near Crimea Sea of Azov on Monday even as tensions continued to boil. Russian jet fighters flew over a bridge connecting the Russian mainland with the Crimean Peninsula Kerch Strait links the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov, dividing Crimea from southern Russia. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov accused the Ukrainian vessels of illegally intruding into Russian territorial waters and of ignoring attempts by Russian border guards to contact them.

Watch: Don't like Russia-Ukraine situation, Europe and US working on it, says Trump

Watch: WION Gravitas, 26th November, 2018

Watch: WION Dispatch, 26th November, 2018

Russia-Ukraine stand-off: Demonstrators protest ahead of vote on Marital law at Ukraine parliament

Ukraine's navy said that Russia's border guards rammed one of its&nbsp;tugboats in the Black Sea off Moscow-annexed Crimea on Sunday in "openly aggressive actions."

Ukraine said the incident took place as three of its ships including two small warships were heading for the port of Mariupol in the Sea of Azov, an area of heightened tensions between the countries.

Russia accused Kiev of illegally entering its waters and deliberately provoking a conflict.&nbsp;

Russia claims the waters off Crimea after annexing the peninsula in 2014.

A Russian border guard ship, the Don, "rammed into our tugboat," the Ukrainian navy said, adding that this caused damage to its engine, outer shell and guardrail.

Russia's ships "carried out openly aggressive actions against Ukrainian naval ships," it said.

It said the ships were continuing on their way "despite Russia's counteraction."

Russia's FSB security service, which oversees the border guard service, said in a statement quoted by Russian news agencies that the Ukrainian ships "illegally entered a temporarily closed area of Russian territorial waters."

It said Ukraine's ships were carrying out "provocative actions" and "their aim is clear: to create a conflict situation in this region."

Ukraine said it gave Russia advance warning of its ships' route, however. Its ships are obliged to take this route to reach the Sea of Azov.&nbsp; 
The latest incident comes after the Ukrainian navy in September complained of "acts of provocation" by Russian border guards against its ships taking the same route.

Ukraine has increased the number of navy ships and border guard patrols in the Sea of Azov, which is reached via the Kerch Strait between Crimea and Russia.

Kiev says its naval buildup is due to Russia stepping up controls in the area this year and carrying out lengthy checks on commercial shipping.

Kiev and the West have accused Moscow of deliberately blocking ships from accessing Mariupol, which has vital access to heavy industry in the region.

Mariupol is close to the region of eastern Ukraine controlled by Russian-backed separatists in a conflict that has caused at least 10,000 deaths since 2014.&nbsp;

Ukraine's navy said that Russia's border guards rammed one of its tugboats in the Black Sea off Moscow-annexed Crimea on Sunday in "openly aggressive actions." Ukraine said the incident took place as three of its ships including two small warships were heading for the port of Mariupol in the Sea of Azov, an area of heightened tensions between the countries.

Ukraine's navy said that Russia's border guards rammed one of its tugboats in the Black Sea off Moscow-annexed Crimea on Sunday in "openly aggressive actions." Ukraine said the incident took place as three of its ships including two small warships were heading for the port of Mariupol in the Sea of Azov, an area of heightened tensions between the countries. Russia accused Kiev of illegally entering its waters and deliberately provoking a conflict. Russia claims the waters off Crimea after annexing the peninsula in 2014. A Russian border guard ship, the Don, "rammed into our tugboat," the Ukrainian navy said, adding that this caused damage to its engine, outer shell and guardrail. Russia's ships "carried out openly aggressive actions against Ukrainian naval ships," it said. It said the ships were continuing on their way "despite Russia's counteraction." Russia's FSB security service, which oversees the border guard service, said in a statement quoted by Russian news agencies that the Ukrainian ships "illegally entered a temporarily closed area of Russian territorial waters." It said Ukraine's ships were carrying out "provocative actions" and "their aim is clear: to create a conflict situation in this region." Ukraine said it gave Russia advance warning of its ships' route, however. Its ships are obliged to take this route to reach the Sea of Azov. The latest incident comes after the Ukrainian navy in September complained of "acts of provocation" by Russian border guards against its ships taking the same route. Ukraine has increased the number of navy ships and border guard patrols in the Sea of Azov, which is reached via the Kerch Strait between Crimea and Russia. Kiev says its naval buildup is due to Russia stepping up controls in the area this year and carrying out lengthy checks on commercial shipping. Kiev and the West have accused Moscow of deliberately blocking ships from accessing Mariupol, which has vital access to heavy industry in the region. Mariupol is close to the region of eastern Ukraine controlled by Russian-backed separatists in a conflict that has caused at least 10,000 deaths since 2014.

Ukraine says Russia rams navy tugboat off Crimea

Several users' details have been compromised after hackers gained access to their private messages, the BBC reported.&nbsp;

Most of the users are based in Ukraine and Russia but some were also from the UK, US, Brazil and elsewhere, the report said on Friday.

Nearly 120 million Facebook accounts have been hacked and they published messages from 81,000 accounts for generating money.

The breach was first discovered in September and the messages were reportedly obtained through unnamed rogue browser extensions.

Facebook, however, commented that its systems were not breached as part of the hack.

"We have contacted browser-makers to ensure that known malicious extensions are no longer available to download in their stores," Guy Rose, Vice President of Product Management at Facebook, was quoted as saying.

"We have also contacted law enforcement and have worked with local authorities to remove the website that displayed information from Facebook accounts."

Ireland's Data Protection Commission (DPC), which is Facebook's lead privacy regulator in Europe, has opened a formal investigation into this data breach that could result in a fine of $1.63 billion.

Several users' details have been compromised after hackers gained access to their private messages, the BBC reported. Most of the users are based in Ukraine and Russia but some were also from the UK, US, Brazil and elsewhere, the report said on Friday.

