Chinese President Xi Jinping held a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday and according to the Chinese state media, Beijing has said that they will continue to back Moscow on "sovereignty and security". The Chinese state broadcaster CCTV said that Xi has made it clear that China is "willing to continue to offer mutual support (to Russia) on issues concerning core interests and major concerns such as sovereignty and security". From the beginning of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February, China has refused to condemn their actions and according to a number of reports, they have been buying oil and natural gas from the Kremlin.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/5g-india-to-hold-spectrum-auction-in-july-mobile-connectivity-set-to-get-10-times-faster-488302">5G: India to hold spectrum auction, mobile services set to get 10 times faster</a>

The CCTV further reported that Xi was happy with "good momentum of development" when it came to the relationship between China and Moscow and promised to "intensify strategic coordination”.

According to AFP, this was the second call between the two world leaders since the invasion of Ukraine started. China made it clear that they want to “strengthen their communication” with Russia on a number of international organisations and Xi said in the call that they will "push the international order and global governance towards more just and reasonable development".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/two-years-into-india-china-clash-in-galwan-valley-much-remains-unsolved-488290" hreflang="en">Two years into India-China clash in Galwan valley, much remains unsolved</a>

AFP also reported that Xi has invited Putin to the opening ceremony of the Beijing Winter Olympics in early February. The two Presidents have shared a cordial relationship over the years and amid the crisis in Ukraine, China remain a strong ally of Russia despite multiple warnings from United States and other major western countries.

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Chinese President Xi Jinping held a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday and according to the Chinese state media, Beijing has said that they will continue to back Moscow on "sovereignty and security".

Chinese President Xi Jinping held a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday and according to the Chinese state media, Beijing has said that they will continue to back Moscow on "sovereignty and security". The Chinese state broadcaster CCTV said that Xi has made it clear that China is "willing to continue to offer mutual support (to Russia) on issues concerning core interests and major concerns such as sovereignty and security". From the beginning of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February, China has refused to condemn their actions and according to a number of reports, they have been buying oil and natural gas from the Kremlin. Also read | 5G: India to hold spectrum auction, mobile services set to get 10 times faster The CCTV further reported that Xi was happy with "good momentum of development" when it came to the relationship between China and Moscow and promised to "intensify strategic coordination”. According to AFP, this was the second call between the two world leaders since the invasion of Ukraine started. China made it clear that they want to “strengthen their communication” with Russia on a number of international organisations and Xi said in the call that they will "push the international order and global governance towards more just and reasonable development". Also read | Two years into India-China clash in Galwan valley, much remains unsolved AFP also reported that Xi has invited Putin to the opening ceremony of the Beijing Winter Olympics in early February. The two Presidents have shared a cordial relationship over the years and amid the crisis in Ukraine, China remain a strong ally of Russia despite multiple warnings from United States and other major western countries. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

China to back Russia on 'sovereignty and security', Xi Jinping tells Vladimir Putin

More than two months after the residents of Yahidne kicked down the bolted basement door where the Russian army had held them hostage, the village is being rebuilt but the memories remain fresh — and deeply painful.

On March 3, eight days after the full-scale invasion began, Russian forces swept into Yahidne, a village on the main road north of Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv. For nearly a month, until March 31, when Ukrainian troops liberated the town, more than 300 people, 77 of them children, were imprisoned in several rooms in the dank basement of the village school — a human shield for the Russian troops based there. Ten of the captives died. Among those held inside were a baby and a 93-year-old, Ukrainian prosecutors said.

“This is our concentration camp,” said Oleh Turash, 54, one of those imprisoned, who helped bury the people who perished there. For most of the time there was virtually no light. Despite the freezing winter weather, he said, people were packed in so tightly their body warmth was all the heat they needed.

But there was never enough oxygen to breathe normally, causing some people to black out and others, mainly older, to suffer hallucinations. “They would start babbling about the need to plant potatoes, and other things that they could not do,” said Ivan Petrovich, the school’s janitor.

Turash, 54, slept in the largest room. It had the only source of air, a tiny hole the people made themselves, Petrovich said. A bucket sat at the far side of the room, a makeshift toilet for children and others who could not wait until morning, when there was hope that the Russian soldiers would let people out to use the regular toilets.

A tally on the door of the largest room noted that 136 people had stayed there, nine of them children. Originally, the number had been 139, but that had been scratched out to reflect three deaths, Turash said.

“Three people died around me,” said his 73-year-old mother, Valentyna. She had broken her right arm going down the stairs to the basement, but received no medical treatment. Her wrist is still swollen three months later.

“I am still in a lot of pain, and I can’t use my fingers as well as I used to,” she said.

She said the room she was in was so crowded there was no space for her to move.

“I spent 30 days just like this, hardly moving,” she said, squatting down low to the ground. “Twice, I lost consciousness because of the lack of oxygen, but my son banged on the door to get me out. Thank God I survived.”

Petrovich and Turash brought crayons for the children to draw. Inside, they drew a mural on the wall composed of Ukrainian flags, hearts, suns and butterflies. At the top, a child had written, “No War!!!”

In a smaller room, about 25 by 10 feet, there was another amended body count: 22 people, including five children, had been written in pencil. Someone writing in navy blue crayon had changed the number to 18.

On one wall was a tally of the dead and the date they had died. One man, Anatoly Shevchenko, had a question mark next to his name. His fate is still a mystery.

Every few days, if the captives were lucky, the Russians would give them permission to take the bodies into the school’s boiler room, usually several at a time.

That was also where they got their drinking water.

The men would go through an opening and climb down a ladder to a sewer line, where they would fetch water used in normal times for the school’s heating system.

Once they got the water, they would boil it over the open flame that they used to cook, when they were allowed to.

“Imagine, there were dead bodies here on this table,” Turash said. “And just next to the corpses, we were boiling the water that we drank.”

At one point the Russian soldiers conscripted Turash and others to dig a pit at least 10 feet deep next to the boiler room.

“I thought I was digging my own grave,” he said.

Instead, the Russians eventually installed a generator there.

Every week or so, after some negotiating, the soldiers would grant Turash permission to bury the deceased outside in a communal grave. They accompanied him, as they did all villagers who got permission to leave the basement, with their Kalashnikovs raised. The residents were able to get intermittent, and inconsistent, food supplies under soldiers’ watch.

Outside, the school was surrounded by Russian tank positions. The soldiers had felled trees from the forest behind the school and dug foxholes for themselves, stealing rugs from people’s homes to put inside the mud dwellings. Turash recognized his own boots on a soldier’s feet.

The occupiers told some of the residents there were plans to bring them to Russia. “They told us, ‘The men will go to Tyumen to work in wood production and the women will be sent to another part of Russia to work cleaning fish,’” said Ekaterina Balanovych, referring to a city in western Siberia.

On March 30, when the Russian forces began retreating from the north, the soldiers locked everyone inside, bolted the door and ordered them not to leave.

That night the villagers broke down the door and quickly realized the Russians had left. But they could hear heavy fighting nearby, and most remained inside, waiting to be rescued.

But they found an old phone, Balanovych said, and someone was able to reach one of the Ukrainian troops.

“When our boys arrived, we were so happy, we hugged them, and we cried,” she said. “They brought bread. We hadn’t seen a crumb of bread for a month.”

More than two months later, however, Yahidne is far from back to normal. The school is badly damaged, perhaps beyond repair. The wrecked tanks and armored vehicles have been towed away but the evidence of the occupation — underground dwellings, recently extinguished fires and the scattered belongings of those forced to live in the basement — remain.

Some, like Petrovich, appear to be suffering depression or some form of PTSD. “After two months, we are still in shock,” he said. “There is so much work to do at home still, but you can’t lift your hand. It is scary.”

There is still a lot of cleaning up to do. “There is not a single house here where there was no tank or armored personnel carrier standing,” said Valentyna Sezonenko, 75, who found partly unexploded ordnance on the road in front of her house. Houses across the street and next door had been razed.

On a street next to the village's destroyed events hall, volunteers from the capital were putting new roofs on apartment buildings. A shell from a cluster munition lay nearby.

“My soul hurts,” said Nina Shish, who managed to flee Yahidne hours before it was occupied only to be trapped in a basement by Russians in a neighboring village.

As soon as she returned to Yahidne, she went to see the local school, where she had worked and where her granddaughter had been in kindergarten.

“I have no words for my grief, the school was so beautiful before,” she said. “Now, students won’t learn there any more.”

She took a plant stand with a spider plant home and put it in her building’s hallway as a memento.

On Wednesday, Ukraine’s chief prosecutor announced eight new war crimes cases, including one against nine Russian soldiers accused of terrorizing Yahidne.

“Unfortunately, these people are not located here physically, and we are going for an in absentia trial, but it is very important for us, for Ukrainian justice, for the victims and their relatives to have this legal process,” the prosecutor general, Irina Venediktova, wrote on Facebook on Wednesday.

While Russia denies that its soldiers have committed war crimes, Ukraine has already sentenced three soldiers for related offenses. Most of the soldiers named by Venediktova come from Tuva, a remote province in southeastern Siberia.

On the road locals call Fourth Street, Ludmila Shevchenko was tending her garden. She had already buried one son, Vitaliy, 53, who was shot by the Russians in the early days of the occupation.

And she was worried about her other son, Anatoly, the man with the question mark next to his name on the list in the basement.

“I don’t know if he is alive or dead,” she said, resting against the pockmarks of the damaged house.

“I don’t know if the commander will be tried,” she said. “But I want to ask him, ‘Where is my son, Anatoly Shevchenko?’”

More than two months after the residents of Yahidne kicked down the bolted basement door where the Russian army had held them hostage, the village is being rebuilt but the memories remain fresh — and deeply painful.

