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Nearly half of Democrat voters do not want US President Joe Biden to go into a run-in with his predecessor Donald Trump for the keys to the White House, come November, a new poll has revealed. Instead, the Democrats want former first lady Michelle Obama to replace him as the party's frontrunner.&nbsp;

The poll survey data released by&nbsp;Rasmussen Reports on Monday (Feb 26) shows&nbsp;that about 48 per cent of Democrats approve of the party&nbsp;“finding another candidate to replace Joe Biden before the election in November", compared to 38 per cent who disapprove.&nbsp;

However, only 33 per cent believe that such a ballot shakeup, this late in the presidential campaign was likely to happen.

The poll conducted on 960 voters found little consensus on who should replace Biden on the ballot but Obama, 60, led with 20 per cent of respondents voting for her.&nbsp;

She emerged as the leading candidate amongst the likes of Vice President Kamala Harris, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, “none of the above” and “not sure”.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-dreamers-left-in-lurch-by-senate-border-bill-687433">Watch | US: 'Dreamers' left in lurch by Senate Border Bill</a>

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<h2>A difficult climb for Biden</h2>

At least 12 per cent of Democrats said they were game for a possible rematch of the 2016 presidential race when Clinton squared up against Trump.&nbsp;

Notably, Republican Senator Ted Cruz had argued in September last year that Obama might be "parachuted in" at the&nbsp;Democratic National Convention and announced as the&nbsp;party’s nominee for president in place of Biden.

Despite Obama's repeated insistence that she wants to remain away from politics, her name keeps popping up - leading to routine speculations.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hypocrisy-us-president-joe-biden-joins-tiktok-to-power-re-election-campaign-689374">Also read |&nbsp;Hypocrisy? US President Joe Biden's re-election campaign joins TikTok even as govt cracks down on app</a>

With US presidential elections scheduled for November, the war of words has intensified between Biden and Trump. While the Republican nomination seeker is breaking all records in the primaries and caucuses, his Democrat counterpart has been witnessing a severe dip in approval ratings.&nbsp;

A Gallup poll revealed that Biden has less approval than all recent presidential incumbents. The poll results showed that only 38 per cent of respondents felt that Biden deserved a second term as US president.&nbsp;His predecessor, former US president Donald Trump had an approval rating of 50 per cent in January 2020, the beginning of the election year last time.

(With inputs from agencies)

Nearly half of Democrat voters do not want US President Joe Biden to go into a run-in with his predecessor Donald Trump for the keys to the White House, come November, a new poll has revealed.

Nearly half of Democrat voters do not want US President Joe Biden to go into a run-in with his predecessor Donald Trump for the keys to the White House, come November, a new poll has revealed. Instead, the Democrats want former first lady Michelle Obama to replace him as the party's frontrunner. The poll survey data released by Rasmussen Reports on Monday (Feb 26) shows that about 48 per cent of Democrats approve of the party “finding another candidate to replace Joe Biden before the election in November", compared to 38 per cent who disapprove. However, only 33 per cent believe that such a ballot shakeup, this late in the presidential campaign was likely to happen. The poll conducted on 960 voters found little consensus on who should replace Biden on the ballot but Obama, 60, led with 20 per cent of respondents voting for her. She emerged as the leading candidate amongst the likes of Vice President Kamala Harris, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, “none of the above” and “not sure”. Watch | US: 'Dreamers' left in lurch by Senate Border Bill A difficult climb for Biden At least 12 per cent of Democrats said they were game for a possible rematch of the 2016 presidential race when Clinton squared up against Trump. Notably, Republican Senator Ted Cruz had argued in September last year that Obama might be "parachuted in" at the Democratic National Convention and announced as the party’s nominee for president in place of Biden. Despite Obama's repeated insistence that she wants to remain away from politics, her name keeps popping up - leading to routine speculations. Also read | Hypocrisy? US President Joe Biden's re-election campaign joins TikTok even as govt cracks down on app With US presidential elections scheduled for November, the war of words has intensified between Biden and Trump. While the Republican nomination seeker is breaking all records in the primaries and caucuses, his Democrat counterpart has been witnessing a severe dip in approval ratings. A Gallup poll revealed that Biden has less approval than all recent presidential incumbents. The poll results showed that only 38 per cent of respondents felt that Biden deserved a second term as US president. His predecessor, former US president Donald Trump had an approval rating of 50 per cent in January 2020, the beginning of the election year last time. (With inputs from agencies)

Almost half of Democrats don't want Joe Biden in presidential race, reveals poll

The White House on Monday (Feb 26) reacted to the alleged murder of Laken Hope Riley, the Augusta University student who was allegedly killed by an undocumented Venezuelan migrant on the University of Georgia (UGA) campus in Athens City of Georgia state.

A White House spokesperson said: "We would like to extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Laken Hope Riley. People should be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law if they are found to be guilty. Given this is an active case, we would have to refer you to state law enforcement and ICE."

Also watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Controversial U.S. Immigration policy Title 42 ends

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UGA Police Chief Jeffrey Clark said on Feb 23 that Jose Antonio Ibarra, a 26-year-old illegal immigrant from Venezuela, was arrested in connection with Riley's murder during a Thursday morning jog on the UGA campus.

The arrest followed a press conference where Clark said that Riley succumbed to blunt force trauma.

Ibarra had illegally crossed the US-Mexico border in El Paso, Texas, in September 2022, subsequently being paroled into the United States. He then travelled to New York City to temporarily live with his wife before relocating to Athens.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-set-to-make-immigration-faster-easier-for-ai-professionals-how-will-this-help-indians-653502">US to make immigration faster, easier for AI professionals. How will this help Indians?</a>

There, he lived for approximately six months on the southern border of the UGA campus, Fox News reported.&nbsp;

Ibarra now faces several&nbsp;charges, including malice murder, felony murder, aggravated battery, aggravated assault, false imprisonment, kidnapping, hindering a 911 call, and concealing the death of another.

Meanwhile, Ibarra's older brother, Diego Ibarra, faced charges of green card fraud and was briefly employed by UGA as a dish washer in one of the school's dining halls using fraudulent documentation. He has since been terminated from his position.

Riley's family posted a statement over the weekend, describing the 22-year-old as "an amazing daughter, sister, friend, and overall person."&nbsp;

"She will be missed every day, but we promise to honour her life moving forward in a very big way."

(With inputs from agencies)

The White House on Monday (Feb 26) reacted to the alleged murder of Laken Hope Riley, the Augusta University student who was allegedly killed by an undocumented Venezuelan migrant on the University of Georgia (UGA) campus in Athens City of Georgia state.

The White House on Monday (Feb 26) reacted to the alleged murder of Laken Hope Riley, the Augusta University student who was allegedly killed by an undocumented Venezuelan migrant on the University of Georgia (UGA) campus in Athens City of Georgia state. A White House spokesperson said: "We would like to extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Laken Hope Riley. People should be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law if they are found to be guilty. Given this is an active case, we would have to refer you to state law enforcement and ICE." Also watch | Gravitas: Controversial U.S. Immigration policy Title 42 ends × UGA Police Chief Jeffrey Clark said on Feb 23 that Jose Antonio Ibarra, a 26-year-old illegal immigrant from Venezuela, was arrested in connection with Riley's murder during a Thursday morning jog on the UGA campus. The arrest followed a press conference where Clark said that Riley succumbed to blunt force trauma. Ibarra had illegally crossed the US-Mexico border in El Paso, Texas, in September 2022, subsequently being paroled into the United States. He then travelled to New York City to temporarily live with his wife before relocating to Athens. Also read | US to make immigration faster, easier for AI professionals. How will this help Indians? There, he lived for approximately six months on the southern border of the UGA campus, Fox News reported. Ibarra now faces several charges, including malice murder, felony murder, aggravated battery, aggravated assault, false imprisonment, kidnapping, hindering a 911 call, and concealing the death of another. Meanwhile, Ibarra's older brother, Diego Ibarra, faced charges of green card fraud and was briefly employed by UGA as a dish washer in one of the school's dining halls using fraudulent documentation. He has since been terminated from his position. Riley's family posted a statement over the weekend, describing the 22-year-old as "an amazing daughter, sister, friend, and overall person." "She will be missed every day, but we promise to honour her life moving forward in a very big way." (With inputs from agencies)

White House reacts to alleged killing of Laken Hope Riley by undocumented immigrant

Soft-landing a craft on the moon is difficult. There's no nation or private firm that will dispute it. Everyone who has tried has learnt lessons the hard way. Ample testimony to this fact is how America, the pioneer of space technology with multiple Apollo-series manned moon landings is celebrating the latest partial success by private firm Intuitive Machines.