Several users' details have been compromised after hackers gained access to their private messages, the BBC reported. Most of the users are based in Ukraine and Russia but some were also from the UK, US, Brazil and elsewhere, the report said on Friday. Nearly 120 million Facebook accounts have been hacked and they published messages from 81,000 accounts for generating money. The breach was first discovered in September and the messages were reportedly obtained through unnamed rogue browser extensions. Facebook, however, commented that its systems were not breached as part of the hack. "We have contacted browser-makers to ensure that known malicious extensions are no longer available to download in their stores," Guy Rose, Vice President of Product Management at Facebook, was quoted as saying. "We have also contacted law enforcement and have worked with local authorities to remove the website that displayed information from Facebook accounts." Ireland's Data Protection Commission (DPC), which is Facebook's lead privacy regulator in Europe, has opened a formal investigation into this data breach that could result in a fine of $1.63 billion.

Hackers gain access to 120 miilion Facebook users' private messages: Report

&nbsp;The White House has formally invited President Vladimir Putin to Washington, U.S. National Security Advisor John Bolton said on Friday, returning to an idea that was put on hold in July amid anger in the US&nbsp;over the prospect of such a summit.

President Donald Trump held a summit with Putin in Helsinki, the Finnish capital, and then issued Putin an invitation to visit Washington in the autumn. But that was postponed after Trump was accused of cozying up to the Kremlin.

"We have invited President Putin to Washington," Bolton said at a news conference during a visit to ex-Soviet Georgia, days after meeting Putin and senior security officials in Moscow.

It was not immediately clear if Putin had accepted the invitation, which is for next year.

Bolton, in a separate interview with Reuters, strongly criticised Russian foreign policy, saying Moscow's behaviour on the world stage was one of the reasons Washington had imposed sanctions on Russia and was now considering imposing more.

"It will be helpful if they (the Russians) stop interfering in our election ... get out of Crimea and the Donbass in Ukraine ... stop using illegal chemical weapons to conduct assassination attempts against Russian exiles in the West, and if they would be less intrusive in the Middle East," he said.

Russia denies meddling in the 2016 US&nbsp;presidential election, sending soldiers and equipment to eastern Ukraine, and has rejected Western allegations it was behind the poisoning of former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter in Britain.

Putin last held a meeting with a US&nbsp;president on American soil in 2015 when he met Barack Obama on the sidelines of a UN&nbsp;General Assembly.

Trump's earlier invitation to Putin sparked an outcry in Washington, including from lawmakers in Trump's Republican party, who argued that Putin was an adversary not worthy of a White House visit.

Trump has said it is in US&nbsp;interests to establish a solid working relationship with Putin however.

Trump and Putin plan to hold a bilateral meeting in Paris on Nov. 11 on the sidelines of events to commemorate the centenary of the end of World War One.

Bolton said that the Paris meeting would be brief and more of "a base-touching exercise."

"One of the most important subjects they will discuss is whether President Putin will accept President Trump's invitation to come to Washington or will President Putin once again extend his invitation to President Trump to go to Moscow," said Bolton.

"I think what President Trump would like would be more of an opportunity to discuss the issues at length and we'll have to see when it gets on the schedule."

The White House has formally invited President Vladimir Putin to Washington, U.S. National Security Advisor John Bolton said on Friday, returning to an idea that was put on hold in July amid anger in the US over the prospect of such a summit.

The White House has formally invited President Vladimir Putin to Washington, U.S. National Security Advisor John Bolton said on Friday, returning to an idea that was put on hold in July amid anger in the US over the prospect of such a summit. President Donald Trump held a summit with Putin in Helsinki, the Finnish capital, and then issued Putin an invitation to visit Washington in the autumn. But that was postponed after Trump was accused of cozying up to the Kremlin. "We have invited President Putin to Washington," Bolton said at a news conference during a visit to ex-Soviet Georgia, days after meeting Putin and senior security officials in Moscow. It was not immediately clear if Putin had accepted the invitation, which is for next year. Bolton, in a separate interview with Reuters, strongly criticised Russian foreign policy, saying Moscow's behaviour on the world stage was one of the reasons Washington had imposed sanctions on Russia and was now considering imposing more. "It will be helpful if they (the Russians) stop interfering in our election ... get out of Crimea and the Donbass in Ukraine ... stop using illegal chemical weapons to conduct assassination attempts against Russian exiles in the West, and if they would be less intrusive in the Middle East," he said. Russia denies meddling in the 2016 US presidential election, sending soldiers and equipment to eastern Ukraine, and has rejected Western allegations it was behind the poisoning of former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter in Britain. Putin last held a meeting with a US president on American soil in 2015 when he met Barack Obama on the sidelines of a UN General Assembly. Trump's earlier invitation to Putin sparked an outcry in Washington, including from lawmakers in Trump's Republican party, who argued that Putin was an adversary not worthy of a White House visit. Trump has said it is in US interests to establish a solid working relationship with Putin however. Trump and Putin plan to hold a bilateral meeting in Paris on Nov. 11 on the sidelines of events to commemorate the centenary of the end of World War One. Bolton said that the Paris meeting would be brief and more of "a base-touching exercise." "One of the most important subjects they will discuss is whether President Putin will accept President Trump's invitation to come to Washington or will President Putin once again extend his invitation to President Trump to go to Moscow," said Bolton. "I think what President Trump would like would be more of an opportunity to discuss the issues at length and we'll have to see when it gets on the schedule."

US invites Putin to Washington, but says get out of Ukraine

The European Parliament awarded its annual Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought on Thursday to Oleg Sentsov, a Ukrainian film-maker jailed in Russia. 
 
EU lawmakers said they supported his protests against the 2014 Russian annexation of Sentsov's native Ukraine. 
 
Now aged 42, he was jailed for 20 years on terrorism charges, he says are politically motivated. He staged a long hunger strike this year. 
 
The Sakharov Prize is named after Soviet dissident Andrei Sakharov, a nuclear physicist who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1975 for his efforts to stand up for civil rights. 
 
Parliament President Antonio Tajani told the legislature in Strasbourg that the award recognised Sentsov`s courage. 
 
