Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday (Nov 22) vowed to attack Ukraine with new Oreshnik missiles that are "ready to be used." The statement came just a day after Russia fired a new experimental hypersonic missile at the Ukrainian city of Dnipro.&nbsp;

"We will continue these tests, including in combat conditions, depending on the situation and character of the security threats posed to Russia," Putin said in a televised meeting with military chiefs, AFP reported.&nbsp;

Putin further revealed in the meeting that Russia would begin serial production of experimental weapons.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/there-is-no-countermeasure-putin-hails-russias-oreshnik-missile-orders-serial-production-778447">‘There is no countermeasure,’ Putin hails Russia’s Oreshnik missile; orders serial production</a>

In response to the new threat by Russia, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that his country was already seeking updated air defence systems from its allies.&nbsp;

Zelensky called on world leaders to issue a "serious response" so that Putin "feels the real consequences of his actions," BBC reported.

“Using another country not just for terror but also to test new weapons for terror is an international crime,” the Ukrainian president said.

According to news agency Interfax-Ukraine, Kyiv is seeking to obtain the US Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD).

Russian strategic missile forces commander Sergei Karakayev joined Putin in the meeting and added that upcoming missiles could strike targets throughout Europe as well.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-war-3-has-already-begun-ex-ukraine-army-chief-warns-citing-us-involvement-778351">‘World War 3 has already begun,’ Ex-Ukraine army chief warns, citing US involvement</a>

“Depending on the objectives and the range of this weapon, it can strike targets on the entire territory of Europe, which sets it apart from other types of long-range precision-guided weapons,” The Guardian reported Karakayev saying.&nbsp;

The United States has slammed Putin's use of this missile but does not believe that it is a "game-changer."&nbsp;

Oreshnik missiles can reportedly fly at 10 times the speed of sound and are capable of striking targets up to 5,500 kilometres (3,400 miles) away, AFP reported.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday (Nov 22) vowed to attack Ukraine with new Oreshnik missiles that are "ready to be used." The statement came just a day after Russia fired a new experimental hypersonic missile at the Ukrainian city of Dnipro.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday (Nov 22) vowed to attack Ukraine with new Oreshnik missiles that are "ready to be used." The statement came just a day after Russia fired a new experimental hypersonic missile at the Ukrainian city of Dnipro. "We will continue these tests, including in combat conditions, depending on the situation and character of the security threats posed to Russia," Putin said in a televised meeting with military chiefs, AFP reported. Putin further revealed in the meeting that Russia would begin serial production of experimental weapons. Also read | ‘There is no countermeasure,’ Putin hails Russia’s Oreshnik missile; orders serial production In response to the new threat by Russia, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that his country was already seeking updated air defence systems from its allies. Zelensky called on world leaders to issue a "serious response" so that Putin "feels the real consequences of his actions," BBC reported. “Using another country not just for terror but also to test new weapons for terror is an international crime,” the Ukrainian president said. According to news agency Interfax-Ukraine, Kyiv is seeking to obtain the US Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD). Russian strategic missile forces commander Sergei Karakayev joined Putin in the meeting and added that upcoming missiles could strike targets throughout Europe as well. Also read | ‘World War 3 has already begun,’ Ex-Ukraine army chief warns, citing US involvement “Depending on the objectives and the range of this weapon, it can strike targets on the entire territory of Europe, which sets it apart from other types of long-range precision-guided weapons,” The Guardian reported Karakayev saying. The United States has slammed Putin's use of this missile but does not believe that it is a "game-changer." Oreshnik missiles can reportedly fly at 10 times the speed of sound and are capable of striking targets up to 5,500 kilometres (3,400 miles) away, AFP reported. (With inputs from agencies)

Putin vows to continue testing new Oreshnik missile in combat conditions

Amid shifting political winds and&nbsp;Trump's return&nbsp;to the White House, Ukrainian&nbsp;President Volodymyr Zelensky gave a stark statement on November 19 saying Ukraine will lose against Russia if the US cut the aid for the country.&nbsp;"We will fight. We have our production, but it's not enough to prevail. And I think it's not enough to survive," Zelensky said in an interview to Fox News. Zelensky's statement holds significance as the Republican, during his election campaign, cleared his stance on the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.&nbsp;

Talking of Trump's second term, the US President-elect announced the TV star and former Fox News commentator Dr&nbsp;Mehmet Oz (known as 'Dr Oz') to lead&nbsp;the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.&nbsp;Taking to his Truth Social platform, the Republican wrote, "America is facing a Healthcare Crisis and there may be no Physician more qualified and capable than Dr. Oz to Make America Healthy Again."

Moving on, the current US President Joe Biden reportedly authorised the provision of antipersonnel land mines to Ukraine. The step has long drawn criticism from arms control groups but will boost Ukraine's defences against advancing Russian troops.

Click on the headlines to read more:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-amid-shifting-political-winds-zelensky-warns-ukraine-will-lose-without-us-aid-777517">Russia-Ukraine war | Amid shifting political winds Zelensky warns Ukraine 'will lose' without US aid</a>

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has issued a stark warning: without continued US military aid, Ukraine's ability to withstand Russia's ongoing invasion is at grave risk. In an interview with Fox News on Tuesday (Nov 19), Zelensky admitted, "If they cut (the aid), we will — I think we will lose".&nbsp;"We will fight. We have our production, but it's not enough to prevail. And I think it's not enough to survive," he added.&nbsp;The President of the war-torn nation also highlighted the critical importance of US-Ukraine unity, describing it as the foundation of Ukraine's resilience.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-approves-antipersonnel-land-mines-for-ukraine-amid-escalating-conflict-with-russia-report-777545">Biden approves antipersonnel land mines for Ukraine amid escalating conflict with Russia: Report</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/11/20/466924-new-wion-39.jpg?imwidth=400" />

US President Joe Biden has reportedly authorised the transfer of anti-personnel landmines to Ukraine. This comes after Biden, recently, allowed Ukraine to use long-range US missiles for strikes within Russian territory.&nbsp;As per a Washington Post report citing unnamed US officials, the newly authorised land mines are described as "nonpersistent," which means they are designed to self-destruct or deactivate within a set timeframe to minimise risks to civilians.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-names-tv-star-dr-oz-to-lead-centers-for-medicare-and-medicaid-services-777528">Trump names TV star 'Dr Oz' to lead Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/11/20/466914-00036mv9my.jpg?imwidth=400" />

US President-elect Donald Trump announced Dr Mehmet Oz, a former surgeon and TV celebrity known as "Dr Oz," to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services on Tuesday (Nov 19). Taking to his Truth Social platforms, the Republican wrote, "America is facing a Healthcare Crisis and there may be no Physician more qualified and capable than Dr. Oz to Make America Healthy Again."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indian-chinese-defence-ministers-to-meet-today-777525">Indian, Chinese defence ministers to meet today</a>

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Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun will meet later today in Laos on the sidelines of the ASEAN Defence Minister's Plus meeting (ADMM +). This will be the second India-China ministerial meeting in the last two days and comes as ties turn around after the Kazan meeting between PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Delhi Air Pollution Crisis: Delhi Govt Orders Hospitals To Set Up Teams For Respiratory Cases

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Amid shifting political winds and Trump's return to the White House, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky gave a stark statement on November 19 saying Ukraine will lose against Russia if the US cut the aid for the country.

Amid shifting political winds and Trump's return to the White House, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky gave a stark statement on November 19 saying Ukraine will lose against Russia if the US cut the aid for the country. "We will fight. We have our production, but it's not enough to prevail. And I think it's not enough to survive," Zelensky said in an interview to Fox News. Zelensky's statement holds significance as the Republican, during his election campaign, cleared his stance on the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. Talking of Trump's second term, the US President-elect announced the TV star and former Fox News commentator Dr Mehmet Oz (known as 'Dr Oz') to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Taking to his Truth Social platform, the Republican wrote, "America is facing a Healthcare Crisis and there may be no Physician more qualified and capable than Dr. Oz to Make America Healthy Again." Moving on, the current US President Joe Biden reportedly authorised the provision of antipersonnel land mines to Ukraine. The step has long drawn criticism from arms control groups but will boost Ukraine's defences against advancing Russian troops. Click on the headlines to read more: Russia-Ukraine war | Amid shifting political winds Zelensky warns Ukraine 'will lose' without US aid Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has issued a stark warning: without continued US military aid, Ukraine's ability to withstand Russia's ongoing invasion is at grave risk. In an interview with Fox News on Tuesday (Nov 19), Zelensky admitted, "If they cut (the aid), we will — I think we will lose". "We will fight. We have our production, but it's not enough to prevail. And I think it's not enough to survive," he added. The President of the war-torn nation also highlighted the critical importance of US-Ukraine unity, describing it as the foundation of Ukraine's resilience. Biden approves antipersonnel land mines for Ukraine amid escalating conflict with Russia: Report US President Joe Biden has reportedly authorised the transfer of anti-personnel landmines to Ukraine. This comes after Biden, recently, allowed Ukraine to use long-range US missiles for strikes within Russian territory. As per a Washington Post report citing unnamed US officials, the newly authorised land mines are described as "nonpersistent," which means they are designed to self-destruct or deactivate within a set timeframe to minimise risks to civilians. Trump names TV star 'Dr Oz' to lead Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services US President-elect Donald Trump announced Dr Mehmet Oz, a former surgeon and TV celebrity known as "Dr Oz," to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services on Tuesday (Nov 19). Taking to his Truth Social platforms, the Republican wrote, "America is facing a Healthcare Crisis and there may be no Physician more qualified and capable than Dr. Oz to Make America Healthy Again." Indian, Chinese defence ministers to meet today Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun will meet later today in Laos on the sidelines of the ASEAN Defence Minister's Plus meeting (ADMM +). This will be the second India-China ministerial meeting in the last two days and comes as ties turn around after the Kazan meeting between PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Watch | Delhi Air Pollution Crisis: Delhi Govt Orders Hospitals To Set Up Teams For Respiratory Cases ×

Morning brief: Russia-Ukraine war updates; Trump's latest picks, and more

President Joe Biden has given the&nbsp;nod to Ukraine to use American weapons to strike targets within Russian territory, though with restrictions.&nbsp;

Kyiv is allowed to target areas just over the border near Kharkiv, following significant Russian advances around this northeastern city, which is close to the Russian border, according to two US officials who spoke with CNN.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-hush-money-trial-new-york-jury-finds-ex-us-president-guilty-on-all-charges-727246">Trump hush money trial: New York jury finds ex-US prez guilty on all charges</a>

“The president recently directed his team to make sure that Ukraine is able to use US supplied-weapons for counterfire purposes in Kharkiv so Ukraine can hit back at Russian forces hitting them or preparing to hit them,” one of the officials said.

The easing of restrictions represents a departure from long-standing policy and occurs amid increasing international pressure from close US allies. But it is limited to the area around Kharkiv, and Ukraine has not requested permission beyond that, the official said, adding that they do not anticipate the US widening the area allowed.

Politico was first to report the news.

Kyiv made urged Washington to change its policy in just the past few weeks as Russian forces have made their advance, the official said.&nbsp;

Russian forces, ammunitions depots and logistical hubs can now be targeted with US-provided artillery and rockets across the border from Kharkiv in western Russia.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-germany-back-ukraines-use-of-western-weapons-on-russian-soil-726878">France, Germany back Ukraine's use of western weapons on Russian soil</a>

The administration remains firm in barring Ukraine from using its most powerful munitions to strike Russia: the long-range ATACMS missiles, which can hit targets up to 200 miles (or 300 kilometres) away.

Ukraine has been allowed to use US anti-aircraft weapons to take down the Russian aircraft flying in both Ukrainian and Russian airspace, the first official emphasised.&nbsp;

Secretary of State Antony Blinken publicly signalled a willingness to change the administration’s tact this week when he noted that the US could “adapt and adjust” its position.

<h2>France and Germany support Ukraine's use of western weapons</h2>

France and Germany have said that Ukraine should be permitted to use their weaponry against targets inside Russia from which Moscow attacks Ukraine.

While addressing the media, alongside German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Tuesday (May 28), French President Emmanuel Macron outlined that French weapons supplied to Ukraine, including long-range missiles, were permitted to strike targets within Russia.

The issue is a controversial one, with fears from Western leaders that if their weaponry is used to strike inside Russia, it would escalate the violence and trigger a wider war involving NATO.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has repetitively asked permission from his allies to expand the usage of the provided weapons to strike inside Russia.

