When Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine three years ago, Ukrainian soldiers were ready to sacrifice their lives for their country. However, after three years of conflict, the situation has changed. Desertion has become a pressing issue, drawing significant attention in Ukraine. 
Last week, the government launched an investigation into a brigade whose 56 soldiers disappeared during a training session in France, while hundreds of others are also reportedly missing.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-when-russians-hide-north-koreans-shoot-how-pyongyangs-troops-are-reshaping-8633581">'When Russians hide, North Koreans&nbsp;shoot': How Pyongyang's troops are reshaping Russia-Ukraine war</a>
The brigade's commander has been arrested and faces a 10-year prison sentence for failing to carry out his official duties and not reporting unauthorised absences.
<h2>Ukraine faces severe shortage of soldiers</h2>
Ukraine is facing a severe shortage of soldiers, particularly in infantry units. The Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine&rsquo;s parliament, has been debating efforts to increase recruitment. 
Deserters currently face prison sentences of between 12 and 15 years. However, last summer, the parliament removed criminal penalties for those who voluntarily return to their battalions, restoring their full benefits.
<h2>'I&rsquo;m nobody. Just a number'</h2>
A soldier who fought in the village of Tonenke near Avdiivka in 2023 described his experience to The Guardian: &ldquo;When I arrived I was super-motivated. If necessary, I would give my life.&rdquo; 
Over time, though, his enthusiasm faded. &ldquo;The Russians would smash our positions to the ground,&rdquo; he said.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tulsi-gabbard-confirmation-hearing-us-senate-donald-trumps-director-of-national-intelligence-pick-8676030" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Also read: 'Not Putin&rsquo;s or Modi&rsquo;s puppet&rsquo;: Trump's US top spy pick Tulsi Gabbard defends loyalty at confirmation hearing</a>
According to him, senior Ukrainian commanders issued unrealistic orders. While defending a destroyed building, a falling panel struck his shoulder. &ldquo;I realised I&rsquo;m nobody. Just a number,&rdquo; he told The Guardian.
In May of that year, he left his post to seek medical treatment and did not return. His commander listed him as AWOL. 
The soldier claimed he attempted to rejoin his brigade in August 2023 but was told he was no longer wanted. 
He is among thousands of Ukrainian soldiers who have left their units. While the exact number remains classified, officials confirmed to The Guardian that it is substantial.
&ldquo;Everybody is tired. The mood has changed. People used to hug soldiers in the streets. Now they worry about being conscripted,&rdquo; he said.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-says-russia-ready-for-peace-talks-but-rules-out-speaking-directly-with-illegitimate-zelensky-8662995" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Also read: Putin says Russia ready for peace talks but rules out speaking directly with 'illegitimate' Zelensky</a>
&ldquo;One guy lost an arm. Another a leg. Some had bullet wounds. Nobody is completely OK. Even so, we managed to achieve some tasks,&rdquo; he added.
<h2>'I decided to go where nobody can find me'</h2>
Another deserter, who had participated in Ukrainian offensives in the Mykolaiv and Kherson regions, shared his perspective with The Guardian: &ldquo;I reached boiling point. So I decided to go where nobody can find me.&rdquo;
Since then, he has been in hiding. &ldquo;We will see what happens. Maybe I get caught and sent to the frontline,&rdquo; he said. However, he said that he would fight again if Russian forces entered his town or if the Ukrainian military became a fully reformed NATO-style force with better leadership.
<h2>'Problem is big'</h2>
Olha Reshetylova, Ukraine&rsquo;s commissioner for protecting service members&rsquo; rights, recognised the gravity of the situation. She told The Guardian, &ldquo;Let&rsquo;s be honest. The problem is big. It&rsquo;s natural in a situation where you&rsquo;ve had three years of major war. People are exhausted. They want to see their families. Their children are growing up without them. Relationships get broken. Wives and husbands can&rsquo;t wait for ever. They feel alone.&rdquo;
&ldquo;It&rsquo;s a complex and complicated problem. We can&rsquo;t solve this with criminal punishment. If it comes to a choice between being killed and going to prison, of course at that moment you will go with the second option,&rdquo; she said.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zelensky-hints-at-possibility-of-peace-talks-with-russia-says-allies-should-work-on-its-format-8653717" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Also read: Zelensky hints at possibility of peace talks with Russia, says allies should work on its &lsquo;format&rsquo;</a>
Reshetylova pointed out that hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian soldiers remain in their positions and continue to fight. She suggested that the recruitment crisis could be eased if Ukraine&rsquo;s allies committed their own troops. 
&ldquo;As I see it, it is Europe&rsquo;s armies that are absent without leave. They don&rsquo;t understand &ndash; or don&rsquo;t want to understand &ndash; that this is their war too,&rdquo; she said.
(With inputs from agencies)

World: Russia Ukraine war Ukraine is facing a severe shortage of soldiers, particularly in infantry units. Desertion has become a pressing issue, drawing significant attention. 

When Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine three years ago, Ukrainian soldiers were ready to sacrifice their lives for their country. However, after three years of conflict, the situation has changed. Desertion has become a pressing issue, drawing significant attention in Ukraine. Last week, the government launched an investigation into a brigade whose 56 soldiers disappeared during a training session in France, while hundreds of others are also reportedly missing. Also read: 'When Russians hide, North Koreans shoot': How Pyongyang's troops are reshaping Russia-Ukraine war The brigade's commander has been arrested and faces a 10-year prison sentence for failing to carry out his official duties and not reporting unauthorised absences. Ukraine faces severe shortage of soldiers Ukraine is facing a severe shortage of soldiers, particularly in infantry units. The Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine’s parliament, has been debating efforts to increase recruitment. Deserters currently face prison sentences of between 12 and 15 years. However, last summer, the parliament removed criminal penalties for those who voluntarily return to their battalions, restoring their full benefits. 'I’m nobody. Just a number' A soldier who fought in the village of Tonenke near Avdiivka in 2023 described his experience to The Guardian: “When I arrived I was super-motivated. If necessary, I would give my life.” Over time, though, his enthusiasm faded. “The Russians would smash our positions to the ground,” he said. Also read: 'Not Putin’s or Modi’s puppet’: Trump's US top spy pick Tulsi Gabbard defends loyalty at confirmation hearing According to him, senior Ukrainian commanders issued unrealistic orders. While defending a destroyed building, a falling panel struck his shoulder. “I realised I’m nobody. Just a number,” he told The Guardian. In May of that year, he left his post to seek medical treatment and did not return. His commander listed him as AWOL. The soldier claimed he attempted to rejoin his brigade in August 2023 but was told he was no longer wanted. He is among thousands of Ukrainian soldiers who have left their units. While the exact number remains classified, officials confirmed to The Guardian that it is substantial. “Everybody is tired. The mood has changed. People used to hug soldiers in the streets. Now they worry about being conscripted,” he said. Also read: Putin says Russia ready for peace talks but rules out speaking directly with 'illegitimate' Zelensky “One guy lost an arm. Another a leg. Some had bullet wounds. Nobody is completely OK. Even so, we managed to achieve some tasks,” he added. 'I decided to go where nobody can find me' Another deserter, who had participated in Ukrainian offensives in the Mykolaiv and Kherson regions, shared his perspective with The Guardian: “I reached boiling point. So I decided to go where nobody can find me.” Since then, he has been in hiding. “We will see what happens. Maybe I get caught and sent to the frontline,” he said. However, he said that he would fight again if Russian forces entered his town or if the Ukrainian military became a fully reformed NATO-style force with better leadership. 'Problem is big' Olha Reshetylova, Ukraine’s commissioner for protecting service members’ rights, recognised the gravity of the situation. She told The Guardian, “Let’s be honest. The problem is big. It’s natural in a situation where you’ve had three years of major war. People are exhausted. They want to see their families. Their children are growing up without them. Relationships get broken. Wives and husbands can’t wait for ever. They feel alone.” “It’s a complex and complicated problem. We can’t solve this with criminal punishment. If it comes to a choice between being killed and going to prison, of course at that moment you will go with the second option,” she said. Also read: Zelensky hints at possibility of peace talks with Russia, says allies should work on its ‘format’ Reshetylova pointed out that hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian soldiers remain in their positions and continue to fight. She suggested that the recruitment crisis could be eased if Ukraine’s allies committed their own troops. “As I see it, it is Europe’s armies that are absent without leave. They don’t understand – or don’t want to understand – that this is their war too,” she said. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Realised I’m nobody, just a number’: Why Ukrainian soldiers are running away as war with Russia drags on