Soft-landing a craft on the moon is difficult. There's no nation or private firm that will dispute it. Everyone who has tried has learnt lessons the hard way. Ample testimony to this fact is how America, the pioneer of space technology with multiple Apollo-series manned moon landings is celebrating the latest partial success by private firm Intuitive Machines. Lunar lander Odysseus, made by Texas-based Intuitive Machines, managed to soft-land near the Lunar South Pole on Friday (Feb 23). America's last manned moon mission was the Apollo 17 in 1972 and since then, America hasn't landed on the moon — be it man or robot... In recent years, the US has been working towards setting up a long-term presence of humans on the moon. As part of this, NASA has been funding American private firms, in what is known as the Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) programme. NASA pays companies to ferry different kinds of experiments to the moon, the private firm would be tasked with building, launching and operating the spacecraft. Also Read: US spaceship Odysseus may have 'tipped over' on Moon surface, likely 'fractured' landing equipment Earlier this year, a similar private Mission Peregrine One by American Firm Astrobotic ended up in failure, while travelling from the earth to the moon. That's where Intuitive Machines has succeeded. Their craft has soft-landed on the moon and is operational. Literally - there's an American moon landing, more than 50 years after Apollo 17. However, there's a catch. The robotic craft Odysseus appears to have landed tilted. Perhaps, it broke a leg while landing. It does qualify as a soft landing, but the craft's operational capabilities could be impacted in some way or the other. Recently, the Japanese Space Agency JAXA also soft-landed its Smart Lander for Investigating Moon(SLIM) craft. With that, Japan became the 5th nation to land a craft on the moon, but even SLIM had a tilted landing. It hampered some of the operations of the craft. However, Japan managed to get images of their craft on the moon using their toy-based robotic rovers. So Far, the American firm hasn't shared images of their Odysseus landed on the moon. Moon landings are never easy. A host of private firms and Government agencies failed in recent years. Here are the notable ones: In April 2019, Beresheet, a private mission from Israel had hard-landed on the moon and was destroyed on impact. In September 2019, the Indian space agency's Chandrayaan-2 had a hard landing and was destroyed on impact. In March 2023, Hakuto-R, a private moon landing mission from Japan crash-landed on the moon. In August 2023, Russia's Luna-25 lander crash-landed on the moon, owing to a failed manoeuvre. It was a mission by the Russian space agency Roscosmos. However, the biggest success in recent years has been India's Chandrayaan-3 which soft-landed flawlessly on August 23, 2023. This was of course a mission by the Indian government space agency ISRO. Indian space agency officials described it as a "feather-like soft-landing". This was India's second attempt at lunar landing and it delivered on all planned objectives and much more. The success of Chandrayaan-3 demonstrated the determination of ISRO teams, who worked for four years to perfect the flawless mission by performing thousands of simulations and ground tests. Chandrayaan-3 highlights The Vikram lander touched down perfectly near the Lunar south pole, as planned. It was the first craft to soft touch down near the lunar south pole ISRO shared multiple images of the lander and rover on the Lunar surface. The lander ramp was deployed and rover Pragyan traversed the moon. All scientific equipment performed their roles and sent the data back to Earth. Watch: Odysseus moon landing: Historic mission reaches lunar surface Before the planned end of the mission, ISRO performed a hop test with its lander and tested a crucial technology where a craft can fire its engines to vertically take off from the moon's surface. From the moon's orbit, the Chandrayaan-3 propulsion module was steered back towards Earth. This is essential to return from the moon and bring back samples to earth. Learning lessons from one failed landing, ISRO delivered a textbook success mission with Chandrayaan-3 and made 1.4 billion Indians proud and amazed the world. ISRO is now working on Chandrayaan-4. ISRO is also working with the Japanese space agency JAXA - a mission known as LUPEX (Lunar Polar Exploration). LUPEX will be launched on a Japanese rocket. It will comprise an Indian moon lander and a Japanese robotic rover.

Explained | What’s the buzz over America’s first private moon landing? Is it a success?

United Kingdom's Conservative MP Lee Anderson is facing the accusation of Islamophobia and racism after he claimed that “Islamists have control” over London’s Mayor Sadiq Khan. 
 
While speaking to GB News, Tory MP for Ashfield claimed that Khan had “given our capital city away to his mates”. 
 
In his rant, which was aired on Friday (Feb 23), Anderson said, “I don’t actually believe that these Islamists have got control of our country, but what I do believe is they’ve got control of Khan and they’ve got control of London. Again, this stems with Khan, he’s actually given our capital city away to his mates." 
 
“If you let Labour in through the back door, expect more of this and expect our cities to be taken over by these lunatics," he added.

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Lee Anderson’s comments are unambiguously racist and Islamophobic. 
 
Rishi Sunak needs to immediately remove the whip. 
 
If he is too weak, then people will take their own view of the modern Conservative Party. <a href="https://t.co/6DYZggSUHO">https://t.co/6DYZggSUHO</a>
— Anneliese Dodds (@AnnelieseDodds) <a href="https://twitter.com/AnnelieseDodds/status/1761127593858760948?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 23, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-authorities-make-record-breaking-57-tonnes-cocaine-seizure-drugs-were-found-hidden-in-cargo-of-bananas-693152">UK authorities make record-breaking 5.7 tonnes cocaine seizure; drugs were found hidden in cargo of bananas</a>

<h2 lang="en-US">Leaders find Anderson&nbsp;comment ‘divisive and dangerous’</h2>

Khan, who was appointed to the position in May 2016, is the first Muslim mayor of London. 
 
Shadow Health Secretary Wes Streeting said that the comments made by Anderson were “divisive and dangerous”. 
 
Taking to X, Streeting said, “The Conservatives have gone beyond the dogwhistle playbook of previous mayoral elections to outright racism and Islamophobia. Enough is enough. Is this really what your Party stands for @RishiSunak @RicHolden?” 
 
Anderson has even faced criticism from his own party as Sajid Javid said that it is “a ridiculous thing to say” while responding to the rant. 
 
Meanwhile, former Tory MP and Theresa May’s former chief of staff Gavin Barwell said, “A despicable slur on @SadiqKhan and Londoners. In his first speech as PM, @RishiSunak said he would “unite our country”. If he allows the likes of Anderson to spread hate and division like this, those words will be revealed as a sham.”

Watch:&nbsp;Recession hits UK as economy shrinks, negative growth triggers this

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Anderson was the Conservative party's deputy chair till January when he resigned over the vote on the Rwanda deportation policy of the government. 
 
Labour’s shadow women and equalities secretary Anneliese Dodds, calling for immediate action from United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, said, “Lee Anderson’s comments are unambiguously racist and Islamophobic. Rishi Sunak needs to immediately remove the whip. If he is too weak, then people will take their own view of the modern Conservative Party.”

(With inputs from agencies)

United Kingdom's Conservative MP Lee Anderson is facing the accusation of Islamophobia and racism after he claimed that “Islamists have control” over London’s Mayor Sadiq Khan.

United Kingdom's Conservative MP Lee Anderson is facing the accusation of Islamophobia and racism after he claimed that “Islamists have control” over London’s Mayor Sadiq Khan. While speaking to GB News, Tory MP for Ashfield claimed that Khan had “given our capital city away to his mates”. In his rant, which was aired on Friday (Feb 23), Anderson said, “I don’t actually believe that these Islamists have got control of our country, but what I do believe is they’ve got control of Khan and they’ve got control of London. Again, this stems with Khan, he’s actually given our capital city away to his mates." “If you let Labour in through the back door, expect more of this and expect our cities to be taken over by these lunatics," he added. Lee Anderson’s comments are unambiguously racist and Islamophobic. Rishi Sunak needs to immediately remove the whip. If he is too weak, then people will take their own view of the modern Conservative Party. https://t.co/6DYZggSUHO — Anneliese Dodds (@AnnelieseDodds) February 23, 2024 × Also Read: UK authorities make record-breaking 5.7 tonnes cocaine seizure; drugs were found hidden in cargo of bananas Leaders find Anderson comment ‘divisive and dangerous’ Khan, who was appointed to the position in May 2016, is the first Muslim mayor of London. Shadow Health Secretary Wes Streeting said that the comments made by Anderson were “divisive and dangerous”. Taking to X, Streeting said, “The Conservatives have gone beyond the dogwhistle playbook of previous mayoral elections to outright racism and Islamophobia. Enough is enough. Is this really what your Party stands for @RishiSunak @RicHolden?” Anderson has even faced criticism from his own party as Sajid Javid said that it is “a ridiculous thing to say” while responding to the rant. Meanwhile, former Tory MP and Theresa May’s former chief of staff Gavin Barwell said, “A despicable slur on @SadiqKhan and Londoners. In his first speech as PM, @RishiSunak said he would “unite our country”. If he allows the likes of Anderson to spread hate and division like this, those words will be revealed as a sham.” Watch: Recession hits UK as economy shrinks, negative growth triggers this Anderson was the Conservative party's deputy chair till January when he resigned over the vote on the Rwanda deportation policy of the government. Labour’s shadow women and equalities secretary Anneliese Dodds, calling for immediate action from United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, said, “Lee Anderson’s comments are unambiguously racist and Islamophobic. Rishi Sunak needs to immediately remove the whip. If he is too weak, then people will take their own view of the modern Conservative Party.” (With inputs from agencies)

UK MP Anderson’s rant on Sadiq Khan lands him in trouble over alleged Islamophobia

Former US President Donald Trump is making his presence felt in the Republican party after a string of victories in the party primaries. A longtime leader of the Republican party's National Committee has confirmed that she is leaving her post. Report suggest that people close to the former president are looking to take control of the organization. Ronna McDaniel who was elected as the chair in 2017 after running Trump's successful 2016 campaign in Michigan will step down on March 8th that is 3 days after super Tuesday. Watch to know more!

