Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday (Sep 25) announced changes in Russia’s nuclear doctrine, saying a nuclear power supporting another country’s attack on Russia will be considered a participant in aggression.

While addressing Russia’s Security Council, Putin cited a revised version of nuclear doctrine and said that an attack against Russia by a non-nuclear power with the support of a nuclear power will be seen as their “joint attack on the Russian Federation.”

However, the Russian leader didn’t specify whether Moscow&nbsp;could respond to such an attack with nuclear weapons.

"The conditions for Russia's transition to the use of nuclear weapons are also clearly fixed," Putin said, adding that Moscow would consider such a move if it detected the start of a massive launch of missiles, aircraft or drones against it.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjH1PLq2t6IAxVKh68BHaUZFvIQxfQBKAB6BAgQEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zelensky-says-he-already-invited-india-for-2nd-peace-summit-to-end-war-with-russia-761761" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/zelensky-says-he-already-invited-india-for-2nd-peace-summit-to-end-war-with-russia-761761&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjH1PLq2t6IAxVKh68BHaUZFvIQxfQBKAB6BAgQEAE">Zelensky says he 'already invited' India for 2nd peace summit to end war with Russia</a>

"Russia reserved the right to also use nuclear weapons if it or ally Belarus were the subject of aggression, including by conventional weapons," Putin said.

The previous version of the nuclear doctrine, issued by Putin in 2020, said&nbsp;Russia could use nuclear weapons in the event of a nuclear attack by an enemy or a conventional attack that threatens the existence of the state. Some hawks in the Russian military were not happy with this and called for lowering the threshold for nuclear use in order to “sober up” Russia’s enemies in the West.

The decision comes at a time when Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky is travelling to the United States to persuade Kyiv's allies to let Ukrainian forces use long-range missiles for launching strikes deep inside Russian territory.&nbsp;Zelensky is expected to present his 'victory plan' to the American&nbsp;leadership, which includes strikes deep inside Russia to force Moscow&nbsp;to come to the peace table.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday (Sep 25) announced changes in Russia’s nuclear doctrine, saying a nuclear power supporting another country’s attack on Russia will be considered a participant in aggression.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday (Sep 25) announced changes in Russia’s nuclear doctrine, saying a nuclear power supporting another country’s attack on Russia will be considered a participant in aggression. While addressing Russia’s Security Council, Putin cited a revised version of nuclear doctrine and said that an attack against Russia by a non-nuclear power with the support of a nuclear power will be seen as their “joint attack on the Russian Federation.” However, the Russian leader didn’t specify whether Moscow could respond to such an attack with nuclear weapons. "The conditions for Russia's transition to the use of nuclear weapons are also clearly fixed," Putin said, adding that Moscow would consider such a move if it detected the start of a massive launch of missiles, aircraft or drones against it. Also read: Zelensky says he 'already invited' India for 2nd peace summit to end war with Russia "Russia reserved the right to also use nuclear weapons if it or ally Belarus were the subject of aggression, including by conventional weapons," Putin said. The previous version of the nuclear doctrine, issued by Putin in 2020, said Russia could use nuclear weapons in the event of a nuclear attack by an enemy or a conventional attack that threatens the existence of the state. Some hawks in the Russian military were not happy with this and called for lowering the threshold for nuclear use in order to “sober up” Russia’s enemies in the West. The decision comes at a time when Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky is travelling to the United States to persuade Kyiv's allies to let Ukrainian forces use long-range missiles for launching strikes deep inside Russian territory. Zelensky is expected to present his 'victory plan' to the American leadership, which includes strikes deep inside Russia to force Moscow to come to the peace table. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia to consider nuclear response in event of 'massive' air attack: Putin

United States President Joe Biden on Tuesday (Sep 24) addressed the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)&nbsp;in New York for the last time. The 81-year-old leader started off by recounting conflicts of the world when he first entered&nbsp;public office around five decades ago. Speaking of how the US and Vietnam buried the hatchet during the Vietnam War, Biden said, “Things can get better. We should never forget that. I’ve seen that throughout my career.”

In his last speech before the United Nations General Assembly as the US president, Biden&nbsp;called on nations to band together amid conflict in the Middle East, the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, and rising concerns about China’s influence.

"I truly believe we’re at another inflection point in world history. The choices we make today will determine our future," Biden said.

<h2>Vows to support Ukraine</h2>

Biden in his final address to the UN vowed to support Ukraine, which has been at war with Russia for over two years now. The US president&nbsp;said “our NATO allies and partners and 50 plus nations stood up” against Russia.

“Most importantly, the Ukrainian people stood up. I asked the people in this chamber to stand up for them,” Biden added.

He declared that Russian President&nbsp;Vladimir Putin’s war had failed and that Ukraine was still free. “He set out to weaken NATO, but NATO is bigger, stronger, and more united than ever before, with two new members, Finland and Sweden,” said the Democratic leader.

<h2>Gaza&nbsp;war: It's&nbsp;high time to ease sufferings</h2>

Biden spoke about the October 7 Hamas on Israel, in which hundreds of innocent civilians were killed and hundreds were taken hostage. “I’ve met with the families of those hostages. I’ve grieved with them,” the US president&nbsp;said. “They’re going through hell.”

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiTpf6B7duIAxUHcPUHHdEZMhoQxfQBKAB6BAgJEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-bids-farewell-to-world-leaders-as-he-makes-his-final-appearance-at-un-761499" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-bids-farewell-to-world-leaders-as-he-makes-his-final-appearance-at-un-761499&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiTpf6B7duIAxUHcPUHHdEZMhoQxfQBKAB6BAgJEAE">Joe Biden bids farewell to world leaders as he makes his final appearance at UN</a>

He also talked about the ‘hell’ the Gazans were going through as a result of the devastating war.

“Innocent civilians in Gaza are also going through hell. Thousands and thousands killed, including aid workers. Too many families dislocated, crowding in the tents, facing a dire humanitarian situation.”

Biden said now it was high time that both parties come to the talking table and ease the sufferings in Gaza.

<h2>On dropping out of presidential race</h2>

Biden defended his decision to drop out of the presidential race by saying staying in power is not the most important thing.

“Being president has been the honour of my life,” the US president&nbsp;said. “There’s so much more I want to get done.”

“As much as I love the job, I love my country more. I decided, after 50 years of public service, it’s time for a new generation of leadership to take my nation forward,” he added.

(With inputs from agencies)

United States President Joe Biden on Tuesday (Sep 24) addressed the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York for the last time. The 81-year-old leader started off by recounting conflicts of the world when he first entered public office around five decades ago.

United States President Joe Biden on Tuesday (Sep 24) addressed the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York for the last time. The 81-year-old leader started off by recounting conflicts of the world when he first entered public office around five decades ago. Speaking of how the US and Vietnam buried the hatchet during the Vietnam War, Biden said, “Things can get better. We should never forget that. I’ve seen that throughout my career.” In his last speech before the United Nations General Assembly as the US president, Biden called on nations to band together amid conflict in the Middle East, the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, and rising concerns about China’s influence. "I truly believe we’re at another inflection point in world history. The choices we make today will determine our future," Biden said. Vows to support Ukraine Biden in his final address to the UN vowed to support Ukraine, which has been at war with Russia for over two years now. The US president said “our NATO allies and partners and 50 plus nations stood up” against Russia. “Most importantly, the Ukrainian people stood up. I asked the people in this chamber to stand up for them,” Biden added. He declared that Russian President Vladimir Putin’s war had failed and that Ukraine was still free. “He set out to weaken NATO, but NATO is bigger, stronger, and more united than ever before, with two new members, Finland and Sweden,” said the Democratic leader. Gaza war: It's high time to ease sufferings Biden spoke about the October 7 Hamas on Israel, in which hundreds of innocent civilians were killed and hundreds were taken hostage. “I’ve met with the families of those hostages. I’ve grieved with them,” the US president said. “They’re going through hell.” Also read: Joe Biden bids farewell to world leaders as he makes his final appearance at UN He also talked about the ‘hell’ the Gazans were going through as a result of the devastating war. “Innocent civilians in Gaza are also going through hell. Thousands and thousands killed, including aid workers. Too many families dislocated, crowding in the tents, facing a dire humanitarian situation.” Biden said now it was high time that both parties come to the talking table and ease the sufferings in Gaza. On dropping out of presidential race Biden defended his decision to drop out of the presidential race by saying staying in power is not the most important thing. “Being president has been the honour of my life,” the US president said. “There’s so much more I want to get done.” “As much as I love the job, I love my country more. I decided, after 50 years of public service, it’s time for a new generation of leadership to take my nation forward,” he added. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Putin’s war has failed, it's time to end sufferings in Gaza,’ says Biden in final UNGA address

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida vowed to "resolutely defend&nbsp;Japan's territory" as Tokyo lodged a protest with Moscow after a Russian patrol plane entered its airspace.

The military responded by scrambling fighter jets and issuing radio and flare warnings, Defence Minister Minoru Kihara told reporters, calling it the first confirmed incursion since 2019.

"We confirmed today that a Russian Il-38 patrol aircraft has violated our airspace over our territorial waters north of Rebun Island, Hokkaido, on three occasions," Kihara said on Monday.

"Today we lodged a very serious protest with the Russian government via diplomatic channels and strongly urged them to prevent a recurrence."

Kishida, speaking to Japanese media in New York, called the incident "extremely regrettable".

"We will resolutely defend&nbsp;Japan's territory, territorial waters, and airspace," the prime minister said.

Japan&nbsp;has supported the Western position on Ukraine, providing Kyiv with financial and material support and sanctioning Russian individuals and organisations after Moscow's invasion of its neighbour.

Kishida met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.

Zelensky thanked Kishida for his support since Russia's invasion and conferred upon him a top Ukrainian order of merit,&nbsp;Japan's foreign ministry said.

In 2023, an aircraft believed but not confirmed to be Russian entered Japanese airspace, according to Tokyo's defence ministry.

Kihara said the new incident was "the first publicly announced airspace incursion by a Russian aircraft since June 2019", when a Tu-95 bomber entered Japanese airspace in southern Okinawa and around the Izu Islands south of Tokyo.

Earlier this month,&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;had to scramble fighter jets when Russian aircraft flew around the archipelago for the first time since 2019.

The Tu-142 planes did not enter Japanese airspace but flew over an area subject to a territorial dispute between&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;and Russia, Tokyo said.

Russian and Chinese warships recently held joint drills in the Sea of&nbsp;Japan, part of a major naval exercise that Russian President Vladimir Putin said was the largest of its kind for three decades.

Japan&nbsp;scrambled fighter jets in August after the first confirmed incursion by a Chinese military aircraft into its airspace, with Tokyo calling it a "serious violation" of its sovereignty.

Then last week, a Chinese aircraft carrier sailed between two Japanese islands near Taiwan for the first time.&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;called that incident "totally unacceptable from the perspective of the security environment of&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;and the region".

China said the passage complied with international law.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida vowed to "resolutely defend Japan's territory" as Tokyo lodged a protest with Moscow after a Russian patrol plane entered its airspace.

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida vowed to "resolutely defend Japan's territory" as Tokyo lodged a protest with Moscow after a Russian patrol plane entered its airspace. The military responded by scrambling fighter jets and issuing radio and flare warnings, Defence Minister Minoru Kihara told reporters, calling it the first confirmed incursion since 2019. "We confirmed today that a Russian Il-38 patrol aircraft has violated our airspace over our territorial waters north of Rebun Island, Hokkaido, on three occasions," Kihara said on Monday. "Today we lodged a very serious protest with the Russian government via diplomatic channels and strongly urged them to prevent a recurrence." Kishida, speaking to Japanese media in New York, called the incident "extremely regrettable". "We will resolutely defend Japan's territory, territorial waters, and airspace," the prime minister said. Japan has supported the Western position on Ukraine, providing Kyiv with financial and material support and sanctioning Russian individuals and organisations after Moscow's invasion of its neighbour. Kishida met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. Zelensky thanked Kishida for his support since Russia's invasion and conferred upon him a top Ukrainian order of merit, Japan's foreign ministry said. In 2023, an aircraft believed but not confirmed to be Russian entered Japanese airspace, according to Tokyo's defence ministry. Kihara said the new incident was "the first publicly announced airspace incursion by a Russian aircraft since June 2019", when a Tu-95 bomber entered Japanese airspace in southern Okinawa and around the Izu Islands south of Tokyo. Earlier this month, Japan had to scramble fighter jets when Russian aircraft flew around the archipelago for the first time since 2019. The Tu-142 planes did not enter Japanese airspace but flew over an area subject to a territorial dispute between Japan and Russia, Tokyo said. Russian and Chinese warships recently held joint drills in the Sea of Japan, part of a major naval exercise that Russian President Vladimir Putin said was the largest of its kind for three decades. Japan scrambled fighter jets in August after the first confirmed incursion by a Chinese military aircraft into its airspace, with Tokyo calling it a "serious violation" of its sovereignty. Then last week, a Chinese aircraft carrier sailed between two Japanese islands near Taiwan for the first time. Japan called that incident "totally unacceptable from the perspective of the security environment of Japan and the region". China said the passage complied with international law. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Russian patrol plane enters Japanese airspace: Tokyo lodges serious protest with Moscow

The Kremlin on Monday, said that it would study what Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has pressed as his "victory plan" to end the war with Russia after it releases official information.&nbsp;

Ukrainian President Zelensky has traveled to the United States to present a "victory plan" to its closest ally, to further influence White House policy on Ukraine's war with Russia no matter who wins the upcoming presidential elections.&nbsp;

Further, Zelensky is also scheduled to address the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zelensky-to-present-victory-plan-to-biden-harris-and-trump-during-us-visit-761147">Also read:&nbsp;Zelensky to present victory plan to Biden, Harris and Trump during US visit</a>

The Ukrainian president said that he wanted to present the plan to US President Joe Biden and his two potential successors, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump.&nbsp;

The Ukrainian officials have suggested that Russia could eventually be invited to a summit to discuss a resolution to the conflict under the new plan.&nbsp;

When asked about Zelensky's initiative, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters, "We believe that one should not analyse media reports. If information about it appears in official sources we will of course scrutinise it. There is a lot of contradictory and unreliable information on it out there, so we are very cautious about this."

Earlier on Friday, Zelensky said, "The Victory Plan envisages quick and concrete steps by our strategic partners - from now until the end of December."

Watch |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine War: Zelensky Says Ukraine 'victory Plan' is Ready

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He added that the plan would act as a "bridge" to a second Ukraine-led summit on peace that Kyiv wants to hold and would invite Russia to later this year.&nbsp;

Stressing that there is no alternative to peace, the Ukrainian leader said, "No freezing of the war or any other manipulations that would simply postpone Russian aggression to another stage."&nbsp;

Oleksandr Kovalenko, a Ukrainian military analyst, said that Zelenskyy might push for longer-term assurances of aid into 2025 and seek some kind of declaration of post-Biden continuity in support.

"This will be a very important moment. Perhaps in some ways, in a political and military-political sense, it will be a pivotal moment," he said.

Meanwhile, US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said Biden is eager to discuss Zelenskyy's "comprehensive strategy for success in this war" against Russia.

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos

(With inputs from agencies)

The Kremlin on Monday, said that it would study what Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has pressed as his "victory plan" to end the war with Russia after it releases official information.

The Kremlin on Monday, said that it would study what Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has pressed as his "victory plan" to end the war with Russia after it releases official information. Ukrainian President Zelensky has traveled to the United States to present a "victory plan" to its closest ally, to further influence White House policy on Ukraine's war with Russia no matter who wins the upcoming presidential elections. Further, Zelensky is also scheduled to address the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday. Also read: Zelensky to present victory plan to Biden, Harris and Trump during US visit The Ukrainian president said that he wanted to present the plan to US President Joe Biden and his two potential successors, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. The Ukrainian officials have suggested that Russia could eventually be invited to a summit to discuss a resolution to the conflict under the new plan. When asked about Zelensky's initiative, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters, "We believe that one should not analyse media reports. If information about it appears in official sources we will of course scrutinise it. There is a lot of contradictory and unreliable information on it out there, so we are very cautious about this." Earlier on Friday, Zelensky said, "The Victory Plan envisages quick and concrete steps by our strategic partners - from now until the end of December." Watch | Russia-Ukraine War: Zelensky Says Ukraine 'victory Plan' is Ready × He added that the plan would act as a "bridge" to a second Ukraine-led summit on peace that Kyiv wants to hold and would invite Russia to later this year. Stressing that there is no alternative to peace, the Ukrainian leader said, "No freezing of the war or any other manipulations that would simply postpone Russian aggression to another stage." Oleksandr Kovalenko, a Ukrainian military analyst, said that Zelenskyy might push for longer-term assurances of aid into 2025 and seek some kind of declaration of post-Biden continuity in support. "This will be a very important moment. Perhaps in some ways, in a political and military-political sense, it will be a pivotal moment," he said. Meanwhile, US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said Biden is eager to discuss Zelenskyy's "comprehensive strategy for success in this war" against Russia. Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos (With inputs from agencies)

Kremlin says will study Zelensky's 'victory plan' if released officially

Vyacheslav Volodin, Speaker of Russia’s lower house of parliament, cautioned that Ukrainian strikes on Russian territory using Western-supplied missiles could escalate into a “global war with nuclear weapons.” He warned that Moscow would respond with more powerful weaponry if the West approves such attacks.