As Ukraine faces a series of losses on the frontlines amid its ongoing war with Russia, a report by the New York Times said Kyiv has ramped up conscription efforts and while many Ukrainian men have answered the call to serve, thousands are either hiding or fleeing the country.&nbsp;

<h2>Thousands try to evade conscription</h2>

Vladyslav, a 45-year-old Ukrainian who went into hiding, told the NYT that officers serving draft notices are “everywhere now,” forcing thousands who are trying to evade conscription to either stay in hiding or flee the war-torn country.&nbsp;

According to the report, even before the latest mobilisation push thousands of Ukrainian men fled the country, including some who swam across the river separating Ukraine and Romania.&nbsp;

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Currently, Ukrainian officials are scouring the country to find draft men of military age, which is 25 to 60, as of now. However, many including Vladyslav fear that the conscription would be a “one-way ticket to the front line,” the NYT reported.&nbsp;

The report noted that while the number of men trying to avoid being drafted is unclear, tens of thousands of men are part of social media groups which alert other members about the movements of draft officers.&nbsp;

NYT citing military analysts said that Kyiv is having a difficult time holding its lines because the Ukrainian troops often lack proper and enough training as Ukraine is quick to send personnel to the battleground to replace losses.&nbsp;

However, Colonel Volodymyr Novosiadlyi, an official responsible for conscription in Kyiv told the newspaper that those drafted are trained for at least a month and that the military is also trying to treat draftees with fairness and empathy.&nbsp;

He added, “Every citizen should understand the need to fulfill their duties” in defending their country.

The mobilisation law passed in April made it compulsory for all draft-age men to register their details on a government website based on which the draftees would be chosen. Failure to register by July 16 will be a criminal offence.&nbsp;

<h2>Ukraine sends criminals to front lines</h2>

Earlier this year, the Ukrainian parliament also adopted a law which authorised certain convicts to fight on the frontlines. The move, which Russia was once criticised for, led thousands of prisoners to trade their prison jumpsuits for Ukrainian army uniforms.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-3-killed-52-injured-after-russian-guided-bombs-hit-apartment-building-in-ukraines-kharkiv-734278">At least 3 killed, 52 injured after Russian guided bombs hit apartment building in Ukraine’s Kharkiv</a>

More than 2,750 convicts have been released from Ukrainian prisons since the law was adopted in May, according to a report by the Washington Post.&nbsp;

The law authorised certain convicts including those jailed for dealing drugs and committing armed assaults and murders were allowed to enlist.&nbsp;

However, it does not allow those convicted of crimes against the foundations of national security of Ukraine, or particularly serious corruption offences.

After the law was passed, the Ukrainian justice ministry said that the inmates, who must sign up of their own free will, would serve in separate units. &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

As Ukraine faces a series of losses on the frontlines amid its ongoing war with Russia, a report by the New York Times said Kyiv has ramped up conscription efforts and while many Ukrainian men have answered the call to serve, thousands are either hiding or fleeing the country.

As Ukraine faces a series of losses on the frontlines amid its ongoing war with Russia, a report by the New York Times said Kyiv has ramped up conscription efforts and while many Ukrainian men have answered the call to serve, thousands are either hiding or fleeing the country. Thousands try to evade conscription Vladyslav, a 45-year-old Ukrainian who went into hiding, told the NYT that officers serving draft notices are “everywhere now,” forcing thousands who are trying to evade conscription to either stay in hiding or flee the war-torn country. According to the report, even before the latest mobilisation push thousands of Ukrainian men fled the country, including some who swam across the river separating Ukraine and Romania. Currently, Ukrainian officials are scouring the country to find draft men of military age, which is 25 to 60, as of now. However, many including Vladyslav fear that the conscription would be a “one-way ticket to the front line,” the NYT reported. The report noted that while the number of men trying to avoid being drafted is unclear, tens of thousands of men are part of social media groups which alert other members about the movements of draft officers. NYT citing military analysts said that Kyiv is having a difficult time holding its lines because the Ukrainian troops often lack proper and enough training as Ukraine is quick to send personnel to the battleground to replace losses. However, Colonel Volodymyr Novosiadlyi, an official responsible for conscription in Kyiv told the newspaper that those drafted are trained for at least a month and that the military is also trying to treat draftees with fairness and empathy. He added, “Every citizen should understand the need to fulfill their duties” in defending their country. The mobilisation law passed in April made it compulsory for all draft-age men to register their details on a government website based on which the draftees would be chosen. Failure to register by July 16 will be a criminal offence. Ukraine sends criminals to front lines Earlier this year, the Ukrainian parliament also adopted a law which authorised certain convicts to fight on the frontlines. The move, which Russia was once criticised for, led thousands of prisoners to trade their prison jumpsuits for Ukrainian army uniforms. Also Read | At least 3 killed, 52 injured after Russian guided bombs hit apartment building in Ukraine’s Kharkiv More than 2,750 convicts have been released from Ukrainian prisons since the law was adopted in May, according to a report by the Washington Post. The law authorised certain convicts including those jailed for dealing drugs and committing armed assaults and murders were allowed to enlist. However, it does not allow those convicted of crimes against the foundations of national security of Ukraine, or particularly serious corruption offences. After the law was passed, the Ukrainian justice ministry said that the inmates, who must sign up of their own free will, would serve in separate units. (With inputs from agencies)

Thousands of Ukrainians go into hiding as Kyiv expands military draft: Report

According to Ukrainian officials, at least 38 people, including 12 children, were injured after a Russian missile strike in the northeastern Kharkiv region, on Tuesday (July 4). Meanwhile, Kyiv has also reported a “particularly fruitful” few days for the Ukrainian counteroffensive against Russian forces.&nbsp;

Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, on Tuesday, said that 185,000 new recruits have joined Moscow’s army as professional contract soldiers since the beginning of this year.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

<h2>Russian missile strike in Kharkiv</h2>

Ukrainian officials reported that at least 38 people, including 12 children, were wounded after a Russian missile hit the residential area in Pervomaiskyi. The strike using an Iskander missile took place at 1:35 pm (local time), said Regional governor Oleh Synehubov.

