<p><em><strong>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.&nbsp;</strong></em></p>

<p>A Ukrainian sniper has reportedly killed one of the Russia's top generals recently, said media reports. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>In an intense battle between Russian and Ukrainian forces, Maj Gen Andrey Sukhovetsky, deputy commander, 41st Combined Arms Army of Russia's Central Military District, was reportedly killed, as per a Daily Mail report. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sukhovetsky was killed "by a sniper," the report said citing a military source. The funeral seems to have been planned for Saturday. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-shelling-sets-largest-nuclear-power-plant-in-europe-on-fire-says-ukraines-minister-458728">'Russian shelling sets largest nuclear power plant in Europe on fire'</a></strong></p>

<p>Although Russia's military has not confirmed the death, Sergei Chipilyov of the Union Airborne Forces Union of Russian Paratroopers has reacted to the development on social media. &nbsp;</p>

<p>"With great pain, we received the tragic news about the death of our friend, Major-General Andrey Aleksandrovich Sukhovetsky, in Ukraine during a special operation. We express our deepest condolences to his family," the post said, as per Newsweek. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/constructive-conversation-quad-leaders-discuss-ukraine-situation-458750">'Constructive conversation': Quad leaders discuss Ukraine situation</a></strong></p>

<p>Russia's Ministry of Defense has said that 498 troops have died and 1,600 have got injured in the week-long conflict. But the Ukrainian officials claim that nearly 9,000 Russian troops have been killed. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Sukhovestky was a decorated veteran. In his career, he participated twice in the Victory Parade in Moscow's Red Square and received two Orders of Courage, the Order of Military Merit, and the Medal of Courage. He had also received a commendation for his role in the annexation of Crimea. &nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


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.

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. A Ukrainian sniper has reportedly killed one of the Russia's top generals recently, said media reports. In an intense battle between Russian and Ukrainian forces, Maj Gen Andrey Sukhovetsky, deputy commander, 41st Combined Arms Army of Russia's Central Military District, was reportedly killed, as per a Daily Mail report. Sukhovetsky was killed "by a sniper," the report said citing a military source. The funeral seems to have been planned for Saturday. Also Read: 'Russian shelling sets largest nuclear power plant in Europe on fire' Although Russia's military has not confirmed the death, Sergei Chipilyov of the Union Airborne Forces Union of Russian Paratroopers has reacted to the development on social media. "With great pain, we received the tragic news about the death of our friend, Major-General Andrey Aleksandrovich Sukhovetsky, in Ukraine during a special operation. We express our deepest condolences to his family," the post said, as per Newsweek. Also Read | 'Constructive conversation': Quad leaders discuss Ukraine situation Russia's Ministry of Defense has said that 498 troops have died and 1,600 have got injured in the week-long conflict. But the Ukrainian officials claim that nearly 9,000 Russian troops have been killed. Sukhovestky was a decorated veteran. In his career, he participated twice in the Victory Parade in Moscow's Red Square and received two Orders of Courage, the Order of Military Merit, and the Medal of Courage. He had also received a commendation for his role in the annexation of Crimea. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukrainian sniper killed Russia's top general, say reports

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has displaced some one million people with millions more at risk. The European Union nations have been swift in their response to the Ukrainians crossing over this reaction of the European countries is now pushing millions of West-Asian refugees who are still waiting for protection and asylum for over a decade.

Europe's contradictory approach to Ukrainian and Syrian refugees?

The European Union is racing to offer protection to Ukrainian refugees, the commission laid out a new proposal for all member states this will now let Ukrainians stay and work in the block for next two years.

EU plans to grant Ukrainians right to stay for up to two years

<p>The ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia seems to have spilled elsewhere too. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>A Ukrainian sailor made a failed attempt to sink a luxury yacht owned by his Russian boss Alexander Mijeev, who is the CEO of Rosoboronexport. The 55-year-old sailor was arrested on Saturday. &nbsp;</p>

<p>To sink the 156-foot vessel by flooding, Taras Ostapchuk, a ship engineer, reportedly opened valves in the engine room. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The yacht is estimated to be worth a whopping $7.7 million, as per The New York Post. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The incident happened when the yacht, Lady Anastasia, was docked at Mallorca in Spain, reported BBC. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nuclear-war-outbreaks-fear-grows-what-are-nuke-capabilities-of-russia-457686">Nuclear war outbreak’s fear grows. What are nuke capabilities of Russia? &nbsp;</a></strong></p>

<p>The Spain's Civil Guard arrested him on Saturday. When he appeared in court on Sunday, he told the judge that he did not regret his actions. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per the Majorca Daily Bulletin, the Ukrainian, who worked on the vessel for 10 years, said, "I don't regret anything I've done and I would do it again." He said that his boss is "a criminal who sells weapons that kill the Ukrainian people."&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Mijeev’s company exports Russian defence products, such as ships, weapons, tanks and fighting vehicles. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>In court, Ostapchuk said that he acted after watching coverage of the invasion on television. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-using-brutal-cluster-explosives-vacuum-bombs-in-ukraine-say-rights-groups-ukraines-envoy-to-us-457658">'Russia using ‘brutal’ cluster explosives, vacuum bombs in Ukraine'</a></strong></p>

<p>"I watched the news about the war. There was a video of a helicopter attack on a building in Kyiv. The armaments used are produced by the yacht owner's company. They were attacking innocents," Ostapchuk told the judge. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


The ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia seems to have spilled elsewhere too. A Ukrainian sailor made a failed attempt to sink a luxury yacht owned by his Russian boss Alexander Mijeev, who is the CEO of Rosoboronexport.

The ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia seems to have spilled elsewhere too. A Ukrainian sailor made a failed attempt to sink a luxury yacht owned by his Russian boss Alexander Mijeev, who is the CEO of Rosoboronexport. The 55-year-old sailor was arrested on Saturday. To sink the 156-foot vessel by flooding, Taras Ostapchuk, a ship engineer, reportedly opened valves in the engine room. The yacht is estimated to be worth a whopping $7.7 million, as per The New York Post. The incident happened when the yacht, Lady Anastasia, was docked at Mallorca in Spain, reported BBC. Also Read: Nuclear war outbreak’s fear grows. What are nuke capabilities of Russia? The Spain's Civil Guard arrested him on Saturday. When he appeared in court on Sunday, he told the judge that he did not regret his actions. As per the Majorca Daily Bulletin, the Ukrainian, who worked on the vessel for 10 years, said, "I don't regret anything I've done and I would do it again." He said that his boss is "a criminal who sells weapons that kill the Ukrainian people." Mijeev’s company exports Russian defence products, such as ships, weapons, tanks and fighting vehicles. In court, Ostapchuk said that he acted after watching coverage of the invasion on television. Also Read: 'Russia using ‘brutal’ cluster explosives, vacuum bombs in Ukraine' "I watched the news about the war. There was a video of a helicopter attack on a building in Kyiv. The armaments used are produced by the yacht owner's company. They were attacking innocents," Ostapchuk told the judge. (With inputs from agencies)

Enraged over conflict, Ukrainian sailor attempts to sink Russian boss’s luxury yacht, held

<p>In a heart-rending development, a journalist, who belongs to Ukraine, was left in tears on live television on Friday. Wondering why? &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Well, the scribe was heart-broken to see the footage of her house in Kyiv, which had got destroyed in the Russian attack. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>When Olga Malchevska, the journalist, was discussing the latest developments in Russia-Ukraine conflict with her colleague Karin Giannione, a footage appeared on the screen. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/live-russia-claims-to-have-besieged-two-big-cities-in-ukraine-455211" hreflang="en">Live: Russia claims to have besieged two big cities in Ukraine</a></strong></p>