Russia-Ukraine: Could The Conflict Escalate Into A Nuclear War? Putin’s Ally Warns It Might

When Ukrainian forces stormed across the border with Russia in August, they set two historic milestones. It was the first time since World War Two that a foreign army had thrust into Russia. &nbsp;

It was also the first time that a non-nuclear country had carried out a major incursion into the territory of a nuclear superpower, a country that has the world’s biggest nuclear arsenal. It was an operation that threw doubt over what military strategists call nuclear deterrence theory. &nbsp;

That theory dates back to 1949, when the Soviet Union detonated its first atomic bomb in 1949, four years after the first and so far only use of nuclear weapons—the American bombs that destroyed the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and killed more than 200,000 people, mostly civilians. &nbsp;

The Soviet test of its bomb prompted countries from Asia, Europe, and the Middle East to pursue nuclear weapons of their own. Over the decades, the nuclear club grew to nine—the United States, Russia, Britain, France, China, India, Pakistan, North Korea and Israel. &nbsp;

While there have been limited military conflicts between nuclear-armed countries—India has had borders skirmishes with Pakistan and China—none have used nuclear weapons. That restraint has roots in a Cold War concept developed by the US and then Soviet Union—MAD, short for Mutually Assured Destruction. &nbsp;

The awesome power of nuclear arsenals led to the assumption that no country fielding only conventional weapons would strike into the territory of a nuclear power. &nbsp;

Ukraine put that belief to the test on August 6, when more than 10,000 Ukrainian troops backed by tanks and armoured vehicles stormed into Russia’s Kursk region and seized roughly 1,250 square kilometres of Russian territory. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said his troops had taken control of 92 settlements in the first two weeks of the assault. &nbsp;

Since Russia launched an unprovoked all-out war on Ukraine in February 2022, President Vladimir Putin has issued veiled threats to use tactical nuclear weapons in the conflict. In June, Russia and its neighbour and close ally Belarus carried out exercises to simulate the deployment of such weapons. &nbsp;

They are designed for battlefield use, unlike strategic weapons developed for vast distances, such as from Russia to the United States or one of its European allies. Though they are not as powerful as strategic weapons, the battlefield versions match the destructive power of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombs. &nbsp;

According to published Russian military doctrine, a threat to the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity would justify the use of nuclear weapons. Apparently, Ukrainian control of a sizeable chunk of the Kursk region does not qualify. &nbsp;

Oddly, Kremlin propaganda has refrained from reminding citizens of the outside role Kursk played in what Russians call the Great Patriotic War against Nazi Germany. &nbsp;

The battle of Kursk, in July and August 1943, was the largest tank battle in history, involving 6,000 tanks, close to two million soldiers, and 4,000 aircraft. It ended with a German defeat and was a turning point, a few months after the famous Battle of Stalingrad, in the war the Nazis lost in 1945. &nbsp;

No tactical nuclear weapon&nbsp;has been used since the beginning of the nuclear age, partly because of the risk of triggering a full-sale nuclear war, partly because of deadly radiation that would cause long-term health damage to survivors, partly because of radioactive fallout that would contaminate air, soil, water, and the food supply, experts say. &nbsp;

Last month’s Ukrainian thrust into Kursk had several military objectives—force Russia to redeploy units from grinding battles in the east of the country, seize territory and take prisoners that might be used for bargaining leverage in possible future peace negotiations, and show the Russian population that the war Putin started could hurt them inside their own country. &nbsp;

But the operation also carried a message for the administration of US&nbsp;President Joe Biden—you have been wrong in hesitating and delaying the supply of sophisticated weapons for fear of escalating the conflict by crossing a Russian "red line." In a speech on August 19, Zelensky called American fears of Russian red lines "a naïve, illusory concept." &nbsp;

American military and economic aid to Ukraine has been a contentious subject, with former US President Donald Trump and many of his Republican backers opposed and Democrats firmly in favour. &nbsp;

Wrangling in Congress led to a four-month pause in supplies and a halt on a $61 billion aid package providing for artillery, air defence systems and missiles. &nbsp;

None of them have sufficient range to strike deep into Russia and hit the air bases and supply depots Russia has been using for a devastating attack on Ukraine’s infrastructure. Zelensky’s calls for longer-range missiles have been rebuffed, again, for fears that their supply would draw the US&nbsp;more deeply into the conflict. &nbsp;

Russia’s nuclear warnings have come against the background of what some experts are calling a new nuclear arms race at a time of major arms control setbacks. Last year, Russia suspended its participation in the 2010 Treaty on Measures for the Reduction and Limitation of Strategic Nuclear Arms, better known as New START. &nbsp;

That is bound to expire in February 2026, by which time there will be no major treaty limits on the number of strategic weapons the United States and Russia deploy. China, whose nuclear arsenal is growing rapidly, halted nuclear arms control talks with the United States in July in protest of US&nbsp;arms sales to Taiwan. &nbsp;

While China lags far behind the US&nbsp;and Russia, its nuclear arsenal is now the world’s third-largest. It is estimated at around 500 warheads, a number expected to double before the end of the decade. &nbsp;

Relations between China and Russia have grown so close that a statement was released at the end of a summit in Washington to mark the 75th anniversary of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). The statement termed the government of Beijing a decisive enabler of Russia's war on Ukraine.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Which helps explain Biden’s caution on dealing with the largest conflict in Europe since World War II. The present constellation of forces makes telling the difference between a serious red line and a bluff, a tricky business. &nbsp;

When Ukrainian forces stormed across the border with Russia in August, they set two historic milestones. It was the first time since World War Two that a foreign army had thrust into Russia.

When Ukrainian forces stormed across the border with Russia in August, they set two historic milestones. It was the first time since World War Two that a foreign army had thrust into Russia. It was also the first time that a non-nuclear country had carried out a major incursion into the territory of a nuclear superpower, a country that has the world’s biggest nuclear arsenal. It was an operation that threw doubt over what military strategists call nuclear deterrence theory. That theory dates back to 1949, when the Soviet Union detonated its first atomic bomb in 1949, four years after the first and so far only use of nuclear weapons—the American bombs that destroyed the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and killed more than 200,000 people, mostly civilians. The Soviet test of its bomb prompted countries from Asia, Europe, and the Middle East to pursue nuclear weapons of their own. Over the decades, the nuclear club grew to nine—the United States, Russia, Britain, France, China, India, Pakistan, North Korea and Israel. While there have been limited military conflicts between nuclear-armed countries—India has had borders skirmishes with Pakistan and China—none have used nuclear weapons. That restraint has roots in a Cold War concept developed by the US and then Soviet Union—MAD, short for Mutually Assured Destruction. The awesome power of nuclear arsenals led to the assumption that no country fielding only conventional weapons would strike into the territory of a nuclear power. Ukraine put that belief to the test on August 6, when more than 10,000 Ukrainian troops backed by tanks and armoured vehicles stormed into Russia’s Kursk region and seized roughly 1,250 square kilometres of Russian territory. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said his troops had taken control of 92 settlements in the first two weeks of the assault. Since Russia launched an unprovoked all-out war on Ukraine in February 2022, President Vladimir Putin has issued veiled threats to use tactical nuclear weapons in the conflict. In June, Russia and its neighbour and close ally Belarus carried out exercises to simulate the deployment of such weapons. They are designed for battlefield use, unlike strategic weapons developed for vast distances, such as from Russia to the United States or one of its European allies. Though they are not as powerful as strategic weapons, the battlefield versions match the destructive power of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombs. According to published Russian military doctrine, a threat to the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity would justify the use of nuclear weapons. Apparently, Ukrainian control of a sizeable chunk of the Kursk region does not qualify. Oddly, Kremlin propaganda has refrained from reminding citizens of the outside role Kursk played in what Russians call the Great Patriotic War against Nazi Germany. The battle of Kursk, in July and August 1943, was the largest tank battle in history, involving 6,000 tanks, close to two million soldiers, and 4,000 aircraft. It ended with a German defeat and was a turning point, a few months after the famous Battle of Stalingrad, in the war the Nazis lost in 1945. No tactical nuclear weapon has been used since the beginning of the nuclear age, partly because of the risk of triggering a full-sale nuclear war, partly because of deadly radiation that would cause long-term health damage to survivors, partly because of radioactive fallout that would contaminate air, soil, water, and the food supply, experts say. Last month’s Ukrainian thrust into Kursk had several military objectives—force Russia to redeploy units from grinding battles in the east of the country, seize territory and take prisoners that might be used for bargaining leverage in possible future peace negotiations, and show the Russian population that the war Putin started could hurt them inside their own country. But the operation also carried a message for the administration of US President Joe Biden—you have been wrong in hesitating and delaying the supply of sophisticated weapons for fear of escalating the conflict by crossing a Russian "red line." In a speech on August 19, Zelensky called American fears of Russian red lines "a naïve, illusory concept." American military and economic aid to Ukraine has been a contentious subject, with former US President Donald Trump and many of his Republican backers opposed and Democrats firmly in favour. Wrangling in Congress led to a four-month pause in supplies and a halt on a $61 billion aid package providing for artillery, air defence systems and missiles. None of them have sufficient range to strike deep into Russia and hit the air bases and supply depots Russia has been using for a devastating attack on Ukraine’s infrastructure. Zelensky’s calls for longer-range missiles have been rebuffed, again, for fears that their supply would draw the US more deeply into the conflict. Russia’s nuclear warnings have come against the background of what some experts are calling a new nuclear arms race at a time of major arms control setbacks. Last year, Russia suspended its participation in the 2010 Treaty on Measures for the Reduction and Limitation of Strategic Nuclear Arms, better known as New START. That is bound to expire in February 2026, by which time there will be no major treaty limits on the number of strategic weapons the United States and Russia deploy. China, whose nuclear arsenal is growing rapidly, halted nuclear arms control talks with the United States in July in protest of US arms sales to Taiwan. While China lags far behind the US and Russia, its nuclear arsenal is now the world’s third-largest. It is estimated at around 500 warheads, a number expected to double before the end of the decade. Relations between China and Russia have grown so close that a statement was released at the end of a summit in Washington to mark the 75th anniversary of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). The statement termed the government of Beijing a decisive enabler of Russia's war on Ukraine. Which helps explain Biden’s caution on dealing with the largest conflict in Europe since World War II. The present constellation of forces makes telling the difference between a serious red line and a bluff, a tricky business.

Ukraine's thrust into Russia up-ends assumptions on nuclear war  

President Vladimir Putin on Monday ordered the regular size of the Russian army to be increased by 180,000 troops to 1.5 million active servicemen in a move that would make it the second largest in the world after China's.

In a decree published on the Kremlin's website, Putin ordered the overall size of the armed forces to be increased to 2.38 million people, of which he said 1.5 million should be active servicemen.

According to data from the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), a leading military think tank, such an increase would see Russia leapfrog the United States and India in terms of the number of active combat soldiers it has at its disposal and be second only to China in size. The IISS said Beijing has just over 2 million active duty service personnel.

The move, the third time Putin has expanded the army's ranks since sending his military into Ukraine in February 2022, comes as Russian forces push forward in eastern Ukraine on parts of a vast 1,000 km (627-mile) frontline and try to eject Ukrainian forces from Russia's Kursk region.

Although Russia has a population more than three times larger than Ukraine's and has been successfully recruiting volunteers on lucrative contracts to fight in Ukraine, it has - like Kyiv's forces - been sustaining heavy battlefield losses, and there is no sign of the war ending anytime soon.

Both sides say the exact size of their losses is a military secret.

Andrei Kartapolov, chairman of Russia's lower house of parliament's defence committee, said the increase in active troop numbers was part of a plan to overhaul the armed forces and gradually increase their size to match what he described as the current international situation and the behaviour of "our former foreign partners."

"For example, we now need to form new structures and military units to ensure security in the north-west (of Russia) since Finland, with which we border, has joined the NATO bloc," Kartapolov told Parlamentskaya Gazeta, the Russian parliament's in-house newspaper.

"And in order to carry out this process, we need to increase the number of troops."

<h2>Third increase since 2022</h2>

Putin since 2022 had previously ordered two official increases in the number of combat troops - by 137,000 and 170,000 respectively.

In addition, Russia mobilised over 300,000 soldiers in September and October 2022 in an exercise which prompted tens of thousands of draft-age men to flee the country.

The Kremlin has said that no new mobilisation is planned for now, however, and that the idea is to continue to rely on volunteers signing up to fight in Ukraine.

Dara Massicot, an expert in the Russian military at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace think tank, questioned whether Moscow was ready to foot the bill for the increase in active servicemen.

"There are ways to staff a standing 1.5 million force but the Kremlin will not like them if they are truly grappling with what that requires," Massicot wrote on X.

"Are they really able to boost the defense budget to sustain procurement AND this requirement?"

Massicot, who has released a report on Russia's drive to regenerate its army, said Moscow could take the unpopular and difficult decision of expanding the draft size or change the law to allow more women to work in the military to reach such a goal.

"Look for signs that this is a real initiative to recruit and expand, and not a kind of show to intimidate others. The current volunteer method is working but has strains. This (the expansion) means more expense/strain," she said.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience. 
&nbsp;

President Vladimir Putin on Monday ordered the regular size of the Russian army to be increased by 180,000 troops to 1.5 million active servicemen in a move that would make it the second largest in the world after China's.

President Vladimir Putin on Monday ordered the regular size of the Russian army to be increased by 180,000 troops to 1.5 million active servicemen in a move that would make it the second largest in the world after China's. In a decree published on the Kremlin's website, Putin ordered the overall size of the armed forces to be increased to 2.38 million people, of which he said 1.5 million should be active servicemen. According to data from the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), a leading military think tank, such an increase would see Russia leapfrog the United States and India in terms of the number of active combat soldiers it has at its disposal and be second only to China in size. The IISS said Beijing has just over 2 million active duty service personnel. The move, the third time Putin has expanded the army's ranks since sending his military into Ukraine in February 2022, comes as Russian forces push forward in eastern Ukraine on parts of a vast 1,000 km (627-mile) frontline and try to eject Ukrainian forces from Russia's Kursk region. Although Russia has a population more than three times larger than Ukraine's and has been successfully recruiting volunteers on lucrative contracts to fight in Ukraine, it has - like Kyiv's forces - been sustaining heavy battlefield losses, and there is no sign of the war ending anytime soon. Both sides say the exact size of their losses is a military secret. Andrei Kartapolov, chairman of Russia's lower house of parliament's defence committee, said the increase in active troop numbers was part of a plan to overhaul the armed forces and gradually increase their size to match what he described as the current international situation and the behaviour of "our former foreign partners." "For example, we now need to form new structures and military units to ensure security in the north-west (of Russia) since Finland, with which we border, has joined the NATO bloc," Kartapolov told Parlamentskaya Gazeta, the Russian parliament's in-house newspaper. "And in order to carry out this process, we need to increase the number of troops." Third increase since 2022 Putin since 2022 had previously ordered two official increases in the number of combat troops - by 137,000 and 170,000 respectively. In addition, Russia mobilised over 300,000 soldiers in September and October 2022 in an exercise which prompted tens of thousands of draft-age men to flee the country. The Kremlin has said that no new mobilisation is planned for now, however, and that the idea is to continue to rely on volunteers signing up to fight in Ukraine. Dara Massicot, an expert in the Russian military at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace think tank, questioned whether Moscow was ready to foot the bill for the increase in active servicemen. "There are ways to staff a standing 1.5 million force but the Kremlin will not like them if they are truly grappling with what that requires," Massicot wrote on X. "Are they really able to boost the defense budget to sustain procurement AND this requirement?" Massicot, who has released a report on Russia's drive to regenerate its army, said Moscow could take the unpopular and difficult decision of expanding the draft size or change the law to allow more women to work in the military to reach such a goal. "Look for signs that this is a real initiative to recruit and expand, and not a kind of show to intimidate others. The current volunteer method is working but has strains. This (the expansion) means more expense/strain," she said. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Putin orders Russian army to become second largest after China's at 1.5 million-strong

Russian President Vladimir Putin has urged his countrymen to engage in coitus&nbsp;during work breaks, in an attempt to reverse the country's declining birth rate, according to a report in&nbsp;Metro.&nbsp;

Russia's fertility rate&nbsp;of just 1.5 children per woman, significantly below the 2.1 replacement rate, required to maintain population stability has caused serious concerns. Additionally, more than one million, mainly younger, Russians have left the country ever since Putin's invasion of Ukraine started two years ago.&nbsp;

“The preservation of the Russian people is our highest national priority,” Putin was quoted as saying.

“The fate of Russia depends on how many of us there will be. It is a question of national importance," he added.&nbsp;

Similar sentiments were echoed by&nbsp;Health Minister Dr Yevgeny Shestopalov who dismissed work as an excuse for not procreating.&nbsp;

"Being very busy at work is not a valid reason, but a lame excuse. You can engage in procreation during breaks because life flies by too quickly,” said&nbsp;Shestopalov when quizzed about the younger population being overwhelmed by work and not having the energy to have sex.&nbsp;

<h2>Previous instance</h2>

This is not the first instance when Putin has sounded the alarm regarding Russia's population decline. In December last year, he urged Russian women to give birth to as many as eight children and make it a “norm” to create large families.

