A report by a think tank has exposed the West's doublespeak. It suggests that the US and EU continued to import oil from Russia despite the attack on Ukraine.

Report by a think tank: US & EU import oil from Russia despite attack on Ukraine

From recession to inflation, how the US Fed has dealt with crisis

U.S. President Joe Biden called for the U.S. Congress to pass $33 billion in additional security and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine. For more analysis, we're joined by VOA's Correspondent, Jessica Stone.

WION-VOA Co-Production: Russia-Ukraine war ongoings & How is Washington navigating Covid?

More and more countries have promised aid to Ukraine amid the Russian invasion. World leaders, politicians have been visiting Ukraine to show support. Meanwhile, the US, the UK, World Bank and others have promised financial, military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine. Here’s a look at what’s promised to Ukraine and what’s it getting.

Support for Ukraine: What the world has promised & what’s Kyiv getting | Russian invasion

US infectious disease expert, Anthony Fauci has now issued a grim warning that the pandemic is far from over. He added that it is impossible for US to completely eliminate COVID but they should strive to control the spread of the virus

US can't eliminate the COVID-19 virus completely : Anthony Fauci

Report by a think tank exposes West: US, EU import oil from Russia

<p>It hasn't even been a week since Tesla CEO Elon Musk purchased Twitter and made headlines. But then, the eccentric billionaire has never been a stranger to them; from his tiff with Bill Gates to his involvement in the Johnny Depp-Amber Heard trial, he definitely maintains his presence in news and on social media.</p>

<p>Looks like Musk's shopping list doesn't end with Twitter; he recently expressed interest in purchasing Coca-Cola and once again, adding cocaine,&nbsp;just like the drink was made back when it was launched.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Next I’m buying Coca-Cola to put the cocaine back in</p>
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1519480761749016577?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 28, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>Now, netizens are advising him to purchase fresh choices. Some are doing it for enjoyment, while others have their own motivations.</p>

<p>The world's wealthiest man, famed for his innovative ideas and financial acumen, is currently a trending topic on social media, particularly on Twitter. Since the news of his purchase of Twitter surfaced, he's been trending. Despite his $44 billion purchase of Twitter, people now advising him on ways to spend some more 'Mula'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Social media networks such as Twitter and Snapchat, as well as countries, are among the suggested purchases. Let's have a look at some of the outrageous ideas:</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Elon musk, please buy swiggy so they can deliver on time. <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@elonmusk</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/swiggy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#swiggy</a></p>
— Shubman Gill (@ShubmanGill) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShubmanGill/status/1520093399348506625?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 29, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">can you buy fox I want another season of “firefly”</p>
— Shibetoshi Nakamoto (@BillyM2k) <a href="https://twitter.com/BillyM2k/status/1519484064859758592?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 28, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We need more Battlestar Galactica!</p>
— DrRamblings (@DrRamblings) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrRamblings/status/1519505090842808322?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 28, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-musk-reveals-intentions-to-monetize-tweets-and-cut-salaries-as-part-of-his-pitch-to-bank-lenders-474812">Elon Musk reveals intentions to monetize tweets and cut salaries as part of his pitch to bank lenders</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Can you buy Indonesia?<br />
<br />
Make it fast! Because the price will go up in Monday.</p>
— Duke of Condet (@LordCondet) <a href="https://twitter.com/LordCondet/status/1519503788205572096?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 28, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Can you buy Greece and put my brother Alexis Tsipras as Prime Minister ;</p>
— Zanet (@Zanet_Tsipa) <a href="https://twitter.com/Zanet_Tsipa/status/1519546533385015296?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 28, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-musk-responds-to-dell-founders-cryptic-1137-tweet-after-twitter-takeover-474826">Elon Musk responds to Dell founder's cryptic '1/137' tweet after Twitter takeover</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Buy Tik-tok and Snapchat and delete them.</p>
— Mo-Mo💙 (@Morris_Monye) <a href="https://twitter.com/Morris_Monye/status/1519560079040778241?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 28, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Watch | Social media giant Twitter gained 12 million new users</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/social-media-giant-twitter-gained-12-million-new-users-474799/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="und">😂😂😂😂 <a href="https://t.co/TOd05srbpo">pic.twitter.com/TOd05srbpo</a></p>
— ABsulley (@TheEsperance) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheEsperance/status/1519480887032926209?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 28, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>Some YouTube users want the dislike option restored, and they've requested Musk to acquire the platform so that it may be revived:</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Then after that, buy youtube to get back the dislike button</p>
— Watcher.Guru (@WatcherGuru) <a href="https://twitter.com/WatcherGuru/status/1519481421752152065?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 28, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Can you buy YouTube? It’s as bad as Twitter. You should buy ESPN and make it about sports again too. Also, buying me a house would be cool too.</p>
— Lisa Boothe (@LisaMarieBoothe) <a href="https://twitter.com/LisaMarieBoothe/status/1519523102635474944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 28, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">And that's not all: individuals are requesting Musk to acquire car companies so that they can make certain changes, and one user even begged him to buy Volkwagen so that his favourite curry could be added to the corporate canteen's menu:</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Elon, can you buy Mercedes Amg Petronas F1 Team and fix their car?</p>
— Samuel Pancher (@SamPancher) <a href="https://twitter.com/SamPancher/status/1519492834713350144?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 28, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Please buy Volkswagen to put Curry-Wurst again on the menu of the canteen.</p>
— Liberal Mut (Inflationscoach) (@LiberalMut) <a href="https://twitter.com/LiberalMut/status/1519533283192840192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 28, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>Given Elon Musk's penchant for the unconventional, we're excited to see what his next acquisition will be. Do you have any suggestions for him?</p>