(With inputs from agencies)

President Joe Biden has given the nod to Ukraine to use American weapons to strike targets within Russian territory, though with restrictions. Kyiv is allowed to target areas just over the border near Kharkiv, following significant Russian advances around this northeastern city, which is close to the Russian border, according to two US officials who spoke with CNN.

President Joe Biden has given the nod to Ukraine to use American weapons to strike targets within Russian territory, though with restrictions. Kyiv is allowed to target areas just over the border near Kharkiv, following significant Russian advances around this northeastern city, which is close to the Russian border, according to two US officials who spoke with CNN. Also read: Trump hush money trial: New York jury finds ex-US prez guilty on all charges “The president recently directed his team to make sure that Ukraine is able to use US supplied-weapons for counterfire purposes in Kharkiv so Ukraine can hit back at Russian forces hitting them or preparing to hit them,” one of the officials said. The easing of restrictions represents a departure from long-standing policy and occurs amid increasing international pressure from close US allies. But it is limited to the area around Kharkiv, and Ukraine has not requested permission beyond that, the official said, adding that they do not anticipate the US widening the area allowed. Politico was first to report the news. Kyiv made urged Washington to change its policy in just the past few weeks as Russian forces have made their advance, the official said. Russian forces, ammunitions depots and logistical hubs can now be targeted with US-provided artillery and rockets across the border from Kharkiv in western Russia. Also read: France, Germany back Ukraine's use of western weapons on Russian soil The administration remains firm in barring Ukraine from using its most powerful munitions to strike Russia: the long-range ATACMS missiles, which can hit targets up to 200 miles (or 300 kilometres) away. Ukraine has been allowed to use US anti-aircraft weapons to take down the Russian aircraft flying in both Ukrainian and Russian airspace, the first official emphasised. Secretary of State Antony Blinken publicly signalled a willingness to change the administration’s tact this week when he noted that the US could “adapt and adjust” its position. France and Germany support Ukraine's use of western weapons France and Germany have said that Ukraine should be permitted to use their weaponry against targets inside Russia from which Moscow attacks Ukraine. While addressing the media, alongside German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Tuesday (May 28), French President Emmanuel Macron outlined that French weapons supplied to Ukraine, including long-range missiles, were permitted to strike targets within Russia. The issue is a controversial one, with fears from Western leaders that if their weaponry is used to strike inside Russia, it would escalate the violence and trigger a wider war involving NATO. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has repetitively asked permission from his allies to expand the usage of the provided weapons to strike inside Russia. (With inputs from agencies)

Biden authorises Ukraine to conduct limited strikes in Russia with US weapons

A Russian ballistic missile strike devastated a residential area in the Black Sea port city of Odesa, Ukraine on Friday, resulting in the deaths of at least 20 people and injuring over 70 others, marking Moscow's deadliest attack in weeks, according to Ukrainian officials.

President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the vile strike, vowing that Ukrainian forces would deliver a fair response to Russia for the assault on a city that has faced near-daily attacks by Russian drones or missiles throughout the month.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/one-killed-in-ukrainian-shelling-in-russias-belgorod-region-as-russian-presidential-vote-begins-700476">14 killed in Russian missile strike on Odesha, 1 dead in Ukraine shelling in Belgorod as Russian polls start</a>

Ukrainian regional governor Oleh Kiper reported that two Iskander-M missiles launched from the Russian-occupied Crimea peninsula caused significant damage to civilian infrastructure, gas pipelines, and electricity supply lines in Odesa. Some residents experienced disruptions in gas and electricity services due to the strikes.

Kiper described the impact as severe, particularly from the second missile, emphasising its swift trajectory from the occupied Crimea. Tragically, a medic and rescuer were killed by a subsequent missile strike while attending to victims of the initial attack, with ten individuals sustaining serious injuries.

Zelensky assured that the Ukrainian Defense Forces would retaliate against the "Russian killers" in a proportionate manner.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/putins-russia-enters-election-mode-with-new-territories-from-ukraine-top-points-700217" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/putins-russia-enters-election-mode-with-new-territories-from-ukraine-top-points-700217&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiK8fiRpfaEAxV1yDgGHbw6BxMQFnoECAYQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw3KZwd27cpWZqZPHImV2vtL&amp;arm=e" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putins-russia-enters-election-mode-with-new-territories-from-ukraine-top-points-700217" target="_blank">Putin's&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;enters election mode with 'new' territories from Ukraine</a>

In response to the casualties, residents rushed to donate blood, leading to long queues at medical centers, prompting local authorities to declare Saturday as a day of mourning.

The assault obliterated a three-story recreational facility and approximately ten private residences, as confirmed by the southern military command. Rescue teams worked tirelessly to extinguish fires and clear debris, while bodies were solemnly attended to and laid out for identification.

Odesa, a vital Ukrainian port, has been a frequent target of Russian aggression, particularly following Moscow's withdrawal from a UN-brokered agreement that had ensured safe passage for Ukrainian grain shipments via the Black Sea.

Watch:&nbsp;Russia holds presidential election amid war with Ukraine

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Ukrainian presidential chief of staff Andriy Yermak characterised the attack as Russian terror,&nbsp;underscoring the enemy's vulnerability as it engages in brutalities against civilians while struggling to maintain security within its own borders.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-putin-threatens-west-says-moscow-ready-for-nulcear-war-699619" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-putin-threatens-west-says-moscow-ready-for-nulcear-war-699619&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiK8fiRpfaEAxV1yDgGHbw6BxMQFnoECAQQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw2bep6ERhDMqxv1iVrhEoBp&amp;arm=e" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-putin-threatens-west-says-moscow-ready-for-nulcear-war-699619" target="_blank">Putin threatens West, says Moscow 'ready' for nuclear war</a>

Despite Moscow's denial of targeting civilians, numerous civilian casualties have resulted from recurrent Russian airstrikes across Ukraine since the onset of the full-scale invasion in February 2022.

Ukraine has retaliated using long-range drones, notably targeting oil refineries in the lead-up to Russia's presidential election from March 15-17, including an assault on a small refinery in Russia's Kaluga region.

(With inputs from agencies)

A Russian ballistic missile strike devastated a residential area in the Black Sea port city of Odesa, Ukraine on Friday, resulting in the deaths of at least 20 people and injuring over 70 others, marking Moscow's deadliest attack in weeks, according to Ukrainian officials.

A Russian ballistic missile strike devastated a residential area in the Black Sea port city of Odesa, Ukraine on Friday, resulting in the deaths of at least 20 people and injuring over 70 others, marking Moscow's deadliest attack in weeks, according to Ukrainian officials. President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the vile strike, vowing that Ukrainian forces would deliver a fair response to Russia for the assault on a city that has faced near-daily attacks by Russian drones or missiles throughout the month. Also read: 14 killed in Russian missile strike on Odesha, 1 dead in Ukraine shelling in Belgorod as Russian polls start Ukrainian regional governor Oleh Kiper reported that two Iskander-M missiles launched from the Russian-occupied Crimea peninsula caused significant damage to civilian infrastructure, gas pipelines, and electricity supply lines in Odesa. Some residents experienced disruptions in gas and electricity services due to the strikes. Kiper described the impact as severe, particularly from the second missile, emphasising its swift trajectory from the occupied Crimea. Tragically, a medic and rescuer were killed by a subsequent missile strike while attending to victims of the initial attack, with ten individuals sustaining serious injuries. Zelensky assured that the Ukrainian Defense Forces would retaliate against the "Russian killers" in a proportionate manner. Also read: Putin's Russia enters election mode with 'new' territories from Ukraine In response to the casualties, residents rushed to donate blood, leading to long queues at medical centers, prompting local authorities to declare Saturday as a day of mourning. The assault obliterated a three-story recreational facility and approximately ten private residences, as confirmed by the southern military command. Rescue teams worked tirelessly to extinguish fires and clear debris, while bodies were solemnly attended to and laid out for identification. Odesa, a vital Ukrainian port, has been a frequent target of Russian aggression, particularly following Moscow's withdrawal from a UN-brokered agreement that had ensured safe passage for Ukrainian grain shipments via the Black Sea. Watch: Russia holds presidential election amid war with Ukraine × Ukrainian presidential chief of staff Andriy Yermak characterised the attack as Russian terror, underscoring the enemy's vulnerability as it engages in brutalities against civilians while struggling to maintain security within its own borders. Also read: Putin threatens West, says Moscow 'ready' for nuclear war Despite Moscow's denial of targeting civilians, numerous civilian casualties have resulted from recurrent Russian airstrikes across Ukraine since the onset of the full-scale invasion in February 2022. Ukraine has retaliated using long-range drones, notably targeting oil refineries in the lead-up to Russia's presidential election from March 15-17, including an assault on a small refinery in Russia's Kaluga region. (With inputs from agencies)

Zelensky says Russia will get 'fair response' for Odesa strike that killed at least 20

In an interview aired on Saturday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that if the Russians had attacked his Kyiv headquarters at the outset of the conflict, he would have battled to his death with his inner circle.

"I know how to shoot. Could you imagine (a headline like) 'The President of Ukraine is taken captive by Russians?' This is a disgrace. I believe this would be a disgrace," the Ukrainian president told the 1+1 television channel.&nbsp;

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Russian intelligence allegedly attempted to enter the Ukrainian capital city of Kyiv in the early days of the invasion on February 24, 2022.

However, Ukrainian officials say the efforts by Russian officials were thwarted and therefore they were unable to reach Bankova Street in the city, a place where the presidential offices are located.

Other Russian forces attempted to advance in their onslaught on the outskirts of Kyiv. Several unsuccessful sabotage attempts were also reported by officials inside the city.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-could-die-former-house-speaker-nancy-pelosi-on-visiting-ukraine-last-year-587377">'We thought we could die': Former House speaker Nancy Pelosi on visiting Ukraine last year</a>

"I think if they had gone inside, into the administration, we would not be here," Zelenskiy said. However, the interview does not shed much light as to which Russian units the Ukrainian president was referring during the interview.&nbsp;

"No one would have been taken prisoner because we had a very seriously prepared defence of Bankova Street. We would have been there to the last," he said.

When asked if he carried a pistol and practised using it, he acknowledged that he did. But he rejecting the idea that he may have used it to shoot himself. "No, no, no. It's not (to shoot) myself. To shoot back, surely," he said.

Watch | Pope Francis on a three-day visit to Hungary, meets Ukrainian refugees

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The conflict has resulted in thousands of deaths and the displacement of many people.

The international community, including the United Nations, has condemned Russia's actions in Ukraine and imposed sanctions against Russia. The conflict remains unresolved, and efforts to find a peaceful solution have been ongoing but have had limited success.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has not fled Ukraine after Russia invaded Ukraine. In fact, he has been a vocal critic of Russian aggression.

Zelensky has visited the front lines of the conflict and has met with soldiers and civilians affected by the conflict. He has also engaged in diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict, however, it still remains unresolved.&nbsp;

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In an interview aired on Saturday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that if the Russians had attacked his Kyiv headquarters at the outset of the conflict, he would have battled to his death with his inner circle.

In an interview aired on Saturday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that if the Russians had attacked his Kyiv headquarters at the outset of the conflict, he would have battled to his death with his inner circle. "I know how to shoot. Could you imagine (a headline like) 'The President of Ukraine is taken captive by Russians?' This is a disgrace. I believe this would be a disgrace," the Ukrainian president told the 1+1 television channel. Also Read | Over 210 migrant bodies recovered on Tunisian coast in less than two weeks Russian intelligence allegedly attempted to enter the Ukrainian capital city of Kyiv in the early days of the invasion on February 24, 2022. However, Ukrainian officials say the efforts by Russian officials were thwarted and therefore they were unable to reach Bankova Street in the city, a place where the presidential offices are located. Other Russian forces attempted to advance in their onslaught on the outskirts of Kyiv. Several unsuccessful sabotage attempts were also reported by officials inside the city. Also Read | 'We thought we could die': Former House speaker Nancy Pelosi on visiting Ukraine last year "I think if they had gone inside, into the administration, we would not be here," Zelenskiy said. However, the interview does not shed much light as to which Russian units the Ukrainian president was referring during the interview. "No one would have been taken prisoner because we had a very seriously prepared defence of Bankova Street. We would have been there to the last," he said. When asked if he carried a pistol and practised using it, he acknowledged that he did. But he rejecting the idea that he may have used it to shoot himself. "No, no, no. It's not (to shoot) myself. To shoot back, surely," he said. Watch | Pope Francis on a three-day visit to Hungary, meets Ukrainian refugees × The conflict has resulted in thousands of deaths and the displacement of many people. The international community, including the United Nations, has condemned Russia's actions in Ukraine and imposed sanctions against Russia. The conflict remains unresolved, and efforts to find a peaceful solution have been ongoing but have had limited success. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has not fled Ukraine after Russia invaded Ukraine. In fact, he has been a vocal critic of Russian aggression. Zelensky has visited the front lines of the conflict and has met with soldiers and civilians affected by the conflict. He has also engaged in diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict, however, it still remains unresolved. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Zelensky says would have fought till death had Russians attacked Kyiv headquarters

Volodymyr Zelensky, the president of Ukraine, stated before the UN on Wednesday that his country desired "fair punishment" for a crime Russia had done against it.