US: Ronna McDaniel resigns as Republican National Committee Chair, to step down on March 8

Around 20 European leaders and representatives of other nations met in Paris to discuss the war in Ukraine. The host French president Emanuel Macron announced new steps to strengthen military aid to Ukraine. Macron said that the Russian defeat is extremely crucial to the security and stability in Europe while adding that the leaders gathered to send Putin a message of European determination on Ukraine he said that Moscow is showing more aggressive nature not just in Ukraine but in general as well. Watch to know more!

Russia-Ukraine war: Netherlands to contribute $108 million to buy ammunition for Ukraine

US President Joe Biden has said that a ceasefire and hostage deal in Gaza will hopefully come soon into effect (by Monday). Negotiations from Qatar, Egypt, US and France are working.

Will Israel agree to a ceasefire? 99 hostages remain in Gaza along with dead bodies of 31 others

With a sweeping of early states under his belt, the former president is speeding toward the Republican nomination. Nikki Haley, though, declared she was going to keep fighting. The former president has emerged victorious in all of the GOP nominating contests held so far. Watch to know more!

US Elections 2024: Donald Trump wins South Carolina Primary, defeats Haley in her home state

United States and the United Kingdom struck 18 Houthi targets inside Yemen in an answer to the recent attacks by the militia group on ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aiden. According to US officials an American and British fighter jets hit sites in eight locations targeting missiles, launchers, Rockets, drones and air defense systems. This is the fourth time that the United States and British militaries have conducted a combined operation against the Houthis since January 12th. Watch to know more!

Red Sea Crisis: Vital Suez Canal shortcut stands disrupted amid attacks

At least 15 civilians were killed and two others injured during a "terrorist" attack on a Catholic church during Sunday mass in northern&nbsp;Burkina&nbsp;Faso, a senior church official said.

"We bring to your attention a terrorist attack which the Catholic community of Essakane village was the victim of today, February 25, while they were gathered for Sunday prayer," the vicar of the Dori diocese, Jean-Pierre Sawadogo, said in a statement sent to AFP.

The provisional toll was 15 killed and two wounded, he added.

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Calling for peace and security in&nbsp;Burkina&nbsp;Faso, Sawadogo denounced "those who continue to wreak death and desolation in our country".

This is just the latest in a series of atrocities blamed on jihadist groups active in the region, some of which have targeted Christian churches while others have involved the abduction of clergy.

Burkina&nbsp;Faso is part of the vast Sahel region, which has been locked in a battle against rising violent extremism since Libya's civil war in 2011, followed by an Islamist takeover of northern Mali in 2012.

The jihadist insurgency spilt over into&nbsp;Burkina&nbsp;Faso and Niger from 2015.

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When Captain Ibrahim Traore seized power in 2022, it was the country's second coup in less than a year -- both triggered in part by discontent at the government's failures to quell the jihadist violence.

Around 20,000 people in&nbsp;Burkina&nbsp;Faso have been killed in that violence, while over two million have been displaced.

At least 15 civilians were killed and two others injured during a "terrorist" attack on a Catholic church during Sunday mass in northern Burkina Faso, a senior church official said.

At least 15 civilians were killed and two others injured during a "terrorist" attack on a Catholic church during Sunday mass in northern Burkina Faso, a senior church official said. "We bring to your attention a terrorist attack which the Catholic community of Essakane village was the victim of today, February 25, while they were gathered for Sunday prayer," the vicar of the Dori diocese, Jean-Pierre Sawadogo, said in a statement sent to AFP. The provisional toll was 15 killed and two wounded, he added. Also read: South Africa`s Cape Town hit by ‘unimaginable’ stench due to ship carrying 19,000 cattle Calling for peace and security in Burkina Faso, Sawadogo denounced "those who continue to wreak death and desolation in our country". This is just the latest in a series of atrocities blamed on jihadist groups active in the region, some of which have targeted Christian churches while others have involved the abduction of clergy. Burkina Faso is part of the vast Sahel region, which has been locked in a battle against rising violent extremism since Libya's civil war in 2011, followed by an Islamist takeover of northern Mali in 2012. The jihadist insurgency spilt over into Burkina Faso and Niger from 2015. Also read: Russia delivers on grain promise: 200,000 tonnes shipped to six African nations When Captain Ibrahim Traore seized power in 2022, it was the country's second coup in less than a year -- both triggered in part by discontent at the government's failures to quell the jihadist violence. Around 20,000 people in Burkina Faso have been killed in that violence, while over two million have been displaced.

At least 15 killed in 'terrorist' attack on Burkina Faso church

Israel has sent negotiators to Qatar to continue talks aimed at a ceasefire in Gaza and the return of hostages held by Hamas. This comes after talks in Paris where Israel's Head of MOSSAD intelligence service met with mediators from the United States, Egypt and Qatar. The talks for a possible ceasefire in Gaza have picked up peace after International mediators including Israel's intelligence Chief met in Paris for hostage talks and Israel official has signaled that the meeting was productive and could amount to a ceasefire deal. Egypt has also said that the negotiations for a temporary ceasefire in Gaza have resumed in Doha. Now experts from Egypt Qatar the United States and Israel as well as Hamas representatives are holding a meeting which is in continuation of what was discussed in Paris. Watch to know more!

Israel-Hamas war: Mediators from US, Qatar, Egypt & Israel in Doha for truce talks

President Volodymyr Zelensky on Sunday (Feb 25) said that so far 31,000 Ukrainian soldiers had been killed in the war with Russia. "31,000 Ukrainian soldiers have died in this war. Not 300,000 or 150,000, or whatever Putin and his lying circle are saying. But each of these losses is a great loss for us, said Zelensky at a press conference in Kyiv.&nbsp;

His rare admission of military losses during the ongoing conflict came a day after the Russia-Ukraine war completed two years.&nbsp;

Zelensky also said that he could not disclose the number of wounded because it would help Russian military planning.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-23-year-old-indian-killed-in-drone-strike-was-employed-by-russia-693753">Russia-Ukraine war: 23-year-old Indian killed in drone strike, was employed by Russia</a>&nbsp;

Ukraine has not provided a tally for its military losses since the end of 2022, when presidential advisor Mykhailo Podolyak stated that 13,000 Ukrainian soldiers had been dead since the invasion on February 24.&nbsp;

According to a New York Times report from August, US authorities estimate that the Ukrainian death toll is close to 70,000.&nbsp;

The same report stated that up to 120,000 Russian troops were killed throughout the battle. However, Russia has never disclosed any military loss.&nbsp;

But Zelensky told reporters that 180,000 Russians were killed in the war.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-jsarwt="1" data-usg="AOvVaw1sOxpVlbCZjtgWQVZHdyIp" data-ved="2ahUKEwj7wc7W1caEAxWEslYBHXw3DUMQxfQBKAB6BAgOEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-ukraine-discusses-security-deals-with-allies-as-war-enters-third-year-what-are-they-693703" jsname="YKoRaf">Explained: Ukraine discusses security deals with allies as war enters third year. What are they?</a>&nbsp;

<h2>Counteroffensive plans were leaked to Russia&nbsp;</h2>

The losses on the battlefield are a sensitive issue during wars, especially for a country like Ukraine which is attempting to alter how it mobilises citizens into the army in order to rebuild its forces after last year's counteroffensive proved unable to break through Russian lines.

While mentioning the counteroffensive, Zelensky suggested that plans had been leaked to Russia ahead of time. He didn't provide any details.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine war: EU President says, 'More than ever, we stand firmly by Ukraine'&nbsp;

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Ukraine's counteroffensive in 2023, powered by billions of dollars in Western arms, largely fell flat, failing to break through multiple lines of Russian defenses and fortifications.

"Our counteroffensive action plans were on the Kremlin's table before the counteroffensive actions began," Zelensky said.&nbsp;

His office subsequently confirmed to AFP that Zelensky was referring to Moscow obtaining sensitive military planning information.&nbsp;

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

President Volodymyr Zelensky on Sunday (Feb 25) said that so far 31,000 Ukrainian soldiers had been killed in the war with Russia. "31,000 Ukrainian soldiers have died in this war.