<p>On seeing it, Malchevska told presenter Giannone at the studio in London, “This building is my home. I can’t believe what I am seeing is where I used to live.” &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The moment my <a href="https://twitter.com/bbcukrainian?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@bbcukrainian</a> colleague <a href="https://twitter.com/Yollika?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Yollika</a> sees pictures of her family home, partially destroyed overnight in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kyiv?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kyiv</a>.<br />
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We did not know until that moment it was her actual building that had been hit.<br />
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Thankfully Olga’s family is safe. <a href="https://t.co/rglna1tvEA">pic.twitter.com/rglna1tvEA</a></p>
— Karin Giannone (@KarinBBC) <a href="https://twitter.com/KarinBBC/status/1497162333289914368?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 25, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>While speaking, Malchevska also received a text message from her mother, who said that she was taking shelter in the basement of another building. “I’ve just got a message from my mum. She’s taking shelter in the basement. Luckily, she wasn’t in our building.” &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/over-ukraine-conflict-us-uk-eu-to-put-crippling-sanctions-on-russian-central-bank-block-swift-456943" hreflang="en">Over Ukraine conflict, US, UK, EU to put crippling sanctions on Russian central bank, block SWIFT</a></strong></p>

<p>“When we agreed yesterday to come to the studio in the morning, I could not have imagined that at 3 am London time, I would find out that my home is bombed,” Malchevska said. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The moment my <a href="https://twitter.com/bbcukrainian?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@bbcukrainian</a> colleague <a href="https://twitter.com/Yollika?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Yollika</a> sees pictures of her family home, partially destroyed overnight in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kyiv?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kyiv</a>.<br />
<br />
We did not know until that moment it was her actual building that had been hit.<br />
<br />
Thankfully Olga’s family is safe. <a href="https://t.co/rglna1tvEA">pic.twitter.com/rglna1tvEA</a></p>
— Karin Giannone (@KarinBBC) <a href="https://twitter.com/KarinBBC/status/1497162333289914368?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 25, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">This brings home the reality and pain of war and the palpable horror involved.<br />
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My heart goes out to <a href="https://twitter.com/Yollika?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Yollika</a> and her family.<br />
<br />
In this day of 24 hour news and social media, it's easy to become a spectator and removed from the reality and destruction involved.</p>
— Daniel Rintoul (@danielrintoul) <a href="https://twitter.com/danielrintoul/status/1497163814520958989?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 25, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">This was tough to watch but the world needs to see how devastating war is on everyday people. <a href="https://twitter.com/Yollika?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Yollika</a> I’m sorry this is happening to you and your country</p>
— Phil Jonas (@PhilSJonas) <a href="https://twitter.com/PhilSJonas/status/1497187046972137473?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 25, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>The video has garnered a lot of attention from social media users. Several people have shared and commented on it. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In a heart-rending development, a journalist, who belongs to Ukraine, was left in tears on live television on Friday. Wondering why? Well, the scribe was heart-broken to see the footage of her house in Kyiv, which had got destroyed in the Russian attack.

In a heart-rending development, a journalist, who belongs to Ukraine, was left in tears on live television on Friday. Wondering why? Well, the scribe was heart-broken to see the footage of her house in Kyiv, which had got destroyed in the Russian attack. When Olga Malchevska, the journalist, was discussing the latest developments in Russia-Ukraine conflict with her colleague Karin Giannione, a footage appeared on the screen. Also Read | Live: Russia claims to have besieged two big cities in Ukraine On seeing it, Malchevska told presenter Giannone at the studio in London, “This building is my home. I can’t believe what I am seeing is where I used to live.” The moment my @bbcukrainian colleague @Yollika sees pictures of her family home, partially destroyed overnight in #Kyiv. We did not know until that moment it was her actual building that had been hit. Thankfully Olga’s family is safe. pic.twitter.com/rglna1tvEA — Karin Giannone (@KarinBBC) February 25, 2022 × While speaking, Malchevska also received a text message from her mother, who said that she was taking shelter in the basement of another building. “I’ve just got a message from my mum. She’s taking shelter in the basement. Luckily, she wasn’t in our building.” Also Read: Over Ukraine conflict, US, UK, EU to put crippling sanctions on Russian central bank, block SWIFT “When we agreed yesterday to come to the studio in the morning, I could not have imagined that at 3 am London time, I would find out that my home is bombed,” Malchevska said. The moment my @bbcukrainian colleague @Yollika sees pictures of her family home, partially destroyed overnight in #Kyiv. We did not know until that moment it was her actual building that had been hit. Thankfully Olga’s family is safe. pic.twitter.com/rglna1tvEA — Karin Giannone (@KarinBBC) February 25, 2022 × This brings home the reality and pain of war and the palpable horror involved. My heart goes out to @Yollika and her family. In this day of 24 hour news and social media, it's easy to become a spectator and removed from the reality and destruction involved. — Daniel Rintoul (@danielrintoul) February 25, 2022 × This was tough to watch but the world needs to see how devastating war is on everyday people. @Yollika I’m sorry this is happening to you and your country — Phil Jonas (@PhilSJonas) February 25, 2022 × The video has garnered a lot of attention from social media users. Several people have shared and commented on it. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: On live TV, Ukrainian scribe left in tears on seeing wreckage of her Kyiv home   

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="4"><em>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.</em></p>

<p>A Ukrainian woman confronting a heavily-armed Russian soldier and demanding to know what they were doing in her country has gone viral in social media, with many hailing her as “brave”.</p>

<p>The woman, a resident of Henychesk, Kherson region, was seen voicing her outrage as Russia launched a full-scale attack on Ukraine, with tanks and jets covering various parts of the city and causing major destruction.</p>

<p>According to the video shared by Ukraine World news outlet on Twitter, the woman was seen offering sunflower seeds, the national flower of Ukraine, to the soldier, so that flowers might bloom when they die&nbsp;on Ukrainian land.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Ukrainian woman confronts Russian soldiers in Henychesk, Kherson region. Asks them why they came to our land and urges to put sunflower seeds in their pockets [so that flowers would grow when they die on the Ukrainian land] <a href="https://t.co/ztTx2qK7kB">pic.twitter.com/ztTx2qK7kB</a></p>
— UkraineWorld (@ukraine_world) <a href="https://twitter.com/ukraine_world/status/1496866811110834176?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>According to The Independent, the woman in the clip can be seen purportedly asking the soldiers, "Who are you?", to which a soldier standing in the street replies, “We have exercises here. Please go this way.”</p>

<p>After asking if they are Russians, she said: “So what the f*** are you doing here?”</p>

<p>When the soldiers tried to pacify her, the enraged woman said, "You’re occupants, you’re fascists! What the f*** are you doing on our land with all these guns?”</p>

<p>“Take these seeds and put them in your pockets, so at least sunflowers will grow when you all lie down here,” she said.</p>

<p>Ever since the video became viral, the woman has received an outpouring of support from many users.</p>

<p>“The coming days and nights in #Ukraine are likely going to be long and hard. But with spirit like this woman shows, #Putin may find he bit off way more than he can chew. #PocketSunflowers to grow sunflowers from their graves!”&nbsp;a Twitter user said.</p>

<p>“Am I the only one reading that over and over, and getting chills each time?” wrote Chris Taylor, another Twitter user.</p>


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. A Ukrainian woman confronting a heavily-armed Russian soldier and demanding to know what they were doing in her country has gone viral in social media, with many hailing her as “brave”. The woman, a resident of Henychesk, Kherson region, was seen voicing her outrage as Russia launched a full-scale attack on Ukraine, with tanks and jets covering various parts of the city and causing major destruction. According to the video shared by Ukraine World news outlet on Twitter, the woman was seen offering sunflower seeds, the national flower of Ukraine, to the soldier, so that flowers might bloom when they die on Ukrainian land. Ukrainian woman confronts Russian soldiers in Henychesk, Kherson region. Asks them why they came to our land and urges to put sunflower seeds in their pockets [so that flowers would grow when they die on the Ukrainian land] pic.twitter.com/ztTx2qK7kB — UkraineWorld (@ukraine_world) February 24, 2022 × According to The Independent, the woman in the clip can be seen purportedly asking the soldiers, "Who are you?", to which a soldier standing in the street replies, “We have exercises here. Please go this way.” After asking if they are Russians, she said: “So what the f*** are you doing here?” When the soldiers tried to pacify her, the enraged woman said, "You’re occupants, you’re fascists! What the f*** are you doing on our land with all these guns?” “Take these seeds and put them in your pockets, so at least sunflowers will grow when you all lie down here,” she said. Ever since the video became viral, the woman has received an outpouring of support from many users. “The coming days and nights in #Ukraine are likely going to be long and hard. But with spirit like this woman shows, #Putin may find he bit off way more than he can chew. #PocketSunflowers to grow sunflowers from their graves!” a Twitter user said. “Am I the only one reading that over and over, and getting chills each time?” wrote Chris Taylor, another Twitter user.