"Many of our ethnic groups have preserved the tradition of having strong multigenerational families with four, five, or even more children. Let us remember that Russian families, many of our grandmothers and great-grandmothers had seven, eight, or even more children," said Putin.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-appeals-women-in-russia-to-give-birth-to-8-or-more-children-665065">Also read |&nbsp;Putin appeals to Russian women to give birth to '8 or more' children</a>

<h2>Birth rate crisis&nbsp;</h2>

Russia's birth rate has hit its lowest point since 1999 with the number of child births falling below 100,000 in the month of June this year. 599,600 children were born in Russia in the first half of 2024, which is 16,000 fewer than in the same period in 2023, according to statistics published by Rosstat.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, 325,100 deaths were recorded between January and June which suggested an acceleration in the country's natural decline of population.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"This is catastrophic for the future of the nation," Kremlin's spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said in July.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/chinas-birth-rate-drop-as-pet-ownership-rises-pets-to-outnumber-children-by-2030-749283">Watch |&nbsp;China's birth rate drop as pet ownership rises; pets to outnumber children by 2030</a>

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Nina Ostanina, the head of the Committee for the Protection of Families said the citizens must organise themselves to conduct a "special demographic operation".&nbsp;

Notably, in Karelia, a northwest region of the county, authorities&nbsp;announced a childbirth incentivisation policy for its female college students. Regional lawmakers declared&nbsp;that females from local universities or colleges, under the age of 25, will be paid 100,000 rubles ($1,100) for giving birth to a healthy baby.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Russian President Vladimir Putin has urged his countrymen to engage in coitus during work breaks, in an attempt to reverse the country's declining birth rate, according to a report in Metro.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has urged his countrymen to engage in coitus during work breaks, in an attempt to reverse the country's declining birth rate, according to a report in Metro. Russia's fertility rate of just 1.5 children per woman, significantly below the 2.1 replacement rate, required to maintain population stability has caused serious concerns. Additionally, more than one million, mainly younger, Russians have left the country ever since Putin's invasion of Ukraine started two years ago. “The preservation of the Russian people is our highest national priority,” Putin was quoted as saying. “The fate of Russia depends on how many of us there will be. It is a question of national importance," he added. Similar sentiments were echoed by Health Minister Dr Yevgeny Shestopalov who dismissed work as an excuse for not procreating. "Being very busy at work is not a valid reason, but a lame excuse. You can engage in procreation during breaks because life flies by too quickly,” said Shestopalov when quizzed about the younger population being overwhelmed by work and not having the energy to have sex. Previous instance This is not the first instance when Putin has sounded the alarm regarding Russia's population decline. In December last year, he urged Russian women to give birth to as many as eight children and make it a “norm” to create large families. "Many of our ethnic groups have preserved the tradition of having strong multigenerational families with four, five, or even more children. Let us remember that Russian families, many of our grandmothers and great-grandmothers had seven, eight, or even more children," said Putin. Also read | Putin appeals to Russian women to give birth to '8 or more' children Birth rate crisis Russia's birth rate has hit its lowest point since 1999 with the number of child births falling below 100,000 in the month of June this year. 599,600 children were born in Russia in the first half of 2024, which is 16,000 fewer than in the same period in 2023, according to statistics published by Rosstat. Meanwhile, 325,100 deaths were recorded between January and June which suggested an acceleration in the country's natural decline of population. "This is catastrophic for the future of the nation," Kremlin's spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said in July. Watch | China's birth rate drop as pet ownership rises; pets to outnumber children by 2030 × Nina Ostanina, the head of the Committee for the Protection of Families said the citizens must organise themselves to conduct a "special demographic operation". Notably, in Karelia, a northwest region of the county, authorities announced a childbirth incentivisation policy for its female college students. Regional lawmakers declared that females from local universities or colleges, under the age of 25, will be paid 100,000 rubles ($1,100) for giving birth to a healthy baby. (With inputs from agencies)

After appealing Russians to have 8 kids, Putin urges citizens to have sex during work break: Report

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to Ukraine has put India in the spotlight as a potential peacemaker. While Delhi may soon play a larger role in finding a solution to Europe's long war, it is important that its actions are based on correct assumptions and an understanding of what different peace could mean for Europe and its own interests.&nbsp;

<h2>What kind of peace?&nbsp;</h2>

2.5 years after Russia's aggression against Ukraine, the war is becoming more protracted and a new consensus is emerging that it will end at the negotiating table rather than on the battlefield. This strengthens the position of India - which has always held this view and has good relations with both sides of the conflict - as a possible mediator. While Poland and many Western countries welcome Prime Minister Modi's warnings that "this is not an era for war" and his continued calls for dialogue and diplomacy, we must be fully aware that not every end to this war will be acceptable and celebrated by all. What matters is the kind of peace we seek. How this war ends will have a profound impact on Europe's security architecture and India's strategic interests.&nbsp;

Ukraine and its Western allies still hope that the final settlement of this war will uphold the principles of territorial integrity and sovereignty of states. For them, a lasting peace would require at least a return to the pre-February 2022 situation. Officially, Ukraine still maintains that negotiations must be based on President Zelensky's 10-point plan. Therefore, the Polish-Indian Strategic Partnership Declaration emphasised the call for a 'just' peace, and President Zelensky offered India to host the next peace summit, but on the condition that the declaration from the previous summit in Switzerland be signed.&nbsp;

This scenario could be achieved in two main ways. Either Putin is defeated militarily or he is persuaded to change his mind and withdraw his troops from Ukraine. But more and more people doubt that either option is realistic. &nbsp;

But a negotiated settlement also carries many risks. For Ukraine, any deal on Russia's terms would undermine its statehood, complicate its reconstruction and threaten its very existence. Ukraine needs a peace treaty, not an act of surrender. Europe needs reassurance that Russia will not resume its war against Ukraine or any other member of the European Union or NATO after a few years' pause as it replenishes its arsenal. Every country needs a guarantee that changing borders by force is not an accepted form of modern international behaviour. It will be a mammoth task to negotiate an agreement that is not seen as a victory for an aggressor.&nbsp;

<h2>What if Russia wins?&nbsp;</h2>

This means that Russia can win both on the battlefield and through negotiations. But both solutions would be detrimental not only to the security of Ukraine and Europe but also to India's core strategic interests. If anyone in India is hoping for a Russian victory, they should be careful what they wish for. This would hurt India in three ways:&nbsp;

First, it would send a signal that a great power can openly violate the sovereignty of its neighbour, seize its territory on any pretext and walk away with impunity. This would not only legitimise the flagrant violation of international norms and principles for which India stands, but could also encourage other powers, including in Asia, to follow suit.&nbsp;

Second, it would strain the West's relationship with Russia for the foreseeable future, pushing it further into the arms of China. Without a withdrawal from Ukraine, there can be no return to business as usual in Europe-Russia relations. Russia, cut off from Western markets and possibly under continued sanctions, would have to rely even more on its only partner - China. If India's neutrality in the Russian-Ukrainian war was intended to give Russia an alternative and help it distance itself from China, allowing a Russian victory would have the opposite effect - cementing the Sino-Russian alliance. &nbsp;

Finally, it would undermine US credibility in the Indo-Pacific and weaken all the networks and mechanisms (including QUAD) built up over the years to counterbalance and contain China's rise in the region. With less appetite across Asia to share the fate of Ukraine, the US would find it harder to provide security. Chinese dominance could be more imminent. &nbsp;

<h2>Can Ukraine win?&nbsp;</h2>

But this scenario is based on the calculation that Ukraine is doomed to failure. I would argue, however, that such a possibility is based on a number of false assumptions about the ongoing war. Three of them stand out. &nbsp;

The first is that Russia is invincible. The Poles would be the first to remind you that this is not true, as they were one of the few in history to conquer Moscow in 1612. Poland also defeated the Bolshevik Russian army at the Battle of the Vistula in 1920, which halted the march of Communism into Western Europe and which the British historian Norman Davis has named one of the 18 most important battles in human history. Russia lost a war with Japan in 1905 and again in Afghanistan in 1989. It took the Afghans almost a decade, but they not only repelled the invasion, they also helped to bring about the collapse of the Soviet Union. It proves that even a nuclear Russia can be defeated, although it may take time and possibly a change of leadership in the Kremlin. It will take great courage and a strong will to fight, which the Ukrainians have. It would also require continued foreign military and economic support and the international isolation of Russia. But can Ukraine get any more foreign support?&nbsp;

This brings us to the second misconception widely held in India: that US support for Ukraine will not last much longer after Presidential elections in November this year that may bring back Donald Trump to the White House. Yet, I would say that whoever wins, it is highly unlikely that the US will abandon Ukraine. Not out of morality or some kind of sympathy for the victim. But because continued support for Ukraine serves vital American strategic and security interests.&nbsp;

First, there is business. Of the more than $51 billion in military aid sent to Ukraine, most has gone back to the American defence industry, bringing revenue and jobs to American voters. Second, it is strategic. If the US sees China as its main threat (which it does), why hand victory to China's main ally on a silver platter? Finally, it is security, because it helps to reduce the military arsenals not only of Russia, but also of North Korea and Iran, other main enemies of the US. In fact, the war in Ukraine is costing the US far less in blood and treasure than its 20-year involvement in Afghanistan, yet it is yielding far greater benefits in all dimensions. Therefore, no matter who wins the November elections, he or she may like to continue military aid to Ukraine (possibly in a different form, such as on the basis of a lend-lease agreement), while leaving economic support to European partners.&nbsp;

And here we come to the third misunderstanding of the war in Ukraine. Many in India believe that growing war fatigue in Europe will strengthen anti-war populists and undermine the will to continue supporting Ukraine. But after two and a half years of conflict, we do not see this in the polls or at the ballot box. In fact, pan-continental elections to the European Parliament have returned the very same forces that had vowed to support Ukraine "for as long as it takes". Elections in France and the UK have not turned Europe inwards as many predicted, while the new pro-European government in Poland has redoubled efforts to mobilise resources to rearm Europe and increase support for Ukraine. The European Union and its members have already pledged €77 billion to Ukraine and have already secured a further €50 billion over the next five years. Europe will continue to help Ukraine fight Russian aggression because it fears it could be next. &nbsp;&nbsp;

<h2>Europe and India have a common interest in ending the war?&nbsp;</h2>

While a new phase of the war in Ukraine opens up more space for diplomacy, it is still very likely that it will last for years, with negative consequences for Europe and the Global South. Nevertheless, it seems that the final resolution will be dictated by developments on the battlefield. And for all the pessimism, any outcome is still possible. So, as India prepares to play a greater diplomatic role, it must tread carefully lest it help hand Russia a victory in the guise of a 'peace deal'. Not because of Western expectations, but because it would not be in India's own interests.&nbsp;

Apart from the strategic reasons outlined above, it is also not good for India to allow colonial war to succeed. It may be due to a historical misunderstanding of Russia that many Indians do not see the aggression against Ukraine for what it is - a futile attempt to remake an empire. It is true that during the Cold War the Soviet Union supported the decolonisation process, acting in its own interests of competition with the US. But many in the global South overlook the fact that Russia colonised many nations in Europe and Asia in the past. Instead of fighting European colonialism, it was one of the driving forces behind it. The only difference was that the Russian invading armies arrived by land rather than by sea. Now Russia wants to turn back the clock and reverse the process of decolonisation. In 1991, Russia accepted the independence of Ukraine within its current borders and now claims that this was a mistake. It is as if Britain had a change of heart and wanted to take back its former colonies in India.&nbsp;

It is easy to understand why India has so far refrained from condemning Russia's aggression - it has good historical, security, energy and ideological reasons. But at the same time, while Russia is part of India's past, the West is its future. It is the US or Europe, not Russia, that can provide India with the strategic assets it needs to fuel its growth - be it capital and technology, or foreign markets for Indian goods and labour, or advanced weaponry and diplomatic support on the global stage. But as long as India enjoys a relationship of trust with Russia, it could use it to help its friend out of this senseless war.&nbsp;

Paradoxically, India and the West share a long-term interest when it comes to Russia. Both are concerned about the growing Sino-Russian alliance, and a prolonged war in Ukraine does not serve them well. Both would prefer to see non-imperial Russia befriend the West, not China. And that will only be possible if the endgame of the war in Ukraine is acceptable to Ukraine and the West. The world would appreciate India helping to negotiate not just any peace, but the 'just' peace. And that is what makes India's task so difficult.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to Ukraine has put India in the spotlight as a potential peacemaker. While Delhi may soon play a larger role in finding a solution to Europe's long war, it is important that its actions are based on correct assumptions and an understanding of what different peace could mean for Europe and its own interests.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to Ukraine has put India in the spotlight as a potential peacemaker. While Delhi may soon play a larger role in finding a solution to Europe's long war, it is important that its actions are based on correct assumptions and an understanding of what different peace could mean for Europe and its own interests. What kind of peace? 2.5 years after Russia's aggression against Ukraine, the war is becoming more protracted and a new consensus is emerging that it will end at the negotiating table rather than on the battlefield. This strengthens the position of India - which has always held this view and has good relations with both sides of the conflict - as a possible mediator. While Poland and many Western countries welcome Prime Minister Modi's warnings that "this is not an era for war" and his continued calls for dialogue and diplomacy, we must be fully aware that not every end to this war will be acceptable and celebrated by all. What matters is the kind of peace we seek. How this war ends will have a profound impact on Europe's security architecture and India's strategic interests. Ukraine and its Western allies still hope that the final settlement of this war will uphold the principles of territorial integrity and sovereignty of states. For them, a lasting peace would require at least a return to the pre-February 2022 situation. Officially, Ukraine still maintains that negotiations must be based on President Zelensky's 10-point plan. Therefore, the Polish-Indian Strategic Partnership Declaration emphasised the call for a 'just' peace, and President Zelensky offered India to host the next peace summit, but on the condition that the declaration from the previous summit in Switzerland be signed. This scenario could be achieved in two main ways. Either Putin is defeated militarily or he is persuaded to change his mind and withdraw his troops from Ukraine. But more and more people doubt that either option is realistic. But a negotiated settlement also carries many risks. For Ukraine, any deal on Russia's terms would undermine its statehood, complicate its reconstruction and threaten its very existence. Ukraine needs a peace treaty, not an act of surrender. Europe needs reassurance that Russia will not resume its war against Ukraine or any other member of the European Union or NATO after a few years' pause as it replenishes its arsenal. Every country needs a guarantee that changing borders by force is not an accepted form of modern international behaviour. It will be a mammoth task to negotiate an agreement that is not seen as a victory for an aggressor. What if Russia wins? This means that Russia can win both on the battlefield and through negotiations. But both solutions would be detrimental not only to the security of Ukraine and Europe but also to India's core strategic interests. If anyone in India is hoping for a Russian victory, they should be careful what they wish for. This would hurt India in three ways: First, it would send a signal that a great power can openly violate the sovereignty of its neighbour, seize its territory on any pretext and walk away with impunity. This would not only legitimise the flagrant violation of international norms and principles for which India stands, but could also encourage other powers, including in Asia, to follow suit. Second, it would strain the West's relationship with Russia for the foreseeable future, pushing it further into the arms of China. Without a withdrawal from Ukraine, there can be no return to business as usual in Europe-Russia relations. Russia, cut off from Western markets and possibly under continued sanctions, would have to rely even more on its only partner - China. If India's neutrality in the Russian-Ukrainian war was intended to give Russia an alternative and help it distance itself from China, allowing a Russian victory would have the opposite effect - cementing the Sino-Russian alliance. Finally, it would undermine US credibility in the Indo-Pacific and weaken all the networks and mechanisms (including QUAD) built up over the years to counterbalance and contain China's rise in the region. With less appetite across Asia to share the fate of Ukraine, the US would find it harder to provide security. Chinese dominance could be more imminent. Can Ukraine win? But this scenario is based on the calculation that Ukraine is doomed to failure. I would argue, however, that such a possibility is based on a number of false assumptions about the ongoing war. Three of them stand out. The first is that Russia is invincible. The Poles would be the first to remind you that this is not true, as they were one of the few in history to conquer Moscow in 1612. Poland also defeated the Bolshevik Russian army at the Battle of the Vistula in 1920, which halted the march of Communism into Western Europe and which the British historian Norman Davis has named one of the 18 most important battles in human history. Russia lost a war with Japan in 1905 and again in Afghanistan in 1989. It took the Afghans almost a decade, but they not only repelled the invasion, they also helped to bring about the collapse of the Soviet Union. It proves that even a nuclear Russia can be defeated, although it may take time and possibly a change of leadership in the Kremlin. It will take great courage and a strong will to fight, which the Ukrainians have. It would also require continued foreign military and economic support and the international isolation of Russia. But can Ukraine get any more foreign support? This brings us to the second misconception widely held in India: that US support for Ukraine will not last much longer after Presidential elections in November this year that may bring back Donald Trump to the White House. Yet, I would say that whoever wins, it is highly unlikely that the US will abandon Ukraine. Not out of morality or some kind of sympathy for the victim. But because continued support for Ukraine serves vital American strategic and security interests. First, there is business. Of the more than $51 billion in military aid sent to Ukraine, most has gone back to the American defence industry, bringing revenue and jobs to American voters. Second, it is strategic. If the US sees China as its main threat (which it does), why hand victory to China's main ally on a silver platter? Finally, it is security, because it helps to reduce the military arsenals not only of Russia, but also of North Korea and Iran, other main enemies of the US. In fact, the war in Ukraine is costing the US far less in blood and treasure than its 20-year involvement in Afghanistan, yet it is yielding far greater benefits in all dimensions. Therefore, no matter who wins the November elections, he or she may like to continue military aid to Ukraine (possibly in a different form, such as on the basis of a lend-lease agreement), while leaving economic support to European partners. And here we come to the third misunderstanding of the war in Ukraine. Many in India believe that growing war fatigue in Europe will strengthen anti-war populists and undermine the will to continue supporting Ukraine. But after two and a half years of conflict, we do not see this in the polls or at the ballot box. In fact, pan-continental elections to the European Parliament have returned the very same forces that had vowed to support Ukraine "for as long as it takes". Elections in France and the UK have not turned Europe inwards as many predicted, while the new pro-European government in Poland has redoubled efforts to mobilise resources to rearm Europe and increase support for Ukraine. The European Union and its members have already pledged €77 billion to Ukraine and have already secured a further €50 billion over the next five years. Europe will continue to help Ukraine fight Russian aggression because it fears it could be next. Europe and India have a common interest in ending the war? While a new phase of the war in Ukraine opens up more space for diplomacy, it is still very likely that it will last for years, with negative consequences for Europe and the Global South. Nevertheless, it seems that the final resolution will be dictated by developments on the battlefield. And for all the pessimism, any outcome is still possible. So, as India prepares to play a greater diplomatic role, it must tread carefully lest it help hand Russia a victory in the guise of a 'peace deal'. Not because of Western expectations, but because it would not be in India's own interests. Apart from the strategic reasons outlined above, it is also not good for India to allow colonial war to succeed. It may be due to a historical misunderstanding of Russia that many Indians do not see the aggression against Ukraine for what it is - a futile attempt to remake an empire. It is true that during the Cold War the Soviet Union supported the decolonisation process, acting in its own interests of competition with the US. But many in the global South overlook the fact that Russia colonised many nations in Europe and Asia in the past. Instead of fighting European colonialism, it was one of the driving forces behind it. The only difference was that the Russian invading armies arrived by land rather than by sea. Now Russia wants to turn back the clock and reverse the process of decolonisation. In 1991, Russia accepted the independence of Ukraine within its current borders and now claims that this was a mistake. It is as if Britain had a change of heart and wanted to take back its former colonies in India. It is easy to understand why India has so far refrained from condemning Russia's aggression - it has good historical, security, energy and ideological reasons. But at the same time, while Russia is part of India's past, the West is its future. It is the US or Europe, not Russia, that can provide India with the strategic assets it needs to fuel its growth - be it capital and technology, or foreign markets for Indian goods and labour, or advanced weaponry and diplomatic support on the global stage. But as long as India enjoys a relationship of trust with Russia, it could use it to help its friend out of this senseless war. Paradoxically, India and the West share a long-term interest when it comes to Russia. Both are concerned about the growing Sino-Russian alliance, and a prolonged war in Ukraine does not serve them well. Both would prefer to see non-imperial Russia befriend the West, not China. And that will only be possible if the endgame of the war in Ukraine is acceptable to Ukraine and the West. The world would appreciate India helping to negotiate not just any peace, but the 'just' peace. And that is what makes India's task so difficult.