It hasn't even been a week since Tesla CEO Elon Musk purchased Twitter and made headlines. But then, the eccentric billionaire has never been a stranger to them; from his tiff with Bill Gates to his involvement in the Johnny Depp-Amber Heard trial, he definitely maintains his presence in news and on social media.

It hasn't even been a week since Tesla CEO Elon Musk purchased Twitter and made headlines. But then, the eccentric billionaire has never been a stranger to them; from his tiff with Bill Gates to his involvement in the Johnny Depp-Amber Heard trial, he definitely maintains his presence in news and on social media. Looks like Musk's shopping list doesn't end with Twitter; he recently expressed interest in purchasing Coca-Cola and once again, adding cocaine, just like the drink was made back when it was launched. Next I’m buying Coca-Cola to put the cocaine back in — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) April 28, 2022 × Now, netizens are advising him to purchase fresh choices. Some are doing it for enjoyment, while others have their own motivations. The world's wealthiest man, famed for his innovative ideas and financial acumen, is currently a trending topic on social media, particularly on Twitter. Since the news of his purchase of Twitter surfaced, he's been trending. Despite his $44 billion purchase of Twitter, people now advising him on ways to spend some more 'Mula'. Social media networks such as Twitter and Snapchat, as well as countries, are among the suggested purchases. Let's have a look at some of the outrageous ideas: Elon musk, please buy swiggy so they can deliver on time. @elonmusk #swiggy — Shubman Gill (@ShubmanGill) April 29, 2022 × can you buy fox I want another season of “firefly” — Shibetoshi Nakamoto (@BillyM2k) April 28, 2022 × We need more Battlestar Galactica! — DrRamblings (@DrRamblings) April 28, 2022 × Also read | Elon Musk reveals intentions to monetize tweets and cut salaries as part of his pitch to bank lenders Can you buy Indonesia? Make it fast! Because the price will go up in Monday. — Duke of Condet (@LordCondet) April 28, 2022 × Can you buy Greece and put my brother Alexis Tsipras as Prime Minister ; — Zanet (@Zanet_Tsipa) April 28, 2022 × Also read | Elon Musk responds to Dell founder's cryptic '1/137' tweet after Twitter takeover Buy Tik-tok and Snapchat and delete them. — Mo-Mo💙 (@Morris_Monye) April 28, 2022 × Watch | Social media giant Twitter gained 12 million new users 😂😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/TOd05srbpo — ABsulley (@TheEsperance) April 28, 2022 × Some YouTube users want the dislike option restored, and they've requested Musk to acquire the platform so that it may be revived: Then after that, buy youtube to get back the dislike button — Watcher.Guru (@WatcherGuru) April 28, 2022 × Can you buy YouTube? It’s as bad as Twitter. You should buy ESPN and make it about sports again too. Also, buying me a house would be cool too. — Lisa Boothe (@LisaMarieBoothe) April 28, 2022 × WATCH WION LIVE HERE: And that's not all: individuals are requesting Musk to acquire car companies so that they can make certain changes, and one user even begged him to buy Volkwagen so that his favourite curry could be added to the corporate canteen's menu: Elon, can you buy Mercedes Amg Petronas F1 Team and fix their car? — Samuel Pancher (@SamPancher) April 28, 2022 × Please buy Volkswagen to put Curry-Wurst again on the menu of the canteen. — Liberal Mut (Inflationscoach) (@LiberalMut) April 28, 2022 × Given Elon Musk's penchant for the unconventional, we're excited to see what his next acquisition will be. Do you have any suggestions for him?

