This month alone, both NATO and Russia have conducted military drills in the Baltic sea... With undersea internet cables, energy infrastructure and gas pipelines, Baltic sea is extremely critical on the commercial and strategic front... With Russia's Kaliningrad-based Naval fleet sandwiched between NATO nations, Russia has been carrying out Baltic Naval drills...Will the Baltic witness the next maritime battle?

Gravitas | Russia's Navy's wargames in "NATO Lake" | Battleground Baltic

Russia's Navy to receive more than 40 ships and boats in 2024 as per President Vladimir Putin at a meeting on ship building. Putin cited year on-year statistics According to which the Navy was provided 24 new ships and boats in 2022, 33 in 2023 and 40 are planned to be handed over in 2024. Watch in for more details!

Russia: Navy eyeing a comeback as as war with Ukraine continues

<p>NATO's 32 nations on Wednesday (June 26) appointed outgoing Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte as the alliance's new supremo.</p>

<p>The development comes at a crucial time when Russia's war against Ukraine is intensifying and the elections in the United States are approaching.</p>

<p>"The North Atlantic Council decided to appoint Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte as the next Secretary General of NATO, succeeding Jens Stoltenberg," the alliance said in a statement, adding that he would take over on October 1.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Jens Stoltenberg of Norway, who is stepping down from the post after almost a decade, said that Rutte was a "true transatlanticist" and a "consensus-builder".</p>

<p>"Mark is a true transatlanticist, a strong leader and a consensus-builder," Stoltenberg wrote in a social media post.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I warmly welcome <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NATO?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NATO</a> Allies' choice of <a href="https://twitter.com/MinPres?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MinPres</a> Mark Rutte as my successor. Mark is a true transatlanticist, a strong leader and a consensus-builder. I wish him every success as we continue to strengthen NATO.<br />
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I know I am leaving NATO in good hands.<a href="https://t.co/D0ass7fKiL">https://t.co/D0ass7fKiL</a></p>
— Jens Stoltenberg (@jensstoltenberg) <a href="https://twitter.com/jensstoltenberg/status/1805880452869210275?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 26, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>"I know I am leaving NATO in good hands," he said.</p>

<p>Rutte said it was a "tremendous honour" to take over from Stoltenberg.</p>

<p>"The alliance is and will remain the cornerstone of our collective security. Leading this organisation is a responsibility I do not take lightly," he posted on his official X account.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">It is a tremendous honour to be appointed Secretary-General of NATO. The Alliance is and will remain the cornerstone of our collective security. Leading this organisation is a responsibility I do not take lightly. I’m grateful to all the Allies for placing their trust in me. I…</p>
— Mark Rutte (@MinPres) <a href="https://twitter.com/MinPres/status/1805887841576128984?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 26, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Biden believes Rutte will make excellent NATO leader: White House</strong></h2>

<p>United States welcomed Rutte's appointment stating that President Joe Biden believed that the Dutch PM would make "excellent" efforts to support Ukraine.</p>

<p>"President Biden strongly believes that Mark Rutte will make an excellent secretary general," National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters on Wednesday.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-3-killed-52-injured-after-russian-guided-bombs-hit-apartment-building-in-ukraines-kharkiv-734278">Also read: At least 3 killed, 52 injured after Russian guided bombs hit apartment building in Ukraine’s Kharkiv</a></p>

<p>Other leaders who backed the decision were British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who called Rutte's appointment "a good choice for freedom and security".</p>

<h2><strong>Ukraine hails 'principled and strong' Rutte</strong></h2>

<p>Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hailed Rutte calling him a "principled and strong leader".</p>

<p>"I know Mark Rutte as a principled and strong leader, who has demonstrated his decisiveness and vision on many occasions over the past years," Zelensky said in a post on social media.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Congratulations to <a href="https://twitter.com/MinPres?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MinPres</a> Mark Rutte on the Allies’ decision to appoint him as the next Secretary General of NATO.<br />
<br />
When Mr. Rutte takes over this post from <a href="https://twitter.com/jensstoltenberg?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JensStoltenberg</a> in October, we anticipate that our joint work to ensure the protection of people and freedom throughout…</p>
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1805905612045275430?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 26, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>'Rutte as NATO chief won't change anything,' says Kremlin</strong></h2>

<p>Meanwhile, Russia said that Rutte's appointment as NATO chief would not "change anything" for Moscow.</p>

<p>"It is unlikely that this choice can change anything in the general line of NATO," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. "At the moment, this is an alliance that is an enemy for us."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


NATO's 32 nations on Wednesday (June 26) appointed outgoing Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte as the alliance's new supremo. The development comes at a crucial time when Russia's war against Ukraine is intensifying and the elections in the United States are approaching.