Can India play a role in ending the war in Ukraine? 

Russia's defence ministry on Tuesday said it had captured the town of Krasnogorivka in eastern Ukraine as well as three villages in different parts of the Donetsk region.&nbsp;

The ministry said Russian troops had "liberated" the town and the villages of Grygorivka, Galytsynivka and Vodiane.&nbsp;

The ministry statement used the Russian names for all four settlements.

Krasnogorivka, which had a population before the conflict of 16,000, is in an area where the front line has remained relatively unchanged for weeks.&nbsp;

The town lies some 20 kilometres (32 miles) west of Russian-held Donetsk and had served as a key stronghold for Kyiv.

It became more vulnerable after the fall of nearby Marinka in December 2023 and Avdiivka in February 2024.

Russian troops have been advancing steadily in the Donetsk region in recent weeks and are closing in on the town of Pokrovsk, a vital logistics and transport hub for Ukrainian forces.&nbsp;

Russian President Vladimir Putin said last week that seizing the Donbas, Ukraine's industrial heartland which includes the Donetsk region, was Russia's "primary objective".

On the back foot in the east, Ukraine last month launched an offensive into Russia's Kursk region, saying it had seized hundreds of square kilometres.&nbsp;

Ukraine has said one of its objectives had been to halt Russian advances in the east by forcing Moscow to redeploy troops.&nbsp;

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience. 
&nbsp;

Russia's defence ministry on Tuesday said it had captured the town of Krasnogorivka in eastern Ukraine as well as three villages in different parts of the Donetsk region.

Russia's defence ministry on Tuesday said it had captured the town of Krasnogorivka in eastern Ukraine as well as three villages in different parts of the Donetsk region. The ministry said Russian troops had "liberated" the town and the villages of Grygorivka, Galytsynivka and Vodiane. The ministry statement used the Russian names for all four settlements. Krasnogorivka, which had a population before the conflict of 16,000, is in an area where the front line has remained relatively unchanged for weeks. The town lies some 20 kilometres (32 miles) west of Russian-held Donetsk and had served as a key stronghold for Kyiv. It became more vulnerable after the fall of nearby Marinka in December 2023 and Avdiivka in February 2024. Russian troops have been advancing steadily in the Donetsk region in recent weeks and are closing in on the town of Pokrovsk, a vital logistics and transport hub for Ukrainian forces. Russian President Vladimir Putin said last week that seizing the Donbas, Ukraine's industrial heartland which includes the Donetsk region, was Russia's "primary objective". On the back foot in the east, Ukraine last month launched an offensive into Russia's Kursk region, saying it had seized hundreds of square kilometres. Ukraine has said one of its objectives had been to halt Russian advances in the east by forcing Moscow to redeploy troops. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Russia 'liberates' three villages, towns in eastern Ukraine

The White House has urged Vladimir Putin to 'stop talking' about the US presidential election after the Russian president said he backs Kamala Harris over Donald Trump.&nbsp;

"The only people who should get to determine who the next president of United States is are the American people,"&nbsp;National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters.

"We would greatly appreciate it if Mr Putin would, a) stop talking about our election, and b) stop interfering in it."

Biden withdrew from the presidential race last month after his cognitive issues became a major headache for the Democratic Party. Under pressure from all quarters, Biden dropped the re-election bid but instantly endorsed Biden as the nominee.&nbsp;

Since then Harris has made huge improvements in the poll numbers and currently looks set to edge Trump to the keys of the White House.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/putin-armed-with-new-nuclear-missiles-snubs-the-west-755645">Watch |&nbsp;Putin armed with new nuclear missiles snubs the West</a>

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/putin-armed-with-new-nuclear-missiles-snubs-the-west-755645/embed" width="560"></iframe>

<h2>What did Putin say?&nbsp;</h2>

Speaking at the&nbsp;Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok on Thursday, Putin said he is supporting Harris because of how she&nbsp;“laughs so expressively and infectiously that it means that everything is fine with her”.&nbsp;

"Our ‘favourite,’ if you can call it that, was the current president, Mr [Joe] Biden. But he was removed from the race, and he recommended all his supporters to support Ms Harris. Well, we will do so – we will support her," added Putin.&nbsp;

Both Putin and the moderator were seen smiling as he made the remark which drew applause from the audience.&nbsp;

While US agencies claim that Putin ran a disinformation campaign during the 2016 elections to help Trump's campaign against Hilary Clinton, the Kremlin has denied the accusations.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-president-putin-says-india-and-other-friends-could-act-as-mediators-in-peace-talks-with-ukraine-756094">Also read |&nbsp;Russian President Putin says ‘friends’ India, China, Brazil could act as mediators in peace talks with Ukraine</a>

Similar claims were made during the 2020 presidential elections which Joe Biden won. However, earlier this month, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg admitted that there was no Russian disinformation and that the FBI and other agencies forced the social media platforms to censor content.&nbsp;

"That fall, when we saw a New York Post story reporting on corruption allegations involving then-Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden's family, we sent that story to fact-checkers for review and temporarily demoted it while waiting for a reply," Zuckerberg said.

"It's since been made clear that the reporting was not Russian disinformation, and in retrospect, we shouldn't have demoted the story."

Meta demoting the story allowed Joe Biden to carry on his presidential campaign unperturbed which in hindsight, may have cost him dearly if the report was allowed to remain at the forefront of the social media platform.&nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The White House has urged Vladimir Putin to 'stop talking' about the US presidential election after the Russian president said he backs Kamala Harris over Donald Trump.

The White House has urged Vladimir Putin to 'stop talking' about the US presidential election after the Russian president said he backs Kamala Harris over Donald Trump. "The only people who should get to determine who the next president of United States is are the American people," National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters. "We would greatly appreciate it if Mr Putin would, a) stop talking about our election, and b) stop interfering in it." Biden withdrew from the presidential race last month after his cognitive issues became a major headache for the Democratic Party. Under pressure from all quarters, Biden dropped the re-election bid but instantly endorsed Biden as the nominee. Since then Harris has made huge improvements in the poll numbers and currently looks set to edge Trump to the keys of the White House. Watch | Putin armed with new nuclear missiles snubs the West What did Putin say? Speaking at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok on Thursday, Putin said he is supporting Harris because of how she “laughs so expressively and infectiously that it means that everything is fine with her”. "Our ‘favourite,’ if you can call it that, was the current president, Mr [Joe] Biden. But he was removed from the race, and he recommended all his supporters to support Ms Harris. Well, we will do so – we will support her," added Putin. Both Putin and the moderator were seen smiling as he made the remark which drew applause from the audience. While US agencies claim that Putin ran a disinformation campaign during the 2016 elections to help Trump's campaign against Hilary Clinton, the Kremlin has denied the accusations. Also read | Russian President Putin says ‘friends’ India, China, Brazil could act as mediators in peace talks with Ukraine Similar claims were made during the 2020 presidential elections which Joe Biden won. However, earlier this month, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg admitted that there was no Russian disinformation and that the FBI and other agencies forced the social media platforms to censor content. "That fall, when we saw a New York Post story reporting on corruption allegations involving then-Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden's family, we sent that story to fact-checkers for review and temporarily demoted it while waiting for a reply," Zuckerberg said. "It's since been made clear that the reporting was not Russian disinformation, and in retrospect, we shouldn't have demoted the story." Meta demoting the story allowed Joe Biden to carry on his presidential campaign unperturbed which in hindsight, may have cost him dearly if the report was allowed to remain at the forefront of the social media platform. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Stop talking...’: Putin backs Kamala Harris, White House tells him not to interfere in US elections

Russian President Vladimir Putin is one of the strongest political leaders in the world. However, his personal life has remained shrouded in mystery and not much is known about his family.

A Russian investigative journalism website's report has now made some startling claims, that Putin has two secret sons who are spending their luxurious life in a heavily guarded mansion, but in isolation.&nbsp;

The Dossier Centre claimed that the two sons - Ovan Putin and Vladimir Putin Jr. - have been living in their father’s vast mansion which is close to Lake Valdai.

The mother of the two boys is former Olympic rhythmic gymnast Alina Kabaeva whose relationship with Putin has been known in Russia, claimed the Dossier Centre.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-president-putin-says-india-and-other-friends-could-act-as-mediators-in-peace-talks-with-ukraine-756094">Russian President Putin says ‘friends’ India, China, Brazil could act as mediators in peace talks with Ukraine</a>

As per the report, the two boys have governesses, nannies, teachers and officers from the Kremlin Federal Guard and they love playing with a huge Lego set. The boys also have an iPad each.

“They have to play mostly alone or with adults. They only see their parents late at night," said the report.

In the mansion, there are two ponies, rabbits, and a St Bernard dog which is looked after by Kremlin guards but stays with the family. The report also stated that the two children use Disney&nbsp;cartoon impressions to annoy Putin.

<h2>Putin's sons have no mention in government databases</h2>

As per the report, Ivan was born at the Sant’Anna maternity clinic in the spring of 2015 in the Swiss city of Lugano and Vladimir Jr. was born in the spring of 2019 in Moscow.

Putin has never spoken directly about the boys. However, while addressing school children in Siberia, this week he said, “Members of my family, the little ones, speak Chinese.” It has also been reported that the kids are learning English and German.

However, there is no mention of Putin's sons in any government databases.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine war: Russian President Putin says, 'never refused peace talks with Ukraine'

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“Their dates of birth are only known by their immediate family. They don’t fly on regular flights, they have separate planes,” stated the report.

“They don’t attend kindergartens or schools, they are [taught by] hired governesses. They live in residences guarded by the FSO, sail on yachts and ride armoured trains," it added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Russian President Vladimir Putin is one of the strongest political leaders in the world. However, his personal life has remained shrouded in mystery and not much is known about his family.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is one of the strongest political leaders in the world. However, his personal life has remained shrouded in mystery and not much is known about his family. A Russian investigative journalism website's report has now made some startling claims, that Putin has two secret sons who are spending their luxurious life in a heavily guarded mansion, but in isolation. The Dossier Centre claimed that the two sons - Ovan Putin and Vladimir Putin Jr. - have been living in their father’s vast mansion which is close to Lake Valdai. The mother of the two boys is former Olympic rhythmic gymnast Alina Kabaeva whose relationship with Putin has been known in Russia, claimed the Dossier Centre. Also Read: Russian President Putin says ‘friends’ India, China, Brazil could act as mediators in peace talks with Ukraine As per the report, the two boys have governesses, nannies, teachers and officers from the Kremlin Federal Guard and they love playing with a huge Lego set. The boys also have an iPad each. “They have to play mostly alone or with adults. They only see their parents late at night," said the report. In the mansion, there are two ponies, rabbits, and a St Bernard dog which is looked after by Kremlin guards but stays with the family. The report also stated that the two children use Disney cartoon impressions to annoy Putin. Putin's sons have no mention in government databases As per the report, Ivan was born at the Sant’Anna maternity clinic in the spring of 2015 in the Swiss city of Lugano and Vladimir Jr. was born in the spring of 2019 in Moscow. Putin has never spoken directly about the boys. However, while addressing school children in Siberia, this week he said, “Members of my family, the little ones, speak Chinese.” It has also been reported that the kids are learning English and German. However, there is no mention of Putin's sons in any government databases. Watch: Russia-Ukraine war: Russian President Putin says, 'never refused peace talks with Ukraine' “Their dates of birth are only known by their immediate family. They don’t fly on regular flights, they have separate planes,” stated the report. “They don’t attend kindergartens or schools, they are [taught by] hired governesses. They live in residences guarded by the FSO, sail on yachts and ride armoured trains," it added. (With inputs from agencies)

Putin has two secret sons with his gymnast lover Kabaeva: Report

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday (Sep 5) that India, China, and Brazil could act as mediators in potential peace talks between his country and Ukraine.

The leader of the warring nation also said that a preliminary agreement reached between Moscow and Kyiv in Istanbul — during the initial weeks of the war that has already stretched for over 2.5 years — could serve as the basis for the talks. The agreement was never implemented.

Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:131,&quot;w&quot;:682,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1968}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-creators-react-to-doj-allegations-of-russian-propaganda-in-2024-elections-call-themselves-victims-756068">US creators react to DOJ's allegations of Russian propaganda in 2024 elections; call themselves 'victims'</a>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:185,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2022}">What did Putin say?</h2>

During the plenary session of the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, Russia, the Russian president expressed his belief that India and other friendly nations have a sincere interest in resolving all issues with regard to the ongoing war.

"We respect our friends, partners, who, I believe, are sincerely interested in resolving all issues related to this conflict. This is primarily the People's Republic of China, Brazil, India. I am constantly in contact with our colleagues on this issue. And I have no doubt that the leaders of these countries, we have a trusting relationship with them, sincerely strive to help understand all the details of this complex process."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/7-killed-at-least-40-injured-in-russian-air-strike-on-ukraines-lviv-755820">Russian missile strike on Ukraine's Lviv kills 7, injures 40 others</a>

The Russia-Ukraine war started with Putin's announcement of a 'special military operation' on February 24, 2022.

(More to follow)

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday (Sep 5) that India, China, and Brazil could act as mediators in potential peace talks between his country and Ukraine.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday (Sep 5) that India, China, and Brazil could act as mediators in potential peace talks between his country and Ukraine. The leader of the warring nation also said that a preliminary agreement reached between Moscow and Kyiv in Istanbul — during the initial weeks of the war that has already stretched for over 2.5 years — could serve as the basis for the talks. The agreement was never implemented. Also read | US creators react to DOJ's allegations of Russian propaganda in 2024 elections; call themselves 'victims' What did Putin say? During the plenary session of the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, Russia, the Russian president expressed his belief that India and other friendly nations have a sincere interest in resolving all issues with regard to the ongoing war. "We respect our friends, partners, who, I believe, are sincerely interested in resolving all issues related to this conflict. This is primarily the People's Republic of China, Brazil, India. I am constantly in contact with our colleagues on this issue. And I have no doubt that the leaders of these countries, we have a trusting relationship with them, sincerely strive to help understand all the details of this complex process." Also read | Russian missile strike on Ukraine's Lviv kills 7, injures 40 others The Russia-Ukraine war started with Putin's announcement of a 'special military operation' on February 24, 2022. (More to follow)

Russian President Putin says ‘friends’ India, China, Brazil could act as mediators in peace talks with Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin received a red carpet welcome on Tuesday on a state visit to Mongolia, whose failure to arrest him under a warrant from the International Criminal Court was criticised by Ukraine as a blow against justice.

Russian President Vladimir Putin gets lavish welcome in Mongolia despite ICC warrant

Russian President Vladimir Putin touched down in Mongolia Tuesday (Sep 3), defying an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant issued last year. It’s his first visit to an ICC member nation since the Hague-based court found Putin guilty of illegally deporting Ukrainian children when the invasion of Ukraine began in 2022.