Saying he was in poor health after his hunger strike, Tajani added: "We call upon the authorities to release him immediately." 
&nbsp;

The European Parliament awarded its annual Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought on Thursday to Oleg Sentsov, a Ukrainian film-maker jailed in Russia. EU lawmakers said they supported his protests against the 2014 Russian annexation of Sentsov's native Ukraine.

The European Parliament awarded its annual Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought on Thursday to Oleg Sentsov, a Ukrainian film-maker jailed in Russia. EU lawmakers said they supported his protests against the 2014 Russian annexation of Sentsov's native Ukraine. Now aged 42, he was jailed for 20 years on terrorism charges, he says are politically motivated. He staged a long hunger strike this year. The Sakharov Prize is named after Soviet dissident Andrei Sakharov, a nuclear physicist who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1975 for his efforts to stand up for civil rights. Parliament President Antonio Tajani told the legislature in Strasbourg that the award recognised Sentsov`s courage. Saying he was in poor health after his hunger strike, Tajani added: "We call upon the authorities to release him immediately."

Jailed Ukrainian filmmaker Oleg Sentsov wins EU rights award

The Istanbul-based Ecumenical Patriarchate on Thursday agreed to recognise the independence of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

A synod meeting chaired by Patriarch Bartholomew, seen as the first among equals of Orthodox Church leaders, "decreed to proceed to the granting of autocephaly to the Church of Ukraine," said an official statement read in Istanbul, the former Constantinople.

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko hailed the decision despite protests from Russia.

"A decision to grant Ukraine autocephaly has been made," Poroshenko said in televised remarks. "This is a victory of good over evil, light over darkness," he said, adding Ukraine has been waiting for this "historic event" for more than 330 years.

Moscow had earlier opposed the country's bid to establish an independent church outside Russia's control. It said that the step may lead to a split in orthodox Christianity.

Russia strongly warned against the move, with the powerful head of the Russian Orthodox Church Patriarch Kirill travelling to Istanbul earlier this year in a bid to dissuade the patriarchate from taking the step.&nbsp;

(With inputs from AFP)

The Istanbul-based Ecumenical Patriarchate on Thursday agreed to recognise the independence of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. A synod meeting chaired by Patriarch Bartholomew, seen as the first among equals of Orthodox Church leaders, "decreed to proceed to the granting of autocephaly to the Church of Ukraine," said an official statement read in Istanbul, the former Constantinople.

The Istanbul-based Ecumenical Patriarchate on Thursday agreed to recognise the independence of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. A synod meeting chaired by Patriarch Bartholomew, seen as the first among equals of Orthodox Church leaders, "decreed to proceed to the granting of autocephaly to the Church of Ukraine," said an official statement read in Istanbul, the former Constantinople. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko hailed the decision despite protests from Russia. "A decision to grant Ukraine autocephaly has been made," Poroshenko said in televised remarks. "This is a victory of good over evil, light over darkness," he said, adding Ukraine has been waiting for this "historic event" for more than 330 years. Moscow had earlier opposed the country's bid to establish an independent church outside Russia's control. It said that the step may lead to a split in orthodox Christianity. Russia strongly warned against the move, with the powerful head of the Russian Orthodox Church Patriarch Kirill travelling to Istanbul earlier this year in a bid to dissuade the patriarchate from taking the step. (With inputs from AFP)

Patriarchate recognises Ukrainian Church independence, risking Russian ire

Real Madrid beat Liverpool to clinch the European Cup for the third consecutive year. The credit goes to Welshman Gareth Bale who came off the bench to score twice, including a stunning overhead bicycle kick.

Bale was substituted in the 64th minute and scored a jaw-dropping reverse kick to produced an outstanding goal and gave Real 2-1 lead.

The goal proved vital for Real Madrid as Sadio Mane's equalizer had given winning hopes to the Reds after the dramatic start to the second half in which Karim Benzema gave Real the lead as a result of a Loris Karius howler.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-goalkeeping-errors-that-cost-liverpool-champions-league-title-140070">Watch: Goalkeeping errors that cost Liverpool Champions League title</a>

Another Karius' blooper happened just after few minutes as a disappointing and lose attempt to save Gareth Bale's splendid effort gave Real 3-1 lead.

Watch the video Gareth Bale's overhead bicycle kick here:

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⚽?? <a href="https://twitter.com/GarethBale11?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GarethBale11</a>, WHAT. A. GOAL!!!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CHAMP13NS?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CHAMP13NS</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HalaMadrid?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HalaMadrid</a> <a href="https://t.co/1dciApRNyR">pic.twitter.com/1dciApRNyR</a>
— #CHAMP13NS ???? (@realmadriden) <a href="https://twitter.com/realmadriden/status/1000666121085865984?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Bale’s crazy Bicycle Kick goal from a fans view ? How did you enjoy the game? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bale?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bale</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ramos?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ramos</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChampionsLeagueFinal?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ChampionsLeagueFinal</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Liverpool?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Liverpool</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/APorLa13?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#APorLa13</a> <a href="https://t.co/6Lo1iN2tfL">pic.twitter.com/6Lo1iN2tfL</a>
— TheSkillShow (@TheSkillShow) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheSkillShow/status/1000559383774945284?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Jurgen Klopp's and Liverpool's own evening was marred by the loss of a distraught Mohamed Salah to injury in the first half, the Egyptian coming off half an hour in having damaged his shoulder.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/over-15-lakh-sign-petition-urging-punish-sergio-ramos-for-intentionally-hurting-mohamed-salah-140172">Over 1.5 lakh sign petition urging, 'punish Sergio Ramos for intentionally hurting Mohamed Salah'</a>

This was not to be Salah's night, with Real allowing Zinedine Zidane to become the first coach ever to win the Champions League three years in a row.