‘What the f*** are you doing’: Video of Ukrainian woman confronting Russian soldiers goes viral

<p>After weeks of tension between <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/live-ukraine-invasion-many-dead-as-russia-launches-second-wave-of-missile-attacks-455211">Russia and Ukraine</a>,&nbsp;on Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered a special military operation into Ukraine.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
As Russia launched wide-ranging attacks targeting multiple cities, celebrities from around the world have reacted to the critical situation.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/pics-scared-residents-struggle-to-flee-kyiv-as-they-line-up-at-atms-gas-stations-456056#ukrainian-military-vehicles-456038"><strong>Pics: Scared residents struggle to flee Kyiv as they line up at ATMs, gas stations</strong></a><br />
<br />
Amid escalating tensions between the two countries, Russian actress Irina Starshenbaum reacted to the situation. Noting that how war will only bring war and pain, Irina expressed&nbsp;a deep 'apology'&nbsp;to the Ukrainian people.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Sharing a black post on her Instagram account,&nbsp;the actress wrote, ''How did we get to that point? Why, then, do we remember every May 9 how much pain and loss the war brought us? I don't want to believe that. We didn't choose that.''</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/50-russian-occupiers-killed-we-have-losses-says-ukraine-as-casualties-rise-455989">'50 Russian occupiers killed': We have losses, says Ukraine as casualties rise</a></p>

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<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CaWeVMNs3WV/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Irina Starshenbaum (@starshenbaum)</a></p>
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<p>Adding further, she wrote, ''Nothing will justify war and I don't have the words to express all the pain and horror of this morning. Ukrainians, please forgive me for my helplessness. We wish an immediate end to these heinous acts.''</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/the-simpsons-had-predicted-the-russia-ukraine-crisis-way-back-in-1998heres-proof-455716" hreflang="en">The Simpsons had predicted the Russia-Ukraine crisis way back in 1998.Here's proof</a></p>

<p>Vampire Academy's fame Danila Kozlovsky also shared a black post on his Instagram account&nbsp;and simply wrote, ''Fear and shame....agree! NO WAR.''</p>

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<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CaWyn_0oL3V/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Danila Kozlovsky (@danilakozlovsky)</a></p>
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<p>Many <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/ukraine-russia-conflict-stephen-king-piers-morgan-other-celebs-react-455996">celebritie</a>s from around the world have also reacted to the Ukraine-Russia conflict, including Stephen King, Piers Morgan and Cardi B.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wont-bow-down-ukraine-president-vows-to-fight-back-against-aggressor-russia-456029">‘Won’t bow down’: Ukraine president vows to fight back against Russia</a><br />
<br />
Stephen King wrote, “What most of us learned as kids on the playground: You don’t stand by while a big kid beats up a little kid. You might take a punch or two making the big kid stop, but that’s the right thing to do.”<br />
<br />
Earlier, Cardi B said, "Wish these world leaders [would] stop tripping about power and really think about who's really getting affected (citizens) besides the whole world is in a crisis. War, sanctions, invasions should be the last thing these leaders should worry about.”</p>


After weeks of tension between Russia and Ukraine, on Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered a special military operation into Ukraine. As Russia launched wide-ranging attacks targeting multiple cities, celebrities from around the world have reacted to the critical situation.

After weeks of tension between Russia and Ukraine, on Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered a special military operation into Ukraine. As Russia launched wide-ranging attacks targeting multiple cities, celebrities from around the world have reacted to the critical situation. Pics: Scared residents struggle to flee Kyiv as they line up at ATMs, gas stations Amid escalating tensions between the two countries, Russian actress Irina Starshenbaum reacted to the situation. Noting that how war will only bring war and pain, Irina expressed a deep 'apology' to the Ukrainian people. Sharing a black post on her Instagram account, the actress wrote, ''How did we get to that point? Why, then, do we remember every May 9 how much pain and loss the war brought us? I don't want to believe that. We didn't choose that.'' '50 Russian occupiers killed': We have losses, says Ukraine as casualties rise View this post on Instagram A post shared by Irina Starshenbaum (@starshenbaum) × Adding further, she wrote, ''Nothing will justify war and I don't have the words to express all the pain and horror of this morning. Ukrainians, please forgive me for my helplessness. We wish an immediate end to these heinous acts.'' The Simpsons had predicted the Russia-Ukraine crisis way back in 1998.Here's proof Vampire Academy's fame Danila Kozlovsky also shared a black post on his Instagram account and simply wrote, ''Fear and shame....agree! NO WAR.'' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Danila Kozlovsky (@danilakozlovsky) × Many celebrities from around the world have also reacted to the Ukraine-Russia conflict, including Stephen King, Piers Morgan and Cardi B. ‘Won’t bow down’: Ukraine president vows to fight back against Russia Stephen King wrote, “What most of us learned as kids on the playground: You don’t stand by while a big kid beats up a little kid. You might take a punch or two making the big kid stop, but that’s the right thing to do.” Earlier, Cardi B said, "Wish these world leaders [would] stop tripping about power and really think about who's really getting affected (citizens) besides the whole world is in a crisis. War, sanctions, invasions should be the last thing these leaders should worry about.”

Ukrainians, please forgive me! Russian actress Irina Starshenbaum on Russia-Ukraine conflict

<p>With the threat of war on mind, the United States on Sunday has ordered the departure of family members of staff at its Ukrainian embassy. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The voluntary departure of US government employees has also been authorised by the US State Department. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>It also said that Americans should consider departing immediately from the country. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-warns-russia-of-very-serious-consequences-if-it-installs-puppet-regime-in-ukraine-447008" hreflang="en">UK warns Russia of 'very serious consequences' if it installs 'puppet regime' in Ukraine</a></strong></p>

<p>The US Embassy said, "We have been in consultation with the Ukrainian government about this step and are coordinating with Allied and partner embassies in Kyiv as they determine their posture."</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;United States orders departure of its diplomats' families from Kyiv amid Russia-Ukraine conflict</strong>&nbsp;</p>

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<p>The actions of the US government indicate that the continuing threat of military action from Russia seems to be imminent and it does not want a repeat of a situation like Afghanistan evacuation last year. &nbsp;</p>

<p>In a statement, the US Embassy in Kyiv warned that "military action by Russia could come at any time and the United States government will not be in a position to evacuate American citizens in such a contingency, so US citizens currently present in Ukraine should plan accordingly."</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-tests-from-us-government-begin-to-arrive-at-some-homes-446998" hreflang="en">Coronavirus tests from US government begin to arrive at some homes</a></strong></p>

<p>The State Department of the US also said that it was authorising the "voluntary departure of US direct hire employees." &nbsp;</p>

<p>The US Embassy in Kyiv is continuing to operate and its Chargé d’Affaires Kristina Kvien remains in the country, the State Department officials said. &nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


With the threat of war on mind, the United States on Sunday has ordered the departure of family members of staff at its Ukrainian embassy. The voluntary departure of US government employees has also been authorised by the US State Department.