NATO's 32 nations on Wednesday (June 26) appointed outgoing Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte as the alliance's new supremo. The development comes at a crucial time when Russia's war against Ukraine is intensifying and the elections in the United States are approaching. "The North Atlantic Council decided to appoint Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte as the next Secretary General of NATO, succeeding Jens Stoltenberg," the alliance said in a statement, adding that he would take over on October 1. Jens Stoltenberg of Norway, who is stepping down from the post after almost a decade, said that Rutte was a "true transatlanticist" and a "consensus-builder". "Mark is a true transatlanticist, a strong leader and a consensus-builder," Stoltenberg wrote in a social media post. I warmly welcome #NATO Allies' choice of @MinPres Mark Rutte as my successor. Mark is a true transatlanticist, a strong leader and a consensus-builder. I wish him every success as we continue to strengthen NATO. I know I am leaving NATO in good hands.https://t.co/D0ass7fKiL — Jens Stoltenberg (@jensstoltenberg) June 26, 2024 × "I know I am leaving NATO in good hands," he said. Rutte said it was a "tremendous honour" to take over from Stoltenberg. "The alliance is and will remain the cornerstone of our collective security. Leading this organisation is a responsibility I do not take lightly," he posted on his official X account. It is a tremendous honour to be appointed Secretary-General of NATO. The Alliance is and will remain the cornerstone of our collective security. Leading this organisation is a responsibility I do not take lightly. I’m grateful to all the Allies for placing their trust in me. I… — Mark Rutte (@MinPres) June 26, 2024 × Biden believes Rutte will make excellent NATO leader: White House United States welcomed Rutte's appointment stating that President Joe Biden believed that the Dutch PM would make "excellent" efforts to support Ukraine. "President Biden strongly believes that Mark Rutte will make an excellent secretary general," National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters on Wednesday. Also read: At least 3 killed, 52 injured after Russian guided bombs hit apartment building in Ukraine’s Kharkiv Other leaders who backed the decision were British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who called Rutte's appointment "a good choice for freedom and security". Ukraine hails 'principled and strong' Rutte Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hailed Rutte calling him a "principled and strong leader". "I know Mark Rutte as a principled and strong leader, who has demonstrated his decisiveness and vision on many occasions over the past years," Zelensky said in a post on social media. Congratulations to @MinPres Mark Rutte on the Allies’ decision to appoint him as the next Secretary General of NATO. When Mr. Rutte takes over this post from @JensStoltenberg in October, we anticipate that our joint work to ensure the protection of people and freedom throughout… — Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) June 26, 2024 × 'Rutte as NATO chief won't change anything,' says Kremlin Meanwhile, Russia said that Rutte's appointment as NATO chief would not "change anything" for Moscow. "It is unlikely that this choice can change anything in the general line of NATO," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. "At the moment, this is an alliance that is an enemy for us." (With inputs from agencies)

NATO appoints outgoing Dutch PM Mark Rutte as new chief

For the first time, a telephone conversation between the US and Russian defense ministers took place. Watch in for more details!

Russia-Ukraine war: Russia, US defence minsters talk on phone | Moscow slams US weapons for Ukraine

<p>Belgium&nbsp;qualified for the last 16 of Euro 2024 on Wednesday after a 0-0 draw with Ukraine, who exited the tournament despite all four teams in Group E finishing level on four points.</p>

<p>Romania took top spot ahead of Belgium after scoring more goals in the group following their 1-1 draw with Slovakia, who also go through as one of the four best third-placed sides.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/football/euro-2024-phil-foden-leaves-england-camp-day-after-match-vs-slovenia-735412">Phil Foden leaves England camp day after match vs Slovenia</a></p>