According to local prosecutors, the youngest child injured in the attack was three-months old. The child’s condition was not immediately known.&nbsp;The strike also took place hours after Russian shelling, on Tuesday morning, killed a man and a woman in the Ukrainian city of Kherson, according to local prosecutors.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-grounds-to-renew-ukraine-grain-deal-says-russia-611931">&nbsp;'No grounds' to renew Ukraine grain deal, says Russia</a>

A report by Reuters citing television footage said that the tall residential building in the small Ukrainian town of Pervomaiskyi was seen with smashed windows and black smoke pouring out. Additionally, cars damaged by the strike and flames were also seen nearby while a man sat in an ambulance with blood over his face, reported the news agency.&nbsp;

“I only remember that when the explosion sounded, we were thrown up into the air…I just can’t get a grip of myself, my legs are still shaking,” said a local resident, who only gave her name as Alla, according to Reuters.&nbsp;

The former commander of the Azov battalion, which is now a part of the Ukrainian army, Major Maksym Zhorin, said that the Russian strike targeted a military funeral of soldier Oleh Fadeenko. The Ukrainian soldier was said to have been killed in combat near Bakhmut.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-accuses-georgia-of-torturing-jailed-ex-president-saakashvili-tells-georgian-ambassador-to-go-home-611904">Ukraine accuses Georgia of 'torturing' jailed ex-president Saakashvili, tells Georgian ambassador to go home</a>

“They targeted the site where the ceremony was taking place,” said Zhorin, on Telegram. A report by Reuters citing television footage said that around 100 people have gathered for the Ukrainian soldier’s funeral in Pervomaiskyi, some in uniform and some in civilian clothes.

<h2>Kyiv reports ‘particularly fruitful’ days in Ukrainian counteroffensive</h2>

Secretary of Ukraine’s National Security and Defence Council, Oleksiy Danilov took to Twitter on Tuesday and wrote, “At this stage of active hostilities, Ukraine’s Defense Forces are fulfilling the number one task – the maximum destruction of manpower, equipment, fuel depots, military vehicles, command posts, artillery and air defense forces of the Russian army.”&nbsp;

He added, “The last few days have been particularly fruitful.” However, no other details were provided from the battlefield. This comes as Ukraine launched its long-awaited counteroffensive last month.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-claims-ukraine-attacked-moscow-with-at-least-five-drones-611688">Russia claims Ukraine attacked Moscow with at least five drones</a>

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, on Monday, had said that while the troops have made some progress recently, it has been a “difficult” week.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Ukrainian military spokesperson Andriy Kovalev, on Tuesday reported that its forces are putting pressure on Russian soldiers north and south of Bakhmut and witnessed “partial success”.&nbsp;

Ukrainian forces also managed to hold back an attempted advance by Russian forces in the eastern regions of Lyman, Avdiivka and Marinka, said Kovalev.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-detains-a-man-it-says-ukraine-sent-to-assassinate-crimeas-head-611416">Russia detains a man it says Ukraine sent to assassinate Crimea's head</a>

<h2>185,000 new contract soldiers have joined Russian army in 2023</h2>

Medvedev, on Tuesday, citing data from the Russian defence ministry, said more than 185,000 people were accepted into the military between January 1 to July 4, reported Reuters. He added, out of which “about 109,000 are in the reserve, as well as other categories of citizens who are called up to serve under contract.”&nbsp;

This comes amid reports of Russia suffering heavy losses in Ukraine, which Moscow has not acknowledged. The claims by the former Russian president were made in a video posted on Telegram which also said that almost 10,000 new recruits had joined since the Wagner mutiny.&nbsp; 
 
ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-military-raided-wagner-bases-in-syria-detained-fighters-and-leaders-reports-611461">Russian military raided Wagner bases in Syria, detained fighters and leaders: Reports</a> 
 
The “attempted armed rebellion did not change the attitude of citizens to contract service,” for what Russia calls its “special military operation” in Ukraine, said Medvedev.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

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According to Ukrainian officials, at least 38 people, including 12 children, were injured after a Russian missile strike in the northeastern Kharkiv region, on Tuesday (July 4).