In a taped speech to the UN&nbsp;General Assembly, Zelensky stated that Kyiv had a five-point plan to create a lasting peace, but he rejected the idea that his former Soviet state should become neutral.

Additionally, he rejected all peace proposals other than the one put forth by Ukraine.

Zelensky stated that among his five non-negotiable requirements for peace were sanctions against Russian aggression, the restoration of Ukraine's security, and assurances of territorial integrity and security.

"...This is the first item of our peace formula. Comprehensive item. Punishment," <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-vladimir-putin-issues-nuclear-threat-plans-ukraine-escalation-518526">Zelensky</a>, wearing his trademark khaki tee shirt, told the assembly.

"Punishment for the crime of aggression. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/a-cornered-putin-is-more-dangerous-than-ever-518530">Punishment</a> for violation of borders and territorial integrity. Punishment that must be in place until the internationally recognized border is restored."

But he added: "What is NOT in our formula? Neutrality. Those who speak of neutrality, when human values and peace are under attack, mean something else."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/money-pardon-how-russia-is-luring-prisoners-to-fight-ukrainian-war-518304">Money, pardon: How Russia is luring prisoners to fight the war&nbsp;in Ukraine</a>

After his remarks, Zelensky received a standing ovation from numerous delegations. The group representing Russia remained seated.

Ukraine's constitution explicitly states that the country aspires to join the European Union and NATO. Russia declared that NATO membership for Ukraine was a "red line" that could not be crossed even before beginning its invasion in February.

Zelensky disregarded "that an other basis than the Ukrainian peace formula can be used for the settlement. It becomes increasingly unlikely that anyone in the globe will consent to join the Russian terror at a single table as it spreads."

In various areas of the country they have occupied, Ukraine and its Western allies have charged Russian forces with war crimes.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Volodymyr Zelensky, the president of Ukraine, stated before the UN on Wednesday that his country desired "fair punishment" for a crime Russia had done against it.

Volodymyr Zelensky, the president of Ukraine, stated before the UN on Wednesday that his country desired "fair punishment" for a crime Russia had done against it. In a taped speech to the UN General Assembly, Zelensky stated that Kyiv had a five-point plan to create a lasting peace, but he rejected the idea that his former Soviet state should become neutral. Additionally, he rejected all peace proposals other than the one put forth by Ukraine. Zelensky stated that among his five non-negotiable requirements for peace were sanctions against Russian aggression, the restoration of Ukraine's security, and assurances of territorial integrity and security. "...This is the first item of our peace formula. Comprehensive item. Punishment," Zelensky, wearing his trademark khaki tee shirt, told the assembly. "Punishment for the crime of aggression. Punishment for violation of borders and territorial integrity. Punishment that must be in place until the internationally recognized border is restored." But he added: "What is NOT in our formula? Neutrality. Those who speak of neutrality, when human values and peace are under attack, mean something else." Also read | Money, pardon: How Russia is luring prisoners to fight the war in Ukraine After his remarks, Zelensky received a standing ovation from numerous delegations. The group representing Russia remained seated. Ukraine's constitution explicitly states that the country aspires to join the European Union and NATO. Russia declared that NATO membership for Ukraine was a "red line" that could not be crossed even before beginning its invasion in February. Zelensky disregarded "that an other basis than the Ukrainian peace formula can be used for the settlement. It becomes increasingly unlikely that anyone in the globe will consent to join the Russian terror at a single table as it spreads." In various areas of the country they have occupied, Ukraine and its Western allies have charged Russian forces with war crimes. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Zelensky at UNGA: We demand 'just punishment' for Russian crimes

Macron, Scholz, Draghi visit Kyiv, vow to back Ukraine against Russia - see pics

Ukraine&nbsp;has started receiving Harpoon anti-ship&nbsp;missiles&nbsp;from Denmark and self-propelled&nbsp;howitzers&nbsp;from the United States,&nbsp;arms&nbsp;that will bolster forces fighting Russia's invasion, Ukrainian Defence Minister Oleksiy Reznikov said on Saturday.

"The coastal defence of our country will not only be strengthened by Harpoon&nbsp;missiles&nbsp;– they will be used by trained Ukrainian teams," Reznikov wrote on his Facebook page.

He said Harpoon shore-to-ship&nbsp;missiles&nbsp;would be operated alongside Ukrainian Neptune&nbsp;missiles&nbsp;to defend the coast, including the southern port of Odesa.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukrainian-troops-may-retreat-from-luhansk-says-regions-governor-482802">Ukrainian troops may retreat from Luhansk, says region's governor</a>

Serhiy Bratchuk, a spokesman for the Odesa regional military administration in southern&nbsp;Ukraine, said in an online post that "so many Harpoons have been handed over to us that we can sink the entire Russian Black Sea Fleet. Why not?"

Last month the Moskva, the flagship of Russia's Black Sea fleet, sank after what&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;said was an anti-ship missile attack. Moscow says a fire sparked an ammunition blast.

Watch |&nbsp;Russian invasion of Ukraine: Macron, Scholz hold talks with Putin, calls for peace talks

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After launching its invasion of&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;on Feb. 24, Russia imposed a naval blockade on Ukrainian ports, hampering vital grain exports. It has also used its Black Sea fleet to launch missile attacks.

Reznikov said&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;had also received a range of heavy artillery pieces, including modified U.\S-made M109 self-propelled&nbsp;howitzers&nbsp;that will allow the Ukrainian military to strike targets from longer distances.

Ukraine&nbsp;says it wants to secure deliveries of US-made long-range M270 multiple-rocket launchers.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-crisis-zelensky-says-situation-indescribably-difficult-in-donbas-and-kharkiv-483058">Ukraine crisis: Zelensky says situation 'indescribably difficult' in Donbas and Kharkiv</a>

President Volodymyr&nbsp;Zelensky&nbsp;said&nbsp;Ukraine, working to boost weapons supplies, was approaching the point where it would outnumber the Russians technologically and in terms of its ability to strike.

"Of course, a lot depends on our partners and their readiness to provide&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;with everything necessary to protect freedom. And I expect&nbsp;good&nbsp;news&nbsp;on this next week," he said in a late-night video, without giving details.

Zelenskiy&nbsp;adviser Oleksiy Arestovych said late on Saturday that "the weapons we so desperately need will most likely be delivered soon."

Key will be a NATO defence ministers meeting in Brussels in mid-June, attended by Reznikov, Arestovych said on social media television. "If the allies in the West do not delay ... then around June 20 the situation on the front will change greatly in our favour."

Russia says its forces are on a "special operation" to demilitarise&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;and rid it of radical anti-Russian nationalists.&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;and its allies call that a false pretext to for a war of aggression.

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Ukraine has started receiving Harpoon anti-ship missiles from Denmark and self-propelled howitzers from the United States, arms that will bolster forces fighting Russia's invasion, Ukrainian Defence Minister Oleksiy Reznikov said on Saturday.

Ukraine has started receiving Harpoon anti-ship missiles from Denmark and self-propelled howitzers from the United States, arms that will bolster forces fighting Russia's invasion, Ukrainian Defence Minister Oleksiy Reznikov said on Saturday. "The coastal defence of our country will not only be strengthened by Harpoon missiles – they will be used by trained Ukrainian teams," Reznikov wrote on his Facebook page. He said Harpoon shore-to-ship missiles would be operated alongside Ukrainian Neptune missiles to defend the coast, including the southern port of Odesa. Also read | Ukrainian troops may retreat from Luhansk, says region's governor Serhiy Bratchuk, a spokesman for the Odesa regional military administration in southern Ukraine, said in an online post that "so many Harpoons have been handed over to us that we can sink the entire Russian Black Sea Fleet. Why not?" Last month the Moskva, the flagship of Russia's Black Sea fleet, sank after what Ukraine said was an anti-ship missile attack. Moscow says a fire sparked an ammunition blast. Watch | Russian invasion of Ukraine: Macron, Scholz hold talks with Putin, calls for peace talks After launching its invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, Russia imposed a naval blockade on Ukrainian ports, hampering vital grain exports. It has also used its Black Sea fleet to launch missile attacks. Reznikov said Ukraine had also received a range of heavy artillery pieces, including modified U.\S-made M109 self-propelled howitzers that will allow the Ukrainian military to strike targets from longer distances. Ukraine says it wants to secure deliveries of US-made long-range M270 multiple-rocket launchers. Also read | Ukraine crisis: Zelensky says situation 'indescribably difficult' in Donbas and Kharkiv President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukraine, working to boost weapons supplies, was approaching the point where it would outnumber the Russians technologically and in terms of its ability to strike. "Of course, a lot depends on our partners and their readiness to provide Ukraine with everything necessary to protect freedom. And I expect good news on this next week," he said in a late-night video, without giving details. Zelenskiy adviser Oleksiy Arestovych said late on Saturday that "the weapons we so desperately need will most likely be delivered soon." Key will be a NATO defence ministers meeting in Brussels in mid-June, attended by Reznikov, Arestovych said on social media television. "If the allies in the West do not delay ... then around June 20 the situation on the front will change greatly in our favour." Russia says its forces are on a "special operation" to demilitarise Ukraine and rid it of radical anti-Russian nationalists. Ukraine and its allies call that a false pretext to for a war of aggression. 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 get missiles, howitzers as Zelensky expects good news on arms

The Ukrainian army has&nbsp;repelled&nbsp;nine&nbsp;attacks&nbsp;by the Russian&nbsp;army in Donetsk and Luhansk regions, Ukraine's military&nbsp;spokesman&nbsp;said on Thursday (April 21).

A&nbsp;military&nbsp;spokesman&nbsp;for General Staff of the Armed Forces Oleksandr Shtupun, said, one tank, ten armoured units&nbsp;and&nbsp;two vehicles, one artillery system, two special engineering units, an anti-aircraft missile system&nbsp;and&nbsp;an enemy ammunition depot have been destroyed in the past 24 hours.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-russias-donbas-offensive-us-sends-warplanes-to-ukraine-472278">Amid Russia's Donbas offensive, US sends warplanes to Ukraine</a>

In the east,&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;said on Wednesday (April 20), it had held off an assault by&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;forces attempting to advance in what Kyiv calls the Battle of the Donbas, a new campaign to seize two eastern provinces Moscow claims on behalf of separatists.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas Global Headlines: Ukraine refugee crisis | Mariupol could fall within hours

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Russia's forces had carried out strikes on dozens of&nbsp;military&nbsp;facilities in the east&nbsp;and&nbsp;had shot down a Ukrainian Mi-8 helicopter near the village of Koroviy Yar, its defence ministry said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-seeks-india-drug-imports-as-pharmacies-run-short-of-medicines-amid-ukraine-war-sanctions-472245">Russia seeks India drug imports as pharmacies run short of medicines amid Ukraine war, sanctions</a>

Russia calls its incursion a "special&nbsp;military&nbsp;operation" to demilitarise&nbsp;and&nbsp;"denazify"&nbsp;Ukraine. Kyiv&nbsp;and&nbsp;its Western allies reject that as a false pretext for a war of choice.

The West has imposed unprecedented sanctions on Russia&nbsp;and&nbsp;given&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;extensive support, including arms.

The Ukrainian army has repelled nine attacks by the Russian army in Donetsk and Luhansk regions, Ukraine's military spokesman said on Thursday (April 21). A military spokesman for General Staff of the Armed Forces Oleksandr Shtupun, said, one tank, ten armoured units and two vehicles, one artillery system, two special engineering units, an anti-aircraft missile system and an enemy ammunition depot have been destroyed in the past 24 hours.

