Ukrainians are preparing for the worst-case scenario and making emergency plans to leave town or stay with friends or family, as the nation braces for fresh Russian attacks on its infrastructure.

On Sunday, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky in his nightly address said that around 4.5 million consumers were already without power and that "the terrorist state" is focusing resources and efforts "for a possible repetition of mass attacks on our infrastructure."

Watch |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine War: Infra war takes its toll, blackout in Kyiv and seven other regions

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He added that energy would likely be the first target, adding that for that Russia would need Iranian missiles and that they are "prepared to respond".

This comes as Iran on Saturday, in a first acknowledged that it had supplied Moscow with the drones that the nation has been using to attack its neighbours' power stations and civilian infrastructure. However, the nation clarified that the supply was delivered before the war.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-tears-flow-as-warring-nations-exchange-prisoners-of-war-531716" hreflang="en">Russia-Ukraine conflict: Tears flow as warring nations exchange prisoners of war</a>

According to the CEO of YASNO, a significant energy provider to the capital, Sergei Kovalenko, the country faced an estimated power supply deficit of 32 per cent&nbsp;on Monday, which in his opinion "is a lot".

National energy authorities have also issued warnings about planned outages as well as potential new limits in six regions of the country, including the capital and the area surrounding it, reports Reuters.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-administration-wants-ukraine-to-change-its-stand-against-peace-negotiations-with-russia-reports-531527" hreflang="en">Biden administration wants Ukraine to change its stand on peace negotiations with Russia: Reports</a>

Grid operator, Ukrenergo, estimated that electricity use would need to be reduced by 30 per cent. Schedules of planned restrictions will be in force from 6 am to sunset, it announced on its Telegram channel.&nbsp;

It also said that additional emergency shutdowns might be necessary to safeguard a system that had already been subjected to "massive missile attacks" recently.

Ukrainians are preparing for the worst-case scenario and making emergency plans to leave town or stay with friends or family, as the nation braces for fresh Russian attacks on its infrastructure.

Ukrainians are preparing for the worst-case scenario and making emergency plans to leave town or stay with friends or family, as the nation braces for fresh Russian attacks on its infrastructure. On Sunday, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky in his nightly address said that around 4.5 million consumers were already without power and that "the terrorist state" is focusing resources and efforts "for a possible repetition of mass attacks on our infrastructure." Watch | Russia-Ukraine War: Infra war takes its toll, blackout in Kyiv and seven other regions He added that energy would likely be the first target, adding that for that Russia would need Iranian missiles and that they are "prepared to respond". This comes as Iran on Saturday, in a first acknowledged that it had supplied Moscow with the drones that the nation has been using to attack its neighbours' power stations and civilian infrastructure. However, the nation clarified that the supply was delivered before the war. Also read | Russia-Ukraine conflict: Tears flow as warring nations exchange prisoners of war According to the CEO of YASNO, a significant energy provider to the capital, Sergei Kovalenko, the country faced an estimated power supply deficit of 32 per cent on Monday, which in his opinion "is a lot". National energy authorities have also issued warnings about planned outages as well as potential new limits in six regions of the country, including the capital and the area surrounding it, reports Reuters. Also read | Biden administration wants Ukraine to change its stand on peace negotiations with Russia: Reports Grid operator, Ukrenergo, estimated that electricity use would need to be reduced by 30 per cent. Schedules of planned restrictions will be in force from 6 am to sunset, it announced on its Telegram channel. It also said that additional emergency shutdowns might be necessary to safeguard a system that had already been subjected to "massive missile attacks" recently.

Ukraine braces for further attacks on its infrastructure, Zelensky predicts energy will be Russia's 1st target

Sunday saw tears of relief in the Russian-occupied Donetsk region of Ukraine as Prisoners of War (POW) returned to their loved ones following a prisoner swap between the two warring nations.

Denis Pushilin, the president of the region's Russian-installed government, welcomed the returning fighters at Amvrosiivka, a village of 18,000 people near the internationally recognised border with Russia.

Watch |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine War: Infra war takes its toll, blackout in Kyiv and seven other regions

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Some of the men sobbed when they were reunited with their crying relatives.

One of the returning soldiers, former POW Maxim Chekanov while talking to Reuters expressed disbelief that he's finally "home". Recalling his ordeal he said, "It was so horrible, I wouldn't wish it on anyone".&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-administration-wants-ukraine-to-change-its-stand-against-peace-negotiations-with-russia-reports-531527" hreflang="en">Biden administration wants Ukraine to change its stand on peace negotiations with Russia: Reports</a>

As per the report, Chekanov was captured by Ukrainian forces on October 11 and upon returning, he shared that he "still can't believe I'm home".

Lyudmila, the mother of one of the freed fighters, claimed her son Yevgeny had dropped a lot of weight since she last saw him but expressed relief that he was now home.&nbsp;

"I didn't recognise him," she said while talking to the news agency.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-signs-law-to-conscript-former-prisoners-as-russia-braces-for-more-fighting-in-ukraine-531607" hreflang="en">Putin signs law to conscript convicts in prison as Russia braces for more fighting in Ukraine</a>

The POWs were freed following a prisoner swap that took place on November 3, where eight months into the conflict,&nbsp;the two sides released 107 captives each.

Prisoner swaps have become a common occurrence in the ongoing war with the warring nations capturing opposing forces and using them as bargaining chips to free their own captured forces. As per Reuters both military personnel and high-ranking politicians have been a part of these exchanges.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Sunday saw tears of relief in the Russian-occupied Donetsk region of Ukraine as Prisoners of War (POW) returned to their loved ones following a prisoner swap between the two warring nations.

Sunday saw tears of relief in the Russian-occupied Donetsk region of Ukraine as Prisoners of War (POW) returned to their loved ones following a prisoner swap between the two warring nations. Denis Pushilin, the president of the region's Russian-installed government, welcomed the returning fighters at Amvrosiivka, a village of 18,000 people near the internationally recognised border with Russia. Watch | Russia-Ukraine War: Infra war takes its toll, blackout in Kyiv and seven other regions Some of the men sobbed when they were reunited with their crying relatives. One of the returning soldiers, former POW Maxim Chekanov while talking to Reuters expressed disbelief that he's finally "home". Recalling his ordeal he said, "It was so horrible, I wouldn't wish it on anyone". Also read | Biden administration wants Ukraine to change its stand on peace negotiations with Russia: Reports As per the report, Chekanov was captured by Ukrainian forces on October 11 and upon returning, he shared that he "still can't believe I'm home". Lyudmila, the mother of one of the freed fighters, claimed her son Yevgeny had dropped a lot of weight since she last saw him but expressed relief that he was now home. "I didn't recognise him," she said while talking to the news agency. Also read | Putin signs law to conscript convicts in prison as Russia braces for more fighting in Ukraine The POWs were freed following a prisoner swap that took place on November 3, where eight months into the conflict, the two sides released 107 captives each. Prisoner swaps have become a common occurrence in the ongoing war with the warring nations capturing opposing forces and using them as bargaining chips to free their own captured forces. As per Reuters both military personnel and high-ranking politicians have been a part of these exchanges. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Russia-Ukraine conflict: Tears flow as warring nations exchange prisoners of war

A Treasury Department investigation made public on Tuesday has revealed that Russian hackers' payment-seeking software was utilised in 75 per cent of all ransomware attacks reported to a US financial crime agency in the second half of 2021.

The US Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) reported that in 2021, it had received 1,489 ransomware-related filings totalling nearly $1.2 billion, a 188 per cent increase from the year before.

Watch |&nbsp;WION Business News | Singapore sets up Ransomware task force

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According to the analysis, 75 per cent of the 793 ransomware occurrences that FinCEN received in the second half of 2021 "had a nexus to Russia, its proxies, or persons acting on its behalf," reports Reuters.

The report comes as Washington prepares to host a meeting with representatives from 36 nations, the European Union, and 13 international corporations to discuss the growing threat posed by ransomware and other forms of cybercrime, including the unauthorised use of cryptocurrency.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ferrari-falls-victim-to-ransomware-attack-7gb-of-its-internal-documents-made-public-522248">Ferrari falls victim to ransomware attack; 7GB of its internal documents made public</a>

Since late 2020, there has been an increase in the quantity and seriousness of ransomware attacks against vital infrastructure in the United States.

These attacks work by encrypting the data of victims using ransomware, and in lieu of a key in exchange for the said data, hackers demand cryptocurrency payments that can amount to millions of dollars.

(With inputs from agencies)

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A Treasury Department investigation made public on Tuesday has revealed that Russian hackers' payment-seeking software was utilised in 75 per cent of all ransomware attacks reported to a US financial crime agency in the second half of 2021.

A Treasury Department investigation made public on Tuesday has revealed that Russian hackers' payment-seeking software was utilised in 75 per cent of all ransomware attacks reported to a US financial crime agency in the second half of 2021. The US Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) reported that in 2021, it had received 1,489 ransomware-related filings totalling nearly $1.2 billion, a 188 per cent increase from the year before. Watch | WION Business News | Singapore sets up Ransomware task force According to the analysis, 75 per cent of the 793 ransomware occurrences that FinCEN received in the second half of 2021 "had a nexus to Russia, its proxies, or persons acting on its behalf," reports Reuters. The report comes as Washington prepares to host a meeting with representatives from 36 nations, the European Union, and 13 international corporations to discuss the growing threat posed by ransomware and other forms of cybercrime, including the unauthorised use of cryptocurrency. Also read | Ferrari falls victim to ransomware attack; 7GB of its internal documents made public Since late 2020, there has been an increase in the quantity and seriousness of ransomware attacks against vital infrastructure in the United States. These attacks work by encrypting the data of victims using ransomware, and in lieu of a key in exchange for the said data, hackers demand cryptocurrency payments that can amount to millions of dollars. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Russian hackers behind 75% of ransomware attacks reported in second half of 2021: US

On Tuesday, a Russian court fined the proprietor of Wikipedia two million roubles (around $32,600) for articles about Moscow's offensive on its neighbour Ukraine.

The company claimed that it was fined by the Tagansky District Court of Moscow for refusing to delete two entries about the nation's military incursion in Ukraine.

Watch |&nbsp;Russia pulls out of UN-brokered grain deal. How will it impact global food prices?

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However, as per AFP the director of Moscow-based Wikimedia RU, Vladimir Medeiko said that the articles will not be removed and that the court's ruling will be appealed.

"I don't think Wikimedia Foundation will pay the fine," he told the news agency.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-accuses-uk-of-directing-and-coordinating-nord-stream-blasts-530231" hreflang="en">Russia again accuses UK of 'directing and coordinating' Nord Stream blasts</a>

Talking to Reuters, Stanislav Kozlovsky, the head of the foundation's Russia chapter said that "We still have a fairly strong legal procedural position, so we have reason to believe that we will succeed in having both this fine and those issued in April overturned."&nbsp;

In April Russian authorities fined the organisation 5 million roubles over a number of similar violations.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-tycoon-renounces-citizenship-citing-ukrainian-war-calls-putin-facist-530131" hreflang="en">Russian tycoon renounces citizenship citing Ukrainian war, calls Putin ‘fascist’</a>

Russian authorities have also&nbsp;slapped Western companies including Google and Telegram with massive fines over Ukraine-related content.&nbsp;In July, a Moscow court fined Google 21 billion rubles ($360 million) for failing to remove content concerning Russia's military intervention in Ukraine.

The February 24 incursion by Russia has led to a clampdown on free speech in the nation. According&nbsp;to AFP, it has exacerbated the country's crackdown on press freedom and caused an exodus of independent Russian journalists.

As per the report, Moscow has effectively forbidden criticism of Russia's military engagement in Ukraine and outlawed using the terms "war" or "invasion" to describe the operation.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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On Tuesday, a Russian court fined the proprietor of Wikipedia two million roubles (around $32,600) for articles about Moscow's offensive on its neighbour Ukraine.

On Tuesday, a Russian court fined the proprietor of Wikipedia two million roubles (around $32,600) for articles about Moscow's offensive on its neighbour Ukraine. The company claimed that it was fined by the Tagansky District Court of Moscow for refusing to delete two entries about the nation's military incursion in Ukraine. Watch | Russia pulls out of UN-brokered grain deal. How will it impact global food prices? However, as per AFP the director of Moscow-based Wikimedia RU, Vladimir Medeiko said that the articles will not be removed and that the court's ruling will be appealed. "I don't think Wikimedia Foundation will pay the fine," he told the news agency. Also read | Russia again accuses UK of 'directing and coordinating' Nord Stream blasts Talking to Reuters, Stanislav Kozlovsky, the head of the foundation's Russia chapter said that "We still have a fairly strong legal procedural position, so we have reason to believe that we will succeed in having both this fine and those issued in April overturned." In April Russian authorities fined the organisation 5 million roubles over a number of similar violations. Also read | Russian tycoon renounces citizenship citing Ukrainian war, calls Putin ‘fascist’ Russian authorities have also slapped Western companies including Google and Telegram with massive fines over Ukraine-related content. In July, a Moscow court fined Google 21 billion rubles ($360 million) for failing to remove content concerning Russia's military intervention in Ukraine. The February 24 incursion by Russia has led to a clampdown on free speech in the nation. According to AFP, it has exacerbated the country's crackdown on press freedom and caused an exodus of independent Russian journalists. As per the report, Moscow has effectively forbidden criticism of Russia's military engagement in Ukraine and outlawed using the terms "war" or "invasion" to describe the operation. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Russia fines Wikipedia millions of Rubles over content on 'Ukraine war'

Former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi in a recently released audio can be heard boasting about his exchange of liquor and "sweet letters" with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

As per the audio released by Italian news agency&nbsp;LaPresse, Berlusconi told his lower house lawmakers, "I have got back in touch a bit with Putin, quite a lot, in the sense that for my birthday he sent me 20 bottles of vodka and a very sweet letter."

Watch |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine war to enter the eighth month; Kyiv paralysed after a barrage of attacks

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"I answered him with some bottles of Lambrusco (wine) and an equally sweet letter," adds Berlusconi whose birthday as per a Reuters report was on September 29.

He goes on to express his worry over the situation in Ukraine but says that he can't share his true opinion as "if it gets in the press there'll be a disaster."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coffins-left-hanging-precariously-after-burial-structure-collapse-in-italy-526652">Coffins left 'hanging' precariously, after burial structure collapse in Italy</a>

Reuters reports that a spokesperson for Berlusconi's Forza Italia has denied that the former PM was in touch with Putin, claiming that the leader was just re-telling an old story.

Attempting to salvage the situation, the party later issued a statement that said that Berlusconi and his party's position vis-a-vis the Ukraine war remain in line with the rest of Europe and the United States and that there was "no room for ambiguity and there never has been."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joining-sanctions-on-russia-italy-risks-more-than-most-457941">Joining sanctions on Russia, Italy risks more than most</a>

The remarks were made as after Giorgia Meloni's rightist alliance's win in the September 25 Italian elections, Berlusconi negotiates cabinet positions in the new government with&nbsp;the Ukraine war set to enter its eighth month.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi in a recently released audio can be heard boasting about his exchange of liquor and "sweet letters" with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi in a recently released audio can be heard boasting about his exchange of liquor and "sweet letters" with Russian President Vladimir Putin. As per the audio released by Italian news agency LaPresse, Berlusconi told his lower house lawmakers, "I have got back in touch a bit with Putin, quite a lot, in the sense that for my birthday he sent me 20 bottles of vodka and a very sweet letter." Watch | Russia-Ukraine war to enter the eighth month; Kyiv paralysed after a barrage of attacks "I answered him with some bottles of Lambrusco (wine) and an equally sweet letter," adds Berlusconi whose birthday as per a Reuters report was on September 29. He goes on to express his worry over the situation in Ukraine but says that he can't share his true opinion as "if it gets in the press there'll be a disaster." Also read | Coffins left 'hanging' precariously, after burial structure collapse in Italy Reuters reports that a spokesperson for Berlusconi's Forza Italia has denied that the former PM was in touch with Putin, claiming that the leader was just re-telling an old story. Attempting to salvage the situation, the party later issued a statement that said that Berlusconi and his party's position vis-a-vis the Ukraine war remain in line with the rest of Europe and the United States and that there was "no room for ambiguity and there never has been." Also read | Joining sanctions on Russia, Italy risks more than most The remarks were made as after Giorgia Meloni's rightist alliance's win in the September 25 Italian elections, Berlusconi negotiates cabinet positions in the new government with the Ukraine war set to enter its eighth month. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Former Italian PM Berlusconi boasts of his 'bromance' with Putin, their exchange of 'sweet letters'

As the Ukraine war rages on for the seventh month Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday urged his troops to take more prisoners of the opposite side. He said that doing so might help them negotiate freedom for their nation's soldiers being held by Russia.