Gareth Bale came off the bench to score twice, including one of the all-time great goals in a Champions League final

Real Madrid beat Liverpool to clinch the European Cup for the third consecutive year. The credit goes to Welshman Gareth Bale who came off the bench to score twice, including a stunning overhead bicycle kick. Bale was substituted in the 64th minute and scored a jaw-dropping reverse kick to produced an outstanding goal and gave Real 2-1 lead. The goal proved vital for Real Madrid as Sadio Mane's equalizer had given winning hopes to the Reds after the dramatic start to the second half in which Karim Benzema gave Real the lead as a result of a Loris Karius howler. Watch: Goalkeeping errors that cost Liverpool Champions League title Another Karius' blooper happened just after few minutes as a disappointing and lose attempt to save Gareth Bale's splendid effort gave Real 3-1 lead. Watch the video Gareth Bale's overhead bicycle kick here: ⚽?? @GarethBale11, WHAT. A. GOAL!!!#CHAMP13NS | #HalaMadrid pic.twitter.com/1dciApRNyR — #CHAMP13NS ???? (@realmadriden) May 27, 2018 × Bale’s crazy Bicycle Kick goal from a fans view ? How did you enjoy the game? #Bale #Ramos #ChampionsLeagueFinal #Liverpool #APorLa13 pic.twitter.com/6Lo1iN2tfL — TheSkillShow (@TheSkillShow) May 27, 2018 × Jurgen Klopp's and Liverpool's own evening was marred by the loss of a distraught Mohamed Salah to injury in the first half, the Egyptian coming off half an hour in having damaged his shoulder. Over 1.5 lakh sign petition urging, 'punish Sergio Ramos for intentionally hurting Mohamed Salah' This was not to be Salah's night, with Real allowing Zinedine Zidane to become the first coach ever to win the Champions League three years in a row.

Watch: Gareth Bale's stunning & jaw-dropping overhead bicycle kick

As Liverpool takes on Real Madrid in the Champions League final at Kiev later today, all eyes are on none other than Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian has been unstoppable since he arrived at Liverpool from Roma last summer for $49 million, a bargain considering transfer market after Brazilian Neymar Jr's $263 million over-rated move to Paris Saint-Germain. Salah's performance has been awe-inspiring and he has proved every pundit, who expressed doubts over his ability to adapt the high-pressing style of Jurgen Klopp's football, wrong.

The Egyptian has scored 44 goals in 48 appearances this season for Liverpool- a record that does not look out of place next to the elite attacking players in the game like Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar.

And there have been calls already for him to be the next winner of the most prestigious individual accolade in world football -- Ballon d'Or.

Red's talisman broke the back of his former club Roma, his former club, in the semi-final first leg scoring two goals and provided assists for Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane, in the process setting up the summit clash with the 12-time winner Real Madrid.

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The dribbling, dancing and grooving Salah helped send Liverpool to the Champions League final but things could have been so different if Chelsea hadn't sold him.

The Egyptian was on the books at the Blues, but his time was short-lived as he was shipped out on loan to Fiorentina and then eventually sold to Roma after a loan deal with the club.

Chelsea's loss is Liverpool's gain. Mohamed Salah has won the Professional Footballers' Association Player of the Year award for 2017-18. Salah has also won the Football Writers' Footballer of the Year award among many others after a stunning debut season with Liverpool. The Egyptian winger has become the first African to ever win the prize.

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<h5>Mo Salah has rapidly reached demigod level in Egypt because of his performances at Liverpool</h5>
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The Egyptian king's success in England is a source of immense pride to those back home. He has rapidly reached demigod level in Egypt because of his performances at Liverpool.&nbsp;In fact, according to reports, such is the adulation being heaped upon Salah that it earned him hundreds and thousands of write-in votes in March's presidential election.

His status quickly rose beyond the boundaries of sport, cementing him as a symbol of Egyptian potential and hope even amid a gloomy period for the country, with a troubled economy and few outlets for free expression.

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<h5>Mohamed Salah deserves to be mentioned for the Ballon d'Or</h5>
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Dejan Lovren, Salah's Liverpool teammate, recently in an interview showered encomiums on him. Lovren said that when people talk about Ronaldo and Messi they should also talk about Salah. He deserves it, he deserves to be mentioned for the Ballon d'Or, he said and added at the start of the season he didn’t know he could do this, but you see how he is working, how he wants the ball, he is just a different player to what he was.

Having said that, there is no denying that Salah calls for mention when people talk about contemporary greats like Messi and Ronaldo. But the question is whether the Egyptian will be able to do it consistently over several seasons as Messi and Ronaldo have been able to do?

If the Egyptian's performance this season at the Merseyside is anything to go by, the answer to the question yes, he can.&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

The Egyptian has scored 44 goals in 48 appearances this season for Liverpool- a record that does not look out of place next to the elite attacking players in the game like Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar

As Liverpool takes on Real Madrid in the Champions League final at Kiev later today, all eyes are on none other than Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian has been unstoppable since he arrived at Liverpool from Roma last summer for $49 million, a bargain considering transfer market after Brazilian Neymar Jr's $263 million over-rated move to Paris Saint-Germain. Salah's performance has been awe-inspiring and he has proved every pundit, who expressed doubts over his ability to adapt the high-pressing style of Jurgen Klopp's football, wrong. The Egyptian has scored 44 goals in 48 appearances this season for Liverpool- a record that does not look out of place next to the elite attacking players in the game like Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar. And there have been calls already for him to be the next winner of the most prestigious individual accolade in world football -- Ballon d'Or. Red's talisman broke the back of his former club Roma, his former club, in the semi-final first leg scoring two goals and provided assists for Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane, in the process setting up the summit clash with the 12-time winner Real Madrid. The dribbling, dancing and grooving Salah helped send Liverpool to the Champions League final but things could have been so different if Chelsea hadn't sold him × The dribbling, dancing and grooving Salah helped send Liverpool to the Champions League final but things could have been so different if Chelsea hadn't sold him. The Egyptian was on the books at the Blues, but his time was short-lived as he was shipped out on loan to Fiorentina and then eventually sold to Roma after a loan deal with the club. Chelsea's loss is Liverpool's gain. Mohamed Salah has won the Professional Footballers' Association Player of the Year award for 2017-18. Salah has also won the Football Writers' Footballer of the Year award among many others after a stunning debut season with Liverpool. The Egyptian winger has become the first African to ever win the prize. Mo Salah has rapidly reached demigod level in Egypt because of his performances at Liverpool × The Egyptian king's success in England is a source of immense pride to those back home. He has rapidly reached demigod level in Egypt because of his performances at Liverpool. In fact, according to reports, such is the adulation being heaped upon Salah that it earned him hundreds and thousands of write-in votes in March's presidential election. His status quickly rose beyond the boundaries of sport, cementing him as a symbol of Egyptian potential and hope even amid a gloomy period for the country, with a troubled economy and few outlets for free expression. Mohamed Salah deserves to be mentioned for the Ballon d'Or × Dejan Lovren, Salah's Liverpool teammate, recently in an interview showered encomiums on him. Lovren said that when people talk about Ronaldo and Messi they should also talk about Salah. He deserves it, he deserves to be mentioned for the Ballon d'Or, he said and added at the start of the season he didn’t know he could do this, but you see how he is working, how he wants the ball, he is just a different player to what he was. Having said that, there is no denying that Salah calls for mention when people talk about contemporary greats like Messi and Ronaldo. But the question is whether the Egyptian will be able to do it consistently over several seasons as Messi and Ronaldo have been able to do? If the Egyptian's performance this season at the Merseyside is anything to go by, the answer to the question yes, he can. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Mohamed Salah - The Egyptian King who rules Liverpool

Kiev has closed five subway stations, mostly in the central part of the Ukrainian capital, after a bomb warning, the subway operator said in a statement.

"The stations are closed to passengers and checks are being carried out," it said on Facebook.

As per reports,&nbspa man phoned at&nbsp13:20 on&nbspSaturday, claiming that 5 stations would be destroyed by&nbspexplosions. The information wasn't confirmed, but&nbspthe passengers were immediately evacuated, while the security forces were checking the stations. However, no signs of&nbspexplosive devices were found by&nbspthe police.

Kiev is hosting the UEFA Champions League final later on Saturday in which Liverpool will play Real Madrid.

'The stations are closed to passengers and checks are being carried out,' it said on Facebook.

Kiev has closed five subway stations, mostly in the central part of the Ukrainian capital, after a bomb warning, the subway operator said in a statement. "The stations are closed to passengers and checks are being carried out," it said on Facebook. As per reports,&nbspa man phoned at&nbsp13:20 on&nbspSaturday, claiming that 5 stations would be destroyed by&nbspexplosions. The information wasn't confirmed, but&nbspthe passengers were immediately evacuated, while the security forces were checking the stations. However, no signs of&nbspexplosive devices were found by&nbspthe police. Kiev is hosting the UEFA Champions League final later on Saturday in which Liverpool will play Real Madrid.

Five metro stations closed in Ukraine capital after bomb warning

Liverpool's Mohamed Salah admitted it would be "a dream" to cap a sensational debut season at Anfield by ending Real Madrid's European reign in Saturday's Champions League final.

However, Salah says he would be happy if Roberto Firmino or Sadio Mane grabs the goal that takes the Reds to a sixth European crown.

Salah has won a series of individual prizes as he has contributed 44 of the 90 goals Liverpool's front three have scored this season.

But the goals have been far more evenly spread in the Champions League.

"It doesn't matter who scores," Salah told UEFA.com.

"Winning games, getting points, that's the most important thing for us because as you can see, I've scored ten goals in the Champions League, Sadio nine, Firmino ten, so all of us are the same.

"None of us is selfish or only wants to score. We try to help each other to score goals."

The Egyptian, who had a disappointing spell at Chelsea, has been a revelation since his return to England last summer from Roma.

His form has led to Saturday's clash in Kiev being billed as a Ballon d'Or decider against five-time World Player of the Year Cristiano Ronaldo.

And he stressed the importance of maintaining that form for a number of years to match Ronaldo or Barcelona's Lionel Messi.&nbsp

"The most important thing is to maintain that level, to (keep) doing what I've done next season as well," he said.

"I believed (that I was capable of this form). I was at Roma for two years, had two great seasons there and everyone told me to stay, but it was in my mind to come and be successful in England."

The contrast in experience will be stark in the Ukrainian capital as Madrid seek a fourth Champions League in five seasons.

By contrast, despite Liverpool's storied history in the competition, none of Jurgen Klopp's squad have ever played in a Champions League final.

"They've won the Champions League three times in the past four years, so they have a lot of experience," Salah said.

But he said the single-game format improves Liverpool's chances.

"It's one game, not two, so we just need to focus and not think about anything in the past. When you get to the game it's just 11 against 11."

Liverpool's Mohamed Salah admitted it would be "a dream" to cap a sensational debut season at Anfield by ending Real Madrid's European reign

Liverpool's Mohamed Salah admitted it would be "a dream" to cap a sensational debut season at Anfield by ending Real Madrid's European reign in Saturday's Champions League final. However, Salah says he would be happy if Roberto Firmino or Sadio Mane grabs the goal that takes the Reds to a sixth European crown. Salah has won a series of individual prizes as he has contributed 44 of the 90 goals Liverpool's front three have scored this season. But the goals have been far more evenly spread in the Champions League. "It doesn't matter who scores," Salah told UEFA.com. "Winning games, getting points, that's the most important thing for us because as you can see, I've scored ten goals in the Champions League, Sadio nine, Firmino ten, so all of us are the same. "None of us is selfish or only wants to score. We try to help each other to score goals." The Egyptian, who had a disappointing spell at Chelsea, has been a revelation since his return to England last summer from Roma. His form has led to Saturday's clash in Kiev being billed as a Ballon d'Or decider against five-time World Player of the Year Cristiano Ronaldo. And he stressed the importance of maintaining that form for a number of years to match Ronaldo or Barcelona's Lionel Messi. "The most important thing is to maintain that level, to (keep) doing what I've done next season as well," he said. "I believed (that I was capable of this form). I was at Roma for two years, had two great seasons there and everyone told me to stay, but it was in my mind to come and be successful in England." The contrast in experience will be stark in the Ukrainian capital as Madrid seek a fourth Champions League in five seasons. By contrast, despite Liverpool's storied history in the competition, none of Jurgen Klopp's squad have ever played in a Champions League final. "They've won the Champions League three times in the past four years, so they have a lot of experience," Salah said. But he said the single-game format improves Liverpool's chances. "It's one game, not two, so we just need to focus and not think about anything in the past. When you get to the game it's just 11 against 11."