The Ukrainian army has repelled nine attacks by the Russian army in Donetsk and Luhansk regions, Ukraine's military spokesman said on Thursday (April 21). A military spokesman for General Staff of the Armed Forces Oleksandr Shtupun, said, one tank, ten armoured units and two vehicles, one artillery system, two special engineering units, an anti-aircraft missile system and an enemy ammunition depot have been destroyed in the past 24 hours. Also read | Amid Russia's Donbas offensive, US sends warplanes to Ukraine In the east, Ukraine said on Wednesday (April 20), it had held off an assault by Russian forces attempting to advance in what Kyiv calls the Battle of the Donbas, a new campaign to seize two eastern provinces Moscow claims on behalf of separatists. Watch | Gravitas Global Headlines: Ukraine refugee crisis | Mariupol could fall within hours Russia's forces had carried out strikes on dozens of military facilities in the east and had shot down a Ukrainian Mi-8 helicopter near the village of Koroviy Yar, its defence ministry said. Also read | Russia seeks India drug imports as pharmacies run short of medicines amid Ukraine war, sanctions Russia calls its incursion a "special military operation" to demilitarise and "denazify" Ukraine. Kyiv and its Western allies reject that as a false pretext for a war of choice. The West has imposed unprecedented sanctions on Russia and given Ukraine extensive support, including arms.

Ukraine repelled nine Russian attacks in Donetsk and Luhansk: Military spokesman

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.

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia of using phosphorus bombs&nbsp;in his embattled country, urging&nbsp;NATO to provide military support.

The white phosphorus bombs were deployed in the eastern Luhansk Oblast region where an overnight shelling by the Russian forces killed four people, the Kyiv Independent reported.

According to the local governor Serhiy Haidai, the Russian forces attacked several towns in Luhansk Oblast using missiles and phosphorus bombs.

"The Russians are struggling. They can't advance. That's why they have started to use heavy weapons," the governor was quoted as saying.

This is not the first time that they have deployed phosphorus bombs in Ukraine. Earlier this month, a cop in Donbas region had accused Putin's forces of using phosphorus munition to attack civilians.

In a video address to NATO earlier in the day, Zelensky asked for military aid saying that children and adults are being killed by the Russian forces.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/one-month-since-russia-invaded-ukraine-hundreds-dead-millions-displaced-when-will-it-end-465149" hreflang="en">One month since Russia invaded Ukraine: Hundreds dead, millions displaced - When will it end?</a>

"This morning, by the way, phosphorus bombs were used. Russian phosphorus bombs. Adults were killed again and children were killed again," Zelensky said.

&nbsp;What is a phosphorous bomb?

White phosphorus is a substance used by militaries around the world in smoke, illumination and incendiary munitions, and is typically the burning element in tracer ammunition.

It burns brightly when exposed to air and produces a large amount of smoke, meaning it can be used to mark targets at night by lighting up an area on the battlefield or to create smokescreens during the day which

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-government-assesses-russian-forces-committed-war-crimes-in-ukraine-465050" hreflang="en">US government assesses Russian forces committed war crimes in Ukraine</a>

It is used mainly in the military, and other applications may include as a component in fertilisers, food additives and cleaning compounds. Initially, it was also used in pesticides and fireworks, but many countries have banned its use in several sectors.

The 1977 Geneva Convention restrict the deployment of white phosphorous bombs if they endanger civilians.

Also read |&nbsp;Russian invasion of Ukraine continues, NATO leaders prepare for an emergency summit

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(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.

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. Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia of using phosphorus bombs in his embattled country, urging NATO to provide military support. The white phosphorus bombs were deployed in the eastern Luhansk Oblast region where an overnight shelling by the Russian forces killed four people, the Kyiv Independent reported. According to the local governor Serhiy Haidai, the Russian forces attacked several towns in Luhansk Oblast using missiles and phosphorus bombs. "The Russians are struggling. They can't advance. That's why they have started to use heavy weapons," the governor was quoted as saying. This is not the first time that they have deployed phosphorus bombs in Ukraine. Earlier this month, a cop in Donbas region had accused Putin's forces of using phosphorus munition to attack civilians. In a video address to NATO earlier in the day, Zelensky asked for military aid saying that children and adults are being killed by the Russian forces. Also read | One month since Russia invaded Ukraine: Hundreds dead, millions displaced - When will it end? "This morning, by the way, phosphorus bombs were used. Russian phosphorus bombs. Adults were killed again and children were killed again," Zelensky said. What is a phosphorous bomb? White phosphorus is a substance used by militaries around the world in smoke, illumination and incendiary munitions, and is typically the burning element in tracer ammunition. It burns brightly when exposed to air and produces a large amount of smoke, meaning it can be used to mark targets at night by lighting up an area on the battlefield or to create smokescreens during the day which Also read | US government assesses Russian forces committed war crimes in Ukraine It is used mainly in the military, and other applications may include as a component in fertilisers, food additives and cleaning compounds. Initially, it was also used in pesticides and fireworks, but many countries have banned its use in several sectors. The 1977 Geneva Convention restrict the deployment of white phosphorous bombs if they endanger civilians. Also read | Russian invasion of Ukraine continues, NATO leaders prepare for an emergency summit (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine accuses Russia of using phosphorus bombs to kill civilians

Ukraine’s interior ministry advisor Vadym Denysenko said on Wednesday that around 20,000 civilians have successfully left the city of Mariupol in private cars. <o:p></o:p>

The residents of the port city were trapped without electricity and running water for the past two weeks due to heavy shelling from the Russian forces and were in need of urgent evacuation, according to the Ukrainian officials.<o:p></o:p>

Of these cars, 570 have arrived in the city of Zaporizhzhia to the northwest, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's deputy chief of staff Kyrylo Tymoshenko said on Telegram.

<o:p>Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/struggling-russia-deploying-more-reinforcements-from-across-country-into-ukraine-uk-intel-462861">&nbsp;</a></o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/struggling-russia-deploying-more-reinforcements-from-across-country-into-ukraine-uk-intel-462861">‘Struggling’ Russia deploying more reinforcements from across country into Ukraine: UK intel</a> <o:p></o:p>

Those in the remaining cars were forced to spend the night along the route, Tymoshenko added.<o:p></o:p>

According to an AFP report, city officials believe that more than 2100 residents have been killed in Mariupol since the beginning of the Russian invasion and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said that it was not able to deliver aid to the city amid the ‘dire situation’.<o:p></o:p>

"The bottom line is that hundreds of thousands of people are still suffering," the ICRC said.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;</o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fox-news-veteran-war-zone-photographer-ukrainian-journalist-killed-in-ukraine-462764">Fox News veteran war-zone photographer, Ukrainian journalist killed in Ukraine</a>

Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk said that altogether, nearly 29,000 people managed to use humanitarian corridor to flee the city on Tuesday.

<o:p></o:p>While Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said the talks between the two nations regarding the conclusion of the conflict were becoming "more realistic", Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that there was “some hope for compromise” in his latest interview.<o:p></o:p>

"Neutral status is now being seriously discussed along, of course, with security guarantees," Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said told RBC news. "Now this very thing is being discussed in negotiations - there are absolutely specific formulations which in my view are close to an agreement," he added.

<o:p>Watch |&nbsp;</o:p>Russia-Ukraine Conflict: First evacuees from Mariupol reach Zaporizhzhia

&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-conflict-first-evacuees-from-mariupol-reach-zaporizhzhia-462749/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

(With agency inputs)<o:p></o:p>

Ukraine’s interior ministry advisor Vadym Denysenko said on Wednesday that around 20,000 civilians have successfully left the city of Mariupol in private cars. The residents of the port city were trapped without electricity and running water for the past two weeks due to heavy shelling from the Russian forces and were in need of urgent evacuation, according to the Ukrainian officials.

Ukraine’s interior ministry advisor Vadym Denysenko said on Wednesday that around 20,000 civilians have successfully left the city of Mariupol in private cars. The residents of the port city were trapped without electricity and running water for the past two weeks due to heavy shelling from the Russian forces and were in need of urgent evacuation, according to the Ukrainian officials. Of these cars, 570 have arrived in the city of Zaporizhzhia to the northwest, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's deputy chief of staff Kyrylo Tymoshenko said on Telegram. Also read | ‘Struggling’ Russia deploying more reinforcements from across country into Ukraine: UK intel Those in the remaining cars were forced to spend the night along the route, Tymoshenko added. According to an AFP report, city officials believe that more than 2100 residents have been killed in Mariupol since the beginning of the Russian invasion and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said that it was not able to deliver aid to the city amid the ‘dire situation’. "The bottom line is that hundreds of thousands of people are still suffering," the ICRC said. Also read | Fox News veteran war-zone photographer, Ukrainian journalist killed in Ukraine Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk said that altogether, nearly 29,000 people managed to use humanitarian corridor to flee the city on Tuesday. While Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said the talks between the two nations regarding the conclusion of the conflict were becoming "more realistic", Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that there was “some hope for compromise” in his latest interview. "Neutral status is now being seriously discussed along, of course, with security guarantees," Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said told RBC news. "Now this very thing is being discussed in negotiations - there are absolutely specific formulations which in my view are close to an agreement," he added. Watch | Russia-Ukraine Conflict: First evacuees from Mariupol reach Zaporizhzhia (With agency inputs)

20,000 civilians escape Mariupol through humanitarian corridor in private cars

Russia invaded Ukraine as it wanted to throw out the “neo-Nazi” regime, foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said on Friday, adding that Kremlin is ready for talks if the Ukraine military surrenders.

“Putin took the decision to conduct a special military operation to demilitarise and de-Nazify Ukraine so that, freed from oppression, Ukrainians themselves could freely determine their future,” Lavrov said at a press conference in Moscow.&nbsp;

The comments suggested that Russia intends to throw out Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s regime.

The remark came hours after Kyiv said it was ready for talks with Putin.

"If talks are possible, they should be held. If in Moscow they say they want to hold talks, including on neutral status, we are not afraid of this," advisor to the Ukrainian Presidential Office Mikhail Podolyak told Reuters on Friday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-invasion-eu-wants-to-cut-all-connections-between-russia-and-global-financial-system-456438">EU wants to cut all connections between Russia and global financial system</a>

"Our readiness for dialogue is part of our persistent pursuit of peace," Podolyak added.

Meanwhile, Russian forces are approaching Kyiv from the north and northeast, Ukraine's army said Friday amidst fears that the capital could fall on the second day of Moscow's offensive.

The soldiers are trying to “bypass” the northern city of Chernigiv -- where they were “rebuffed” -- to attack Kyiv, the Ukrainian army said on Facebook.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/swift-has-the-power-to-put-russia-on-back-foot-but-what-is-it-actually-456396">‘SWIFT’ has the power to put Russia on back foot. But what is it actually?</a>

The Ukrainian army earlier said Russian ground forces had been pushing down the west bank of the Dnieper River from Belarus.

It said Russian soldiers were "increasingly choosing to target civilian infrastructure and residential buildings", echoing President Volodymyr Zelensky

According to reports, 137 people have been killed in Ukraine while UK claims that Russia has lost more than 450 personnel.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russia invaded Ukraine as it wanted to throw out the “neo-Nazi” regime, foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said on Friday, adding that Kremlin is ready for talks if the Ukraine military surrenders.

Russia invaded Ukraine as it wanted to throw out the “neo-Nazi” regime, foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said on Friday, adding that Kremlin is ready for talks if the Ukraine military surrenders. “Putin took the decision to conduct a special military operation to demilitarise and de-Nazify Ukraine so that, freed from oppression, Ukrainians themselves could freely determine their future,” Lavrov said at a press conference in Moscow. The comments suggested that Russia intends to throw out Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s regime. The remark came hours after Kyiv said it was ready for talks with Putin. "If talks are possible, they should be held. If in Moscow they say they want to hold talks, including on neutral status, we are not afraid of this," advisor to the Ukrainian Presidential Office Mikhail Podolyak told Reuters on Friday. Also read | EU wants to cut all connections between Russia and global financial system "Our readiness for dialogue is part of our persistent pursuit of peace," Podolyak added. Meanwhile, Russian forces are approaching Kyiv from the north and northeast, Ukraine's army said Friday amidst fears that the capital could fall on the second day of Moscow's offensive. The soldiers are trying to “bypass” the northern city of Chernigiv -- where they were “rebuffed” -- to attack Kyiv, the Ukrainian army said on Facebook. Also read | ‘SWIFT’ has the power to put Russia on back foot. But what is it actually? The Ukrainian army earlier said Russian ground forces had been pushing down the west bank of the Dnieper River from Belarus. It said Russian soldiers were "increasingly choosing to target civilian infrastructure and residential buildings", echoing President Volodymyr Zelensky According to reports, 137 people have been killed in Ukraine while UK claims that Russia has lost more than 450 personnel. (With inputs from agencies)

Want to throw out ‘neo-Nazi’ regime in Ukraine, says Russian foreign minister Lavrov

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Monday indicated, but in an indirect way, that Ukraine would continue to pursue its goal of seeking membership of North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO). Russia is fiercely against Ukraine's (former Soviet country) inclusion in NATO. Zelenskiy was speaking in a joint press conference with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Ukrainian capital Kyiv.