Zelensky made his remarks as the two warring nations undertook an exchange of prisoners; the biggest so far. A total of 218 detainees, including 108 Ukrainian women were part of the exchange.

Watch |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine War: Russia launches deadly new attacks on central Kyiv

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As per Zelensky's chief of staff Andriy Yermak, this included a dozen civilian women.

Taking to Telegram he revealed that "It was the first completely female exchange," and that 37 of the women had been captured when Moscow's forces in May seized Azovstal steelworks in Mariupol.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-hold-russia-accountable-for-war-crimes-says-white-house-526273" hreflang="en">Will hold Russia accountable for 'war crimes,' says White House</a>

As per the Reuters report citing the Ukrainian interior ministry, some of those freed had been in jail for almost three years since 2019. They had reportedly been detained by pro-Moscow authorities in eastern regions.

Additionally, the Russian-appointed head of one of the regions announced that Kyiv would be freeing 80 civilian sailors and 30 military personnel.

In his evening address, the war-torn nation's president said "The more Russian prisoners we have, the sooner we will be able to free our heroes. Every Ukrainian soldier, every front-line commander should remember this."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-russian-military-aircraft-crashes-into-residential-building-causing-massive-fire-526236" hreflang="en">Watch: Russian apartment in flames after military jet crash-lands</a>

He also voiced his thanks for "everyone involved in this success, and I also thank all those who replenish our exchange fund, who ensure the capture of enemies."

Talking to reporters one of the women, Viktoria Obidina, who has been freed thanks to the exchange said that the prisoners were not aware that they were being exchanged.&nbsp;

Recalling her capture, she said that she was with her daughter in Mariupol, that the two got separated, and that she has yet to see her daughter.

"I will go to see my daughter. I want to see her so bad."

(With inputs from agencies)

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As the Ukraine war rages on for the seventh month Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday urged his troops to take more prisoners of the opposite side. He said that doing so might help them negotiate freedom for their nation's soldiers being held by Russia.

As the Ukraine war rages on for the seventh month Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday urged his troops to take more prisoners of the opposite side. He said that doing so might help them negotiate freedom for their nation's soldiers being held by Russia. Zelensky made his remarks as the two warring nations undertook an exchange of prisoners; the biggest so far. A total of 218 detainees, including 108 Ukrainian women were part of the exchange. Watch | Russia-Ukraine War: Russia launches deadly new attacks on central Kyiv As per Zelensky's chief of staff Andriy Yermak, this included a dozen civilian women. Taking to Telegram he revealed that "It was the first completely female exchange," and that 37 of the women had been captured when Moscow's forces in May seized Azovstal steelworks in Mariupol. Also read | Will hold Russia accountable for 'war crimes,' says White House As per the Reuters report citing the Ukrainian interior ministry, some of those freed had been in jail for almost three years since 2019. They had reportedly been detained by pro-Moscow authorities in eastern regions. Additionally, the Russian-appointed head of one of the regions announced that Kyiv would be freeing 80 civilian sailors and 30 military personnel. In his evening address, the war-torn nation's president said "The more Russian prisoners we have, the sooner we will be able to free our heroes. Every Ukrainian soldier, every front-line commander should remember this." Also read | Watch: Russian apartment in flames after military jet crash-lands He also voiced his thanks for "everyone involved in this success, and I also thank all those who replenish our exchange fund, who ensure the capture of enemies." Talking to reporters one of the women, Viktoria Obidina, who has been freed thanks to the exchange said that the prisoners were not aware that they were being exchanged. Recalling her capture, she said that she was with her daughter in Mariupol, that the two got separated, and that she has yet to see her daughter. "I will go to see my daughter. I want to see her so bad." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Zelensky orders troops to capture 'more' Russian prisoners to facilitate release of Ukrainian 'heroes'

US President Joe Biden's administration in its recently launched National Security Strategy (NSS) has said that the next 10 years will be a "decisive decade" for America and the world in the global fight against climate change, promotion of democracy over authoritarianism and for reducing conflict.

The newly unveiled strategy prioritises "out-competing China and constraining Russia". The report says that "the People's Republic of China harbours the intention and, increasingly, the capacity to reshape the international order in favour of one that tilts the global playing field to its benefit."

Watch |&nbsp;US pledges more weapons for Ukraine than EU members combined

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<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"> 
India is mentioned in a positive light. "As India is the world’s largest democracy and a Major Defense Partner, the United States and India will work together, bilaterally and multilaterally, to support our shared vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific," says the strategy. It also mentions the nation as part of multiple major American&nbsp;alliances and partnerships that have played a critical role in the country's&nbsp;national security policy.</div>

The Ukraine conflict delayed the strategy's rollout, as Biden spent most of this year mobilising allies against Russia and delivering billions of dollars worth of armaments to Kyiv reports AFP.

However, the strategy still substantially adheres to the President's interim instructions which he provided shortly after taking office in January 2021.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/unga-passes-resolution-condemning-russian-illegal-annexation-of-ukrainian-land-india-abstains-from-voting-524945" hreflang="en">UNGA passes resolution condemning Russian 'illegal annexation' of Ukrainian land; India abstains from voting</a>

It warns that "by the 2030s, the United States for the first time will need to deter two major nuclear&nbsp;powers, each of whom will field modern and diverse global and regional nuclear forces."

National security adviser Jake Sullivan said while unveiling the strategy, "The post-Cold War era is over, and the competition is underway between the major powers to shape what comes next."&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-liberal-leader-wang-yang-seen-as-top-contender-to-be-next-premier-524792" hreflang="en">China: 'Liberal' leader Wang Yang seen as top contender to be next premier</a>

As per the strategy, "China is the only competitor with both the intent to reshape the international order and, increasingly, the economic, diplomatic, military, and technological power to do it."

It goes on to say that Russia "poses an immediate threat to the free and open international system, recklessly flouting the basic laws of the international order today, as its brutal war of aggression against Ukraine has shown."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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US President Joe Biden's administration in its recently launched National Security Strategy (NSS) has said that the next 10 years will be a "decisive decade" for America and the world in the global fight against climate change, promotion of democracy over authoritarianism and for reducing conflict.

US President Joe Biden's administration in its recently launched National Security Strategy (NSS) has said that the next 10 years will be a "decisive decade" for America and the world in the global fight against climate change, promotion of democracy over authoritarianism and for reducing conflict. The newly unveiled strategy prioritises "out-competing China and constraining Russia". The report says that "the People's Republic of China harbours the intention and, increasingly, the capacity to reshape the international order in favour of one that tilts the global playing field to its benefit." Watch | US pledges more weapons for Ukraine than EU members combined India is mentioned in a positive light. "As India is the world’s largest democracy and a Major Defense Partner, the United States and India will work together, bilaterally and multilaterally, to support our shared vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific," says the strategy. It also mentions the nation as part of multiple major American alliances and partnerships that have played a critical role in the country's national security policy. The Ukraine conflict delayed the strategy's rollout, as Biden spent most of this year mobilising allies against Russia and delivering billions of dollars worth of armaments to Kyiv reports AFP. However, the strategy still substantially adheres to the President's interim instructions which he provided shortly after taking office in January 2021. Also read | UNGA passes resolution condemning Russian 'illegal annexation' of Ukrainian land; India abstains from voting It warns that "by the 2030s, the United States for the first time will need to deter two major nuclear powers, each of whom will field modern and diverse global and regional nuclear forces." National security adviser Jake Sullivan said while unveiling the strategy, "The post-Cold War era is over, and the competition is underway between the major powers to shape what comes next." Also read | China: 'Liberal' leader Wang Yang seen as top contender to be next premier As per the strategy, "China is the only competitor with both the intent to reshape the international order and, increasingly, the economic, diplomatic, military, and technological power to do it." It goes on to say that Russia "poses an immediate threat to the free and open international system, recklessly flouting the basic laws of the international order today, as its brutal war of aggression against Ukraine has shown." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US National Security strategy: China, Russia seen as threats, India as partner

Nine years after he exposed the scale of secret surveillance operations undertaken by the United States' National Security Agency (NSA) and sought refuge in Russia, President Vladimir Putin has finally granted Russian citizenship to whistleblower Edward Snowden.

The move comes at a time when the relationship between Moscow and Washington is at an all-time low, thanks to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Watch |&nbsp;WION Fineprint | Russia admits to mistakes during mobilisation

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Just five days back Putin had declared the first Russian public mobilisation since World War Two to support Moscow's faltering invasion of Ukraine. Now the news of Snowden's citizenship has led to humorous quips about whether the whistleblower will be drafted into the military.

"Will Snowden be drafted?" Editor-in-chief of the state-run media company RT and ardent Putin admirer Margarita Simonyan wrote in a darkly humorous tone on her Telegram channel.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japanese-diplomat-arrested-in-russia-by-its-federal-security-service-suspected-of-spying-519888" hreflang="en">Japanese diplomat arrested in Russia by its Federal Security Service, suspected of spying</a>

Given that Snowden has no prior military experience in the Russian army, according to Snowden's attorney Anatoly Kucherena, he would not be called up for duty.

As per an AFP report, Edward Joseph Snowden, born June 21, 1983, was listed among the newly naturalised Russian nationals in a presidential decree that was released on Monday.&nbsp;

Since his 2013 allegations that the US government was spying on its citizens, the former American intelligence contractor has been living in exile in Russia.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kazakhstan-says-it-wont-recognise-referendums-in-eastern-ukraine-519862" hreflang="en">Kazakhstan says it won't recognise referendums in eastern Ukraine</a>

Reuters reports that in order for Snowden to stand trial for espionage, American authorities have long demanded that he be brought back to the country.

In November 2020, the fugitive whistleblower revealed that he had applied for Russian citizenship, adding that he will attempt to keep his US citizenship. As per AFP,&nbsp;Moscow's rigorous citizenship requirements were relaxed a few years ago to allow people to hold Russian passports without giving up their original nationalities.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Nine years after he exposed the scale of secret surveillance operations undertaken by the United States' National Security Agency (NSA) and sought refuge in Russia, President Vladimir Putin has finally granted Russian citizenship to whistleblower Edward Snowden.

Nine years after he exposed the scale of secret surveillance operations undertaken by the United States' National Security Agency (NSA) and sought refuge in Russia, President Vladimir Putin has finally granted Russian citizenship to whistleblower Edward Snowden. The move comes at a time when the relationship between Moscow and Washington is at an all-time low, thanks to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Watch | WION Fineprint | Russia admits to mistakes during mobilisation Just five days back Putin had declared the first Russian public mobilisation since World War Two to support Moscow's faltering invasion of Ukraine. Now the news of Snowden's citizenship has led to humorous quips about whether the whistleblower will be drafted into the military. "Will Snowden be drafted?" Editor-in-chief of the state-run media company RT and ardent Putin admirer Margarita Simonyan wrote in a darkly humorous tone on her Telegram channel. Also read| Japanese diplomat arrested in Russia by its Federal Security Service, suspected of spying Given that Snowden has no prior military experience in the Russian army, according to Snowden's attorney Anatoly Kucherena, he would not be called up for duty. As per an AFP report, Edward Joseph Snowden, born June 21, 1983, was listed among the newly naturalised Russian nationals in a presidential decree that was released on Monday. Since his 2013 allegations that the US government was spying on its citizens, the former American intelligence contractor has been living in exile in Russia. Also read | Kazakhstan says it won't recognise referendums in eastern Ukraine Reuters reports that in order for Snowden to stand trial for espionage, American authorities have long demanded that he be brought back to the country. In November 2020, the fugitive whistleblower revealed that he had applied for Russian citizenship, adding that he will attempt to keep his US citizenship. As per AFP, Moscow's rigorous citizenship requirements were relaxed a few years ago to allow people to hold Russian passports without giving up their original nationalities. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Putin grants Snowden Russian citizenship, people ask will the whisteblower be 'drafted into army'?

Ukraine retook Izyum and other eastern towns, this month, severely disrupting the Kremlin's supply lines and sparking new allegations of Russian atrocities. The discovery of hundreds of graves, some of which contained several victims was one thing which made the news.

However, Kyiv's recapture of the city of Izyum has also brought to light an account by Sri Lanka nationals who claim to have been held captive for months by the Russian forces.

BBC reports that Dilujan Paththinajakan along with six other Sri Lankans was captured in May. They had come to Ukraine to find work and/or study&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Ukrainian troops heads to Donbas region

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The party had just started a long journey from their homes in Kupiansk, northeastern Ukraine, to the more secure city of Kharkiv, which was some 120 kilometres (75 miles) away.

However, they were apprehended by Russian troops at the first checkpoint. The Sri Lankans were led to a machine tool plant in the town of Vovchansk, close to the Russian border, with their hands bound and their eyes covered.

For four months they were kept as prisoners, used as forced labour.&nbsp;

Their ordeal as described by them is enough to give anyone nightmares. Reader discretion is advised for the following content.&nbsp;

They were allowed to use the toilet just once a day and the time for that was limited to two minutes. If and when they were allowed to shower, they again were given just two minutes.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-slams-reports-of-mass-graves-in-izyum-accuses-ukraine-of-fabricating-its-discoveries-517911" hreflang="en">Russia slams reports of mass graves in Izyum, accuses Ukraine of fabricating its discoveries</a>

The group mainly was composed of men in their 20s who were all stuffed into one room. The one woman in the group, 50-year-old Mary Edit Uthajkumar, was kept separately.

Mary, who is a heart patient was refused medicine for her condition. She said they were locked in a room and even beaten up.

"They used to beat us when we went to take a shower. They didn't even allow me to meet the others. We were stuck inside for three months."

Among the men, two had their toenails torn off with pliers. All of them reported being beaten up by drunk Russian soldiers, at times guns were used to inflict the beating.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukrainian-forces-recapture-village-in-luhansk-region-as-russia-loses-control-517905" hreflang="en">Ukrainian forces recapture village in Luhansk region as Russia loses control</a>

"They hit me across the body many times with their guns," one man, 35-year-old Thinesh Gogenthiran. "One of them punched me in the stomach and I was in pain for two days. He then asked me for money."

When the Ukrainian forces started retaking territory in eastern Ukraine earlier this month, including Vovchansk, the seven Sri Lankans were ultimately freed.

Once again, they began their walk towards Kharkiv. They had no way to get in touch with their relatives as they&nbsp;had no phones.&nbsp;But eventually, their fortune changed when a passing motorist noticed them and dialled the cops. They were given a police officer's phone.&nbsp;They have now been brought to Kharkiv, where they are receiving medical care.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Ukraine retook Izyum and other eastern towns, this month, severely disrupting the Kremlin's supply lines and sparking new allegations of Russian atrocities. The discovery of hundreds of graves, some of which contained several victims was one thing which made the news.