According to Ukrainian officials, at least 38 people, including 12 children, were injured after a Russian missile strike in the northeastern Kharkiv region, on Tuesday (July 4). Meanwhile, Kyiv has also reported a “particularly fruitful” few days for the Ukrainian counteroffensive against Russian forces. Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, on Tuesday, said that 185,000 new recruits have joined Moscow’s army as professional contract soldiers since the beginning of this year. Russian missile strike in Kharkiv Ukrainian officials reported that at least 38 people, including 12 children, were wounded after a Russian missile hit the residential area in Pervomaiskyi. The strike using an Iskander missile took place at 1:35 pm (local time), said Regional governor Oleh Synehubov. According to local prosecutors, the youngest child injured in the attack was three-months old. The child’s condition was not immediately known. The strike also took place hours after Russian shelling, on Tuesday morning, killed a man and a woman in the Ukrainian city of Kherson, according to local prosecutors. ALSO READ | 'No grounds' to renew Ukraine grain deal, says Russia A report by Reuters citing television footage said that the tall residential building in the small Ukrainian town of Pervomaiskyi was seen with smashed windows and black smoke pouring out. Additionally, cars damaged by the strike and flames were also seen nearby while a man sat in an ambulance with blood over his face, reported the news agency. “I only remember that when the explosion sounded, we were thrown up into the air…I just can’t get a grip of myself, my legs are still shaking,” said a local resident, who only gave her name as Alla, according to Reuters. The former commander of the Azov battalion, which is now a part of the Ukrainian army, Major Maksym Zhorin, said that the Russian strike targeted a military funeral of soldier Oleh Fadeenko. The Ukrainian soldier was said to have been killed in combat near Bakhmut. ALSO READ | Ukraine accuses Georgia of 'torturing' jailed ex-president Saakashvili, tells Georgian ambassador to go home “They targeted the site where the ceremony was taking place,” said Zhorin, on Telegram. A report by Reuters citing television footage said that around 100 people have gathered for the Ukrainian soldier’s funeral in Pervomaiskyi, some in uniform and some in civilian clothes. Kyiv reports ‘particularly fruitful’ days in Ukrainian counteroffensive Secretary of Ukraine’s National Security and Defence Council, Oleksiy Danilov took to Twitter on Tuesday and wrote, “At this stage of active hostilities, Ukraine’s Defense Forces are fulfilling the number one task – the maximum destruction of manpower, equipment, fuel depots, military vehicles, command posts, artillery and air defense forces of the Russian army.” He added, “The last few days have been particularly fruitful.” However, no other details were provided from the battlefield. This comes as Ukraine launched its long-awaited counteroffensive last month. ALSO READ | Russia claims Ukraine attacked Moscow with at least five drones Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, on Monday, had said that while the troops have made some progress recently, it has been a “difficult” week. Meanwhile, Ukrainian military spokesperson Andriy Kovalev, on Tuesday reported that its forces are putting pressure on Russian soldiers north and south of Bakhmut and witnessed “partial success”. Ukrainian forces also managed to hold back an attempted advance by Russian forces in the eastern regions of Lyman, Avdiivka and Marinka, said Kovalev. ALSO READ | Russia detains a man it says Ukraine sent to assassinate Crimea's head 185,000 new contract soldiers have joined Russian army in 2023 Medvedev, on Tuesday, citing data from the Russian defence ministry, said more than 185,000 people were accepted into the military between January 1 to July 4, reported Reuters. He added, out of which “about 109,000 are in the reserve, as well as other categories of citizens who are called up to serve under contract.” This comes amid reports of Russia suffering heavy losses in Ukraine, which Moscow has not acknowledged. The claims by the former Russian president were made in a video posted on Telegram which also said that almost 10,000 new recruits had joined since the Wagner mutiny. ALSO READ | Russian military raided Wagner bases in Syria, detained fighters and leaders: Reports The “attempted armed rebellion did not change the attitude of citizens to contract service,” for what Russia calls its “special military operation” in Ukraine, said Medvedev. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Ukraine: At least 38 people, including 12 children injured after Russian missile strike in Kharkiv

Filmmaker SS Rajamouli’s epic blockbuster ‘RRR’ gained immense popularity in many countries after the dance number ‘Naatu Naatu’ from the film won the Oscar for the Best Original song. Videos of people dancing to the song often emerge on the internet and the popularity of the dance number is not limited to India alone. Recently, a group of soldiers in the southern Ukrainian town of Mykolaiv put their own unique twist to the song and dance moves. The soldiers are seen dancing to the rigorous upbeat tempo, but with their own lyrics. The video has now gone viral across social media.

The clip shows two soldiers dancing to the song before another soldier appears to push them, in a similar manner to the British bully trying to eject Ram Charan’s Alluri Sitaram Raju and Komaram Bheem played by NTR Jr. Following a roughly similar visual narrative as the original song, the two are encouraged by a Ukrainian woman who then hands the two soldiers drone remote controls.

The soldiers use the drones to drop grenades into a marked target, showing video from the drone of the grenade drops. This is a call-back to the now hundreds of videos from Ukrainian military operations, which show drones dropping grenades on Russian soldiers across the frontline. The song continues with more soldiers joining in and dancing. Even the &nbsp;woman is now seen dancing. &nbsp;

The original video was posted by Jane Fedatova, a Ukraine politician.&nbsp;The video has&nbsp; already garnered&nbsp;over 6 lakh views on Twitter.

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Військові з Миколаєва зняли пародію на пісню <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NaatuNaatu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NaatuNaatu</a> з 🇮🇳 фільму "RRR", головний саундтрек якого виграв Оскар цього року. 
 
У оригінальній сцені гол.герої піснею виражають протест проти британського офіцера (колонізатора) за те, що він не пустив їх на зустріч. <a href="https://t.co/bVbfwdjfj1">pic.twitter.com/bVbfwdjfj1</a>
— Jane_fedotova🇺🇦 (@jane_fedotova) <a href="https://twitter.com/jane_fedotova/status/1663297097783734274?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 29, 2023</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

“The military from Mykolaiv filmed a parody of the song 'Naatu Naatu' from India of the movie ‘RRR’, the main soundtrack of which won an Oscar this year. In the original scene, the main characters express their protest against the British officer (coloniser) for not allowing them to meet with a song,” reads the translated caption Fedatova added to the post.

“Therefore, the fact that the Ukrainian version is against the Russian Federation, which colonised Ukraine, and the original is against another colonizing country, I hope will put the right meanings in the heads of Indians,” she added.

Interestingly, the original song was shot in front of the Ukrainian presidential residence, the Mariinskyi Palace. The shooting was completed over 17 days in August 2021, just six months before the Russian invasion of Ukraine began. While the surrounding areas in Kyiv suffered heavily during the initial round of bombing and missile strikes, the Mariinskyi Palace itself has escaped unharmed so far.

Filmmaker SS Rajamouli’s epic blockbuster ‘RRR’ gained immense popularity in many countries after the dance number ‘Naatu Naatu’ from the film won the Oscar for the Best Original song.

Filmmaker SS Rajamouli’s epic blockbuster ‘RRR’ gained immense popularity in many countries after the dance number ‘Naatu Naatu’ from the film won the Oscar for the Best Original song. Videos of people dancing to the song often emerge on the internet and the popularity of the dance number is not limited to India alone. Recently, a group of soldiers in the southern Ukrainian town of Mykolaiv put their own unique twist to the song and dance moves. The soldiers are seen dancing to the rigorous upbeat tempo, but with their own lyrics. The video has now gone viral across social media. The clip shows two soldiers dancing to the song before another soldier appears to push them, in a similar manner to the British bully trying to eject Ram Charan’s Alluri Sitaram Raju and Komaram Bheem played by NTR Jr. Following a roughly similar visual narrative as the original song, the two are encouraged by a Ukrainian woman who then hands the two soldiers drone remote controls. The soldiers use the drones to drop grenades into a marked target, showing video from the drone of the grenade drops. This is a call-back to the now hundreds of videos from Ukrainian military operations, which show drones dropping grenades on Russian soldiers across the frontline. The song continues with more soldiers joining in and dancing. Even the woman is now seen dancing. The original video was posted by Jane Fedatova, a Ukraine politician. The video has already garnered over 6 lakh views on Twitter. Військові з Миколаєва зняли пародію на пісню #NaatuNaatu з 🇮🇳 фільму "RRR", головний саундтрек якого виграв Оскар цього року. У оригінальній сцені гол.герої піснею виражають протест проти британського офіцера (колонізатора) за те, що він не пустив їх на зустріч. pic.twitter.com/bVbfwdjfj1 — Jane_fedotova🇺🇦 (@jane_fedotova) May 29, 2023 × “The military from Mykolaiv filmed a parody of the song 'Naatu Naatu' from India of the movie ‘RRR’, the main soundtrack of which won an Oscar this year. In the original scene, the main characters express their protest against the British officer (coloniser) for not allowing them to meet with a song,” reads the translated caption Fedatova added to the post. “Therefore, the fact that the Ukrainian version is against the Russian Federation, which colonised Ukraine, and the original is against another colonizing country, I hope will put the right meanings in the heads of Indians,” she added. Interestingly, the original song was shot in front of the Ukrainian presidential residence, the Mariinskyi Palace. The shooting was completed over 17 days in August 2021, just six months before the Russian invasion of Ukraine began. While the surrounding areas in Kyiv suffered heavily during the initial round of bombing and missile strikes, the Mariinskyi Palace itself has escaped unharmed so far.

