President Joe Biden on Wednesday deemed Russian President Vladimir Putin a "war criminal". Biden's comment marks the first time the American president has used the harsh term to describe the Russian autocrat.

US President Joe Biden calls Russia's Vladimir Putin a 'war criminal' over Ukraine invasion

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine has made a speech to a joint session of congress he did not hold back openly challenging president Joe Biden to step up and prove that he is ready to lead the world in its resistance to Russia's aggression.

'Is it a lot to ask for a no-fly zone,' Zelenskyy calls on US to do more

With the Russia-Ukraine crisis in foresight, the US and Europe fear that Chinese President Xi Jinping will take the opportunity to attack Taiwan.The start of Russia's "military operation" last month has pushed Taiwan to the forefront of geopolitics again.

While the western countries are afraid that Taiwan will face the same situation as Ukraine, the leaders of both the country (Taiwan and China) insisted that Taiwan and Ukraine are not on the same platform, American editorial magazine National Review reported.

On the other hand, Beijing stated that Taiwan is their internal matter and linking it to Ukraine would only add this matter to the western developed conspiracy "democracy against dictatorship". While Taipei emphasizes that they are different from Ukraine in terms of its geostrategic and global supply-chain importance.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/imitation-the-sincerest-form-of-flattery-french-president-discards-suits-dons-sweatshirt-copying-zelensky-462399">&nbsp;Imitation, the sincerest form of flattery: French President discards suits, dons sweatshirt. Copying Zelensky?</a>

Russia started its military operation in Ukraine on the grounds of protecting its people from the so-called "genocide" in Ukraine, NATO's expansion to the east and the need to "demilitarize" and "denazify" Ukraine.

The Washington-based magazine argues these justifications as an excuse for their aggression against Ukraine. The editorial claimed that Xi is an accomplice to Putin's war of aggression.

It says that the Chinese President has greatly increased his military intimidation of Taiwan since coming to power. On the same day that Putin started its military operation in Ukraine, nine Chinese military planes were seen inside Taiwan, violating Taiwan's air-defence identification zone, according to National Review.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-confirms-chinese-military-plane-crashed-into-south-china-sea-461836">Taiwan confirms Chinese military plane crashed into South China Sea</a>

The editorial magazine also believes that China will attack Taiwan, regardless of the outcome of the Ukraine-Russia crisis. It further added that there are high chances of Xi launching its military operation in Taiwan. The Chinese President has already ordered his military to accelerate war preparation by achieving the People's Liberation Army's centenary goal of "liberating Taiwan" by 2027, National Review reported.

The National Review also stated that the US and other western countries need to be firm and clear in their resolve to defend Taiwan. And China's one-China policy needs to be abandoned so that the sovereignty of Taiwan won't be impacted.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Ukraine, Russia optimistic about round 4 of talks

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-ukraine-russia-optimistic-about-round-4-of-talks-462334/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The U.S. passed the Taiwan Relations Act in 1979 after cutting off their diplomatic ties with China, promising that the US would "maintain the capacity of the United States to resist any resort to force or other forms of coercion that would jeopardize the security, or the social or economic system, of the people on Taiwan," and subsequently than US President Reagan made "six assurances" and called for arms sales for Taiwan's defence.

However, these are not binding obligations under international law, but rather unilateral commitments, according to National Review.

With the Russia-Ukraine crisis in foresight, the US and Europe fear that Chinese President Xi Jinping will take the opportunity to attack Taiwan.The start of Russia's "military operation" last month has pushed Taiwan to the forefront of geopolitics again.