Ukraine retook Izyum and other eastern towns, this month, severely disrupting the Kremlin's supply lines and sparking new allegations of Russian atrocities. The discovery of hundreds of graves, some of which contained several victims was one thing which made the news. However, Kyiv's recapture of the city of Izyum has also brought to light an account by Sri Lanka nationals who claim to have been held captive for months by the Russian forces. BBC reports that Dilujan Paththinajakan along with six other Sri Lankans was captured in May. They had come to Ukraine to find work and/or study Watch | Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Ukrainian troops heads to Donbas region The party had just started a long journey from their homes in Kupiansk, northeastern Ukraine, to the more secure city of Kharkiv, which was some 120 kilometres (75 miles) away. However, they were apprehended by Russian troops at the first checkpoint. The Sri Lankans were led to a machine tool plant in the town of Vovchansk, close to the Russian border, with their hands bound and their eyes covered. For four months they were kept as prisoners, used as forced labour. Their ordeal as described by them is enough to give anyone nightmares. Reader discretion is advised for the following content. They were allowed to use the toilet just once a day and the time for that was limited to two minutes. If and when they were allowed to shower, they again were given just two minutes. Also read | Russia slams reports of mass graves in Izyum, accuses Ukraine of fabricating its discoveries The group mainly was composed of men in their 20s who were all stuffed into one room. The one woman in the group, 50-year-old Mary Edit Uthajkumar, was kept separately. Mary, who is a heart patient was refused medicine for her condition. She said they were locked in a room and even beaten up. "They used to beat us when we went to take a shower. They didn't even allow me to meet the others. We were stuck inside for three months." Among the men, two had their toenails torn off with pliers. All of them reported being beaten up by drunk Russian soldiers, at times guns were used to inflict the beating. Also read | Ukrainian forces recapture village in Luhansk region as Russia loses control "They hit me across the body many times with their guns," one man, 35-year-old Thinesh Gogenthiran. "One of them punched me in the stomach and I was in pain for two days. He then asked me for money." When the Ukrainian forces started retaking territory in eastern Ukraine earlier this month, including Vovchansk, the seven Sri Lankans were ultimately freed. Once again, they began their walk towards Kharkiv. They had no way to get in touch with their relatives as they had no phones. But eventually, their fortune changed when a passing motorist noticed them and dialled the cops. They were given a police officer's phone. They have now been brought to Kharkiv, where they are receiving medical care. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

After 4 months of brutal torture, 7 Sri Lankans freed with Ukraine's recapture of Izyum. This is their story

Faced with an energy crisis at the hands of Russia, Germany has taken a U-turn from its plans of a nuclear exit and announced on Monday that it would keep two of its nuclear plants on standby beyond the end of this year.

This comes a Russia has shut off gas supplies to Europe. After a three-day maintenance period last week, Russian energy giant Gazprom announced that gas deliveries via the Nord Stream 1 pipeline would not resume&nbsp;as scheduled. It blamed Western sanctions for the decision.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, "problems with pumping (gas) arose due to sanctions that were imposed against" Russia.

Watch |&nbsp;Gazprom misses September 3 deadline to restart gas supplies

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Economy Minister Robert Habeck announced in a statement that&nbsp;following a fresh network stress test, two of the three remaining power plants will "remain available until mid-April 2023 in case needed."

The facilities as per AFP would be held in reserve in case they were needed to "make a further contribution to the electricity grid in southern Germany," where the development of renewable energy lagged behind that of the north.

According to Habeck, such a crisis is still "very unlikely" because Germany has "very high security of supply."

The Green Minister also emphasised that Germany was sticking to its plan to abandon nuclear power, with all plants being disconnected from the grid at the end of the year, and that it was not reversing course.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/president-putin-unveils-new-foreign-policy-doctrine-to-preserve-russian-world-513287" hreflang="en">President Putin unveils new foreign policy doctrine to preserve ‘Russian World’</a>

New fuel rods won't be installed, and the reserve programme will end after mid-April 2023, according to Habeck.

The decision partially postpones a nuclear phase-out that was envisioned under the previous chancellor Angela Merkel, who decided to abandon nuclear power in 2011 in the wake of the Fukushima nuclear accident in Japan.

Habeck remarked that it was "not a surprise" that Moscow did not resume gas deliveries via Nord Stream 1.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sweden-finland-to-offer-liquidity-guarantees-to-energy-companies-513211">Sweden, Finland to offer liquidity guarantees to energy companies</a>

He said, "The only thing that is reliable from Russia is lies" adding that "we will have to solve our problems without consideration of (Russian President Vladimir) Putin's erratic decisions, and that's what we will do."&nbsp;

In Germany, where nuclear power has long been a topic of dispute even before Merkel's decision, extending the lifetime of the plants, which produce 6 per cent of the nation's electricity, has sparked a fierce debate.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Faced with an energy crisis at the hands of Russia, Germany has taken a U-turn from its plans of a nuclear exit and announced on Monday that it would keep two of its nuclear plants on standby beyond the end of this year.

Faced with an energy crisis at the hands of Russia, Germany has taken a U-turn from its plans of a nuclear exit and announced on Monday that it would keep two of its nuclear plants on standby beyond the end of this year. This comes a Russia has shut off gas supplies to Europe. After a three-day maintenance period last week, Russian energy giant Gazprom announced that gas deliveries via the Nord Stream 1 pipeline would not resume as scheduled. It blamed Western sanctions for the decision. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, "problems with pumping (gas) arose due to sanctions that were imposed against" Russia. Watch | Gazprom misses September 3 deadline to restart gas supplies Economy Minister Robert Habeck announced in a statement that following a fresh network stress test, two of the three remaining power plants will "remain available until mid-April 2023 in case needed." The facilities as per AFP would be held in reserve in case they were needed to "make a further contribution to the electricity grid in southern Germany," where the development of renewable energy lagged behind that of the north. According to Habeck, such a crisis is still "very unlikely" because Germany has "very high security of supply." The Green Minister also emphasised that Germany was sticking to its plan to abandon nuclear power, with all plants being disconnected from the grid at the end of the year, and that it was not reversing course. Also read | President Putin unveils new foreign policy doctrine to preserve ‘Russian World’ New fuel rods won't be installed, and the reserve programme will end after mid-April 2023, according to Habeck. The decision partially postpones a nuclear phase-out that was envisioned under the previous chancellor Angela Merkel, who decided to abandon nuclear power in 2011 in the wake of the Fukushima nuclear accident in Japan. Habeck remarked that it was "not a surprise" that Moscow did not resume gas deliveries via Nord Stream 1. Also read | Sweden, Finland to offer liquidity guarantees to energy companies He said, "The only thing that is reliable from Russia is lies" adding that "we will have to solve our problems without consideration of (Russian President Vladimir) Putin's erratic decisions, and that's what we will do." In Germany, where nuclear power has long been a topic of dispute even before Merkel's decision, extending the lifetime of the plants, which produce 6 per cent of the nation's electricity, has sparked a fierce debate. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'Only thing reliable from Russia is lies': Faced with energy crisis Germany takes a U-turn to nuclear energy

Music transcends war, six months into the Russian invasion Kyiv dances on

The Ukraine crisis has had a wide-ranging impact on many countries, but according to a recent report, the impact on the United States, given its military expenditures is&nbsp;one not many would've predicted.

Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reports that war has depleted "American stocks of some types of ammunition" which haven't been replenished on time, and that has sparked concerns among officials, who believe that this could jeopardize the US military's readiness in face of danger.

Watch |&nbsp;WION Fineprint | Explained: Where the Ukraine war stands after 6 months

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The United States has given Ukraine 16 Himars rocket launchers, thousands of rifles, drones, missiles, and other weapons over the last six months. The WSJ report citing defence sources says that a large portion of this, including the ammunition, has come directly from US inventory, depleting supplies intended for unforeseen threats.

Among the lethal weapons given to Ukraine are howitzers, which use 155mm combat rounds, the ammunition used to strike Iranian-backed terror groups in Syria last week. As of August 24, the US military has sent the war-torn nation 806,000 rounds of it, depleting its own stockpile to "uncomfortably low" levels, according to a defence official.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-does-the-latest-775mn-us-arms-package-to-ukraine-include-508745">What does the latest $775mn US arms package to Ukraine include?</a>

Since the United States is not involved in any significant military confrontation, the levels are not currently critical, the official continued, adding "It is not at the level we would like to go into combat."

The situation was "foreseeable", and was "easily fixable" says Mackenzie Eaglen, a senior fellow at the Washington-based American Enterprise Institute.

Reportedly,&nbsp;the military is currently conducting "an ammunitions industrial base deep dive in order to support Ukraine while safeguarding their "own supply needs."

The Army claimed it also requested $500 million in annual upgrades for its ammunition factories from Capitol Hill.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The Ukraine crisis has had a wide-ranging impact on many countries, but according to a recent report, the impact on the United States, given its military expenditures is one not many would've predicted.

The Ukraine crisis has had a wide-ranging impact on many countries, but according to a recent report, the impact on the United States, given its military expenditures is one not many would've predicted. Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reports that war has depleted "American stocks of some types of ammunition" which haven't been replenished on time, and that has sparked concerns among officials, who believe that this could jeopardize the US military's readiness in face of danger. Watch | WION Fineprint | Explained: Where the Ukraine war stands after 6 months The United States has given Ukraine 16 Himars rocket launchers, thousands of rifles, drones, missiles, and other weapons over the last six months. The WSJ report citing defence sources says that a large portion of this, including the ammunition, has come directly from US inventory, depleting supplies intended for unforeseen threats. Among the lethal weapons given to Ukraine are howitzers, which use 155mm combat rounds, the ammunition used to strike Iranian-backed terror groups in Syria last week. As of August 24, the US military has sent the war-torn nation 806,000 rounds of it, depleting its own stockpile to "uncomfortably low" levels, according to a defence official. Also read | What does the latest $775mn US arms package to Ukraine include? Since the United States is not involved in any significant military confrontation, the levels are not currently critical, the official continued, adding "It is not at the level we would like to go into combat." The situation was "foreseeable", and was "easily fixable" says Mackenzie Eaglen, a senior fellow at the Washington-based American Enterprise Institute. Reportedly, the military is currently conducting "an ammunitions industrial base deep dive in order to support Ukraine while safeguarding their "own supply needs." The Army claimed it also requested $500 million in annual upgrades for its ammunition factories from Capitol Hill. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION LIVE HERE: You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US' military aid to Ukraine left its own ammunition stockpiles 'uncomfortably low': Report

Wednesday (August 24) marked six months since Russian President Vladimir Putin launched an all-out attack on neighbouring Ukraine. The day held additional significance for Kyiv because it was on this day, 31 years ago, that the country declared its independence from the Soviet Union. As the anniversary celebrations commenced, Ukraine also unveiled plans for how it intends to make Putin responsible for his crimes.

As per an AFP report, Ukraine is drawing up plans for a special international tribunal to investigate Russia's alleged "crime of aggression".

The Rome Statute of 2010 established the definition of the crime of aggression.&nbsp;However, since neither Ukraine nor Russia has joined the Rome Statute, it is unable to investigate charges of aggression.

Watch |&nbsp;6 months of Ukraine war: War takes gruesome toll on innocent

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Speaking to AFP, the man spearheading this plan, Andrii Smirnov, deputy head of Ukraine's presidential administration, said that this court is "the only way to make sure that the criminals who started the Ukraine war are held accountable quickly."

"The world has a short memory. That's why I would like this tribunal to start working next year."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/15-killed-50-hurt-after-russian-missile-strikes-ukrainian-railway-station-says-zelensky-509936" hreflang="en">15 killed, 50 hurt after Russian missile strikes Ukrainian railway station, says Zelensky</a>

It "will serve to make sure that these people are labelled as criminals, and that they cannot travel in the civilised world," he said, adding that Ukraine is aware that the accused will not be present.

Approximately 600 suspects in the aggression have been named by Ukrainian authorities so far, including senior military officers, politicians, and commentators.

The international treaty establishing the tribunal has been drafted and is ready for signing by nations.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-may-announce-sham-referenda-this-week-to-formalize-control-of-occupied-territories-in-ukraine-509929" hreflang="en">Russia may announce 'sham' referenda this week to formalize control of occupied territories in Ukraine</a>

Under it, any convicted offenders might be incarcerated on the soil of the signatory nations.

According to Smirnov, numerous nations are expected to ratify the agreement before the year is through, and talks are ongoing with "several European partners (who) are willing to host the tribunal."

(With inputs from agencies)

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Wednesday (August 24) marked six months since Russian President Vladimir Putin launched an all-out attack on neighbouring Ukraine. The day held additional significance for Kyiv because it was on this day, 31 years ago, that the country declared its independence from the Soviet Union.

Wednesday (August 24) marked six months since Russian President Vladimir Putin launched an all-out attack on neighbouring Ukraine. The day held additional significance for Kyiv because it was on this day, 31 years ago, that the country declared its independence from the Soviet Union. As the anniversary celebrations commenced, Ukraine also unveiled plans for how it intends to make Putin responsible for his crimes. As per an AFP report, Ukraine is drawing up plans for a special international tribunal to investigate Russia's alleged "crime of aggression". The Rome Statute of 2010 established the definition of the crime of aggression. However, since neither Ukraine nor Russia has joined the Rome Statute, it is unable to investigate charges of aggression. Watch | 6 months of Ukraine war: War takes gruesome toll on innocent Speaking to AFP, the man spearheading this plan, Andrii Smirnov, deputy head of Ukraine's presidential administration, said that this court is "the only way to make sure that the criminals who started the Ukraine war are held accountable quickly." "The world has a short memory. That's why I would like this tribunal to start working next year." Also read | 15 killed, 50 hurt after Russian missile strikes Ukrainian railway station, says Zelensky It "will serve to make sure that these people are labelled as criminals, and that they cannot travel in the civilised world," he said, adding that Ukraine is aware that the accused will not be present. Approximately 600 suspects in the aggression have been named by Ukrainian authorities so far, including senior military officers, politicians, and commentators. The international treaty establishing the tribunal has been drafted and is ready for signing by nations. Also read | Russia may announce 'sham' referenda this week to formalize control of occupied territories in Ukraine Under it, any convicted offenders might be incarcerated on the soil of the signatory nations. According to Smirnov, numerous nations are expected to ratify the agreement before the year is through, and talks are ongoing with "several European partners (who) are willing to host the tribunal." (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION LIVE HERE: You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Ukraine reveals plan to hold Vladimir Putin accountable for his 'crime of aggression'

As Ukraine prepares to celebrate its 31st Independence Day that marks the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence after the Soviet Union split, President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned that Russia might try to do something "particularly ugly" on the day.

In his nightly video address, Zelensky said that Ukrainians must not allow Moscow to “spread despondency and fear” among them. 
 
“We must all be aware that this week Russia could try to do something particularly ugly, something particularly vicious,” Zelensky said.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Russia plans "special operation" for Ukraine's Independence Day

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Incidentally, the Independence Day August 24 this year also marks the six-month anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Reuters reports that in his speech, Zelenskiy also made a passing reference to a string of explosions that had occurred recently in Crimea, the Ukrainian area that Russia invaded and seized in 2014.

“You can literally feel Crimea in the air this year, that the occupation there is only temporary and that Ukraine is coming back,” he added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-russians-and-one-ukrainian-spies-detained-in-albania-for-trying-to-break-into-a-military-facility-508752" hreflang="en">Russian and Ukrainian spies detained while trying to break into a military facility in Albania</a>

Ukrainian government officials are growing increasingly concerned that Russian President Vladimir Putin may decide to intensify his attacks on Ukraine on&nbsp;the nation’s Independence Day.

Earlier this week,&nbsp;the Daily Beast reported that Yuriy Ihnat, spokesperson for the Air Force Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, has issued a warning that “we must definitely be prepared for possible missile strikes.”

He also forewarned that Russia prefers to deliver "congratulations" on special days.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/allow-russian-shipments-to-move-unimpeded-or-we-face-a-global-food-crisis-warns-un-chief-508748" hreflang="en">Allow Russian shipments to move 'unimpeded' or we face a global food crisis, warns UN chief</a>

Kharkiv's regional governor Oleh Synehub, according to Reuters, said that the curfew in the city, the second-largest in Ukraine, would be extended for the entire day on August 24. The northeastern city typically has a curfew from 10 pm to 6 am since it frequently witnesses Russian shelling.

"Remain at home and take heed of warnings!" said Synehub in a Telegram message to Kharkiv residents.

(With inputs from agencies)

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As Ukraine prepares to celebrate its 31st Independence Day that marks the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence after the Soviet Union split, President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned that Russia might try to do something "particularly ugly" on the day.