More than two months after the residents of Yahidne kicked down the bolted basement door where the Russian army had held them hostage, the village is being rebuilt but the memories remain fresh — and deeply painful. On March 3, eight days after the full-scale invasion began, Russian forces swept into Yahidne, a village on the main road north of Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv. For nearly a month, until March 31, when Ukrainian troops liberated the town, more than 300 people, 77 of them children, were imprisoned in several rooms in the dank basement of the village school — a human shield for the Russian troops based there. Ten of the captives died. Among those held inside were a baby and a 93-year-old, Ukrainian prosecutors said. “This is our concentration camp,” said Oleh Turash, 54, one of those imprisoned, who helped bury the people who perished there. For most of the time there was virtually no light. Despite the freezing winter weather, he said, people were packed in so tightly their body warmth was all the heat they needed. But there was never enough oxygen to breathe normally, causing some people to black out and others, mainly older, to suffer hallucinations. “They would start babbling about the need to plant potatoes, and other things that they could not do,” said Ivan Petrovich, the school’s janitor. Turash, 54, slept in the largest room. It had the only source of air, a tiny hole the people made themselves, Petrovich said. A bucket sat at the far side of the room, a makeshift toilet for children and others who could not wait until morning, when there was hope that the Russian soldiers would let people out to use the regular toilets. A tally on the door of the largest room noted that 136 people had stayed there, nine of them children. Originally, the number had been 139, but that had been scratched out to reflect three deaths, Turash said. “Three people died around me,” said his 73-year-old mother, Valentyna. She had broken her right arm going down the stairs to the basement, but received no medical treatment. Her wrist is still swollen three months later. “I am still in a lot of pain, and I can’t use my fingers as well as I used to,” she said. She said the room she was in was so crowded there was no space for her to move. “I spent 30 days just like this, hardly moving,” she said, squatting down low to the ground. “Twice, I lost consciousness because of the lack of oxygen, but my son banged on the door to get me out. Thank God I survived.” Petrovich and Turash brought crayons for the children to draw. Inside, they drew a mural on the wall composed of Ukrainian flags, hearts, suns and butterflies. At the top, a child had written, “No War!!!” In a smaller room, about 25 by 10 feet, there was another amended body count: 22 people, including five children, had been written in pencil. Someone writing in navy blue crayon had changed the number to 18. On one wall was a tally of the dead and the date they had died. One man, Anatoly Shevchenko, had a question mark next to his name. His fate is still a mystery. Every few days, if the captives were lucky, the Russians would give them permission to take the bodies into the school’s boiler room, usually several at a time. That was also where they got their drinking water. The men would go through an opening and climb down a ladder to a sewer line, where they would fetch water used in normal times for the school’s heating system. Once they got the water, they would boil it over the open flame that they used to cook, when they were allowed to. “Imagine, there were dead bodies here on this table,” Turash said. “And just next to the corpses, we were boiling the water that we drank.” At one point the Russian soldiers conscripted Turash and others to dig a pit at least 10 feet deep next to the boiler room. “I thought I was digging my own grave,” he said. Instead, the Russians eventually installed a generator there. Every week or so, after some negotiating, the soldiers would grant Turash permission to bury the deceased outside in a communal grave. They accompanied him, as they did all villagers who got permission to leave the basement, with their Kalashnikovs raised. The residents were able to get intermittent, and inconsistent, food supplies under soldiers’ watch. Outside, the school was surrounded by Russian tank positions. The soldiers had felled trees from the forest behind the school and dug foxholes for themselves, stealing rugs from people’s homes to put inside the mud dwellings. Turash recognized his own boots on a soldier’s feet. The occupiers told some of the residents there were plans to bring them to Russia. “They told us, ‘The men will go to Tyumen to work in wood production and the women will be sent to another part of Russia to work cleaning fish,’” said Ekaterina Balanovych, referring to a city in western Siberia. On March 30, when the Russian forces began retreating from the north, the soldiers locked everyone inside, bolted the door and ordered them not to leave. That night the villagers broke down the door and quickly realized the Russians had left. But they could hear heavy fighting nearby, and most remained inside, waiting to be rescued. But they found an old phone, Balanovych said, and someone was able to reach one of the Ukrainian troops. “When our boys arrived, we were so happy, we hugged them, and we cried,” she said. “They brought bread. We hadn’t seen a crumb of bread for a month.” More than two months later, however, Yahidne is far from back to normal. The school is badly damaged, perhaps beyond repair. The wrecked tanks and armored vehicles have been towed away but the evidence of the occupation — underground dwellings, recently extinguished fires and the scattered belongings of those forced to live in the basement — remain. Some, like Petrovich, appear to be suffering depression or some form of PTSD. “After two months, we are still in shock,” he said. “There is so much work to do at home still, but you can’t lift your hand. It is scary.” There is still a lot of cleaning up to do. “There is not a single house here where there was no tank or armored personnel carrier standing,” said Valentyna Sezonenko, 75, who found partly unexploded ordnance on the road in front of her house. Houses across the street and next door had been razed. On a street next to the village's destroyed events hall, volunteers from the capital were putting new roofs on apartment buildings. A shell from a cluster munition lay nearby. “My soul hurts,” said Nina Shish, who managed to flee Yahidne hours before it was occupied only to be trapped in a basement by Russians in a neighboring village. As soon as she returned to Yahidne, she went to see the local school, where she had worked and where her granddaughter had been in kindergarten. “I have no words for my grief, the school was so beautiful before,” she said. “Now, students won’t learn there any more.” She took a plant stand with a spider plant home and put it in her building’s hallway as a memento. On Wednesday, Ukraine’s chief prosecutor announced eight new war crimes cases, including one against nine Russian soldiers accused of terrorizing Yahidne. “Unfortunately, these people are not located here physically, and we are going for an in absentia trial, but it is very important for us, for Ukrainian justice, for the victims and their relatives to have this legal process,” the prosecutor general, Irina Venediktova, wrote on Facebook on Wednesday. While Russia denies that its soldiers have committed war crimes, Ukraine has already sentenced three soldiers for related offenses. Most of the soldiers named by Venediktova come from Tuva, a remote province in southeastern Siberia. On the road locals call Fourth Street, Ludmila Shevchenko was tending her garden. She had already buried one son, Vitaliy, 53, who was shot by the Russians in the early days of the occupation. And she was worried about her other son, Anatoly, the man with the question mark next to his name on the list in the basement. “I don’t know if he is alive or dead,” she said, resting against the pockmarks of the damaged house. “I don’t know if the commander will be tried,” she said. “But I want to ask him, ‘Where is my son, Anatoly Shevchenko?’”

‘We are still in shock’: A month trapped by Russian forces in a basement

Despite the West announcing sanctions and trying to divert their oil imports from Moscow, Vladimir Putin asserted that they won’t be able to completely cut off from the Russian oil and gas for several years.

The Russian president made these remarks on Thursday after attending an exhibition in Moscow dedicated to the 350th anniversary of the birth of Russian monarch Peter the Great.

He added that nobody knows what could occur at that time, so Russian business would certainly not be “concreting over their oil wells”, reports BBC.

His comments come days after a US official admitted that Russian profits on energy may be higher now than they were before the war.

The United States and the European Union had agreed to ban imports of Russian oil and imposed escalating sanctions to punish the country for its invasion of Ukraine.

While those moves put a dent in global trade in Russian fossil fuels, they also helped to trigger a surge in global prices of oil and gas.

The EU currently imports around 40 per cent of its gas from Russia.

The bloc has pledged to&nbsp;reduce its dependency on Russian oil by 90 per cent by the end of 2022, but so far has not made any commitments on gas.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-compares-ukraine-invasion-to-peter-the-greats-conquests-486729">Putin compares Ukraine invasion to Peter the Great's conquests</a>

Noting that supply snarls led to a rise in global oil and gas prices, Putin said the Russian companies’ profits could have risen in recent months.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kyiv-in-no-danger-but-we-are-preparing-ukraine-minister-486747" hreflang="en">Kyiv in 'no danger', but we are preparing: Ukraine minister</a>

"The volume of oil is decreasing on the world market, prices are rising," President Putin told a group of young entrepreneurs.

"Company profits are rising," he added.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Despite the West announcing sanctions and trying to divert their oil imports from Moscow, Vladimir Putin asserted that they won’t be able to completely cut off from the Russian oil and gas for several years.

Despite the West announcing sanctions and trying to divert their oil imports from Moscow, Vladimir Putin asserted that they won’t be able to completely cut off from the Russian oil and gas for several years. The Russian president made these remarks on Thursday after attending an exhibition in Moscow dedicated to the 350th anniversary of the birth of Russian monarch Peter the Great. He added that nobody knows what could occur at that time, so Russian business would certainly not be “concreting over their oil wells”, reports BBC. His comments come days after a US official admitted that Russian profits on energy may be higher now than they were before the war. The United States and the European Union had agreed to ban imports of Russian oil and imposed escalating sanctions to punish the country for its invasion of Ukraine. While those moves put a dent in global trade in Russian fossil fuels, they also helped to trigger a surge in global prices of oil and gas. The EU currently imports around 40 per cent of its gas from Russia. The bloc has pledged to reduce its dependency on Russian oil by 90 per cent by the end of 2022, but so far has not made any commitments on gas. Also read | Putin compares Ukraine invasion to Peter the Great's conquests Noting that supply snarls led to a rise in global oil and gas prices, Putin said the Russian companies’ profits could have risen in recent months. Also read | Kyiv in 'no danger', but we are preparing: Ukraine minister "The volume of oil is decreasing on the world market, prices are rising," President Putin told a group of young entrepreneurs. "Company profits are rising," he added. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

West won’t be able to cut off from Russian oil and gas for years: Vladimir Putin

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday compared Ukraine invasion to Peter the Great's conquests

Peter I, or Peter the Great reigned first as tsar and then as emperor from 1682 until his death in 1725. His conquest of the Baltic coast from Sweden made Russia an important player in European affairs.

Putin was visiting an exhibition in Moscow dedicated to the 350th birthday of tsar. After the the visit, Putin told a group of young entrepreneurs that "you get the impression that by fighting Sweden he was grabbing something. He wasn't taking anything, he was taking it back".

"It is our responsibility also to take back and strengthen," Putin said, in an apparent reference to Russia's offensive in Ukraine.

Ukraine was part of the erstwhile Soviet Union. Russia began invading the country on February 24 this year.

When Peter the Great founded Saint Petersburg and declared it the Russian capital "none of the countries in Europe recognised this territory as belonging to Russia," Putin said.

"Everyone considered it to be part of Sweden. But from time immemorial, Slavs had lived there alongside Finno-Ugric peoples," the Russian leader added.

Russia is currently facing isolation globally with major western countries have imposed sanctions on it following Ukraine invasion.

(With inputs from agencies)

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

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Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday compared Ukraine invasion to Peter the Great's conquests Peter I, or Peter the Great reigned first as tsar and then as emperor from 1682 until his death in 1725.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday compared Ukraine invasion to Peter the Great's conquests Peter I, or Peter the Great reigned first as tsar and then as emperor from 1682 until his death in 1725. His conquest of the Baltic coast from Sweden made Russia an important player in European affairs. Putin was visiting an exhibition in Moscow dedicated to the 350th birthday of tsar. After the the visit, Putin told a group of young entrepreneurs that "you get the impression that by fighting Sweden he was grabbing something. He wasn't taking anything, he was taking it back". "It is our responsibility also to take back and strengthen," Putin said, in an apparent reference to Russia's offensive in Ukraine. Ukraine was part of the erstwhile Soviet Union. Russia began invading the country on February 24 this year. When Peter the Great founded Saint Petersburg and declared it the Russian capital "none of the countries in Europe recognised this territory as belonging to Russia," Putin said. "Everyone considered it to be part of Sweden. But from time immemorial, Slavs had lived there alongside Finno-Ugric peoples," the Russian leader added. Russia is currently facing isolation globally with major western countries have imposed sanctions on it following Ukraine invasion. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Putin compares Ukraine invasion to Peter the Great's conquests

Thanking British Prime Minister Boris Johnson for a "complete" understanding of Kyiv's needs, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the UK has been providing weapons Kyiv needs to fight the war with Russia.

"I am grateful to Prime Minister Boris Johnson for the complete understanding of our demands and preparedness to provide Ukraine with exactly the weapons that it so needs to protect the lives of our people," Zelensky said.

It comes after the UK defied Russian President Vladimir Putin's warning and announced that it will supply Ukraine with multiple-launch rocket systems that can strike targets up to 80 km (50 miles) away.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/weapons-to-ukraine-us-france-germany-whos-helping-and-with-how-much-485765/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In a pivotal battle of the Kremlin offensive in Ukraine's eastern Donbas region, Ukrainian and Russian troops are fighting street by street for control of the industrial city of Sievierodonetsk.

"Looking for ways to avoid the food crisis &amp; unblock (Ukraine's) ports," Zelensky and Johnson held a phone conversation after Russia's naval blockade of Ukraine due to which Kyib is not able to export a majority of its agricultural produce.

It comes after a large rebellion in Johnson's Conservative Party over the so-called "partygate" scandal dealt a blow to his authority even though he survived a confidence vote in the UK.

In a move that could severely weaken Ukraine’s standing and allow the Russian military to advance closer to the center of the country, Zelensky also said Moscow’s forces intend to take the southeastern city of Zaporizhzhia which is home to more than 700,000 people.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Thanking British Prime Minister Boris Johnson for a "complete" understanding of Kyiv's needs, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the UK has been providing weapons Kyiv needs to fight the war with Russia.