With the threat of war on mind, the United States on Sunday has ordered the departure of family members of staff at its Ukrainian embassy. The voluntary departure of US government employees has also been authorised by the US State Department. It also said that Americans should consider departing immediately from the country. Also Read: UK warns Russia of 'very serious consequences' if it installs 'puppet regime' in Ukraine The US Embassy said, "We have been in consultation with the Ukrainian government about this step and are coordinating with Allied and partner embassies in Kyiv as they determine their posture." Watch: United States orders departure of its diplomats' families from Kyiv amid Russia-Ukraine conflict × The actions of the US government indicate that the continuing threat of military action from Russia seems to be imminent and it does not want a repeat of a situation like Afghanistan evacuation last year. In a statement, the US Embassy in Kyiv warned that "military action by Russia could come at any time and the United States government will not be in a position to evacuate American citizens in such a contingency, so US citizens currently present in Ukraine should plan accordingly." Also Read: Coronavirus tests from US government begin to arrive at some homes The State Department of the US also said that it was authorising the "voluntary departure of US direct hire employees." The US Embassy in Kyiv is continuing to operate and its Chargé d’Affaires Kristina Kvien remains in the country, the State Department officials said. (With inputs from agencies)

Threat of war forces US to order departure of Ukrainian embassy staff’s kin

<p>The audiotape of a July 2019 phone call shows former US&nbsp;President Donald Trump's then-lawyer Rudy Giuliani pressuring Ukrainian officials to investigate baseless allegations about Trump's 2020 election rival Joe Biden, CNN reported on Monday.<br />
<br />
CNN said it had obtained the audio of the call between Giuliani, US&nbsp;diplomat Kurt Volker, and Andriy Yermak, a senior adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy which it said was the precursor of a Trump-Zelenskiy call which was at the center of Trump's 2019 impeachment.<br />
<br />
In the call, Giuliani said he wanted Zelenskiy to say he was putting a prosecutor in charge and "he's gonna investigate and dig up the evidence, that presently exists and is there any other evidence about involvement of the 2016 election, and then the Biden thing has to be run out," according to CNN.<br />
<br />
Trump, a Republican, denounced as a political witch hunt allegations that he pressed Zelenskiy during a phone call to dig up dirt on Biden. The Democratic-led US&nbsp;House of Representatives voted to impeach Trump in December 2019, but he was acquitted by the then-Republican-dominated Senate early in 2020.<br />
<br />
Trump lost the 2020 election to Biden, a Democrat, and left office in January 2021.<br />
<br />
In April, federal prosecutors investigating Giuliani's business dealings in Ukraine at the time he was serving as Trump's lawyer raided his home and office, seizing cell phones and computers.<br />
<br />
Giuliani, a former New York City mayor, has not been charged. He said after the raids that his conduct had been 'absolutely legal and ethical'.<br />
<br />
Giuliani began representing Trump in April 2018 in connection with then-Special Counsel Robert Mueller's probe into Russian interference in the 2016 US&nbsp;presidential election.<br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The audiotape of a July 2019 phone call shows former US President Donald Trump's then-lawyer Rudy Giuliani pressuring Ukrainian officials to investigate baseless allegations about Trump's 2020 election rival Joe Biden, CNN reported on Monday.

The audiotape of a July 2019 phone call shows former US President Donald Trump's then-lawyer Rudy Giuliani pressuring Ukrainian officials to investigate baseless allegations about Trump's 2020 election rival Joe Biden, CNN reported on Monday. CNN said it had obtained the audio of the call between Giuliani, US diplomat Kurt Volker, and Andriy Yermak, a senior adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy which it said was the precursor of a Trump-Zelenskiy call which was at the center of Trump's 2019 impeachment. In the call, Giuliani said he wanted Zelenskiy to say he was putting a prosecutor in charge and "he's gonna investigate and dig up the evidence, that presently exists and is there any other evidence about involvement of the 2016 election, and then the Biden thing has to be run out," according to CNN. Trump, a Republican, denounced as a political witch hunt allegations that he pressed Zelenskiy during a phone call to dig up dirt on Biden. The Democratic-led US House of Representatives voted to impeach Trump in December 2019, but he was acquitted by the then-Republican-dominated Senate early in 2020. Trump lost the 2020 election to Biden, a Democrat, and left office in January 2021. In April, federal prosecutors investigating Giuliani's business dealings in Ukraine at the time he was serving as Trump's lawyer raided his home and office, seizing cell phones and computers. Giuliani, a former New York City mayor, has not been charged. He said after the raids that his conduct had been 'absolutely legal and ethical'. Giuliani began representing Trump in April 2018 in connection with then-Special Counsel Robert Mueller's probe into Russian interference in the 2016 US presidential election. (With inputs from agencies)

Giuliani pressed Ukrainians to probe Biden allegations in 2019 call: CNN

<p>President Joe Biden has invited Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for a White House visit this summer.&nbsp;</p>

<p>National security adviser Jake Sullivan said Biden extended the invitation during a phone call on Monday with Zelenskyy, who has publicly raised concerns about the US&nbsp;President's plan to meet with Russian leader Vladimir Putin and about a nearly completed Russia-to-Germany natural gas pipeline that would allow Russia to bypass Ukraine.</p>

<p>Biden made the invitation during a call that had been planned in advance of Biden's trip to Europe that culminates with a stop in Geneva next week for a face-to-face meeting with Putin as tensions in the US-Russia relationship remain high.</p>

<p>Zelenskyy tweeted his response: "Thank you @POTUS @JoeBiden for inviting me to visit the @WhiteHouse in July during our phone conversation. I look forward to this meeting to discuss ways to expand strategic cooperation between Ukraine and #USA."</p>

<p>Sullivan said Biden and Zelenskyy had the 'opportunity to talk at some length about all of the issues in the US-Ukraine relationship and President Biden was able to tell President Zelenskyy that he will stand up firmly for Ukraine's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and its aspirations as we go forward."</p>

<p>The Ukrainians also indicated that the Biden administration had committed to sharing 900,000 COVID-19 vaccines with Kyiv. Last week, the White House announced plans to share 80 million vaccine doses 'most through the United Nations-backed COVAX programme'&nbsp;by the end of June.</p>

<p>About 6 million in the initial distribution of 25 million were to be directed by the White House to US&nbsp;Allies and partners, including Mexico, Canada, South Korea, the West Bank and Gaza, India, Ukraine, Kosovo, Haiti, Georgia, Egypt, Jordan, Iraq, and Yemen, as well as to United Nations frontline workers.</p>

<p>"It will save the lives of many Ukrainians," Zelenskky said in a statement.&nbsp;The Biden administration disappointed Ukraine 'as well as many Democratic and Republican lawmakers in Washington' when it announced last month that it would not punish the German company overseeing the Russia-to-Germany pipeline known as Nord Stream 2, because it did not want to levy sanctions against an important European ally.</p>

<p>Russian gas currently flows through Ukraine en route to Europe, and Zelenskyy was hopeful that Biden would move to block the project that faced bipartisan opposition in Congress.</p>

<p>Zelenskyy reiterated his concerns about the pipeline during the call, according to the statement from his office.</p>

<p><br />
Zelenskyy, in an interview with Axios published on Sunday, said he had urged Biden to join him 'at any moment and at any spot on the planet' before the planned Geneva meeting with Putin next week.</p>

<p>Ukraine has harbored hopes for increased military aid during the Biden administration and is looking for backing in its bid for NATO membership. Ukraine has long battled against Russia-backed separatists in the east and in the halls of government in Kyiv.</p>

<p>Crimea and large swaths of eastern Ukraine's Donbas region are under Russian occupation. Fighting in the region has claimed thousands of Ukrainian lives.</p>

<p>Russia launched a buildup of troops near the border earlier this year before announcing in April that it would pull back those forces.</p>

<p>The provocative move alarmed the US&nbsp;and other European allies. Zelenskyy, in the call, emphasised to Biden that there was still a high concentration of Russian troops and heavy weaponry there.</p>

<p>Zelenskyy found himself ensnared in former President Donald Trump's first impeachment, which centered around a 16-minute phone call in which Trump pressured the Ukrainian leader to investigate Biden and his son's dealings in the Eastern European nation in 2019.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


President Joe Biden has invited Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for a White House visit this summer. National security adviser Jake Sullivan said Biden extended the invitation during a phone call on Monday with Zelenskyy, who has publicly raised concerns about the US President's plan to meet with Russian leader Vladimir Putin and about a nearly completed Russia-to-Germany natural gas pipeline that would allow Russia to bypass Ukraine.