President Volodymyr Zelensky on Sunday (Feb 25) said that so far 31,000 Ukrainian soldiers had been killed in the war with Russia. "31,000 Ukrainian soldiers have died in this war. Not 300,000 or 150,000, or whatever Putin and his lying circle are saying. But each of these losses is a great loss for us, said Zelensky at a press conference in Kyiv. His rare admission of military losses during the ongoing conflict came a day after the Russia-Ukraine war completed two years. Zelensky also said that he could not disclose the number of wounded because it would help Russian military planning. Also read: Russia-Ukraine war: 23-year-old Indian killed in drone strike, was employed by Russia Ukraine has not provided a tally for its military losses since the end of 2022, when presidential advisor Mykhailo Podolyak stated that 13,000 Ukrainian soldiers had been dead since the invasion on February 24. According to a New York Times report from August, US authorities estimate that the Ukrainian death toll is close to 70,000. The same report stated that up to 120,000 Russian troops were killed throughout the battle. However, Russia has never disclosed any military loss. But Zelensky told reporters that 180,000 Russians were killed in the war. Also read: Explained: Ukraine discusses security deals with allies as war enters third year. What are they? Counteroffensive plans were leaked to Russia The losses on the battlefield are a sensitive issue during wars, especially for a country like Ukraine which is attempting to alter how it mobilises citizens into the army in order to rebuild its forces after last year's counteroffensive proved unable to break through Russian lines. While mentioning the counteroffensive, Zelensky suggested that plans had been leaked to Russia ahead of time. He didn't provide any details. Watch: Russia-Ukraine war: EU President says, 'More than ever, we stand firmly by Ukraine' × Ukraine's counteroffensive in 2023, powered by billions of dollars in Western arms, largely fell flat, failing to break through multiple lines of Russian defenses and fortifications. "Our counteroffensive action plans were on the Kremlin's table before the counteroffensive actions began," Zelensky said. His office subsequently confirmed to AFP that Zelensky was referring to Moscow obtaining sensitive military planning information. Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos (With inputs from agencies)

Zelensky admits 31,000 Ukrainian soldiers killed in war with Russia, pegs Moscow casualties at 180,000

Zelenskyy stated that Russia is preparing a new offensive against Ukraine starting in late May or summer but Kyiv has a clear Battlefield plan of its own. Speaking of day after the second anniversary of Russia's Invasion the Ukrainian president said that it was extremely important for Kyiv and its Western allies to remain United he further asserted that Ukraine's Victory depends on continued Western support. Watch to know more!

Russia-Ukraine war | Russia says, 'Our forces have improved positions near Avdiivka, Donetsk'

Some 20 European leaders meet in Paris on Monday to send Russian President Vladimir Putin a message of European resolve on Ukraine and counter the Kremlin's narrative that Russia is bound to win a war now in its third year.

President Emmanuel Macron has invited his European counterparts to the Elysee Palace for a working meeting announced at short notice to discuss how to ramp up ammunition supplies to Ukraine amid what his advisers say is an escalation in Russian aggression over the past few weeks.

WATCH |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine War: 2 years into war, west's optimism flips into unremitting gloom

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"We want to send Putin a very clear message, that he won't win in Ukraine," a presidential adviser told reporters in a briefing. "Our goal is to crush this idea he wants us to believe that he would be somehow winning."

After initial successes in pushing back the Russian army, Ukraine has suffered setbacks on eastern battlefields, with its generals complaining of shortages of arms and soldiers.

Officials say the meeting will not be an occasion to announce new weapon deliveries to Ukraine but more to brainstorm ways to be more efficient on the ground, as well as increase coordination between allies and Ukraine.

One area where there could be progress is on a Czech-led initiative to buy hundreds of thousands of ammunition rounds from third countries, something that France has been cautious about as it wants to prioritise the development of Europe's own industry.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nord-stream-sabotage-denmark-closes-probe-into-intentional-blasts-694079">Nord Stream sabotage: Denmark closes probe into ‘intentional’ blasts</a>

"I am about to fly to Paris for a summit that Emmanuel Macron called and which follows up the initiative that I presented at the European Council at the beginning of February," Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala said on X before travelling to France.

"The goal is to collect enough money for ammunition that Ukraine needs."

Ammunition supplies have become a critical issue for Kyiv. The European Union, though, is falling short of its target of sending Ukraine a million rounds of artillery shells by March.

"We must be able to deliver more shells. The principle is that shells will be purchased where they are available," said the adviser. "There is no dogmatic (French) position."

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, British foreign minister David Cameron, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, as well as leaders from Scandinavian and Baltic countries, are among those attending.

The United States, which has been under much scrutiny as its latest military aid package for Ukraine has stalled in Congress, will be represented by Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Jim O'Brien.

French officials said the security conference in Munich earlier this month, which coincided with the death of Putin's most formidable domestic opponent, Alexei Navalny, was all about "doom and gloom", and that Macron, who is due in Kyiv in March, was keen to dispel that.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/alexei-navalny-was-supposed-to-be-released-before-death-his-ally-claims-694125">Alexei Navalny was supposed to be 'released' before death, his ally claims</a>

"We're neither doomy nor gloomy," the French adviser said. "We want Russia to understand that. Russia will have to count on us all collectively to end this war and restore Ukraine's rights."

French officials have said Russia has shown renewed aggression in recent weeks, including as Putin's flight on a nuclear-capable bomber, in what they view as an attempt to intimidate Europeans at a time U.S. support is thrown into doubt by the presidential election.

Without offering details, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, who has long opposed military supplies to Ukraine and has taken a position seen by some critics as pro-Russian, said ahead of travelling to Paris that several NATO and EU members were considering sending soldiers to Ukraine on a bilateral basis.

Some 20 European leaders meet in Paris on Monday to send Russian President Vladimir Putin a message of European resolve on Ukraine and counter the Kremlin's narrative that Russia is bound to win a war now in its third year.

Some 20 European leaders meet in Paris on Monday to send Russian President Vladimir Putin a message of European resolve on Ukraine and counter the Kremlin's narrative that Russia is bound to win a war now in its third year. President Emmanuel Macron has invited his European counterparts to the Elysee Palace for a working meeting announced at short notice to discuss how to ramp up ammunition supplies to Ukraine amid what his advisers say is an escalation in Russian aggression over the past few weeks. WATCH | Russia-Ukraine War: 2 years into war, west's optimism flips into unremitting gloom "We want to send Putin a very clear message, that he won't win in Ukraine," a presidential adviser told reporters in a briefing. "Our goal is to crush this idea he wants us to believe that he would be somehow winning." After initial successes in pushing back the Russian army, Ukraine has suffered setbacks on eastern battlefields, with its generals complaining of shortages of arms and soldiers. Officials say the meeting will not be an occasion to announce new weapon deliveries to Ukraine but more to brainstorm ways to be more efficient on the ground, as well as increase coordination between allies and Ukraine. One area where there could be progress is on a Czech-led initiative to buy hundreds of thousands of ammunition rounds from third countries, something that France has been cautious about as it wants to prioritise the development of Europe's own industry. Also Read | Nord Stream sabotage: Denmark closes probe into ‘intentional’ blasts "I am about to fly to Paris for a summit that Emmanuel Macron called and which follows up the initiative that I presented at the European Council at the beginning of February," Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala said on X before travelling to France. "The goal is to collect enough money for ammunition that Ukraine needs." Ammunition supplies have become a critical issue for Kyiv. The European Union, though, is falling short of its target of sending Ukraine a million rounds of artillery shells by March. "We must be able to deliver more shells. The principle is that shells will be purchased where they are available," said the adviser. "There is no dogmatic (French) position." German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, British foreign minister David Cameron, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, as well as leaders from Scandinavian and Baltic countries, are among those attending. The United States, which has been under much scrutiny as its latest military aid package for Ukraine has stalled in Congress, will be represented by Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Jim O'Brien. French officials said the security conference in Munich earlier this month, which coincided with the death of Putin's most formidable domestic opponent, Alexei Navalny, was all about "doom and gloom", and that Macron, who is due in Kyiv in March, was keen to dispel that. Also Read | Alexei Navalny was supposed to be 'released' before death, his ally claims "We're neither doomy nor gloomy," the French adviser said. "We want Russia to understand that. Russia will have to count on us all collectively to end this war and restore Ukraine's rights." French officials have said Russia has shown renewed aggression in recent weeks, including as Putin's flight on a nuclear-capable bomber, in what they view as an attempt to intimidate Europeans at a time U.S. support is thrown into doubt by the presidential election. Without offering details, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, who has long opposed military supplies to Ukraine and has taken a position seen by some critics as pro-Russian, said ahead of travelling to Paris that several NATO and EU members were considering sending soldiers to Ukraine on a bilateral basis.

‘Russia cannot win’: Ukraine’s allies meet in Paris in show of unity, discuss munitions

An active member of the US Air Force set himself on fire outside the Israeli embassy in Washington DC on Sunday. He was critically injured while declaring that he will no longer complicit.

US Air Force member sets self ablaze outside Israel embassy, incident livestreamed on Twitch

Zelensky speaks about peace prospects in Russia-Ukraine war & supply of arms

New satellite images have emerged that show the UK-registered Rubymar cargo vessel abandoned in the Red Sea after it was targetted in an attack by Yemen's Houthi rebel group.

The ship was hit by missiles fired by the Houthis on Feb 18 and the satellite images were captured by Planet Labs PBC on Tuesday (Feb 20). The crew onboard the ship was immediately evacuated.

The US military said that the Rubymar was loaded with over 41,000 tons of fertiliser at the time it was attacked, which if fell into the Red Sea, could lead&nbsp;to an environmental disaster.

“The Houthis continue to demonstrate disregard for the regional impact of their indiscriminate attacks, threatening the fishing industry, coastal communities, and imports of food supplies,” United States Central Command (CENTCOM) said in a statement, warning that the ship’s cargo “could spill into the Red Sea and worsen this environmental disaster.”