Thanking British Prime Minister Boris Johnson for a "complete" understanding of Kyiv's needs, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the UK has been providing weapons Kyiv needs to fight the war with Russia. "I am grateful to Prime Minister Boris Johnson for the complete understanding of our demands and preparedness to provide Ukraine with exactly the weapons that it so needs to protect the lives of our people," Zelensky said. It comes after the UK defied Russian President Vladimir Putin's warning and announced that it will supply Ukraine with multiple-launch rocket systems that can strike targets up to 80 km (50 miles) away. In a pivotal battle of the Kremlin offensive in Ukraine's eastern Donbas region, Ukrainian and Russian troops are fighting street by street for control of the industrial city of Sievierodonetsk. "Looking for ways to avoid the food crisis & unblock (Ukraine's) ports," Zelensky and Johnson held a phone conversation after Russia's naval blockade of Ukraine due to which Kyib is not able to export a majority of its agricultural produce. It comes after a large rebellion in Johnson's Conservative Party over the so-called "partygate" scandal dealt a blow to his authority even though he survived a confidence vote in the UK. In a move that could severely weaken Ukraine’s standing and allow the Russian military to advance closer to the center of the country, Zelensky also said Moscow’s forces intend to take the southeastern city of Zaporizhzhia which is home to more than 700,000 people. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here:

British PM Boris Johnson providing Ukraine with exactly the right weapons: Zelensky

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. Ukrainian deputy defence minister Ganna Malyar on Sunday (June 5) said that the war-torn nation needs continued military support from Western countries until it defeated Russian forces. As quoted by news agency AFP, Malyar said: "We have already entered into a protracted war and we will need constant support. The West must understand that its help cannot be a one-time thing, but something that continues until our victory." The European allies have supplied weapons to Kyiv such as drones, Howitzer heavy artillery, anti-aircraft Stinger and anti-tank Javelin missiles after Russia announced the invasion of Ukraine, the so-called special "military operations". Recently, US President Joe Biden said Washington would supply Ukraine with M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, or HIMARS, after he received assurances from Kyiv that it would not be used to target Russia. Russian President Vladimir Putin reacted sharply as he warned the United States in an interview broadcast on Sunday that Russia would strike new targets if the West supplied longer-range missiles to Ukraine for use in high-precision mobile rocket systems. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Ukraine says it needs 'constant' Western aid until Russia is defeated

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. Russia on Sunday (June 5) claimed that it had destroyed tanks during strikes on Kyiv. The tanks were apparently supplied to Ukraine by eastern European countries. As quoted by news agency Reuters, Russian defence ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov said, "High-precision, long-range missiles fired by the Russian Aerospace Forces on the outskirts of Kyiv destroyed T-72 tanks". Konashenkov further added that the tanks were "supplied by eastern European countries". He said that and other "armoured vehicles that were in hangars". ALSO READ | Putin vows to strike harder if longer-range missiles supplied to Ukraine Meanwhile, earlier on Sunday (June 5), Vitali Klitschko, the mayor of Kyiv said that the Ukrainian capital had been hit by "several explosions in Darnytsky and Dniprovsky districts of city". His claims are the first such strikes on the capital since April 28. On the other hand, Russian President Vladimir Putin warned the United States in an interview broadcast on Sunday that Russia would strike new targets if the West supplied longer-range missiles to Ukraine for use in high-precision mobile rocket systems. WATCH | Russia-Ukraine conflict: Explosions rock Ukraine's capital Kyiv × ALSO READ | Kyiv rocked by blasts from Russian cruise missiles: Ukraine After Russia announced the invasion of Ukraine, calling it special "military operations", the United States and its European allies have supplied weapons to Kyiv such as drones, Howitzer heavy artillery, anti-aircraft Stinger and anti-tank Javelin missiles. However, Washington has ruled out sending its own or NATO forces to Ukraine. Recently, US President Joe Biden said Washington would supply Ukraine with M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, or HIMARS, after he received assurances from Kyiv that it would not be used to target Russia. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Ukraine war: Russia says it destroyed tanks supplied by eastern European countries in strikes on Kyiv

Russia hit Kyiv with cruise missiles fired from the Caspian Sea on Sunday, striking a rail car repair facility in the Ukrainian capital, in the first such attack for weeks, Ukraine's army and railway chief said.

Dark smoke funnelled into the sky above Kyiv's eastern outskirts. At least one person was hospitalised though no deaths were immediately reported, Mayor Vitaly Klitschko said.

Ukrainian air defences shot down one incoming missile at around 6 a.m. local time (0300 GMT), the military said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraines-defence-minister-optimistic-that-war-with-russia-could-end-this-year-485176">Ukraine's defence minister 'optimistic' that war with Russia could end this year</a>

One Russian missile that was probably headed for Kyiv flew "critically low" over a major nuclear power plant in the southern Mykolaiv region, state-run nuclear power operator Energoatom said on Telegram.

Russia's Defence Ministry said its missiles had destroyed T-72 tanks and armoured vehicles supplied to Ukraine by eastern European countries that were housed in a rail car repair facility in Kyiv.

Oleksandr Kamyshin, head of the Ukrainian railway, confirmed that four missiles had smashed into the Darnytsia rail car repair facility in eastern Kyiv, but denied there had been any military hardware at the site.

"Their (Russia's) target is the economy and the civilian population," he said.

The sprawling railway system has served as a vital lifeline as Russia's Feb. 24 invasion has smashed the Ukrainian economy and severed export routes via the Black Sea.

The missiles were the first to hit the capital since late April when a Radio Liberty producer was killed in a Russian missile strike that hit the building she lived in.

Watch |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine conflict: Explosions rock Ukraine's capital Kyiv

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"According to preliminary data, the (Russians) launched missiles from Tu-95 aircraft from the Caspian Sea," the Ukrainian air force said in a statement.

Presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak called on the West to impose more sanctions on Russia to punish it for the strikes and to supply more weapons to Ukraine.

"The Kremlin resorts to new insidious attacks. Today’s missile strikes at Kyiv have only one goal - kill as many as possible," he wrote in a tweet.

The mayor of the historic town of Brovary, around 20 km (12 miles) from Kyiv's centre, urged people to remain inside their homes as there had been reports of a sooty smell coming from the smoke.

Despite continuing Russian offensives in Ukraine and the widespread destruction, life in Kyiv has been relatively attack-free in recent weeks, after Moscow turned the focus of its invasion to the east and south.

Air raid sirens regularly disrupt life in Kyiv, but there have been no major strikes on the city in several weeks.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-vows-to-strike-harder-if-longer-range-missiles-supplied-to-ukraine-485294">Putin vows to strike harder if longer-range missiles supplied to Ukraine</a>

The Darnytskyi district on the left bank of the Dnipro River stretches from the fringes of Kyiv to the river's shores while the Dniprovskyi area in the city's north lies along the river.

Oleksandr Honcharenko, mayor of Kramatorsk in the Donetsk region in the east, reported overnight strikes on the city, resulting in widespread damage but no casualties.

On Saturday, Ukrainian officials said the country's troops had recaptured a swathe of the embattled city of Sievierodonetsk in a counteroffensive against Russia.

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Russia hit Kyiv with cruise missiles fired from the Caspian Sea on Sunday, striking a rail car repair facility in the Ukrainian capital, in the first such attack for weeks, Ukraine's army and railway chief said.

Russia hit Kyiv with cruise missiles fired from the Caspian Sea on Sunday, striking a rail car repair facility in the Ukrainian capital, in the first such attack for weeks, Ukraine's army and railway chief said. Dark smoke funnelled into the sky above Kyiv's eastern outskirts. At least one person was hospitalised though no deaths were immediately reported, Mayor Vitaly Klitschko said. Ukrainian air defences shot down one incoming missile at around 6 a.m. local time (0300 GMT), the military said. Also read | Ukraine's defence minister 'optimistic' that war with Russia could end this year One Russian missile that was probably headed for Kyiv flew "critically low" over a major nuclear power plant in the southern Mykolaiv region, state-run nuclear power operator Energoatom said on Telegram. Russia's Defence Ministry said its missiles had destroyed T-72 tanks and armoured vehicles supplied to Ukraine by eastern European countries that were housed in a rail car repair facility in Kyiv. Oleksandr Kamyshin, head of the Ukrainian railway, confirmed that four missiles had smashed into the Darnytsia rail car repair facility in eastern Kyiv, but denied there had been any military hardware at the site. "Their (Russia's) target is the economy and the civilian population," he said. The sprawling railway system has served as a vital lifeline as Russia's Feb. 24 invasion has smashed the Ukrainian economy and severed export routes via the Black Sea. The missiles were the first to hit the capital since late April when a Radio Liberty producer was killed in a Russian missile strike that hit the building she lived in. Watch | Russia-Ukraine conflict: Explosions rock Ukraine's capital Kyiv "According to preliminary data, the (Russians) launched missiles from Tu-95 aircraft from the Caspian Sea," the Ukrainian air force said in a statement. Presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak called on the West to impose more sanctions on Russia to punish it for the strikes and to supply more weapons to Ukraine. "The Kremlin resorts to new insidious attacks. Today’s missile strikes at Kyiv have only one goal - kill as many as possible," he wrote in a tweet. The mayor of the historic town of Brovary, around 20 km (12 miles) from Kyiv's centre, urged people to remain inside their homes as there had been reports of a sooty smell coming from the smoke. Despite continuing Russian offensives in Ukraine and the widespread destruction, life in Kyiv has been relatively attack-free in recent weeks, after Moscow turned the focus of its invasion to the east and south. Air raid sirens regularly disrupt life in Kyiv, but there have been no major strikes on the city in several weeks. Also read | Putin vows to strike harder if longer-range missiles supplied to Ukraine The Darnytskyi district on the left bank of the Dnipro River stretches from the fringes of Kyiv to the river's shores while the Dniprovskyi area in the city's north lies along the river. Oleksandr Honcharenko, mayor of Kramatorsk in the Donetsk region in the east, reported overnight strikes on the city, resulting in widespread damage but no casualties. On Saturday, Ukrainian officials said the country's troops had recaptured a swathe of the embattled city of Sievierodonetsk in a counteroffensive against Russia. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Kyiv rocked by blasts from Russian cruise missiles: Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin blamed the West for the ongoing food and energy shortages and assured that his country would “guarantee” safe passage of exports from Ukraine-held ports if it is "cleared" of mines by Ukraine.

"There is no problem to export grain from Ukraine," he said in a televised interview, saying it could be done via Ukrainian ports, via others under Russian control, or even via central Europe, reports AFP.

The Russian president assured that his armed forces would not “launch any attacks [on Ukraine] from the sea” while it is being removed from mines.

The Russian leader mentioned the possibility of exporting via the Ukrainian ports of Mariupol and Berdyansk on the Sea of Azov, which gives access to the Black Sea. Both are under Russian control.

He also said ports under Kyiv's control, in particular Odessa, could be used.

Watch |&nbsp;Putin breaks his silence on the food crisis: Blames the West for the ongoing global food crisis

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Putin said that exports from Belarus is also possible if the West "lifts sanctions" against the Moscow’s ally

Accused the West of "bluster" by claiming Moscow was preventing grain exports from Ukraine, Putin said, “Of course, we are now seeing attempts to shift the responsibility for what is happening on the world food market, the emerging problems in this market, onto Russia,” he told Russian TV.

“I must say that this is an attempt, as our people say, to shift these problems from a sick to a healthy head.”

The Russia-Ukraine war has caused prices of food and fuel to soar, pushing the world towards food scarcity.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-made-historic-error-by-invading-ukraine-french-president-emmanuel-macron-484899" hreflang="en">Putin made 'historic error' by invading Ukraine: French president Emmanuel Macron</a>

Russia and Ukraine are among the most important producers of agricultural commodities in the world. Both countries are net exporters of agricultural products, and they both play leading supply roles in global markets of foodstuffs and fertilisers, where exportable supplies are often concentrated in a handful of countries.

In 2021, Russian and Ukraine ranked amongst the top three global exporters of wheat, maize, rapeseed, sunflower seeds and sunflower oil, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/victory-will-be-ours-says-ukraine-president-zelensky-on-100th-day-of-fight-with-russia-484883" hreflang="en">Victory will be ours,' says Zelensky on 100th day of fight with Russia</a>

Russian stood as the world’s top exporter of nitrogen fertilizers, the second leading supplier of potassium fertilizers and the third largest exporter of phosphorous fertilizers.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Russian President Vladimir Putin blamed the West for the ongoing food and energy shortages and assured that his country would “guarantee” safe passage of exports from Ukraine-held ports if it is "cleared" of mines by Ukraine.