As Ukraine prepares to celebrate its 31st Independence Day that marks the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence after the Soviet Union split, President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned that Russia might try to do something "particularly ugly" on the day. In his nightly video address, Zelensky said that Ukrainians must not allow Moscow to “spread despondency and fear” among them. “We must all be aware that this week Russia could try to do something particularly ugly, something particularly vicious,” Zelensky said. Watch | Gravitas: Russia plans "special operation" for Ukraine's Independence Day Incidentally, the Independence Day August 24 this year also marks the six-month anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Reuters reports that in his speech, Zelenskiy also made a passing reference to a string of explosions that had occurred recently in Crimea, the Ukrainian area that Russia invaded and seized in 2014. “You can literally feel Crimea in the air this year, that the occupation there is only temporary and that Ukraine is coming back,” he added. Also read | Russian and Ukrainian spies detained while trying to break into a military facility in Albania Ukrainian government officials are growing increasingly concerned that Russian President Vladimir Putin may decide to intensify his attacks on Ukraine on the nation’s Independence Day. Earlier this week, the Daily Beast reported that Yuriy Ihnat, spokesperson for the Air Force Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, has issued a warning that “we must definitely be prepared for possible missile strikes.” He also forewarned that Russia prefers to deliver "congratulations" on special days. Also read | Allow Russian shipments to move 'unimpeded' or we face a global food crisis, warns UN chief Kharkiv's regional governor Oleh Synehub, according to Reuters, said that the curfew in the city, the second-largest in Ukraine, would be extended for the entire day on August 24. The northeastern city typically has a curfew from 10 pm to 6 am since it frequently witnesses Russian shelling. "Remain at home and take heed of warnings!" said Synehub in a Telegram message to Kharkiv residents. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION LIVE HERE: You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Russia might do something ‘ugly’ on our Independence Day, Zelensky warns Ukrainians

Following Ukraine's last-week success in obtaining a two-year respite on its foreign debt from creditors, Fitch and S&amp;P&nbsp;have raised the war-torn nation's credit rating.&nbsp;

On Thursday, as per AFP Fitch said that the August 11 deal alleviates "external debt servicing pressure, in the context of weakening international reserves and acute war-related spending needs," giving Kyiv breathing room on approximately $6 billion in principal and interest outstanding on Eurobonds.

In spite of the fact that Fitch has improved Ukraine's rating from RD to CC, the rating still indicates that there is still a chance of default.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Weapons and explosives inside Ukraine's nuclear power plant

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"Despite this debt servicing relief, the 'CC' rating reflects unresolved debt sustainability risks resulting from Russia's attack and Ukraine's highly stressed public and external finances and macro-financial position," warned Fitch.

Just a day later, on Friday S&amp;P joined Fitch in upgrading Ukraine's credit rating.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/systematic-shelling-of-zaporizhzhia-nuclear-plant-by-ukraine-risk-of-catastrophe-putin-508527" hreflang="en">Systematic shelling of Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant by Ukraine risk of 'catastrophe': Putin</a>

In a statement, the agency said that raising the country's foreign debt credit rating to CCC+ "reflects strong committed international financial support to Ukraine, coupled with eroding, albeit still relatively high, foreign exchange reserves."

"As a result, the near-term risks to the government's liquidity position and, more broadly, its capacity to honor commercial debt, including in foreign currency, appear manageable," AFP reported S&amp;P as saying.

However, S&amp;P stated this is based on the presumption that donors like the US and EU will continue to fund Kyiv in the months ahead.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-announces-fresh-arms-package-worth-usd-775-mn-for-ukraine-508519" hreflang="en">US announces fresh arms package worth USD 775 mn for Ukraine</a>

It also said that a loan agreement with the IMF might lower Ukraine's burden.

Even with the increase, S&amp;P cautioned that because of the ongoing conflict with Russia, Ukraine's ability to pay its debts on time "is highly dependent" on variables largely outside of government control".

Last week, Fitch had downgraded Ukraine's ratings&nbsp;to restricted default, while S&amp;P Global had downgraded the nation to selective default.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Following Ukraine's last-week success in obtaining a two-year respite on its foreign debt from creditors, Fitch and S&P have raised the war-torn nation's credit rating.

Following Ukraine's last-week success in obtaining a two-year respite on its foreign debt from creditors, Fitch and S&P have raised the war-torn nation's credit rating. On Thursday, as per AFP Fitch said that the August 11 deal alleviates "external debt servicing pressure, in the context of weakening international reserves and acute war-related spending needs," giving Kyiv breathing room on approximately $6 billion in principal and interest outstanding on Eurobonds. In spite of the fact that Fitch has improved Ukraine's rating from RD to CC, the rating still indicates that there is still a chance of default. Watch | Gravitas: Weapons and explosives inside Ukraine's nuclear power plant "Despite this debt servicing relief, the 'CC' rating reflects unresolved debt sustainability risks resulting from Russia's attack and Ukraine's highly stressed public and external finances and macro-financial position," warned Fitch. Just a day later, on Friday S&P joined Fitch in upgrading Ukraine's credit rating. Also read | Systematic shelling of Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant by Ukraine risk of 'catastrophe': Putin In a statement, the agency said that raising the country's foreign debt credit rating to CCC+ "reflects strong committed international financial support to Ukraine, coupled with eroding, albeit still relatively high, foreign exchange reserves." "As a result, the near-term risks to the government's liquidity position and, more broadly, its capacity to honor commercial debt, including in foreign currency, appear manageable," AFP reported S&P as saying. However, S&P stated this is based on the presumption that donors like the US and EU will continue to fund Kyiv in the months ahead. Also read | US announces fresh arms package worth USD 775 mn for Ukraine It also said that a loan agreement with the IMF might lower Ukraine's burden. Even with the increase, S&P cautioned that because of the ongoing conflict with Russia, Ukraine's ability to pay its debts on time "is highly dependent" on variables largely outside of government control". Last week, Fitch had downgraded Ukraine's ratings to restricted default, while S&P Global had downgraded the nation to selective default. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION LIVE HERE: You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

S&P, Fitch upgrade Ukraine's credit rating but warn there's still a chance of default

Fears of a nuclear disaster in Ukraine are growing every day as the country and its aggressor Russia, continue to engage in strikes around Europe's largest nuclear power plant, Zaporizhzhia.&nbsp;

For the last two weeks, the power plant has been at grave risk as shelling around it continues.&nbsp;This has raised concern among the international community, United Nations nuclear watchdog IAEA has even warned of impending nuclear disaster and has&nbsp;called for a demilitarised zone.

NATO too has called for an urgent need to inspect the power plant.

For&nbsp;insights into&nbsp;the looming tragedy, WION spoke to senior journalist Mac William Bishop, who is currently situated near&nbsp;Mykolaiv, Ukraine. When asked about the present scenario around the Zaporizhzhia power plant, Bishop noted that the situation "isn't clear"&nbsp;at this time.

Watch |&nbsp;Is Europe staring at a nuclear disaster? | Ukraine holds disaster response drills

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As per him "Russian military forces are in control of the nuclear power plant however the Ukrainian workers that operate the plant still continue to go to work, maintain the plant and ensure its safe operation."

Bishop says that the situation isn’t that bad at the moment, but that there is a concern that "it could become quite bad, quite quickly"

Talking about the 1986 Chornobyl disaster, he said that Ukraine has been the scene of one of the worst nuclear accidents in human history, the fallout of which affected the whole of Europe and the site of which is still the scene of an exclusion zone "where people still can't live and possibly won't be able to for hundreds of years".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-nuclear-operator-reports-most-powerful-cyberattack-since-the-start-of-the-russian-invasion-507577" hreflang="en">Ukraine nuclear operator reports 'most powerful cyberattack since the start of the Russian invasion'</a>

"There is a major concern obviously, when you talk about mixing nuclear reactors and high explosives, military grade weapons...the possibility that there could be a catastrophic failure is real and I think that is why so many actors in the international community are now concerned about what is happening in this location."&nbsp;

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned that the impending disaster would affect the whole of Europe and has requested international agencies to intervene.&nbsp;

In Bishop's view "It has also been the strategy of the Ukrainian government to try to get more international actors involved in this conflict and so of course that is also part of the reason why they are reaching out to the IAEA and UN for assistance in dealing with this issue"

Following the plant's strike in March, nuclear catastrophe was narrowly avoided. Fortunately, there was no radiation leak and there was no damage to the reactors. The plant has remained at the front lines of the Russia-Ukraine conflict ever since and the two nations continue to blame one another for the strike.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-military-need-to-use-nuclear-arms-in-ukraine-says-russia-calls-speculations-absolute-lies-507644" hreflang="en">Ukraine nuclear plant standoff: No 'military need' to use nuclear arms in Ukraine, says Russia</a>

Talking about the ongoing blame game between Russia and Ukraine and his thoughts on who actually shelled the plant Bishop remarked "If Russian troops are occupying this nuclear power plant it would make little sense for the Ukrainians to shell the facility in order to try and liberate it. Meanwhile, why the Russians would shell a facility that they are controlling also makes little sense from a strategic and tactical standpoint."

He pointed out that "there is a very intensive propaganda, information war being conducted by both Ukraine and Russia, on social media platforms, through traditional news outlets," and that "each side is working to shape the narrative to their advantage"

"We simply don't have enough details about what exactly is happened or the nature of these shelling, the origin of it to make any kind of clear assessment at this point," he added.

As per reports, on Thursday (August 18), United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan in Kyiv.

The question is: Will the upcoming visits by the heads of the UN and a possible visit by the IAEA chief have any impact or potentially calm things down?

"I think that is certainly the hope of any responsible party that's looking at events around this nuclear power plant. Unfortunately, international organisations like the UN, they've not proven to be particularly affective in this conflict. But there are some signs of hope because there have been some isolated incidents in which the UN was able to achieve limited evacuations of non-combatants in key areas for example," said Bishop.&nbsp;

Although demilitarising the area around the nuclear power plant in Zaporizhzhia would resolve this immediate issue, it wouldn't address the larger issues or the conflict, he said, adding that it is important to keep in mind that this is a critical situation.

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Fears of a nuclear disaster in Ukraine are growing every day as the country and its aggressor Russia, continue to engage in strikes around Europe's largest nuclear power plant, Zaporizhzhia.

Fears of a nuclear disaster in Ukraine are growing every day as the country and its aggressor Russia, continue to engage in strikes around Europe's largest nuclear power plant, Zaporizhzhia. For the last two weeks, the power plant has been at grave risk as shelling around it continues. This has raised concern among the international community, United Nations nuclear watchdog IAEA has even warned of impending nuclear disaster and has called for a demilitarised zone. NATO too has called for an urgent need to inspect the power plant. For insights into the looming tragedy, WION spoke to senior journalist Mac William Bishop, who is currently situated near Mykolaiv, Ukraine. When asked about the present scenario around the Zaporizhzhia power plant, Bishop noted that the situation "isn't clear" at this time. Watch | Is Europe staring at a nuclear disaster? | Ukraine holds disaster response drills As per him "Russian military forces are in control of the nuclear power plant however the Ukrainian workers that operate the plant still continue to go to work, maintain the plant and ensure its safe operation." Bishop says that the situation isn’t that bad at the moment, but that there is a concern that "it could become quite bad, quite quickly" Talking about the 1986 Chornobyl disaster, he said that Ukraine has been the scene of one of the worst nuclear accidents in human history, the fallout of which affected the whole of Europe and the site of which is still the scene of an exclusion zone "where people still can't live and possibly won't be able to for hundreds of years". Also read | Ukraine nuclear operator reports 'most powerful cyberattack since the start of the Russian invasion' "There is a major concern obviously, when you talk about mixing nuclear reactors and high explosives, military grade weapons...the possibility that there could be a catastrophic failure is real and I think that is why so many actors in the international community are now concerned about what is happening in this location." Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned that the impending disaster would affect the whole of Europe and has requested international agencies to intervene. In Bishop's view "It has also been the strategy of the Ukrainian government to try to get more international actors involved in this conflict and so of course that is also part of the reason why they are reaching out to the IAEA and UN for assistance in dealing with this issue" Following the plant's strike in March, nuclear catastrophe was narrowly avoided. Fortunately, there was no radiation leak and there was no damage to the reactors. The plant has remained at the front lines of the Russia-Ukraine conflict ever since and the two nations continue to blame one another for the strike. Also read | Ukraine nuclear plant standoff: No 'military need' to use nuclear arms in Ukraine, says Russia Talking about the ongoing blame game between Russia and Ukraine and his thoughts on who actually shelled the plant Bishop remarked "If Russian troops are occupying this nuclear power plant it would make little sense for the Ukrainians to shell the facility in order to try and liberate it. Meanwhile, why the Russians would shell a facility that they are controlling also makes little sense from a strategic and tactical standpoint." He pointed out that "there is a very intensive propaganda, information war being conducted by both Ukraine and Russia, on social media platforms, through traditional news outlets," and that "each side is working to shape the narrative to their advantage" "We simply don't have enough details about what exactly is happened or the nature of these shelling, the origin of it to make any kind of clear assessment at this point," he added. As per reports, on Thursday (August 18), United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan in Kyiv. The question is: Will the upcoming visits by the heads of the UN and a possible visit by the IAEA chief have any impact or potentially calm things down? "I think that is certainly the hope of any responsible party that's looking at events around this nuclear power plant. Unfortunately, international organisations like the UN, they've not proven to be particularly affective in this conflict. But there are some signs of hope because there have been some isolated incidents in which the UN was able to achieve limited evacuations of non-combatants in key areas for example," said Bishop. Although demilitarising the area around the nuclear power plant in Zaporizhzhia would resolve this immediate issue, it wouldn't address the larger issues or the conflict, he said, adding that it is important to keep in mind that this is a critical situation. "Threats of nuclear force, threats of nuclear terrorism, they have been a constant backdrop to this conflict and the only way to end that threat is to end the war, unfortunately that does not appear to be something that's likely to happen in the next few months." × Watch WION LIVE HERE: You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Exclusive | Only way to end nuclear threat from Zaporizhzhia 'is to end the war', says senior journalist

On Tuesday, jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny called for a systematic crackdown on Russian oligarchs who have been backing Vladimir Putin's military campaign in Ukraine.

Calling attention to the pre-existing sanctions by the United States, European Union or the United Kingdom on some of Russia's wealthiest, Navalny pointed out that only 46 of the Forbes list of Russia's 200 richest people have been hit by western sanctions.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Putin promises to arm Russia's allies

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"That doesn't sound very much like an all-out war on Putin's oligarchs to me," he remarked.

He said that Alexei Miller, the CEO of the Russian gas giant Gazprom, was still exempt from EU sanctions.

Another name he pointed out was that of Roman Abramovich, a well-known Russian businessman and former owner of the Chelsea football club. Navalny said that despite the fact that Abramovich's enterprises supply "metal to the Russian defence ministry" has so far evaded US sanctions.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-nuclear-operator-reports-most-powerful-cyberattack-since-the-start-of-the-russian-invasion-507577" hreflang="en">Ukraine nuclear operator reports 'most powerful cyberattack since the start of the Russian invasion'</a>

If, despite considerable chatter, "we&nbsp;still don't use the stick against them, while allowing them to keep all their carrots", said Navalny,&nbsp;"we can't expect a split among Putin's elite on the issue of war".

"I call on all voters and legislators in the EU, UK, US and Canada to put pressure on the executive branch and force them to stop engaging in demagoguery and urgently get down to massive personal sanctions against Putin's thieves."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/finland-limits-visas-to-russians-as-tourists-use-it-as-a-gateway-to-europe-amid-sanctions-507564" hreflang="en">Finland limits visas to Russian tourists who amid sanctions were using nation as a gateway to Europe</a>

Navalny, who is serving a nine-year prison sentence in a penal colony near the Russian town of Vladimir on embezzlement charges, also advocated for a "20-year" travel restriction on European Union, American, and British territories for anyone who backs the Russian military incursion in Ukraine.

On Tuesday, jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny called for a systematic crackdown on Russian oligarchs who have been backing Vladimir Putin's military campaign in Ukraine.

On Tuesday, jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny called for a systematic crackdown on Russian oligarchs who have been backing Vladimir Putin's military campaign in Ukraine. Calling attention to the pre-existing sanctions by the United States, European Union or the United Kingdom on some of Russia's wealthiest, Navalny pointed out that only 46 of the Forbes list of Russia's 200 richest people have been hit by western sanctions. Watch | Gravitas: Putin promises to arm Russia's allies "That doesn't sound very much like an all-out war on Putin's oligarchs to me," he remarked. He said that Alexei Miller, the CEO of the Russian gas giant Gazprom, was still exempt from EU sanctions. Another name he pointed out was that of Roman Abramovich, a well-known Russian businessman and former owner of the Chelsea football club. Navalny said that despite the fact that Abramovich's enterprises supply "metal to the Russian defence ministry" has so far evaded US sanctions. Also read | Ukraine nuclear operator reports 'most powerful cyberattack since the start of the Russian invasion' If, despite considerable chatter, "we still don't use the stick against them, while allowing them to keep all their carrots", said Navalny, "we can't expect a split among Putin's elite on the issue of war". "I call on all voters and legislators in the EU, UK, US and Canada to put pressure on the executive branch and force them to stop engaging in demagoguery and urgently get down to massive personal sanctions against Putin's thieves." Also read | Finland limits visas to Russian tourists who amid sanctions were using nation as a gateway to Europe Navalny, who is serving a nine-year prison sentence in a penal colony near the Russian town of Vladimir on embezzlement charges, also advocated for a "20-year" travel restriction on European Union, American, and British territories for anyone who backs the Russian military incursion in Ukraine.

Jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny calls for 'an all-out war on Putin's oligarchs'

The Russia-Ukraine war is in its fifth month with no signs of abating. During the course of the war, cyberspace also became a battleground with multiple attacks being reported by the media. Now, Energoatom, a nuclear operator in Ukraine, disclosed on its website on Tuesday what it called "the most powerful cyberattack since the start of the Russian invasion".&nbsp;

However, the nuclear operator claimed that none of its activities had been affected.

As per AFP, taking to Telegram, the operator posted that the Energoatom website was the target of an unprecedented hack since the beginning of the Russian invasion on August 16, 2022. and that the attack originated "from Russian territory".&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Putin promises to arm Russia's allies

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According to Energoatom, the Russian "popular cyberarmy" group attacked the website for three hours using more than 7 million internet bots.

However the assault, "did not have a considerable impact on the work of the Energoatom website".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/finland-limits-visas-to-russians-as-tourists-use-it-as-a-gateway-to-europe-amid-sanctions-507564" hreflang="en">Finland limits visas to Russian tourists who amid sanctions were using nation as a gateway to Europe</a>

As per AFP, around noon, a Russian Telegram channel with the name "popular cyberarmy" urged its users to assault the website of the Ukrainian nuclear operator.

However, by Tuesday, it had declared a "change" of course, directing supporters to a new target — the sluggish website of the Ukrainian Institute of National Remembrance.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mother-heroine-vladimir-putin-revives-soviet-era-award-for-mothers-of-ten-or-more-kids-507507" hreflang="en">'Mother Heroine': Vladimir Putin revives Soviet-era award for mothers of ten or more kids</a>

The cyberattack occurs as resentment rises over the country's southern Zaporizhzhia power facility, which Russian forces took control of in March just after invading its pro-EU neighbour.

Concerns about a nuclear catastrophe have been raised after Russia and Ukraine both accused the other of shelling the largest nuclear facility in Europe.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The Russia-Ukraine war is in its fifth month with no signs of abating. During the course of the war, cyberspace also became a battleground with multiple attacks being reported by the media.

The Russia-Ukraine war is in its fifth month with no signs of abating. During the course of the war, cyberspace also became a battleground with multiple attacks being reported by the media. Now, Energoatom, a nuclear operator in Ukraine, disclosed on its website on Tuesday what it called "the most powerful cyberattack since the start of the Russian invasion". However, the nuclear operator claimed that none of its activities had been affected. As per AFP, taking to Telegram, the operator posted that the Energoatom website was the target of an unprecedented hack since the beginning of the Russian invasion on August 16, 2022. and that the attack originated "from Russian territory". Watch | Gravitas: Putin promises to arm Russia's allies According to Energoatom, the Russian "popular cyberarmy" group attacked the website for three hours using more than 7 million internet bots. However the assault, "did not have a considerable impact on the work of the Energoatom website". Also read | Finland limits visas to Russian tourists who amid sanctions were using nation as a gateway to Europe As per AFP, around noon, a Russian Telegram channel with the name "popular cyberarmy" urged its users to assault the website of the Ukrainian nuclear operator. However, by Tuesday, it had declared a "change" of course, directing supporters to a new target — the sluggish website of the Ukrainian Institute of National Remembrance. Also read | 'Mother Heroine': Vladimir Putin revives Soviet-era award for mothers of ten or more kids The cyberattack occurs as resentment rises over the country's southern Zaporizhzhia power facility, which Russian forces took control of in March just after invading its pro-EU neighbour. Concerns about a nuclear catastrophe have been raised after Russia and Ukraine both accused the other of shelling the largest nuclear facility in Europe. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION LIVE HERE: You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Ukraine nuclear operator reports 'most powerful cyberattack since the start of the Russian invasion'

As the international community expresses concern about the fighting around Europe's largest nuclear power plant, Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Saturday (August 13) that his country is targeting Russian soldiers who shoot at or use the occupied nuclear plant as a shooting base.

Repeating accusations that Russia is using the plant as nuclear blackmail, Zelensky in his evening video address said, "Every Russian soldier&nbsp;who either shoots at the plant, or shoots using the plant as cover, must understand that he becomes a special target for our intelligence agents, for our special services, for our army."&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Ukrainians use 3D tech to preserve the heritage as volunteers scan buildings and monuments

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“And absolutely all officials of the terrorist state, as well as those who help them in this blackmail operation with the nuclear power plant, must answer in an international court,” AFP quoted him as saying.

Early in the battle, Russian troops took control of the station. Ukraine and Russia have traded allegations over a series of recent shelling incidents at Europe's largest Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/volodymyr-zelensky-tells-officials-if-you-want-victory-for-ukraine-stop-talking-to-press-506073" hreflang="en">Volodymyr Zelensky tells officials, 'if you want victory for Ukraine', stop talking to press</a>

Providing an update on Ukraine's frontline actions, he called the battle in Donbas "brutal".

“Fighting in the south of the country brings good news about the destruction of Russian army forces and their means. No day is wasted —&nbsp;we are reducing the occupiers' potential,” he added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/russia-us-in-talks-over-merchant-of-death-for-basketballer-brittny-griner-moscow-506538" hreflang="en">Russia, US in talks over 'Merchant of Death' swap for basketballer Brittney Griner: Moscow</a>

Zelensky also gave an update on the country's grain export situation. According to him, Ukraine was able to export the same amount of grain from three ports in less than two weeks as it had done by road throughout July.

Two more grain-carrying ships left Ukraine's Black Sea ports on Saturday, according to Turkey's defence ministry, increasing the total number of vessels leaving the nation under an UN-brokered pact to 16 so far.

(With inputs from agencies)

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As the international community expresses concern about the fighting around Europe's largest nuclear power plant, Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Saturday (August 13) that his country is targeting Russian soldiers who shoot at or use the occupied nuclear plant as a shooting base.

As the international community expresses concern about the fighting around Europe's largest nuclear power plant, Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Saturday (August 13) that his country is targeting Russian soldiers who shoot at or use the occupied nuclear plant as a shooting base. Repeating accusations that Russia is using the plant as nuclear blackmail, Zelensky in his evening video address said, "Every Russian soldier who either shoots at the plant, or shoots using the plant as cover, must understand that he becomes a special target for our intelligence agents, for our special services, for our army." Watch | Ukrainians use 3D tech to preserve the heritage as volunteers scan buildings and monuments “And absolutely all officials of the terrorist state, as well as those who help them in this blackmail operation with the nuclear power plant, must answer in an international court,” AFP quoted him as saying. Early in the battle, Russian troops took control of the station. Ukraine and Russia have traded allegations over a series of recent shelling incidents at Europe's largest Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station. Also read | Volodymyr Zelensky tells officials, 'if you want victory for Ukraine', stop talking to press Providing an update on Ukraine's frontline actions, he called the battle in Donbas "brutal". “Fighting in the south of the country brings good news about the destruction of Russian army forces and their means. No day is wasted — we are reducing the occupiers' potential,” he added. Also read | Russia, US in talks over 'Merchant of Death' swap for basketballer Brittney Griner: Moscow Zelensky also gave an update on the country's grain export situation. According to him, Ukraine was able to export the same amount of grain from three ports in less than two weeks as it had done by road throughout July. Two more grain-carrying ships left Ukraine's Black Sea ports on Saturday, according to Turkey's defence ministry, increasing the total number of vessels leaving the nation under an UN-brokered pact to 16 so far. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION LIVE HERE: You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Russian soldiers shooting at, or from Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, now Ukraine's 'special targets': Zelensky

Long-time Russian ally China has called the United States the "main instigator" of the Ukraine crisis. As per a Reuters report, China's ambassador to Moscow, Zhang Hanhui, accused Washington of driving Russia into a corner with repeated NATO defence alliance expansions and support for forces working to align Ukraine with the European Union rather than Moscow. Hanhui made this statement in an interview with the Russian state news agency TASS that was released on Wednesday.&nbsp;He also criticised Nancy Pelosi, the speaker of the US House, for travelling to Taiwan, which China has long claimed as part of its territory.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: US announces largest military package yet for Ukraine

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Zhang was quoted as remarking, "As the initiator and main instigator of the Ukrainian crisis, Washington, while imposing unprecedented comprehensive sanctions on Russia, continues to supply arms and military equipment to Ukraine."

"Their ultimate goal is to exhaust and crush Russia with a protracted war and the cudgel of sanctions," he added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-journalist-who-called-out-vladimir-putin-over-ukraine-invasion-now-faces-10-years-in-jail-505738" hreflang="en">Russian journalist who called out Vladimir Putin over Ukraine invasion now faces 10 years in jail</a>

The ambassador's argument for the invasion of Ukraine, which has resulted in thousands of fatalities, the destruction of entire cities, and the forced emigration of more than a quarter of the people, was quite similar to the one used by Russia itself.

According to Zhang, the most essential rule for preserving peace and stability in the world is non-interference in internal matters. Not surprisingly, he&nbsp;used this principle to condemn Washington's Taiwan policy, but not Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thirteen-civilians-killed-in-russian-strikes-near-zaporizhzhia-nuclear-plant-says-ukraine-505586" hreflang="en">Thirteen killed in Russian strikes near Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, says Ukraine</a>

He also criticised Nancy Pelosi, for travelling to the self-governing Island nation of&nbsp;Taiwan last week, which China claims as its own, and contended that the US was using the same strategies in Taiwan and Ukraine to "revive a Cold War mentality, contain China and Russia, and provoke major power rivalry and confrontation."

(With inputs from agencies)

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Long-time Russian ally China has called the United States the "main instigator" of the Ukraine crisis. As per a Reuters report, China's ambassador to Moscow, Zhang Hanhui, accused Washington of driving Russia into a corner with repeated NATO defence alliance expansions and support for forces working to align Ukraine with the European Union rather than Moscow.

Long-time Russian ally China has called the United States the "main instigator" of the Ukraine crisis. As per a Reuters report, China's ambassador to Moscow, Zhang Hanhui, accused Washington of driving Russia into a corner with repeated NATO defence alliance expansions and support for forces working to align Ukraine with the European Union rather than Moscow. Hanhui made this statement in an interview with the Russian state news agency TASS that was released on Wednesday. He also criticised Nancy Pelosi, the speaker of the US House, for travelling to Taiwan, which China has long claimed as part of its territory. Watch | Gravitas: US announces largest military package yet for Ukraine Zhang was quoted as remarking, "As the initiator and main instigator of the Ukrainian crisis, Washington, while imposing unprecedented comprehensive sanctions on Russia, continues to supply arms and military equipment to Ukraine." "Their ultimate goal is to exhaust and crush Russia with a protracted war and the cudgel of sanctions," he added. Also read | Russian journalist who called out Vladimir Putin over Ukraine invasion now faces 10 years in jail The ambassador's argument for the invasion of Ukraine, which has resulted in thousands of fatalities, the destruction of entire cities, and the forced emigration of more than a quarter of the people, was quite similar to the one used by Russia itself. According to Zhang, the most essential rule for preserving peace and stability in the world is non-interference in internal matters. Not surprisingly, he used this principle to condemn Washington's Taiwan policy, but not Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Also read | Thirteen killed in Russian strikes near Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, says Ukraine He also criticised Nancy Pelosi, for travelling to the self-governing Island nation of Taiwan last week, which China claims as its own, and contended that the US was using the same strategies in Taiwan and Ukraine to "revive a Cold War mentality, contain China and Russia, and provoke major power rivalry and confrontation." (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION LIVE HERE: You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

China calls United States 'the initiator and main instigator of the Ukrainian crisis'

As the six-month anniversary of Moscow's invasion of Ukraine approaches, tensions between the west and Russia continue to mount. Now, Russian lawmakers are attempting to ban the adoption of Russian children by nationals of "unfriendly" nations.&nbsp;Russia increased the list of nations, it considers "unfriendly" after the West imposed unprecedented sanctions on Moscow in response to President Vladimir Putin's decision to send troops to pro-Western Ukraine on February 24.&nbsp;The list presently consists of all EU member states as well as the US, Australia, Canada, Britain, New Zealand, Japan, and South Korea.

Watch |&nbsp;Russia pounds Ukraine's Mykolaiv, millionaire businessman dies in attack

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Both houses of the Russian parliament must ratify the legislation before President Vladimir Putin can sign it into effect. If approved, the bill would amend a legislation from 2012 that restricts US families' ability to adopt Russian children.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-blacklists-39-uk-citizens-including-ex-pm-david-cameron-for-demonising-it-on-international-stage-502640" hreflang="en">Russia blacklists 39 UK citizens, including ex-PM David Cameron for 'demonising' it on international stage</a>

Moscow had prohibited American families from adopting Russian children in 2012 as retaliation for the United States government's decision to sanction Russian individuals involved in the 2009 death in custody of lawyer Sergei Magnitsky.

At the time, there was controversy over the restriction because Kremlin critics claimed it made Russian orphans, many of whom had physical or mental disabilities, victims of a standoff between Washington and Moscow.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/world-adoption-day-countries-that-allow-single-parent-adoptions-427987">World Adoption Day: Countries that allow single-parent adoptions</a>

The number of Russian children adopted by foreign families has significantly decreased since the law's introduction in 2012. According to a report by Russian state news agency TASS,&nbsp;240 Russian infants were adopted overseas in 2019, down from 2,604 in 2012.

(With inputs from agencies)

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As the six-month anniversary of Moscow's invasion of Ukraine approaches, tensions between the west and Russia continue to mount. Now, Russian lawmakers are attempting to ban the adoption of Russian children by nationals of "unfriendly" nations.

As the six-month anniversary of Moscow's invasion of Ukraine approaches, tensions between the west and Russia continue to mount. Now, Russian lawmakers are attempting to ban the adoption of Russian children by nationals of "unfriendly" nations. Russia increased the list of nations, it considers "unfriendly" after the West imposed unprecedented sanctions on Moscow in response to President Vladimir Putin's decision to send troops to pro-Western Ukraine on February 24. The list presently consists of all EU member states as well as the US, Australia, Canada, Britain, New Zealand, Japan, and South Korea. Watch | Russia pounds Ukraine's Mykolaiv, millionaire businessman dies in attack Both houses of the Russian parliament must ratify the legislation before President Vladimir Putin can sign it into effect. If approved, the bill would amend a legislation from 2012 that restricts US families' ability to adopt Russian children. Also read | Russia blacklists 39 UK citizens, including ex-PM David Cameron for 'demonising' it on international stage Moscow had prohibited American families from adopting Russian children in 2012 as retaliation for the United States government's decision to sanction Russian individuals involved in the 2009 death in custody of lawyer Sergei Magnitsky. At the time, there was controversy over the restriction because Kremlin critics claimed it made Russian orphans, many of whom had physical or mental disabilities, victims of a standoff between Washington and Moscow. Also read | World Adoption Day: Countries that allow single-parent adoptions The number of Russian children adopted by foreign families has significantly decreased since the law's introduction in 2012. According to a report by Russian state news agency TASS, 240 Russian infants were adopted overseas in 2019, down from 2,604 in 2012. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION LIVE HERE: You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Moscow seeks to stop 'unfriendly' nations from adopting its children. List includes EU nations, UK, US & more

News agency Reuters reported that Russian space officials have told their American counterparts that Moscow expects to remain a part of the International Space Station (ISS) until at least 2028 when their own outpost in orbit is built.

NASA’s space operations chief, Kathy Lueders told the news agency,&nbsp;“We’re not getting any indication at any working level that anything’s changed.”

Surprising NASA by announcing that Moscow intended to end the longstanding space station partnership, the country’s new space chief said that Russia’s space agency Roscosmos will focus on building its own orbiting outpost.

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Amid high tensions between Moscow and the West over the fighting in Ukraine, the International Space Station is now one of the last areas of cooperation between the two countries.

Complaining that the wear and tear on the ageing International Space Station is compromising safety and could make it difficult to extend its lifespan, Russia has expressed a desire to launch its own space station.

The Russian space agency lost a major source of income with Elon Musk’s SpaceX company now flying NASA astronauts to and from the space station.