After Twitter takeover, what else do netizens want Musk to buy!?

Even as US introduces gender-neutral passports, these states still have archaic anti-transgender laws

<p>An 832-pound bluefin tuna seems to have been caught by some fishermen in Florida, said media reports. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The catch of the fish seems to have set a new state record on April 15. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The pictures of the fish along with its weight were also posted on social media by HarborWalk Marina. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The fish was caught around 160 miles out to sea in the Gulf of Mexico. The crew took almost four and half hours to reel it in, the report said.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tough-luck-us-judge-quashes-donald-trumps-request-to-end-contempt-of-court-ruling-upholds-hefty-fine-475223" hreflang="en">US judge quashes Donald Trump’s request to end contempt of court ruling</a></strong></p>

<p>The boat of these fishermen is called ‘No Name’. It was led by Captain Jake Matney and crewed by deckmates, Devin Sarver and Jett Tolbert, as per the report. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The family of Matney was also aboard the boat. &nbsp;</p>

<p>In a Facebook post, Sarver wrote, "Words cannot express how [grateful] I am! What happened to us the ups and downs of this battle make for a great story with great people! 5 hours before this fish was all said and done, THIS IS WHAT DREAMS ARE MADE OF!" &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;US economy shrinks in first quarter of 2022</strong></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-economy-shrinks-in-first-quarter-of-2022-474829/embed" width="560"></iframe></p>

<p>"I've never had so much respect for a fish and to catch him in the Gulf of Mexico is a feat of it's own!! This bluefin was as bad as they come, God is great!" Sarver wrote. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


An 832-pound bluefin tuna seems to have been caught by some fishermen in Florida, said media reports. The catch of the fish seems to have set a new state record on April 15.

An 832-pound bluefin tuna seems to have been caught by some fishermen in Florida, said media reports. The catch of the fish seems to have set a new state record on April 15. The pictures of the fish along with its weight were also posted on social media by HarborWalk Marina. The fish was caught around 160 miles out to sea in the Gulf of Mexico. The crew took almost four and half hours to reel it in, the report said. Also Read: US judge quashes Donald Trump’s request to end contempt of court ruling The boat of these fishermen is called ‘No Name’. It was led by Captain Jake Matney and crewed by deckmates, Devin Sarver and Jett Tolbert, as per the report. The family of Matney was also aboard the boat. In a Facebook post, Sarver wrote, "Words cannot express how [grateful] I am! What happened to us the ups and downs of this battle make for a great story with great people! 5 hours before this fish was all said and done, THIS IS WHAT DREAMS ARE MADE OF!" Watch: US economy shrinks in first quarter of 2022 "I've never had so much respect for a fish and to catch him in the Gulf of Mexico is a feat of it's own!! This bluefin was as bad as they come, God is great!" Sarver wrote. WATCH WION LIVE HERE (With inputs from agencies)

US fishermen catch 832-pound bluefin tuna in Gulf of Mexico, look to set new state record  

Water crisis has hit US' California. California has now imposed curbs on water usage. New emergency restrictions will start from June 1st.

Water crisis hits California: California imposes curbs on water usage

NATO is looking towards a nordic expansion with Finland and Sweden. On the other side, the UK is sending over 8,000 troops to take part in NATO exercises across Eastern Europe. This is the largest deployment by the UK since cold war.

Russia-Ukraine: NATO & joint forces to conduct military exercises in Eastern Europe

The US economy unexpectedly contracted in the first quarter amid a resurgence in COVID-19 cases and drop in pandemic relief money from the government, but the decline in output is misleading as domestic demand remained strong.

US economy shrinks in first quarter of 2022

The committee investigating the 2021 riots at the US Capitol is planning to stage public hearings in the month of June. For the first time, key witnesses will testify publicly. US Capitol riot led to the deaths of five people and the arrest of hundreds.