Watch: RRR’s ‘Naatu Naatu’ song inspires Ukrainian soldiers to resist Russian invasion

The adjective miraculous found a befitting place for itself when it came to define what&nbsp;a rare, successful surgery performed on a Ukrainian soldier meant. Senior officials in Kyiv said that a Ukrainian soldier was successfully operated upon to remove an unexploded grenade from his chest.

The unexploded weapon was removed from just beneath the heart of the injured military man. Ukraine's deputy minister of defence Hanna Maliar uploaded an image that showed the X-ray image attributed to the operated-upon soldier.&nbsp;

"Military doctors conducted an operation to remove a VOG grenade, which did not break, from the body of the soldier," she wrote in a Facebook post.

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Anton Gerashchenko, Ukraine’s internal affairs ministerial adviser described the procedure as one that would "go down in medical textbooks".&nbsp;

How was the operation carried out?

The operation was reportedly carried out without using electrocoagulation — a common method to control bleeding during surgery — because "the grenade could detonate at any moment",&nbsp;Maliar said.

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-war-at-least-10-dead-58-injured-after-russian-shelling-on-kherson-546401">Russia Ukraine war: At least 10 dead, 58 injured after Russian shelling on Kherson</a>

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Internal affairs minister Anton Gerashchenko wrote in a Telegram update early on Thursday: "The unexploded part of the grenade was taken from under the heart. The grenade did not explode, but remained explosive."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-strikes-hit-russian-occupied-regions-two-killed-and-several-injured-542055">Russia-Ukraine war: Missiles strike Russian-occupied regions, two killed and several injured</a>

Citing Yevgenia Slivko, communications adviser to the commander of the medical forces in Ukraine’s military, Gerashchenko said the patient was believed to be about 28 years old.

"There have never been such operations in the practice of our doctors. Similar was during the war in Afghanistan. About the current patient, I can say that he was born in 1994, now he is sent for rehabilitation, his condition is stable. I think this case will go down in medical textbooks."

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The adjective miraculous found a befitting place for itself when it came to define what a rare, successful surgery performed on a Ukrainian soldier meant. Senior officials in Kyiv said that a Ukrainian soldier was successfully operated upon to remove an unexploded grenade from his chest.

The adjective miraculous found a befitting place for itself when it came to define what a rare, successful surgery performed on a Ukrainian soldier meant. Senior officials in Kyiv said that a Ukrainian soldier was successfully operated upon to remove an unexploded grenade from his chest. The unexploded weapon was removed from just beneath the heart of the injured military man. Ukraine's deputy minister of defence Hanna Maliar uploaded an image that showed the X-ray image attributed to the operated-upon soldier. "Military doctors conducted an operation to remove a VOG grenade, which did not break, from the body of the soldier," she wrote in a Facebook post. × Anton Gerashchenko, Ukraine’s internal affairs ministerial adviser described the procedure as one that would "go down in medical textbooks". How was the operation carried out? The operation was reportedly carried out without using electrocoagulation — a common method to control bleeding during surgery — because "the grenade could detonate at any moment", Maliar said. ALSO WATCH | Russia Ukraine war: At least 10 dead, 58 injured after Russian shelling on Kherson × Internal affairs minister Anton Gerashchenko wrote in a Telegram update early on Thursday: "The unexploded part of the grenade was taken from under the heart. The grenade did not explode, but remained explosive." ALSO READ | Russia-Ukraine war: Missiles strike Russian-occupied regions, two killed and several injured Citing Yevgenia Slivko, communications adviser to the commander of the medical forces in Ukraine’s military, Gerashchenko said the patient was believed to be about 28 years old. "There have never been such operations in the practice of our doctors. Similar was during the war in Afghanistan. About the current patient, I can say that he was born in 1994, now he is sent for rehabilitation, his condition is stable. I think this case will go down in medical textbooks." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Ukrainian soldier survives surgery to remove explosive from chest

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all latest news, top headlines and international breakings from all across the globe, stay tuned with Gravitas for more!

Gravitas Global Headlines: 1000 Ukrainian soldiers sent to Russia; US on North Korea nuclear test

Staring through the sight attached to an anti-tank gun camouflaged in netting and green underbrush, Junior Sgt. Dmytro Pysanka is greeted with a kaleidoscope of numbers and lines that, if read correctly, should give him the calculations needed to fire at approaching Russian forces.

Still, errors are common in the chaos of battle. To negate them, the commanders of Pysanka’s artillery unit on the front line in southern Ukraine secured a high-tech range finder, supplied by the West more than a month ago, which uses laser technology to measure distances.

But there’s an issue: Nobody knows how to use it.

“It’s like being given an iPhone 13 and only being able to make phone calls,” said Pysanka, clearly exasperated.

More than 100 days after Russia invaded Ukraine, Western weapons have arrived at the Ukrainian front lines, with more promised. Just Monday, Britain said it would send a sophisticated multiple-launch rocket system, following a similar pledge from the United States days earlier.

But training soldiers how to use the equipment has become a significant hurdle. With his aging anti-tank gun, built in 1985, Pysanka and the weathered soldiers who crew the gun need all the help they can get.

The high-tech range finder, called a JIM LR — and likely part of the tranche of equipment supplied by the U.S., said Pysanka — seemed like a perfect choice. It can see targets at night and transmit their distance, compass heading and GPS coordinates. Some soldiers learned enough to operate it, but then rotated elsewhere, leaving the unit with an expensive paper weight.

“I have been trying to learn how to use it by reading the manual in English and using Google Translate to understand it,” Pysanka said.

The dilemma underscores the array of issues that come with Ukraine’s frequent calls for high-end Western weapons and equipment, with requests for new anti-tank guided missiles, howitzers and satellite-guided rockets seemingly pinned to their hopes for victory.