WATCH | Red Sea tensions: US warns attack by Houthis on cargo ships can cause environmental disaster

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<h2>Houthis vow to prevent rescue of leaking ship</h2>

Yemen's Iran-backed rebel group has vowed to prevent the rescue of the leaking Rubymar before humanitarian aid reaches Gaza.

Houthi leader, Mohammed Ali Al-Houthi, said that they would only allow the rescue, and retrieval of the ship if people in the war-torn Gaza Strip had access to food, water, and medicine.

“The sinking British ship might be hauled in return for delivering aid vehicles to Gaza,” Al-Houthi said on X.&nbsp;

<h2>Houthi attack on freighter Rubymar caused significant damage to ship, says US</h2>

CENTCOM on Friday (Feb 23) said that the Houthi attack caused significant damage to the ship causing&nbsp;an 18-mile (29km) oil slick.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-uk-launch-fresh-wave-of-strikes-against-18-houthi-targets-in-yemen-693591">US, UK launch fresh wave of strikes against 18 Houthi targets in Yemen</a>

"The ship is anchored but slowly taking on water," Central Command said in a statement regarding the Belize-flagged UK-owned cargo ship.

The day after the attack, Yemen's rebel group spokesperson Yahya Sarea released a statement saying that the Rubymar was now at risk of sinking.

Earlier, there were reports that the ship could be towed to nearby Djibouti.

"Djibouti is the only immediate option where some repairs or recovery would be feasible," Reuters news agency quoted shipping and insurance sources as saying. "It is too risky for a ship in that condition to be towed too far or in more open waters."

The Djibouti Ports &amp; Free Zones Authority on Feb 19, a day after the attack, had released a statement on its official X account saying that its Port Authority completed the safe repatriation of the Rubymar’s 24 crew members - 11 Syrians, six Egyptians, three Indian nationals, and four Filipinos – who were brought to the Djibouti area by the rescue vessel.

"The vessel has onboard 21,999 MT (metric tonnes) of fertiliser IMDG class 5.1, very dangerous," the authority said, adding the ship’s AIS transponder was switched off and it did not know the coordinates of the vessel.

The Houthis' strikes are forcing ships to take a longer, more expensive route around Africa, disrupting the strategically important Suez Canal shortcut that accounts for nearly 12 per cent&nbsp;of global maritime traffic.

(With inputs from agencies)

New satellite images have emerged that show the UK-registered Rubymar cargo vessel abandoned in the Red Sea after it was targetted in an attack by Yemen's Houthi rebel group.

New satellite images have emerged that show the UK-registered Rubymar cargo vessel abandoned in the Red Sea after it was targetted in an attack by Yemen's Houthi rebel group. The ship was hit by missiles fired by the Houthis on Feb 18 and the satellite images were captured by Planet Labs PBC on Tuesday (Feb 20). The crew onboard the ship was immediately evacuated. The US military said that the Rubymar was loaded with over 41,000 tons of fertiliser at the time it was attacked, which if fell into the Red Sea, could lead to an environmental disaster. “The Houthis continue to demonstrate disregard for the regional impact of their indiscriminate attacks, threatening the fishing industry, coastal communities, and imports of food supplies,” United States Central Command (CENTCOM) said in a statement, warning that the ship’s cargo “could spill into the Red Sea and worsen this environmental disaster.” WATCH | Red Sea tensions: US warns attack by Houthis on cargo ships can cause environmental disaster × Houthis vow to prevent rescue of leaking ship Yemen's Iran-backed rebel group has vowed to prevent the rescue of the leaking Rubymar before humanitarian aid reaches Gaza. Houthi leader, Mohammed Ali Al-Houthi, said that they would only allow the rescue, and retrieval of the ship if people in the war-torn Gaza Strip had access to food, water, and medicine. “The sinking British ship might be hauled in return for delivering aid vehicles to Gaza,” Al-Houthi said on X. Houthi attack on freighter Rubymar caused significant damage to ship, says US CENTCOM on Friday (Feb 23) said that the Houthi attack caused significant damage to the ship causing an 18-mile (29km) oil slick. Also read: US, UK launch fresh wave of strikes against 18 Houthi targets in Yemen "The ship is anchored but slowly taking on water," Central Command said in a statement regarding the Belize-flagged UK-owned cargo ship. The day after the attack, Yemen's rebel group spokesperson Yahya Sarea released a statement saying that the Rubymar was now at risk of sinking. Earlier, there were reports that the ship could be towed to nearby Djibouti. "Djibouti is the only immediate option where some repairs or recovery would be feasible," Reuters news agency quoted shipping and insurance sources as saying. "It is too risky for a ship in that condition to be towed too far or in more open waters." The Djibouti Ports & Free Zones Authority on Feb 19, a day after the attack, had released a statement on its official X account saying that its Port Authority completed the safe repatriation of the Rubymar’s 24 crew members - 11 Syrians, six Egyptians, three Indian nationals, and four Filipinos – who were brought to the Djibouti area by the rescue vessel. "The vessel has onboard 21,999 MT (metric tonnes) of fertiliser IMDG class 5.1, very dangerous," the authority said, adding the ship’s AIS transponder was switched off and it did not know the coordinates of the vessel. The Houthis' strikes are forcing ships to take a longer, more expensive route around Africa, disrupting the strategically important Suez Canal shortcut that accounts for nearly 12 per cent of global maritime traffic. (With inputs from agencies)

Middle East crisis: Satellite images show leaking UK ship Rubymar abandoned in Red Sea after Houthi attack

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau embarrassed himself big time on Monday (Feb 26) as he said, “Russia must win the war,” during an address in Warsaw, Poland. However, he immediately corrected himself and said he meant to say “Ukraine must win this war against Russia”. Despite the apology, users on social media pulled no punches and bashed the Canadian leader for ‘speaking his heart out.’

“We know that Russia must win this war. Sorry, Ukraine must win this war against Russia,” said the Canadian PM, while&nbsp;immediately correcting&nbsp;his unintended mistake.

Trudeau’s gaffe came as he stood alongside his Polish counterpart Donald Tusk during a press briefing in Poland’s capital. The clip has now gone viral on the internet, serving as ammunition for his opponents at home and abroad.

<h2>Trudeau visited Ukraine</h2>

Earlier on Saturday (Feb 24), PM Trudeau landed in Kyiv as he signed a new security agreement with the war-torn nation, marking the second anniversary of the Russia-Ukraine war.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjNnsDmw8mEAxUSsVYBHcyeDnsQxfQBKAB6BAgQEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-accuses-canada-of-harbouring-terrorists-in-response-to-trudeaus-hinted-tonal-shift-in-relations-672283" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-accuses-canada-of-harbouring-terrorists-in-response-to-trudeaus-hinted-tonal-shift-in-relations-672283&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjNnsDmw8mEAxUSsVYBHcyeDnsQxfQBKAB6BAgQEAE">India accuses Canada of harbouring terrorists in response to Trudeau`s hinted `tonal shift` in relations</a>

Trudeau has offered $320 million to Ukraine in military aid as well as $2.4 billion in loans, to be given through the International Monetary Fund.

“War isn’t just experienced on the battlefield, it’s lived every day, by everyday people,” Trudeau said of the loans at a news conference in the Ukrainian president’s official residence.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjNnsDmw8mEAxUSsVYBHcyeDnsQxfQBKAB6BAgIEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/attacks-against-canada-wont-justin-trudeau-says-tonal-shift-in-ties-with-india-671891" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/attacks-against-canada-wont-justin-trudeau-says-tonal-shift-in-ties-with-india-671891&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjNnsDmw8mEAxUSsVYBHcyeDnsQxfQBKAB6BAgIEAE">‘Attacks against Canada won’t make problem go away’, says Trudeau, cites `tonal shift` on India’s part</a>

“This money allows roads to be repaired after a bombing. It pays nurses and doctors who keep people healthy, and it supports Ukrainians as they fight back against Russia,” he said.

Trudeau was accompanied by leaders from the European Commission, Italy and Belgium, even as leaders from the US, UK, France and Germany remained absent.

<h2>Reactions on social media</h2>

Users couldn’t help mocking the Canadian PM on social media platform X, with one saying Trudeau had “just expressed his heart's wish.”

Watch:&nbsp;Anti-Trudeau sentiments on the rise

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Another user commented, “Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau is no longer sure of anything.”