Russian President Vladimir Putin blamed the West for the ongoing food and energy shortages and assured that his country would “guarantee” safe passage of exports from Ukraine-held ports if it is "cleared" of mines by Ukraine. "There is no problem to export grain from Ukraine," he said in a televised interview, saying it could be done via Ukrainian ports, via others under Russian control, or even via central Europe, reports AFP. The Russian president assured that his armed forces would not “launch any attacks [on Ukraine] from the sea” while it is being removed from mines. The Russian leader mentioned the possibility of exporting via the Ukrainian ports of Mariupol and Berdyansk on the Sea of Azov, which gives access to the Black Sea. Both are under Russian control. He also said ports under Kyiv's control, in particular Odessa, could be used. Watch | Putin breaks his silence on the food crisis: Blames the West for the ongoing global food crisis Putin said that exports from Belarus is also possible if the West "lifts sanctions" against the Moscow’s ally Accused the West of "bluster" by claiming Moscow was preventing grain exports from Ukraine, Putin said, “Of course, we are now seeing attempts to shift the responsibility for what is happening on the world food market, the emerging problems in this market, onto Russia,” he told Russian TV. “I must say that this is an attempt, as our people say, to shift these problems from a sick to a healthy head.” The Russia-Ukraine war has caused prices of food and fuel to soar, pushing the world towards food scarcity. Also read | Putin made 'historic error' by invading Ukraine: French president Emmanuel Macron Russia and Ukraine are among the most important producers of agricultural commodities in the world. Both countries are net exporters of agricultural products, and they both play leading supply roles in global markets of foodstuffs and fertilisers, where exportable supplies are often concentrated in a handful of countries. In 2021, Russian and Ukraine ranked amongst the top three global exporters of wheat, maize, rapeseed, sunflower seeds and sunflower oil, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization. Also read | Victory will be ours,' says Zelensky on 100th day of fight with Russia Russian stood as the world’s top exporter of nitrogen fertilizers, the second leading supplier of potassium fertilizers and the third largest exporter of phosphorous fertilizers. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Blaming West for food and energy crises, Putin ‘guarantees’ peaceful exports from Ukraine

Ukraine announced Saturday the deaths of four foreign military volunteers fighting Russian forces, whose invasion has spurred a wave of solidarity abroad including from experienced combat veterans.

The International Legion of Defence of Ukraine, an official volunteer brigade, announced the men from Germany, the Netherlands, Australia and France had died but did not specify when or under what circumstances.

"We lost our brothers in combat but their bravery, their memory and legacy will forever inspire us," it said in a statement.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dolphins-may-be-dying-in-black-sea-due-to-ukraine-war-say-scientists-485033">Dolphins may be dying in Black Sea due to Ukraine war, say scientists</a>

AFP journalists in Kharkiv last month were present at the May 21 burial of the Dutch citizen named in the statement, Ronald Vogelaar. Colleagues said he had been killed several days earlier by artillery.

The Australian was reported killed in May and his death was confirmed by a foreign affairs department spokesperson.

Tasmania's Mercury newspaper identified the man as Michael Charles O'Neill, 47. A tribute on Facebook said he was "driving the wounded and injured from the front line".

Watch |&nbsp;Ukraine war completes 100 days: Moscow focused on seizing east Ukraine

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Paris on Friday confirmed that a French volunteer fighter had been killed in combat in Ukraine, following reports that the man died in artillery fire in the Kharkiv region.

The official statement Saturday was accompanied by photographs of the men showing them clad in camouflage and carrying small arms.

The organisation says on its website that citizens from countries including Denmark, Israel, Poland, Latvia, Croatia the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Canada have joined their ranks.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-made-historic-error-by-invading-ukraine-french-president-emmanuel-macron-484899">Putin made 'historic error' by invading Ukraine: French president Emmanuel Macron</a>

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the formation of the force at the start of the war and Kyiv shortly afterwards said it had received some 20,000 applications.

The conflict, now beyond its 100th day, is also said to have drawn in a significant number of volunteer fighters from ex-Soviet Georgia, which fought a brief and disastrous war with Russia in 2008.

Russia claimed this week to have killed "hundreds" of foreign fighters in Ukraine since its invasion began on February 24 and stemmed the flow of newcomers.

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Ukraine announced Saturday the deaths of four foreign military volunteers fighting Russian forces, whose invasion has spurred a wave of solidarity abroad including from experienced combat veterans.

Ukraine announced Saturday the deaths of four foreign military volunteers fighting Russian forces, whose invasion has spurred a wave of solidarity abroad including from experienced combat veterans. The International Legion of Defence of Ukraine, an official volunteer brigade, announced the men from Germany, the Netherlands, Australia and France had died but did not specify when or under what circumstances. "We lost our brothers in combat but their bravery, their memory and legacy will forever inspire us," it said in a statement. Also read | Dolphins may be dying in Black Sea due to Ukraine war, say scientists AFP journalists in Kharkiv last month were present at the May 21 burial of the Dutch citizen named in the statement, Ronald Vogelaar. Colleagues said he had been killed several days earlier by artillery. The Australian was reported killed in May and his death was confirmed by a foreign affairs department spokesperson. Tasmania's Mercury newspaper identified the man as Michael Charles O'Neill, 47. A tribute on Facebook said he was "driving the wounded and injured from the front line". Watch | Ukraine war completes 100 days: Moscow focused on seizing east Ukraine Paris on Friday confirmed that a French volunteer fighter had been killed in combat in Ukraine, following reports that the man died in artillery fire in the Kharkiv region. The official statement Saturday was accompanied by photographs of the men showing them clad in camouflage and carrying small arms. The organisation says on its website that citizens from countries including Denmark, Israel, Poland, Latvia, Croatia the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Canada have joined their ranks. Also read | Putin made 'historic error' by invading Ukraine: French president Emmanuel Macron Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the formation of the force at the start of the war and Kyiv shortly afterwards said it had received some 20,000 applications. The conflict, now beyond its 100th day, is also said to have drawn in a significant number of volunteer fighters from ex-Soviet Georgia, which fought a brief and disastrous war with Russia in 2008. Russia claimed this week to have killed "hundreds" of foreign fighters in Ukraine since its invasion began on February 24 and stemmed the flow of newcomers. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Ukraine announces deaths of four foreign military volunteers

Ukraine war: A timeline of 100 days of fighting that killed thousands of civilians

The Russia-Ukraine war entered 100 days on June 3, 2022. Russian troops entered Ukrainian territory on February 24 this year. Troops from both sides have been engaged in fighting since. People have died, buildings destroyed and the war has had an economic impact. How has the war affected Russia and Ukraine?

100 days of Ukraine-Russia war: Cost of conflict, what is affected?

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. In the latest sanctions, the United States on Thursday (June 2) targeted Russian President Vladimir Putin's "money manager", a Monaco-based company that provides luxury yachts. The move has been considered a step up in putting pressure on Russia over the invasion of Ukraine. In a statement, the White House as quoted by the news agency, revealed, "The United States, alongside over 30 partners around the world, has imposed unprecedented sanctions and export". "...to hold President Putin to account for his war against Ukraine, restrict Russia’s access to critical technology it needs to fund its war machine," the statement added. WATCH | Gravitas: Why Biden is not 'helpless' on gun reforms × US President Joe Biden, in his State of the Union address in March, said the United States would work to seize the yachts, luxury apartments and private jets of wealthy Russians with ties to Putin. The Biden administration also added Sergei Roldugin, who is a cellist and conductor already under European Union sanctions, for his alleged links to Putin. The Russian President had defended Roldugin after he was named in the "Panama Papers" leaks in 2016. The US Treasury Department identified two vessels, the Russian-flagged Graceful and the Cayman Islands-flagged Olympia. The authorities stated that Putin has an interest in the property. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US blacklists Putin money-manager, luxury yacht brokerage for Russian elite

THE U.S. WILL HELP UKRAINE BE IN THE STRONGEST POSSIBLE POSITION AT THE NEGOTIATING TABLE. WE DO NOT WANT TO PROLONG THE WAR JUST TO INFLICT PAIN ON RUSSIA.

The invasion Vladimir Putin thought would last days is now in its fourth month. The Ukrainian people surprised Russia and inspired the world with their sacrifice, grit and battlefield success. The free world and many other nations, led by the United States, rallied to Ukraine’s side with unprecedented military, humanitarian and financial support.

As the war goes on, I want to be clear about the aims of the United States in these efforts.

America’s goal is straightforward: We want to see a democratic, independent, sovereign and prosperous Ukraine with the means to deter and defend itself against further aggression.

As President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine has said, ultimately this war “will only definitively end through diplomacy.” Every negotiation reflects the facts on the ground. We have moved quickly to send Ukraine a significant amount of weaponry and ammunition so it can fight on the battlefield and be in the strongest possible position at the negotiating table.

That’s why I’ve decided that we will provide the Ukrainians with more advanced rocket systems and munitions that will enable them to more precisely strike key targets on the battlefield in Ukraine.

We will continue cooperating with our allies and partners on Russian sanctions, the toughest ever imposed on a major economy. We will continue providing Ukraine with advanced weaponry, including Javelin anti-tank missiles, Stinger antiaircraft missiles, powerful artillery and precision rocket systems, radars, unmanned aerial vehicles, Mi-17 helicopters and ammunition. We will also send&nbsp;billions more in financial assistance, as authorized by Congress. We will work with our allies and partners to address the global food crisis that Russia’s aggression is worsening. And we will help our European allies and others reduce their dependence on Russian fossil fuels, and speed our transition to a clean energy future.

We will also continue reinforcing NATO’s eastern flank with forces and capabilities from the United States and other allies. And just recently, I welcomed Finland’s and Sweden’s applications to join NATO, a move that will strengthen overall U.S. and trans-Atlantic security by adding two democratic and highly capable military partners.

We do not seek a war between NATO and Russia. As much as I disagree with Mr. Putin, and find his actions an outrage, the United States will not try to bring about his ouster in Moscow. So long as the United States or our allies are not attacked, we will not be directly engaged in this conflict, either by sending American troops to fight in Ukraine or by attacking Russian forces. We are not encouraging or enabling Ukraine to strike beyond its borders. We do not want to prolong the war just to inflict pain on Russia.

My principle throughout this crisis has been “Nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine.” I will not pressure the Ukrainian government — in private or public — to make any territorial concessions. It would be wrong and contrary to well-settled principles to do so.

Ukraine’s talks with Russia are not stalled because Ukraine has turned its back on diplomacy. They are stalled because Russia continues to wage a war to take control of as much of Ukraine as it can. The United States will continue to work to strengthen Ukraine and support its efforts to achieve a negotiated end to the conflict.

Unprovoked aggression, the bombing of maternity hospitals and centers of culture, and the forced displacement of millions of people makes the war in Ukraine a profound moral issue. I met with Ukrainian refugees in Poland — women and children who were unsure what their lives would be, and whether the loved ones who stayed behind in Ukraine would be OK. No person of conscience could be unmoved by the devastation of these horrors.

Standing by Ukraine in its hour of need is not just the right thing to do. It is in our vital national interests to ensure a peaceful and stable Europe and to make it clear that might does not make right. If Russia does not pay a heavy price for its actions, it will send a message to other would-be aggressors that they too can seize territory and subjugate other countries. It will put the survival of other peaceful democracies at risk. And it could mark the end of the rules-based international order and open the door to aggression elsewhere, with catastrophic consequences the world over.

I know many people around the world are concerned about the use of nuclear weapons. We currently see no indication that Russia has intent to use nuclear weapons in Ukraine, though Russia’s occasional rhetoric to rattle the nuclear saber is itself dangerous and extremely irresponsible. Let me be clear: Any use of nuclear weapons in this conflict on any scale would be completely unacceptable to us as well as the rest of the world and would entail severe consequences.

Americans will stay the course with the Ukrainian people because we understand that freedom is not free. That’s what we have always done whenever the enemies of freedom seek to bully and oppress innocent people, and it is what we are doing now. Vladimir Putin did not expect this degree of unity or the strength of our response. He was mistaken. If he expects that we will waver or fracture in the months to come, he is equally mistaken.

THE U.S. WILL HELP UKRAINE BE IN THE STRONGEST POSSIBLE POSITION AT THE NEGOTIATING TABLE. WE DO NOT WANT TO PROLONG THE WAR JUST TO INFLICT PAIN ON RUSSIA. The invasion Vladimir Putin thought would last days is now in its fourth month.

