The much awaited inspection of Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant is just hours away. A team of United Nations nuke watch dog is in Kyiv. The IAEA team met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

IAEA team to inspect Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant; Ukraine seeks control over nuke plant

Ukraine has announced the launch of a counter-offensive to recapture southern parts of the country and has advanced into the Kherson, Mykolaiv regions; however, Russia claimed to have repulsed the Ukrainian offensive.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Ukraine launches counter-offensive to retake Kherson region

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has been raging on for more than 6 months now. There's no end to the conflict in sight and amid all this, the US says Russia is planning to buy hundreds of UAVs.

Russia to use Iranian drones in Ukraine? The US says Russia is planning to buy hundreds of UAVs

War in Ukraine has entered its seventh month with no end in sight to what Moscow calls its special military operation. Meanwhile Russian artillery fired at Ukrainian towns near nuclear plant.

Russian artillery fires at Ukrainian towns near nuclear plant

World at War | Episode 17: Russia to unleash 'General Winter' on Europe to win the Ukraine war Turf war between the Taliban & Islamic State Khorasan escalates in Afghanistan Al-Shabab strikes again in the heart of Mogadishu & Myanmar's military generals 'planned' the Rohingya genocide Mohammed Saleh gets you an indepth report of the World's biggest warzones of the week in World At War

World at War | Episode 17: Russia to unleash 'General Winter' on Europe to win the Ukraine war

Russia has posed a new challenge for NATO and an Israeli firm said that Russia sent S-300 air defence system back home. Meanwhile, NATO chief Stoltenberg said Russia's capabilities in the North are a strategic challenge for NATO.

WION Fineprint: Arm race between nations amid Ukraine war | Russia poses a new challenge for NATO

Hundreds of thousands of Russians and Belarusians moved to Ukraine for a better future but once Moscow attacked their new home, things started to change. While they support their host country fully, many of them are now facing challenges.

WION Fineprint: Tale of Belarusians & Russians in Ukraine | War turned neighbours into enemies

There's a fresh concern of radiation leak at Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant. Russia and Ukraine both are again trading charges. Russia has blamed the Ukrainian troops of shelling continuously near the plants.

Russia accuses Ukraine of shelling near Zaporizhzhia plant

Ukraine war and pandemic has accelerated the food scarcity around the globe. An alarming report by the United Nations world food program said 345 million people in the world are facing severe food shortages.

War in Ukraine drives global food crisis; African nations suffering acute food scarcity

War in Ukraine has entered its seventh month with no end in sight to what Moscow calls its special military operation. Meanwhile Russia has reportedly stepped up attacks in Donetsk.

War in Ukraine enters its seventh month | Russia steps up attacks in Donetsk

At least 25 people including children have been killed in Russia's strike in Ukraine. The attack took place at Chaplyne railway station in Ukraine's Dnipropetrovsk region. Zelensky has vowed to fight 'until the end'. Ukrainian MP Ivanna spoke to WION and said we will defend our motherland.

Six months of Russia-Ukraine war: 'We will defend our motherland,' says Ukrainian MP Ivanna

Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant were briefly cut off from power grid on Thursday. Three out of four power lines from plant have been damaged in recent days and disconnection from power grid led to large scale outages.

Ukraine's largest nuclear plant cut off from power grid

It has exactly been six months since Russia invaded Ukraine. While Russia's record employment signals a surprisingly smooth decoupling from the west signaling that business as usual is ongoing in the country however the on-ground situation narrates a completely different story.

Western sanctions hit Russia's biggest car maker

At least 25 people including children have been killed in Russia's strike in Ukraine. The attack took place at Chaplyne railway station in Ukraine's Dnipropetrovsk region.

War in Ukraine: Zelensky details the Chaplyne strike in UNSC

Officials reported that dozens of people were injured and at least 22 people died on Wednesday when Russian rocket attacks struck a Ukrainian town and ignited a passenger train. The incident occurred as the country celebrated 31 years since gaining independence from Moscow-dominated Soviet rule.