The International Space Station, which consists of two main sections, is a $100 billion-plus complex that is about as long as a football field with three Russians on board currently.

Although US space agency NASA says it can remain operational until at least 2030, the ISS is due to be retired after 2024.

Following their Space Race competition during the Cold War, the ISS was launched in 1998 at a time of hope for US-Russia cooperation.

(With inputs from agencies)

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News agency Reuters reported that Russian space officials have told their American counterparts that Moscow expects to remain a part of the International Space Station (ISS) until at least 2028 when their own outpost in orbit is built.

News agency Reuters reported that Russian space officials have told their American counterparts that Moscow expects to remain a part of the International Space Station (ISS) until at least 2028 when their own outpost in orbit is built. NASA’s space operations chief, Kathy Lueders told the news agency, “We’re not getting any indication at any working level that anything’s changed.” Surprising NASA by announcing that Moscow intended to end the longstanding space station partnership, the country’s new space chief said that Russia’s space agency Roscosmos will focus on building its own orbiting outpost. × Amid high tensions between Moscow and the West over the fighting in Ukraine, the International Space Station is now one of the last areas of cooperation between the two countries. Complaining that the wear and tear on the ageing International Space Station is compromising safety and could make it difficult to extend its lifespan, Russia has expressed a desire to launch its own space station. The Russian space agency lost a major source of income with Elon Musk’s SpaceX company now flying NASA astronauts to and from the space station. The International Space Station, which consists of two main sections, is a $100 billion-plus complex that is about as long as a football field with three Russians on board currently. Although US space agency NASA says it can remain operational until at least 2030, the ISS is due to be retired after 2024. Following their Space Race competition during the Cold War, the ISS was launched in 1998 at a time of hope for US-Russia cooperation. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here: ×

Russian space officials expect to remain part of International Space Station till 2028: Report

US President Joe Biden’s administration has offered Russia a deal to secure the release of its two citizens held by Moscow.

Citing people close to the matter, CNN reported that in order to bring home Brittney Griner and Paul Whelan, Russian arms trafficker Viktor Bout has been offered in exchange.

It quoted a senior administration official as saying, “We communicated a substantial offer that we believe could be successful based on a history of conversations with the Russians.”

For the first time since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will speak with his Kremlin counterpart.

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Blinken told reporters that a phone call “in the coming days” with Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov “will not be a negotiation about Ukraine.”

It will focus on the release of detained Americans along with a grain deal to avoid a food crisis.

Reflecting the mounting pressure on the administration over Griner and Whelan, the public acknowledgment of the offer comes at a time when the US has otherwise shunned Russia.

While WNBA star Griner was jailed in Moscow for drug possession, Whelan has been held by Russia for alleged espionage since 2018.

Claiming concerns that they only incentivise countries to detain Americans so they can be used as bargaining chips, the US government has long resisted prisoner swaps.

(With inputs from agencies)

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US President Joe Biden’s administration has offered Russia a deal to secure the release of its two citizens held by Moscow. Citing people close to the matter, CNN reported that in order to bring home Brittney Griner and Paul Whelan, Russian arms trafficker Viktor Bout has been offered in exchange.

US President Joe Biden’s administration has offered Russia a deal to secure the release of its two citizens held by Moscow. Citing people close to the matter, CNN reported that in order to bring home Brittney Griner and Paul Whelan, Russian arms trafficker Viktor Bout has been offered in exchange. It quoted a senior administration official as saying, “We communicated a substantial offer that we believe could be successful based on a history of conversations with the Russians.” For the first time since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will speak with his Kremlin counterpart. × Blinken told reporters that a phone call “in the coming days” with Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov “will not be a negotiation about Ukraine.” It will focus on the release of detained Americans along with a grain deal to avoid a food crisis. Reflecting the mounting pressure on the administration over Griner and Whelan, the public acknowledgment of the offer comes at a time when the US has otherwise shunned Russia. While WNBA star Griner was jailed in Moscow for drug possession, Whelan has been held by Russia for alleged espionage since 2018. Claiming concerns that they only incentivise countries to detain Americans so they can be used as bargaining chips, the US government has long resisted prisoner swaps. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here: ×

Biden offers deal to Russia for release of its two citizens held by Moscow

Ukraine's first lady, Olena Zelenska, made an emotional plea to US legislators on Wednesday for more weapons to combat Russian invaders. Zelenska said she was speaking on behalf of millions of Ukrainian parents fearing for their children and that Ukraine needs air-defence systems "in order for rockets not to kill children in their strollers". Acknowledging that it was unusual for a first lady to seek firearms she insisted that it was necessary. She pleaded with the US lawmakers "Help us to stop this terror against Ukrainians".&nbsp;She also met President Joe Biden on Tuesday, who along with the US Congress has been eager to provide Ukraine with weapons, and has approved a $40 billion package in May.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Putin scores a big win against America

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"We want every father and every mother to be able to tell their child, 'Go to sleep peacefully, there will be no more air strikes, no more missile strikes.' Is this too much to wish for?" she asked.

As Russian soldiers advance in the east, Ukraine has been attempting to acquire a more consistent flow of arms, notably longer-range precise rockets.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/america-to-send-four-more-precision-rocket-systems-to-ukraine-says-us-defense-secretary-499308" hreflang="en">America to send four more precision rocket systems to Ukraine, says US defence secretary</a>

Zelenska thanked the US politicians for their help and remarked, "While Russia kills, America saves."

Following the lead of her husband, President Volodymyr Zelensky, who had previously used horrific images during his virtual appearance before the US Congress, Olena Zelenska, exhibited photographs of happy children who had been killed or injured by Russia.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-asks-countries-to-cut-gas-use-to-tackle-russian-blackmail-499302" hreflang="en">EU asks countries to cut gas use to tackle Russian 'blackmail'</a>

One of them was Liza Dmitrieva, a 4-year-old with Down syndrome who was seen in her mother's video smiling in her stroller an hour before she was killed by a Russian attack in Vinnytsia last week.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Ukraine's first lady, Olena Zelenska, made an emotional plea to US legislators on Wednesday for more weapons to combat Russian invaders. Zelenska said she was speaking on behalf of millions of Ukrainian parents fearing for their children and that Ukraine needs air-defence systems "in order for rockets not to kill children in their strollers".

Ukraine's first lady, Olena Zelenska, made an emotional plea to US legislators on Wednesday for more weapons to combat Russian invaders. Zelenska said she was speaking on behalf of millions of Ukrainian parents fearing for their children and that Ukraine needs air-defence systems "in order for rockets not to kill children in their strollers". Acknowledging that it was unusual for a first lady to seek firearms she insisted that it was necessary. She pleaded with the US lawmakers "Help us to stop this terror against Ukrainians". She also met President Joe Biden on Tuesday, who along with the US Congress has been eager to provide Ukraine with weapons, and has approved a $40 billion package in May. Watch | Gravitas: Putin scores a big win against America "We want every father and every mother to be able to tell their child, 'Go to sleep peacefully, there will be no more air strikes, no more missile strikes.' Is this too much to wish for?" she asked. As Russian soldiers advance in the east, Ukraine has been attempting to acquire a more consistent flow of arms, notably longer-range precise rockets. Also read | America to send four more precision rocket systems to Ukraine, says US defence secretary Zelenska thanked the US politicians for their help and remarked, "While Russia kills, America saves." Following the lead of her husband, President Volodymyr Zelensky, who had previously used horrific images during his virtual appearance before the US Congress, Olena Zelenska, exhibited photographs of happy children who had been killed or injured by Russia. Also read | EU asks countries to cut gas use to tackle Russian 'blackmail' One of them was Liza Dmitrieva, a 4-year-old with Down syndrome who was seen in her mother's video smiling in her stroller an hour before she was killed by a Russian attack in Vinnytsia last week. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION LIVE HERE: You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'While Russia kills, America saves': Ukraine's first lady asks US for more weapons to combat Russian invaders

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky has refuted claims that Russia's airstrikes on his country had been "paused". The war-torn country's President in his nightly address on Sunday said that there was no let-up in air strikes from the aggressor Russia, on Ukraine. His statement comes after officials in Ukraine's Donetsk region, said that at least fifteen people have been killed and an additional two dozen were feared to be trapped under the rubble after Russian Uragan rockets hit a five-storey apartment block. As per Zelensky the death toll from the attack in the Donetsk town of Chasiv Yar was likely to rise.

Watch |&nbsp;Russian strike kills 15 in East Ukraine as Russian rocket hits housing block

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"Two residential high-rise buildings were destroyed. Dozens of people are under the rubble. Six were saved. There are 15 names in the list of the dead and, unfortunately, this is not the final number," Zelensky said.

"34 airstrikes by Russian aviation in the past 24 hours, in one past day, is an answer to all those who invented this "pause"," he said.

The Chasiv Yar apartment complex was the target of a strike on Saturday night, July 10, according to Donetsk Governor Pavlo Kyrylenko.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-war-at-least-15-dead-as-russian-rockets-hit-ukraine-apartment-block-496194" hreflang="en">Russia-Ukraine war: At least 15 dead, several feared trapped as Russian rockets hit apartment block in Ukraine</a>

On Sunday afternoon, the local rescue agency reported 15 fatalities, adding that 24 more people might still be trapped beneath the rubble.

Zelensky said that&nbsp; "The Ukrainian army is holding on, holding firm," adding "But, of course, a lot still needs to be done so that Russian losses become such that there will really be a pause."

As per a Reuters report, Ukraine on Sunday also&nbsp;reported clashes with Russian forces on fronts in the east and south. Moscow, meanwhile, claimed that its forces had attacked hangars used by the Ukrainian army to store M777 howitzers made in the United States close to Kostyantynivka in the Donetsk region.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky has refuted claims that Russia's airstrikes on his country had been "paused". The war-torn country's President in his nightly address on Sunday said that there was no let-up in air strikes from the aggressor Russia, on Ukraine.

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky has refuted claims that Russia's airstrikes on his country had been "paused". The war-torn country's President in his nightly address on Sunday said that there was no let-up in air strikes from the aggressor Russia, on Ukraine. His statement comes after officials in Ukraine's Donetsk region, said that at least fifteen people have been killed and an additional two dozen were feared to be trapped under the rubble after Russian Uragan rockets hit a five-storey apartment block. As per Zelensky the death toll from the attack in the Donetsk town of Chasiv Yar was likely to rise. Watch | Russian strike kills 15 in East Ukraine as Russian rocket hits housing block "Two residential high-rise buildings were destroyed. Dozens of people are under the rubble. Six were saved. There are 15 names in the list of the dead and, unfortunately, this is not the final number," Zelensky said. "34 airstrikes by Russian aviation in the past 24 hours, in one past day, is an answer to all those who invented this "pause"," he said. The Chasiv Yar apartment complex was the target of a strike on Saturday night, July 10, according to Donetsk Governor Pavlo Kyrylenko. Also read | Russia-Ukraine war: At least 15 dead, several feared trapped as Russian rockets hit apartment block in Ukraine On Sunday afternoon, the local rescue agency reported 15 fatalities, adding that 24 more people might still be trapped beneath the rubble. Zelensky said that "The Ukrainian army is holding on, holding firm," adding "But, of course, a lot still needs to be done so that Russian losses become such that there will really be a pause." As per a Reuters report, Ukraine on Sunday also reported clashes with Russian forces on fronts in the east and south. Moscow, meanwhile, claimed that its forces had attacked hangars used by the Ukrainian army to store M777 howitzers made in the United States close to Kostyantynivka in the Donetsk region. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION LIVE HERE: You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Russia-Ukraine war: '34 airstrikes in past 24 hours', Zelensky says there is no 'pause' in Moscow's attacks

Even as the Russian aggression on Ukraine, which has resulted in hundreds of deaths, millions of displaced people, and ruined cities and houses continues after five months, Moscow's former president commented that sanctions, and attempts made by the West to punish a nuclear power like Russia, could endanger humanity. Taking to Telegram, on Wednesday, former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, now deputy chairman of the Russian Security Council, said "The idea of punishing a country that has one of the largest nuclear potentials is absurd. And potentially poses a threat to the existence of humanity."

Watch |&nbsp;Russia's invasion displace millions; a biologist by profession holds key to 19 houses

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The February 24th invasion of Ukraine has triggered some serious sanctions against Russia. The event has also led to the souring of relations between Moscow and the West. As per Reuters, this is the most serious crisis in relations since the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis when it was believed that a nuclear war was imminent.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sloviansk-mayor-urges-residents-to-flee-ukrainian-city-amid-russian-shelling-494805" hreflang="en">Sloviansk mayor urges residents to flee Ukrainian city amid Russian shelling</a>

Now, history seems to be repeating itself. The threat of a nuclear attack remains imminent. According to the Federation of American Scientists, Russia and the United States jointly hold around 4,000 nuclear warheads, controlling nearly 90 per cent of the world's total.

As per US President Joe Biden and much of the West, Russian President Vladimir Putin is a war criminal. The Russian military, according to Ukraine and its Western supporters, has committed war crimes.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-parliament-gives-initial-approval-to-laws-for-a-war-economy-494678" hreflang="en">Russian parliament gives initial approval to laws for a war economy</a>

However, Medvedev painted the United States as an empire that has shed blood all over the globe. He made references to the massacre of Native Americans, nuclear assaults on Japan, and a number of wars ranging from Vietnam to Afghanistan.

It would be pointless and maybe catastrophic to try and use courts or tribunals to look into Russia's conduct in Ukraine, Medvedev warned.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Even as the Russian aggression on Ukraine, which has resulted in hundreds of deaths, millions of displaced people, and ruined cities and houses continues after five months, Moscow's former president commented that sanctions, and attempts made by the West to punish a nuclear power like Russia, could endanger humanity.

Even as the Russian aggression on Ukraine, which has resulted in hundreds of deaths, millions of displaced people, and ruined cities and houses continues after five months, Moscow's former president commented that sanctions, and attempts made by the West to punish a nuclear power like Russia, could endanger humanity. Taking to Telegram, on Wednesday, former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, now deputy chairman of the Russian Security Council, said "The idea of punishing a country that has one of the largest nuclear potentials is absurd. And potentially poses a threat to the existence of humanity." Watch | Russia's invasion displace millions; a biologist by profession holds key to 19 houses The February 24th invasion of Ukraine has triggered some serious sanctions against Russia. The event has also led to the souring of relations between Moscow and the West. As per Reuters, this is the most serious crisis in relations since the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis when it was believed that a nuclear war was imminent. Also read | Sloviansk mayor urges residents to flee Ukrainian city amid Russian shelling Now, history seems to be repeating itself. The threat of a nuclear attack remains imminent. According to the Federation of American Scientists, Russia and the United States jointly hold around 4,000 nuclear warheads, controlling nearly 90 per cent of the world's total. As per US President Joe Biden and much of the West, Russian President Vladimir Putin is a war criminal. The Russian military, according to Ukraine and its Western supporters, has committed war crimes. Also read | Russian parliament gives initial approval to laws for a war economy However, Medvedev painted the United States as an empire that has shed blood all over the globe. He made references to the massacre of Native Americans, nuclear assaults on Japan, and a number of wars ranging from Vietnam to Afghanistan. It would be pointless and maybe catastrophic to try and use courts or tribunals to look into Russia's conduct in Ukraine, Medvedev warned. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION LIVE HERE: You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Even as Ukraine war leaves thousand dead, Russia warns humanity at risk if West seeks to punish it

Backdrop

As the Russia-Ukraine war completes three months, both sides are witnessing spectacular twists and turns, showing that reality is hitting both sides. Few would have predicted a month ago that President Putin would be willing to swallow the bitter pill of Finland and Sweden's bid to join NATO, which effectively amounts to NATO's eastward expansion, adding over a thousand kilometres of direct land border between Russia and NATO, and respond only with a weak warning to react to increased weapon deployment in these two countries.