THE U.S. WILL HELP UKRAINE BE IN THE STRONGEST POSSIBLE POSITION AT THE NEGOTIATING TABLE. WE DO NOT WANT TO PROLONG THE WAR JUST TO INFLICT PAIN ON RUSSIA. The invasion Vladimir Putin thought would last days is now in its fourth month. The Ukrainian people surprised Russia and inspired the world with their sacrifice, grit and battlefield success. The free world and many other nations, led by the United States, rallied to Ukraine’s side with unprecedented military, humanitarian and financial support. As the war goes on, I want to be clear about the aims of the United States in these efforts. America’s goal is straightforward: We want to see a democratic, independent, sovereign and prosperous Ukraine with the means to deter and defend itself against further aggression. As President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine has said, ultimately this war “will only definitively end through diplomacy.” Every negotiation reflects the facts on the ground. We have moved quickly to send Ukraine a significant amount of weaponry and ammunition so it can fight on the battlefield and be in the strongest possible position at the negotiating table. That’s why I’ve decided that we will provide the Ukrainians with more advanced rocket systems and munitions that will enable them to more precisely strike key targets on the battlefield in Ukraine. We will continue cooperating with our allies and partners on Russian sanctions, the toughest ever imposed on a major economy. We will continue providing Ukraine with advanced weaponry, including Javelin anti-tank missiles, Stinger antiaircraft missiles, powerful artillery and precision rocket systems, radars, unmanned aerial vehicles, Mi-17 helicopters and ammunition. We will also send billions more in financial assistance, as authorized by Congress. We will work with our allies and partners to address the global food crisis that Russia’s aggression is worsening. And we will help our European allies and others reduce their dependence on Russian fossil fuels, and speed our transition to a clean energy future. We will also continue reinforcing NATO’s eastern flank with forces and capabilities from the United States and other allies. And just recently, I welcomed Finland’s and Sweden’s applications to join NATO, a move that will strengthen overall U.S. and trans-Atlantic security by adding two democratic and highly capable military partners. We do not seek a war between NATO and Russia. As much as I disagree with Mr. Putin, and find his actions an outrage, the United States will not try to bring about his ouster in Moscow. So long as the United States or our allies are not attacked, we will not be directly engaged in this conflict, either by sending American troops to fight in Ukraine or by attacking Russian forces. We are not encouraging or enabling Ukraine to strike beyond its borders. We do not want to prolong the war just to inflict pain on Russia. My principle throughout this crisis has been “Nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine.” I will not pressure the Ukrainian government — in private or public — to make any territorial concessions. It would be wrong and contrary to well-settled principles to do so. Ukraine’s talks with Russia are not stalled because Ukraine has turned its back on diplomacy. They are stalled because Russia continues to wage a war to take control of as much of Ukraine as it can. The United States will continue to work to strengthen Ukraine and support its efforts to achieve a negotiated end to the conflict. Unprovoked aggression, the bombing of maternity hospitals and centers of culture, and the forced displacement of millions of people makes the war in Ukraine a profound moral issue. I met with Ukrainian refugees in Poland — women and children who were unsure what their lives would be, and whether the loved ones who stayed behind in Ukraine would be OK. No person of conscience could be unmoved by the devastation of these horrors. Standing by Ukraine in its hour of need is not just the right thing to do. It is in our vital national interests to ensure a peaceful and stable Europe and to make it clear that might does not make right. If Russia does not pay a heavy price for its actions, it will send a message to other would-be aggressors that they too can seize territory and subjugate other countries. It will put the survival of other peaceful democracies at risk. And it could mark the end of the rules-based international order and open the door to aggression elsewhere, with catastrophic consequences the world over. I know many people around the world are concerned about the use of nuclear weapons. We currently see no indication that Russia has intent to use nuclear weapons in Ukraine, though Russia’s occasional rhetoric to rattle the nuclear saber is itself dangerous and extremely irresponsible. Let me be clear: Any use of nuclear weapons in this conflict on any scale would be completely unacceptable to us as well as the rest of the world and would entail severe consequences. Americans will stay the course with the Ukrainian people because we understand that freedom is not free. That’s what we have always done whenever the enemies of freedom seek to bully and oppress innocent people, and it is what we are doing now. Vladimir Putin did not expect this degree of unity or the strength of our response. He was mistaken. If he expects that we will waver or fracture in the months to come, he is equally mistaken.

President Biden: What America will and will not do in Ukraine

According to eagle-eyed online users, Russian President Vladimir Putin may have staged a recent visit to a military hospital in Moscow to meet with wounded soldiers.

Kremlin had released a video a few days ago in which Putin can be seen at the Mandryk Central Military Clinical Hospital of the Russian Defence Ministry.&nbsp;

In the video, he can be seen speaking to members of the Russian Armed Forces undergoing treatment after being wounded during the special military operation, as well as with the hospital’s medical personnel.

He told one of the Russian soldier's sons that, “He will be proud of his dad.”&nbsp;

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Netizens have claimed that they recognise one of the “patients” at the military hospital from a previous event.

According to Adam Rang, a self-described “counter-propaganda” activist living in Estonia, pointed out a wounded soldier resembled a factory worker who Putin previously met.

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Putin met with a wounded soldier who, by a strange coincidence, was also a factory worker he previously met. <a href="https://t.co/hz4q2EJzFx">pic.twitter.com/hz4q2EJzFx</a>
— Adam Rang 🇪🇪🇺🇦 (@adamrangpr) <a href="https://twitter.com/adamrangpr/status/1529799570753978369?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 26, 2022</a></blockquote>
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He has posted an entire thread on Twitter of such incidents showing that it is a common tactic used by Russia.

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Some people have their doubts. It’s not conclusive but it does seem to be the same person - and there’s certainly nothing new about that tactic from Putin. See below. There was even a rioter in 2007 in Estonia who popped up as a protestor in Ukraine’s Donbas in 2014. <a href="https://t.co/i1HfjQ29CU">pic.twitter.com/i1HfjQ29CU</a>
— Adam Rang 🇪🇪🇺🇦 (@adamrangpr) <a href="https://twitter.com/adamrangpr/status/1529854314780426245?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 26, 2022</a></blockquote>
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In response, another Twitter user commented, ''That 'factory worker' and 'wounded soldier' that Putin keeps meeting also works for the FSB. He is the Kremlin’s equivalent of Mrs Rabbit in Peppa Pig.''

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That “factory worker” and “wounded soldier” that Putin keeps meeting also works for the FSB. He is the Kremlin’s equivalent of Mrs Rabbit in Peppa Pig. <a href="https://t.co/TH9Up3Dv2C">https://t.co/TH9Up3Dv2C</a>
— JOE RICH #StandWithUkraine #SlavaUkraini (@joerichlaw) <a href="https://twitter.com/joerichlaw/status/1529953161498316804?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 26, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Russia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Russia</a>: This looks about right. In case you were wondering how <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Putin?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Putin</a> can possibly risk being in the presence of regular <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RussianPeople?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RussianPeople</a>. He never does. <a href="https://t.co/LpCOP5pYvB">pic.twitter.com/LpCOP5pYvB</a>
— Igor Sushko (@igorsushko) <a href="https://twitter.com/igorsushko/status/1529800130206978048?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 26, 2022</a></blockquote>
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The United States and Britain have accused Russia of spreading disinformation online and manipulating public opinion about the war in Ukraine.

They have vehemently rejected Russian claims that the West is aiming to control all information flows and define what is true or not true.

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.&nbsp;

Watch WION's live TV here:

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According to eagle-eyed online users, Russian President Vladimir Putin may have staged a recent visit to a military hospital in Moscow to meet with wounded soldiers.

According to eagle-eyed online users, Russian President Vladimir Putin may have staged a recent visit to a military hospital in Moscow to meet with wounded soldiers. Kremlin had released a video a few days ago in which Putin can be seen at the Mandryk Central Military Clinical Hospital of the Russian Defence Ministry. In the video, he can be seen speaking to members of the Russian Armed Forces undergoing treatment after being wounded during the special military operation, as well as with the hospital’s medical personnel. He told one of the Russian soldier's sons that, “He will be proud of his dad.” Netizens have claimed that they recognise one of the “patients” at the military hospital from a previous event. According to Adam Rang, a self-described “counter-propaganda” activist living in Estonia, pointed out a wounded soldier resembled a factory worker who Putin previously met. Putin met with a wounded soldier who, by a strange coincidence, was also a factory worker he previously met. pic.twitter.com/hz4q2EJzFx — Adam Rang 🇪🇪🇺🇦 (@adamrangpr) May 26, 2022 × He has posted an entire thread on Twitter of such incidents showing that it is a common tactic used by Russia. Some people have their doubts. It’s not conclusive but it does seem to be the same person - and there’s certainly nothing new about that tactic from Putin. See below. There was even a rioter in 2007 in Estonia who popped up as a protestor in Ukraine’s Donbas in 2014. pic.twitter.com/i1HfjQ29CU — Adam Rang 🇪🇪🇺🇦 (@adamrangpr) May 26, 2022 × In response, another Twitter user commented, ''That 'factory worker' and 'wounded soldier' that Putin keeps meeting also works for the FSB. He is the Kremlin’s equivalent of Mrs Rabbit in Peppa Pig.'' That “factory worker” and “wounded soldier” that Putin keeps meeting also works for the FSB. He is the Kremlin’s equivalent of Mrs Rabbit in Peppa Pig. https://t.co/TH9Up3Dv2C — JOE RICH #StandWithUkraine #SlavaUkraini (@joerichlaw) May 26, 2022 × #Russia: This looks about right. In case you were wondering how #Putin can possibly risk being in the presence of regular #RussianPeople. He never does. pic.twitter.com/LpCOP5pYvB — Igor Sushko (@igorsushko) May 26, 2022 × The United States and Britain have accused Russia of spreading disinformation online and manipulating public opinion about the war in Ukraine. They have vehemently rejected Russian claims that the West is aiming to control all information flows and define what is true or not true. (With inputs from agencies) 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. Watch WION's live TV here:

Did Putin fake his visit to military hospital? Photos reveal familiar face

Amid Russian forces' aggressive approach in eastern Ukraine, the United States President Joe Biden on Monday (May 30) said that he would not send rocket systems to Ukraine that can reach Russia. While speaking to reporters after arriving back at the White House after a weekend in Delaware, "Biden said, "We are not going to send to Ukraine rocket systems that can strike into Russia."&nbsp;

"There's a constitution. I can't dictate this stuff. I can do the things I've done, and any executive action I can take I continue to take, but I can't outlaw a weapon, I can't change the background checks. I can't do that, and you know, my whole career I've been doing it," he added.&nbsp;

In the east, the Russian forces have advanced closer to the centre of the eastern Ukrainian city of Severodonetsk. The city has been under bombardment for weeks. Lugansk governor Sergiy Gaiday said on Telegram: "The Russians are advancing into the middle of Severodonetsk. The fighting continues. The situation is very difficult."&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irans-enriched-uranium-18-times-over-limit-warns-iaea-483605">Iran's enriched uranium 18 times over limit, warns IAEA</a>

Importantly, Severodonetsk is the easternmost city still in Ukrainian hands. It has been understood that capturing it would give Russia de-facto control over Lugansk, one of two eastern regions that make up the coveted Donbas.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky multiple times urged Western countries to supply advanced weapons to face Russia after it invaded Ukraine on the orders of Russian President Vladimir Putin in late February.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/immortal-portion-of-love-kim-jong-uns-message-on-vaccines-to-north-koreans-483585">'Immortal potion of love': Kim Jong Un's message on vaccines to North Koreans</a>

WATCH |&nbsp;Discussions on oil embargo: European Union holds two-day summit in Brussels

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Zelensky's advisor Mykhailo Podoliak tweeted recently: "If the West really wants Ukraine's victory, maybe it is time to give us long-range MLRS? It is hard to fight when you are attacked from a 70 km (43 miles) distance and have nothing to fight back with."&nbsp;

Ukraine has received extensive US military aid but says it needs long-range rockets equivalent to what Moscow's forces use. Recently, the US announced another $40 billion assistance package amid speculation it included such weapons.&nbsp;

To counter Moscow, Kyiv has asked the US for mobile batteries for long-range rockets, the M270 MLRS and the M142 Himars. They can launch multiple rockets at the same time with a range of up to 187 miles.&nbsp;

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Amid Russian forces' aggressive approach in eastern Ukraine, the United States President Joe Biden on Monday (May 30) said that he would not send rocket systems to Ukraine that can reach Russia.