US Capitol riot probe: House committee to hold open hearings

<p>As Russian forces have started to 'exert intense fire' on multiple fronts, the United States (US) has delivered "more than half" of the howitzers to Ukraine as of Wednesday, Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Since the Russian invasion began, the West has been helping Ukraine by providing arms and supplies. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>At this moment, the Ukrainian forces are in dire need of advanced weapons to fight off the invading army. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>During briefing on Wednesday, Kirby said, “Without giving whole numbers, more than half of those howitzers are in Ukraine.” &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-as-offensive-intensifies-30-foot-tall-ukrainian-russian-friendship-statue-gets-demolished-in-kyiv-474296" hreflang="en">Watch: As offensive intensifies, 30-foot-tall Ukrainian-Russian 'friendship' statue gets demolished in Kyiv &nbsp;</a></strong></p>

<p>As military assistance to Ukraine, the US is providing over 90 155 mm howitzers, 183,000 155 mm artillery rounds and 72 tactical vehicles to tow these weapons. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>These large artillery guns have to be operated by a team of around 10 people. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The US is also currently training Ukrainian military members on how to use the howitzer in an undisclosed European country. It is being done to ensure the officers can pass the knowledge about it to other officers. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Around 50 Ukrainian officers, who are the first group, have been trained on the howitzers, Kirby said. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Another group will also be trained in the same way. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas: Russia stops exporting gas to Poland &amp; Bulgaria</strong></p>

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<p>Howitzers seem to have become crucial as Russia is looking to capture Donbas region in eastern Ukraine. &nbsp;</p>

<p>At a press conference in Poland on Monday, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said, "You’ve heard us talk or say in the past, recent past, the nature of the fight has evolved because the terrain that they’re now focused on is a different type of terrain. So, they need long-range fires." &nbsp;</p>

<p>"You’ve heard them express a need for tanks. And we are doing everything that we can to get them the types of support — the types of artillery and munitions that will be effective in this stage of the fight," Austin added. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


As Russian forces have started to 'exert intense fire' on multiple fronts, the United States (US) has delivered "more than half" of the howitzers to Ukraine as of Wednesday, Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said.

As Russian forces have started to 'exert intense fire' on multiple fronts, the United States (US) has delivered "more than half" of the howitzers to Ukraine as of Wednesday, Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said. Since the Russian invasion began, the West has been helping Ukraine by providing arms and supplies. At this moment, the Ukrainian forces are in dire need of advanced weapons to fight off the invading army. During briefing on Wednesday, Kirby said, “Without giving whole numbers, more than half of those howitzers are in Ukraine.” Also Read: Watch: As offensive intensifies, 30-foot-tall Ukrainian-Russian 'friendship' statue gets demolished in Kyiv As military assistance to Ukraine, the US is providing over 90 155 mm howitzers, 183,000 155 mm artillery rounds and 72 tactical vehicles to tow these weapons. These large artillery guns have to be operated by a team of around 10 people. The US is also currently training Ukrainian military members on how to use the howitzer in an undisclosed European country. It is being done to ensure the officers can pass the knowledge about it to other officers. Around 50 Ukrainian officers, who are the first group, have been trained on the howitzers, Kirby said. Another group will also be trained in the same way. Watch: Gravitas: Russia stops exporting gas to Poland & Bulgaria × Howitzers seem to have become crucial as Russia is looking to capture Donbas region in eastern Ukraine. At a press conference in Poland on Monday, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said, "You’ve heard us talk or say in the past, recent past, the nature of the fight has evolved because the terrain that they’re now focused on is a different type of terrain. So, they need long-range fires." "You’ve heard them express a need for tanks. And we are doing everything that we can to get them the types of support — the types of artillery and munitions that will be effective in this stage of the fight," Austin added. WATCH WION LIVE HERE (With inputs from agencies)

As Russians 'exert intense fire', US delivers 'more than half' of Ukraine's howitzers, train its officers

<p>President Joe&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;asked Congress for $33&nbsp;billion&nbsp;to&nbsp;support&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;- a dramatic escalation of US&nbsp;funding for the&nbsp;war&nbsp;with Russia - and the Ukrainian president pleaded with lawmakers to give the request a swift&nbsp;approval.</p>

<p>The funding request includes over $20&nbsp;billion&nbsp;for weapons, ammunition and other military assistance, as well as $8.5&nbsp;billion&nbsp;in direct economic assistance to the Ukrainian government and $3&nbsp;billion&nbsp;in humanitarian aid. It is intended to cover the&nbsp;war&nbsp;effort's needs through September, the end of the fiscal year.</p>

<p>"We need this bill to&nbsp;support&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;in its fight for freedom,"&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;said at the White House after signing the request on Thursday. "The cost of this fight - it's not cheap - but caving to aggression is going to be more costly."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-rockets-strike-kyiv-during-un-chief-antonio-guterres-visit-474784">Russian rockets strike Kyiv during UN chief Antonio Guterres' visit</a></strong></p>