As the West and Ukraine urged Mongolia to detain the visiting president, Putin was given an honour guard the night before he landed in the country.

Ahead of the visit, the ICC had reminded Mongolia of an "obligation" to detain those sought by the court. On Monday (Sep 2), Kyiv accused Mongolia of "sharing responsibility" for Putin's "war crimes".

In Mongolia, small protests have been seen and planned to mark opposition to the visit by Putin. A protest was seen at Sukhbaatar Square, the capital's central Genghis Khan Square, with people holding signs demanding "Get War Criminal Putin out of here". &nbsp;Another small protest has been planned for Tuesday.

<h2>Will Mongolia face prosecution for not arresting Putin?</h2>

Even if Ulaanbaatar doesn’t comply with the ICC warrant against Putin, there’s little that can be done to punish the East Asian nation.

Watch:&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine War: 'Ukraine's Kursk offensive is a huge step', says Ukrainian MP Mariana Bezuglaya

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However, Tamás Hoffmann, a senior research fellow at the Institute for Legal Studies, was quoted as saying by Politico that Mongolia will most certainly be prosecuted by the International Criminal Court for breaching its duty of cooperation.

“The ICC may then decide to refer the case to the Assembly of Parties, which could condemn Mongolia’s violation under a so-called non-compliance procedure. However, there are no serious consequences, such as sanctions, for the offending country,” the legal expert claimed.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiohpO836WIAxUaSWwGHcf5A4AQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mongolia-under-obligation-to-arrest-putin-icc-russia-withdraws-troops-from-burkina-faso-for-ukraine-war-754702" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/mongolia-under-obligation-to-arrest-putin-icc-russia-withdraws-troops-from-burkina-faso-for-ukraine-war-754702&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiohpO836WIAxUaSWwGHcf5A4AQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE">Mongolia `under obligation` to arrest Putin: ICC; Kremlin says `no worries`</a>

Mongolia enjoys strong cultural ties with Moscow. It has promoted ties with both Russia and China, the two giant neighbours, since the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Meanwhile, Amnesty International said Monday that ICC’s legitimacy would be severely harmed if Mongolia fails to detain Putin.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russian President Vladimir Putin touched down in Mongolia Tuesday (Sep 3), defying an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant issued last year. It’s his first visit to an ICC member nation since the Hague-based court found Putin guilty of illegally deporting Ukrainian children when the invasion of Ukraine began in 2022.

Russian President Vladimir Putin touched down in Mongolia Tuesday (Sep 3), defying an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant issued last year. It’s his first visit to an ICC member nation since the Hague-based court found Putin guilty of illegally deporting Ukrainian children when the invasion of Ukraine began in 2022. As the West and Ukraine urged Mongolia to detain the visiting president, Putin was given an honour guard the night before he landed in the country. Ahead of the visit, the ICC had reminded Mongolia of an "obligation" to detain those sought by the court. On Monday (Sep 2), Kyiv accused Mongolia of "sharing responsibility" for Putin's "war crimes". In Mongolia, small protests have been seen and planned to mark opposition to the visit by Putin. A protest was seen at Sukhbaatar Square, the capital's central Genghis Khan Square, with people holding signs demanding "Get War Criminal Putin out of here". Another small protest has been planned for Tuesday. Will Mongolia face prosecution for not arresting Putin? Even if Ulaanbaatar doesn’t comply with the ICC warrant against Putin, there’s little that can be done to punish the East Asian nation. Watch: Russia-Ukraine War: 'Ukraine's Kursk offensive is a huge step', says Ukrainian MP Mariana Bezuglaya × However, Tamás Hoffmann, a senior research fellow at the Institute for Legal Studies, was quoted as saying by Politico that Mongolia will most certainly be prosecuted by the International Criminal Court for breaching its duty of cooperation. “The ICC may then decide to refer the case to the Assembly of Parties, which could condemn Mongolia’s violation under a so-called non-compliance procedure. However, there are no serious consequences, such as sanctions, for the offending country,” the legal expert claimed. Also read: Mongolia `under obligation` to arrest Putin: ICC; Kremlin says `no worries` Mongolia enjoys strong cultural ties with Moscow. It has promoted ties with both Russia and China, the two giant neighbours, since the collapse of the Soviet Union. Meanwhile, Amnesty International said Monday that ICC’s legitimacy would be severely harmed if Mongolia fails to detain Putin. (With inputs from agencies)

Mongolia gives thumbs-down to ICC arrest warrant against Putin. Will it face prosecution?

Russian scientists have been pressed to work on medical treatments and medicine that could help keep&nbsp;President Vladimir Putin and his coterie of leaders remain&nbsp;'ageless', a report in DailyMail has claimed.

The health ministry sent a letter in June to doctors and medical researchers, asking them about the latest developments in turning back the biological clock.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"The biggest boss set a task, and officials rushed to implement it in every possible way," a medical researcher source was quoted as saying.&nbsp;

"We were asked to urgently send all our developments, and the letter came, let's say today, and everything had to be sent yesterday."

The researchers are shocked at the demands from the Kremlin officials, as developing such medicine may require years and billions in capital. They have been told to submit 'development proposals' to reduce cell deterioration, according to reports.&nbsp;

Additionally, the researchers have been told to highlight new technologies preventing cognitive and sensory impairment, as well as methods for correcting the immune system.&nbsp;

"We received this paper, and frankly, I was shocked.&nbsp;The message itself puzzled me. That is, right now [during the war] we have to drop everything. This cynicism is even perplexing."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-a-step-closer-to-anti-ageing-drugs-553964">Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: A step closer to anti-ageing drugs</a>

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Putin is surrounded by ageing cronies such as&nbsp;speaker of the Russian senate, Valentina Matviyenko (75), Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov (74),&nbsp;FSB security service chief Alexander Bortnikov (72) and SVR spy chief Sergey Naryshkin (69).

The Russian president won the elections last year which keeps him in power up until at least 2036 which means he will be well into his eighties by the time his term comes to an end. It is perhaps one of the reasons why he has asked the authorities to speed up the process,&nbsp;

Notably, Putin&nbsp;has long had an interest in developing a 'youth pill' but as he heads into his seventh decade on the planet, there seems to be a greater urgency on his part to seek 'longevity'.&nbsp;

In 2016, then 64-year-old Putin visited&nbsp;the Biocad plant in St Petersburg which has been working on&nbsp;anti-ageing pills.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-discover-anti-ageing-formula-which-can-also-stop-cancer-741992">Also read |&nbsp;Scientists discover anti-ageing formula which can also stop cancer</a>

Last year, reports emerged that Putin had suffered a heart attack. Although the Kremlin dismissed the news as a 'hoax', many speculated that Putin was not keeping well and Moscow was burying the news so that its leader would not appear weak on the global map.&nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Russian scientists have been pressed to work on medical treatments and medicine that could help keep President Vladimir Putin and his coterie of leaders remain 'ageless', a report in DailyMail has claimed.

Russian scientists have been pressed to work on medical treatments and medicine that could help keep President Vladimir Putin and his coterie of leaders remain 'ageless', a report in DailyMail has claimed. The health ministry sent a letter in June to doctors and medical researchers, asking them about the latest developments in turning back the biological clock. "The biggest boss set a task, and officials rushed to implement it in every possible way," a medical researcher source was quoted as saying. "We were asked to urgently send all our developments, and the letter came, let's say today, and everything had to be sent yesterday." The researchers are shocked at the demands from the Kremlin officials, as developing such medicine may require years and billions in capital. They have been told to submit 'development proposals' to reduce cell deterioration, according to reports. Additionally, the researchers have been told to highlight new technologies preventing cognitive and sensory impairment, as well as methods for correcting the immune system. "We received this paper, and frankly, I was shocked. The message itself puzzled me. That is, right now [during the war] we have to drop everything. This cynicism is even perplexing." Watch | Gravitas: A step closer to anti-ageing drugs × Putin is surrounded by ageing cronies such as speaker of the Russian senate, Valentina Matviyenko (75), Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov (74), FSB security service chief Alexander Bortnikov (72) and SVR spy chief Sergey Naryshkin (69). The Russian president won the elections last year which keeps him in power up until at least 2036 which means he will be well into his eighties by the time his term comes to an end. It is perhaps one of the reasons why he has asked the authorities to speed up the process, Notably, Putin has long had an interest in developing a 'youth pill' but as he heads into his seventh decade on the planet, there seems to be a greater urgency on his part to seek 'longevity'. In 2016, then 64-year-old Putin visited the Biocad plant in St Petersburg which has been working on anti-ageing pills. Also read | Scientists discover anti-ageing formula which can also stop cancer Last year, reports emerged that Putin had suffered a heart attack. Although the Kremlin dismissed the news as a 'hoax', many speculated that Putin was not keeping well and Moscow was burying the news so that its leader would not appear weak on the global map. (With inputs from agencies)

Is Putin seeking immortality? Russian scientists ordered to develop cure for ageing

The Finland&nbsp;government is proposing to ban most Russian citizens from buying property in the Nordic country in a move to protect national security, Defence Minister Antti Hakkanen said on Monday.

Relations between Finland and neighbouring Russia have soured since Moscow's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, which prompted Helsinki to join the NATO military alliance after decades of non-alignment.

The proposed ban on real estate purchases would exempt dual citizens and Russians with permanent residence in Finland or other European Union nations, and is subject to expert consultations before a later vote by parliament.

"The regulations are aimed at preventing possible hostile influences against Finland," Hakkanen told a press conference.

Finland is already monitoring some 3,500 properties in the country linked to Russian owners, the minister said without elaborating.

Helsinki has for some time sought to limit Russian citizens' property acquisitions near strategic locations based on existing regulations, blocking three in October last year and another three in January this year.

Finland, which shares a 1,340 km (830 miles) border with Russia, has shut all crossings between the teo countries and accused the Kremlin of weaponising migration by encouraging Asian and African migrants to seek asylum there.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience. 
&nbsp;

The Finland government is proposing to ban most Russian citizens from buying property in the Nordic country in a move to protect national security, Defence Minister Antti Hakkanen said on Monday.

The Finland government is proposing to ban most Russian citizens from buying property in the Nordic country in a move to protect national security, Defence Minister Antti Hakkanen said on Monday. Relations between Finland and neighbouring Russia have soured since Moscow's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, which prompted Helsinki to join the NATO military alliance after decades of non-alignment. The proposed ban on real estate purchases would exempt dual citizens and Russians with permanent residence in Finland or other European Union nations, and is subject to expert consultations before a later vote by parliament. "The regulations are aimed at preventing possible hostile influences against Finland," Hakkanen told a press conference. Finland is already monitoring some 3,500 properties in the country linked to Russian owners, the minister said without elaborating. Helsinki has for some time sought to limit Russian citizens' property acquisitions near strategic locations based on existing regulations, blocking three in October last year and another three in January this year. Finland, which shares a 1,340 km (830 miles) border with Russia, has shut all crossings between the teo countries and accused the Kremlin of weaponising migration by encouraging Asian and African migrants to seek asylum there. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Finland plans to ban Russians from buying property

North Korea's Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un has received a new consignment of horses from Russian President Putin. This development was reported by The Telegraph on Friday (Aug 30).

North Korea's Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un has received a new consignment of horses from Russian President Putin. This development was reported by The Telegraph on Friday (Aug 30). According to veterinary authorities in Primorsky Krai, the Russian Far East region that has a rail connection with North Korea, 24 horses were transported across the narrow land border on August 25. The 19 stallions and five mares are Orlov Trotters, known to be Kim’s favourite breed. Why were the horses gifted? Citing South Korean media, The Telegraph report said that the new consignment of the horses was part-payment for the North Korean artillery shells sent to the Russian military for use against Ukraine. In June this year, Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a “comprehensive partnership agreement” committing the two countries to military cooperation. Later that same month the North Korean leader gifted Putin a pair of pungsan dogs, a local breed. The Russian president reciprocated in August, sending 447 goats to North Korea. The role of these horses The Telegraph report pointed out that though North Korea has developed nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles, it is also investing in one of the world’s oldest military technologies with a network of equestrian military units. As per trade reports, Pyongyang spent at least $600,000 on thoroughbred horses imported from Russia between 2020 and 2023. Their value to Kim is symbolic, rather than military: horses play an important part in the personality cult that he has created around himself and his family. (With inputs from agencies)

North Korea's Kim Jong Un receives new consignment of horses from Russia

Just weeks after Ukraine received the US-made F-16 fighter jets, one of the coveted jets was destroyed in a crash on Monday (Aug 26), according to United States&nbsp;defence officials.

Speaking to Reuters, a US defence official said that Russian fire does not appear to be the cause of the crash. However, it is yet to be determined what caused the crash — pilot error or mechanical failure.

Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:88,&quot;y&quot;:113,&quot;w&quot;:586,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:121,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1953}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/namibia-to-cull-over-700-elephants-hippos-and-other-animals-for-meat-heres-why-754340">Namibia to cull over 700 elephants, hippos and other animals for meat. Here's why</a>

Kyiv has also confirmed the crash and said&nbsp;that the jet crashed while repelling a Russian air strike.

This marks the first reported destruction of an F-16 in Ukraine, just weeks after Kyiv began taking delivery of the supersonic aircraft.

"F-16 fighters of the Armed Forces of Ukraine were used to repel a missile attack on the territory of Ukraine by the Russian Federation, along with units of anti-aircraft missile troops," the Ukrainian army said.

"During the approach to the next target, communication with one of the planes was lost. As it turned out later, the aircraft crashed, killing the pilot," it added. &nbsp;

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:328,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2168}">F-16 jets in commission</h2>

On Tuesday (August 27), Ukrainian&nbsp;President Volodymyr Zelensky said that the F-16 jets were used to repel the Russian attack on Monday and it showed good results.

Russia had staged a "massive" missile and drone attack against Ukraine, said the war-torn nation's Air Commander. This was followed by another massive attack on Tuesday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:88,&quot;y&quot;:470,&quot;w&quot;:591,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:121,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2310}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-nsa-sullivan-meets-chinese-leaders-amid-beijings-disputes-with-taipei-manila-754296">US NSA Sullivan meets Chinese leaders amid Beijing's disputes with Taipei, Manila</a>

While the pilot who died in the crash has not been identified, a unit of Ukraine had earlier said that&nbsp;one of its pilots, Oleksiy Mes, had died in a crash on Monday (Aug 26) while repelling a Russian air attack.

"On 26 August, while repelling a Russian massive combined missile and air strike, Oleksiy destroyed three cruise missiles and one attack drone," said Ukraine's Western air command unit.

"Oleksiy saved Ukrainians from deadly Russian missiles. Unfortunately, at the cost of his own life," it added.

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos&nbsp;and&nbsp;videos.

Just weeks after Ukraine received the US-made F-16 fighter jets, one of the coveted jets was destroyed in a crash on Monday (Aug 26), according to United States defence officials.

Just weeks after Ukraine received the US-made F-16 fighter jets, one of the coveted jets was destroyed in a crash on Monday (Aug 26), according to United States defence officials. Speaking to Reuters, a US defence official said that Russian fire does not appear to be the cause of the crash. However, it is yet to be determined what caused the crash — pilot error or mechanical failure. Also read | Namibia to cull over 700 elephants, hippos and other animals for meat. Here's why Kyiv has also confirmed the crash and said that the jet crashed while repelling a Russian air strike. This marks the first reported destruction of an F-16 in Ukraine, just weeks after Kyiv began taking delivery of the supersonic aircraft. "F-16 fighters of the Armed Forces of Ukraine were used to repel a missile attack on the territory of Ukraine by the Russian Federation, along with units of anti-aircraft missile troops," the Ukrainian army said. "During the approach to the next target, communication with one of the planes was lost. As it turned out later, the aircraft crashed, killing the pilot," it added. F-16 jets in commission On Tuesday (August 27), Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that the F-16 jets were used to repel the Russian attack on Monday and it showed good results. Russia had staged a "massive" missile and drone attack against Ukraine, said the war-torn nation's Air Commander. This was followed by another massive attack on Tuesday. Also read | US NSA Sullivan meets Chinese leaders amid Beijing's disputes with Taipei, Manila While the pilot who died in the crash has not been identified, a unit of Ukraine had earlier said that one of its pilots, Oleksiy Mes, had died in a crash on Monday (Aug 26) while repelling a Russian air attack. "On 26 August, while repelling a Russian massive combined missile and air strike, Oleksiy destroyed three cruise missiles and one attack drone," said Ukraine's Western air command unit. "Oleksiy saved Ukrainians from deadly Russian missiles. Unfortunately, at the cost of his own life," it added. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Ukraine's newly acquired American made F-16 fighter jet crashes; one pilot dead

A delegation led by the chief of the United Nations' International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspected Russia's Kursk Nuclear Power Plant, which Russia&nbsp;has accused Ukraine of targeting, in an act of "nuclear terrorism". In recent weeks, fighting has been raging at regions that are 30 km from the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant in Western Russia, after Ukraine made a surprise offensive and incursion. The Kursk nuclear power generation facility is among the largest in Russia, with more units under construction at the same location.

On Thursday, August 27, the IAEA delegation headed by Director General Rafael Grossi visited the sites of the Kursk NPP and the Kursk II Nuclear Power Plant, and the nearby town of Kurchatov. The visit was organised at the invitation of the Chief of Russia's Nuclear Power agency Rosatom Alexey Likhachev.

Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:88,&quot;y&quot;:167,&quot;w&quot;:717,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:121,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1860}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-warns-france-against-intimidating-pavel-durov-telegram-ceos-custody-extended-till-aug-28-753699">Russia warns France against intimidating Pavel Durov; Telegram CEO's custody extended till Aug 28</a>

"The IAEA delegation visited the site of the first and the second phases of the NPP and assessed the plant’s operation against the background of relentless Ukrainian provocations," Rosatom said.&nbsp;

In recent weeks, Russia has been making allegations regarding Ukraine's attempts to target the nuclear power generation facility. There are unconfirmed reports from last week&nbsp;of Russian air defence systems shooting down Ukrainian drones in the Kursk region, some of which are said to have been near spent nuclear fuel storage facilities. Russian President Putin had also reportedly mentioned Ukraine attempting a nighttime strike at the Kursk Nuclear power plant.

"The IAEA Director General could witness the impact of the strikes launched by Ukraine against the industrial site of the Kursk NPP and had an opportunity to assess the nuclear safety risks posed by attacks on the facility," added the Russian nuclear power agency. 
 
IAEA chief Rafael Grossi was able to see that the Kursk NPP Unit 3 continues to operate at its installed capacity, and Unit 4 has been on scheduled preventive maintenance. The design features of RBMK-type reactors were demonstrated to the IAEA director general. The IAEA delegation also observed the progress of the Kursk II NPP construction, which is proceeding as planned, Rosatom said.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-test-fired-first-domestically-produced-ballistic-missile-president-zelensky-753770">Ukraine test-fired first domestically-produced ballistic missile: President Zelensky</a>

"The safety and security of all nuclear power plants is of central and fundamental concern to the IAEA. Since new developments and increased levels of military activity in the vicinity of the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant, I have been closely following developments on the ground, especially with respect to the plant," Grossi had said, before his visit to the Kursk facility.

The results of the IAEA delegation's visit are to be discussed by the chiefs of Rosatom and IAEA in Kaliningrad, Russia.&nbsp;

A delegation led by the chief of the United Nations' International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspected Russia's Kursk Nuclear Power Plant, which Russia has accused Ukraine of targeting, in an act of "nuclear terrorism".

A delegation led by the chief of the United Nations' International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspected Russia's Kursk Nuclear Power Plant, which Russia has accused Ukraine of targeting, in an act of "nuclear terrorism". In recent weeks, fighting has been raging at regions that are 30 km from the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant in Western Russia, after Ukraine made a surprise offensive and incursion. The Kursk nuclear power generation facility is among the largest in Russia, with more units under construction at the same location. On Thursday, August 27, the IAEA delegation headed by Director General Rafael Grossi visited the sites of the Kursk NPP and the Kursk II Nuclear Power Plant, and the nearby town of Kurchatov. The visit was organised at the invitation of the Chief of Russia's Nuclear Power agency Rosatom Alexey Likhachev. Also read | Russia warns France against intimidating Pavel Durov; Telegram CEO's custody extended till Aug 28 "The IAEA delegation visited the site of the first and the second phases of the NPP and assessed the plant’s operation against the background of relentless Ukrainian provocations," Rosatom said. In recent weeks, Russia has been making allegations regarding Ukraine's attempts to target the nuclear power generation facility. There are unconfirmed reports from last week of Russian air defence systems shooting down Ukrainian drones in the Kursk region, some of which are said to have been near spent nuclear fuel storage facilities. Russian President Putin had also reportedly mentioned Ukraine attempting a nighttime strike at the Kursk Nuclear power plant. "The IAEA Director General could witness the impact of the strikes launched by Ukraine against the industrial site of the Kursk NPP and had an opportunity to assess the nuclear safety risks posed by attacks on the facility," added the Russian nuclear power agency. IAEA chief Rafael Grossi was able to see that the Kursk NPP Unit 3 continues to operate at its installed capacity, and Unit 4 has been on scheduled preventive maintenance. The design features of RBMK-type reactors were demonstrated to the IAEA director general. The IAEA delegation also observed the progress of the Kursk II NPP construction, which is proceeding as planned, Rosatom said. Also read | Ukraine test-fired first domestically-produced ballistic missile: President Zelensky "The safety and security of all nuclear power plants is of central and fundamental concern to the IAEA. Since new developments and increased levels of military activity in the vicinity of the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant, I have been closely following developments on the ground, especially with respect to the plant," Grossi had said, before his visit to the Kursk facility. The results of the IAEA delegation's visit are to be discussed by the chiefs of Rosatom and IAEA in Kaliningrad, Russia.

Inspection at Russia's Kursk nuclear plant amid allegations of Ukrainian strike

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday (Aug 27), said that recently, his military carried out the first successful test of a domestically-produced ballistic missile, amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.&nbsp;

Speaking at a press conference in Kyiv, the Ukrainian president's remarks come after two consecutive nights of large-scale Russian bombardments across Ukraine, killing several people and battering&nbsp;energy infrastructure.&nbsp;

"There has been a positive test of the first Ukrainian ballistic missile. I congratulate our defence industry on this. I can't share any more details about this missile," Zelensky said at the press conference.&nbsp;

For a long time now, Ukraine has been trying to develop its own arms industry and boosting military production on its own territory, to become less dependent on Western military aid amid its ongoing war with Russia.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;&nbsp;Ukraine says Russia attacked with over 200 missiles and drones&nbsp;

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Notably, Ukraine has signed agreements with Western arms companies for the production of small arms and ammunition.&nbsp;

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:654,&quot;w&quot;:926,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2498}">Ukraine now controls 100 Russian settlements</h2>

As Ukraine continues its offensive into Russia's Kursk region, Kyiv's top military commander Gen Oleksandr Syrskyi said that Ukrainian troops control &nbsp;1,294 sq km (500 sq miles) of Russian territory and 100 settlements.&nbsp;

He added that about 594 Russian soldiers were also captured during&nbsp;the&nbsp;Kursk incursion.

Last week, Zelensky said Ukraine controlled over 1,250 sq km of Russian territory.&nbsp;

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:817,&quot;w&quot;:926,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2661}">Zelensky to present&nbsp;US with plan on ending war with Russia</h2>

The Ukrainian President, during the press conference in Kyiv, also said that he will present a roadmap&nbsp;on how he plans to end the war with Russia&nbsp;to presidential candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, as well as United States President Joe Biden.&nbsp;

Earlier in the day, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said that Washington's&nbsp; involvement in Kyiv's ongoing incursion into the Kursk region was "an obvious fact", Russian state media TASS reported.&nbsp;

<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:962,&quot;w&quot;:638,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2806}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/video-ukrainian-drone-hits-russian-high-rise-building-resembling-911-attack-visuals-753370">Also read:&nbsp;Ukrainian drone hits Russian high-rise building, resembling 9/11 attack visuals</a>

However, the US said that they did not take part in the operation.&nbsp;

Ryabkov said that it was no longer an accusation that the United States was involved but "an obvious fact. Washington's escalatory path is becoming more and more challenging."

"The impression is that (US) colleagues have thrown away the remnants of common sense and believe that everything is permissible for them. Similar approaches are followed by their clientele in Kyiv."

He warned that such actions could further lead to severe consequences.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday (Aug 27), said that recently, his military carried out the first successful test of a domestically-produced ballistic missile, amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday (Aug 27), said that recently, his military carried out the first successful test of a domestically-produced ballistic missile, amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. Speaking at a press conference in Kyiv, the Ukrainian president's remarks come after two consecutive nights of large-scale Russian bombardments across Ukraine, killing several people and battering energy infrastructure. "There has been a positive test of the first Ukrainian ballistic missile. I congratulate our defence industry on this. I can't share any more details about this missile," Zelensky said at the press conference. For a long time now, Ukraine has been trying to develop its own arms industry and boosting military production on its own territory, to become less dependent on Western military aid amid its ongoing war with Russia. Watch | Ukraine says Russia attacked with over 200 missiles and drones × Notably, Ukraine has signed agreements with Western arms companies for the production of small arms and ammunition. Ukraine now controls 100 Russian settlements As Ukraine continues its offensive into Russia's Kursk region, Kyiv's top military commander Gen Oleksandr Syrskyi said that Ukrainian troops control 1,294 sq km (500 sq miles) of Russian territory and 100 settlements. He added that about 594 Russian soldiers were also captured during the Kursk incursion. Last week, Zelensky said Ukraine controlled over 1,250 sq km of Russian territory. Zelensky to present US with plan on ending war with Russia The Ukrainian President, during the press conference in Kyiv, also said that he will present a roadmap on how he plans to end the war with Russia to presidential candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, as well as United States President Joe Biden. Earlier in the day, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said that Washington's involvement in Kyiv's ongoing incursion into the Kursk region was "an obvious fact", Russian state media TASS reported. Also read: Ukrainian drone hits Russian high-rise building, resembling 9/11 attack visuals However, the US said that they did not take part in the operation. Ryabkov said that it was no longer an accusation that the United States was involved but "an obvious fact. Washington's escalatory path is becoming more and more challenging." "The impression is that (US) colleagues have thrown away the remnants of common sense and believe that everything is permissible for them. Similar approaches are followed by their clientele in Kyiv." He warned that such actions could further lead to severe consequences. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos

Ukraine test-fired first domestically-produced ballistic missile: President Zelensky

A member of the Reuters team covering the war in Ukraine was missing and two others were hospitalised after a strike on a hotel in the eastern Ukrainian city of Kramatorsk.

In a statement, the news agency said that the Hotel Sapphire, where a six-person Reuters crew was staying, was hit on Saturday.

"One of our colleagues is unaccounted for, while two others have been taken to hospital for treatment," the agency said.

"Three other colleagues have been accounted for. We are urgently seeking more information, working with the authorities in Kramatorsk, and supporting our colleagues and their families. We will give an update when we have more information," it added.

Vadym Filashkin, governor of the Donetsk region, said in a post on Telegram on Sunday morning that "the Russians hit Kramatorsk", and that two journalists were injured, while one was missing after a strike on a hotel.

"Authorities, police, and rescuers are working on the spot. Debris clearance and rescue operations are ongoing," he said.

The Russian Defence Ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Ukraine's General Prosecutor's Office said in a statement on Telegram that it had opened a "pre-trial investigation" into the strike, which it said happened at 10:35 p.m. local time (1935 GMT) on Saturday.

"Russian troops struck the city of Kramatorsk, probably with an Iskander-M missile," it said.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience. 
&nbsp;

A member of the Reuters team covering the war in Ukraine was missing and two others were hospitalised after a strike on a hotel in the eastern Ukrainian city of Kramatorsk.

A member of the Reuters team covering the war in Ukraine was missing and two others were hospitalised after a strike on a hotel in the eastern Ukrainian city of Kramatorsk. In a statement, the news agency said that the Hotel Sapphire, where a six-person Reuters crew was staying, was hit on Saturday. "One of our colleagues is unaccounted for, while two others have been taken to hospital for treatment," the agency said. "Three other colleagues have been accounted for. We are urgently seeking more information, working with the authorities in Kramatorsk, and supporting our colleagues and their families. We will give an update when we have more information," it added. Vadym Filashkin, governor of the Donetsk region, said in a post on Telegram on Sunday morning that "the Russians hit Kramatorsk", and that two journalists were injured, while one was missing after a strike on a hotel. "Authorities, police, and rescuers are working on the spot. Debris clearance and rescue operations are ongoing," he said. The Russian Defence Ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Ukraine's General Prosecutor's Office said in a statement on Telegram that it had opened a "pre-trial investigation" into the strike, which it said happened at 10:35 p.m. local time (1935 GMT) on Saturday. "Russian troops struck the city of Kramatorsk, probably with an Iskander-M missile," it said. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Russian strike on Kramatorsk hotel leaves one Reuters journalist missing, two injured

Former US President Donald Trump reportedly made significant efforts during his presidency to forge closer relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin, despite Russia's alleged interference in the 2016 US elections and strong objections from his advisors.

The claims were made by the former US National Security Adviser in the Trump administration, HR McMaster, in a new memoir. An excerpt of the book was published in the Wall Street Journal on Saturday.

McMaster's revelations emerge at a crucial time as Americans prepare to decide whether Trump should return to the White House in front of the Democrat presidential candidate and the current US Vice President Kamala Harris.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vladimir-putin-believes-donald-trump-is-sincere-about-ending-ukraine-war-737958">Vladimir Putin believes Donald Trump is sincere about ending Ukraine war</a>

The book also comes as US officials warn of renewed foreign attempts to influence the upcoming presidential election.

McMaster, a former lieutenant general, recounts his frustration with Trump’s efforts to engage with Putin.&nbsp;

"After over a year in this job, I cannot understand Putin's hold on Trump," McMaster wrote, reflecting on a conversation with his wife in March 2018.

Appointed in February 2017, McMaster quickly found that discussing Russia with Trump was fraught with difficulty. He claims that Trump frequently linked discussions about Russia to the investigation into Moscow’s interference in the 2016 election, which overshadowed his entire presidency.

The memoir also details Trump’s early attempts to improve relations with Russia by building a personal rapport with Putin, despite warnings from his national security team. McMaster suggests that the Russian president, a "ruthless former KGB operator," skillfully exploited Trump’s ego and insecurities through flattery.

Also watch |&nbsp;Putin visit China: Former US President Donald Trump says, 'Xi &amp; Putin meeting to 'do damage''

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Tensions between McMaster and Trump reportedly escalated over the president’s approach to Putin.&nbsp;

One significant point of contention occurred in March 2018, following Putin’s re-election to a fourth term. According to McMaster, Trump insisted on congratulating Putin, despite warnings that the vote had been rigged.

Despite these warnings, Trump proceeded with the call and even extended an invitation for Putin to visit the White House. McMaster believes that his eventual dismissal was due in part to his warnings about Putin’s manipulation of Trump and other US politicians to undermine American confidence in democratic institutions.

McMaster was replaced by John Bolton just days later, marking another change in Trump’s national security team.

Former US President Donald Trump reportedly made significant efforts during his presidency to forge closer relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin, despite Russia's alleged interference in the 2016 US elections and strong objections from his advisors.

Former US President Donald Trump reportedly made significant efforts during his presidency to forge closer relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin, despite Russia's alleged interference in the 2016 US elections and strong objections from his advisors. The claims were made by the former US National Security Adviser in the Trump administration, HR McMaster, in a new memoir. An excerpt of the book was published in the Wall Street Journal on Saturday. McMaster's revelations emerge at a crucial time as Americans prepare to decide whether Trump should return to the White House in front of the Democrat presidential candidate and the current US Vice President Kamala Harris. Also read | Vladimir Putin believes Donald Trump is sincere about ending Ukraine war The book also comes as US officials warn of renewed foreign attempts to influence the upcoming presidential election. McMaster, a former lieutenant general, recounts his frustration with Trump’s efforts to engage with Putin. "After over a year in this job, I cannot understand Putin's hold on Trump," McMaster wrote, reflecting on a conversation with his wife in March 2018. Appointed in February 2017, McMaster quickly found that discussing Russia with Trump was fraught with difficulty. He claims that Trump frequently linked discussions about Russia to the investigation into Moscow’s interference in the 2016 election, which overshadowed his entire presidency. The memoir also details Trump’s early attempts to improve relations with Russia by building a personal rapport with Putin, despite warnings from his national security team. McMaster suggests that the Russian president, a "ruthless former KGB operator," skillfully exploited Trump’s ego and insecurities through flattery. Also watch | Putin visit China: Former US President Donald Trump says, 'Xi & Putin meeting to 'do damage'' × Tensions between McMaster and Trump reportedly escalated over the president’s approach to Putin. One significant point of contention occurred in March 2018, following Putin’s re-election to a fourth term. According to McMaster, Trump insisted on congratulating Putin, despite warnings that the vote had been rigged. Despite these warnings, Trump proceeded with the call and even extended an invitation for Putin to visit the White House. McMaster believes that his eventual dismissal was due in part to his warnings about Putin’s manipulation of Trump and other US politicians to undermine American confidence in democratic institutions. McMaster was replaced by John Bolton just days later, marking another change in Trump’s national security team.

Putin may have manipulated Trump with unnecessary flattery, new book suggests

The Ukrainian parliament on Tuesday (August 20) voted to ban the Ukrainian orthodox church, which has links to Russia. The move has been backed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who said that it&nbsp;will boost his country's independence.

"Today I want to note the work of the Verkhovna Rada. A law on our spiritual independence has been adopted," said Zelensky on social media. He added that the government would "continue to strengthen Ukraine and our society."

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:133,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1822}">Russia slams the ban</h2>

Russia, however, has slammed the move as "unlawful".&nbsp;

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In a statement posted on Telegram, the Russian Orthodox Church spokesman Vladimir Legoida said, "This is an unlawful act that is the grossest violation of the basic principles of freedom of conscience and human rights."

Nevertheless, Zelensky's office has welcomed the bill.

Andriy Yermak, Zelensky's chief of staff on Telegram, proclaimed that, "There will be no Moscow Church in Ukraine."

Labelling the bill as "historic",&nbsp;Ukrainian lawmaker Iryna Gerashchenko said "This is a matter of national security, not religion," she said in a post on Telegram.

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:407,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2096}">Why ban a church?</h2>

As per AFP, Ukraine has for years tried to curb spiritual ties with bodies it considers aligned with Russia. The process was further accelerated by Moscow's full-blown invasion in 2022. The powerful Russian Orthodox Church reportedly endorsed the invasion.