Those needs are palpable in the region where Pysanka’s battery is dug in, just northeast of the Russian-occupied port city of Kherson in southern Ukraine. The area was the site of a brief Ukrainian offensive in the past week that slowed as soon the Russians destroyed a key bridge; the Ukrainian’s lack of longer-range artillery meant they were unable to attempt a difficult river crossing in pursuit, Ukrainian military officials said.

But beyond the urgent need for the tools of war, Ukrainian troops need to know how to use them. Without proper training, the same dilemma facing Pysanka’s unit and their lone range finder will be pervasive on a much larger scale. Analysts say that providing weapons without sufficient training risks repeating the United States’ failed approach in Afghanistan, where it supplied the Afghan military with equipment that couldn’t be maintained without massive logistical support.

“Ukrainians are eager to employ Western equipment, but it requires training to maintain,” said Michael Kofman, the director of Russian studies at CNA, a research institute in Arlington, Virginia. “Some things it’s not easy to rush.”

Staring through the sight attached to an anti-tank gun camouflaged in netting and green underbrush, Junior Sgt. Dmytro Pysanka is greeted with a kaleidoscope of numbers and lines that, if read correctly, should give him the calculations needed to fire at approaching Russian forces.

Staring through the sight attached to an anti-tank gun camouflaged in netting and green underbrush, Junior Sgt. Dmytro Pysanka is greeted with a kaleidoscope of numbers and lines that, if read correctly, should give him the calculations needed to fire at approaching Russian forces. Still, errors are common in the chaos of battle. To negate them, the commanders of Pysanka’s artillery unit on the front line in southern Ukraine secured a high-tech range finder, supplied by the West more than a month ago, which uses laser technology to measure distances. But there’s an issue: Nobody knows how to use it. “It’s like being given an iPhone 13 and only being able to make phone calls,” said Pysanka, clearly exasperated. More than 100 days after Russia invaded Ukraine, Western weapons have arrived at the Ukrainian front lines, with more promised. Just Monday, Britain said it would send a sophisticated multiple-launch rocket system, following a similar pledge from the United States days earlier. But training soldiers how to use the equipment has become a significant hurdle. With his aging anti-tank gun, built in 1985, Pysanka and the weathered soldiers who crew the gun need all the help they can get. The high-tech range finder, called a JIM LR — and likely part of the tranche of equipment supplied by the U.S., said Pysanka — seemed like a perfect choice. It can see targets at night and transmit their distance, compass heading and GPS coordinates. Some soldiers learned enough to operate it, but then rotated elsewhere, leaving the unit with an expensive paper weight. “I have been trying to learn how to use it by reading the manual in English and using Google Translate to understand it,” Pysanka said. The dilemma underscores the array of issues that come with Ukraine’s frequent calls for high-end Western weapons and equipment, with requests for new anti-tank guided missiles, howitzers and satellite-guided rockets seemingly pinned to their hopes for victory. Those needs are palpable in the region where Pysanka’s battery is dug in, just northeast of the Russian-occupied port city of Kherson in southern Ukraine. The area was the site of a brief Ukrainian offensive in the past week that slowed as soon the Russians destroyed a key bridge; the Ukrainian’s lack of longer-range artillery meant they were unable to attempt a difficult river crossing in pursuit, Ukrainian military officials said. But beyond the urgent need for the tools of war, Ukrainian troops need to know how to use them. Without proper training, the same dilemma facing Pysanka’s unit and their lone range finder will be pervasive on a much larger scale. Analysts say that providing weapons without sufficient training risks repeating the United States’ failed approach in Afghanistan, where it supplied the Afghan military with equipment that couldn’t be maintained without massive logistical support. “Ukrainians are eager to employ Western equipment, but it requires training to maintain,” said Michael Kofman, the director of Russian studies at CNA, a research institute in Arlington, Virginia. “Some things it’s not easy to rush.”

High-tech Western weapons pose challenge for untrained Ukrainian soldiers

The Russian invasion of Ukraine entered its fourth month. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky visited the country's troops serving on the frontline. The visit marks Zelensky's first official visit outside of Kyiv region since the full-blown invasion began in February

Ukraine-Russia conflict: Ukrainian President Zelensky visits Ukrainian troops serving on frontline

After a brief pause Moscow has once again resumed its heavy shelling of the Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol, this comes a day after Mariupol authorities said they had successfully evacuated all the civilians from the steel plant.

Russian shelling in Azovstal steel plant continues, Ukrainian soldiers still stuck inside

Even as the conflict escalates, a heart-warming message along with a photograph was shared by the foreign ministry of Ukraine on Twitter. &nbsp;

The message was about a young soldier holding his new-born baby in his arms for the first time. It had the caption “Life will prevail.” &nbsp;

According to the post, the baby was born in March when the soldier, Guardsman Maksym, was busy fighting the invading armies of Russia. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/myth-or-man-finally-ukraines-air-force-clears-air-about-ghost-of-kyiv-475581" hreflang="en">Myth or man? Finally, Ukraine’s Air Force clears air about 'Ghost of Kyiv'&nbsp;</a>

The soldier was not able to see the child until recently, the foreign ministry said. The war-torn nation has been suffering in many ways since Russia invaded it. &nbsp;

“Guardsman Maksym became a father in March. From that moment on, he did not see his son and only recently took him in his arms for the first time. National Guard of #Ukraine. #StandWithUkraine️ #StandUpForUkraine #LifeWillPrevail (sic.),” the Ukrainian foreign ministry wrote while sharing the picture of the father-son duo. &nbsp;

This comes as a long-awaited evacuation of civilians from a besieged steel plant in Mariupol, Ukraine, began, with US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi stating that she had spoken with Ukraine's president to emphasise unflinching US support for the country's defence against Russia's invasion. &nbsp;

Watch | Gravitas: Inside Vladimir Putin's mind

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Elderly ladies and mothers with little children were supported as they climbed a steep mound of wreckage from the massive Azovstal steel plant's collapse and boarded a bus, according to a video uploaded online by Ukrainian forces. &nbsp;

According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, more than 100 civilians, including women and children, are expected to arrive in the Ukrainian-controlled city of Zaporizhzhia on Monday.

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(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Even as the conflict escalates, a heart-warming message along with a photograph was shared by the foreign ministry of Ukraine on Twitter. The message was about a young soldier holding his new-born baby in his arms for the first time.