<p>The United States has ruled out sending its own or NATO forces to&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;but Washington and its European allies have supplied weapons to Kyiv such as drones, Howitzer heavy artillery, anti-aircraft Stinger and anti-tank Javelin missiles.</p>

<p>Ukrainian president Volodymyr&nbsp;Zelensky&nbsp;hailed what he called "a very important step" by the United States.</p>

<p>"I am thankful to the American people and personally to President&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;for it. I hope that Congress will&nbsp;quickly approve this request for help to our state," he said in a late night video address.</p>

<p>Biden's proposal would also let US&nbsp;officials seize more Russian oligarchs' assets, give the cash from those seizures to&nbsp;Ukraine, and further criminalize sanctions dodging, the White House said.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Russia energy giant Gazprom lands record high profit of $29 billion in 2021</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-energy-giant-gazprom-lands-record-high-profit-of-29-billion-in-2021-474816/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>That would include letting the Justice Department use the strict US&nbsp;racketeering law once deployed against the mafia, the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, to build cases against people who evade sanctions.</p>

<p>Biden&nbsp;also&nbsp;wants&nbsp;to give prosecutors more time to build such cases by extending the statute of limitations on money laundering prosecutions to 10 years, instead of five. He would also make it a criminal act to hold money knowingly taken from corrupt dealings with Russia, according to a summary of the legislative proposals.</p>

<p>The measures are part of U.S. efforts to isolate and punish Russia for its Feb. 24 invasion of&nbsp;Ukraine, as well as to help Kyiv recover from a&nbsp;war&nbsp;that has reduced cities to rubble and forced more than 5 million people to flee abroad.</p>

<p>Biden&nbsp;has already asked for record peacetime sums to fund Pentagon research and development, and efforts to counter perceived threats from countries including Russia.</p>

<p>The full package represents a fifth of pre-war&nbsp;Ukrainian annual economic output, and the $20&nbsp;billion&nbsp;US&nbsp;military assistance alone is about a third of what the Russian military spent overall last year, before the&nbsp;war&nbsp;began.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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<p>A package would include food security assistance, economic stimulus for&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;and funding to use the Cold&nbsp;War-era Defense Production Act to expand domestic production of key minerals in short supply due to the&nbsp;war.</p>

<p>But the funding measure may face issues on Capitol Hill.&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;asked for $22.5&nbsp;billion&nbsp;in money for the COVID-19 response in March and Democrats with narrow control of the Senate and House of Representatives may push to have that passed at the same time as the&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;measure.</p>

<p>While lawmakers are broadly&nbsp;supportive of spending on&nbsp;Ukraine, Republican congressional aides said on Thursday that efforts to combine the&nbsp;war&nbsp;funding with the pandemic response could make it difficult to pass.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-rockets-strike-kyiv-during-un-chief-antonio-guterres-visit-474784">Russian rockets strike Kyiv during UN chief Antonio Guterres' visit</a></strong></p>

<p>"I don't care how they do it,"&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;said. "They can do it separately or together, but we need them both."</p>

<p>U.S. military aid to&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;has topped $3&nbsp;billion&nbsp;since Russia launched what it calls a "special military operation" to demilitarize Ukraine&nbsp;and protect it from fascists. Kyiv and its Western allies reject that as a false pretext.</p>

<p>The United States and its European allies have frozen $30&nbsp;billion&nbsp;of assets held by wealthy individuals with ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin, including yachts, helicopters, real estate and art, the&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;administration has said.</p>


President Joe Biden asked Congress for $33 billion to support Ukraine - a dramatic escalation of US funding for the war with Russia - and the Ukrainian president pleaded with lawmakers to give the request a swift approval.