With the Russia-Ukraine crisis in foresight, the US and Europe fear that Chinese President Xi Jinping will take the opportunity to attack Taiwan.The start of Russia's "military operation" last month has pushed Taiwan to the forefront of geopolitics again. While the western countries are afraid that Taiwan will face the same situation as Ukraine, the leaders of both the country (Taiwan and China) insisted that Taiwan and Ukraine are not on the same platform, American editorial magazine National Review reported. On the other hand, Beijing stated that Taiwan is their internal matter and linking it to Ukraine would only add this matter to the western developed conspiracy "democracy against dictatorship". While Taipei emphasizes that they are different from Ukraine in terms of its geostrategic and global supply-chain importance. Also read | Imitation, the sincerest form of flattery: French President discards suits, dons sweatshirt. Copying Zelensky? Russia started its military operation in Ukraine on the grounds of protecting its people from the so-called "genocide" in Ukraine, NATO's expansion to the east and the need to "demilitarize" and "denazify" Ukraine. The Washington-based magazine argues these justifications as an excuse for their aggression against Ukraine. The editorial claimed that Xi is an accomplice to Putin's war of aggression. It says that the Chinese President has greatly increased his military intimidation of Taiwan since coming to power. On the same day that Putin started its military operation in Ukraine, nine Chinese military planes were seen inside Taiwan, violating Taiwan's air-defence identification zone, according to National Review. Also read | Taiwan confirms Chinese military plane crashed into South China Sea The editorial magazine also believes that China will attack Taiwan, regardless of the outcome of the Ukraine-Russia crisis. It further added that there are high chances of Xi launching its military operation in Taiwan. The Chinese President has already ordered his military to accelerate war preparation by achieving the People's Liberation Army's centenary goal of "liberating Taiwan" by 2027, National Review reported. The National Review also stated that the US and other western countries need to be firm and clear in their resolve to defend Taiwan. And China's one-China policy needs to be abandoned so that the sovereignty of Taiwan won't be impacted. Watch | Gravitas: Ukraine, Russia optimistic about round 4 of talks The U.S. passed the Taiwan Relations Act in 1979 after cutting off their diplomatic ties with China, promising that the US would "maintain the capacity of the United States to resist any resort to force or other forms of coercion that would jeopardize the security, or the social or economic system, of the people on Taiwan," and subsequently than US President Reagan made "six assurances" and called for arms sales for Taiwan's defence. However, these are not binding obligations under international law, but rather unilateral commitments, according to National Review.

Amid Ukraine crisis, US, Europe fears possible Chinese offensive against Taiwan

Russia says that it has received written guarantee from Washington that western sanctions on Russia over Ukraine will not affect cooperation with Iran.

US says no sanctions on Russian nuclear participation

It's been 21 days of Russia-Ukraine conflict, and now Russia is seeking UN humanitarian resolution and calling for council votes.

Russia-Ukraine War enters day 21: Russia seeks UN humanitarian resolution

Volodymyr Zelensky will deliver a virtual address to the US Congress on Wednesday to drum up the support for Ukraine.

Ukraine-Russia Conflict: Zelensky to address US Congress to drum up support

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has been denied permission to appeal to the UK supreme court against moves to extradite him to the United States where he could face a lifetime in prison.

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange denies US extradition appeal

Japanese Yen has remained under pressure and Australian dollar was bruised by latest lockdowns in china following new covid-19 outbreaks.

Australian dollar bruised by lockdown, US fed reserve set to raise rates

Oil prices have fallen more than five percent and it's the lowest level in nearly two weeks.

Oil prices falls over 5%, lowest in nearly two weeks

Tesla&nbsp;Inc hiked&nbsp;prices&nbsp;in&nbsp;China&nbsp;and the United States on Tuesday for its second increase in less than a week, after founder Elon Musk said the US&nbsp;maker of electric cars faced significant inflation pressure.

The increases come as costs of raw materials surge, worsened by a crisis over Russia's invasion of Ukraine, with Musk saying on Sunday that the carmaker and rocket company Space X faced pressure in areas such as raw materials and logistics.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-musk-says-tesla-and-spacex-are-facing-inflation-pressure-in-raw-materials-and-logistics-462160">Elon Musk says Tesla and SpaceX are facing inflation pressure in raw materials and logistics</a>

The company raised&nbsp;prices&nbsp;for all its models in the United States, its website showed. In&nbsp;China, it raised&nbsp;prices&nbsp;of&nbsp;some&nbsp;China-made&nbsp;Model 3 and Model Y products by about 5 per cent, soon after a hike on March 10.

Tesla&nbsp;declined to comment.

After the increases in&nbsp;China, the Model Y Long-Range vehicle costs 375,900 yuan ($58,952.68), up 18,000 yuan from March 10, when its price went up by 10,000 yuan.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-environmental-concerns-tesla-awaits-green-light-to-start-production-at-german-plant-458856">Amid environmental concerns, Tesla awaits green light to start production at German plant</a>

The price tag of the Model 3 Performance unit was 367,900 yuan after Tuesday's increase of 18,000 yuan, which followed an increase of 10,000 yuan five days ago.

A day earlier,&nbsp;Elon Musk has said that Tesla and SpaceX are facing inflation pressure in raw materials and logistics.

The South Africa-born mogul asked about his followers' thoughts on inflation in a tweet, saying ''we are not alone.''

Watch |&nbsp;Russian economy to pay the price of Ukraine invasion

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russian-economy-to-pay-the-price-of-ukraine-invasion-462298/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Musk, the head of Tesla and SpaceX, also retweeted an article saying the Ukraine-Russia conflict sent commodity prices to their highest levels since 2008.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine and Western sanctions, which include a US ban on Russian oil imports, are raising prices of energy and other key commodities like wheat, fertilisers, and metals to surge.