Watch: The aftermath of Russian attack on Ukraine's Chaplyne

Trauma that war brings cannot be explained and only those who have witnessed the tragedy first-hand can comprehend its implications. Here's one such report of a refugee who's currently residing in Poland.

Around 6.7 million Ukrainians displaced; refugees struggle to make ends meet

The world continues to worry over the strikes around Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. IAEA has renewed request for the plant visit. Meanwhile IAEA said that Zaporizhzhia plant visit to happen soon if talks succeed.

Russia-Ukraine war: Fears over strikes around Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has vowed on Tuesday to raise Ukraine's national flag in currently Russian-occupied parts of the country.

President Zelensky vows to hoist the Ukrainian flag in Russian-occupied territories

In the centre of the Ukrainian capital's Khreshchatyk Boulevard, burned-out Russian tanks and infantry carriers were on display, attracting the interest of onlookers and amateur photographers.

Burnt Russian tanks on display in Kyiv ahead of Ukraine's Independence Day

As the war in Ukraine continues, the drone was shot down near Russia's black sea fleet headquarters in Crimea. This is the second such attempted attack against the Russian black sea fleet headquarters in less than a month.

Drone shot down near Russia's black sea fleet headquarters

As per reports, Darya Dugina the daughter of a Russian philosopher Alexander Dugina has been killed near Moscow. Alexander is believed to be a close ally to Russia's President Vladimir Putin.

Reports: Darya Dugina killed in a car explosion in Moscow

Ukraine to mark 31 years of Independence from soviet rule on August 24. Meanwhile, Ukrainian president Zelensky has warned Ukrainians ahead of their Independence day.

Zelensky warns Ukrainians ahead of their Independence day

Every year Ukraine marks its independence day on the 24th August. This year, the 24th August will also mark the completion of six months of the ongoing war. Ukrainian president Zelensky has warned people across the country that Russia could be preparing for fresh attacks.

6 months of the war in Ukraine: How Putin's battle reached impasse

Russia and Ukraine have accused each other of shelling Zaporizhzhia. Now, International atomic energy agency team will visit Zaporizhzhia. Still the question arises, is Ukraine ready for another Chernobyl-like catastrophe?

Is Ukraine ready for another Chernobyl-like catastrophe?

As the war in Ukraine drags on, the US has now announced a new $775 mn aid package for the war-torn nation to help it fight the Russian troops. The US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Friday that the assistance will include firearms and military equipment from department of defense inventories.

US approves $775 million package to aid Ukraine | Will supplying weapons end the war?

Ukrainian president Zelensky has urged UN to maintain security at nuclear plant. UN chief, Zelensky and Erdogan discussed grain exports during the meet.

Ukraine: Zelensky urges UN to maintain security at nuclear plant

Amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, Russian Vladimir Putin has revived a Soviet-era ‘Mother Heroine’ award. What exactly is the ‘Mother Heroine’ award and who are eligible for it? Know all about it here.

What is Soviet-era ‘Mother Heroine’ award that Putin has revived in Russia?

While the death toll from the Russian bombardment of Kharkiv city in northeastern Ukraine rose on Thursday, the nearly six-month-long war rages on without pause. Ukrainian forces claimed to have repulsed a Russian onslaught in the southern province of Kherson.

Later on Thursday, in the western Ukrainian city of Lviv, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will have meetings with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. In addition to addressing the threat to world food supply and the potential for a catastrophe at Europe's largest nuclear power facility, which Russian forces have seized, they will talk about how to find a political end to the war.