Now, a majority of Ukrainian MPs approved the bill that outlaws Russia-linked religious organisations, including the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC), which is linked to the Moscow Patriarchate.

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The bill will now go to the president and will become law&nbsp;after his signature. However, as per the report, implementing it will take years. In spite of that, it caused dismay among the church's followers.

As per AFP, the Moscow-linked Ukrainian Orthodox Church officially broke ties with its Russian counterpart back in 2022. However, some Ukrainian leaders have accused the church of collaborating with Russian clergymen despite Moscow's invasion.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Ukrainian parliament on Tuesday (August 20) voted to ban the Ukrainian orthodox church, which has links to Russia. The move has been backed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who said that it will boost his country's independence.

The Ukrainian parliament on Tuesday (August 20) voted to ban the Ukrainian orthodox church, which has links to Russia. The move has been backed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who said that it will boost his country's independence. "Today I want to note the work of the Verkhovna Rada. A law on our spiritual independence has been adopted," said Zelensky on social media. He added that the government would "continue to strengthen Ukraine and our society." Russia slams the ban Russia, however, has slammed the move as "unlawful". Also read | What does Zelensky want? UK's Storm Shadow or some other western weapons In a statement posted on Telegram, the Russian Orthodox Church spokesman Vladimir Legoida said, "This is an unlawful act that is the grossest violation of the basic principles of freedom of conscience and human rights." Nevertheless, Zelensky's office has welcomed the bill. Andriy Yermak, Zelensky's chief of staff on Telegram, proclaimed that, "There will be no Moscow Church in Ukraine." Labelling the bill as "historic", Ukrainian lawmaker Iryna Gerashchenko said "This is a matter of national security, not religion," she said in a post on Telegram. Why ban a church? As per AFP, Ukraine has for years tried to curb spiritual ties with bodies it considers aligned with Russia. The process was further accelerated by Moscow's full-blown invasion in 2022. The powerful Russian Orthodox Church reportedly endorsed the invasion. Now, a majority of Ukrainian MPs approved the bill that outlaws Russia-linked religious organisations, including the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC), which is linked to the Moscow Patriarchate. Also read | Russia claims its forces captured key hub of New York in east Ukraine The bill will now go to the president and will become law after his signature. However, as per the report, implementing it will take years. In spite of that, it caused dismay among the church's followers. As per AFP, the Moscow-linked Ukrainian Orthodox Church officially broke ties with its Russian counterpart back in 2022. However, some Ukrainian leaders have accused the church of collaborating with Russian clergymen despite Moscow's invasion. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine passes bill to ban Orthodox church with ties to Russia; Zelensky hails ban, Moscow slams it

Russia introduced a state of emergency in the southern Russian city of Proletarsk on Monday (August 19) as firefighters battled a blaze sparked by a Ukrainian drone strike at a fuel storage facility.&nbsp;

For more than 24 hours, firefighters battled to extinguish the blaze at a fuel storage warehouse in the city of around 20,000 people. The fire at the oil facility started on Sunday morning and was seen raging for a second day, reports AFP.

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:133,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2033}">Firefighters hurt</h2>

As per local governor Vasily Golubev, 18 firefighters were hurt while&nbsp;tackling the blaze that was still "continuing".

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Four of the firefighters had moderate-to-severe burns, said Golubev, adding that he had ordered more medics to go to the Proletarsk blaze site.

On Telegram, he stated, "Given the difficulty of the fire in the Proletarsk district, a high alert regime has been turned into a state of emergency."

He also said that the "forces and means" to put out the fire had been increased.

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<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:424,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2324}">Are locals at threat?</h2>

Citing local city administration, the Russian state media reported that there was no threat of the fire spreading to the residential areas. Authorities have urged the people to "not to give in to panic."&nbsp;

Kyiv has been attacking Russia's oil infrastructure for more than a year.&nbsp;Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called the strikes "fair" retaliation for Moscow's attacks on his country.&nbsp;

Recently, on August 6, Ukraine also launched a surprise incursion into the Kursk region.

On Monday, Zelensky said that his troops were meeting their objectives in Ukraine's offensive in the Kursk region.

"We are achieving our goals. This morning we have another replenishment of the (prisoner of war) exchange fund for our country."

The Kursk offensive is the biggest such attack by Ukraine since Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale invasion in February 2022.

Kyiv officials, including Zelensky, have said that this offensive was aimed at creating a "buffer zone" on Russian territory to shield its own population from strikes.&nbsp;

Additionally, the war-torn nation has said that the Kursk incursion is an attempt to force Russia to negotiate on "fair terms".

(With inputs from agencies)

Russia introduced a state of emergency in the southern Russian city of Proletarsk on Monday (August 19) as firefighters battled a blaze sparked by a Ukrainian drone strike at a fuel storage facility.

Russia introduced a state of emergency in the southern Russian city of Proletarsk on Monday (August 19) as firefighters battled a blaze sparked by a Ukrainian drone strike at a fuel storage facility. For more than 24 hours, firefighters battled to extinguish the blaze at a fuel storage warehouse in the city of around 20,000 people. The fire at the oil facility started on Sunday morning and was seen raging for a second day, reports AFP. Firefighters hurt As per local governor Vasily Golubev, 18 firefighters were hurt while tackling the blaze that was still "continuing". Also read | Ukraine war: Zelensky mentions the aim of Kyiv's Kursk invasion Four of the firefighters had moderate-to-severe burns, said Golubev, adding that he had ordered more medics to go to the Proletarsk blaze site. On Telegram, he stated, "Given the difficulty of the fire in the Proletarsk district, a high alert regime has been turned into a state of emergency." He also said that the "forces and means" to put out the fire had been increased. Also read | Gaza records first polio case in 25 years amid raging state of war Are locals at threat? Citing local city administration, the Russian state media reported that there was no threat of the fire spreading to the residential areas. Authorities have urged the people to "not to give in to panic." Kyiv has been attacking Russia's oil infrastructure for more than a year. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called the strikes "fair" retaliation for Moscow's attacks on his country. Recently, on August 6, Ukraine also launched a surprise incursion into the Kursk region. On Monday, Zelensky said that his troops were meeting their objectives in Ukraine's offensive in the Kursk region. "We are achieving our goals. This morning we have another replenishment of the (prisoner of war) exchange fund for our country." The Kursk offensive is the biggest such attack by Ukraine since Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale invasion in February 2022. Kyiv officials, including Zelensky, have said that this offensive was aimed at creating a "buffer zone" on Russian territory to shield its own population from strikes. Additionally, the war-torn nation has said that the Kursk incursion is an attempt to force Russia to negotiate on "fair terms". (With inputs from agencies)

Ukrainian drone sparks state of emergency in Russia's Proletarsk after lighting up oil facility

A Russian court on Thursday (August 15) sentenced dual US-Russian citizen Ksenia Karelina to 12 years in prison. She was found guilty of "high treason" for donating around $50 to a pro-Ukraine charity.&nbsp;

The case has drawn significant criticism, with the White House condemning the ruling as "vindictive cruelty."

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:133,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1883}">Who is Karelina?</h2>

Ksenia Karelina is a 32-year-old ballet dancer and spa worker from Los Angeles, United States. She was detained in January while visiting her family in Yekaterinburg, a Russian city in the Urals.&nbsp;

The Sverdlovsk Regional Court, where her trial took place, stated that Karelina had been found "guilty of high treason and sentenced her to 12 years' imprisonment in a general regime colony".

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She transferred $51.80 to the New York-based charity "Razom for Ukraine" on February 24, 2022, the day Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.&nbsp;

According to the court, the funds were allegedly "used to purchase tactical medical supplies, equipment, weapons and ammunition for the Ukrainian armed forces."

Karelina pleaded guilty to the charges last week, reported state media.&nbsp;

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:454,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2204}">White House expresses outrage</h2>

The court's decision has been met with outrage from both her supporters and international observers.&nbsp;The White House was quick to denounce the sentence calling it "nothing less than just vindictive cruelty".

National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby criticised the severity of the punishment and said "We're talking about 50 bucks to try to alleviate the suffering of the people of Ukraine, and to call that treason is just absolutely ludicrous."&nbsp;

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Karelina's case is the latest in a series of high-profile incidents involving US citizens detained in Russia on charges of espionage or treason.&nbsp;

Just two weeks earlier, Russia engaged in a major prisoner swap with the West, which resulted in the release of US journalist Evan Gershkovich, former Marine Paul Whelan, and 14 others. However, Karelina was not included in this exchange.

Karelina's boyfriend, Christopher van Heerden, expressed his frustration and sorrow over the verdict. "She’s facing 12 years in prison for a $51 donation that she made as an American citizen on American soil," he said, urging the US State Department to declare her "wrongfully detained" and prioritise her release.

(With inputs from agencies)

A Russian court on Thursday (August 15) sentenced dual US-Russian citizen Ksenia Karelina to 12 years in prison. She was found guilty of "high treason" for donating around $50 to a pro-Ukraine charity.

A Russian court on Thursday (August 15) sentenced dual US-Russian citizen Ksenia Karelina to 12 years in prison. She was found guilty of "high treason" for donating around $50 to a pro-Ukraine charity. The case has drawn significant criticism, with the White House condemning the ruling as "vindictive cruelty." Who is Karelina? Ksenia Karelina is a 32-year-old ballet dancer and spa worker from Los Angeles, United States. She was detained in January while visiting her family in Yekaterinburg, a Russian city in the Urals. The Sverdlovsk Regional Court, where her trial took place, stated that Karelina had been found "guilty of high treason and sentenced her to 12 years' imprisonment in a general regime colony". Also read | Backing down from retaliating against Israel would invite ‘divine wrath’: Iran supreme leader Khamenei She transferred $51.80 to the New York-based charity "Razom for Ukraine" on February 24, 2022, the day Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. According to the court, the funds were allegedly "used to purchase tactical medical supplies, equipment, weapons and ammunition for the Ukrainian armed forces." Karelina pleaded guilty to the charges last week, reported state media. White House expresses outrage The court's decision has been met with outrage from both her supporters and international observers. The White House was quick to denounce the sentence calling it "nothing less than just vindictive cruelty". National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby criticised the severity of the punishment and said "We're talking about 50 bucks to try to alleviate the suffering of the people of Ukraine, and to call that treason is just absolutely ludicrous." Also read | Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas vows to visit Gaza, says ‘our life is not more worthy’ than a child’s Karelina's case is the latest in a series of high-profile incidents involving US citizens detained in Russia on charges of espionage or treason. Just two weeks earlier, Russia engaged in a major prisoner swap with the West, which resulted in the release of US journalist Evan Gershkovich, former Marine Paul Whelan, and 14 others. However, Karelina was not included in this exchange. Karelina's boyfriend, Christopher van Heerden, expressed his frustration and sorrow over the verdict. "She’s facing 12 years in prison for a $51 donation that she made as an American citizen on American soil," he said, urging the US State Department to declare her "wrongfully detained" and prioritise her release. (With inputs from agencies)

'High treason': Who is Ksenia Karelina? US woman Russia sentenced to 12yrs for donating $51 to Ukraine charity

Ukraine on&nbsp;Wednesday (Aug 14) said that its forces had advanced&nbsp;deeper into Russia’s Kursk region as Moscow faces the biggest incursion since World War 2. The offensive began on August 6 and has now affected at least three regions of the country, posing a major security challenge for strongman President Vladimir Putin.

“We continue to advance further in the Kursk region,” Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky wrote on Telegram, “from one to two kilometres in various areas since the start of the day. And more than 100 Russian prisoners of war in the same period.”

<h2>Russia’s National Guard beefs up security</h2>

In response, Russia’s National Guard beefed up security measures in the area, especially near the Kursk nuclear power plant, located just 35 kilometres&nbsp;from the fighting.

To deter the surprise&nbsp;attack, Russia has now begun pulling reserve forces from Ukraine and Crimea to focus on the embattled Russian territories, one Ukrainian commander was quoted as saying by CNN. Russian soldiers are being pulled from Zaporizhzhia, Crimea, and Kharkiv, claimed the commander.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwj2j-P94fSHAxWDTGwGHSBOK0cQxfQBKAB6BAgREAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-strikes-russia-with-drones-says-it-is-advancing-deeper-750022" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-strikes-russia-with-drones-says-it-is-advancing-deeper-750022&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj2j-P94fSHAxWDTGwGHSBOK0cQxfQBKAB6BAgREAE">Ukraine strikes Russia with drones, says it is advancing deeper</a>

“(The Russians) are now trying to stop our advance; they have pulled in reserves, which has benefited our defense forces in other areas, because it has become easier to work there,” the Ukrainian&nbsp;commander said.

WION can’t independently verify these claims.

<h2>Kyiv creating security zone in Russia</h2>

Earlier, Kyiv said it was carving out a "security zone" on Russian soil in order to protect Ukrainian border regions.

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Ukrainian Minister for Reintegration of Temporarily Occupied Territories Iryna Vereshchuk on&nbsp;Wednesday said, “The Ukrainian Defense Forces are creating a security zone on the territory of the Russian Federation adjacent to the territory of Ukraine.”

<h2>India issues advisory</h2>

The Indian embassy in Moscow on Wednesday issued an advisory asking citizens to avoid travelling to three affected regions: Bryansk, Belgorod and Kursk.

The embassy has also provided a telephone number and an email address for any person requiring assistance.

Earlier, Belgorod Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said the situation on the ground was “extremely difficult and tense” as the attacks destroyed homes and caused civilian casualties.

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

(With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine on Wednesday (Aug 14) said that its forces had advanced deeper into Russia’s Kursk region as Moscow faces the biggest incursion since World War 2. The offensive began on August 6 and has now affected at least three regions of the country, posing a major security challenge for strongman President Vladimir Putin.

Ukraine on Wednesday (Aug 14) said that its forces had advanced deeper into Russia’s Kursk region as Moscow faces the biggest incursion since World War 2. The offensive began on August 6 and has now affected at least three regions of the country, posing a major security challenge for strongman President Vladimir Putin. “We continue to advance further in the Kursk region,” Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky wrote on Telegram, “from one to two kilometres in various areas since the start of the day. And more than 100 Russian prisoners of war in the same period.” Russia’s National Guard beefs up security In response, Russia’s National Guard beefed up security measures in the area, especially near the Kursk nuclear power plant, located just 35 kilometres from the fighting. To deter the surprise attack, Russia has now begun pulling reserve forces from Ukraine and Crimea to focus on the embattled Russian territories, one Ukrainian commander was quoted as saying by CNN. Russian soldiers are being pulled from Zaporizhzhia, Crimea, and Kharkiv, claimed the commander. Also read: Ukraine strikes Russia with drones, says it is advancing deeper “(The Russians) are now trying to stop our advance; they have pulled in reserves, which has benefited our defense forces in other areas, because it has become easier to work there,” the Ukrainian commander said. WION can’t independently verify these claims. Kyiv creating security zone in Russia Earlier, Kyiv said it was carving out a "security zone" on Russian soil in order to protect Ukrainian border regions. Also read: Putin vows to expel enemy from Russian territory as Ukraine claims control of 1,000 sq. km Ukrainian Minister for Reintegration of Temporarily Occupied Territories Iryna Vereshchuk on Wednesday said, “The Ukrainian Defense Forces are creating a security zone on the territory of the Russian Federation adjacent to the territory of Ukraine.” India issues advisory The Indian embassy in Moscow on Wednesday issued an advisory asking citizens to avoid travelling to three affected regions: Bryansk, Belgorod and Kursk. The embassy has also provided a telephone number and an email address for any person requiring assistance. Earlier, Belgorod Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said the situation on the ground was “extremely difficult and tense” as the attacks destroyed homes and caused civilian casualties. Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine forces advance 2 km inside Russia’s Kursk, claims Zelensky; India issues advisory

Ukraine said on Tuesday its biggest cross-border assault of the war to date would prevent Russia sending more troops to fight in its eastern Donetsk region and disrupt military logistics, and that Kyiv had no interest in occupying Russian territory.

Ukraine blindsided Moscow by pouring thousands of troops into the western Russian region of Kursk last week in a surprise operation that Kyiv says has seen its forces take 1,000 sq km of land, its largest gain&nbsp;since 2022.

"Unlike Russia, Ukraine does not need other people's property. Ukraine is not interested in taking the territory of the Kursk region, but we want to protect the lives of our people," Ukraine's foreign ministry's spokesperson said.

President Volodymyr Zelensky has said Ukrainian forces have taken control of areas in the Kursk region that Russia has used to launch more than two thousand cross-border strikes on Ukraine since June.

"It should be emphasised that the operation ... helps the front line because it does not allow Russia to transfer additional units to (Ukraine's) Donetsk region, complicates its military logistics," foreign ministry spokesman Heorhii Tykhyi said.

Russian forces have been trying to advance for months on multiple fronts in the Donetsk region, taking advantage of their greater troop numbers to steadily inch forward towards cities like the Kyiv-held logistics hub of Pokrovsk.

Reuters could not independently verify the situation on the battlefield.

For now, there is no sign of a letup for Ukraine in the east, where Kyiv's military said earlier it had recorded the largest number of battles with Russian forces on the Pokrovsk front in a single day since before the Kursk incursion.

Ukrainian military spokesman Dmytro Lykhoviy told Reuters they had noted a movement of Russian troops from Ukraine's south to other areas, likely including Kursk, this week.

But he said the number of attacks had not reduced as a result and that it was too early to draw conclusions.

<h2>Restricting movement</h2>

Kyiv's military on Tuesday restricted the movement of civilians within a 20 km (12 mile) zone of the northeastern border area.