Even as the conflict escalates, a heart-warming message along with a photograph was shared by the foreign ministry of Ukraine on Twitter. The message was about a young soldier holding his new-born baby in his arms for the first time. It had the caption “Life will prevail.” According to the post, the baby was born in March when the soldier, Guardsman Maksym, was busy fighting the invading armies of Russia. Also Read: Myth or man? Finally, Ukraine’s Air Force clears air about 'Ghost of Kyiv' The soldier was not able to see the child until recently, the foreign ministry said. The war-torn nation has been suffering in many ways since Russia invaded it. “Guardsman Maksym became a father in March. From that moment on, he did not see his son and only recently took him in his arms for the first time. National Guard of #Ukraine. #StandWithUkraine️ #StandUpForUkraine #LifeWillPrevail (sic.),” the Ukrainian foreign ministry wrote while sharing the picture of the father-son duo. This comes as a long-awaited evacuation of civilians from a besieged steel plant in Mariupol, Ukraine, began, with US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi stating that she had spoken with Ukraine's president to emphasise unflinching US support for the country's defence against Russia's invasion. Watch | Gravitas: Inside Vladimir Putin's mind Elderly ladies and mothers with little children were supported as they climbed a steep mound of wreckage from the massive Azovstal steel plant's collapse and boarded a bus, according to a video uploaded online by Ukrainian forces. According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, more than 100 civilians, including women and children, are expected to arrive in the Ukrainian-controlled city of Zaporizhzhia on Monday. WATCH WION LIVE HERE (With inputs from agencies)

Moment of joy: Ukrainian soldier holds new-born baby in arms for first time

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited on Sunday wounded soldiers being treated in a military hospital.

He told them, “Guys, get well soon. I believe that the best gift for your statement will be our common victory! ” as per an English translation of a tweet posted by the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine.

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Президент України Володимир Зеленський відвідав у госпіталі поранених захисників України 🇺🇦 
 
🔊 «Хлопці, швидше одужуйте. Вірю: найкращим подарунком до вашої виписки буде наша спільна перемога!» - зазначив <a href="https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ZelenskyyUa</a> <a href="https://t.co/lHYZJHWvp8">pic.twitter.com/lHYZJHWvp8</a>
— Defence of Ukraine (@DefenceU) <a href="https://twitter.com/DefenceU/status/1503026814444310532?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 13, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Some of the soldiers in the video were said to have been wounded in Hostomel and Irpin, the two cities where fierce fighting against Russian troops took place.

Zelensky accused Russia of trying to break his country apart, as well as starting “a new stage of terror” with the alleged detention of a mayor from a city west of Mariupol.

“Ukraine will stand this test. We need time and strength to break the war machine that has come to our land,” Zelensky said.

It comes after waves of Russian missiles pounded a military training base close to Ukraine’s western border with NATO member Poland, killing 35 people.

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The strike followed Russian threats to target foreign weapon shipments that are helping Ukrainian fighters defend their country against Russia’s grinding invasion.

More than 30 Russian cruise missiles targeted the sprawling training facility that is less than 25 kilometers (15 miles) from the closest border point with Poland, according to the governor of Ukraine’s western Lviv region. Poland is a key location for routing Western military aid to Ukraine.

Since Russia invaded Ukraine, Lviv had largely been spared the scale of destruction unfolding further east.

Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/napoleons-waterloo-hitlers-barbarossa-5-lessons-putin-can-learn-from-failed-war-campaigns-461556" hreflang="en">Napoleon's Waterloo &amp; Hitler's Barbarossa: 5 lessons Putin can learn from failed war campaigns</a>

The training centre in Yavoriv appears to be the most westward target struck so far in the 18-day invasion.&nbsp;

The facility, also known as the International Peacekeeping and Security Centre, has long been used to train Ukrainian military personnel, often with instructors from the United States and other NATO countries.

The United States on Saturday said it would rush up to $200 million worth of additional weapons to Ukrainian forces as they try to defend against Russian shelling in the largest war in Europe since World War Two.

The Russian assault, which Moscow calls a "special military operation," has trapped thousands of civilians in besieged cities and sent 2.5 million Ukrainians fleeing to neighboring countries.

The United States and its allies have imposed sweeping, unprecedented sanctions against Russia and banned its energy imports, while providing billions of dollars of military and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine.

(With inputs from agencies)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited on Sunday wounded soldiers being treated in a military hospital. He told them, “Guys, get well soon. I believe that the best gift for your statement will be our common victory!

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited on Sunday wounded soldiers being treated in a military hospital. He told them, “Guys, get well soon. I believe that the best gift for your statement will be our common victory! ” as per an English translation of a tweet posted by the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine. Президент України Володимир Зеленський відвідав у госпіталі поранених захисників України 🇺🇦 🔊 «Хлопці, швидше одужуйте. Вірю: найкращим подарунком до вашої виписки буде наша спільна перемога!» - зазначив @ZelenskyyUa pic.twitter.com/lHYZJHWvp8 — Defence of Ukraine (@DefenceU) March 13, 2022 × Some of the soldiers in the video were said to have been wounded in Hostomel and Irpin, the two cities where fierce fighting against Russian troops took place. Zelensky accused Russia of trying to break his country apart, as well as starting “a new stage of terror” with the alleged detention of a mayor from a city west of Mariupol. “Ukraine will stand this test. We need time and strength to break the war machine that has come to our land,” Zelensky said. It comes after waves of Russian missiles pounded a military training base close to Ukraine’s western border with NATO member Poland, killing 35 people. The strike followed Russian threats to target foreign weapon shipments that are helping Ukrainian fighters defend their country against Russia’s grinding invasion. More than 30 Russian cruise missiles targeted the sprawling training facility that is less than 25 kilometers (15 miles) from the closest border point with Poland, according to the governor of Ukraine’s western Lviv region. Poland is a key location for routing Western military aid to Ukraine. Since Russia invaded Ukraine, Lviv had largely been spared the scale of destruction unfolding further east. Also see | Napoleon's Waterloo & Hitler's Barbarossa: 5 lessons Putin can learn from failed war campaigns The training centre in Yavoriv appears to be the most westward target struck so far in the 18-day invasion. The facility, also known as the International Peacekeeping and Security Centre, has long been used to train Ukrainian military personnel, often with instructors from the United States and other NATO countries. The United States on Saturday said it would rush up to $200 million worth of additional weapons to Ukrainian forces as they try to defend against Russian shelling in the largest war in Europe since World War Two. The Russian assault, which Moscow calls a "special military operation," has trapped thousands of civilians in besieged cities and sent 2.5 million Ukrainians fleeing to neighboring countries. The United States and its allies have imposed sweeping, unprecedented sanctions against Russia and banned its energy imports, while providing billions of dollars of military and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine. (With inputs from agencies)

'Get well soon': Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visits wounded soldiers in hospital

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that some 1,300 Ukrainian forces have been killed since the Russian invasion of Ukraine began.

At a press conference, Volodymyr Zelensky said that rather than trading ultimatums, negotiating teams from Kyiv and Moscow had begun discussing concrete themes.

He urged Western countries to become more active in peace talks, but praised Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett's efforts to mediate between Ukraine and Russia. 
 
Ukraine has killed almost 12,000 Russian troops and destroyed 1,205 armoured vehicles, 58 aircraft, 83 helicopters, 362 tanks, 585 vehicles, and 135 artillery pieces, according to a data sheet released by Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs earlier in the day.