It doesn't matter who scores, winning is important - Mohamed Salah

NATO on Wednesday denounced a new bridge linking mainland Russia to Moscow-annexed Crimea as "another violation" of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The Atlantic alliance echoed the European Union's earlier condemnation of the bridge, which Russian President Vladimir Putin drove a truck over on Tuesday.

"NATO condemns Russia's construction and partial opening of the Kerch Strait bridge between Russia and Crimea," NATO deputy spokesman Piers Cazalet said.

"Crimea is part of Ukraine and this bridge represents another violation of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity," Cazalet said in a statement.

The bridge, which limits sea traffic to Ukrainian ports on the Azov Sea, amounts to "the infringement of its navigational rights in its territorial waters," he added.&nbsp

"Russia continues to demonstrate a clear disregard for international law," Cazalet said, adding that NATO will not recognise Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea.

Russian state television showed Putin dressed in jeans and a casual jacket sitting behind the wheel of a construction truck to drive across the bridge and officially open it.

The 29-member NATO is pursuing a dual-track policy towards the Kremlin of defence and deterrence coupled with an offer of dialogue.

Tensions between NATO and Russia are at levels not seen since the Cold War, including over Moscow's support for pro-Russian separatists in the conflict in eastern Ukraine.

The Atlantic alliance echoed the European Union's earlier condemnation of the bridge, which Russian President Vladimir Putin drove a truck over on Tuesday

NATO on Wednesday denounced a new bridge linking mainland Russia to Moscow-annexed Crimea as "another violation" of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Atlantic alliance echoed the European Union's earlier condemnation of the bridge, which Russian President Vladimir Putin drove a truck over on Tuesday. "NATO condemns Russia's construction and partial opening of the Kerch Strait bridge between Russia and Crimea," NATO deputy spokesman Piers Cazalet said. "Crimea is part of Ukraine and this bridge represents another violation of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity," Cazalet said in a statement. The bridge, which limits sea traffic to Ukrainian ports on the Azov Sea, amounts to "the infringement of its navigational rights in its territorial waters," he added. "Russia continues to demonstrate a clear disregard for international law," Cazalet said, adding that NATO will not recognise Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea. Russian state television showed Putin dressed in jeans and a casual jacket sitting behind the wheel of a construction truck to drive across the bridge and officially open it. The 29-member NATO is pursuing a dual-track policy towards the Kremlin of defence and deterrence coupled with an offer of dialogue. Tensions between NATO and Russia are at levels not seen since the Cold War, including over Moscow's support for pro-Russian separatists in the conflict in eastern Ukraine.

NATO 'condemns' Russia bridge to Moscow-annexed Crimea

A Ukrainian MP who was once hailed as a symbol of resistance against Russia but now stands accused of plotting a terrorist attack in Kiev was stripped of her immunity by parliament on Thursday.

Nadiya Savchenko planned &quot;a large-scale terrorist act in the centre of the Ukrainian capital,&quot; general prosecutor Yuriy Lutsenko told lawmakers in parliament.

He claimed she had made a deal with leaders of Russian-backed separatist republics in the country&#39;s east to &quot;obtain the weapons necessary for such an attack, in particular mortars of 120 mm caliber, small arms, sniper rifles, combat grenades&quot;.

Lutsenko said the planned attack would have brought a &quot;sea of blood, chaos&quot; to central Kiev.

He also showed lawmakers a 30-minute video of a woman who looked like Savchenko talking to two apparently Ukrainian officers about plans to attack parliament.

The parliament authorised the lifting of immunity and, in a separate vote, the arrest of Savchenko by 268 votes to 10, minutes after Lutsenko&#39;s speech.

In 2014, the 36-year-old former combat pilot was captured while fighting against Kremlin-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine and found guilty of involvement in the killing of two Russian journalists in the country&#39;s war-torn east.

She spent around two years in a Russian prison and became a symbol of Ukraine&#39;s resistance, launching several hunger strikes.

Savchenko returned to a hero&#39;s welcome to Kiev in May, 2016 as part of a prisoner swap with Russia.

But her political star has faded since her return to Kiev, where she became a lawmaker for former prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko&#39;s political party.

She has regularly stirred controversy and contradicted President Petro Poroshenko&#39;s policies by supporting direct talks with pro-Kremlin separatists and visiting rebel-held territory.

A Ukrainian MP who was once hailed as a symbol of resistance against Russia but now stands accused of plotting a terrorist attack in Kiev was stripped of her immunity by parliament on Thursday

A Ukrainian MP who was once hailed as a symbol of resistance against Russia but now stands accused of plotting a terrorist attack in Kiev was stripped of her immunity by parliament on Thursday. Nadiya Savchenko planned "a large-scale terrorist act in the centre of the Ukrainian capital," general prosecutor Yuriy Lutsenko told lawmakers in parliament. He claimed she had made a deal with leaders of Russian-backed separatist republics in the country's east to "obtain the weapons necessary for such an attack, in particular mortars of 120 mm caliber, small arms, sniper rifles, combat grenades". Lutsenko said the planned attack would have brought a "sea of blood, chaos" to central Kiev. He also showed lawmakers a 30-minute video of a woman who looked like Savchenko talking to two apparently Ukrainian officers about plans to attack parliament. The parliament authorised the lifting of immunity and, in a separate vote, the arrest of Savchenko by 268 votes to 10, minutes after Lutsenko's speech. In 2014, the 36-year-old former combat pilot was captured while fighting against Kremlin-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine and found guilty of involvement in the killing of two Russian journalists in the country's war-torn east. She spent around two years in a Russian prison and became a symbol of Ukraine's resistance, launching several hunger strikes. Savchenko returned to a hero's welcome to Kiev in May, 2016 as part of a prisoner swap with Russia. But her political star has faded since her return to Kiev, where she became a lawmaker for former prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko's political party. She has regularly stirred controversy and contradicted President Petro Poroshenko's policies by supporting direct talks with pro-Kremlin separatists and visiting rebel-held territory.