It cited an "increase in the intensity of hostilities" and the activation of Russian sabotage and reconnaissance groups, adding the measure was temporary and that residents could still access their homes by showing proof of registration.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has vowed to hit back at Ukraine with a "worthy response" and accused Kyiv's "Western masters" of giving Ukrainian forces help.

Russia's acting regional governor in Kursk said on Monday that Ukraine's forces had taken control of 28 settlements in an incursion that was about 12 km deep and 40 km wide.

Though less than half Ukraine's estimate of its gains, the Russian assessment was a striking public admission of a major setback more than 29 months since Russia launched a full-scale invasion of its smaller neighbour.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience. 
&nbsp;

Ukraine said on Tuesday its biggest cross-border assault of the war to date would prevent Russia sending more troops to fight in its eastern Donetsk region and disrupt military logistics, and that Kyiv had no interest in occupying Russian territory.

Ukraine said on Tuesday its biggest cross-border assault of the war to date would prevent Russia sending more troops to fight in its eastern Donetsk region and disrupt military logistics, and that Kyiv had no interest in occupying Russian territory. Ukraine blindsided Moscow by pouring thousands of troops into the western Russian region of Kursk last week in a surprise operation that Kyiv says has seen its forces take 1,000 sq km of land, its largest gain since 2022. "Unlike Russia, Ukraine does not need other people's property. Ukraine is not interested in taking the territory of the Kursk region, but we want to protect the lives of our people," Ukraine's foreign ministry's spokesperson said. President Volodymyr Zelensky has said Ukrainian forces have taken control of areas in the Kursk region that Russia has used to launch more than two thousand cross-border strikes on Ukraine since June. "It should be emphasised that the operation ... helps the front line because it does not allow Russia to transfer additional units to (Ukraine's) Donetsk region, complicates its military logistics," foreign ministry spokesman Heorhii Tykhyi said. Russian forces have been trying to advance for months on multiple fronts in the Donetsk region, taking advantage of their greater troop numbers to steadily inch forward towards cities like the Kyiv-held logistics hub of Pokrovsk. Reuters could not independently verify the situation on the battlefield. For now, there is no sign of a letup for Ukraine in the east, where Kyiv's military said earlier it had recorded the largest number of battles with Russian forces on the Pokrovsk front in a single day since before the Kursk incursion. Ukrainian military spokesman Dmytro Lykhoviy told Reuters they had noted a movement of Russian troops from Ukraine's south to other areas, likely including Kursk, this week. But he said the number of attacks had not reduced as a result and that it was too early to draw conclusions. Restricting movement Kyiv's military on Tuesday restricted the movement of civilians within a 20 km (12 mile) zone of the northeastern border area. It cited an "increase in the intensity of hostilities" and the activation of Russian sabotage and reconnaissance groups, adding the measure was temporary and that residents could still access their homes by showing proof of registration. Russian President Vladimir Putin has vowed to hit back at Ukraine with a "worthy response" and accused Kyiv's "Western masters" of giving Ukrainian forces help. Russia's acting regional governor in Kursk said on Monday that Ukraine's forces had taken control of 28 settlements in an incursion that was about 12 km deep and 40 km wide. Though less than half Ukraine's estimate of its gains, the Russian assessment was a striking public admission of a major setback more than 29 months since Russia launched a full-scale invasion of its smaller neighbour. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Ukraine comments on Kursk incursion, says ‘do not need other people’s property’

Ukraine on Thursday (Aug 8) publicly acknowledged for the first time its attack on Russia's Kursk region, as the fighting on the Russian border region entered its third day. Earlier media reports claimed Ukrainian forces were targeting a village 20 km deep inside the Russian territory. Mykhailo Podolyak, a senior aide to Ukrainian&nbsp;President Volodymyr Zelensky, justified the attack by saying that “the root cause of any escalation” was “unequivocal aggression” shown by Russia.

“War is war, with its own rules, where the aggressor inevitably reaps corresponding outcomes,” Podolyak added.

<h2>Russia declares emergency</h2>

Meanwhile, Russian military bloggers reported that fighting was going on along the highway east of Korenevo, 13 miles north of the border. They claimed that Ukrainian forces had effectively taken control of the western part of Sudzha, around six miles inside Russian territory.

Moscow declared a state of emergency in the Kursk region, prompting the evacuation of more than 3,000 people from the area. Acting Deputy Governor Andrei Belostotsky added that at least four people had died in the offensive.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjd05r32eWHAxUxkq8BHR_PCikQxfQBKAB6BAgSEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/difficult-situation-as-russia-claims-its-battling-major-ukrainian-offensive-747841" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/difficult-situation-as-russia-claims-its-battling-major-ukrainian-offensive-747841&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjd05r32eWHAxUxkq8BHR_PCikQxfQBKAB6BAgSEAE">‘Difficult’ situation as Russia claims it’s battling ‘major Ukrainian offensive’</a>

Russia earlier claimed around 1,000 Ukrainian troops entered Russian territory on Tuesday, backed by tanks and armoured vehicles. The country’s defence ministry on Telegram claimed Ukraine’s losses since the start of the Kursk operation amounted to 660 troops and 82 armoured vehicles including “eight tanks, 12 armored personnel carriers, six infantry fighting vehicles, 55 armored fighting vehicles, and one counter obstacle vehicle.”

<h2>Russia caught off guard?</h2>

Russia, on Thursday, claimed it was continuing to “destroy armed formations” from Ukraine but it seems the Kremlin may have been caught off guard with the sudden offensive.

Earlier on Wednesday,&nbsp;President Vladimir Putin accused Kyiv of carrying out “yet another large-scale provocation” at the Russian border.

Watch:&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine War: Russian border region sounds emergency amid Ukrainian blitz

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Russia was reportedly using air and missile strikes, along with artillery to repel the large military offensive. Valery Gerasimov, the chief of Russia’s general staff, earlier claimed the offensive was successfully halted by soldiers.

“The enemy’s advance deep into territory in the Kursk direction was stopped by the actions of the units covering the state border together with border guards and reinforcement units, with air strikes, missile and artillery fire,” Gerasimov said in a televised address.

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

(With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine on Thursday (Aug 8) publicly acknowledged for the first time its attack on Russia's Kursk region, as the fighting on the Russian border region entered its third day.

Ukraine on Thursday (Aug 8) publicly acknowledged for the first time its attack on Russia's Kursk region, as the fighting on the Russian border region entered its third day. Earlier media reports claimed Ukrainian forces were targeting a village 20 km deep inside the Russian territory. Mykhailo Podolyak, a senior aide to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, justified the attack by saying that “the root cause of any escalation” was “unequivocal aggression” shown by Russia. “War is war, with its own rules, where the aggressor inevitably reaps corresponding outcomes,” Podolyak added. Russia declares emergency Meanwhile, Russian military bloggers reported that fighting was going on along the highway east of Korenevo, 13 miles north of the border. They claimed that Ukrainian forces had effectively taken control of the western part of Sudzha, around six miles inside Russian territory. Moscow declared a state of emergency in the Kursk region, prompting the evacuation of more than 3,000 people from the area. Acting Deputy Governor Andrei Belostotsky added that at least four people had died in the offensive. Also read: ‘Difficult’ situation as Russia claims it’s battling ‘major Ukrainian offensive’ Russia earlier claimed around 1,000 Ukrainian troops entered Russian territory on Tuesday, backed by tanks and armoured vehicles. The country’s defence ministry on Telegram claimed Ukraine’s losses since the start of the Kursk operation amounted to 660 troops and 82 armoured vehicles including “eight tanks, 12 armored personnel carriers, six infantry fighting vehicles, 55 armored fighting vehicles, and one counter obstacle vehicle.” Russia caught off guard? Russia, on Thursday, claimed it was continuing to “destroy armed formations” from Ukraine but it seems the Kremlin may have been caught off guard with the sudden offensive. Earlier on Wednesday, President Vladimir Putin accused Kyiv of carrying out “yet another large-scale provocation” at the Russian border. Watch: Russia-Ukraine War: Russian border region sounds emergency amid Ukrainian blitz × Russia was reportedly using air and missile strikes, along with artillery to repel the large military offensive. Valery Gerasimov, the chief of Russia’s general staff, earlier claimed the offensive was successfully halted by soldiers. “The enemy’s advance deep into territory in the Kursk direction was stopped by the actions of the units covering the state border together with border guards and reinforcement units, with air strikes, missile and artillery fire,” Gerasimov said in a televised address. Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine acknowledges raid into Russia’s Kursk as Putin presses emergency button

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday (August 7) accused Ukraine of launching a "large-scale provocation" in Russia's Kursk region, where intense battles raged for the second day.&nbsp;

This comes as Moscow reported earlier in the day that its forces were fighting intense battles against Ukrainian units&nbsp;near the border town of Sudzha, about 530 km southwest of Moscow.

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:118,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1804}">Putin's provocation claims</h2>

According to AFP,&nbsp;Putin alleged&nbsp;that Kyiv was indiscriminately attacking civilian targets, including residential buildings and ambulances.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/stop-blessing-corridas-animal-rights-activists-protest-bullfighting-during-popes-weekly-audience-748107">‘Stop blessing corridas’: Animal rights activists protest THIS ‘blood sport’ during Pope’s weekly audience</a>

"As you know, the Kyiv regime has undertaken another large-scale provocation," he said in a televised meeting with government officials.&nbsp;

"It is firing indiscriminately from various types of weapons, including rockets, at civilian buildings, residential houses and ambulances."

During the meeting,&nbsp;Russia's army chief Valery Gerasimov told Putin on Wednesday that up to 1,000 Ukrainian troops took part in a cross-border attack on Russia's Kursk region.

He said that "a unit of Ukraine's armed forces numbering up to 1,000 people went on the offensive," looking to seize Russian&nbsp;territory.

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:447,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2133}">Ukraine forces push into Russian territory</h2>

Russia on Wednesday reported that Ukraine forces have attempted to push into its territory and its forces were engaged in fierce fighting to counter that.

Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:88,&quot;y&quot;:541,&quot;w&quot;:534,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:121,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2227}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/difficult-situation-as-russia-claims-its-battling-major-ukrainian-offensive-747841">‘Difficult’ situation as Russia claims it’s battling ‘major Ukrainian offensive’</a>

The clash, one of the largest incursions into Russia since the conflict began in February 2022, has seen Ukrainian forces push into the Kursk region, close to the border.&nbsp;

The Russian Defence Ministry stated that Russian forces are actively defending against Ukrainian advances, using air strikes, artillery, and missile fire. They reported the destruction of 50 armoured vehicles, including tanks and personnel carriers.&nbsp;

Sudzha, a key transit point for Russian gas exports to Europe via Ukraine, and the Kursk nuclear power station are within proximity of the conflict zone.&nbsp;

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:743,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2429}">Niger cuts ties with Ukraine</h2>

Meanwhile, Niger's junta on Tuesday (August 6) severed diplomatic ties with Ukraine, following comments by Ukraine's spy agency that suggested Ukrainian support for groups involved in recent fighting in Mali.&nbsp;

Niger's decision aligns with Mali's move to cut relations with Kyiv.&nbsp;

This diplomatic fallout is linked to remarks made by Ukrainian officials about the situation in Mali, where Tuareg rebels claim to have killed at least 84 Wagner mercenaries and 47 Malian soldiers.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday (August 7) accused Ukraine of launching a "large-scale provocation" in Russia's Kursk region, where intense battles raged for the second day.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday (August 7) accused Ukraine of launching a "large-scale provocation" in Russia's Kursk region, where intense battles raged for the second day. This comes as Moscow reported earlier in the day that its forces were fighting intense battles against Ukrainian units near the border town of Sudzha, about 530 km southwest of Moscow. Putin's provocation claims According to AFP, Putin alleged that Kyiv was indiscriminately attacking civilian targets, including residential buildings and ambulances. Also read | ‘Stop blessing corridas’: Animal rights activists protest THIS ‘blood sport’ during Pope’s weekly audience "As you know, the Kyiv regime has undertaken another large-scale provocation," he said in a televised meeting with government officials. "It is firing indiscriminately from various types of weapons, including rockets, at civilian buildings, residential houses and ambulances." During the meeting, Russia's army chief Valery Gerasimov told Putin on Wednesday that up to 1,000 Ukrainian troops took part in a cross-border attack on Russia's Kursk region. He said that "a unit of Ukraine's armed forces numbering up to 1,000 people went on the offensive," looking to seize Russian territory. Ukraine forces push into Russian territory Russia on Wednesday reported that Ukraine forces have attempted to push into its territory and its forces were engaged in fierce fighting to counter that. Also read | ‘Difficult’ situation as Russia claims it’s battling ‘major Ukrainian offensive’ The clash, one of the largest incursions into Russia since the conflict began in February 2022, has seen Ukrainian forces push into the Kursk region, close to the border. The Russian Defence Ministry stated that Russian forces are actively defending against Ukrainian advances, using air strikes, artillery, and missile fire. They reported the destruction of 50 armoured vehicles, including tanks and personnel carriers. Sudzha, a key transit point for Russian gas exports to Europe via Ukraine, and the Kursk nuclear power station are within proximity of the conflict zone. Niger cuts ties with Ukraine Meanwhile, Niger's junta on Tuesday (August 6) severed diplomatic ties with Ukraine, following comments by Ukraine's spy agency that suggested Ukrainian support for groups involved in recent fighting in Mali. Niger's decision aligns with Mali's move to cut relations with Kyiv. This diplomatic fallout is linked to remarks made by Ukrainian officials about the situation in Mali, where Tuareg rebels claim to have killed at least 84 Wagner mercenaries and 47 Malian soldiers. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos

Vladimir Putin accuses Ukraine of ‘large-scale provocation’ in Russia's Kursk region

Ukraine on Sunday (August 4) announced the mandatory evacuation of children and their guardians from its Donetsk region. An announcement of the evacuation order said that "the enemy" was bombing every day.

Russia, in recent days, has been claiming advances in the region, reports AFP news agency.

"The enemy is bombing the towns and villages of these communities every day, so it was decided to evacuate children with their parents or other legal representatives," said Donetsk governor Vadym Filashkin, listing towns and villages located in directions where warring Moscow claims it had gained ground.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:162,&quot;w&quot;:772,&quot;h&quot;:33,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2002}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kim-jong-un-counts-putin-among-north-koreas-truest-friends-after-russian-leaders-flood-relief-message-746977">Kim Jong-Un counts Putin among North Korea's 'truest friends' after Russian leader's flood relief message</a>

The Donetsk governor revealed that 744 children and their families had to be relocated to four regions of Ukraine. He said that he has instructed "that only armoured vehicles be involved in the process of evacuating children, as the enemy is actively using first person view drones in these communities."

"We must make every effort to protect our children," he Filashkin.

Filashkin has been advising civilians in the area to evacuate due to increased deadly Russian airstrikes in recent weeks, reports AFP.

Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:88,&quot;y&quot;:358,&quot;w&quot;:576,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:121,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2198}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mount-etna-erupts-puts-on-spectacular-lava-fountain-display-over-sicily-watch-747071">Mount Etna erupts, puts on spectacular 'lava fountain' display over Sicily. Watch!</a>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:394,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2234}">Novoselivka Persha liberated, claims Russia&nbsp;</h2>

This announcement comes just hours after Russia announced that its forces have "liberated the settlement of Novoselivka Persha" area in Eastern Ukraine's Donetsk region.

In recent weeks, Russia has claimed to have taken a string of villages in the Donetsk region, — many consisting of just a few streets.

Russia claimed to have annexed the Donetsk region, along with three others in eastern and southern Ukraine, in 2022. However, the warring nation does&nbsp;not have full control over any of them.

(With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine on Sunday (August 4) announced the mandatory evacuation of children and their guardians from its Donetsk region. An announcement of the evacuation order said that "the enemy" was bombing every day.

Ukraine on Sunday (August 4) announced the mandatory evacuation of children and their guardians from its Donetsk region. An announcement of the evacuation order said that "the enemy" was bombing every day. Russia, in recent days, has been claiming advances in the region, reports AFP news agency. "The enemy is bombing the towns and villages of these communities every day, so it was decided to evacuate children with their parents or other legal representatives," said Donetsk governor Vadym Filashkin, listing towns and villages located in directions where warring Moscow claims it had gained ground. Also read | Kim Jong-Un counts Putin among North Korea's 'truest friends' after Russian leader's flood relief message The Donetsk governor revealed that 744 children and their families had to be relocated to four regions of Ukraine. He said that he has instructed "that only armoured vehicles be involved in the process of evacuating children, as the enemy is actively using first person view drones in these communities." "We must make every effort to protect our children," he Filashkin. Filashkin has been advising civilians in the area to evacuate due to increased deadly Russian airstrikes in recent weeks, reports AFP. Also read | Mount Etna erupts, puts on spectacular 'lava fountain' display over Sicily. Watch! Novoselivka Persha liberated, claims Russia This announcement comes just hours after Russia announced that its forces have "liberated the settlement of Novoselivka Persha" area in Eastern Ukraine's Donetsk region. In recent weeks, Russia has claimed to have taken a string of villages in the Donetsk region, — many consisting of just a few streets. Russia claimed to have annexed the Donetsk region, along with three others in eastern and southern Ukraine, in 2022. However, the warring nation does not have full control over any of them. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia-Ukraine war: Kyiv orders mandatory evacuation of children from Donetsk over 'enemy bombing' concerns

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