(With inputs from inputs)

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau embarrassed himself big time on Monday (Feb 26) as he said, “Russia must win the war,” during an address in Warsaw, Poland.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau embarrassed himself big time on Monday (Feb 26) as he said, “Russia must win the war,” during an address in Warsaw, Poland. However, he immediately corrected himself and said he meant to say “Ukraine must win this war against Russia”. Despite the apology, users on social media pulled no punches and bashed the Canadian leader for ‘speaking his heart out.’ “We know that Russia must win this war. Sorry, Ukraine must win this war against Russia,” said the Canadian PM, while immediately correcting his unintended mistake. Trudeau’s gaffe came as he stood alongside his Polish counterpart Donald Tusk during a press briefing in Poland’s capital. The clip has now gone viral on the internet, serving as ammunition for his opponents at home and abroad. Trudeau visited Ukraine Earlier on Saturday (Feb 24), PM Trudeau landed in Kyiv as he signed a new security agreement with the war-torn nation, marking the second anniversary of the Russia-Ukraine war. Also read: India accuses Canada of harbouring terrorists in response to Trudeau`s hinted `tonal shift` in relations Trudeau has offered $320 million to Ukraine in military aid as well as $2.4 billion in loans, to be given through the International Monetary Fund. “War isn’t just experienced on the battlefield, it’s lived every day, by everyday people,” Trudeau said of the loans at a news conference in the Ukrainian president’s official residence. Also read: ‘Attacks against Canada won’t make problem go away’, says Trudeau, cites `tonal shift` on India’s part “This money allows roads to be repaired after a bombing. It pays nurses and doctors who keep people healthy, and it supports Ukrainians as they fight back against Russia,” he said. Trudeau was accompanied by leaders from the European Commission, Italy and Belgium, even as leaders from the US, UK, France and Germany remained absent. Reactions on social media Users couldn’t help mocking the Canadian PM on social media platform X, with one saying Trudeau had “just expressed his heart's wish.” Watch: Anti-Trudeau sentiments on the rise × Another user commented, “Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau is no longer sure of anything.” (With inputs from inputs)

Watch: Canada’s Trudeau says ‘Russia must defeat Ukraine’ in an embarrassing gaffe

The International Court of Justice (ICJ), concluded its historic proceedings on the legality of Israel's 57-year occupation of lands sought by Palestinians for a future state. The majority of voices at the hearing argued against the Israeli government's policies. Watch in for more details!

ICJ hears final arguments on Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that military operation into Gaza's Rafah would put Israel within weeks of total victory over Hamas. He also added that any deal wouldn't prevent Rafah assault. Watch in for more details!

Benjamin Netanyahu: Any deal wouldn't prevent Rafah assault

A close ally of Alexei Navalny said on Monday (Feb 26) that the Russian opposition politician was close to being freed in a prisoner swap at the time of his death.&nbsp;

Navalny's family and supporters again claimed that President Vladimir Putin had him killed. The 47-year-old Kremlin critic died on February 16 in an Arctic prison.&nbsp;

He spent more than three years behind bars and his death led to outrage and condemnation from Western leaders and his supporters.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-two-kashmiris-taken-by-fraudulent-recruitment-companies-forced-to-fight-in-russian-army-against-ukraine-694055">Two Kashmiris taken by fraudulent recruitment companies forced to fight for Russian against Ukraine</a>&nbsp;

Navalny's ally Maria Pevchikh said while speaking on YouTube that Putin "was offered to exchange FSB officer and killer Vadim Krasikov, who is serving time for murder in Berlin, for two American citizens and Alexei Navalny".&nbsp;

"Alexei Navalny could be sitting in this seat right now, right today. That's not a figure of speech, it could and should have happened," Pevchikh added.&nbsp;

"I have received confirmation that negotiations were underway and were at the final stage" after two years of talks between Moscow, Washington and Berlin, she said, further adding that "Navalny was supposed to be released in the coming days".&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-claims-its-troops-have-advanced-to-better-positions-in-ukraines-avdiivka-and-donetsk-693841">Russia claims its troops have advanced to better positions in Ukraine's Avdiivka and Donetsk</a>&nbsp;

Krasikov was sentenced to life in prison in Germany after being found guilty of the murder of an exiled Chechen-Georgian dissident in Berlin in 2019.&nbsp;

In an interview with US journalist Tucker Carlson, Putin hinted this month that he wanted Krasikov, whom he portrayed as a patriot, returned.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine War: Two years of Russia's attempted invasion of Ukraine

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<h2>The deal was agreed&nbsp;</h2>

A Russian source with knowledge of the discussions told the news agency Reuters separately that the prisoner exchange had been meant to take place in the middle of February and that both Navalny and his wife had agreed to it. The source also said Abramovich had been involved in the talks.&nbsp;

"Initially, the plan envisaged an exchange only involving Gershkovich, and Abramovich had discussed it with Putin. The only person Putin was ready to swap him for was Krasikov. But the Germans were categorically against it, because it was an American problem. When Navalny appeared within this plan, the Germans finally agreed," the source said.&nbsp;

"Everything was finally confirmed when (German Chancellor Olaf) Scholz went to the States (he held White House talks on Feb. 9). The details of when and where all this would happen were already being discussed," it added.&nbsp;

<h2>Ukraine's top spy chief says Navalny died due to blood clot&nbsp;</h2>

Chief of Ukraine’s intelligence Kyrylo Budanov claimed&nbsp;on Sunday (Feb 25) that Navalny died due to a blood clot.

Speaking to media on the sidelines of a panel discussion devoted to the second anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion, Budanov said Navalny's death was due to natural causes and "it was more or less confirmed information".&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

A close ally of Alexei Navalny said on Monday (Feb 26) that the Russian opposition politician was close to being freed in a prisoner swap at the time of his death.

A close ally of Alexei Navalny said on Monday (Feb 26) that the Russian opposition politician was close to being freed in a prisoner swap at the time of his death. Navalny's family and supporters again claimed that President Vladimir Putin had him killed. The 47-year-old Kremlin critic died on February 16 in an Arctic prison. He spent more than three years behind bars and his death led to outrage and condemnation from Western leaders and his supporters. Also read: Two Kashmiris taken by fraudulent recruitment companies forced to fight for Russian against Ukraine Navalny's ally Maria Pevchikh said while speaking on YouTube that Putin "was offered to exchange FSB officer and killer Vadim Krasikov, who is serving time for murder in Berlin, for two American citizens and Alexei Navalny". "Alexei Navalny could be sitting in this seat right now, right today. That's not a figure of speech, it could and should have happened," Pevchikh added. "I have received confirmation that negotiations were underway and were at the final stage" after two years of talks between Moscow, Washington and Berlin, she said, further adding that "Navalny was supposed to be released in the coming days". Also read: Russia claims its troops have advanced to better positions in Ukraine's Avdiivka and Donetsk Krasikov was sentenced to life in prison in Germany after being found guilty of the murder of an exiled Chechen-Georgian dissident in Berlin in 2019. In an interview with US journalist Tucker Carlson, Putin hinted this month that he wanted Krasikov, whom he portrayed as a patriot, returned. Watch: Russia-Ukraine War: Two years of Russia's attempted invasion of Ukraine × The deal was agreed A Russian source with knowledge of the discussions told the news agency Reuters separately that the prisoner exchange had been meant to take place in the middle of February and that both Navalny and his wife had agreed to it. The source also said Abramovich had been involved in the talks. "Initially, the plan envisaged an exchange only involving Gershkovich, and Abramovich had discussed it with Putin. The only person Putin was ready to swap him for was Krasikov. But the Germans were categorically against it, because it was an American problem. When Navalny appeared within this plan, the Germans finally agreed," the source said. "Everything was finally confirmed when (German Chancellor Olaf) Scholz went to the States (he held White House talks on Feb. 9). The details of when and where all this would happen were already being discussed," it added. Ukraine's top spy chief says Navalny died due to blood clot Chief of Ukraine’s intelligence Kyrylo Budanov claimed on Sunday (Feb 25) that Navalny died due to a blood clot. Speaking to media on the sidelines of a panel discussion devoted to the second anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion, Budanov said Navalny's death was due to natural causes and "it was more or less confirmed information". (With inputs from agencies)

Alexei Navalny was supposed to be ‘released’ in prisoner swap, his ally claims

Hungarian parliament, on Monday (Feb 26)&nbsp;ratified Sweden's NATO bid, clearing the final obstacle for the expansion of the military alliance spurred by the Russian&nbsp;invasion of Ukraine. In other news, legendary singer and&nbsp;veteran ghazal singer,&nbsp;Pankaj Udhas,&nbsp;passed away on Monday (Feb 26) after a prolonged illness.&nbsp;

Click on the headlines to read more:&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hungarys-parliament-ratifies-swedens-nato-bid-694116">Hungary's parliament ratifies Sweden's NATO bid 
 
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Hungary's parliament on Monday ratified Sweden's NATO bid, clearing the final obstacle for the expansion of the military alliance spurred by Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/vijay-shekhar-sharma-steps-down-as-chairman-of-paytm-payments-bank-694098">Paytm CEO Vijay Shekhar Sharma steps down from payments bank board amid crisis 
 
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Paytm founder and CEO Vijay Shekhar Sharma steps down as the chairman of Paytm Payments Bank, according to an exchange filing, on Monday (Feb 26).