(With inputs from agencies)

Tesla Inc hiked prices in China and the United States on Tuesday for its second increase in less than a week, after founder Elon Musk said the US maker of electric cars faced significant inflation pressure.

Tesla Inc hiked prices in China and the United States on Tuesday for its second increase in less than a week, after founder Elon Musk said the US maker of electric cars faced significant inflation pressure. The increases come as costs of raw materials surge, worsened by a crisis over Russia's invasion of Ukraine, with Musk saying on Sunday that the carmaker and rocket company Space X faced pressure in areas such as raw materials and logistics. Also read | Elon Musk says Tesla and SpaceX are facing inflation pressure in raw materials and logistics The company raised prices for all its models in the United States, its website showed. In China, it raised prices of some China-made Model 3 and Model Y products by about 5 per cent, soon after a hike on March 10. Tesla declined to comment. After the increases in China, the Model Y Long-Range vehicle costs 375,900 yuan ($58,952.68), up 18,000 yuan from March 10, when its price went up by 10,000 yuan. Also read | Amid environmental concerns, Tesla awaits green light to start production at German plant The price tag of the Model 3 Performance unit was 367,900 yuan after Tuesday's increase of 18,000 yuan, which followed an increase of 10,000 yuan five days ago. A day earlier, Elon Musk has said that Tesla and SpaceX are facing inflation pressure in raw materials and logistics. The South Africa-born mogul asked about his followers' thoughts on inflation in a tweet, saying ''we are not alone.'' Watch | Russian economy to pay the price of Ukraine invasion Musk, the head of Tesla and SpaceX, also retweeted an article saying the Ukraine-Russia conflict sent commodity prices to their highest levels since 2008. The Russian invasion of Ukraine and Western sanctions, which include a US ban on Russian oil imports, are raising prices of energy and other key commodities like wheat, fertilisers, and metals to surge. (With inputs from agencies)

Tesla hikes China, US prices for second time within a week

The United States has threatened China over sanctions as their officials are set to hold a crucial meeting in Rome amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Jake Sullivan to meet top Chinese diplomat in Rome as the US, China set to hold crucial talks

Award-winning US Journalist Brent Renaud, who was reporting for 'Time' has been killed in an attack in Irpin amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine.

US Journalist Brent Renaud, who was reporting for 'Time' killed in an attack in Irpin

The US threatens China over sanctions ahead of crucial talks in Rome

International Center for Peacekeeping in Lviv region fired by planes from Russia. Western allies have strongly condemned the attack.

US condemns Russian attack on Ukrainian military base

In order to help Ukraine defend against invading Russian forces, the United States on Saturday said it would send additional small arms, anti-tank and anti-aircraft weapons worth $200 million to the eastern European nation. &nbsp;

Ukrainian officials have been asking for more equipment to defend against heavy shelling by Russian forces. &nbsp;

On Saturday, US President Joe Biden authorised the additional security assistance, the White House said. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-conflict-intensifies-ukrainian-defenders-claim-to-kill-russias-third-general-461614" hreflang="en">As conflict intensifies, Ukrainian defenders claim to kill Russia’s third general</a>

The move will initiate the "immediate" shipment of fresh military equipment to Ukraine, a senior administration official said. &nbsp;

With the announcement, the total US security aid provided to Ukraine has reached $1.2 billion since January 2021 and $3.2 billion since 2014, when Russia had annexed Crimea region of Ukraine, as per senior administration officials. &nbsp;&nbsp;

In a memorandum to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Biden has directed that up to $200 million allocated through the Foreign Assistance Act be designated for Ukraine's defence. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-vice-president-kamala-harris-faces-flak-for-laughing-on-question-over-ukrainian-refugees-fate-461512" hreflang="en">US Vice-President Kamala Harris faces flak for laughing on question over Ukrainian refugees’ fate</a>

Blinken said he authorised a fourth drawdown of US defense stocks, in line with Biden's directive, "to help Ukraine meet the armored, airborne, and other threats it is facing" as the war entered a third week. &nbsp;&nbsp;

In a statement, Blinken said, "The United States and our allies and partners stand in solidarity with the people and government of Ukraine in the face of the Kremlin’s aggression. The international community is united and determined to hold (Russian President Vladimir) Putin accountable." &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

In order to help Ukraine defend against invading Russian forces, the United States on Saturday said it would send additional small arms, anti-tank and anti-aircraft weapons worth $200 million to the eastern European nation.