President Joe Biden has invited Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for a White House visit this summer. National security adviser Jake Sullivan said Biden extended the invitation during a phone call on Monday with Zelenskyy, who has publicly raised concerns about the US President's plan to meet with Russian leader Vladimir Putin and about a nearly completed Russia-to-Germany natural gas pipeline that would allow Russia to bypass Ukraine. Biden made the invitation during a call that had been planned in advance of Biden's trip to Europe that culminates with a stop in Geneva next week for a face-to-face meeting with Putin as tensions in the US-Russia relationship remain high. Zelenskyy tweeted his response: "Thank you @POTUS @JoeBiden for inviting me to visit the @WhiteHouse in July during our phone conversation. I look forward to this meeting to discuss ways to expand strategic cooperation between Ukraine and #USA." Sullivan said Biden and Zelenskyy had the 'opportunity to talk at some length about all of the issues in the US-Ukraine relationship and President Biden was able to tell President Zelenskyy that he will stand up firmly for Ukraine's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and its aspirations as we go forward." The Ukrainians also indicated that the Biden administration had committed to sharing 900,000 COVID-19 vaccines with Kyiv. Last week, the White House announced plans to share 80 million vaccine doses 'most through the United Nations-backed COVAX programme' by the end of June. About 6 million in the initial distribution of 25 million were to be directed by the White House to US Allies and partners, including Mexico, Canada, South Korea, the West Bank and Gaza, India, Ukraine, Kosovo, Haiti, Georgia, Egypt, Jordan, Iraq, and Yemen, as well as to United Nations frontline workers. "It will save the lives of many Ukrainians," Zelenskky said in a statement. The Biden administration disappointed Ukraine 'as well as many Democratic and Republican lawmakers in Washington' when it announced last month that it would not punish the German company overseeing the Russia-to-Germany pipeline known as Nord Stream 2, because it did not want to levy sanctions against an important European ally. Russian gas currently flows through Ukraine en route to Europe, and Zelenskyy was hopeful that Biden would move to block the project that faced bipartisan opposition in Congress. Zelenskyy reiterated his concerns about the pipeline during the call, according to the statement from his office. Zelenskyy, in an interview with Axios published on Sunday, said he had urged Biden to join him 'at any moment and at any spot on the planet' before the planned Geneva meeting with Putin next week. Ukraine has harbored hopes for increased military aid during the Biden administration and is looking for backing in its bid for NATO membership. Ukraine has long battled against Russia-backed separatists in the east and in the halls of government in Kyiv. Crimea and large swaths of eastern Ukraine's Donbas region are under Russian occupation. Fighting in the region has claimed thousands of Ukrainian lives. Russia launched a buildup of troops near the border earlier this year before announcing in April that it would pull back those forces. The provocative move alarmed the US and other European allies. Zelenskyy, in the call, emphasised to Biden that there was still a high concentration of Russian troops and heavy weaponry there. Zelenskyy found himself ensnared in former President Donald Trump's first impeachment, which centered around a 16-minute phone call in which Trump pressured the Ukrainian leader to investigate Biden and his son's dealings in the Eastern European nation in 2019. (With inputs from agencies)

Biden invites Ukrainian president to White House this summer

<p>The Ukrainian ambassador to Thailand collapsed and died on Sunday while on a resort island with his family, authorities said.</p>

<p>Andrii Beshta, 44, was declared dead on Lipe Island in southern Satun province, Gov&nbsp;Ekkarat Leesen told The Associated Press.</p>

<p>Police quoted his teenage son, who was staying in the same hotel room, as saying his father vomited and fainted early on Sunday. He said he was feeling fine before. Police said they suspect he may have suffered a heart failure.</p>

<p>Leesen said the body was sent to the police hospital for an autopsy.</p>

<p>Beshta had assumed the post of ambassador in January 2016. He is survived by his wife, daughter and two sons, according to a bio on the embassy's website.</p>


The Ukrainian ambassador to Thailand collapsed and died on Sunday while on a resort island with his family, authorities said. Andrii Beshta, 44, was declared dead on Lipe Island in southern Satun province, Gov Ekkarat Leesen told The Associated Press.

The Ukrainian ambassador to Thailand collapsed and died on Sunday while on a resort island with his family, authorities said. Andrii Beshta, 44, was declared dead on Lipe Island in southern Satun province, Gov Ekkarat Leesen told The Associated Press. Police quoted his teenage son, who was staying in the same hotel room, as saying his father vomited and fainted early on Sunday. He said he was feeling fine before. Police said they suspect he may have suffered a heart failure. Leesen said the body was sent to the police hospital for an autopsy. Beshta had assumed the post of ambassador in January 2016. He is survived by his wife, daughter and two sons, according to a bio on the embassy's website.

Ukrainian ambassador in Thailand dies on resort island

In first fatal incident for Ukraine airline, plane crashes in Iran

<p>All passengers onboard a Ukrainian plane, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukrainian-airplane-with-180-aboard-crashes-in-iran-272823">that crashed in Iran on Wednesday</a>, have died in the mishap, news agency AFP reported citing Iran's semi-official ISNA news agency.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Iran's non-governmental, humanitarian organisation, Iran Red Crescent, stated that there were no chances of finding survivors in the plane crash.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="Ukrainian plane crash" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="13c569fe-bf10-441c-a3fa-3ac5777b817a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%282%29_28.jpg" /></p>

<p>The airplane, a Boeing 737, which belonged to Ukraine International Airlines, crashed shortly after taking off for Kiev from Tehran's Imam Khomeini airport due to some technical snag.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="​​Ukraine International Airlines plane crashed" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c49287f4-0cbb-4849-b386-cd4a3169eed2" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2829%29_1.jpg" /></p>

<p>The plane was carrying at least 170 people on board.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the Boeing Company took to microblogging site Twitter and stated that it is aware of the crash of Ukrainian airplane in Iran and is in the process of gathering more information on the same.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="​​Ukraine International Airlines flight PS752" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="201561b2-a1c8-48dc-9347-9f152109773d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2830%29_4.jpg" /></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We are aware of the media reports out of Iran and we are gathering more information.</p>
— The Boeing Company (@Boeing) <a href="https://twitter.com/Boeing/status/1214768412779520000?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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<p>Aviation giant Boeing has been facing a nine-month crisis after its 737 Max was grounded since last March following fatal crashes wherein over 300 people were killed.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">This video is claimed to be the last minutes of Ukrainian Boeing 737 before crash...<br />
No information has been realised about casualties so far...<br />
<br />
Pray for all them on board. <a href="https://t.co/f9X9ROvmUr">pic.twitter.com/f9X9ROvmUr</a></p>
— Danial Khazaei (@DanielKhazaei) <a href="https://twitter.com/DanielKhazaei/status/1214759982673072128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>Boeing 737 Max was grounded globally last year following two deadly crashes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Tuesday, Boeing called for a simulator training for pilots of the 737 MAX before the resumption of flights.</p>

<p><img alt="Ukrainian plane crash" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="77d4b6a1-cc07-4c9f-86f0-8d61423316a2" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design_38.jpg" /></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boeing-737-max-ethiopian-airlines-chief-rejects-pilot-error-claim-in-us-227998">Boeing 737 MAX 8</a> was grounded worldwide after Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 crashed in March 2019, killing all 157 people on board.</p>

<p>As many as 189 people were killed after a Lion Air 737 MAX 8 crashed in Indonesia in October 2019.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="Ukraine International Airlines flight PS752" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7e4f5442-12f4-4386-8539-5dff89e57ec0" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%284%29_14.jpg" /></p>


All passengers onboard a Ukrainian plane, that crashed in Iran on Wednesday, have died in the mishap, news agency AFP reported citing Iran's semi-official ISNA news agency.