President Joe Biden asked Congress for $33 billion to support Ukraine - a dramatic escalation of US funding for the war with Russia - and the Ukrainian president pleaded with lawmakers to give the request a swift approval. The funding request includes over $20 billion for weapons, ammunition and other military assistance, as well as $8.5 billion in direct economic assistance to the Ukrainian government and $3 billion in humanitarian aid. It is intended to cover the war effort's needs through September, the end of the fiscal year. "We need this bill to support Ukraine in its fight for freedom," Biden said at the White House after signing the request on Thursday. "The cost of this fight - it's not cheap - but caving to aggression is going to be more costly." Also read | Russian rockets strike Kyiv during UN chief Antonio Guterres' visit The United States has ruled out sending its own or NATO forces to Ukraine but Washington and its European allies have supplied weapons to Kyiv such as drones, Howitzer heavy artillery, anti-aircraft Stinger and anti-tank Javelin missiles. Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky hailed what he called "a very important step" by the United States. "I am thankful to the American people and personally to President Biden for it. I hope that Congress will quickly approve this request for help to our state," he said in a late night video address. Biden's proposal would also let US officials seize more Russian oligarchs' assets, give the cash from those seizures to Ukraine, and further criminalize sanctions dodging, the White House said. Watch | Russia energy giant Gazprom lands record high profit of $29 billion in 2021 That would include letting the Justice Department use the strict US racketeering law once deployed against the mafia, the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, to build cases against people who evade sanctions. Biden also wants to give prosecutors more time to build such cases by extending the statute of limitations on money laundering prosecutions to 10 years, instead of five. He would also make it a criminal act to hold money knowingly taken from corrupt dealings with Russia, according to a summary of the legislative proposals. The measures are part of U.S. efforts to isolate and punish Russia for its Feb. 24 invasion of Ukraine, as well as to help Kyiv recover from a war that has reduced cities to rubble and forced more than 5 million people to flee abroad. Biden has already asked for record peacetime sums to fund Pentagon research and development, and efforts to counter perceived threats from countries including Russia. The full package represents a fifth of pre-war Ukrainian annual economic output, and the $20 billion US military assistance alone is about a third of what the Russian military spent overall last year, before the war began. WATCH WION LIVE HERE A package would include food security assistance, economic stimulus for Ukraine and funding to use the Cold War-era Defense Production Act to expand domestic production of key minerals in short supply due to the war. But the funding measure may face issues on Capitol Hill. Biden asked for $22.5 billion in money for the COVID-19 response in March and Democrats with narrow control of the Senate and House of Representatives may push to have that passed at the same time as the Ukraine measure. While lawmakers are broadly supportive of spending on Ukraine, Republican congressional aides said on Thursday that efforts to combine the war funding with the pandemic response could make it difficult to pass. Also read | Russian rockets strike Kyiv during UN chief Antonio Guterres' visit "I don't care how they do it," Biden said. "They can do it separately or together, but we need them both." U.S. military aid to Ukraine has topped $3 billion since Russia launched what it calls a "special military operation" to demilitarize Ukraine and protect it from fascists. Kyiv and its Western allies reject that as a false pretext. The United States and its European allies have frozen $30 billion of assets held by wealthy individuals with ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin, including yachts, helicopters, real estate and art, the Biden administration has said.

Biden seeks $33 billion war chest to support Ukraine, Zelensky wants quick approval

Nearly seven billion dollars worth of military equipment has been left behind in Afghanistan. This American military equipment has just been left behind to be used by the Taliban. Weapons are in the hands of the same enemy that America tried to drive out for two decades.

US war chest in Taliban control: US left $7 billion of military gear in Afghanistan

<p>The&nbsp;British&nbsp;Virgin&nbsp;Islands' premier and chief port official were arrested Thursday at a Miami-area airport on charges of conspiring to traffic cocaine, the US Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) said.</p>

<p>DEA agents at the Miami-Opa-locka Executive Airport took Premier Andrew Fahie and BVI Port Authority managing director Oleanvine Maynard into custody after they allegedly agreed to accept money from undercover agents posing as Mexican drug traffickers, the local Miami Herald newspaper reported.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-russians-exert-intense-fire-us-delivers-more-than-half-howitzers-to-ukraine-train-its-officers-474641">As Russians 'exert intense fire', US delivers 'more than half' howitzers to Ukraine, train its officers</a></strong></p>

<p>Fahie and Maynard were to inspect a plane carrying $700,000 that they would receive in exchange for facilitating cocaine shipments through their Caribbean territory, reported the Herald, citing US authorities.</p>

<p>The officials' arrests "should send a clear message," said DEA Administrator Anne Milgram, in a statement.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Report: US left $7 billion of military gear in Afghanistan</strong></p>

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<p>John Rankin, the&nbsp;British&nbsp;Virgin&nbsp;Islands' governor, said that the arrest was a "US operation led by the DEA."</p>

<p>"As this concerns the arrest of a&nbsp;British&nbsp;citizen, the US government has informed the UK government of this arrest, as part of the usual process followed when a&nbsp;British&nbsp;citizen is arrested abroad," he added.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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<p>Rankin additionally stipulated that the arrest had nothing to do with the current&nbsp;British&nbsp;investigation into corruption in the Fahie government.</p>