Ukraine's envoy to Britain had suggested Kyiv may reconsider its NATO bid but later backtracked while acknowledging concessions could be on offer amid Western warnings of a potentially imminent Russian invasion.

Russia, which continues to maintain a militaery presence of more than 100,000 troops near Ukraine has sought guarantees from the West that Ukraine would never join NATO.

"Today, many journalists and many leaders are hinting a little to Ukraine that it is possible not to take risks, not to constantly raise the issue of future membership in the alliance, because these risks are associated with the reaction of the Russian Federation," said Zelenskiy at a joint news conference with Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Kyiv.

"I believe that we should move along the path we have chosen."

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-climbdown-lavrov-tells-putin-about-chance-of-agreement-with-west-453248">Russian climbdown? Lavrov tells Putin about 'chance' of agreement with West</a>

Olaf Scholz is in Ukraine as part of hurried diplomatic efforts to avoid war on European soil. On Tuesday (February 15) he will fly to Moscow for talks with the Russian side.

Scholz said it was strange Russia should raise this issue anyhow given it was not immediately on the agenda.

'BY YOUR SIDE'

He told reporters he saw "no reasonable justification" for Russia's border buildup, and that Moscow should accept offers to discuss European security.

Scholz's trip was part of a flurry of diplomacy to de-escalate the crisis through dialogue and the threat of sanctions. On Tuesday, Scholz will fly to Moscow to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-crisis-eu-preparing-but-unsure-about-russias-next-move-453236">Ukraine crisis: EU preparing but unsure about Russia's next move&nbsp;</a>

The chancellor has ratcheted up engagement in the Ukraine crisis over the past week after critics accused him of lack of leadership and mixed signals in one of Europe's worst security crises in decades.

"Germany stands right by your side," he said on Monday, underscoring that the country was Ukraine's biggest financial backer and announcing a new credit of 150 million euros ($170 million).

Ukrainian officials have publicly criticized Germany for refusing to sell weapons to Kyiv - Berlin argues it cannot due to its bloody 20th century history - and over reluctance to pull the plug on a controversial Russian-German gas pipeline project.

Ukraine as well as Western allies argue the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, which is built but not yet operational, would enable Russia to cut Ukraine out of Europe's energy supply and make it more vulnerable to Russian invasion.

(With inputs from agencies)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Monday indicated, but in an indirect way, that Ukraine would continue to pursue its goal of seeking membership of North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO).

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Monday indicated, but in an indirect way, that Ukraine would continue to pursue its goal of seeking membership of North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO). Russia is fiercely against Ukraine's (former Soviet country) inclusion in NATO. Zelenskiy was speaking in a joint press conference with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Ukrainian capital Kyiv. Ukraine's envoy to Britain had suggested Kyiv may reconsider its NATO bid but later backtracked while acknowledging concessions could be on offer amid Western warnings of a potentially imminent Russian invasion. Russia, which continues to maintain a militaery presence of more than 100,000 troops near Ukraine has sought guarantees from the West that Ukraine would never join NATO. "Today, many journalists and many leaders are hinting a little to Ukraine that it is possible not to take risks, not to constantly raise the issue of future membership in the alliance, because these risks are associated with the reaction of the Russian Federation," said Zelenskiy at a joint news conference with Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Kyiv. "I believe that we should move along the path we have chosen." Also Read | Russian climbdown? Lavrov tells Putin about 'chance' of agreement with West Olaf Scholz is in Ukraine as part of hurried diplomatic efforts to avoid war on European soil. On Tuesday (February 15) he will fly to Moscow for talks with the Russian side. Scholz said it was strange Russia should raise this issue anyhow given it was not immediately on the agenda. 'BY YOUR SIDE' He told reporters he saw "no reasonable justification" for Russia's border buildup, and that Moscow should accept offers to discuss European security. Scholz's trip was part of a flurry of diplomacy to de-escalate the crisis through dialogue and the threat of sanctions. On Tuesday, Scholz will fly to Moscow to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin. Also Read | Ukraine crisis: EU preparing but unsure about Russia's next move The chancellor has ratcheted up engagement in the Ukraine crisis over the past week after critics accused him of lack of leadership and mixed signals in one of Europe's worst security crises in decades. "Germany stands right by your side," he said on Monday, underscoring that the country was Ukraine's biggest financial backer and announcing a new credit of 150 million euros ($170 million). Ukrainian officials have publicly criticized Germany for refusing to sell weapons to Kyiv - Berlin argues it cannot due to its bloody 20th century history - and over reluctance to pull the plug on a controversial Russian-German gas pipeline project. Ukraine as well as Western allies argue the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, which is built but not yet operational, would enable Russia to cut Ukraine out of Europe's energy supply and make it more vulnerable to Russian invasion. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine will continue pursuing NATO membership goal, says Zelenskiy 

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Tuesday challenged his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin to meet him in eastern Ukraine's Donbass region for talks on ending the conflict there and easing tensions between the two states.

The blunt offer for talks came following a flare-up in clashes between Ukraine's army and pro-Russian separatists controlling two regions in the country's east, raising concerns of a major escalation in the simmering war.

In an address to the nation, Zelensky said that Ukrainian and Russian negotiators had recently discussed plans for officials to travel to the frontlines of the trench conflict to assess the situation.

"I am ready to go even further and invite you to meet in any part of the Ukrainian Donbass where war is ongoing," Zelensky said.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-the-russia-ukraine-conflict-explained-377141/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Kiev has been battling pro-Russian separatists in the eastern Donetsk and Lugansk regions since 2014, following Moscow's annexation of the Crimean peninsula,&nbsp;a move that plunged Russia's ties with the West to new lows and led to economic penalties.

The conflict, which has claimed more than 13,000 lives, has seen 30 Ukrainian soldiers killed since the start of the year, compared to 50 in all of 2020.

The escalation along the frontline as well as sharp rhetoric has spurred fresh rounds of talks. Ukrainian and Russian negotiators met earlier this week and also on Tuesday, although they have so far failed to secure any breakthroughs.

Zelensky said in his address to the nation that although Ukraine did not want war, it was prepared to fight.

"Will Ukraine defend itself if something happens? Always. Our principle is simple: Ukraine does not start a war first, but Ukraine always stands to the last," he said.

On the frontline however, fears were growing of a major escalation, with soldiers set to repel attacks and streets in towns near the front line empty over fears of a return to war.

Ukraine, its Western allies and NATO have accused Russia of a "provocative" build-up of troops on Ukraine's eastern border and in Crimea. Russia in turn accused the United States and NATO of "provocative activity" in the Black Sea region.

The standoff has prompted Ukraine to urge NATO member states to admit Ukraine into the military alliance. It also called on the European Union to impose new economic sanctions on Moscow but acknowledged that EU might not be prepared to do so yet.

"Our citizens need clear signals that in the eighth year of the war, a country that is a shield for Europe at the cost of its lives, will receive support not just as partners, from the stands, but as players on the same team, directly on the field, shoulder to shoulder," Zelenskiy said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Tuesday challenged his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin to meet him in eastern Ukraine's Donbass region for talks on ending the conflict there and easing tensions between the two states.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Tuesday challenged his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin to meet him in eastern Ukraine's Donbass region for talks on ending the conflict there and easing tensions between the two states. The blunt offer for talks came following a flare-up in clashes between Ukraine's army and pro-Russian separatists controlling two regions in the country's east, raising concerns of a major escalation in the simmering war. In an address to the nation, Zelensky said that Ukrainian and Russian negotiators had recently discussed plans for officials to travel to the frontlines of the trench conflict to assess the situation. "I am ready to go even further and invite you to meet in any part of the Ukrainian Donbass where war is ongoing," Zelensky said. Kiev has been battling pro-Russian separatists in the eastern Donetsk and Lugansk regions since 2014, following Moscow's annexation of the Crimean peninsula, a move that plunged Russia's ties with the West to new lows and led to economic penalties. The conflict, which has claimed more than 13,000 lives, has seen 30 Ukrainian soldiers killed since the start of the year, compared to 50 in all of 2020. The escalation along the frontline as well as sharp rhetoric has spurred fresh rounds of talks. Ukrainian and Russian negotiators met earlier this week and also on Tuesday, although they have so far failed to secure any breakthroughs. Zelensky said in his address to the nation that although Ukraine did not want war, it was prepared to fight. "Will Ukraine defend itself if something happens? Always. Our principle is simple: Ukraine does not start a war first, but Ukraine always stands to the last," he said. On the frontline however, fears were growing of a major escalation, with soldiers set to repel attacks and streets in towns near the front line empty over fears of a return to war. Ukraine, its Western allies and NATO have accused Russia of a "provocative" build-up of troops on Ukraine's eastern border and in Crimea. Russia in turn accused the United States and NATO of "provocative activity" in the Black Sea region. The standoff has prompted Ukraine to urge NATO member states to admit Ukraine into the military alliance. It also called on the European Union to impose new economic sanctions on Moscow but acknowledged that EU might not be prepared to do so yet. "Our citizens need clear signals that in the eighth year of the war, a country that is a shield for Europe at the cost of its lives, will receive support not just as partners, from the stands, but as players on the same team, directly on the field, shoulder to shoulder," Zelenskiy said. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine's President Zelenskiy asks Putin to meet him for peace talks in conflict zone

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukraine`s Volodymyr Zelenskiy discussed the conflict in eastern Ukraine and both expressed support for a ceasefire that starts on July 27, their offices said on Sunday.

Ukrainian, Russian and OSCE negotiators agreed on a full ceasefire between government forces and pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine from late July, putting on hold the military conflict that claimed more than 13,000 lives since 2014.

"The leaders agreed on the need for an urgent implementation of extra measures to support the ceasefire regime in Donbass," Zelenskiy`s office said, referring to eastern Ukraine.

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Zelenskiy came to power last year promising to end the conflict. Since then, Ukraine and Russia have implemented some confidence-building measures, including prisoner swaps and phased troop withdrawals in designated areas.

Putin told Zelenskiy in a phone call that Ukraine`s decision to hold regional elections in 2020 contradicts the Minsk peace accords aimed at resolving the conflict.

Kyiv plans to hold local elections in October across the country apart from breakaway Donetsk and Luhansk regions. 
Zelenskiy`s office said the Ukrainian president told Putin that further steps were needed to free Ukrainian citizens being held in eastern Ukraine, Crimea and Russia.

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Ukraine and Russia have been foes since 2014, when Moscow seized Ukraine`s Crimea peninsula and backed the rebellion in the east. Major combat ended with a ceasefire agreed in the Belarus capital Minsk in 2015, but sporadic clashes still regularly kill civilians, Ukrainian soldiers and separatists.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukraine`s Volodymyr Zelenskiy discussed the conflict in eastern Ukraine and both expressed support for a ceasefire that starts on July 27, their offices said on Sunday.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukraine`s Volodymyr Zelenskiy discussed the conflict in eastern Ukraine and both expressed support for a ceasefire that starts on July 27, their offices said on Sunday. Ukrainian, Russian and OSCE negotiators agreed on a full ceasefire between government forces and pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine from late July, putting on hold the military conflict that claimed more than 13,000 lives since 2014. "The leaders agreed on the need for an urgent implementation of extra measures to support the ceasefire regime in Donbass," Zelenskiy`s office said, referring to eastern Ukraine. Also read: Putin says Russian Navy to get hypersonic nuclear strike weapons Zelenskiy came to power last year promising to end the conflict. Since then, Ukraine and Russia have implemented some confidence-building measures, including prisoner swaps and phased troop withdrawals in designated areas. Putin told Zelenskiy in a phone call that Ukraine`s decision to hold regional elections in 2020 contradicts the Minsk peace accords aimed at resolving the conflict. Kyiv plans to hold local elections in October across the country apart from breakaway Donetsk and Luhansk regions. Zelenskiy`s office said the Ukrainian president told Putin that further steps were needed to free Ukrainian citizens being held in eastern Ukraine, Crimea and Russia. Also watch: Russia honors its sailors on the Navy day, President Putin opens the Navy day parade Ukraine and Russia have been foes since 2014, when Moscow seized Ukraine`s Crimea peninsula and backed the rebellion in the east. Major combat ended with a ceasefire agreed in the Belarus capital Minsk in 2015, but sporadic clashes still regularly kill civilians, Ukrainian soldiers and separatists.