<p>Belgium supporters reacted furiously at the final whistle in Stuttgart, with captain Kevin De Bruyne appearing to tell his team-mates not to go over to acknowledge them as the whistles and jeers grew louder.</p>

<p>They will play France in the next round and have landed themselves on the tougher side of the draw which also features hosts Germany, Spain and Portugal.</p>

<p>Ukraine's brave run came to an agonising end as they became the first team since the tournament increased to 24 teams not to progress with four points.</p>

<p>It had been the first time ever at the European Championship all four teams in the same group had gone into the final round of games locked on the same number of points.</p>

<p>Leandro Trossard replaced the suspended Dodi Lukebakio for Belgium, wearing their kit which pays to the comic book hero Tintin, with pale blue shirts, brown shirts and white socks.</p>

<p>Ukraine were without wingers Mykhailo Mudryk and Viktor Tsygankov because of injury, switching to three at the back with Oleksandr Zinchenko dropping out and Roman Yaremchuk starting after scoring the winner as a substitute against Slovakia.</p>

<h2>- Ukraine fans honour fallen comrades -</h2>

<p>Ukrainian fans unveiled a banner displaying the portrait of a 21-year-old soldier who died in battle last month, an image generated by artificial intelligence using the photos of 182 football fans also killed in combat.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Peace has a price. Thousands of football fans have been killed in the war since February 2022," read an accompanying message, referring to the Russian invasion of Ukraine that started two years ago.</p>

<p>Romelu Lukaku, who had three goals ruled out in his team's first two games of the tournament, scuffed straight at Anatoliy Trubin when well placed after a slick through ball from De Bruyne.</p>

<p>Yaremchuk tested Koen Casteels and he might have given his team the lead if Artem Dovbyk had found him in the area after getting the better of Arthur Theate.</p>

<p>Twice De Bruyne was unhappy with a laser being pointed at his face as he took free-kicks, nearly catching Trubin out at the near post on one occasion.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He had another curling attempt held shortly after Yaremchuk fizzed a pass across the Belgium area while trying to pick out Dovbyk.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Lukaku saw a weak shot smothered by Trubin, who then beat away a much firmer strike from Yannick Carrasco as Belgium chased the goal that would have clinched first place in the group.</p>

<p>Ruslan Malinovskyi's corner left Casteels frantically scooping the ball to safety at his near post as a nervy finish ensued, Ukraine desperately needing a goal that Belgium knew would spell disaster for them.</p>

<p>Johan Bakayoko curled wide for Belgium and Malinovskyi's piledriver was blocked by Timothy Castagne, with Georgiy Sudakov unable to find a way past Casteels in stoppage time as Ukraine's adventure came to an emotional conclusion.</p>


Belgium qualified for the last 16 of Euro 2024 on Wednesday after a 0-0 draw with Ukraine, who exited the tournament despite all four teams in Group E finishing level on four points.