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/legendary-singer-pankaj-udhas-passes-away-at-72-694022">Pankaj Udhas death: Legendary Indian ghazal singer passes away at 72 
 
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Legendary singer Pankaj Udhas is no more. The veteran ghazal singer passed away on Monday (Feb 26) after a prolonged illness. He was 72 years old.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/man-allegedly-a-us-air-force-member-sets-himself-on-fire-outside-israeli-embassy-in-washington-dc-693816">US Air Force member who self-immolated outside Israeli embassy has died 
 
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A member of the United States Air Force who immolated himself outside the Israeli embassy in Washington has died, American media reported on Monday (Feb 26).&nbsp;The man was transported to a nearby local hospital by DC Fire and EMS after the fire was put out by the United States Secret Service (USSS).&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/alexei-navalny-was-supposed-to-be-released-before-death-his-ally-claims-694125">Alexei Navalny was supposed to be 'released' before death, his ally claims</a>

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A close ally of Alexei Navalny said on Monday (Feb 26) that the Russian opposition politician was close to being freed in a prisoner swap at the time of his death.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-cm-arvind-kejriwal-meets-family-of-two-year-old-mauled-to-death-by-stray-dogs-694065">Two-year-old mauled to death by stray dogs in New Delhi, CM Arvind Kejriwal meets family 
 
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Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday (Feb 26) met with the family of a two-year-old girl who was mauled to death by a pack of stray dogs. Local police said on Sunday that the incident took place in the Dhobhi Ghat area of New Delhi's Tughlaq Lane.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/norwegian-cruise-ship-blocked-at-mauritius-port-over-possible-cholera-outbreak-given-all-clear-694095">Norwegian cruise ship blocked at Mauritius port over possible cholera outbreak given ‘all clear’ 
 
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Authorities in Mauritius, on Sunday (Feb 25) stopped ‘Norwegian Dawn,’ a ship belonging to Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings from docking at its port over fears of a potential cholera outbreak on board.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nord-stream-sabotage-denmark-closes-probe-into-intentional-blasts-694079">Nord Stream sabotage: Denmark closes probe into ‘intentional’ blasts 
 
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Danish police, on Monday (Feb 26) said that they are closing the investigation into the 2022 sabotage of the Nord Stream pipelines carrying Russian gas to Germany. This comes weeks after Swedish prosecutors also dropped the probe.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-first-video-of-haryana-inld-chief-nafe-singh-rathees-suspected-killers-surfaces-694040">India: First video of Haryana INLD chief Nafe Singh Rathee’s suspected killers surfaces 
 
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A day after the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) chief in the Indian state of Haryana, Nafe Singh Rathee and his party worker were killed in an ambush, CCTV camera footage, procured on Monday (Feb 26) showed the movement of the alleged killers just before they targeted the politician.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-v-eng-theres-no-point-in-playing-those-who-are-not-hungry-to-succeed-in-tests-says-rohit-sharma-694090">IND v ENG: There’s no point in playing those who are not hungry to succeed in Tests, says Rohit Sharma 
 
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India captain Rohit Sharma is keen on picking those players for the Test team who are willing to grind in all conditions, challenging themselves to succeed in cricket's toughest format than those who don’t have that burning desire to play Tests in the first place.

Hungarian parliament, on Monday (Feb 26) ratified Sweden's NATO bid, clearing the final obstacle for the expansion of the military alliance spurred by the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Hungarian parliament, on Monday (Feb 26) ratified Sweden's NATO bid, clearing the final obstacle for the expansion of the military alliance spurred by the Russian invasion of Ukraine. In other news, legendary singer and veteran ghazal singer, Pankaj Udhas, passed away on Monday (Feb 26) after a prolonged illness. Click on the headlines to read more: Hungary's parliament ratifies Sweden's NATO bid Hungary's parliament on Monday ratified Sweden's NATO bid, clearing the final obstacle for the expansion of the military alliance spurred by Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Paytm CEO Vijay Shekhar Sharma steps down from payments bank board amid crisis Paytm founder and CEO Vijay Shekhar Sharma steps down as the chairman of Paytm Payments Bank, according to an exchange filing, on Monday (Feb 26). Pankaj Udhas death: Legendary Indian ghazal singer passes away at 72 Legendary singer Pankaj Udhas is no more. The veteran ghazal singer passed away on Monday (Feb 26) after a prolonged illness. He was 72 years old. US Air Force member who self-immolated outside Israeli embassy has died A member of the United States Air Force who immolated himself outside the Israeli embassy in Washington has died, American media reported on Monday (Feb 26). The man was transported to a nearby local hospital by DC Fire and EMS after the fire was put out by the United States Secret Service (USSS). Alexei Navalny was supposed to be 'released' before death, his ally claims A close ally of Alexei Navalny said on Monday (Feb 26) that the Russian opposition politician was close to being freed in a prisoner swap at the time of his death. Two-year-old mauled to death by stray dogs in New Delhi, CM Arvind Kejriwal meets family Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday (Feb 26) met with the family of a two-year-old girl who was mauled to death by a pack of stray dogs. Local police said on Sunday that the incident took place in the Dhobhi Ghat area of New Delhi's Tughlaq Lane. Norwegian cruise ship blocked at Mauritius port over possible cholera outbreak given ‘all clear’ Authorities in Mauritius, on Sunday (Feb 25) stopped ‘Norwegian Dawn,’ a ship belonging to Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings from docking at its port over fears of a potential cholera outbreak on board. Nord Stream sabotage: Denmark closes probe into ‘intentional’ blasts Danish police, on Monday (Feb 26) said that they are closing the investigation into the 2022 sabotage of the Nord Stream pipelines carrying Russian gas to Germany. This comes weeks after Swedish prosecutors also dropped the probe. India: First video of Haryana INLD chief Nafe Singh Rathee’s suspected killers surfaces A day after the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) chief in the Indian state of Haryana, Nafe Singh Rathee and his party worker were killed in an ambush, CCTV camera footage, procured on Monday (Feb 26) showed the movement of the alleged killers just before they targeted the politician. IND v ENG: There’s no point in playing those who are not hungry to succeed in Tests, says Rohit Sharma India captain Rohit Sharma is keen on picking those players for the Test team who are willing to grind in all conditions, challenging themselves to succeed in cricket's toughest format than those who don’t have that burning desire to play Tests in the first place.

Top 10 world news: Hungary ratifies Sweden's NATO bid; Pankaj Udhas passes away at 72, and more

South Korean doctors have continued their demonstrations against the government's plan to increase medical school admissions and at the center of this dispute is a recent government announcement that the colleges and the universities would admit 2,000 more medical students from the next academic year. Hundreds of senior doctors held a rally near the presidential office in Seoul. Watch to know more!

South Korea doctors' Strike: Doctors say higher admissions will lower medical education level

Russia on Sunday announced that its forces had taken up more advantageous positions near Ukraine's Avdiivka and Donetsk. This comes as the Ukraine-Russia war completed two years&nbsp;and Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the military to push further into Ukraine.&nbsp;

<h2>Better positions&nbsp;</h2>

A Russian defence military report said that its troops had pushed back Ukrainian forces near Klishchiivka, Dyliivka and Kurdiumivka, villages south of Bakhmut.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zelenskys-rare-admission-says-31000-ukrainian-soldiers-killed-in-war-with-russia-693799">Zelensky admits 31,000 Ukrainian soldiers killed in war with Russia, pegs Moscow casualties at 180,000</a>

"In the Donetsk direction, units of the Southern grouping of troops improved the situation along the front line and defeated formations of the 22nd, 28th and 92nd mechanised brigades of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the areas of the settlements of Klishchiivka, Dyliivka and Kurdiumivka."

It also said that the nation's troops had taken better positions near Avdiivka.

Watch |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine war: Russia makes crucial advances in Ukraine | Pushes further in West

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"In the Avdiivka direction, units of the Centre group of forces occupied more advantageous lines and positions, and also defeated manpower and equipment of the 3rd Assault Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the 107th Air Defence Brigade."

As per the ministry, the Russian forces had repelled seven Ukrainian counterattacks in the area. In the process, 77 of Kyiv's drones were destroyed, it added.

<h2>Ukraine's report</h2>

Ukraine, on the other hand, made no mention of Russian gains in the Donetsk region in its report. However, it noted clashes around Avdiivka, which was reportedly captured by Russian forces last week.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-presidential-election-early-voting-begins-in-occupied-ukrainian-region-of-zaporizhzhia-693789">Russian presidential election: Early voting begins in occupied Ukrainian region of Zaporizhzhia</a>

In its evening report, the General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces said that the embattled nation's forces had repelled 18 attacks near Avdiivka. A Reuters report also said that five Russian attacks had been beaten back near Bakhmut, referring to Klishchiivka, Kurdiumivka and other localities.

Just last Tuesday, Putin said Russian troops would push further into Ukraine to build on their success after the fall of Avdiivka — Moscow's biggest gain in recent days — where he said Ukrainian troops had fled in chaos.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russia on Sunday announced that its forces had taken up more advantageous positions near Ukraine's Avdiivka and Donetsk. This comes as the Ukraine-Russia war completed two years and Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the military to push further into Ukraine.