Putin, Zelenskiy discuss conflict in eastern Ukraine on eve of ceasefire

US President Donald Trump "knew exactly what was going on" with an alleged campaign to pressure Ukrainian officials to investigate political rival Joe Biden, an indicted member his inner circle told US media.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/adam-schiff-to-lead-prosecution-in-us-senate-on-trump-impeachment-trial-pelosi-274484">Also Read: Adam Schiff to lead prosecution in US Senate on Trump impeachment trial</a>

Trump has strongly denied allegations he ordered a campaign pressuring Ukrainian officials to investigate the business dealings of former vice president Biden and his son, part of the impeachment inquiry that will formally read out charges facing the president in the Senate Thursday.

Lev Parnas, an associate of Trump's personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani, told MSNBC on Wednesday that "President Trump knew exactly what was going on."

"He was aware of all my movements. I wouldn't do anything without the consent of Rudy Giuliani or the president."

On Tuesday Democrats released newly acquired files that showed Giuliani working with Parnas early last year to pressure Kiev to investigate Biden.

They also showed the two, working with Ukrainian officials, trying to force out the US ambassador to the country, Marie Yovanovitch, who was eventually removed by Trump.

Parnas, a Soviet-born American, was arrested on charges of campaign finance violations in October as he attempted to flee the country, and was ordered to turn over key documents to House investigators.

Representative Adam Schiff, who had led the investigation and who will now lead the prosecution against Trump, said previously that Parnas "reportedly worked with Giuliani to pressure Ukraine for dirt on Trump's opponents."

The president has denied all wrongdoing, and sought to distance himself from Parnas when he was arrested in October -- along with his business partner.

"I don't know those gentlemen... I don't know what they do," Trump said last year. "Maybe you will have to ask Rudy."

US President Donald Trump "knew exactly what was going on" with an alleged campaign to pressure Ukrainian officials to investigate political rival Joe Biden, an indicted member his inner circle told US media.

US President Donald Trump "knew exactly what was going on" with an alleged campaign to pressure Ukrainian officials to investigate political rival Joe Biden, an indicted member his inner circle told US media. Also Read: Adam Schiff to lead prosecution in US Senate on Trump impeachment trial Trump has strongly denied allegations he ordered a campaign pressuring Ukrainian officials to investigate the business dealings of former vice president Biden and his son, part of the impeachment inquiry that will formally read out charges facing the president in the Senate Thursday. Lev Parnas, an associate of Trump's personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani, told MSNBC on Wednesday that "President Trump knew exactly what was going on." "He was aware of all my movements. I wouldn't do anything without the consent of Rudy Giuliani or the president." On Tuesday Democrats released newly acquired files that showed Giuliani working with Parnas early last year to pressure Kiev to investigate Biden. They also showed the two, working with Ukrainian officials, trying to force out the US ambassador to the country, Marie Yovanovitch, who was eventually removed by Trump. Parnas, a Soviet-born American, was arrested on charges of campaign finance violations in October as he attempted to flee the country, and was ordered to turn over key documents to House investigators. Representative Adam Schiff, who had led the investigation and who will now lead the prosecution against Trump, said previously that Parnas "reportedly worked with Giuliani to pressure Ukraine for dirt on Trump's opponents." The president has denied all wrongdoing, and sought to distance himself from Parnas when he was arrested in October -- along with his business partner. "I don't know those gentlemen... I don't know what they do," Trump said last year. "Maybe you will have to ask Rudy."

President Trump knew exactly what was going on: Giuliani associate on Ukraine row

Former US vice-president and Democratic candidate Joe Biden has said that he could nominate ex-President Obama for the Supreme Court if he wins the US polls in 2020.

Biden was vice-president during former president Obama's two terms. A poll has put Biden as still being a frontrunner in the presidential polls, although with the late entry of Micahel Blomberg in the race it may change.

In recent days, the former US vice-president had also said that he may consider US Senator Kamala Harris as his running mate after she pulled out of the presidential race while adding that she could also become a Supreme Court judge.

Harris, 55, was considered as a prime contender in the Democratic presidential field but as her poll numbers dipped&nbsp;the Democrat pulled out.&nbsp;

Biden who figures prominently in the current impeachment row which led the US Congress to start proceedings against Trump has called for the US president's indictment.

The Democratic-led House of Representatives had opened impeachment proceedings against Trump on September 24 over a phone call he had with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on July 25 in which he asked Zelinskiy to investigate Biden and his businessman son, Hunter Biden.

The US House of Representatives has already impeached Trump with Senate set to decide in the new year.

Former US vice-president and Democratic candidate Joe Biden has said that he could nominate ex-President Obama for the Supreme Court if he wins the US polls in 2020.

Former US vice-president and Democratic candidate Joe Biden has said that he could nominate ex-President Obama for the Supreme Court if he wins the US polls in 2020. Biden was vice-president during former president Obama's two terms. A poll has put Biden as still being a frontrunner in the presidential polls, although with the late entry of Micahel Blomberg in the race it may change. In recent days, the former US vice-president had also said that he may consider US Senator Kamala Harris as his running mate after she pulled out of the presidential race while adding that she could also become a Supreme Court judge. Harris, 55, was considered as a prime contender in the Democratic presidential field but as her poll numbers dipped the Democrat pulled out. Biden who figures prominently in the current impeachment row which led the US Congress to start proceedings against Trump has called for the US president's indictment. The Democratic-led House of Representatives had opened impeachment proceedings against Trump on September 24 over a phone call he had with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on July 25 in which he asked Zelinskiy to investigate Biden and his businessman son, Hunter Biden. The US House of Representatives has already impeached Trump with Senate set to decide in the new year.

Biden may consider Obama as Supreme Court judge if he becomes president

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-foes-begin-key-troop-pullback-in-war-torn-east-before-summit-with-russia-261008">Ukraine</a> expects the United States to maintain or even increase military aid to Kiev next year despite the issue being part of a political battle in Washington over the impeachment of President Donald Trump, Defence Minister Andriy Zahorodniuk told Reuters.

Trump is accused by his Democrat opponents of freezing nearly $400 million in security aid to Ukraine to pressure President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to open investigations into Trump's main rival for the 2020 presidential race.

Trump calls the impeachment probe a witch hunt.

The United States has been Ukraine's biggest benefactor since Moscow's annexation of Crimea in 2014 dragged relations between the West and Russia to their lowest point since the Cold War. It gave $1.5 billion in security aid between 2014-2019.

Trump withheld $391 million of congressionally approved security assistance to Ukraine in July but says there was no quid pro quo,&nbsp;a Latin phrase meaning a favour for a favour,&nbsp;attached to its release. The aid was unfrozen by September.

Ukraine used the aid to acquire hardware such as Javelin anti-tank missiles, grenade launchers, radars and night-vision goggles to fight Russian-backed forces in a conflict in the Donbass region that has killed more than 13,000 people since 2014.

Zahorodniuk said the short duration of the aid freeze meant it had no material impact. He told Reuters in an interview Ukraine expected the same amount of aid, "if not larger" in 2020, and plans to acquire more Javelin missiles.

"There is a general common opinion in both the government and Congress that it should be ramped up," he said, citing what he said was Washington's positive view of Zelenskiy's reform push.

"We do feel support and it's there. It's 100 per cent," he said, when asked if Ukraine still feels it can rely on continued US&nbsp;aid.

Ukraine received two Island-class patrol boats from the United States to bolster its presence in the Black Sea this year, and Zahorodniuk expects three more in 2020.

"I also have to say that this aid has a symbolic meaning. It's not just the money and it's not about the equipment," Zahorodniuk said.

"It's also about the ... show of support from the international community to Ukraine. And that actually has probably for the general population even more meaning than the equipment itself."

The impeachment enquiry into Trump has been an unwelcome <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-adviser-tells-lawmakers-trump-ukraine-call-raised-national-security-concerns-258751">distraction for Zelenskiy</a>, who came to power in April promising to fight corruption and a peaceful end to the Donbass conflict.

Under Zelenskiy's predecessor, Zahorodniuk headed an office under the defence ministry focused on reform but quit in 2017 in frustration at the slow pace of change.

Having rejoined as minister under Zelenskiy, Zahorodniuk wants to make defence procurement more transparent and investigate corruption in the armed forces.

Much of what the military buys is a state secret, making it easier for officials to inflate costs or swing deals towards favoured parties.

The government aims to pass legislation as early as this year to throw open tenders to wider scrutiny and wants to create a separate procurement agency inside the defence ministry similar to a British model, the minister said.

Ukraine expects the United States to maintain or even increase military aid to Kiev next year despite the issue being part of a political battle in Washington over the impeachment of President Donald Trump, Defence Minister Andriy Zahorodniuk told Reuters.

Ukraine expects the United States to maintain or even increase military aid to Kiev next year despite the issue being part of a political battle in Washington over the impeachment of President Donald Trump, Defence Minister Andriy Zahorodniuk told Reuters. Trump is accused by his Democrat opponents of freezing nearly $400 million in security aid to Ukraine to pressure President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to open investigations into Trump's main rival for the 2020 presidential race. Trump calls the impeachment probe a witch hunt. The United States has been Ukraine's biggest benefactor since Moscow's annexation of Crimea in 2014 dragged relations between the West and Russia to their lowest point since the Cold War. It gave $1.5 billion in security aid between 2014-2019. Trump withheld $391 million of congressionally approved security assistance to Ukraine in July but says there was no quid pro quo, a Latin phrase meaning a favour for a favour, attached to its release. The aid was unfrozen by September. Ukraine used the aid to acquire hardware such as Javelin anti-tank missiles, grenade launchers, radars and night-vision goggles to fight Russian-backed forces in a conflict in the Donbass region that has killed more than 13,000 people since 2014. Zahorodniuk said the short duration of the aid freeze meant it had no material impact. He told Reuters in an interview Ukraine expected the same amount of aid, "if not larger" in 2020, and plans to acquire more Javelin missiles. "There is a general common opinion in both the government and Congress that it should be ramped up," he said, citing what he said was Washington's positive view of Zelenskiy's reform push. "We do feel support and it's there. It's 100 per cent," he said, when asked if Ukraine still feels it can rely on continued US aid. Ukraine received two Island-class patrol boats from the United States to bolster its presence in the Black Sea this year, and Zahorodniuk expects three more in 2020. "I also have to say that this aid has a symbolic meaning. It's not just the money and it's not about the equipment," Zahorodniuk said. "It's also about the ... show of support from the international community to Ukraine. And that actually has probably for the general population even more meaning than the equipment itself." The impeachment enquiry into Trump has been an unwelcome distraction for Zelenskiy, who came to power in April promising to fight corruption and a peaceful end to the Donbass conflict. Under Zelenskiy's predecessor, Zahorodniuk headed an office under the defence ministry focused on reform but quit in 2017 in frustration at the slow pace of change. Having rejoined as minister under Zelenskiy, Zahorodniuk wants to make defence procurement more transparent and investigate corruption in the armed forces. Much of what the military buys is a state secret, making it easier for officials to inflate costs or swing deals towards favoured parties. The government aims to pass legislation as early as this year to throw open tenders to wider scrutiny and wants to create a separate procurement agency inside the defence ministry similar to a British model, the minister said.

Ukraine expects United States military aid to keep flowing despite Trump impeachment battle

A&nbsp;top&nbsp;ally&nbsp;of President Donald&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;admitted he told a&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;official that US military&nbsp;aid&nbsp;was contingent on Kyiv investigating&nbsp;Trump's Democratic rival Joe&nbsp;Biden, testimony released Tuesday showed.

In some of the most damning evidence yet to the House impeachment inquiry of&nbsp;Trump, Gordon Sondland, the US ambassador to the European Union, said he told a senior&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;official that military&nbsp;aid&nbsp;would likely not be released until Kyiv made clear it would investigate&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;and his son's ties to&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;energy firm Burisma.

Sondland, in amended testimony that reversed his earlier denial, admitted he laid out the allegedly illegal quid pro quo in a September 1 discussion with Andriy&nbsp;Yermak, a&nbsp;top&nbsp;advisor to&nbsp;Ukrainian&nbsp;President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Sondland said it was the culmination of months of pressure placed on Kyiv, primarily via&nbsp;Trump's personal lawyer <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rudy-giulianis-associate-lev-parnas-will-comply-with-trump-impeachment-inquiry-260111">Rudy Giuliani</a>, to open "anti-corruption" investigations into the Bidens and into&nbsp;Trump's unfounded belief that&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;assisted the Democrats in the 2016 election.