In order to help Ukraine defend against invading Russian forces, the United States on Saturday said it would send additional small arms, anti-tank and anti-aircraft weapons worth $200 million to the eastern European nation. Ukrainian officials have been asking for more equipment to defend against heavy shelling by Russian forces. On Saturday, US President Joe Biden authorised the additional security assistance, the White House said. Also Read: As conflict intensifies, Ukrainian defenders claim to kill Russia’s third general The move will initiate the "immediate" shipment of fresh military equipment to Ukraine, a senior administration official said. With the announcement, the total US security aid provided to Ukraine has reached $1.2 billion since January 2021 and $3.2 billion since 2014, when Russia had annexed Crimea region of Ukraine, as per senior administration officials. In a memorandum to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Biden has directed that up to $200 million allocated through the Foreign Assistance Act be designated for Ukraine's defence. Also Read: US Vice-President Kamala Harris faces flak for laughing on question over Ukrainian refugees’ fate Blinken said he authorised a fourth drawdown of US defense stocks, in line with Biden's directive, "to help Ukraine meet the armored, airborne, and other threats it is facing" as the war entered a third week. In a statement, Blinken said, "The United States and our allies and partners stand in solidarity with the people and government of Ukraine in the face of the Kremlin’s aggression. The international community is united and determined to hold (Russian President Vladimir) Putin accountable." (With inputs from agencies)

US to send weapons worth $200 million to help Ukraine fight off Russia

U.S.-India Business Council or USIBC, Atul Keshap has said that Democracies like India and US need to "stick together" amid the "tough geopolitical time" as both believe in "politics of prosperity". Speaking to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, the former top American diplomat in Delhi said, "I want democracies to work together. It's is good for freedom loving people." This is his first visit to India as President of USIBC to Delhi during which he met with top minister including external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar. He formerly served as U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka and the Maldives and Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State of the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs at the United States Department of State.

Democracies need to stick together in tough geopolitical times, USIBC chief Atul Keshap

A Los Angeles-area startup founded by a veteran spaceflight robotics engineer unveiled on Thursday its full-scale, working prototype for a next-generation lunar rover that is just as fast as NASA's old "moon buggy" but is designed to do much more.

The company, Venturi Astrolab Inc, released photos and video showing its Flexible Logistics and Exploration (FLEX) vehicle riding over the rugged California desert near Death Valley National Park during a five-day field test in December.

Astrolab executives say the four-wheeled, car-sized FLEX rover is designed for use in NASA's Artemis program, aimed at returning humans to the moon as early as 2025 and establishing a long-term lunar colony as a precursor to sending astronauts to Mars.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-finally-decides-to-open-moon-sample-sealed-since-1972-461389">&nbsp;NASA finally decides to open Moon sample sealed since 1972</a>

Unlike the 1970s Apollo-era moon buggies or the current generation of robotic Mars rovers tailored for specialized tasks and experiments, FLEX is designed as an all-purpose vehicle that can be driven by astronauts or by remote control.

Built around a modular payload system inspired by conventional containerized shipping, FLEX is versatile enough to be used for exploration, cargo delivery, site construction and other logistical work on the moon, the company says.

"For humanity to truly live and operate in a sustained way off Earth, there needs to exist an efficient and economical network all the way from the launch pad to the ultimate outpost," Astrolab founder and CEO Jaret Matthews said in a statement announcing the rover's development.

Other aerospace companies have announced new lunar rover design concepts, "but so far I believe, we're the only ones who have produced a working prototype of this scale and capability," Matthews told Reuters in an interview on Wednesday.

If NASA adopts FLEX and its modular payload platform for Artemis, it would become the first passenger-capable rover to ply the lunar surface since Apollo 17, the last of six original U.S. manned missions to the moon, in December 1972.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/physicists-say-quantum-gravity-could-emerge-from-a-holographic-universe-461302">Physicists say 'quantum gravity' could emerge from a holographic universe</a>

Apollo 17's lunar roving vehicle set a moon speed record of 11 miles per hour (17.7 km/h). FLEX can move just as swiftly.

Apollo astronauts found "they spent just as much time off the ground as on it at that speed, so it's kind of a practical limit for the moon," where gravity is one-sixth that of Earth, said Matthews, a former rover engineer for NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

While Apollo LRVs carried up to two astronauts seated at its controls like a car, FLEX passengers - one or two at a time - ride standing in the back, driving the vehicle with a joystick.

The rover itself, with a Jeep-like wheelbase, weighs just over 1,100 pounds (500 kilograms) but has a 3,300-pound cargo capacity, about the same as a light-duty pickup truck.