Amid Russian forces' aggressive approach in eastern Ukraine, the United States President Joe Biden on Monday (May 30) said that he would not send rocket systems to Ukraine that can reach Russia. While speaking to reporters after arriving back at the White House after a weekend in Delaware, "Biden said, "We are not going to send to Ukraine rocket systems that can strike into Russia." "There's a constitution. I can't dictate this stuff. I can do the things I've done, and any executive action I can take I continue to take, but I can't outlaw a weapon, I can't change the background checks. I can't do that, and you know, my whole career I've been doing it," he added. In the east, the Russian forces have advanced closer to the centre of the eastern Ukrainian city of Severodonetsk. The city has been under bombardment for weeks. Lugansk governor Sergiy Gaiday said on Telegram: "The Russians are advancing into the middle of Severodonetsk. The fighting continues. The situation is very difficult." ALSO READ | Iran's enriched uranium 18 times over limit, warns IAEA Importantly, Severodonetsk is the easternmost city still in Ukrainian hands. It has been understood that capturing it would give Russia de-facto control over Lugansk, one of two eastern regions that make up the coveted Donbas. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky multiple times urged Western countries to supply advanced weapons to face Russia after it invaded Ukraine on the orders of Russian President Vladimir Putin in late February. ALSO READ | 'Immortal potion of love': Kim Jong Un's message on vaccines to North Koreans WATCH | Discussions on oil embargo: European Union holds two-day summit in Brussels × Zelensky's advisor Mykhailo Podoliak tweeted recently: "If the West really wants Ukraine's victory, maybe it is time to give us long-range MLRS? It is hard to fight when you are attacked from a 70 km (43 miles) distance and have nothing to fight back with." Ukraine has received extensive US military aid but says it needs long-range rockets equivalent to what Moscow's forces use. Recently, the US announced another $40 billion assistance package amid speculation it included such weapons. To counter Moscow, Kyiv has asked the US for mobile batteries for long-range rockets, the M270 MLRS and the M142 Himars. They can launch multiple rockets at the same time with a range of up to 187 miles. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Joe Biden says US will not send Ukraine rocket systems that can reach Russia

Two&nbsp;people were&nbsp;injured&nbsp;following an explosion in the Moscow-controlled city of&nbsp;Melitopol&nbsp;in southeastern&nbsp;Ukraine, local pro-Kremlin authorities said on Monday, blaming Kyiv.

Russian troops took control of the city in the Zaporizhzhia region in the early days of Moscow's military campaign in&nbsp;Ukraine, but were met with fierce resistance.

"This morning there was a terrorist attack aimed at destabilising the peaceful life of the city,"&nbsp;Melitopol's Russia-installed authorities said on Telegram.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russias-new-law-to-enlist-more-people-into-armed-forces-483264">Russia's new law to enlist more people into armed forces</a>

According to the statement, a car packed with explosives blew up in the city centre, injuring&nbsp;two&nbsp;"humanitarian aid" volunteers, a 28-year-old woman and a 25-year-old man.

"The Ukrainian government continues its war on the civilian population and the infrastructure of cities," the statement said, adding that an investigation was underway.&nbsp;

Clouds of black smoke were visible in the city on Monday morning. The&nbsp;blast&nbsp;shook the windows and walls of nearby buildings, Vladimir Rogov, a Russia-appointed official in&nbsp;Melitopol, said on Telegram.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Did Putin survive an assassination attempt?

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In another sign that Moscow is looking to maintain a long-term presence in parts of&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;controlled by its troops, Russian investigators said they would be looking into the&nbsp;blast.&nbsp;

Russia's Investigative Committee "will identify the persons involved in committing this crime in order to bring the perpetrators to justice," it said in a statement.&nbsp;

According to its information, the&nbsp;blast&nbsp;"organised by Ukrainian saboteurs" took place during the distribution of humanitarian aid near a residential building.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-war-russia-targets-key-eastern-town-in-severodonetsk-civilians-trapped-483220">Ukraine war: Russia targets key eastern town; civilians trapped</a>

Three people were&nbsp;injured,&nbsp;two&nbsp;of whom are in hospital, the investigators said.&nbsp;

Some reports suggested that the&nbsp;blast&nbsp;took place near the area where the Russia-installed head of the Zaporizhzhia region, Yevgeny Balitsky, lives.

Last week, the Moscow-appointed mayor of Enerhodar, another city in the Zaporizhzhia region under Russian control, was&nbsp;injured&nbsp;in an explosion.

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Two people were injured following an explosion in the Moscow-controlled city of Melitopol in southeastern Ukraine, local pro-Kremlin authorities said on Monday, blaming Kyiv.

Two people were injured following an explosion in the Moscow-controlled city of Melitopol in southeastern Ukraine, local pro-Kremlin authorities said on Monday, blaming Kyiv. Russian troops took control of the city in the Zaporizhzhia region in the early days of Moscow's military campaign in Ukraine, but were met with fierce resistance. "This morning there was a terrorist attack aimed at destabilising the peaceful life of the city," Melitopol's Russia-installed authorities said on Telegram. Also read | Russia's new law to enlist more people into armed forces According to the statement, a car packed with explosives blew up in the city centre, injuring two "humanitarian aid" volunteers, a 28-year-old woman and a 25-year-old man. "The Ukrainian government continues its war on the civilian population and the infrastructure of cities," the statement said, adding that an investigation was underway. Clouds of black smoke were visible in the city on Monday morning. The blast shook the windows and walls of nearby buildings, Vladimir Rogov, a Russia-appointed official in Melitopol, said on Telegram. Watch | Gravitas: Did Putin survive an assassination attempt? In another sign that Moscow is looking to maintain a long-term presence in parts of Ukraine controlled by its troops, Russian investigators said they would be looking into the blast. Russia's Investigative Committee "will identify the persons involved in committing this crime in order to bring the perpetrators to justice," it said in a statement. According to its information, the blast "organised by Ukrainian saboteurs" took place during the distribution of humanitarian aid near a residential building. Also read | Ukraine war: Russia targets key eastern town; civilians trapped Three people were injured, two of whom are in hospital, the investigators said. Some reports suggested that the blast took place near the area where the Russia-installed head of the Zaporizhzhia region, Yevgeny Balitsky, lives. Last week, the Moscow-appointed mayor of Enerhodar, another city in the Zaporizhzhia region under Russian control, was injured in an explosion. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Ukraine war: Two injured in blast in Russia-controlled Melitopol

Ukraine war: Russia pummels eastern towns in bid to encircle Ukrainian forces

As the Russia-Ukraine conflict entered its fourth month, Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a law enabling people over 40 to enlist for the armed forces. This will help Moscow to recruit more civilian experts for the war in Ukraine

Russia-Ukraine conflict: Russia scraps age limit for new troops

The Russian president Vladimir Putin and the Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi discussed ways to ease the international food crisis, with the Kremlin saying this could be done only if the West lifts sanctions.

Russian President Putin, Italy’s PM Draghi discuss ways to help solve food crisis

Chechen strongman and an ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, Ramzan Kadyrov, has warned Poland to "better take back your weapons" from Ukraine as he is ready to attack the European country. A video of his comment surfaced on Twitter where he can be heard saying that the issue of Ukraine is “closed”, and if given the order, he's “interested in Poland”.

Kadyrov also demanded an apology from Poland for an incident involving Russia's ambassador earlier this month where the latter was splattered with red paint by anti-war protesters during a Victory Day ceremony.

"The issue of Ukraine is closed. I'm interested in Poland. What is it trying to achieve?" Kadyrov said, according to a translation.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Putin?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Putin</a>'s warlord-president of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chechnya?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Chechnya</a>, Ramzan Kadyrov, says: "The issue of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ukraine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ukraine</a> is closed ... I'm interested in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Poland?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Poland</a>". Says Warsaw should stop supplying weapons and "beg ... official forgiveness" or the Russian army will come for them 😂😂😂😂😂😂 <a href="https://t.co/bjAR4x6XUE">pic.twitter.com/bjAR4x6XUE</a>
— Kyle Orton (@KyleWOrton) <a href="https://twitter.com/KyleWOrton/status/1529598849462968320?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 25, 2022</a></blockquote>
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"After Ukraine, if we are given the command, in six seconds we will show what we are capable of. You should better take back your weapons and your mercenaries. And beg official forgiveness for what you did to our ambassador. We won't just ignore it, bear that in mind," the Chechen leader continued.

It was not immediately clear when or where the video was filmed.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-shelled-more-than-40-towns-in-donbas-says-ukraine-military-482246" hreflang="en">Russia shelled more than 40 towns in Donbas, says Ukraine military</a>

Poland is one of the countries that has supplied weapons to Ukraine to defend itself from Russia's invasion that has been going on since late February.

The Polish government says it has supplied weapons worth $1.6 billion, including&nbsp;hundreds of tanks, howitzers, and Grad rocket launchers.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-hundred-dead-bodies-found-under-rubble-in-mariupol-report-482080" hreflang="en">Two hundred dead bodies found under rubble in Mariupol: Report</a>

Notably, Kadyrov is not the only one who has called for the invasion of Poland in recent weeks.

Oleg Morozov, a member of the Russian parliament and a top member of Putin's political party, United Russia, suggested earlier this month that Poland should be "in first place in the queue for denazification after Ukraine," according to an English translation of a Telegram&nbsp;post, Newsweek reported.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Chechen strongman and an ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, Ramzan Kadyrov, has warned Poland to "better take back your weapons" from Ukraine as he is ready to attack the European country.

Chechen strongman and an ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, Ramzan Kadyrov, has warned Poland to "better take back your weapons" from Ukraine as he is ready to attack the European country. A video of his comment surfaced on Twitter where he can be heard saying that the issue of Ukraine is “closed”, and if given the order, he's “interested in Poland”. Kadyrov also demanded an apology from Poland for an incident involving Russia's ambassador earlier this month where the latter was splattered with red paint by anti-war protesters during a Victory Day ceremony. "The issue of Ukraine is closed. I'm interested in Poland. What is it trying to achieve?" Kadyrov said, according to a translation. #Putin's warlord-president of #Chechnya, Ramzan Kadyrov, says: "The issue of #Ukraine is closed ... I'm interested in #Poland". Says Warsaw should stop supplying weapons and "beg ... official forgiveness" or the Russian army will come for them 😂😂😂😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/bjAR4x6XUE — Kyle Orton (@KyleWOrton) May 25, 2022 × "After Ukraine, if we are given the command, in six seconds we will show what we are capable of. You should better take back your weapons and your mercenaries. And beg official forgiveness for what you did to our ambassador. We won't just ignore it, bear that in mind," the Chechen leader continued. It was not immediately clear when or where the video was filmed. Also read | Russia shelled more than 40 towns in Donbas, says Ukraine military Poland is one of the countries that has supplied weapons to Ukraine to defend itself from Russia's invasion that has been going on since late February. The Polish government says it has supplied weapons worth $1.6 billion, including hundreds of tanks, howitzers, and Grad rocket launchers. Also read | Two hundred dead bodies found under rubble in Mariupol: Report Notably, Kadyrov is not the only one who has called for the invasion of Poland in recent weeks. Oleg Morozov, a member of the Russian parliament and a top member of Putin's political party, United Russia, suggested earlier this month that Poland should be "in first place in the queue for denazification after Ukraine," according to an English translation of a Telegram post, Newsweek reported. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Russian President Putin’s ally says ‘Ukraine closed…Poland next’ in a chilling new video

Russia intensified its attacks on Ukrainian forces in eastern Ukraine, attempting to capture the Donbas region exactly three months after President Vladimir Putin ordered his troops to invade Ukraine.

Russia-Ukraine Crisis: Moscow tries to encircle Ukrainian troops in Donbas

Russia-Ukraine Crisis: Moscow intensifies its Donbas offensive

Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny had his nine-year prison sentence appeal rejected by a Russian court. During the hearing, he slammed Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invasion into Ukraine.

Navalny's appeal against jail sentence rejected, he slams Putin for war in Ukraine

After the Ukraine invasion in February, some Russians are reporting, encountering anti-Russian sentiments when they are abroad. Russian citizens planning holidays for example are facing the consequences of Vladimir Putin's war

Russia-Ukraine war: Russians forced to alter vacation plans

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

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

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

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

As the West continues to send arms and pledges to donate billions of dollars as war aid to Ukraine, Russia has claimed that it has deployed its two ‘state-of-the-art’ laser weapon systems—'Peresvet’ and ‘Zadira‘—to burn drones.

The announcement was made by the deputy prime minister and in charge of military development, Yury Borisov, on Thursday who said that even more powerful laser-based weapons capable of destroying their targets are being tested and deployed in the war, according to Reuters.

Detailing the prowess of the lasers, the deputy PM cited a recent test where the Zadira burned a drone more than five kilometres (three miles) away in seconds.

“If Peresvet blinds, then the new generation of laser weapons lead to the physical destruction of the target — thermal destruction, they burn up,”&nbsp;Reuters quoted him as saying on Russian state television.

He called “Zadira” the most powerful laser system than Peresvet.

However, Ukraine President Vlodomyr Zelensky trashed the claims by drawing parallels to Nazi Germany’s “so-called wonder weapons” that were “unveiled in a bid to prevent defeat in World War Two.”