On Friday, between 500 and 600 Russian soldiers surrendered to Ukrainian forces, according to Zelensky.

On Saturday, large crowd gathered in Melitopol's southern port to protest the alleged kidnapping of the city's mayor, Ivan Fedorov, by Russian troops, an act characterised by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as "a crime against democracy."&nbsp; 
 
Watch | Mariupol: Satellite images show heavy damage | Day 18 of Russian invasion

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Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Saturday, and urged them to influence the Kiev authorities to stop "criminal acts" of Ukrainian "nationalist battalions," according to the Kremlin. 
 
Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/live-russia-claims-to-have-besieged-two-big-cities-in-ukraine-455211">LIVE: Ukraine says Russians shot 7 evacuees, including 1 child, near Kyiv</a>

The German government stated in a statement that Macron and Scholz advocated an urgent ceasefire and a diplomatic solution to the situation in Ukraine, citing the 75-minute meeting as part of ongoing international efforts to end the violence, according to Xinhua. 
 
Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-send-weapons-worth-200-million-to-help-ukraine-fight-off-russia-461767" hreflang="en">US to send weapons worth $200 million to help Ukraine fight off Russia</a>

The three leaders discussed issues pertaining to agreements being worked out concerning the implementation of earlier Russian demands, according to the Kremlin. Putin gave a "detailed account of the series of talks held via videoconference by Russian and Ukrainian representatives over the past days," and the three leaders reviewed issues pertaining to agreements being worked out concerning the implementation of earlier Russian demands, according to the Kremlin.

(With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that some 1,300 Ukrainian forces have been killed since the Russian invasion of Ukraine began. At a press conference, Volodymyr Zelensky said that rather than trading ultimatums, negotiating teams from Kyiv and Moscow had begun discussing concrete themes.

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that some 1,300 Ukrainian forces have been killed since the Russian invasion of Ukraine began. At a press conference, Volodymyr Zelensky said that rather than trading ultimatums, negotiating teams from Kyiv and Moscow had begun discussing concrete themes. He urged Western countries to become more active in peace talks, but praised Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett's efforts to mediate between Ukraine and Russia. Ukraine has killed almost 12,000 Russian troops and destroyed 1,205 armoured vehicles, 58 aircraft, 83 helicopters, 362 tanks, 585 vehicles, and 135 artillery pieces, according to a data sheet released by Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs earlier in the day. On Friday, between 500 and 600 Russian soldiers surrendered to Ukrainian forces, according to Zelensky. On Saturday, large crowd gathered in Melitopol's southern port to protest the alleged kidnapping of the city's mayor, Ivan Fedorov, by Russian troops, an act characterised by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as "a crime against democracy." Watch | Mariupol: Satellite images show heavy damage | Day 18 of Russian invasion Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Saturday, and urged them to influence the Kiev authorities to stop "criminal acts" of Ukrainian "nationalist battalions," according to the Kremlin. Also Read | LIVE: Ukraine says Russians shot 7 evacuees, including 1 child, near Kyiv The German government stated in a statement that Macron and Scholz advocated an urgent ceasefire and a diplomatic solution to the situation in Ukraine, citing the 75-minute meeting as part of ongoing international efforts to end the violence, according to Xinhua. Also Read: US to send weapons worth $200 million to help Ukraine fight off Russia The three leaders discussed issues pertaining to agreements being worked out concerning the implementation of earlier Russian demands, according to the Kremlin. Putin gave a "detailed account of the series of talks held via videoconference by Russian and Ukrainian representatives over the past days," and the three leaders reviewed issues pertaining to agreements being worked out concerning the implementation of earlier Russian demands, according to the Kremlin. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia-Ukraine war: Zelensky says 1,300 Ukrainian soldiers have been killed

Anatomy of attack: How Ukraine soldiers are battling Russians

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

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The Ukrainian navy said on Monday that the soldiers guarding Snake Island -- who were earlier reported to have died after recording an expletive-laced message to the invading Russian troops -- are "alive and well."

The <a href="https://www.facebook.com/navy.mil.gov.ua/posts/324444389723150">navy said on Facebook</a> that the soldiers defending Snake Island in the Black Sea, also known as Zmiinyi Island, are alive and in Russian custody.&nbsp;

Snake Island is a small island that is strategically vital for Ukraine's territorial seas defence and is one of the country's southernmost communities.

According to the Facebook post, Russia destroyed the island's infrastructure, including lighthouses, towers, and antennae, and seized a civilian ship.&nbsp;

"We are very happy to learn that our brothers are alive and well," the post said.

As a result, communication with the island was cut off.

"Repeated attempts to contact the staff and find out their fate have been in vain. And the constant shelling by warships and aircraft of the Russian Federation has prevented us from delivering aid to the marines."

"Go f***&nbsp;yourself," a Ukrainian soldier guarding the island had urged a Russian vessel that came to strike them last week in a show of defiance.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
A group of Ukrainian border guards were stationed on Snake Island, in the Black Sea south of Odessa, when a Russian warship ordered them to surrender under threat of attack. 
 
Their response: "Russian warship, go fuck yourself." 
 
They held their ground. All 13 were killed. <a href="https://t.co/GMRsXQRSX0">pic.twitter.com/GMRsXQRSX0</a>
— Alejandro Alvarez (@aletweetsnews) <a href="https://twitter.com/aletweetsnews/status/1497008826201124870?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 25, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Last Friday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that all of the island's defenders had been killed.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. The Ukrainian navy said on Monday that the soldiers guarding Snake Island -- who were earlier reported to have died after recording an expletive-laced message to the invading Russian troops -- are "alive and well." The navy said on Facebook that the soldiers defending Snake Island in the Black Sea, also known as Zmiinyi Island, are alive and in Russian custody. Snake Island is a small island that is strategically vital for Ukraine's territorial seas defence and is one of the country's southernmost communities. According to the Facebook post, Russia destroyed the island's infrastructure, including lighthouses, towers, and antennae, and seized a civilian ship. "We are very happy to learn that our brothers are alive and well," the post said. As a result, communication with the island was cut off. "Repeated attempts to contact the staff and find out their fate have been in vain. And the constant shelling by warships and aircraft of the Russian Federation has prevented us from delivering aid to the marines." "Go f*** yourself," a Ukrainian soldier guarding the island had urged a Russian vessel that came to strike them last week in a show of defiance. A group of Ukrainian border guards were stationed on Snake Island, in the Black Sea south of Odessa, when a Russian warship ordered them to surrender under threat of attack. Their response: "Russian warship, go fuck yourself." They held their ground. All 13 were killed. pic.twitter.com/GMRsXQRSX0 — Alejandro Alvarez (@aletweetsnews) February 25, 2022 × Last Friday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that all of the island's defenders had been killed. (With inputs from agencies)

The ‘go f*** yourself’ Ukrainian soldiers on Snake Island are alive, navy says

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