All passengers onboard a Ukrainian plane, that crashed in Iran on Wednesday, have died in the mishap, news agency AFP reported citing Iran's semi-official ISNA news agency. Iran's non-governmental, humanitarian organisation, Iran Red Crescent, stated that there were no chances of finding survivors in the plane crash. The airplane, a Boeing 737, which belonged to Ukraine International Airlines, crashed shortly after taking off for Kiev from Tehran's Imam Khomeini airport due to some technical snag. The plane was carrying at least 170 people on board. Meanwhile, the Boeing Company took to microblogging site Twitter and stated that it is aware of the crash of Ukrainian airplane in Iran and is in the process of gathering more information on the same. We are aware of the media reports out of Iran and we are gathering more information. — The Boeing Company (@Boeing) January 8, 2020 × Aviation giant Boeing has been facing a nine-month crisis after its 737 Max was grounded since last March following fatal crashes wherein over 300 people were killed. This video is claimed to be the last minutes of Ukrainian Boeing 737 before crash... No information has been realised about casualties so far... Pray for all them on board. pic.twitter.com/f9X9ROvmUr — Danial Khazaei (@DanielKhazaei) January 8, 2020 × Boeing 737 Max was grounded globally last year following two deadly crashes. On Tuesday, Boeing called for a simulator training for pilots of the 737 MAX before the resumption of flights. Boeing 737 MAX 8 was grounded worldwide after Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 crashed in March 2019, killing all 157 people on board. As many as 189 people were killed after a Lion Air 737 MAX 8 crashed in Indonesia in October 2019.

Iran: All passengers aboard Ukrainian airplane killed in crash near Tehran

<p>A Ukrainian airplane, a Boeing 737, crashed with as many as 180 passengers on board after taking off from Iran's Imam Khomeini airport in the capital city Tehran.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to reports, the airplane crashed shortly after its take-off due to some technical snag. More information on the incident is awaited.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The airplane belonged to&nbsp;Ukraine International Airlines.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boeing-737-max-ethiopian-airlines-chief-rejects-pilot-error-claim-in-us-227998">Boeing 737 Max</a> was grounded globally last year following two deadly crashes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Tuesday, Boeing called for a simulator training for pilots of the 737 MAX before the resumption of flights.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">This video is claimed to be the last minutes of Ukrainian Boeing 737 before crash...<br />
No information has been realised about casualties so far...<br />
<br />
Pray for all them on board. <a href="https://t.co/f9X9ROvmUr">pic.twitter.com/f9X9ROvmUr</a></p>
— Danial Khazaei (@DanielKhazaei) <a href="https://twitter.com/DanielKhazaei/status/1214759982673072128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Aviation giant Boeing has been facing a nine-month crisis after its 737 Max was grounded since last March following fatal crashes wherein over 300 people were killed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Boeing 737 MAX 8 was grounded worldwide after Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 crashed in March, 2019, killing all 157 people on board.</p>

<p>As many as 189 people were killed after a Lion Air 737 MAX 8 crashed in Indonesia in October 2019.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A Ukrainian airplane, a Boeing 737, crashed with as many as 180 passengers on board after taking off from Iran's Imam Khomeini airport in the capital city Tehran.

A Ukrainian airplane, a Boeing 737, crashed with as many as 180 passengers on board after taking off from Iran's Imam Khomeini airport in the capital city Tehran. According to reports, the airplane crashed shortly after its take-off due to some technical snag. More information on the incident is awaited. The airplane belonged to Ukraine International Airlines. Boeing 737 Max was grounded globally last year following two deadly crashes. On Tuesday, Boeing called for a simulator training for pilots of the 737 MAX before the resumption of flights. This video is claimed to be the last minutes of Ukrainian Boeing 737 before crash... No information has been realised about casualties so far... Pray for all them on board. pic.twitter.com/f9X9ROvmUr — Danial Khazaei (@DanielKhazaei) January 8, 2020 × Aviation giant Boeing has been facing a nine-month crisis after its 737 Max was grounded since last March following fatal crashes wherein over 300 people were killed. Boeing 737 MAX 8 was grounded worldwide after Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 crashed in March, 2019, killing all 157 people on board. As many as 189 people were killed after a Lion Air 737 MAX 8 crashed in Indonesia in October 2019. (With inputs from agencies)

Boeing 737 airplane with 180 aboard crashes in Iran

<p>The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-all-passengers-aboard-ukrainian-airplane-killed-in-crash-272841">Ukrainian airliner that crashed</a> outside Tehran on Wednesday killing over 170 people was a Boeing 737 built-in 2016 and checked only two days before the accident, the company said.</p>

<p>"The plane was manufactured in 2016, it was received by the airline directly from the (Boeing) factory. The plane underwent its last planned technical maintenance on January 6, 2020," Ukraine International Airlines said in a statement.</p>

<p><img alt="Ukrainian plane crash" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="13c569fe-bf10-441c-a3fa-3ac5777b817a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%282%29_28.jpg" /></p>

<p>It took off from Tehran airport at 6:10 am&nbsp;and disappeared from radars just a few minutes later, crashing in Tehran province.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">VIDEO: Rescue workers search the site of a crashed jet operated by Ukraine International Airlines <a href="https://t.co/OWMwZKfrIX">pic.twitter.com/OWMwZKfrIX</a></p>
— AFP news agency (@AFP) <a href="https://twitter.com/AFP/status/1214817886595735553?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>There were no survivors among the crew and passengers, who were mostly Iranian and Canadian nationals, according to Ukraine's foreign ministry.</p>

<p><img alt="​​Ukraine International Airlines plane crashed" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c49287f4-0cbb-4849-b386-cd4a3169eed2" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2829%29_1.jpg" /></p>

<p>Ukraine International Airlines, the country's biggest airline and privately owned, said it had "decided to suspend its flights to Tehran starting today" and until further notice.</p>

<p><img alt="​​Ukraine International Airlines flight PS752" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="201561b2-a1c8-48dc-9347-9f152109773d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2830%29_4.jpg" /></p>

<p>It was notifying passengers families and working with aviation authorities "to do everything possible to find the reasons for the aviation accident".</p>

<p>Preliminary statements by Iranian and Ukrainian authorities suggest the plane suffered an engine malfunction, though the airline did not detail any reasons for the accident.</p>

<p>Ukraine's president ordered an investigation into the crash and a sweeping check of "all civilian aircraft" in the country.</p>


The Ukrainian airliner that crashed outside Tehran on Wednesday killing over 170 people was a Boeing 737 built-in 2016 and checked only two days before the accident, the company said.

The Ukrainian airliner that crashed outside Tehran on Wednesday killing over 170 people was a Boeing 737 built-in 2016 and checked only two days before the accident, the company said. "The plane was manufactured in 2016, it was received by the airline directly from the (Boeing) factory. The plane underwent its last planned technical maintenance on January 6, 2020," Ukraine International Airlines said in a statement. It took off from Tehran airport at 6:10 am and disappeared from radars just a few minutes later, crashing in Tehran province. VIDEO: Rescue workers search the site of a crashed jet operated by Ukraine International Airlines pic.twitter.com/OWMwZKfrIX — AFP news agency (@AFP) January 8, 2020 × There were no survivors among the crew and passengers, who were mostly Iranian and Canadian nationals, according to Ukraine's foreign ministry. Ukraine International Airlines, the country's biggest airline and privately owned, said it had "decided to suspend its flights to Tehran starting today" and until further notice. It was notifying passengers families and working with aviation authorities "to do everything possible to find the reasons for the aviation accident". Preliminary statements by Iranian and Ukrainian authorities suggest the plane suffered an engine malfunction, though the airline did not detail any reasons for the accident. Ukraine's president ordered an investigation into the crash and a sweeping check of "all civilian aircraft" in the country.