With its solar-powered batteries fully charged, the vehicle can drive two astronauts for eight hours straight and has sufficient energy capacity to survive the extreme cold of a lunar night, up to 300 hours in total darkness, at the moon's south pole, Matthews said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/on-this-day-in-1876-alexander-graham-bell-made-the-first-telephone-call-these-were-his-first-words-460862">On this day in 1876, Alexander Graham Bell made the first telephone call. These were his first words</a>

During the field test at the Dumont Dunes Off-Highway Recreation Area, the rover was piloted by retired Canadian astronaut and Astrolab advisory board member Chris Hadfield and MIT aerospace graduate student Michelle Lin.

Video showed the pair dressed in mock spacesuits riding on the vehicle over a sand dune and using it to set up a large, vertical solar array.

"It was huge fun to drive the FLEX," Hadfield said in the video.

A Los Angeles-area startup founded by a veteran spaceflight robotics engineer unveiled on Thursday its full-scale, working prototype for a next-generation lunar rover that is just as fast as NASA's old "moon buggy" but is designed to do much more.

A Los Angeles-area startup founded by a veteran spaceflight robotics engineer unveiled on Thursday its full-scale, working prototype for a next-generation lunar rover that is just as fast as NASA's old "moon buggy" but is designed to do much more. The company, Venturi Astrolab Inc, released photos and video showing its Flexible Logistics and Exploration (FLEX) vehicle riding over the rugged California desert near Death Valley National Park during a five-day field test in December. Astrolab executives say the four-wheeled, car-sized FLEX rover is designed for use in NASA's Artemis program, aimed at returning humans to the moon as early as 2025 and establishing a long-term lunar colony as a precursor to sending astronauts to Mars. Also read | NASA finally decides to open Moon sample sealed since 1972 Unlike the 1970s Apollo-era moon buggies or the current generation of robotic Mars rovers tailored for specialized tasks and experiments, FLEX is designed as an all-purpose vehicle that can be driven by astronauts or by remote control. Built around a modular payload system inspired by conventional containerized shipping, FLEX is versatile enough to be used for exploration, cargo delivery, site construction and other logistical work on the moon, the company says. "For humanity to truly live and operate in a sustained way off Earth, there needs to exist an efficient and economical network all the way from the launch pad to the ultimate outpost," Astrolab founder and CEO Jaret Matthews said in a statement announcing the rover's development. Other aerospace companies have announced new lunar rover design concepts, "but so far I believe, we're the only ones who have produced a working prototype of this scale and capability," Matthews told Reuters in an interview on Wednesday. If NASA adopts FLEX and its modular payload platform for Artemis, it would become the first passenger-capable rover to ply the lunar surface since Apollo 17, the last of six original U.S. manned missions to the moon, in December 1972. Also read | Physicists say 'quantum gravity' could emerge from a holographic universe Apollo 17's lunar roving vehicle set a moon speed record of 11 miles per hour (17.7 km/h). FLEX can move just as swiftly. Apollo astronauts found "they spent just as much time off the ground as on it at that speed, so it's kind of a practical limit for the moon," where gravity is one-sixth that of Earth, said Matthews, a former rover engineer for NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. While Apollo LRVs carried up to two astronauts seated at its controls like a car, FLEX passengers - one or two at a time - ride standing in the back, driving the vehicle with a joystick. The rover itself, with a Jeep-like wheelbase, weighs just over 1,100 pounds (500 kilograms) but has a 3,300-pound cargo capacity, about the same as a light-duty pickup truck. With its solar-powered batteries fully charged, the vehicle can drive two astronauts for eight hours straight and has sufficient energy capacity to survive the extreme cold of a lunar night, up to 300 hours in total darkness, at the moon's south pole, Matthews said. Also read | On this day in 1876, Alexander Graham Bell made the first telephone call. These were his first words During the field test at the Dumont Dunes Off-Highway Recreation Area, the rover was piloted by retired Canadian astronaut and Astrolab advisory board member Chris Hadfield and MIT aerospace graduate student Michelle Lin. Video showed the pair dressed in mock spacesuits riding on the vehicle over a sand dune and using it to set up a large, vertical solar array. "It was huge fun to drive the FLEX," Hadfield said in the video.