The war has driven millions of people from their homes, claimed hundreds of lives, and widened the geopolitical chasm between the West and Russia, whose stated objectives are to demilitarise its neighbour and defend Russian-speaking populations. Oleksiy Arestovych, a presidential advisor for Ukraine, said in a video: "Russian forces have achieved only minimal advances, and in some cases, we have advanced, since last month. What we are seeing is a 'strategic deadlock'."&nbsp;

Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-nasas-gigantic-sls-moon-rocket-a-practice-for-future-mars-mission-507987">&nbsp;In pics: NASA's gigantic SLS moon rocket, a 'practice' for future Mars mission</a>

Seven people were killed and 16 were injured when Russian forces shelled a residential section of Kharkiv, the second-largest city in Ukraine, on Wednesday evening, according to the Ukrainian Emergencies Service. Zelensky posted on the Telegram chat service, "This is a sneaky and unscrupulous strike on civilians with no reason."

According to the regional governor, Thursday's pre-dawn shelling of Oleh Synehubov, another residential district of Kharkiv, resulted in one fatality and 18 injuries.&nbsp;

29 "occupiers" were reportedly killed by Ukrainian forces near the village of Bilohirka, northeast of Kherson, according to the southern district of the Operational Command of the Ukrainian armed forces. Artillery, armoured vehicles, and a military supply depot were also reportedly destroyed. Fears of a catastrophe have been stoked by fighting near the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station, and Guterres has stated he wants a demilitarised zone to be formed.

(with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

While the death toll from the Russian bombardment of Kharkiv city in northeastern Ukraine rose on Thursday, the nearly six-month-long war rages on without pause.

While the death toll from the Russian bombardment of Kharkiv city in northeastern Ukraine rose on Thursday, the nearly six-month-long war rages on without pause. Ukrainian forces claimed to have repulsed a Russian onslaught in the southern province of Kherson. Later on Thursday, in the western Ukrainian city of Lviv, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will have meetings with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. In addition to addressing the threat to world food supply and the potential for a catastrophe at Europe's largest nuclear power facility, which Russian forces have seized, they will talk about how to find a political end to the war. The war has driven millions of people from their homes, claimed hundreds of lives, and widened the geopolitical chasm between the West and Russia, whose stated objectives are to demilitarise its neighbour and defend Russian-speaking populations. Oleksiy Arestovych, a presidential advisor for Ukraine, said in a video: "Russian forces have achieved only minimal advances, and in some cases, we have advanced, since last month. What we are seeing is a 'strategic deadlock'." Also Read: In pics: NASA's gigantic SLS moon rocket, a 'practice' for future Mars mission Seven people were killed and 16 were injured when Russian forces shelled a residential section of Kharkiv, the second-largest city in Ukraine, on Wednesday evening, according to the Ukrainian Emergencies Service. Zelensky posted on the Telegram chat service, "This is a sneaky and unscrupulous strike on civilians with no reason." According to the regional governor, Thursday's pre-dawn shelling of Oleh Synehubov, another residential district of Kharkiv, resulted in one fatality and 18 injuries. 29 "occupiers" were reportedly killed by Ukrainian forces near the village of Bilohirka, northeast of Kherson, according to the southern district of the Operational Command of the Ukrainian armed forces. Artillery, armoured vehicles, and a military supply depot were also reportedly destroyed. Fears of a catastrophe have been stoked by fighting near the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station, and Guterres has stated he wants a demilitarised zone to be formed. (with inputs from agencies)

Ukraine war has reached 'strategic deadlock' ahead of UN chief's visit

Repeated shelling at Europe's largest nuclear power plant has scared the world. Zelensky said that Zaporizhzhia 'catastrophe' would threaten Europe. UN warned of 'grave' crisis amid violence near plant.

Is Europe staring at a nuclear disaster? | Ukraine holds disaster response drills

The recent shelling around the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant has scared the world, experts have predicted that these strikes could lead to a possible catastrophe. Meanwhile, Russia has denied claims of plans to use nuke weapons.

Ukraine-Russia war: Battle around Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant worries world

Fewer than four months after Russia's forces invaded the neighbouring&nbsp;<meta charset="utf-8" /><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-military-need-to-use-nuclear-arms-in-ukraine-says-russia-calls-speculations-absolute-lies-507644">Ukraine</a>, dozens of UN&nbsp;ambassadors from Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, and Asia attended a reception to celebrate the nation's national day on a June night beneath the chandeliers of Russia's United Nations mission in New York.