Ukraine allows arrest of MP over parliament attack plot

Russians living in Ukraine will be unable to vote in Russia&#39;s presidential election because access to Moscow&#39;s diplomatic missions will be blocked, Kiev said Friday.

&quot;On Sunday, March 18, 2018, security arrangements for Russia&#39;s Ukraine-based diplomatic missions in Kiev, Kharkiv, Odessa and Lviv will not provide access to these facilities for Russian nationals voting in the election,&quot; Ukraine&#39;s interior minister Arsen Avakov said.

The ministry said that elections &quot;on the sovereign Ukrainian territory&quot; are inadmissible.&nbsp;

The announcement came in retaliation for Russia&#39;s annexation of Crimea, which votes in a presidential election for the first time since it was taken over in 2014.

&quot;Ukraine&#39;s interior ministry states that conducting illegal elections on Ukraine&#39;s sovereign territory in violation of all norms of international law is unacceptable,&quot; Avakov said on Facebook.

He also pointed to &quot;Russia&#39;s aggressive hybrid war against Ukraine&quot; and &quot;the occupation of parts of Donetsk and Lugansk regions&quot; in eastern Ukraine.

Moscow&#39;s foreign ministry responded by criticising what it called Ukrainian &quot;overt interference in the internal affairs of the Russian Federation.&quot;&nbsp;

It accused Ukrainian authorities of displaying &quot;righteous indignation&quot; and &quot;taking their revenge on ordinary Russian citizens.

According to the Ukrainian interior minister, access to Russian diplomatic institutions will be granted only to people enjoying diplomatic status.

(WIth AFP inputs) 
&nbsp;

The announcement came in retaliation for Russia's annexation of Crimea, which votes in a presidential election for the first time since it was taken over in 2014

Russians living in Ukraine will be unable to vote in Russia's presidential election because access to Moscow's diplomatic missions will be blocked, Kiev said Friday. "On Sunday, March 18, 2018, security arrangements for Russia's Ukraine-based diplomatic missions in Kiev, Kharkiv, Odessa and Lviv will not provide access to these facilities for Russian nationals voting in the election," Ukraine's interior minister Arsen Avakov said. The ministry said that elections "on the sovereign Ukrainian territory" are inadmissible. The announcement came in retaliation for Russia's annexation of Crimea, which votes in a presidential election for the first time since it was taken over in 2014. "Ukraine's interior ministry states that conducting illegal elections on Ukraine's sovereign territory in violation of all norms of international law is unacceptable," Avakov said on Facebook. He also pointed to "Russia's aggressive hybrid war against Ukraine" and "the occupation of parts of Donetsk and Lugansk regions" in eastern Ukraine. Moscow's foreign ministry responded by criticising what it called Ukrainian "overt interference in the internal affairs of the Russian Federation." It accused Ukrainian authorities of displaying "righteous indignation" and "taking their revenge on ordinary Russian citizens. According to the Ukrainian interior minister, access to Russian diplomatic institutions will be granted only to people enjoying diplomatic status. (WIth AFP inputs)

Russian nationals barred from voting in Ukraine presidential elections

Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that under no circumstances would he give Crimea back to Ukraine, speaking in a new documentary released Sunday ahead of his expected re-election in next week&#39;s poll.

&quot;What, have you gone mad?&quot; he told a journalist who asked him if there were any circumstances under which the Russian leader would be ready to give up Crimea.

&quot;There are no such circumstances and never will be,&quot; he said in the new two-hour documentary &quot;Putin&quot;.

It was published on the social media accounts of notorious pro-Kremlin TV host Dmitry Kiselev ahead of a presidential election on March 18.

Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014 and supported Russian-speaking insurgents in the east of the ex-Soviet country after a Western-backed popular uprising ousted a Kremlin-backed regime from power in Kiev.

The peninsula&#39;s annexation led to European and US sanctions against Moscow amid the most serious crisis in ties with the West since the end of the Cold War.

The documentary -- produced by journalist Andrei Kondrashov, who is a spokesman for Putin&#39;s campaign -- features interviews with a number of the Russian leader&#39;s allies including former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder and childhood friend cellist Sergei Roldugin.

The secretive chief executive of oil giant Rosneft, Igor Sechin, said he had served under Putin in various capacities for nearly 30 years and that the president was &quot;a very careful person&quot;.

&quot;Honestly speaking, I don&#39;t know a single mistake he has made over these years,&quot; Sechin said in rare public comments.

&quot;He is very careful at making decisions.&quot;

Speaking on everything from his family to childhood to love and happiness, Putin said he was capable of forgiving.

&quot;But not everything,&quot; he quickly added, noting he could not forgive a betrayal.

&quot;Generally speaking, I cannot complain that I&#39;ve come across any serious events that could be called a betrayal,&quot; Putin said.

Running against a motley crew of seven challengers, Putin is expected to take nearly 70 percent of the vote with a turnout of more than 60 percent, according to state-run pollsters.