Belgium qualified for the last 16 of Euro 2024 on Wednesday after a 0-0 draw with Ukraine, who exited the tournament despite all four teams in Group E finishing level on four points. Romania took top spot ahead of Belgium after scoring more goals in the group following their 1-1 draw with Slovakia, who also go through as one of the four best third-placed sides. Also Read: Phil Foden leaves England camp day after match vs Slovenia Belgium supporters reacted furiously at the final whistle in Stuttgart, with captain Kevin De Bruyne appearing to tell his team-mates not to go over to acknowledge them as the whistles and jeers grew louder. They will play France in the next round and have landed themselves on the tougher side of the draw which also features hosts Germany, Spain and Portugal. Ukraine's brave run came to an agonising end as they became the first team since the tournament increased to 24 teams not to progress with four points. It had been the first time ever at the European Championship all four teams in the same group had gone into the final round of games locked on the same number of points. Leandro Trossard replaced the suspended Dodi Lukebakio for Belgium, wearing their kit which pays to the comic book hero Tintin, with pale blue shirts, brown shirts and white socks. Ukraine were without wingers Mykhailo Mudryk and Viktor Tsygankov because of injury, switching to three at the back with Oleksandr Zinchenko dropping out and Roman Yaremchuk starting after scoring the winner as a substitute against Slovakia. - Ukraine fans honour fallen comrades - Ukrainian fans unveiled a banner displaying the portrait of a 21-year-old soldier who died in battle last month, an image generated by artificial intelligence using the photos of 182 football fans also killed in combat. "Peace has a price. Thousands of football fans have been killed in the war since February 2022," read an accompanying message, referring to the Russian invasion of Ukraine that started two years ago. Romelu Lukaku, who had three goals ruled out in his team's first two games of the tournament, scuffed straight at Anatoliy Trubin when well placed after a slick through ball from De Bruyne. Yaremchuk tested Koen Casteels and he might have given his team the lead if Artem Dovbyk had found him in the area after getting the better of Arthur Theate. Twice De Bruyne was unhappy with a laser being pointed at his face as he took free-kicks, nearly catching Trubin out at the near post on one occasion. He had another curling attempt held shortly after Yaremchuk fizzed a pass across the Belgium area while trying to pick out Dovbyk. Lukaku saw a weak shot smothered by Trubin, who then beat away a much firmer strike from Yannick Carrasco as Belgium chased the goal that would have clinched first place in the group. Ruslan Malinovskyi's corner left Casteels frantically scooping the ball to safety at his near post as a nervy finish ensued, Ukraine desperately needing a goal that Belgium knew would spell disaster for them. Johan Bakayoko curled wide for Belgium and Malinovskyi's piledriver was blocked by Timothy Castagne, with Georgiy Sudakov unable to find a way past Casteels in stoppage time as Ukraine's adventure came to an emotional conclusion.

Euro 2024: Ukraine crash out after goalless draw against Belgium

Oleksandr Usyk has relinquished the IBF heavyweight belt just five weeks after becoming the undisputed heavyweight champion. The Ukrainian gave up the belt after refusing to face the mandatory callenger. Our Sports Editor Digvijay Singh Deo gets you more details on this.

Oleksandr Usyk vacates IBF heavyweight title

Russia-Ukraine war: Russia, US defence minsters talk on phone

Russia has again raised dangers of further escalation of the situation in Ukraine due to the continued supply of weapons to Kyiv. the Russian defense minister Andre Bosov spoke to his American counterpart Lloyd Austin over the phone on Tuesday. The latest interaction comes on the back of the Kremlin warning the United States of consequences.

Russia-Ukraine war: Weapons supplied to Kyiv becomes a sore point for Moscow

Ukraine Russia drone Warfare shows signs of escalation with the US that's supplying arms to Ukraine now firmly in the picture. The latest is Russian media reports of a direct Russia-US Clash. Watch in for more details!

Russia-Ukraine war: Russia's MIG-31 downed a US RQ4 drone over Black Sea, says Report

Russia-Ukraine war: Did a Russian jet down a US drone?

Russia-Ukraine war: Russia, US defence ministers talk on phone, warns of escalation Ukraine

Russia-Ukraine war: Russia, US defence ministers talk on phone

The European Union formally launches accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova on Tuesday, setting the fragile ex-Soviet states off on a long path towards membership that Russia has tried to block.

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<p>Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday said he went to the front line Donetsk region, where he discussed the military and humanitarian situation with high-ranking commanders.</p>

<p>The visit came a few days after Zelensky replaced the commander of Ukraine's Joint Forces following criticism, as Kyiv has struggled to hold back Moscow's troops in the east for months.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-war-zelensky-replaces-top-military-commander-for-causing-mass-casualties-on-russia-front-734820">Ukraine war: Zelensky replaces top military commander for 'causing mass casualties' on Russia front</a></p>

<p>"I started the day in the Donetsk region, together with our soldiers, together with Commander-in-chief (Oleksandr) Syrsky and the new Commander of the Joint Forces, General (Andriy) Gnatov," Zelensky said from the city of Pokrovsk.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added that the newly-appointed Gnatov was "a young man, but his knowledge of the frontline and experience are exactly what we need".</p>

<p>The president appointed Gnatov after a popular military commander accused his predecessor, Yuriy Sodol, of incompetence.</p>

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<p>Zelensky also spoke about assistance to affected communities in the Donetsk region, which has borne the brunt of the fighting in recent months.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He made a rare jab at government officials, saying they "should be there and in other places near the front -- in difficult communities where people need immediate solutions".</p>