&nbsp;"We thank all of you for your support and your principled position against the so-called anti-Russian crusade,"&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;UN&nbsp;Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia told them, after accusing countries he did not name of trying to "cancel"&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;and its culture.

After an initial burst of <meta charset="utf-8" /><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-hope-this-is-just-the-beginning-uncief-secures-first-malaria-vaccine-supply-says-will-benefit-millions-507613">UN</a>&nbsp;denunciations for attacking Ukraine, the crowd of ambassadors demonstrated the challenges western diplomats face in trying to maintain international commitment to isolate Russia diplomatically.

Western diplomats recognise they are constrained in their ability to significantly further target Russia beyond having meetings due to frustration and concern among some countries that the war is consuming too much global attention nearly six months in with no prospect of the United Nations being able to put an end to it.

"As the&nbsp;war&nbsp;has dragged on, it has become harder to find meaningful ways to penalize&nbsp;Russia," said Richard Gowan,&nbsp;UN&nbsp;director at the independent International Crisis Group.

In some instances, Western nations are holding off on taking certain actions out of concern for lukewarm support since rising vote abstentions have shown a growing hesitation to openly criticise Moscow, diplomats and analysts said.

COSTUMES AND CHOCOLATES

According to diplomats, the European Union considered a plan in June to name a UN&nbsp;expert to look into human rights issues in Russia, but it abandoned the idea due to concerns that over half of the 47 members of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva may oppose it.

According to the Russian representation to the UN in Geneva, Western countries "know all too well that it's impossible to isolate Russia since it's a global power."

The best "national clothing" for a reception in June was chosen in a secret vote in Geneva, despite the diplomatic isolation. After winning, a box of chocolates was given to a Russian envoy, as seen on camera. The delegation representing Ukraine left.

Russia can avoid serious measures like sanctions because it has a veto on the UN Security Council, which has 15 members, but it has also fought to stymie support for Western diplomatic initiatives elsewhere.

Russia issued a warning to nations that a vote in favour of suspending Russia from the <meta charset="utf-8" /><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-court-sentences-woman-student-for-using-twitter-charged-with-causing-public-unrest-507724">Human Rights</a>&nbsp;Council or an abstention would be seen as "unfriendly," which would have an impact on their relations. The 193-member UN&nbsp;General Assembly voted in April to do so.

After receiving 93 votes in favour, 24 votes against, and 58 abstentions, the US-led initiative was approved.

Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the US&nbsp;ambassador to the UN, claimed that Russia has been successful in persuading certain nations to support it despite a "false narrative" that Western sanctions are to blame for a world food crisis sparked by Moscow's war.

RED LINES

After the invasion on 24 February, the General Assembly voted to censure Russia and demand that it withdraw its soldiers less than a week later. Three weeks later, it once more condemned Russia vehemently for inciting a "dire" humanitarian crisis.

"Support will wane because the March resolutions represent a high water mark; and there is no appetite for further&nbsp;action&nbsp;unless red lines are crossed," a senior Asian diplomat said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Such red lines, according to some officials, could include the use of nuclear or chemical weapons, the mass killing of civilians, or the annexation of Ukrainian land.

Focusing on elections to UN&nbsp;agencies has been successful for Western countries. For the first time since UNICEF was established in 1946, Russia failed to retain its board position in April, as well as its seats in other organisations.

But in May, when it came time to vote on a Ukraine resolution at the World Health Organization, some 30 states—half of them from Africa—failed to show up, leading several delegates in attendance to quip that they must be missing a party.

Ukraine has requested that Russia be expelled from the UN. But in order to take the extraordinary action, the Security Council must propose it, which Russia might veto, and then the General Assembly must vote on it.

Removing the representatives of Russian President Vladimir Putin's credentials is another possibility, but doing so would require at least 75% backing from the General Assembly.