<p>The&nbsp;British&nbsp;Virgin&nbsp;Islands is home to some 35,000 people and is an overseas territory of the United Kingdom, a status that gives it partial autonomy.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-joe-biden-to-indian-pm-modi-other-quad-leaders-in-tokyo-in-may-474491">US President Joe Biden to meet Indian PM Modi, other Quad leaders in Tokyo in May</a></strong></p>

<p>"I realize this will be shocking news for people in the territory. And I would call for calm at this time," said Rankin, who as governor was appointed by Queen Elizabeth II on recommendation of the&nbsp;British&nbsp;government.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He noted that the deputy premier will become acting premier in the meantime.</p>


The British Virgin Islands' premier and chief port official were arrested Thursday at a Miami-area airport on charges of conspiring to traffic cocaine, the US Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) said.

The British Virgin Islands' premier and chief port official were arrested Thursday at a Miami-area airport on charges of conspiring to traffic cocaine, the US Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) said. DEA agents at the Miami-Opa-locka Executive Airport took Premier Andrew Fahie and BVI Port Authority managing director Oleanvine Maynard into custody after they allegedly agreed to accept money from undercover agents posing as Mexican drug traffickers, the local Miami Herald newspaper reported. Also read | As Russians 'exert intense fire', US delivers 'more than half' howitzers to Ukraine, train its officers Fahie and Maynard were to inspect a plane carrying $700,000 that they would receive in exchange for facilitating cocaine shipments through their Caribbean territory, reported the Herald, citing US authorities. The officials' arrests "should send a clear message," said DEA Administrator Anne Milgram, in a statement. Watch | Report: US left $7 billion of military gear in Afghanistan John Rankin, the British Virgin Islands' governor, said that the arrest was a "US operation led by the DEA." "As this concerns the arrest of a British citizen, the US government has informed the UK government of this arrest, as part of the usual process followed when a British citizen is arrested abroad," he added. WATCH WION LIVE HERE Rankin additionally stipulated that the arrest had nothing to do with the current British investigation into corruption in the Fahie government. The British Virgin Islands is home to some 35,000 people and is an overseas territory of the United Kingdom, a status that gives it partial autonomy. Also read | US President Joe Biden to meet Indian PM Modi, other Quad leaders in Tokyo in May "I realize this will be shocking news for people in the territory. And I would call for calm at this time," said Rankin, who as governor was appointed by Queen Elizabeth II on recommendation of the British government. He noted that the deputy premier will become acting premier in the meantime.

British Virgin Islands premier arrested in US drug sting

US President Joe Biden has asked congress for 33 billion dollars to support Kyiv and this is being seen as a dramatic escalation of the US funding for the war against Russia. For more perspective, we're joined by Yehor Brailian, Journalist.

West vs Russia: Joe Biden asks congress for $33 billion for support to Kyiv

<p>In three southern states of the United States, more than 30 people bore witness to a fireball ‘ten times brighter than the moon’.</p>

<p>On Wednesday, more than 30 people in Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi reported hearing a loud boom, and some reported seeing the fireball.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/revisiting-prehistoric-era-fossils-of-3-ichthyosaurs-including-giant-tooth-found-in-swiss-alps-says-study-474679" hreflang="en">Revisiting prehistoric era: Fossils of 3 ichthyosaurs including giant tooth found in Swiss Alps, says study</a></strong></p>

<p>A witness told the Vicksburg Post that she was in the downtown area when she witnessed an "orange fireball the size of a basketball" travelling west on a downhill course toward the Mississippi River, with a white tail behind it.</p>

<p>No injuries or damages were reported, but some people felt their house shake, as per Bill Cooke of NASA's Meteoroid Environments Office.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">❗️Here’s the official report received from NASA regarding this morning’s fireball (bolide) <a href="https://t.co/3YtwW0Dbq3">pic.twitter.com/3YtwW0Dbq3</a></p>
— msema (@MSEMA) <a href="https://twitter.com/MSEMA/status/1519432385808547842?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 27, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>As per Cooke, the fireball was too small to cause any damage and none of its pieces made it to the ground.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Expanding problem of space debris: What is space junk? Why is it a problem?</strong></p>

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<p>He said that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration initially detected the fireball using satellites 22,000 kilometres in space. However, the fireball was already in the Earth's atmosphere at the time.</p>