Likewise, the rhetoric of Ukraine winning the war overhyped by the US led NATO through exhaustive information and perception war, seems to be fading with the surrender of over 2000 Azov fighters in Mariupol, cutting off Ukraine from the Sea of Azov, besides losing a large chunk of land in Donbas Region. President Zelensky's&nbsp;acknowledgement of diplomacy being the only answer, highlighting concerns for people and soldiers is not too late, if those interested in prolonging this war let him act on it. &nbsp;

Parties to the Conflict

The war is sparing no one in the world from inflationary pressures, having doubled the figures of the global food insecure population, due to acute food shortage, triggering the blame game by both sides to seek concessions. While Russia can be accused of launching a pre-emptive ground offensive on Ukraine, NATO can also be accused of creating conditions threatening Russia by continued eastward expansion and proxy war. While the kinetic, contact, hybrid war is on between Russia and Ukraine, the US-led NATO is fighting a non-kinetic, non-contact, undeclared war in economic, information, diplomatic and political domains, against Russia; hence de-facto parties to the war.&nbsp;

Russian Stakes and Compulsions&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

After three months of the war, while Russia can draw solace from sizeable territorial gains and linking Donbas with Crimea after capture of Mariupol, but at a very heavy cost of men and material, besides unprecedented economic stress due to crippling sanctions by the West. It has made President Putin revisit his stance on Finland and Sweden, as it is cost-prohibitive for Russia to open another front with NATO on Finland's borders. It, therefore, makes better sense for him to achieve the desired end state in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine by liberating Donbas Region, landlocking Ukraine and dealing with Finland later. Russia realises its limitations in economic, diplomatic, information and political warfare domain; hence more territorial gains on the ground to landlock Ukraine by extending the land bridge between Crimea, Odesa to Transnistria and liberating Donbas is the best option for it, to gain better negotiating position, to have the sanctions lifted.&nbsp;

Ukrainian Stakes and Compulsions &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

President Zelensky appears to recognise that neither he nor the western propaganda-based information war, which has made him a hero and outright winner, can be sustained in the long run, having lost more territory the size of some European countries, left with devastated towns, over four million refugees, heavy casualties, and the surrender of his overhyped Azov Regiments. While additional aid and weaponry with a $40 billion cheque from the US and $16.4 billion from the EU can boost his combat power, but regaining lost ground from Russians is going to be extremely difficult, as they will use built up areas for defending their gains, as Ukraine did. Prolonging war doesn’t guarantee peace for Ukraine, but it may result in greater territorial loss, unending proxy war, and a long-term Russian threat.

NATO’s Stakes and Compulsions&nbsp;

NATO seems to be emboldened by the soft Russian response to the bid of Finland and Sweden to join NATO, with a confidence that Russia has been adequately weakened to challenge the eastward expansion of NATO; hence, it is keen to add these two countries with strong militaries, to secure its northern flank and have a better collective security posture in the long run. It also makes sense in the context of Sino-Russian footprints in the Arctic region and the North Atlantic Ocean. Towards that aim, it is ready to sacrifice some of its energy and economic interests for the time being.&nbsp;

It is too early to predict how long this show of unified strength will continue because the war is certainly not making Europe peaceful, with millions of refugees and non-state actors activated and a longer border with belligerent Russia, which will reorganise itself, learning from its miscalculations. While NATO may be able to handle the objections of Turkey and Croatia with few concessions/addressing security concerns, but the disagreement regarding long term energy security may not be easy to handle, once the rhetoric of united NATO starts fading with economic fatigue and energy deficit.&nbsp;

Is USA the Beneficiary?

In short term the USA can rejoice some immediate gains. It has been able to get control of NATO, weaken Russia, create market for its arms dealers, energy companies and infrastructure contractors. It has been able to block strategic Nord Stream 1 and 2, and encourage EU to find alternate energy sources, thereby reducing Russian influence drastically.&nbsp;

It has, however, incurred certain long-term losses, the most serious of which is driving Russia into a stronger China-Russia Axis than ever before, which is beyond its individual capabilities to handle. True, this battle has revitalised NATO, but it has also strengthened the Russia-China-Iran nexus, or anti-West alliance. Sanctions have fueled calls for an alternative financial system to avoid financial paralysis caused by a monopolized dollarized financial system, which could harm the US in the long run.

The US's global exhibition of backing proxy war by enabling Ukraine/Zelensky to fight to the bitter end in order to achieve its geopolitical aim of weakening Russia, with no American losses has tarnished the US's reputation as an ally/partner. Indeed, more than $56 billion in funding for a proxy war in Ukraine, which is more than double the amount spent in Afghanistan's 20-year war, reveals misplaced priorities, unless US is counting on making much more money from increased weapon sales by prolonging the war.

It has put Taiwan, Japan and South Korea on notice facing a similar threat&nbsp;from aggressive China, to which US has been extremely shy of sanctioning it, despite later breaching territorial integrity of many democracies in the South China Sea, violating Taiwanese air space at will, and incremental encroachment in Himalayas. The world, struggling with financial, food and energy crises, doesn’t want any extension of war, on any pretext.&nbsp;

The visit of President Biden to the Indo-Pacific is significant to restoring the declining confidence of allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific, without which, taking on China's challenge is difficult. Many in this region accuse Biden administration of reactivating Cold War 1.0 with Russia, diluting Cold War 2.0 with China, which is a bigger global challenge with better economic muscles. The proposed launch of Indo Pacific Economic Forum is to lure more regional countries to gain lost ground in economic engagement vis a vis China.

Way Ahead&nbsp;

In a situation where NATO continues to persuade Zelensky to fight, giving hopes to recapturing the entire territory of Ukraine, and the Russians continue incremental efforts to achieve an end state of landlocked Ukraine and independent Donbas, the war will continue. Neither the sanctions have deterred Russia, nor blocking gas flow by Russia will deter NATO. As long as Ukraine is ready to be used as a tool in big power contestation and NATO continues to add fuel to the fire, the chances of talks or any mediation seem to be a remote possibility. In the Russia Ukraine war, there will be no winners, but a new set of security and economic challenges will impact the entire world.

Having tested US responses in Ukraine, the growing Chinese aggressiveness in Indo-Pacific is a wake-up call to US to avoid losing influence in the region, especially after losing considerable strategic space in the Middle East and Af-Pak regions. Chinese footprints in the Solomon Islands surprised US and Australia. Regular violation of ADIZ of Taiwan, belligerent North Korea threatening South Korea and Japan, reassertion of Chinese and Russian claims against Japan indicate that US resolve is under greater threat in the Indo-Pacific, where it has obligation to defend Japan and South Korea and the strategic necessity to save Taiwan. It is also not easy to find another Zelensky/Ukraine in Asia, willing to act as proxy of NATO. It is, for this reason, President Joe Biden needs partners in Indo-Pacific, to strengthen/expand Quad, and put up viable alternative economic, infrastructure, technological and supply chains in Indo-Pacific with allies and partners. The UK Foreign Minister’s call for Global NATO seems far fetched at this point in time but indicates desperation for global support to face the reality of the threat from growing Chinese Russian alliance. &nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Backdrop As the Russia-Ukraine war completes three months, both sides are witnessing spectacular twists and turns, showing that reality is hitting both sides. Few would have predicted a month ago that President Putin would be willing to swallow the bitter pill of Finland and Sweden's bid to join NATO, which effectively amounts to NATO's eastward expansion, adding over a thousand kilometres of direct land border between Russia and NATO, and respond only with a weak warning to react to increased weapon deployment in these two countries.

Backdrop As the Russia-Ukraine war completes three months, both sides are witnessing spectacular twists and turns, showing that reality is hitting both sides. Few would have predicted a month ago that President Putin would be willing to swallow the bitter pill of Finland and Sweden's bid to join NATO, which effectively amounts to NATO's eastward expansion, adding over a thousand kilometres of direct land border between Russia and NATO, and respond only with a weak warning to react to increased weapon deployment in these two countries. Likewise, the rhetoric of Ukraine winning the war overhyped by the US led NATO through exhaustive information and perception war, seems to be fading with the surrender of over 2000 Azov fighters in Mariupol, cutting off Ukraine from the Sea of Azov, besides losing a large chunk of land in Donbas Region. President Zelensky's acknowledgement of diplomacy being the only answer, highlighting concerns for people and soldiers is not too late, if those interested in prolonging this war let him act on it. Parties to the Conflict The war is sparing no one in the world from inflationary pressures, having doubled the figures of the global food insecure population, due to acute food shortage, triggering the blame game by both sides to seek concessions. While Russia can be accused of launching a pre-emptive ground offensive on Ukraine, NATO can also be accused of creating conditions threatening Russia by continued eastward expansion and proxy war. While the kinetic, contact, hybrid war is on between Russia and Ukraine, the US-led NATO is fighting a non-kinetic, non-contact, undeclared war in economic, information, diplomatic and political domains, against Russia; hence de-facto parties to the war. Russian Stakes and Compulsions After three months of the war, while Russia can draw solace from sizeable territorial gains and linking Donbas with Crimea after capture of Mariupol, but at a very heavy cost of men and material, besides unprecedented economic stress due to crippling sanctions by the West. It has made President Putin revisit his stance on Finland and Sweden, as it is cost-prohibitive for Russia to open another front with NATO on Finland's borders. It, therefore, makes better sense for him to achieve the desired end state in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine by liberating Donbas Region, landlocking Ukraine and dealing with Finland later. Russia realises its limitations in economic, diplomatic, information and political warfare domain; hence more territorial gains on the ground to landlock Ukraine by extending the land bridge between Crimea, Odesa to Transnistria and liberating Donbas is the best option for it, to gain better negotiating position, to have the sanctions lifted. Ukrainian Stakes and Compulsions President Zelensky appears to recognise that neither he nor the western propaganda-based information war, which has made him a hero and outright winner, can be sustained in the long run, having lost more territory the size of some European countries, left with devastated towns, over four million refugees, heavy casualties, and the surrender of his overhyped Azov Regiments. While additional aid and weaponry with a $40 billion cheque from the US and $16.4 billion from the EU can boost his combat power, but regaining lost ground from Russians is going to be extremely difficult, as they will use built up areas for defending their gains, as Ukraine did. Prolonging war doesn’t guarantee peace for Ukraine, but it may result in greater territorial loss, unending proxy war, and a long-term Russian threat. NATO’s Stakes and Compulsions NATO seems to be emboldened by the soft Russian response to the bid of Finland and Sweden to join NATO, with a confidence that Russia has been adequately weakened to challenge the eastward expansion of NATO; hence, it is keen to add these two countries with strong militaries, to secure its northern flank and have a better collective security posture in the long run. It also makes sense in the context of Sino-Russian footprints in the Arctic region and the North Atlantic Ocean. Towards that aim, it is ready to sacrifice some of its energy and economic interests for the time being. It is too early to predict how long this show of unified strength will continue because the war is certainly not making Europe peaceful, with millions of refugees and non-state actors activated and a longer border with belligerent Russia, which will reorganise itself, learning from its miscalculations. While NATO may be able to handle the objections of Turkey and Croatia with few concessions/addressing security concerns, but the disagreement regarding long term energy security may not be easy to handle, once the rhetoric of united NATO starts fading with economic fatigue and energy deficit. Is USA the Beneficiary? In short term the USA can rejoice some immediate gains. It has been able to get control of NATO, weaken Russia, create market for its arms dealers, energy companies and infrastructure contractors. It has been able to block strategic Nord Stream 1 and 2, and encourage EU to find alternate energy sources, thereby reducing Russian influence drastically. It has, however, incurred certain long-term losses, the most serious of which is driving Russia into a stronger China-Russia Axis than ever before, which is beyond its individual capabilities to handle. True, this battle has revitalised NATO, but it has also strengthened the Russia-China-Iran nexus, or anti-West alliance. Sanctions have fueled calls for an alternative financial system to avoid financial paralysis caused by a monopolized dollarized financial system, which could harm the US in the long run. The US's global exhibition of backing proxy war by enabling Ukraine/Zelensky to fight to the bitter end in order to achieve its geopolitical aim of weakening Russia, with no American losses has tarnished the US's reputation as an ally/partner. Indeed, more than $56 billion in funding for a proxy war in Ukraine, which is more than double the amount spent in Afghanistan's 20-year war, reveals misplaced priorities, unless US is counting on making much more money from increased weapon sales by prolonging the war. It has put Taiwan, Japan and South Korea on notice facing a similar threat from aggressive China, to which US has been extremely shy of sanctioning it, despite later breaching territorial integrity of many democracies in the South China Sea, violating Taiwanese air space at will, and incremental encroachment in Himalayas. The world, struggling with financial, food and energy crises, doesn’t want any extension of war, on any pretext. The visit of President Biden to the Indo-Pacific is significant to restoring the declining confidence of allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific, without which, taking on China's challenge is difficult. Many in this region accuse Biden administration of reactivating Cold War 1.0 with Russia, diluting Cold War 2.0 with China, which is a bigger global challenge with better economic muscles. The proposed launch of Indo Pacific Economic Forum is to lure more regional countries to gain lost ground in economic engagement vis a vis China. Way Ahead In a situation where NATO continues to persuade Zelensky to fight, giving hopes to recapturing the entire territory of Ukraine, and the Russians continue incremental efforts to achieve an end state of landlocked Ukraine and independent Donbas, the war will continue. Neither the sanctions have deterred Russia, nor blocking gas flow by Russia will deter NATO. As long as Ukraine is ready to be used as a tool in big power contestation and NATO continues to add fuel to the fire, the chances of talks or any mediation seem to be a remote possibility. In the Russia Ukraine war, there will be no winners, but a new set of security and economic challenges will impact the entire world. Having tested US responses in Ukraine, the growing Chinese aggressiveness in Indo-Pacific is a wake-up call to US to avoid losing influence in the region, especially after losing considerable strategic space in the Middle East and Af-Pak regions. Chinese footprints in the Solomon Islands surprised US and Australia. Regular violation of ADIZ of Taiwan, belligerent North Korea threatening South Korea and Japan, reassertion of Chinese and Russian claims against Japan indicate that US resolve is under greater threat in the Indo-Pacific, where it has obligation to defend Japan and South Korea and the strategic necessity to save Taiwan. It is also not easy to find another Zelensky/Ukraine in Asia, willing to act as proxy of NATO. It is, for this reason, President Joe Biden needs partners in Indo-Pacific, to strengthen/expand Quad, and put up viable alternative economic, infrastructure, technological and supply chains in Indo-Pacific with allies and partners. The UK Foreign Minister’s call for Global NATO seems far fetched at this point in time but indicates desperation for global support to face the reality of the threat from growing Chinese Russian alliance. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Opinion | Is war-fatigue causing twists and turns in the Russia-Ukraine War?

More than two months have passed since the Russia-Ukraine conflict began, 66 days to be exact, and it is not showing any signs of slowing down.

Even after multiple rounds of peace talks, a consensus is yet to be reached, and the war continues both on the streets and online.

Now, the British Foreign Office on Sunday (May 1st) has accused Moscow of using a 'troll factory' to spread disinformation about the war in Ukraine.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/surprising-in-three-months-five-russian-oligarchs-found-dead-families-of-3-businessmen-killed-too-475202" hreflang="en">In three months, five Russian oligarchs found dead; families of 3 businessmen killed too</a>

As per them, Russia is using disinformation to target politicians across a number of countries, including Britain and South Africa.

This is based on UK-funded research which is yet to be published. As per the country, the research exposes how the Kremlin's disinformation campaign attempts to manipulate international public opinion of the Russian invasion of its neighbour while also recruiting sympathisers.

Watch |&nbsp;Will Putin declare war against Ukraine? Watch UK Defence Secretary speak on Ukraine conflict

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/will-putin-declare-war-against-ukraine-watch-uk-defence-secretary-speak-on-ukraine-conflict-475270/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"The UK government has alerted international partners and will continue to work closely with allies and media platforms to undermine Russian information operations", said British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss in a statement, adding "we cannot allow the Kremlin and it's shady troll farms to invade our online space with their lies about Putin's illegal war."

Britain alleges that it has traced the Russian disinformation campaign to eight platforms including Telegram, Twitter, Facebook and Tik Tok. It has also accused the country of trying to recruit and coordinate with new supporters who then target Kremlin critics' profiles.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukrainian-police-find-three-bodies-with-hands-tied-near-bucha-475267" hreflang="en">Ukrainian police find three bodies with hands tied near Bucha</a>

On the other hand, Russia calls the western media's coverage of the conflict biased. As per the Kremlin, the Western media narrative ignores the ex-soviet country's concerns about NATO expansion and the alleged persecution of Russian speaking people in Ukraine.

This war is not the first time Russia has been accused of participating in a disinformation campaign. Earlier in 2016, the US accused Moscow of meddling in the presidential election.