Sondland told Yermak "that resumption of US&nbsp;aid&nbsp;would not likely occur until&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;provided the anti-corruption statement that we had been discussing for weeks," he told investigators.

The White House has repeatedly denied there was any link between the&nbsp;aid&nbsp;and any demands by&nbsp;Trump, despite the evidence from the summary of a July 25 phone call,&nbsp;just one week after&nbsp;aid&nbsp;was frozen,&nbsp;in which&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;sought a "favor" from Zelensky and referred directly to&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;and the 2016 issue.

Sondland, appointed ambassador by&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;after donating $1 million to his inauguration, said he was fully aware of the linkage made between the $391 million in US military&nbsp;aid&nbsp;and&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;helping&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;prepare to fight for reelection next year.

"I presumed that the&nbsp;aid&nbsp;suspension had become linked to the proposed anti-corruption statement" Zelensky was told to make regarding&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;and 2016 probes.

Sondland admitted to impeachment investigators that he understood the linkage was "improper."

Asked if it was illegal, Sondland responded: "I'm not a lawyer, but I assume so."Sondland's testimony, and that of Kurt Volker, the former US Special Representative to&nbsp;Ukraine, appeared to strengthen Democrats' charges that&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;abused his office by seeking foreign help for his 2020 election campaign and should be impeached and removed from office.

The testimony, taken in private last month, was released as the House prepares for the second phase of the impeachment inquiry, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/committee-releases-first-transcripts-in-trump-impeachment-inquiry-259964">open hearings</a> that could within several weeks lead to articles of impeachment being passed by the House.

The White House, in a statement, said their testimony offered no new evidence for "this illegitimate impeachment sham."

The White House continued to block senior officials from testifying, and was expected to do the same in response to a Democrats' Tuesday request to&nbsp;Trump's chief of staff Mick Mulvaney and be interviewed by investigators.

Other witnesses have said that Mulvaney was responsible for freezing the&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;aid&nbsp;in mid-July, and that he told others it was done at&nbsp;Trump's command.

"No amount of salacious media-biased headlines, which are clearly designed to influence the narrative, change the fact that the president has done nothing wrong," said White House spokesperson Stephanie Grisham in a statement.

Yet, according to the transcripts, both Sondland and Volker described&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;as being transfixed by the wholly unsubstantiated idea, popular in Republican circles, that&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;assisted Democrats in their efforts to defeat&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;in the 2016 presidential election.

They also describe Giuliani as being&nbsp;Trump's point man for pushing Zelensky's government into finding dirt on&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;and the Democrats.

"He just kept saying: talk to Rudy, talk to Rudy," Sondland said of a May meeting with&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;on&nbsp;Ukraine.

A top ally of President Donald Trump admitted he told a Ukraine official that US military aid was contingent on Kyiv investigating Trump's Democratic rival Joe Biden, testimony released Tuesday showed.

A top ally of President Donald Trump admitted he told a Ukraine official that US military aid was contingent on Kyiv investigating Trump's Democratic rival Joe Biden, testimony released Tuesday showed. In some of the most damning evidence yet to the House impeachment inquiry of Trump, Gordon Sondland, the US ambassador to the European Union, said he told a senior Ukraine official that military aid would likely not be released until Kyiv made clear it would investigate Biden and his son's ties to Ukraine energy firm Burisma. Sondland, in amended testimony that reversed his earlier denial, admitted he laid out the allegedly illegal quid pro quo in a September 1 discussion with Andriy Yermak, a top advisor to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Sondland said it was the culmination of months of pressure placed on Kyiv, primarily via Trump's personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani, to open "anti-corruption" investigations into the Bidens and into Trump's unfounded belief that Ukraine assisted the Democrats in the 2016 election. Sondland told Yermak "that resumption of US aid would not likely occur until Ukraine provided the anti-corruption statement that we had been discussing for weeks," he told investigators. The White House has repeatedly denied there was any link between the aid and any demands by Trump, despite the evidence from the summary of a July 25 phone call, just one week after aid was frozen, in which Trump sought a "favor" from Zelensky and referred directly to Biden and the 2016 issue. Sondland, appointed ambassador by Trump after donating $1 million to his inauguration, said he was fully aware of the linkage made between the $391 million in US military aid and Ukraine helping Trump prepare to fight for reelection next year. "I presumed that the aid suspension had become linked to the proposed anti-corruption statement" Zelensky was told to make regarding Biden and 2016 probes. Sondland admitted to impeachment investigators that he understood the linkage was "improper." Asked if it was illegal, Sondland responded: "I'm not a lawyer, but I assume so."Sondland's testimony, and that of Kurt Volker, the former US Special Representative to Ukraine, appeared to strengthen Democrats' charges that Trump abused his office by seeking foreign help for his 2020 election campaign and should be impeached and removed from office. The testimony, taken in private last month, was released as the House prepares for the second phase of the impeachment inquiry, open hearings that could within several weeks lead to articles of impeachment being passed by the House. The White House, in a statement, said their testimony offered no new evidence for "this illegitimate impeachment sham." The White House continued to block senior officials from testifying, and was expected to do the same in response to a Democrats' Tuesday request to Trump's chief of staff Mick Mulvaney and be interviewed by investigators. Other witnesses have said that Mulvaney was responsible for freezing the Ukraine aid in mid-July, and that he told others it was done at Trump's command. "No amount of salacious media-biased headlines, which are clearly designed to influence the narrative, change the fact that the president has done nothing wrong," said White House spokesperson Stephanie Grisham in a statement. Yet, according to the transcripts, both Sondland and Volker described Trump as being transfixed by the wholly unsubstantiated idea, popular in Republican circles, that Ukraine assisted Democrats in their efforts to defeat Trump in the 2016 presidential election. They also describe Giuliani as being Trump's point man for pushing Zelensky's government into finding dirt on Biden and the Democrats. "He just kept saying: talk to Rudy, talk to Rudy," Sondland said of a May meeting with Trump on Ukraine.

Top Trump ally admits tying Ukraine aid to Biden investigation

Testimony&nbsp;by&nbsp;two&nbsp;of the "three amigos" charged with running&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;policy for President Donald Trump will be made&nbsp;public&nbsp;on Tuesday, as Democratic-led congressional committees <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/committee-releases-first-transcripts-in-trump-impeachment-inquiry-259964">release more transcripts</a>&nbsp;from&nbsp;their impeachment investigation.

Representative Adam Schiff, chairman of the House of Representatives Intelligence Committee, told reporters on Monday that transcripts would be released of interviews with Kurt Volker,&nbsp;Trump's&nbsp;former special representative for&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;negotiations, and Gordon Sondland, the US&nbsp;ambassador to the European Union.

Witnesses have testified that Volker and Sondland, with&nbsp;Trump's&nbsp;secretary of energy, Rick Perry, were known as the "three amigos," responsible for&nbsp;Trump's&nbsp;unofficial channel to Ukrainian government officials.

Volker resigned as special representative in September. He testified to the House Foreign Affairs, Intelligence and Oversight panels for more than eight hours behind closed doors on October&nbsp;3.

Sondland, a major Trump donor, testified on October&nbsp;17.

Perry, a former Texas governor who said he was resigning&nbsp;from&nbsp;his Cabinet post as of December&nbsp;1, has refused to date to testify.

Tuesday's will be the second&nbsp;public&nbsp;release of&nbsp;testimony&nbsp;in the impeachment investigation of Trump that Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi formally launched on September&nbsp;24.

On Monday, the committees released transcripts of&nbsp;testimony&nbsp;by Marie Yovanovitch, whom Trump abruptly recalled as ambassador to&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;in May, and Michael McKinley, a former top adviser to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

In their interviews, Yovanovitch and McKinley said the State Department was being used for domestic political purposes under Trump and warned that would hurt American interests.

The House investigation is focused on a July 25 phone call in which Trump asked Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to investigate former Vice President Joe Biden, a leading Democratic rival as Trump seeks re-election in November 2020.

Trump froze nearly $400 million in US&nbsp;military assistance to&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;shortly before speaking to Zelenskiy, prompting accusations&nbsp;from&nbsp;Democrats that he had misused US&nbsp;foreign policy for personal gain.

Strongly backed by his fellow Republicans in Congress, Trump has denied wrongdoing and accused Democrats of unfairly targeting him in the hope of reversing his surprise election victory in 2016.

The committees began releasing interview transcripts as they prepare for&nbsp;public&nbsp;hearings that could start this month.

According to accounts of their&nbsp;testimony&nbsp;already&nbsp;public, both Sondland and Volker discussed communications between&nbsp;Trump's&nbsp;private attorney, Rudy Giuliani, and Ukrainian officials with House investigators.

Volker turned over text messages concerning&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;among himself, Giuliani and other diplomats.

Sondland testified that Trump directed him, Perry and Volker to talk to Giuliani about his concerns about corruption in&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;and that the three were dismayed by that order.

He said he did not understand "until much later" that Giuliani's agenda included a push for&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;to investigate Biden. Sondland also said it would be wrong to get a foreign government to launch investigations in order to influence a U.S. election.

The committees have also scheduled more closed-door&nbsp;testimony&nbsp;on Tuesday&nbsp;from&nbsp;Michael Duffey, associate director of the White House budget office, and Wells Griffith, senior director for international energy and the environment on the White House National Security Council.

Officials have said they do not expect either to appear, after four White House witnesses failed to testify on Monday.

Schiff said the failure of the witnesses to show up was more evidence against Trump. "This will only further add to the body of evidence on a potential obstruction of Congress charge against the president," Schiff told reporters.

Testimony by two of the "three amigos" charged with running Ukraine policy for President Donald Trump will be made public on Tuesday, as Democratic-led congressional committees release more transcripts from their impeachment investigation.

Testimony by two of the "three amigos" charged with running Ukraine policy for President Donald Trump will be made public on Tuesday, as Democratic-led congressional committees release more transcripts from their impeachment investigation. Representative Adam Schiff, chairman of the House of Representatives Intelligence Committee, told reporters on Monday that transcripts would be released of interviews with Kurt Volker, Trump's former special representative for Ukraine negotiations, and Gordon Sondland, the US ambassador to the European Union. Witnesses have testified that Volker and Sondland, with Trump's secretary of energy, Rick Perry, were known as the "three amigos," responsible for Trump's unofficial channel to Ukrainian government officials. Volker resigned as special representative in September. He testified to the House Foreign Affairs, Intelligence and Oversight panels for more than eight hours behind closed doors on October 3. Sondland, a major Trump donor, testified on October 17. Perry, a former Texas governor who said he was resigning from his Cabinet post as of December 1, has refused to date to testify. Tuesday's will be the second public release of testimony in the impeachment investigation of Trump that Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi formally launched on September 24. On Monday, the committees released transcripts of testimony by Marie Yovanovitch, whom Trump abruptly recalled as ambassador to Ukraine in May, and Michael McKinley, a former top adviser to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. In their interviews, Yovanovitch and McKinley said the State Department was being used for domestic political purposes under Trump and warned that would hurt American interests. The House investigation is focused on a July 25 phone call in which Trump asked Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to investigate former Vice President Joe Biden, a leading Democratic rival as Trump seeks re-election in November 2020. Trump froze nearly $400 million in US military assistance to Ukraine shortly before speaking to Zelenskiy, prompting accusations from Democrats that he had misused US foreign policy for personal gain. Strongly backed by his fellow Republicans in Congress, Trump has denied wrongdoing and accused Democrats of unfairly targeting him in the hope of reversing his surprise election victory in 2016. The committees began releasing interview transcripts as they prepare for public hearings that could start this month. According to accounts of their testimony already public, both Sondland and Volker discussed communications between Trump's private attorney, Rudy Giuliani, and Ukrainian officials with House investigators. Volker turned over text messages concerning Ukraine among himself, Giuliani and other diplomats. Sondland testified that Trump directed him, Perry and Volker to talk to Giuliani about his concerns about corruption in Ukraine and that the three were dismayed by that order. He said he did not understand "until much later" that Giuliani's agenda included a push for Ukraine to investigate Biden. Sondland also said it would be wrong to get a foreign government to launch investigations in order to influence a U.S. election. The committees have also scheduled more closed-door testimony on Tuesday from Michael Duffey, associate director of the White House budget office, and Wells Griffith, senior director for international energy and the environment on the White House National Security Council. Officials have said they do not expect either to appear, after four White House witnesses failed to testify on Monday. Schiff said the failure of the witnesses to show up was more evidence against Trump. "This will only further add to the body of evidence on a potential obstruction of Congress charge against the president," Schiff told reporters.