California startup Astrolab unveils space rover, more than a mere 'moon buggy'

Is the US or the West really concerned about Ukraine? Well, this seems to be the opportune moment to ask this crucial question. &nbsp;

At a time when Russia is enhancing its operations in Ukraine, US Vice-President Kamala Harris has reached Poland. The leader must be really concerned about the humanitarian crisis unfolding due to the conflict. But is she? &nbsp;

The US leader is currently facing widespread criticism after she broke into laughter on a serious question about the fate of Ukrainian refugees.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukrainian-biowarfare-labs-claim-russia-using-unsc-for-spreading-disinformation-says-us-461467">Russia using UNSC for 'spreading disinformation', says US</a>

The incident occurred when Harris and Polish President Andrzej Duda were addressing a joint press conference in Warsaw on Thursday. &nbsp;

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Reporter: Can you answer this question regarding the tragedy of the Ukrainian refugees? 
 
Kamala Harris: Hahahahahahahahahahahahaha... <a href="https://t.co/sTZsEA5Iuf">pic.twitter.com/sTZsEA5Iuf</a>
— Dark Discourse (@DarkDiscourse) <a href="https://twitter.com/DarkDiscourse/status/1501911604753010696?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2022</a></blockquote>
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A reporter asked Harris that will the United States take in Ukrainian refugees, and President Duda “if you asked the United States to specifically accept more refugees?” &nbsp;

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Vice President Kamala Harris laughs when asked about Ukrainian refugees fleeing from the Russian invasion. 
 
Unacceptable. <a href="https://t.co/PaUqlFKGWu">https://t.co/PaUqlFKGWu</a>
— Rep Andy Biggs (@RepAndyBiggsAZ) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepAndyBiggsAZ/status/1502061682935443471?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Harris first looked at&nbsp;Duda to see if he would like to respond, and said, "A friend in need is a friend indeed." She then laughed for several seconds while standing at the podium. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-conflict-russia-violates-nuclear-safety-principles-in-ukraine-says-us-461477">In conflict, Russia violates nuclear safety principles in Ukraine, says US</a>

Duda then confirmed that Poland has indeed asked Harris to help speed up the consular process for the refugees from Ukraine. &nbsp;

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This afternoon, I met with Romanian President Klaus Iohannis in Bucharest. We reaffirmed that the United States and Romania, along with our allies and partners, stand together in opposing Russian aggression in Ukraine. NATO is united and stronger than ever. <a href="https://t.co/HeyIRjS55W">pic.twitter.com/HeyIRjS55W</a>
— Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) <a href="https://twitter.com/VP/status/1502432924964171784?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2022</a></blockquote>
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However, Harris did not answer whether the US will take any number of refugees. &nbsp;&nbsp;

On Twitter, a user said, "Utterly inappropriate and unacceptable. What is there to laugh???" &nbsp;&nbsp;

More than 2.5 million people have fled Ukraine till now. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Is the US or the West really concerned about Ukraine? Well, this seems to be the opportune moment to ask this crucial question. At a time when Russia is enhancing its operations in Ukraine, US Vice-President Kamala Harris has reached Poland.

Is the US or the West really concerned about Ukraine? Well, this seems to be the opportune moment to ask this crucial question. At a time when Russia is enhancing its operations in Ukraine, US Vice-President Kamala Harris has reached Poland. The leader must be really concerned about the humanitarian crisis unfolding due to the conflict. But is she? The US leader is currently facing widespread criticism after she broke into laughter on a serious question about the fate of Ukrainian refugees. Also Read: Russia using UNSC for 'spreading disinformation', says US The incident occurred when Harris and Polish President Andrzej Duda were addressing a joint press conference in Warsaw on Thursday. Reporter: Can you answer this question regarding the tragedy of the Ukrainian refugees? Kamala Harris: Hahahahahahahahahahahahaha... pic.twitter.com/sTZsEA5Iuf — Dark Discourse (@DarkDiscourse) March 10, 2022 × A reporter asked Harris that will the United States take in Ukrainian refugees, and President Duda “if you asked the United States to specifically accept more refugees?” Vice President Kamala Harris laughs when asked about Ukrainian refugees fleeing from the Russian invasion. Unacceptable. https://t.co/PaUqlFKGWu — Rep Andy Biggs (@RepAndyBiggsAZ) March 10, 2022 × Harris first looked at Duda to see if he would like to respond, and said, "A friend in need is a friend indeed." She then laughed for several seconds while standing at the podium. Also Read: In conflict, Russia violates nuclear safety principles in Ukraine, says US Duda then confirmed that Poland has indeed asked Harris to help speed up the consular process for the refugees from Ukraine. This afternoon, I met with Romanian President Klaus Iohannis in Bucharest. We reaffirmed that the United States and Romania, along with our allies and partners, stand together in opposing Russian aggression in Ukraine. NATO is united and stronger than ever. pic.twitter.com/HeyIRjS55W — Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) March 11, 2022 × However, Harris did not answer whether the US will take any number of refugees. On Twitter, a user said, "Utterly inappropriate and unacceptable. What is there to laugh???" More than 2.5 million people have fled Ukraine till now. (With inputs from agencies)

US Vice-President Kamala Harris faces flak for laughing on question over Ukrainian refugees’ fate

In the emergency UNSC meeting, Russia has accused US of backing bioweapons program, but US denied the claim.