<p>"I was surprised that some relevant government officials had not been here for six months or more. I will draw appropriate conclusions about them," he added.&nbsp;</p>


Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday said he went to the front line Donetsk region, where he discussed the military and humanitarian situation with high-ranking commanders.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday said he went to the front line Donetsk region, where he discussed the military and humanitarian situation with high-ranking commanders. The visit came a few days after Zelensky replaced the commander of Ukraine's Joint Forces following criticism, as Kyiv has struggled to hold back Moscow's troops in the east for months. Also read: Ukraine war: Zelensky replaces top military commander for 'causing mass casualties' on Russia front "I started the day in the Donetsk region, together with our soldiers, together with Commander-in-chief (Oleksandr) Syrsky and the new Commander of the Joint Forces, General (Andriy) Gnatov," Zelensky said from the city of Pokrovsk. He added that the newly-appointed Gnatov was "a young man, but his knowledge of the frontline and experience are exactly what we need". The president appointed Gnatov after a popular military commander accused his predecessor, Yuriy Sodol, of incompetence. × Zelensky also spoke about assistance to affected communities in the Donetsk region, which has borne the brunt of the fighting in recent months. He made a rare jab at government officials, saying they "should be there and in other places near the front -- in difficult communities where people need immediate solutions". "I was surprised that some relevant government officials had not been here for six months or more. I will draw appropriate conclusions about them," he added.

Zelensky says visited frontline Donetsk region in east Ukraine

Russia-Ukraine war: US, Russian defence chiefs have phone talk for first time

Russia has accused the United States of being responsible for a deadly Ukrainian attack on the Russian-annexed Crimean peninsula. The attack, which used five US-supplied missiles, resulted in the deaths of at least five individuals, including three children, and left 124 others injured. Watch in for more details!

Russia-Ukraine War: Russia vows retaliation against US for Ukraine strike on Crimea

Despite heavily undermanned and undergunned due to a critical shortage of ammunition Ukrainian forces are rewriting the rules of the asymmetric Naval Warfare with deployment of uncrewed systems against Russian naval targets. Ukraine is using Naval drones to significantly hamper Russian operations in the Black Sea. Watch in for more details!

Former US president Donald Trump's key advisors have presented him with a plan to end Russia's war in Ukraine if he wins the presidential election scheduled to take place later this year.

Russia-Ukraine war: Trump's advisors unveil plan to end Kyiv war

Have terrorists renewed jihad against Russia? All signs point to it. The attack that took place in Russia's Southernmost Republic of Dagestan on Sunday, was the second major attack in Russia in three months. Gunmen opened fire at synagogues, churches, and police. The attack comes just three months after gunmen, purportedly from ISIS-K, stormed into Moscow’s Crocus City Hall, killing nearly 150 people. Has Russia's Islamist threat metastised? Are jihadist groups trying to take advantage of the Ukraine war and strike?

Gravitas | Dagestan Attack: Terrorists renew Jihad against Russia amid Ukraine war

Russia-Ukraine war: Ukraine demonstrates naval prowess in Black Sea with drones

Russia-Ukraine war: Russia MiG-31 down US' RQ4 drone says reports

In the latest escalation of tensions between US and Russia, the Kremlin has squarely blamed the US for the deadly attack on Crimea which was carried out using US-supplied ATACMS missiles. At least four people were killed and 151 were injured in the attack, and Moscow has formally warned the US that a retaliation would follow. WION's Shivan Chanana discusses with Glenn Diesen, Professor of International Relations, University of South-Eastern Norway.

Russia-Ukraine war: Moscow says Kyiv used US-made missiles in Crimea attack

Former US President Donald Trump's key advisors have presented him with a plan to end the Russia-Ukraine war if he wins the Presidential elections, scheduled to take place later this year.

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The European Union will open membership talks with Ukraine on Tuesday, giving the country a political boost in the midst of its war against Russia's invasion. Watch in for more details!

Ukraine set for symbolic start of EU membership talks

Russia-Ukraine War: Russia blames US for deadly missile attack on Crimea

With the European Union formally initiating Ukraine's accession talks, soldiers and lawmakers alike reflect on the country's decade long journey to officially become a part of the block. Watch in for more details!

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Russia-Ukraine war: Russia MiG-31 down US' RQ4 drone?

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