Crashed Boeing underwent maintenance checks 2 days before accident: Ukraine Airline

<p>Ukraine must investigate the activities of US presidential candidate Joe Biden`s son to establish whether his role in a Ukrainian gas company complied with the country`s laws, Mykola Azarov, Ukraine`s former prime minister, said in an interview.</p>

<p>Azarov did not specify to which Ukrainian laws he was referring.</p>

<p>Hunter Biden`s role in the company, Burisma Holdings Limited, is in focus after the White House published a memo showing US President Donald Trump asked his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, in a July phone call to get prosecutors to look into his activities. Zelenskiy agreed.</p>

<p>"It`s a fact (his directorship and fees) and not made up. It should be investigated so that the `i`s can be dotted and the `t`s crossed," Azarov told Reuters.</p>

<p>A spokesperson for Joe Biden`s campaign declined to comment on Azarov`s investigation call and none of Hunter Biden`s critics have provided any evidence that he broke Ukrainian law.</p>

<p>Ukraine`s National Anti-Corruption Bureau said on Friday it was investigating activity at Burisma between 2010-2012, but that it was not looking into changes to its board in 2014, when Hunter Biden joined.</p>

<p>Democrats in the US House of Representatives are pursuing an impeachment inquiry against Trump, a Republican, after a whistleblower complained about his call with Zelenskiy. Lawmakers are looking into whether Trump`s actions jeopardised national security and the integrity of US elections, saying he appeared to be soliciting a political favour from a foreign leader to get re-elected.</p>

<p>Azarov lives in Moscow, but says he remains well-connected with parts of Ukraine`s political establishment and would like to return one day. He did not provide further details.</p>

<p>Hunter Biden was a director on Burisma`s board from 2014 until at least 2018, according to documents filed by the company in Cyprus, where it is registered.</p>

<p>Azarov, who was prime minister from 2010-2014, is himself wanted by Ukrainian authorities for alleged abuse of power. An Interpol red notice issued in 2015 at the request of Ukrainian authorities said he was wanted on accusations of charges including embezzlement and misappropriation.</p>

<p>Azarov denies any wrongdoing and Reuters cannot determine whether there is any active investigation on him.</p>

<p>Azarov said he was not aware of any evidence suggesting wrongdoing on Hunter Biden`s part, but said it was in the Ukrainian public interest to ascertain the legality of his activities.</p>

<p>In particular, he said it was important to investigate what Biden had done for Burisma to justify his fee.</p>

<p>The younger Biden has said he consulted for Burisma, but critics have suggested he was not doing actual work in return for his compensation, an allegation he denies.</p>

<p>"I think it`s essential (he`s investigated)," Azarov told Reuters in Moscow, where Azarov fled after street protests toppled Russia-friendly President Viktor Yanukovich in 2014.</p>

<p>"If, using his knowledge, he played an active role then there`s nothing scandalous about it," Azarov said. "But if he was simply on the books and getting money, then that could be seen as a violation of the law."</p>

<p>Burisma was not available for comment on Saturday night.</p>

<p>Ukrainian prosecutors have said they are not investigating Hunter Biden, but are looking into the legality of Burisma`s activities before Biden joined its board.</p>

<p>Azarov said he thought it was "absolute nonsense", but that he believed allegations from Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani and others that Joe Biden had got Ukraine`s prosecutor general fired to protect his son Hunter must also be investigated.</p>

<p>The former US vice president has denied using his influence to get Ukraine`s prosecutor general, Viktor Shokin, fired in 2016 to prevent him investigating his son`s involvement and has said he and his son have done nothing wrong.</p>


Ukraine must investigate the activities of US presidential candidate Joe Biden`s son to establish whether his role in a Ukrainian gas company complied with the country`s laws, Mykola Azarov, Ukraine`s former prime minister, said in an interview.

Ukraine must investigate the activities of US presidential candidate Joe Biden`s son to establish whether his role in a Ukrainian gas company complied with the country`s laws, Mykola Azarov, Ukraine`s former prime minister, said in an interview. Azarov did not specify to which Ukrainian laws he was referring. Hunter Biden`s role in the company, Burisma Holdings Limited, is in focus after the White House published a memo showing US President Donald Trump asked his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, in a July phone call to get prosecutors to look into his activities. Zelenskiy agreed. "It`s a fact (his directorship and fees) and not made up. It should be investigated so that the `i`s can be dotted and the `t`s crossed," Azarov told Reuters. A spokesperson for Joe Biden`s campaign declined to comment on Azarov`s investigation call and none of Hunter Biden`s critics have provided any evidence that he broke Ukrainian law. Ukraine`s National Anti-Corruption Bureau said on Friday it was investigating activity at Burisma between 2010-2012, but that it was not looking into changes to its board in 2014, when Hunter Biden joined. Democrats in the US House of Representatives are pursuing an impeachment inquiry against Trump, a Republican, after a whistleblower complained about his call with Zelenskiy. Lawmakers are looking into whether Trump`s actions jeopardised national security and the integrity of US elections, saying he appeared to be soliciting a political favour from a foreign leader to get re-elected. Azarov lives in Moscow, but says he remains well-connected with parts of Ukraine`s political establishment and would like to return one day. He did not provide further details. Hunter Biden was a director on Burisma`s board from 2014 until at least 2018, according to documents filed by the company in Cyprus, where it is registered. Azarov, who was prime minister from 2010-2014, is himself wanted by Ukrainian authorities for alleged abuse of power. An Interpol red notice issued in 2015 at the request of Ukrainian authorities said he was wanted on accusations of charges including embezzlement and misappropriation. Azarov denies any wrongdoing and Reuters cannot determine whether there is any active investigation on him. Azarov said he was not aware of any evidence suggesting wrongdoing on Hunter Biden`s part, but said it was in the Ukrainian public interest to ascertain the legality of his activities. In particular, he said it was important to investigate what Biden had done for Burisma to justify his fee. The younger Biden has said he consulted for Burisma, but critics have suggested he was not doing actual work in return for his compensation, an allegation he denies. "I think it`s essential (he`s investigated)," Azarov told Reuters in Moscow, where Azarov fled after street protests toppled Russia-friendly President Viktor Yanukovich in 2014. "If, using his knowledge, he played an active role then there`s nothing scandalous about it," Azarov said. "But if he was simply on the books and getting money, then that could be seen as a violation of the law." Burisma was not available for comment on Saturday night. Ukrainian prosecutors have said they are not investigating Hunter Biden, but are looking into the legality of Burisma`s activities before Biden joined its board. Azarov said he thought it was "absolute nonsense", but that he believed allegations from Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani and others that Joe Biden had got Ukraine`s prosecutor general fired to protect his son Hunter must also be investigated. The former US vice president has denied using his influence to get Ukraine`s prosecutor general, Viktor Shokin, fired in 2016 to prevent him investigating his son`s involvement and has said he and his son have done nothing wrong.

Ukraine must investigate Joe Biden's son: Ex-Ukrainian PM

<p>Joe Biden on Friday demanded Donald Trump release the transcript of a call in which the US president reportedly pressured his Ukrainian counterpart for political gain, an act the Democratic presidential hopeful denounced as "clear-cut corruption."</p>

<p>Trump "should immediately release the transcript of the call in question, so that the American people can judge for themselves," Biden said, and also instruct the director of national intelligence to "stop stonewalling" and release to Congress the secret complaint about the call filed by a whistleblower.</p>

<p>Trump spoke by phone with Ukraine's new President Volodymyr Zelensky on July 25, a call US media said featured Trump seeking to coerce his counterpart into launching an investigation of Biden's son in order to dig up information that could damage Biden's 2020 presidential bid.</p>

<p>"Such clear-cut corruption damages and diminishes our institutions of government by making them tools of a personal political vendetta," Biden said in a statement.</p>


Joe Biden on Friday demanded Donald Trump release the transcript of a call in which the US president reportedly pressured his Ukrainian counterpart for political gain, an act the Democratic presidential hopeful denounced as "clear-cut corruption.

Joe Biden on Friday demanded Donald Trump release the transcript of a call in which the US president reportedly pressured his Ukrainian counterpart for political gain, an act the Democratic presidential hopeful denounced as "clear-cut corruption." Trump "should immediately release the transcript of the call in question, so that the American people can judge for themselves," Biden said, and also instruct the director of national intelligence to "stop stonewalling" and release to Congress the secret complaint about the call filed by a whistleblower. Trump spoke by phone with Ukraine's new President Volodymyr Zelensky on July 25, a call US media said featured Trump seeking to coerce his counterpart into launching an investigation of Biden's son in order to dig up information that could damage Biden's 2020 presidential bid. "Such clear-cut corruption damages and diminishes our institutions of government by making them tools of a personal political vendetta," Biden said in a statement.