(With inputs from agencies)

Also Watch |&nbsp;Ukraine, Russia trade blames over Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant strikes

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Fewer than four months after Russia's forces invaded the neighbouring Ukraine, dozens of UN ambassadors from Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, and Asia attended a reception to celebrate the nation's national day on a June night beneath the chandeliers of Russia's United Nations mission in New York.

Fewer than four months after Russia's forces invaded the neighbouring Ukraine, dozens of UN ambassadors from Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, and Asia attended a reception to celebrate the nation's national day on a June night beneath the chandeliers of Russia's United Nations mission in New York. "We thank all of you for your support and your principled position against the so-called anti-Russian crusade," Russian UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia told them, after accusing countries he did not name of trying to "cancel" Russia and its culture. After an initial burst of UN denunciations for attacking Ukraine, the crowd of ambassadors demonstrated the challenges western diplomats face in trying to maintain international commitment to isolate Russia diplomatically. Western diplomats recognise they are constrained in their ability to significantly further target Russia beyond having meetings due to frustration and concern among some countries that the war is consuming too much global attention nearly six months in with no prospect of the United Nations being able to put an end to it. "As the war has dragged on, it has become harder to find meaningful ways to penalize Russia," said Richard Gowan, UN director at the independent International Crisis Group. In some instances, Western nations are holding off on taking certain actions out of concern for lukewarm support since rising vote abstentions have shown a growing hesitation to openly criticise Moscow, diplomats and analysts said. COSTUMES AND CHOCOLATES According to diplomats, the European Union considered a plan in June to name a UN expert to look into human rights issues in Russia, but it abandoned the idea due to concerns that over half of the 47 members of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva may oppose it. According to the Russian representation to the UN in Geneva, Western countries "know all too well that it's impossible to isolate Russia since it's a global power." The best "national clothing" for a reception in June was chosen in a secret vote in Geneva, despite the diplomatic isolation. After winning, a box of chocolates was given to a Russian envoy, as seen on camera. The delegation representing Ukraine left. Russia can avoid serious measures like sanctions because it has a veto on the UN Security Council, which has 15 members, but it has also fought to stymie support for Western diplomatic initiatives elsewhere. Russia issued a warning to nations that a vote in favour of suspending Russia from the Human Rights Council or an abstention would be seen as "unfriendly," which would have an impact on their relations. The 193-member UN General Assembly voted in April to do so. After receiving 93 votes in favour, 24 votes against, and 58 abstentions, the US-led initiative was approved. Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the US ambassador to the UN, claimed that Russia has been successful in persuading certain nations to support it despite a "false narrative" that Western sanctions are to blame for a world food crisis sparked by Moscow's war. RED LINES After the invasion on 24 February, the General Assembly voted to censure Russia and demand that it withdraw its soldiers less than a week later. Three weeks later, it once more condemned Russia vehemently for inciting a "dire" humanitarian crisis. "Support will wane because the March resolutions represent a high water mark; and there is no appetite for further action unless red lines are crossed," a senior Asian diplomat said, speaking on condition of anonymity. Such red lines, according to some officials, could include the use of nuclear or chemical weapons, the mass killing of civilians, or the annexation of Ukrainian land. Focusing on elections to UN agencies has been successful for Western countries. For the first time since UNICEF was established in 1946, Russia failed to retain its board position in April, as well as its seats in other organisations. But in May, when it came time to vote on a Ukraine resolution at the World Health Organization, some 30 states—half of them from Africa—failed to show up, leading several delegates in attendance to quip that they must be missing a party. Ukraine has requested that Russia be expelled from the UN. But in order to take the extraordinary action, the Security Council must propose it, which Russia might veto, and then the General Assembly must vote on it. Removing the representatives of Russian President Vladimir Putin's credentials is another possibility, but doing so would require at least 75% backing from the General Assembly. (With inputs from agencies) Also Watch | Ukraine, Russia trade blames over Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant strikes

Nearly six months into the Ukraine war, UN efforts to isolate Russia diminish

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