Testimony from two of Trump's Ukraine policymakers to become public

Zelenskiy earns the title of Longest news conference held

Ukrainian President Breaks Record

Ukraine's parliament approved a law on Thursday that grants special status <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/unsc-schedules-urgent-meeting-to-address-the-situation-in-eastern-ukraine-213439">to the Ukrainian language </a>and makes it mandatory for public sector workers, a move Russia described as divisive and said discriminated against Russian-speakers.

The law, which obliges all citizens to know the Ukrainian language and makes it a mandatory requirement for civil servants, soldiers, doctors, and teachers, was championed by outgoing President Petro Poroshenko.

He is expected to sign it into law before he leaves office in coming weeks after losing re-election on Sunday to Volodymyr Zelenskiy, an actor who mainly speaks Russian in public.

Ukrainian is the predominant language in western Ukraine, while Russian is predominant in much of the east. Both languages are spoken widely in the capital Kiev, and a large proportion of the population speaks both fluently.

Television is often bi-lingual, with talk show hosts and their guests slipping between the two languages, sometimes asking questions in one and answering them in another.

Language has become a much more sensitive issue since 2014, when a pro-Russian president was toppled in a popular revolt and Russia responded by annexing the Crimea region and backing a pro-Russian separatist uprising in the east.

The separatists argued in part that easterners were victims of growing discrimination against Russian-speakers. Some Ukrainian-speakers argue that the prominence of Russian is a legacy of the Soviet era that undermines Ukraine's identity.

On Wednesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed an order simplifying the procedure for obtaining a Russian passport for residents of eastern Ukraine's rebellious regions, prompting calls from Kiev for more international sanctions.

Poroshenko put promotion of the Ukrainian language at the heart of his unsuccessful re-election campaign.

Zelenskiy, who played a schoolteacher-turned-president in a Russian-language comedy series on Ukrainian TV before launching his political career, said on Thursday his team would examine the new law to see if the rights of all citizens were respected.

"We must initiate and adopt laws and decisions that consolidate society, and not vice versa," he wrote on Facebook.

Zelenskiy said the draft law's origins during the electoral cycle "made it hostage to political rhetoric", adding that it was hard to predict the consequences of adopting the law.

Maria Zakharova, a spokeswoman for Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said the new law would deepen divisions within Ukrainian society and impose severe limitations, including in some cases bans, on the use of Russian in Ukrainian public life.

Viktor Medvedchuk, a prominent figure in Ukraine's Russia-friendly opposition, said it violated the constitutional rights of millions of Ukrainian Russian-speakers.

The new legislation requires TV and film distribution firms to ensure 90 per cent of their content is in Ukrainian and for the proportion of Ukrainian-language printed media and books to be at least 50 per cent.

Computer software must also have a Ukrainian-language interface although the law also allows the use of English or any other official language of the European Union.

Lawmakers gave a standing ovation after the law was passed and sang the national anthem. Hundreds of people with Ukrainian flags had gathered outside parliament to support the law.

"This is a historic moment, which Ukrainians have been awaiting for centuries, because for centuries Ukrainians have tried to achieve the right to their own language," one of the authors of the bill, Mykola Knyazhytsky, said before the vote.

The make-up of the parliament has not changed since Zelenskiy's election win and remains dominated by a coalition supportive of Poroshenko.

Ukraine's parliament approved a law on Thursday that grants special status to the Ukrainian language and makes it mandatory for public sector workers, a move Russia described as divisive and said discriminated against Russian-speakers.

Ukraine's parliament approved a law on Thursday that grants special status to the Ukrainian language and makes it mandatory for public sector workers, a move Russia described as divisive and said discriminated against Russian-speakers. The law, which obliges all citizens to know the Ukrainian language and makes it a mandatory requirement for civil servants, soldiers, doctors, and teachers, was championed by outgoing President Petro Poroshenko. He is expected to sign it into law before he leaves office in coming weeks after losing re-election on Sunday to Volodymyr Zelenskiy, an actor who mainly speaks Russian in public. Ukrainian is the predominant language in western Ukraine, while Russian is predominant in much of the east. Both languages are spoken widely in the capital Kiev, and a large proportion of the population speaks both fluently. Television is often bi-lingual, with talk show hosts and their guests slipping between the two languages, sometimes asking questions in one and answering them in another. Language has become a much more sensitive issue since 2014, when a pro-Russian president was toppled in a popular revolt and Russia responded by annexing the Crimea region and backing a pro-Russian separatist uprising in the east. The separatists argued in part that easterners were victims of growing discrimination against Russian-speakers. Some Ukrainian-speakers argue that the prominence of Russian is a legacy of the Soviet era that undermines Ukraine's identity. On Wednesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed an order simplifying the procedure for obtaining a Russian passport for residents of eastern Ukraine's rebellious regions, prompting calls from Kiev for more international sanctions. Poroshenko put promotion of the Ukrainian language at the heart of his unsuccessful re-election campaign. Zelenskiy, who played a schoolteacher-turned-president in a Russian-language comedy series on Ukrainian TV before launching his political career, said on Thursday his team would examine the new law to see if the rights of all citizens were respected. "We must initiate and adopt laws and decisions that consolidate society, and not vice versa," he wrote on Facebook. Zelenskiy said the draft law's origins during the electoral cycle "made it hostage to political rhetoric", adding that it was hard to predict the consequences of adopting the law. Maria Zakharova, a spokeswoman for Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said the new law would deepen divisions within Ukrainian society and impose severe limitations, including in some cases bans, on the use of Russian in Ukrainian public life. Viktor Medvedchuk, a prominent figure in Ukraine's Russia-friendly opposition, said it violated the constitutional rights of millions of Ukrainian Russian-speakers. The new legislation requires TV and film distribution firms to ensure 90 per cent of their content is in Ukrainian and for the proportion of Ukrainian-language printed media and books to be at least 50 per cent. Computer software must also have a Ukrainian-language interface although the law also allows the use of English or any other official language of the European Union. Lawmakers gave a standing ovation after the law was passed and sang the national anthem. Hundreds of people with Ukrainian flags had gathered outside parliament to support the law. "This is a historic moment, which Ukrainians have been awaiting for centuries, because for centuries Ukrainians have tried to achieve the right to their own language," one of the authors of the bill, Mykola Knyazhytsky, said before the vote. The make-up of the parliament has not changed since Zelenskiy's election win and remains dominated by a coalition supportive of Poroshenko.

Parliament approves law to grant special status to Ukrainian language

The two men vying to be Ukraine's next president traded insults in a raucous debate on Friday in front of thousands of supporters before an election that could put a comedian with no political experience in charge of a country at war.

The debate, held in a hulking football stadium, was one of the last opportunities for incumbent President <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/ahead-of-presidential-polls-ukraines-poroshenko-says-his-only-opponent-is-vladimir-putin-206780&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjBkZW57d3hAhUUaI8KHVcZBLAQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw0ZtZ319c5wCekXC-c6l9Xj">Petro Poroshenko</a> to try to overhaul a significant lead in the opinion polls enjoyed by his challenger <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/comedian-zelensky-in-bitter-battle-with-president-poroshenko-in-ukraine-polls-211924&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiAjMDL7d3hAhWMwI8KHd1FAT8QFggIMAE&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw2z1fexAyMQ1FoN7AQsnEYJ">Volodymyr Zelenskiy</a>, a comic.

The event was light on policy and heavy on theatrics with supporters cheering and booing their respective candidates and shouting "Shame" and "Go away" in a gladiatorial atmosphere.

At stake in Sunday's election is the leadership of a country on the frontline of the West's standoff with Moscow following 2014 protests that caused Poroshenko's Kremlin-backed predecessor to flee into exile, and foreshadowed Moscow's annexation of Crimea.

In a rare break from mutual mud-slinging, both men briefly knelt on stage at one point to honour the memory of Ukrainian soldiers killed in the country's simmering 5-year war with Russian-backed separatists.

Zelenskiy, 41, who plays a fictional president in a popular TV series, tried to cast Poroshenko, 53, as a rich out-of-touch leader who has overseen corruption and failed to end the war.

"I'm not a politician," Zelenskiy told Poroshenko. "I'm just an ordinary person who has come to break the system. I'm the result of your mistakes and promises."

He also questioned why living standards were in decline.

"How is it that Ukraine is the poorest country with the richest president?"

Standing in front of a Ukrainian flag surrounded by army veterans, Poroshenko tried to portray Zelenskiy as an inept draft-dodger who would be unable to defend the country against Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"You'd be a weak head of state who would be unable to defend yourself from Putin's blows. I don't believe that Mr Volodymyr (Zelenskiy) dreams of handing over Ukraine, of dragging Ukraine back into the Russian empire, but Putin has such a dream."

Zelenskiy was a front for other people, said Poroshenko, accusing him of wanting to further Russian interests and those of Ihor Kolomoisky, one of Ukraine's richest businessmen.

He also levelled accusations of financial wrongdoing against Zelenskiy to which the comedian hit back:

"I'm not at the prosecutor's office, I haven't done anything to find myself there, but maybe you'll have to meet with the prosecutor."

Zelenskiy has put Poroshenko on the backfoot by running an unorthodox campaign that eschewed traditional rallies and relied on quirky social media videos and comedy gigs.

The hour-long debate in the stadium, an unprecedented spectacle in Ukraine's modern history, came after Zelenskiy challenged Poroshenko to meet him there.

"I think this is the first and last time it'll be this way in the history of such debates. For them to be in a stadium? Never again. The atmosphere is just super," said Anya, a 25-year-old Zelenskiy supporter from the Poltava region.

"I loved it."

The two men vying to be Ukraine's next president traded insults in a raucous debate on Friday in front of thousands of supporters before an election that could put a comedian with no political experience in charge of a country at war.

The two men vying to be Ukraine's next president traded insults in a raucous debate on Friday in front of thousands of supporters before an election that could put a comedian with no political experience in charge of a country at war. The debate, held in a hulking football stadium, was one of the last opportunities for incumbent President Petro Poroshenko to try to overhaul a significant lead in the opinion polls enjoyed by his challenger Volodymyr Zelenskiy, a comic. The event was light on policy and heavy on theatrics with supporters cheering and booing their respective candidates and shouting "Shame" and "Go away" in a gladiatorial atmosphere. At stake in Sunday's election is the leadership of a country on the frontline of the West's standoff with Moscow following 2014 protests that caused Poroshenko's Kremlin-backed predecessor to flee into exile, and foreshadowed Moscow's annexation of Crimea. In a rare break from mutual mud-slinging, both men briefly knelt on stage at one point to honour the memory of Ukrainian soldiers killed in the country's simmering 5-year war with Russian-backed separatists. Zelenskiy, 41, who plays a fictional president in a popular TV series, tried to cast Poroshenko, 53, as a rich out-of-touch leader who has overseen corruption and failed to end the war. "I'm not a politician," Zelenskiy told Poroshenko. "I'm just an ordinary person who has come to break the system. I'm the result of your mistakes and promises." He also questioned why living standards were in decline. "How is it that Ukraine is the poorest country with the richest president?" Standing in front of a Ukrainian flag surrounded by army veterans, Poroshenko tried to portray Zelenskiy as an inept draft-dodger who would be unable to defend the country against Russian President Vladimir Putin. "You'd be a weak head of state who would be unable to defend yourself from Putin's blows. I don't believe that Mr Volodymyr (Zelenskiy) dreams of handing over Ukraine, of dragging Ukraine back into the Russian empire, but Putin has such a dream." Zelenskiy was a front for other people, said Poroshenko, accusing him of wanting to further Russian interests and those of Ihor Kolomoisky, one of Ukraine's richest businessmen. He also levelled accusations of financial wrongdoing against Zelenskiy to which the comedian hit back: "I'm not at the prosecutor's office, I haven't done anything to find myself there, but maybe you'll have to meet with the prosecutor." Zelenskiy has put Poroshenko on the backfoot by running an unorthodox campaign that eschewed traditional rallies and relied on quirky social media videos and comedy gigs. The hour-long debate in the stadium, an unprecedented spectacle in Ukraine's modern history, came after Zelenskiy challenged Poroshenko to meet him there. "I think this is the first and last time it'll be this way in the history of such debates. For them to be in a stadium? Never again. The atmosphere is just super," said Anya, a 25-year-old Zelenskiy supporter from the Poltava region. "I loved it."

Ukrainian presidential candidates trade insults in rowdy stadium debate

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