<p>The fireball barrelled towards earth at the speed of 55,000 miles per hour, breaking into pieces as it descended deeper into Earth’s atmosphere.</p>

<p>According to NASA, the fireball was more than ten times brighter than the full moon at its peak and it disintegrated 34 miles above the swampy terrain north of Minorca in Louisiana.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/fascinating-fact-giant-moon-of-saturn-has-a-earth-like-landscape-474452" hreflang="en">Fascinating fact: Saturn Moon Titan has Earth-like landscape</a></strong></p>

<p>“The fragmentation of this fireball generated an energy equivalent of 3 tonnes of TNT (trinitrotoluene), which created shock waves that propagated to the ground, producing the booms and vibrations felt by people in the area,” said NASA in its statement.</p>

<p>Fireballs or Bolide are exceptionally bright meteors spectacular enough to be seen over a very wide area.</p>

<p>Every year, the American Meteor Society records an increasing number of fireballs. There are probably over 500,000 fireballs per year, but most of them go unreported since they occur over water and half of them happen during the day.</p>

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<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In three southern states of the United States, more than 30 people bore witness to a fireball ‘ten times brighter than the moon’. On Wednesday, more than 30 people in Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi reported hearing a loud boom, and some reported seeing the fireball.

In three southern states of the United States, more than 30 people bore witness to a fireball ‘ten times brighter than the moon’. On Wednesday, more than 30 people in Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi reported hearing a loud boom, and some reported seeing the fireball. Also read | Revisiting prehistoric era: Fossils of 3 ichthyosaurs including giant tooth found in Swiss Alps, says study A witness told the Vicksburg Post that she was in the downtown area when she witnessed an "orange fireball the size of a basketball" travelling west on a downhill course toward the Mississippi River, with a white tail behind it. No injuries or damages were reported, but some people felt their house shake, as per Bill Cooke of NASA's Meteoroid Environments Office. ❗️Here’s the official report received from NASA regarding this morning’s fireball (bolide) pic.twitter.com/3YtwW0Dbq3 — msema (@MSEMA) April 27, 2022 × As per Cooke, the fireball was too small to cause any damage and none of its pieces made it to the ground. Watch | Expanding problem of space debris: What is space junk? Why is it a problem? He said that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration initially detected the fireball using satellites 22,000 kilometres in space. However, the fireball was already in the Earth's atmosphere at the time. The fireball barrelled towards earth at the speed of 55,000 miles per hour, breaking into pieces as it descended deeper into Earth’s atmosphere. According to NASA, the fireball was more than ten times brighter than the full moon at its peak and it disintegrated 34 miles above the swampy terrain north of Minorca in Louisiana. Also read | Fascinating fact: Saturn Moon Titan has Earth-like landscape “The fragmentation of this fireball generated an energy equivalent of 3 tonnes of TNT (trinitrotoluene), which created shock waves that propagated to the ground, producing the booms and vibrations felt by people in the area,” said NASA in its statement. Fireballs or Bolide are exceptionally bright meteors spectacular enough to be seen over a very wide area. Every year, the American Meteor Society records an increasing number of fireballs. There are probably over 500,000 fireballs per year, but most of them go unreported since they occur over water and half of them happen during the day. Watch WION LIVE HERE: (With inputs from agencies)

NASA reports a fireball that generated energy equivalent of 3 tonnes of TNT! Read more

Dozens of Nicaraguans are planning to migrate to the United States in anticipation of the dangerous crossing of the Rio Grande at the US border. Soon-to-be migrants are taking swimming lessons in the country.

Nicaraguans learn to swim to cross deadly Rio Grande at US border

Amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine and global tensions, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken hosted Czech counterpart Jan Lipavsky.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken hosts Czech counterpart Jan Lipavsky

Amid the ongoing tensions due to China making its mark in the Pacific, the US is all set to unveil a 'counter China strategy'. It also plans to open an embassy in the Solomon Islands.

The US to unveil 'counter China strategy' as it plans to open an embassy in the Solomon Islands

A US commission on religious freedoms is asking the State Department to list India as a 'country of particular concern'. The commission is also seeking targeted sanctions on India. But the 100-page report makes no mention of rising hate crimes in the US. Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you more.

Gravitas: US commission seeks sanctions on India

U.S. has not ruled out military action in Solomon Islands if China builds a military base in the archipelago. Australia's Defence Minister has said that the country should prepare for war. Palki Sharma Upadhyay brings you a report.

Gravitas: U.S. does not rule out military action in Solomon Islands

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