Joe Biden demands Trump release transcript of call in whistleblower case

<p>Former US Vice President Joe Biden on Friday demanded that President Donald Trump release the transcript of his July phone call where he reportedly pressured his Ukrainian counterpart <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-leader-says-russia-sanctions-must-remain-in-place-249448">Volodymyr Zelensky</a> to investigate Biden's son.</p>

<p>"If these reports are true, then there is truly no bottom to President Trump's willingness to abuse his power and abase our country. This behaviour is particularly abhorrent because it exploits the foreign policy of our country and undermines our national security for political purposes," Biden said in the statement, as cited by the Hill.</p>

<p><iframe data-google-container-id="4" data-load-complete="true" frameborder="0" height="1" id="google_ads_iframe_/6516239/outofpage_1x1_desktop_0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" name="google_ads_iframe_/6516239/outofpage_1x1_desktop_0" scrolling="no" srcdoc="" title="3rd party ad content" width="1"></iframe>CNN cited a report by the Wall Street Journal as saying that Trump pressured Zelensky during the July phone call to investigate Democratic presidential candidate Biden's son Hunter.</p>

<p>The call took place on July 25, just one day after former special counsel Robert Mueller testified before Congress about Russian interference in US elections, and was also part of a whistleblower complaint submitted to the Intelligence Community Inspector General.</p>

<p>While Trump has downplayed the significance of whistleblower's complaint, he did not deny discussing Biden with Zelensky during the phone call.</p>

<p>"It's a partisan whistleblower. They shouldn't even have information. I've had conversations with many leaders. They're always appropriate," Trump told reporters.</p>


Former US Vice President Joe Biden on Friday demanded that President Donald Trump release the transcript of his July phone call where he reportedly pressured his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky to investigate Biden's son.

Former US Vice President Joe Biden on Friday demanded that President Donald Trump release the transcript of his July phone call where he reportedly pressured his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky to investigate Biden's son. "If these reports are true, then there is truly no bottom to President Trump's willingness to abuse his power and abase our country. This behaviour is particularly abhorrent because it exploits the foreign policy of our country and undermines our national security for political purposes," Biden said in the statement, as cited by the Hill. CNN cited a report by the Wall Street Journal as saying that Trump pressured Zelensky during the July phone call to investigate Democratic presidential candidate Biden's son Hunter. The call took place on July 25, just one day after former special counsel Robert Mueller testified before Congress about Russian interference in US elections, and was also part of a whistleblower complaint submitted to the Intelligence Community Inspector General. While Trump has downplayed the significance of whistleblower's complaint, he did not deny discussing Biden with Zelensky during the phone call. "It's a partisan whistleblower. They shouldn't even have information. I've had conversations with many leaders. They're always appropriate," Trump told reporters.

Biden demands Trump release transcript of July phone call with Ukrainian President

<p>Investigators today named three Russian suspects and one Ukranian <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/five-years-after-mh17-downing-airline-conflict-alert-system-remains-patchy-224198">behind the MH17 flight </a>which crashed over Ukraine in July, 2014.</p>

<p>All 298 passengers on board the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/family-of-mh17-victim-sues-russia-banks-us-money-transfer-companies-208054"> Malaysia Airlines plane </a>were killed which included 15 crew members.</p>

<p>The authorities have opened criminal proceedings against the suspects behind the crash.</p>

<p>The Dutch-led probe said it was going to prosecute Russian nationals Igor Girkin, Sergey Dubinskiy and Oleg Pulatov as well as Ukrainian Leonid Kharchenko over the downing of the Malaysia Airlines plane.</p>

<p>"Today we will send out international arrest warrants for the first suspects that we will prosecute. They will also be placed on national and international wanted lists," Wilbert Paulissen, chief constable of the Netherlands National Police, told a press conference.</p>

<p>Dutch prosecutor Fred Westerbeke said they were the "four who will be held accountable for bringing the deadly weapon, the BUK Telar, into eastern Ukraine".</p>

<p>The same investigation team said in May 2018 that the BUK anti-aircraft missile which hit the Boeing 777 had originated from the 53rd Russian military brigade based in Russia's southwestern city of Kursk.</p>

<p>Relatives of the victims earlier said they had been told the trial of the four men would begin in the Netherlands in March 2020.</p>

<p>However, the suspects are likely to be tried in absentia as Russia does not allow its nationals to be sent abroad for prosecution, while investigators said Kharchenko's whereabouts were currently unknown.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Investigators today named three Russian suspects and one Ukranian behind the MH17 flight which crashed over Ukraine in July, 2014. All 298 passengers on board the Malaysia Airlines plane were killed which included 15 crew members.

Investigators today named three Russian suspects and one Ukranian behind the MH17 flight which crashed over Ukraine in July, 2014. All 298 passengers on board the Malaysia Airlines plane were killed which included 15 crew members. The authorities have opened criminal proceedings against the suspects behind the crash. The Dutch-led probe said it was going to prosecute Russian nationals Igor Girkin, Sergey Dubinskiy and Oleg Pulatov as well as Ukrainian Leonid Kharchenko over the downing of the Malaysia Airlines plane. "Today we will send out international arrest warrants for the first suspects that we will prosecute. They will also be placed on national and international wanted lists," Wilbert Paulissen, chief constable of the Netherlands National Police, told a press conference. Dutch prosecutor Fred Westerbeke said they were the "four who will be held accountable for bringing the deadly weapon, the BUK Telar, into eastern Ukraine". The same investigation team said in May 2018 that the BUK anti-aircraft missile which hit the Boeing 777 had originated from the 53rd Russian military brigade based in Russia's southwestern city of Kursk. Relatives of the victims earlier said they had been told the trial of the four men would begin in the Netherlands in March 2020. However, the suspects are likely to be tried in absentia as Russia does not allow its nationals to be sent abroad for prosecution, while investigators said Kharchenko's whereabouts were currently unknown.

3 Russians, 1 Ukrainian behind MH17 flight crash over Ukraine in 2014: Investigators

<p>CHANGE PICTURE! IF THIS STORY IS VERIFIED, GET APPROPRIATE PIC,&nbsp;THEN PUBLISH<br />
<br />
According to reports in the Sri Lankan press, the&nbsp;Sri Lankan government has received the approval of the Cabinet of Ministers to enter into a treaty with Ukraine to extradite criminals hiding in the Eastern European country.</p>

<p>President Maithripala Sirisena in his capacity as the Minister of Defense has presented the proposal to the cabinet for approval.</p>

<p>The ColomboPage News Desk reports that&nbsp;the Sri Lankan Co-Cabinet spokesman, Minister Gayantha Karunathilake, said the agreement &quot;will provide the opportunity to request the authorities in Ukraine to receive criminals who have engaged in illegal activities in this country and sought protection in Ukraine&quot;.</p>

<p>The treaty comes as&nbsp;the Sri Lankan government is attempting to arrest a fugitive envoy currently believed to be in Ukraine.</p>

<p>The government has sought arrest and deportation of Sri Lanka&#39;s former Ambassador to Russia, Udayanga Weeratunga, who is a nephew of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, over several allegations including that the envoy supplied weapons to a terrorist group in Ukraine and is connected to the death of an embassy employee.</p>


Comes as South Asian country's former Russian ambassador is wanted for abetting a Ukrainian terror group

CHANGE PICTURE! IF THIS STORY IS VERIFIED, GET APPROPRIATE PIC, THEN PUBLISH According to reports in the Sri Lankan press, the Sri Lankan government has received the approval of the Cabinet of Ministers to enter into a treaty with Ukraine to extradite criminals hiding in the Eastern European country. President Maithripala Sirisena in his capacity as the Minister of Defense has presented the proposal to the cabinet for approval. The ColomboPage News Desk reports that the Sri Lankan Co-Cabinet spokesman, Minister Gayantha Karunathilake, said the agreement "will provide the opportunity to request the authorities in Ukraine to receive criminals who have engaged in illegal activities in this country and sought protection in Ukraine". The treaty comes as the Sri Lankan government is attempting to arrest a fugitive envoy currently believed to be in Ukraine. The government has sought arrest and deportation of Sri Lanka's former Ambassador to Russia, Udayanga Weeratunga, who is a nephew of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, over several allegations including that the envoy supplied weapons to a terrorist group in Ukraine and is connected to the death of an embassy employee.

Sri Lanka enters treaty with Ukraine to extradite criminals hiding in the Eastern European country

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