The peninsula's annexation led to European and US sanctions against Moscow amid the most serious crisis in ties with the West since the end of the Cold War

Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that under no circumstances would he give Crimea back to Ukraine, speaking in a new documentary released Sunday ahead of his expected re-election in next week's poll. "What, have you gone mad?" he told a journalist who asked him if there were any circumstances under which the Russian leader would be ready to give up Crimea. "There are no such circumstances and never will be," he said in the new two-hour documentary "Putin". It was published on the social media accounts of notorious pro-Kremlin TV host Dmitry Kiselev ahead of a presidential election on March 18. Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014 and supported Russian-speaking insurgents in the east of the ex-Soviet country after a Western-backed popular uprising ousted a Kremlin-backed regime from power in Kiev. The peninsula's annexation led to European and US sanctions against Moscow amid the most serious crisis in ties with the West since the end of the Cold War. The documentary -- produced by journalist Andrei Kondrashov, who is a spokesman for Putin's campaign -- features interviews with a number of the Russian leader's allies including former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder and childhood friend cellist Sergei Roldugin. The secretive chief executive of oil giant Rosneft, Igor Sechin, said he had served under Putin in various capacities for nearly 30 years and that the president was "a very careful person". "Honestly speaking, I don't know a single mistake he has made over these years," Sechin said in rare public comments. "He is very careful at making decisions." Speaking on everything from his family to childhood to love and happiness, Putin said he was capable of forgiving. "But not everything," he quickly added, noting he could not forgive a betrayal. "Generally speaking, I cannot complain that I've come across any serious events that could be called a betrayal," Putin said. Running against a motley crew of seven challengers, Putin is expected to take nearly 70 percent of the vote with a turnout of more than 60 percent, according to state-run pollsters.

Russian President Vladimir Putin says he will 'never' give Crimea back to Ukraine

New tensions between Moscow and Kiev flared Thursday after Russia&#39;s Gazprom said it will not restart gas supplies to Ukraine and Naftogaz accusing its counterpart of violating agreements.

The March shipments would have become the first Russian supplies to Ukraine since November 2015 when Kiev ceased purchasing Russian gas in favour of Europe.

Since a popular uprising ousted a Kremlin-backed regime in Ukraine in 2014, the two gas companies have been locked in a furious legal battle that led them to lodge multi-billion dollar claims against each other in the Stockholm arbitration court.&nbsp;

In December last year, the court lowered the price Russia can claim for its gas, but also required Kiev to buy 5 billion cubic metres of Russian gas annually from 2018.&nbsp;

On Thursday, Gazprom said supplies would not be restarted because an additional agreement to the current contract had not been finalised.

&quot;Obviously, no gas deliveries will be made to Naftogaz Ukraine from March 1,&quot; Gazprom deputy head Alexander Medvedev said in a statement.

He added that the Russian gas giant had returned the prepayment that Naftogaz had made for March supplies.

In response, Naftogaz accused Gazprom of violating its contractual obligations.

&quot;Gazprom&#39;s position surprises us,&quot; Naftogaz chief Andriy Kobolev said in a statement.

&quot;We are buying gas because we are implementing a court decision,&quot; he said, adding that Naftogaz intended to claim damages from the Russian company.

&quot;Gazprom&#39;s announcement gives European partners a new reason to ask if they can trust a partner who can bill you, receive money and refuse to supply gas,&quot; Kobolev said.

The new flare-up in tensions came after the Stockholm arbitration court ordered Gazprom to pay $2.56 billion to Naftogaz for &quot;failure to deliver the agreed transit gas volumes&quot;, the Ukranian company said on Wednesday.

Gazprom covers about one-third of the European continent&#39;s gas needs, a share that has increased in recent years despite the European Union&#39;s intention to reduce its dependence on Russian gas supplies.

After the 2014 popular uprising, Moscow annexed the peninsula of Crimea from Ukraine and supported an anti-Kiev insurgency in the east of the ex-Soviet country.&nbsp;

More than 10,000 people have been killed in the fighting since April 2014.

New tensions between Moscow and Kiev flared Thursday after Russia's Gazprom said it will not restart gas supplies to Ukraine and Naftogaz accusing its counterpart of violating agreements

New tensions between Moscow and Kiev flared Thursday after Russia's Gazprom said it will not restart gas supplies to Ukraine and Naftogaz accusing its counterpart of violating agreements. The March shipments would have become the first Russian supplies to Ukraine since November 2015 when Kiev ceased purchasing Russian gas in favour of Europe. Since a popular uprising ousted a Kremlin-backed regime in Ukraine in 2014, the two gas companies have been locked in a furious legal battle that led them to lodge multi-billion dollar claims against each other in the Stockholm arbitration court. In December last year, the court lowered the price Russia can claim for its gas, but also required Kiev to buy 5 billion cubic metres of Russian gas annually from 2018. On Thursday, Gazprom said supplies would not be restarted because an additional agreement to the current contract had not been finalised. "Obviously, no gas deliveries will be made to Naftogaz Ukraine from March 1," Gazprom deputy head Alexander Medvedev said in a statement. He added that the Russian gas giant had returned the prepayment that Naftogaz had made for March supplies. In response, Naftogaz accused Gazprom of violating its contractual obligations. "Gazprom's position surprises us," Naftogaz chief Andriy Kobolev said in a statement. "We are buying gas because we are implementing a court decision," he said, adding that Naftogaz intended to claim damages from the Russian company. "Gazprom's announcement gives European partners a new reason to ask if they can trust a partner who can bill you, receive money and refuse to supply gas," Kobolev said. The new flare-up in tensions came after the Stockholm arbitration court ordered Gazprom to pay $2.56 billion to Naftogaz for "failure to deliver the agreed transit gas volumes", the Ukranian company said on Wednesday. Gazprom covers about one-third of the European continent's gas needs, a share that has increased in recent years despite the European Union's intention to reduce its dependence on Russian gas supplies. After the 2014 popular uprising, Moscow annexed the peninsula of Crimea from Ukraine and supported an anti-Kiev insurgency in the east of the ex-Soviet country. More than 10,000 people have been killed in the fighting since April 2014.

Russia's Gazprom refuses to restart gas supplies to Ukraine

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