“The clearer it became that they had no chance in the war, the more propaganda there was about an amazing weapon that would be so powerful as to ensure a turning point,”&nbsp;Reuters&nbsp;quoted him as saying in a late night video address.

What do we know about the two laser weapons?

1) Russian leader Vladimir Putin had unveiled an array of new and deadly weapons in 2018, including an intercontinental ballistic missile, underwater nuclear drones, a supersonic weapon and a laser system.

2) Little is known about the specifics of the new laser. Putin back then mentioned Peresvet, named after a medieval Orthodox warrior monk Alexander Peresvet who perished in mortal combat.

3) Borisov said that Peresvet was already being widely deployed and it could blind satellites up to 1,500 km above Earth.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-send-additional-military-aid-of-100-million-to-help-ukraine-in-ongoing-conflict-480560" hreflang="en">US to send additional military aid of $100 million to help Ukraine in ongoing conflict</a>

4) Asked if such weapons were being used in Ukraine, Borisov said: "Yes. The first prototypes are already being used there." He said the weapon was called "Zadira".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-exclusive-interview-to-wion-chechen-leader-says-russian-operations-end-depends-on-ukrainian-govt-480548" hreflang="en">In exclusive interview to WION, Chechen leader says Russian operation’s end depends on Ukrainian govt</a>

5) Though there is no public information available about Zadira, the Russian media in 2017 said that state nuclear corporation Rosatom helped develop it as part of a programme to create weapons-based new physical principles.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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As the West continues to send arms and pledges to donate billions of dollars as war aid to Ukraine, Russia has claimed that it has deployed its two ‘state-of-the-art’ laser weapon systems—'Peresvet’ and ‘Zadira‘—to burn drones.

As the West continues to send arms and pledges to donate billions of dollars as war aid to Ukraine, Russia has claimed that it has deployed its two ‘state-of-the-art’ laser weapon systems—'Peresvet’ and ‘Zadira‘—to burn drones. The announcement was made by the deputy prime minister and in charge of military development, Yury Borisov, on Thursday who said that even more powerful laser-based weapons capable of destroying their targets are being tested and deployed in the war, according to Reuters. Detailing the prowess of the lasers, the deputy PM cited a recent test where the Zadira burned a drone more than five kilometres (three miles) away in seconds. “If Peresvet blinds, then the new generation of laser weapons lead to the physical destruction of the target — thermal destruction, they burn up,” Reuters quoted him as saying on Russian state television. He called “Zadira” the most powerful laser system than Peresvet. However, Ukraine President Vlodomyr Zelensky trashed the claims by drawing parallels to Nazi Germany’s “so-called wonder weapons” that were “unveiled in a bid to prevent defeat in World War Two.” “The clearer it became that they had no chance in the war, the more propaganda there was about an amazing weapon that would be so powerful as to ensure a turning point,” Reuters quoted him as saying in a late night video address. What do we know about the two laser weapons? 1) Russian leader Vladimir Putin had unveiled an array of new and deadly weapons in 2018, including an intercontinental ballistic missile, underwater nuclear drones, a supersonic weapon and a laser system. 2) Little is known about the specifics of the new laser. Putin back then mentioned Peresvet, named after a medieval Orthodox warrior monk Alexander Peresvet who perished in mortal combat. 3) Borisov said that Peresvet was already being widely deployed and it could blind satellites up to 1,500 km above Earth. Also read | US to send additional military aid of $100 million to help Ukraine in ongoing conflict 4) Asked if such weapons were being used in Ukraine, Borisov said: "Yes. The first prototypes are already being used there." He said the weapon was called "Zadira". Also read | In exclusive interview to WION, Chechen leader says Russian operation’s end depends on Ukrainian govt 5) Though there is no public information available about Zadira, the Russian media in 2017 said that state nuclear corporation Rosatom helped develop it as part of a programme to create weapons-based new physical principles. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

'Peresvet' and ‘Zadira': Russia unveils new laser weapons against Ukraine

A joint probe by popular German magazine Der Spiegel and independent Russian media outlet iStories suggests that one of the officially recognised daughters of Russian President Vladimir Putin has been living in secret luxury in Germany.&nbsp;

Amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, Putin openly slammed pro-western Russians and said that their "mentality is there [West], not here [Russia], with our people" and even labelled them&nbsp;as "scum and traitors".&nbsp;

Now the latest report indicates that the 35-year-old Katerina (or Ekaterina) Tikhonova, who is a former professional dancer, has been living in secret with a man.&nbsp;

The report disclosed the name of the man and the Russian President might not like it.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-send-additional-military-aid-of-100-million-to-help-ukraine-in-ongoing-conflict-480560">US to send additional military aid of $100 million to help Ukraine in ongoing conflict</a>

As per the report, Katerina has been living with 52-year-old Igor Zelensky — a surname same as the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who can be considered Putin's current arch-nemesis.&nbsp;

Igor Zelensky is a leading professional ballet dancer and&nbsp;the former director of the Munich state ballet.&nbsp;

The report&nbsp;also noted that Katerina has a two-year-old daughter, probably with Igor as an anonymous source told Der Spiegel that Zelensky was "most likely a partner of Putin's daughter". However, the report didn't mention the child's name or any other details.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-g7-us-look-to-help-ukraine-with-aid-president-zelensky-says-donbas-region-completely-destroyed-480568">As G7, US look to help Ukraine with aid, President Zelensky says Donbas region completely destroyed</a>&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Exclusive: Chechen leader speaks to WION on Russian invasion of Ukraine

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The investigation also mentioned leaked flight details of Katerina, who apparently flew to Munich "more than 50 times" between 2017 and 2019 with Russian secret services guards.&nbsp;

The regular travel between Moscow to Munich was apparently restricted for Katerina as she faced sanctions by the West in the aftermath of Russia's decision to invade Ukraine.&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

A joint probe by popular German magazine Der Spiegel and independent Russian media outlet iStories suggests that one of the officially recognised daughters of Russian President Vladimir Putin has been living in secret luxury in Germany.

A joint probe by popular German magazine Der Spiegel and independent Russian media outlet iStories suggests that one of the officially recognised daughters of Russian President Vladimir Putin has been living in secret luxury in Germany. Amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, Putin openly slammed pro-western Russians and said that their "mentality is there [West], not here [Russia], with our people" and even labelled them as "scum and traitors". Now the latest report indicates that the 35-year-old Katerina (or Ekaterina) Tikhonova, who is a former professional dancer, has been living in secret with a man. The report disclosed the name of the man and the Russian President might not like it. ALSO READ | US to send additional military aid of $100 million to help Ukraine in ongoing conflict As per the report, Katerina has been living with 52-year-old Igor Zelensky — a surname same as the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who can be considered Putin's current arch-nemesis. Igor Zelensky is a leading professional ballet dancer and the former director of the Munich state ballet. The report also noted that Katerina has a two-year-old daughter, probably with Igor as an anonymous source told Der Spiegel that Zelensky was "most likely a partner of Putin's daughter". However, the report didn't mention the child's name or any other details. ALSO READ | As G7, US look to help Ukraine with aid, President Zelensky says Donbas region completely destroyed WATCH | Exclusive: Chechen leader speaks to WION on Russian invasion of Ukraine × The investigation also mentioned leaked flight details of Katerina, who apparently flew to Munich "more than 50 times" between 2017 and 2019 with Russian secret services guards. The regular travel between Moscow to Munich was apparently restricted for Katerina as she faced sanctions by the West in the aftermath of Russia's decision to invade Ukraine. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Vladimir Putin's daughter Katerina Tikhonova has been living with 'Zelensky' in secret: Report

'It is hell there': Zelensky says Donbas is 'completely destroyed' as Russia piles pressure - see pics

The war in Ukraine has entered a new phase.

It is no secret that the initial invasion went badly for Russia. Expecting easy victories, the Russian Army inflicted terrible destruction — especially in its shelling of cities — but for the most part failed to take territory outside the southeast of the country. Ukrainian resistance was fierce. After six weeks of war, undermanned Russian forces were made to retreat from Kyiv and its suburbs.

In the hope of winning new victories, Russia has now confined its forces to the south and east of Ukraine. The main battles are taking place in small towns and villages along the Donets River. Russia talks of cutting off the Ukrainian Army from the Donbas, but so far, its forces have made slow progress advancing from the Black Sea coast.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-has-turned-off-gas-supply-in-transit-points-says-ukraine-478138">Russia has turned off gas supply in transit points, says Ukraine</a>

In response, the United States and its allies have also shifted their position. At first, the Western support for Ukraine was mainly designed to defend against the invasion. It is now set on a far grander ambition: to weaken Russia itself. Presented as a common-sense response to Russian aggression, the shift, in fact, amounts to a significant escalation.

By expanding support to Ukraine across the board and shelving any diplomatic effort to stop the fighting, the United States and its allies have greatly increased the danger of an even larger conflict. They are taking a risk far out of step with any realistic strategic gain.

Russia’s more limited focus has proved more manageable for its armed forces. The bloody siege of Mariupol is, for practical purposes, now complete, and Russia has secured the town of Izium while bombarding minor cities. But these advances, which have come at a cost, are limited. The likelihood of Russian territorial advances far from Crimea or the Donbas is now remote.

The shift from general to limited conquest was already a concession on Russia’s part. The Russian leadership has blamed a single factor: It claims to be fighting not just Ukraine but the NATO system in Eastern Europe. Hubris and clumsy tactics are more to the point. Yet there is no denying that the United States, Britain, Poland and other European NATO members have been parties to the conflict from the outset.

Watch |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine conflict to fuel food crisis in Africa

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It is not just military transports and trucks carrying tens of thousands of antiaircraft and antiarmor weapons to Ukrainian fighters. The United States has also provided real-time intelligence, reportedly including targeting information on the location of Russian forces. Though the Pentagon has disputed the extent of intelligence sharing, leaks have been remarkably revealing. We now know the United States provided the tracking intelligence that led to the sinking of the Moskva, the flagship of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet. More striking still, U.S. intelligence agencies provided critical targeting for battlefield assassinations of Russian generals.

This was already a significant form of participation in the war. But the United States has since shifted its strategy to push Russia further. The early U.S. response to the invasion was simple: Supply the defenders and apply America’s unique financial weaponry to the Russian economy. The new strategy — call it bleed Russia — is quite different. The underlying idea is that the United States and its allies should seek to recover more from the rubble of Kharkiv and Kramatorsk than the survival of Ukraine as a polity or even a symbolic frustration of Russian aggression.

Top officials have made that quite clear. The U.S. secretary of defense, Lloyd Austin, has said the goal is “to see Russia weakened.” The speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi, said Ukraine is defending “democracy writ large for the world.” Britain’s foreign minister, Liz Truss, was explicit about widening the conflict to take in Ukrainian territory annexed by Russia, such as Crimea, when she spoke of evicting Russia from “the whole of Ukraine.” This is both an expansion of the battlefield and a transformation of the war.

Whereas once the primary Western objective was to defend against the invasion, it has become the permanent strategic attrition of Russia. The outline of the new policy began to emerge on April 13, when the Pentagon called a convocation of the eight biggest American arms companies to prepare arms transfers on a grand scale. The result was the pledge made by President Biden on April 28 that the United States would provide four times as much military aid to Ukraine as it had already supplied since the beginning of the conflict — a promise made good by a proposed aid package for Ukraine worth $39.8 billion.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-pushing-back-russians-from-kharkiv-zelensky-478089">Ukraine pushing back Russians from Kharkiv: Zelensky</a>

This strategic shift has coincided with the abandonment of diplomatic efforts. Negotiations between Ukraine and Russia were always fraught but contained moments of promise. They have now stalled completely. Russia bears its fair share of responsibility, of course. But European channels to Moscow have been all but severed, and there is no serious effort from the United States to seek diplomatic progress, let alone cease-fires.

When I was in Ukraine during the first weeks of the war, even staunch Ukrainian nationalists expressed views far more pragmatic than those that are routine in America now. Talk of neutral status for Ukraine and internationally monitored plebiscites in Donetsk and Luhansk has been jettisoned in favor of bombast and grandstanding.

The war was dangerous and destructive enough in its initial form. The combination of expanded strategic aims and scotched negotiations has made it more dangerous still. At present, the only message to Russia is: There is no way out. Though President Vladimir Putin did not declare general conscription in his Victory Day speech on May 9, a conventional escalation of this kind is still possible.