Watch WION LIVE HERE:

<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>

(With inputs from agencies)

More than two months have passed since the Russia-Ukraine conflict began, 66 days to be exact, and it is not showing any signs of slowing down. Even after multiple rounds of peace talks, a consensus is yet to be reached, and the war continues both on the streets and online.

More than two months have passed since the Russia-Ukraine conflict began, 66 days to be exact, and it is not showing any signs of slowing down. Even after multiple rounds of peace talks, a consensus is yet to be reached, and the war continues both on the streets and online. Now, the British Foreign Office on Sunday (May 1st) has accused Moscow of using a 'troll factory' to spread disinformation about the war in Ukraine. Also read | In three months, five Russian oligarchs found dead; families of 3 businessmen killed too As per them, Russia is using disinformation to target politicians across a number of countries, including Britain and South Africa. This is based on UK-funded research which is yet to be published. As per the country, the research exposes how the Kremlin's disinformation campaign attempts to manipulate international public opinion of the Russian invasion of its neighbour while also recruiting sympathisers. Watch | Will Putin declare war against Ukraine? Watch UK Defence Secretary speak on Ukraine conflict "The UK government has alerted international partners and will continue to work closely with allies and media platforms to undermine Russian information operations", said British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss in a statement, adding "we cannot allow the Kremlin and it's shady troll farms to invade our online space with their lies about Putin's illegal war." Britain alleges that it has traced the Russian disinformation campaign to eight platforms including Telegram, Twitter, Facebook and Tik Tok. It has also accused the country of trying to recruit and coordinate with new supporters who then target Kremlin critics' profiles. Also read | Ukrainian police find three bodies with hands tied near Bucha On the other hand, Russia calls the western media's coverage of the conflict biased. As per the Kremlin, the Western media narrative ignores the ex-soviet country's concerns about NATO expansion and the alleged persecution of Russian speaking people in Ukraine. This war is not the first time Russia has been accused of participating in a disinformation campaign. Earlier in 2016, the US accused Moscow of meddling in the presidential election. Watch WION LIVE HERE: (With inputs from agencies)

Britain says Russia using 'troll farms' to spread disinformation about the Ukraine conflict

War is made up of more than two sides battling for victory; it also includes hundreds of thousands of refugees fighting for their lives.

Ukraine is Europe's fastest-growing refugee crisis since World War II.&nbsp;

The United Nations predicted Tuesday that more than eight million Ukrainians may flee as refugees this year. The organisation has also doubled its relief request for those trapped in the war-torn country.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-kingdoms-defence-ministry-investigating-russian-hack-targeting-its-army-recruits-473963" hreflang="en">United Kingdom's defence ministry investigating Russian hack targeting its army recruits</a>

More than 5.2 million Ukrainians have already fled the nation in the two months since Russia launched its full-fledged invasion on February 24.

The UN refugee agency had predicted that up to four million people would migrate this year and had initially estimated that $1.85 billion would be required to support refugees in neighbouring countries.

On March 1, the United Nations again issued an urgent appeal for $1.1 billion to support six million people within the country over the next three months.

Watch | Russian rockets target residential buildings in Kharkiv; 5 dead, several injured

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russian-rockets-target-residential-buildings-in-kharkiv-5-dead-several-injured-473950/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Now, on Tuesday, the UN's humanitarian office, OCHA, said it estimates that more than $2.25 billion is needed to meet the country's growing requirements and that the appealed amount would last through August.

This is significant because it implies the UN's humanitarian agency has more than doubled its estimate for the amount of money required to help people within Ukraine.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/danger-of-world-war-iii-is-real-warns-russian-foreign-minister-lavrov-473854" hreflang="en">Danger of World War III is 'real', warns Russian foreign minister Lavrov</a>

In Ukraine, the number of individuals who require humanitarian assistance has also risen to 15.7 million, up from 12 million previously.

UNHCR spokeswoman Shabia Mantoo told reporters in Geneva that the new predicted number was reached "in collaboration with the authorities and neighbouring countries."&nbsp;

"But it is important to remember that this situation is highly dynamic," she added.

Watch WION LIVE HERE:

<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>

(With inputs from agencies)

War is made up of more than two sides battling for victory; it also includes hundreds of thousands of refugees fighting for their lives. Ukraine is Europe's fastest-growing refugee crisis since World War II.

War is made up of more than two sides battling for victory; it also includes hundreds of thousands of refugees fighting for their lives. Ukraine is Europe's fastest-growing refugee crisis since World War II. The United Nations predicted Tuesday that more than eight million Ukrainians may flee as refugees this year. The organisation has also doubled its relief request for those trapped in the war-torn country. Also read | United Kingdom's defence ministry investigating Russian hack targeting its army recruits More than 5.2 million Ukrainians have already fled the nation in the two months since Russia launched its full-fledged invasion on February 24. The UN refugee agency had predicted that up to four million people would migrate this year and had initially estimated that $1.85 billion would be required to support refugees in neighbouring countries. On March 1, the United Nations again issued an urgent appeal for $1.1 billion to support six million people within the country over the next three months. Watch | Russian rockets target residential buildings in Kharkiv; 5 dead, several injured Now, on Tuesday, the UN's humanitarian office, OCHA, said it estimates that more than $2.25 billion is needed to meet the country's growing requirements and that the appealed amount would last through August. This is significant because it implies the UN's humanitarian agency has more than doubled its estimate for the amount of money required to help people within Ukraine. Also read | Danger of World War III is 'real', warns Russian foreign minister Lavrov In Ukraine, the number of individuals who require humanitarian assistance has also risen to 15.7 million, up from 12 million previously. UNHCR spokeswoman Shabia Mantoo told reporters in Geneva that the new predicted number was reached "in collaboration with the authorities and neighbouring countries." "But it is important to remember that this situation is highly dynamic," she added. Watch WION LIVE HERE: (With inputs from agencies)

UN expects 8 million refugees to flee Ukraine this year, doubles its appeal for funds

Russia has been accused of genocide in Ukraine, the ultimate war crime. However, genocide has a specific legal definition and to date has only been proven in court a few times.

Let's find out more.

What exactly is genocide?

According to the 1948 Genocide Convention, it is defined as crimes done with the goal to eliminate, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial, or religious group.

Killing members of a group, causing substantial bodily or mental injury to them, establishing conditions meant to destroy them, preventing births, or forcibly transferring children to other groups are all examples of genocide.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-armenia-to-myanmar-accusations-of-genocide-in-the-past-464634">From Armenia to Myanmar: Accusations of genocide in the past</a>

What criteria are used to determine genocide?

Prosecutors must first show that the victims were members of a distinct national, ethnic, racial, or religious group in order to prove genocide. This rule does not apply to organisations targeted based on their political ideas.

"Genocide is a difficult crime to prove. Parties have to bring a lot to the table," explained Melanie O'Brien, head of the International Association of Genocide Scholars, citing the combined need of demonstrating intent, targeting a protected group, and crimes such as murder or forcible removal of minors.

Who made the allegation against Russia?

Multiple people. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, US President Joe Biden and even UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson have accused Russian forces of genocide, citing evidence of rape, torture, and executions in districts near Kyiv regained by Ukrainian troops earlier this month.

Watch |&nbsp;Ukraine war: Russian acts in Ukraine amounts to 'genocide', says Joe Biden

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ukraine-war-russian-acts-in-ukraine-amounts-to-genocide-says-joe-biden-470995/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"Yes, I called it genocide because it has become clearer and clearer that (Russian President Vladimir) Putin is just trying to wipe out the idea of being able to be Ukrainian and the evidence is mounting," said Biden.

The scope of the horrors "doesn't look far short of genocide," British Prime Minister Boris Johnson warned last week.

What is Russia's response to these accusations?

Moscow claims the West fabricated evidence to defame its troops, calling the war on its smaller neighbour "a special operation" to stop genocide against Russian speakers in Ukraine.

Will the&nbsp;allegations against Russia&nbsp;be investigated?

In February, the International Criminal Court launched a probe into possible war crimes and crimes against humanity in Ukraine. It has authority over genocide as well.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-icj-ukraine-and-russia-to-fight-again-but-over-genocide-claim-459711">At ICJ, Ukraine and Russia to fight again but over ‘genocide claim’</a>

Are there any old cases of genocide?

Yes, the international courts have had three cases meet their threshold:

-The Cambodian Khmer Rouge slaughter of&nbsp;minority Cham and Vietnamese people in the 1970s. An estimated&nbsp;1.7 million people were murdered in this genocide.

-&nbsp;Rwanda's mass massacre of Tutsis in 1994, which resulted in the deaths of 800,000 people.

-The 1995 Srebrenica massacre in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which claimed the lives of 8,000 Muslim men and boys.

Since the 1990s, the US administration has declared genocide in seven situations: Bosnia, Rwanda, Iraq, Sudan's Darfur area, Islamic State's massacres, particularly against the Yezidi, Myanmar's crackdown on Rohingya Muslims, and China's treatment of Uyghur Muslims. Only time will tell if the Russian violence against Ukraine will be categorized as a 'genocide'.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Russia has been accused of genocide in Ukraine, the ultimate war crime. However, genocide has a specific legal definition and to date has only been proven in court a few times.

Russia has been accused of genocide in Ukraine, the ultimate war crime. However, genocide has a specific legal definition and to date has only been proven in court a few times. Let's find out more. What exactly is genocide? According to the 1948 Genocide Convention, it is defined as crimes done with the goal to eliminate, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial, or religious group. Killing members of a group, causing substantial bodily or mental injury to them, establishing conditions meant to destroy them, preventing births, or forcibly transferring children to other groups are all examples of genocide. Also read | From Armenia to Myanmar: Accusations of genocide in the past What criteria are used to determine genocide? Prosecutors must first show that the victims were members of a distinct national, ethnic, racial, or religious group in order to prove genocide. This rule does not apply to organisations targeted based on their political ideas. "Genocide is a difficult crime to prove. Parties have to bring a lot to the table," explained Melanie O'Brien, head of the International Association of Genocide Scholars, citing the combined need of demonstrating intent, targeting a protected group, and crimes such as murder or forcible removal of minors. Who made the allegation against Russia? Multiple people. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, US President Joe Biden and even UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson have accused Russian forces of genocide, citing evidence of rape, torture, and executions in districts near Kyiv regained by Ukrainian troops earlier this month. Watch | Ukraine war: Russian acts in Ukraine amounts to 'genocide', says Joe Biden "Yes, I called it genocide because it has become clearer and clearer that (Russian President Vladimir) Putin is just trying to wipe out the idea of being able to be Ukrainian and the evidence is mounting," said Biden. The scope of the horrors "doesn't look far short of genocide," British Prime Minister Boris Johnson warned last week. What is Russia's response to these accusations? Moscow claims the West fabricated evidence to defame its troops, calling the war on its smaller neighbour "a special operation" to stop genocide against Russian speakers in Ukraine. Will the allegations against Russia be investigated? In February, the International Criminal Court launched a probe into possible war crimes and crimes against humanity in Ukraine. It has authority over genocide as well. Also read | At ICJ, Ukraine and Russia to fight again but over ‘genocide claim’ Are there any old cases of genocide? Yes, the international courts have had three cases meet their threshold: -The Cambodian Khmer Rouge slaughter of minority Cham and Vietnamese people in the 1970s. An estimated 1.7 million people were murdered in this genocide. - Rwanda's mass massacre of Tutsis in 1994, which resulted in the deaths of 800,000 people. -The 1995 Srebrenica massacre in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which claimed the lives of 8,000 Muslim men and boys. Since the 1990s, the US administration has declared genocide in seven situations: Bosnia, Rwanda, Iraq, Sudan's Darfur area, Islamic State's massacres, particularly against the Yezidi, Myanmar's crackdown on Rohingya Muslims, and China's treatment of Uyghur Muslims. Only time will tell if the Russian violence against Ukraine will be categorized as a 'genocide'. (With inputs from agencies)

WION explains: The ultimate, yet hard to prove war crime called 'genocide'

In a small, peaceful village in southern Spain, there exists a white wall with a board that holds the sign "Square of Mariupol".

As the conflict between Russia and Ukraine rages on even after fifty days, countries around the world have stood up in solidarity with Kyiv amid aggression by Putin's forces.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-russia-steps-up-offensive-in-cities-ukraines-richest-man-vows-to-rebuild-mariupol-471456" hreflang="en">As Russia steps up offensive in cities, Ukraine’s richest man vows to rebuild Mariupol</a>

From offering weapons to aid, countries have come forward to help Ukraine, however, as per a Reuters report a small Spanish village located&nbsp;thousands of kilometres away from the conflict has shown its solidarity in a unique way&nbsp;by changing its name.

Formerly known as "Fuentes de Andalucia", it is now known as&nbsp;"Ukraine", the village has not only changed its name but has also renamed its streets.

Watch |&nbsp;Czech designer comes up with Zelensky's portrait pillows to raise funds for Ukrainians

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/czech-designer-comes-up-with-zelenskys-portrait-pillows-to-raise-funds-for-ukrainians-463993/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In the village of around 7,100 people, just east of Seville, streets are now called City of Kyiv, Mariupol, and Odesa.

The village has also raised 3,500 euros&nbsp;i.e., about $3,780 for a refugee centre within just two days, they have plans to offer homes and refuge to up to 25 refugees at the&nbsp;centre and more with the village’s families.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fleeing-war-russian-and-ukrainian-travel-thousands-of-kilometres-to-get-married-at-mexico-border-471171" hreflang="en">Fleeing war, Russian and Ukrainian travel thousands of kilometres to get married at Mexico border</a>

Earlier, a&nbsp;Czech designer had come up with a novel way to generate donations for Ukrainians afflicted by the country's crisis he designed pillows depicting the president's portrait, Volodymyr Zelensky.

"Many people, mostly of the fair sex, see him as some kind of a sex symbol, so I got the idea to make a pillow which would look like he is actually in their bed," the designer Tomas Brinek had told Reuters news agency on Friday.

Yet another amazing fundraising technique was employed by a small&nbsp;firm&nbsp;in&nbsp;Chicago. Using&nbsp;Lego&nbsp;mini-figures&nbsp;of&nbsp;Ukrainian&nbsp;President&nbsp;Volodymyr&nbsp;Zelensky&nbsp;and&nbsp;Motolov&nbsp;drinks,&nbsp;they&nbsp;raised&nbsp;over&nbsp;$160,000.

(With inputs from agencies)

In a small, peaceful village in southern Spain, there exists a white wall with a board that holds the sign "Square of Mariupol". As the conflict between Russia and Ukraine rages on even after fifty days, countries around the world have stood up in solidarity with Kyiv amid aggression by Putin's forces.

In a small, peaceful village in southern Spain, there exists a white wall with a board that holds the sign "Square of Mariupol". As the conflict between Russia and Ukraine rages on even after fifty days, countries around the world have stood up in solidarity with Kyiv amid aggression by Putin's forces. Also read | As Russia steps up offensive in cities, Ukraine’s richest man vows to rebuild Mariupol From offering weapons to aid, countries have come forward to help Ukraine, however, as per a Reuters report a small Spanish village located thousands of kilometres away from the conflict has shown its solidarity in a unique way by changing its name. Formerly known as "Fuentes de Andalucia", it is now known as "Ukraine", the village has not only changed its name but has also renamed its streets. Watch | Czech designer comes up with Zelensky's portrait pillows to raise funds for Ukrainians In the village of around 7,100 people, just east of Seville, streets are now called City of Kyiv, Mariupol, and Odesa. The village has also raised 3,500 euros i.e., about $3,780 for a refugee centre within just two days, they have plans to offer homes and refuge to up to 25 refugees at the centre and more with the village’s families. Also read | Fleeing war, Russian and Ukrainian travel thousands of kilometres to get married at Mexico border Earlier, a Czech designer had come up with a novel way to generate donations for Ukrainians afflicted by the country's crisis he designed pillows depicting the president's portrait, Volodymyr Zelensky. "Many people, mostly of the fair sex, see him as some kind of a sex symbol, so I got the idea to make a pillow which would look like he is actually in their bed," the designer Tomas Brinek had told Reuters news agency on Friday. Yet another amazing fundraising technique was employed by a small firm in Chicago. Using Lego mini-figures of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Motolov drinks, they raised over $160,000. (With inputs from agencies)

From a village renaming itself to Zelensky pillows, amazing methods people used to show support for Ukraine

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