UNSC Meet: Russia accuses US of backing bioweapons program

WION spoke to Atul Keshap, the US-Indian business council chief. He said that people-to-people ties between India and the US are unbeatable.

WION speaks to Atul Keshap, the US-Indian business council chief

As the allegations of US-backed Ukrainian biowarfare labs grow, the United States has accused Russia of using a UN Security Council meeting on Friday for "lying and spreading disinformation". &nbsp;&nbsp;

The Russian accusations seem to have been a part of a potential false-flag operation. &nbsp;

US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield said Russia was playing out a scenario put forth in the council last month by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken that President Vladimir Putin would "fabricate allegations about chemical or biological weapons to justify its own violent attacks against the Ukrainian people." &nbsp;

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 | Ukraine war: US warns Russia could use chemical and biological weapons</a>

"The intent behind these lies seems clear, and is deeply troubling. We believe Russia could use chemical or biological agents for assassinations, as part of a staged or false-flag incident, or to support tactical military operations," she said. &nbsp;

Russia asked for the meeting to address its allegations of "biological activities" carried out by the US in Ukraine. The charge seems to have been made without any evidence and has been denied by both Washington and Kyiv. &nbsp;&nbsp;

UN disarmament chief Izumi Nakamitsu also told the council she was aware of reports about the allegations, and said, "The United Nations is not aware of any biological weapons programmes." &nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-ivan-fedorov-mayor-of-ukrainian-city-abducted-by-russian-troops-461462" hreflang="en">Watch: Ivan Fedorov, mayor of Ukrainian city abducted by Russian troops</a>

"We're not going to let Russia get away with lying to the world or staining the integrity of the Security Council by using it as a venue for legitimising Putin's violence. We do not sit in this chamber to be an audience for Russia's domestic propaganda. And we should not allow Russia to abuse its permanent seat to spread disinformation and lies and pervert the purpose of the Security Council," Thomas-Greenfield said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

As the allegations of US-backed Ukrainian biowarfare labs grow, the United States has accused Russia of using a UN Security Council meeting on Friday for "lying and spreading disinformation".

As the allegations of US-backed Ukrainian biowarfare labs grow, the United States has accused Russia of using a UN Security Council meeting on Friday for "lying and spreading disinformation". The Russian accusations seem to have been a part of a potential false-flag operation. US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield said Russia was playing out a scenario put forth in the council last month by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken that President Vladimir Putin would "fabricate allegations about chemical or biological weapons to justify its own violent attacks against the Ukrainian people." Also Read: LIVE | Ukraine war: US warns Russia could use chemical and biological weapons "The intent behind these lies seems clear, and is deeply troubling. We believe Russia could use chemical or biological agents for assassinations, as part of a staged or false-flag incident, or to support tactical military operations," she said. Russia asked for the meeting to address its allegations of "biological activities" carried out by the US in Ukraine. The charge seems to have been made without any evidence and has been denied by both Washington and Kyiv. UN disarmament chief Izumi Nakamitsu also told the council she was aware of reports about the allegations, and said, "The United Nations is not aware of any biological weapons programmes." Also Read | Watch: Ivan Fedorov, mayor of Ukrainian city abducted by Russian troops "We're not going to let Russia get away with lying to the world or staining the integrity of the Security Council by using it as a venue for legitimising Putin's violence. We do not sit in this chamber to be an audience for Russia's domestic propaganda. And we should not allow Russia to abuse its permanent seat to spread disinformation and lies and pervert the purpose of the Security Council," Thomas-Greenfield said. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukrainian biowarfare labs claim: Russia using UNSC for 'spreading disinformation', says US

First, it influenced elections. Now Big Tech is directing the course of conflicts. It's pushing the western narrative & suppressing Russia's. Platforms have become battlefields, data has been weaponised. Palki Sharma Upadhyay exposes the West's monopoly on information flow.

Gravitas Plus: Why the West is winning the Information War

During a press briefing, US Vice President Kamala Harris laughed awkwardly when asked about Ukraine's refugees amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine.