Nuclear weapons are discussed in easy tones, not least on Russian television. The risk of cities being reduced to corium remains low without NATO deployment in Ukraine, but accident and miscalculation cannot be discounted. And the conflict takes place at a time when most of the Cold War arms control agreements between the United States and Russia have been allowed to lapse.

A weakened Russia was a likely outcome of the war even before the shift in U.S. policy. Russia’s economic position has deteriorated. Far from a commodity superpower, its undersized domestic industry is struggling and is dependent on technology imports that are now inaccessible.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/hypersonics-missile-strikes-russias-assault-on-ukraine-in-numbers-478150">Hypersonics &amp; missile strikes: Russia's assault on Ukraine in numbers</a>

What’s more, the invasion has led directly to greater military spending in second- and third-tier European powers. The number of NATO troops in Eastern Europe has grown tenfold, and a Nordic expansion of the organization is likely. A general rearmament of Europe is taking place, driven not by desire for autonomy from American power but in service to it. For the United States, this should be success enough. It is unclear what more there is to gain by weakening Russia, beyond fantasies of regime change.

Ukraine’s future depends on the course of the fighting in the Donbas and perhaps the south. The physical destruction of the east is already well underway. Ukrainian casualties are not insignificant; estimates of the number killed and wounded vary widely, but it is certainly in the tens of thousands. Russia has destroyed whatever sense of shared heritage remained before the invasion.

But the longer the war, the worse the damage to Ukraine and the greater the risk of escalation. A decisive military result in eastern Ukraine may prove elusive. Yet the less dramatic outcome of a festering stalemate is hardly better. Indefinite protraction of the war, as in Syria, is too dangerous with nuclear-armed participants.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-covers-leg-with-blanket-as-health-rumours-swirl-on-victory-day-477866">Putin covers leg with blanket as health rumours swirl on Victory Day</a>

Diplomatic efforts ought to be the centerpiece of a new Ukraine strategy. Instead, the war’s boundaries are being expanded and the war itself recast as a struggle between democracy and autocracy, in which the Donbas is the frontier of freedom. This is not just declamatory extravagance. It is reckless. The risks hardly need to be stated.

This article originally appeared in The New York Times.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;

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The war in Ukraine has entered a new phase. It is no secret that the initial invasion went badly for Russia. Expecting easy victories, the Russian Army inflicted terrible destruction — especially in its shelling of cities — but for the most part failed to take territory outside the southeast of the country.

The war in Ukraine has entered a new phase. It is no secret that the initial invasion went badly for Russia. Expecting easy victories, the Russian Army inflicted terrible destruction — especially in its shelling of cities — but for the most part failed to take territory outside the southeast of the country. Ukrainian resistance was fierce. After six weeks of war, undermanned Russian forces were made to retreat from Kyiv and its suburbs. In the hope of winning new victories, Russia has now confined its forces to the south and east of Ukraine. The main battles are taking place in small towns and villages along the Donets River. Russia talks of cutting off the Ukrainian Army from the Donbas, but so far, its forces have made slow progress advancing from the Black Sea coast. Also read | Russia has turned off gas supply in transit points, says Ukraine In response, the United States and its allies have also shifted their position. At first, the Western support for Ukraine was mainly designed to defend against the invasion. It is now set on a far grander ambition: to weaken Russia itself. Presented as a common-sense response to Russian aggression, the shift, in fact, amounts to a significant escalation. By expanding support to Ukraine across the board and shelving any diplomatic effort to stop the fighting, the United States and its allies have greatly increased the danger of an even larger conflict. They are taking a risk far out of step with any realistic strategic gain. Russia’s more limited focus has proved more manageable for its armed forces. The bloody siege of Mariupol is, for practical purposes, now complete, and Russia has secured the town of Izium while bombarding minor cities. But these advances, which have come at a cost, are limited. The likelihood of Russian territorial advances far from Crimea or the Donbas is now remote. The shift from general to limited conquest was already a concession on Russia’s part. The Russian leadership has blamed a single factor: It claims to be fighting not just Ukraine but the NATO system in Eastern Europe. Hubris and clumsy tactics are more to the point. Yet there is no denying that the United States, Britain, Poland and other European NATO members have been parties to the conflict from the outset. Watch | Russia-Ukraine conflict to fuel food crisis in Africa It is not just military transports and trucks carrying tens of thousands of antiaircraft and antiarmor weapons to Ukrainian fighters. The United States has also provided real-time intelligence, reportedly including targeting information on the location of Russian forces. Though the Pentagon has disputed the extent of intelligence sharing, leaks have been remarkably revealing. We now know the United States provided the tracking intelligence that led to the sinking of the Moskva, the flagship of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet. More striking still, U.S. intelligence agencies provided critical targeting for battlefield assassinations of Russian generals. This was already a significant form of participation in the war. But the United States has since shifted its strategy to push Russia further. The early U.S. response to the invasion was simple: Supply the defenders and apply America’s unique financial weaponry to the Russian economy. The new strategy — call it bleed Russia — is quite different. The underlying idea is that the United States and its allies should seek to recover more from the rubble of Kharkiv and Kramatorsk than the survival of Ukraine as a polity or even a symbolic frustration of Russian aggression. Top officials have made that quite clear. The U.S. secretary of defense, Lloyd Austin, has said the goal is “to see Russia weakened.” The speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi, said Ukraine is defending “democracy writ large for the world.” Britain’s foreign minister, Liz Truss, was explicit about widening the conflict to take in Ukrainian territory annexed by Russia, such as Crimea, when she spoke of evicting Russia from “the whole of Ukraine.” This is both an expansion of the battlefield and a transformation of the war. Whereas once the primary Western objective was to defend against the invasion, it has become the permanent strategic attrition of Russia. The outline of the new policy began to emerge on April 13, when the Pentagon called a convocation of the eight biggest American arms companies to prepare arms transfers on a grand scale. The result was the pledge made by President Biden on April 28 that the United States would provide four times as much military aid to Ukraine as it had already supplied since the beginning of the conflict — a promise made good by a proposed aid package for Ukraine worth $39.8 billion. Also read | Ukraine pushing back Russians from Kharkiv: Zelensky This strategic shift has coincided with the abandonment of diplomatic efforts. Negotiations between Ukraine and Russia were always fraught but contained moments of promise. They have now stalled completely. Russia bears its fair share of responsibility, of course. But European channels to Moscow have been all but severed, and there is no serious effort from the United States to seek diplomatic progress, let alone cease-fires. When I was in Ukraine during the first weeks of the war, even staunch Ukrainian nationalists expressed views far more pragmatic than those that are routine in America now. Talk of neutral status for Ukraine and internationally monitored plebiscites in Donetsk and Luhansk has been jettisoned in favor of bombast and grandstanding. The war was dangerous and destructive enough in its initial form. The combination of expanded strategic aims and scotched negotiations has made it more dangerous still. At present, the only message to Russia is: There is no way out. Though President Vladimir Putin did not declare general conscription in his Victory Day speech on May 9, a conventional escalation of this kind is still possible. Nuclear weapons are discussed in easy tones, not least on Russian television. The risk of cities being reduced to corium remains low without NATO deployment in Ukraine, but accident and miscalculation cannot be discounted. And the conflict takes place at a time when most of the Cold War arms control agreements between the United States and Russia have been allowed to lapse. A weakened Russia was a likely outcome of the war even before the shift in U.S. policy. Russia’s economic position has deteriorated. Far from a commodity superpower, its undersized domestic industry is struggling and is dependent on technology imports that are now inaccessible. Also read | Hypersonics & missile strikes: Russia's assault on Ukraine in numbers What’s more, the invasion has led directly to greater military spending in second- and third-tier European powers. The number of NATO troops in Eastern Europe has grown tenfold, and a Nordic expansion of the organization is likely. A general rearmament of Europe is taking place, driven not by desire for autonomy from American power but in service to it. For the United States, this should be success enough. It is unclear what more there is to gain by weakening Russia, beyond fantasies of regime change. Ukraine’s future depends on the course of the fighting in the Donbas and perhaps the south. The physical destruction of the east is already well underway. Ukrainian casualties are not insignificant; estimates of the number killed and wounded vary widely, but it is certainly in the tens of thousands. Russia has destroyed whatever sense of shared heritage remained before the invasion. But the longer the war, the worse the damage to Ukraine and the greater the risk of escalation. A decisive military result in eastern Ukraine may prove elusive. Yet the less dramatic outcome of a festering stalemate is hardly better. Indefinite protraction of the war, as in Syria, is too dangerous with nuclear-armed participants. Also read | Putin covers leg with blanket as health rumours swirl on Victory Day Diplomatic efforts ought to be the centerpiece of a new Ukraine strategy. Instead, the war’s boundaries are being expanded and the war itself recast as a struggle between democracy and autocracy, in which the Donbas is the frontier of freedom. This is not just declamatory extravagance. It is reckless. The risks hardly need to be stated. This article originally appeared in The New York Times. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

America and its allies want to bleed Russia. They really shouldn’t.

Ukrainian Defence Minister Oleksiy Reznikov has said that the war with Russia is entering "a protracted phase". He told European Union defence ministers and NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg that Moscow's troops are now trying to take full control of the east and south of the country.

According to Reznikov, "Russia is preparing for a long-term military operation," and added that the "The war is entering a protracted phase."

In a Facebook post, Reznikov predicted: "extremely tough weeks" ahead during which he said Ukraine would largely be alone against an "enraged aggressor."

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Highlighting Russian President Vladimir Putin's strategy, Reznikov said that he has ordered his troops to build fortifications in the Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions in order to "move to defence if necessary".

He added that Russian troops are "encircling and destroying groups of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in Donetsk and Lugansk regions, creating and maintaining a land corridor from Russia to Crimea, and completing the occupation of southern Ukraine."

"To liberate our territories as soon as possible" the Western allies of Ukraine need better coordination in the deliveries of weapons to Kyiv according to Reznikov.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mariupol-russia-offers-to-evacuate-wounded-ukrainian-troops-from-steel-plant-479664" hreflang="en">Mariupol: Russia offers to evacuate wounded Ukrainian troops from steel plant</a>

Seeking an immediate ceasefire and stressing the importance of open lines of communication, US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke with Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu in their first conversation since the invasion

Russia's invasion of Ukraine has sparked a refugee crisis with 1.2 million people being forced to leave their homes in order to seek shelter elsewhere.

Denying all charges of war crimes Kremlin has called its attack on Ukraine a "special military operation" to demilitarise a neighbour threatening its security. 
&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Watch WION's live TV here:

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Ukrainian Defence Minister Oleksiy Reznikov has said that the war with Russia is entering "a protracted phase". He told European Union defence ministers and NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg that Moscow's troops are now trying to take full control of the east and south of the country.

Ukrainian Defence Minister Oleksiy Reznikov has said that the war with Russia is entering "a protracted phase". He told European Union defence ministers and NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg that Moscow's troops are now trying to take full control of the east and south of the country. According to Reznikov, "Russia is preparing for a long-term military operation," and added that the "The war is entering a protracted phase." In a Facebook post, Reznikov predicted: "extremely tough weeks" ahead during which he said Ukraine would largely be alone against an "enraged aggressor." Highlighting Russian President Vladimir Putin's strategy, Reznikov said that he has ordered his troops to build fortifications in the Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions in order to "move to defence if necessary". He added that Russian troops are "encircling and destroying groups of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in Donetsk and Lugansk regions, creating and maintaining a land corridor from Russia to Crimea, and completing the occupation of southern Ukraine." "To liberate our territories as soon as possible" the Western allies of Ukraine need better coordination in the deliveries of weapons to Kyiv according to Reznikov. Also read | Mariupol: Russia offers to evacuate wounded Ukrainian troops from steel plant Seeking an immediate ceasefire and stressing the importance of open lines of communication, US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke with Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu in their first conversation since the invasion Russia's invasion of Ukraine has sparked a refugee crisis with 1.2 million people being forced to leave their homes in order to seek shelter elsewhere. Denying all charges of war crimes Kremlin has called its attack on Ukraine a "special military operation" to demilitarise a neighbour threatening its security. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here:

Ukrainian Defence Minister Oleksiy Reznikov says war with Russia is entering 'protracted phase'

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