US Vice President Harris under fire for laughing when asked about Ukraine's refugees

A&nbsp;Texas&nbsp;judge on Friday blocked investigations into the parents of transgender minors, halting for the time being a controversial directive by the southern US state's governor.&nbsp;

"Victory," the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) in&nbsp;Texas&nbsp;said on Twitter.&nbsp;

"A judge has blocked Gov. Greg Abbott and TexasDFPS's unlawful actions targeting essential medical care for transgender youth," it added, referring to the state's Department of Family and Protective Services.

Judge Amy Clark ruled Abbott's directive was unconstitutional, saying transgender minors and their parents would suffer "imminent and irreparable injury" if the directive was not halted, the Houston Chronicle reported.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-vice-president-kamala-harris-faces-flak-for-laughing-on-question-over-ukrainian-refugees-fate-461512">&nbsp;US Vice-President Kamala Harris faces flak for laughing on question over Ukrainian refugees’ fate</a>

Abbott issued the directive late last month to the DFPS to investigate instances of minors receiving gender-affirming medication and "sex change procedures," which he argued "constitute child abuse under existing&nbsp;Texas&nbsp;law."

Texas&nbsp;Attorney General Ken Paxton, a Republican, said he would appeal the ruling on Friday.&nbsp;

"Democrat judge tries to halt legal and necessary investigations into those trying to abuse our kids through 'trans' surgeries and prescription drugs," he wrote on Twitter.

"I'm appealing. I'll win this fight to protect our&nbsp;Texas&nbsp;children."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-spy-agency-probes-sabotage-of-satellite-internet-during-russian-invasion-sources-461510">US spy agency probes sabotage of satellite internet during Russian invasion: Sources</a>

The ACLU and Lambda Legal, an LGBTQ rights organization, had already managed to suspend a probe into the parents of a 16-year-old transgender girl in early March, filing a lawsuit on behalf of the mother.&nbsp;

Shortly after Abbott's directive, the mother had been suspended by her employer, the DFPS, and visited by a state investigator who sought to learn whether her child was "currently transitioning from male to female,"&nbsp;court&nbsp;documents said.

US President Joe Biden has condemned Abbott for what he called a "cynical and dangerous campaign targeting transgender children and their parents."

Watch |&nbsp;UNSC Meet: Russia accuses US of backing bioweapons program

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/unsc-meet-russia-accuses-us-of-backing-bioweapons-program-461481/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Gender-affirming medical care for transgender minors, much like participation by transgender athletes in sports competitions or the use of toilets according to their gender identity, is the subject of extensive debate in the United States, where many conservative states have moved to adopt restrictive regulations.

A Texas judge on Friday blocked investigations into the parents of transgender minors, halting for the time being a controversial directive by the southern US state's governor.

A Texas judge on Friday blocked investigations into the parents of transgender minors, halting for the time being a controversial directive by the southern US state's governor. "Victory," the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) in Texas said on Twitter. "A judge has blocked Gov. Greg Abbott and TexasDFPS's unlawful actions targeting essential medical care for transgender youth," it added, referring to the state's Department of Family and Protective Services. Judge Amy Clark ruled Abbott's directive was unconstitutional, saying transgender minors and their parents would suffer "imminent and irreparable injury" if the directive was not halted, the Houston Chronicle reported. Also read | US Vice-President Kamala Harris faces flak for laughing on question over Ukrainian refugees’ fate Abbott issued the directive late last month to the DFPS to investigate instances of minors receiving gender-affirming medication and "sex change procedures," which he argued "constitute child abuse under existing Texas law." Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, a Republican, said he would appeal the ruling on Friday. "Democrat judge tries to halt legal and necessary investigations into those trying to abuse our kids through 'trans' surgeries and prescription drugs," he wrote on Twitter. "I'm appealing. I'll win this fight to protect our Texas children." Also read | US spy agency probes sabotage of satellite internet during Russian invasion: Sources The ACLU and Lambda Legal, an LGBTQ rights organization, had already managed to suspend a probe into the parents of a 16-year-old transgender girl in early March, filing a lawsuit on behalf of the mother. Shortly after Abbott's directive, the mother had been suspended by her employer, the DFPS, and visited by a state investigator who sought to learn whether her child was "currently transitioning from male to female," court documents said. US President Joe Biden has condemned Abbott for what he called a "cynical and dangerous campaign targeting transgender children and their parents." Watch | UNSC Meet: Russia accuses US of backing bioweapons program Gender-affirming medical care for transgender minors, much like participation by transgender athletes in sports competitions or the use of toilets according to their gender identity, is the subject of extensive debate in the United States, where many conservative states have moved to adopt restrictive regulations.

Texas court suspends investigations of parents of transgender minors

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