Russia on Sunday announced that its forces had taken up more advantageous positions near Ukraine's Avdiivka and Donetsk. This comes as the Ukraine-Russia war completed two years and Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the military to push further into Ukraine. Better positions A Russian defence military report said that its troops had pushed back Ukrainian forces near Klishchiivka, Dyliivka and Kurdiumivka, villages south of Bakhmut. Also read | Zelensky admits 31,000 Ukrainian soldiers killed in war with Russia, pegs Moscow casualties at 180,000 "In the Donetsk direction, units of the Southern grouping of troops improved the situation along the front line and defeated formations of the 22nd, 28th and 92nd mechanised brigades of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the areas of the settlements of Klishchiivka, Dyliivka and Kurdiumivka." It also said that the nation's troops had taken better positions near Avdiivka. Watch | Russia-Ukraine war: Russia makes crucial advances in Ukraine | Pushes further in West × "In the Avdiivka direction, units of the Centre group of forces occupied more advantageous lines and positions, and also defeated manpower and equipment of the 3rd Assault Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the 107th Air Defence Brigade." As per the ministry, the Russian forces had repelled seven Ukrainian counterattacks in the area. In the process, 77 of Kyiv's drones were destroyed, it added. Ukraine's report Ukraine, on the other hand, made no mention of Russian gains in the Donetsk region in its report. However, it noted clashes around Avdiivka, which was reportedly captured by Russian forces last week. Also read | Russian presidential election: Early voting begins in occupied Ukrainian region of Zaporizhzhia In its evening report, the General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces said that the embattled nation's forces had repelled 18 attacks near Avdiivka. A Reuters report also said that five Russian attacks had been beaten back near Bakhmut, referring to Klishchiivka, Kurdiumivka and other localities. Just last Tuesday, Putin said Russian troops would push further into Ukraine to build on their success after the fall of Avdiivka — Moscow's biggest gain in recent days — where he said Ukrainian troops had fled in chaos. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia claims its troops have advanced to better positions in Ukraine's Avdiivka and Donetsk

The Indian foreign ministry said on Monday (Feb 26) that several Indians were discharged from the Russian Army after the Modi government's intervention. The response came following reports that several Indians had been forced to fight for the&nbsp;Russian army and were seeking help for discharge amid Moscow's war with Ukraine.

A man set himself on fire outside the Israeli embassy in the United States on Sunday. The man was transported to a local hospital nearby by DC Fire and EMS after the fire was put out by the United States Secret Service (USSS). He is reported to be in a critical condition.

In other news from around the world, the Israeli army has proposed a plan for "evacuating" civilians from the Gaza Strip as Israel's war with Hamas intensifies. "The (Israeli army) presented the War Cabinet with a plan for evacuating the population from the areas of fighting in the Gaza Strip, with the upcoming operational plan," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said in a statement.&nbsp;

Click on the headlines to read more:

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/several-indians-discharged-from-russian-army-after-foreign-ministrys-intervention-693840">Several Indians discharged from Russian army after foreign ministry's intervention</a>

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India's External Affairs Ministry on Monday (Feb 26) said that several Indians have been discharged from the Russian Army after New Delhi's persistent intervention. The response came in the wake of media reports that claimed Indians in the Russian army are seeking help for discharge amid the war in Ukraine.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/man-allegedly-a-us-air-force-member-sets-himself-on-fire-outside-israeli-embassy-in-washington-dc-693816">Man, allegedly a US Air Force member, sets himself on fire outside Israeli embassy in Washington, DC</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/02/26/414433-new-wion-2024-02-26t054319859.jpg?imwidth=400" />

A man is in critical condition after setting himself on fire outside the Israeli embassy in the US capital, Washington, DC. The incident occurred on Sunday (Feb 25) afternoon, said authorities. The adult male, as per media reports, was transported to a local hospital nearby by DC Fire and EMS after the fire was put out by the United States Secret Service (USSS).

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-army-offers-plan-to-evacuate-gaza-civilians-as-netanyahu-says-rafah-offensive-vital-for-total-victory-693822">Israel army offers plan to evacuate Gaza civilians as Netanyahu says Rafah offensive vital for 'total victory'</a>

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The Israel Army on Monday (Feb 26) proposed a plan for "evacuating" civilians from&nbsp;the Gaza Strip. This evacuation plan which has been presented with an "operational plan" comes after the nation's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that a ground invasion of the Palestinian territory's southern city Rafah was necessary for Israel's "total victory".&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/babies-are-already-dying-aid-worker-warns-of-dire-consequences-as-sudan-blocks-cross-border-aid-to-darfur-693820">'Babies are already dying': Aid worker warns of dire consequences as Sudan blocks cross-border aid to Darfur</a>

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In Sudan's conflict-ridden Darfur region, authorities reportedly aligned with the army have blocked cross-border aid, drawing criticism from aid workers and the United States.&nbsp;An international aid worker in Darfur, speaking anonymously to AFP, warned of dire consequences, including increased mortality rates, if aid is not promptly restored.

Watch | Chaos in South Korea amid&nbsp;protest by doctors, several surgeries&nbsp;cancelled

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&nbsp;

The Indian foreign ministry said on Monday (Feb 26) that several Indians were discharged from the Russian Army after the Modi government's intervention. The response came following reports that several Indians had been forced to fight for the Russian army and were seeking help for discharge amid Moscow's war with Ukraine.

The Indian foreign ministry said on Monday (Feb 26) that several Indians were discharged from the Russian Army after the Modi government's intervention. The response came following reports that several Indians had been forced to fight for the Russian army and were seeking help for discharge amid Moscow's war with Ukraine. A man set himself on fire outside the Israeli embassy in the United States on Sunday. The man was transported to a local hospital nearby by DC Fire and EMS after the fire was put out by the United States Secret Service (USSS). He is reported to be in a critical condition. In other news from around the world, the Israeli army has proposed a plan for "evacuating" civilians from the Gaza Strip as Israel's war with Hamas intensifies. "The (Israeli army) presented the War Cabinet with a plan for evacuating the population from the areas of fighting in the Gaza Strip, with the upcoming operational plan," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said in a statement. Click on the headlines to read more: Several Indians discharged from Russian army after foreign ministry's intervention India's External Affairs Ministry on Monday (Feb 26) said that several Indians have been discharged from the Russian Army after New Delhi's persistent intervention. The response came in the wake of media reports that claimed Indians in the Russian army are seeking help for discharge amid the war in Ukraine. Man, allegedly a US Air Force member, sets himself on fire outside Israeli embassy in Washington, DC A man is in critical condition after setting himself on fire outside the Israeli embassy in the US capital, Washington, DC. The incident occurred on Sunday (Feb 25) afternoon, said authorities. The adult male, as per media reports, was transported to a local hospital nearby by DC Fire and EMS after the fire was put out by the United States Secret Service (USSS). Israel army offers plan to evacuate Gaza civilians as Netanyahu says Rafah offensive vital for 'total victory' The Israel Army on Monday (Feb 26) proposed a plan for "evacuating" civilians from the Gaza Strip. This evacuation plan which has been presented with an "operational plan" comes after the nation's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that a ground invasion of the Palestinian territory's southern city Rafah was necessary for Israel's "total victory". 'Babies are already dying': Aid worker warns of dire consequences as Sudan blocks cross-border aid to Darfur In Sudan's conflict-ridden Darfur region, authorities reportedly aligned with the army have blocked cross-border aid, drawing criticism from aid workers and the United States. An international aid worker in Darfur, speaking anonymously to AFP, warned of dire consequences, including increased mortality rates, if aid is not promptly restored. Watch | Chaos in South Korea amid protest by doctors, several surgeries cancelled ×

Morning brief: Several Indians discharged from Russian Army; and more

Russia's full-fledged offensive&nbsp;against Ukraine entered its third year this week. Russian forces continued to slowly <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-enters-third-year-as-putin-defies-wests-support-for-zelensky-693480">inch forward</a> as the leaders of Italy, Canada, Belgium, and the European Union met in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-years-of-ukraine-war-world-leaders-visit-kyiv-zelensky-confident-of-victory-693497">Ukraine's capital Kyiv</a> while the demonstrators in London, Vienna,&nbsp;Dublin, Athens, Stockholm, and the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/europeans-rally-to-support-ukraine-as-war-with-russia-enters-third-year-693576">rest of Europe</a> marched in support of Ukraine's war effort in the face of the Russian offensive.&nbsp;<img alt="Russia Ukraine war" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e98022c0-fd5a-42d6-af04-c3a6ef8aaec7" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/RussiaUkraineWar%20%282%29.png" />

Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Belgium's Prime Minister Alexander De Croo speak to each other after a joint press conference following their meeting in Kyiv on February 24, 2024, on the second anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine | AFP

Ukraine's&nbsp;18 per cent internationally recognised territory is being controlled from Moscow.

<img alt="Two years into its full-scale offensive, Russia has captured a little less than a fifth of Ukraine's internationally-recognised territories| AFO" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202024-02-24T162349.649.png" />

Two years into its full-scale offensive, Russia has captured a little less than a fifth of Ukraine's internationally-recognised territories | AFP

Let's put into context how huge the Russian losses in the over two-year-long war have been so far.&nbsp;With 45,000 Russians reportedly killed in action, Moscow has lost three times the Soviet Army's losses during its decade-long operations in Afghanistan.&nbsp;President Volodymyr Zelensky said 31,000 Ukrainian soldiers had been killed in the war, in a rare official statement on military losses sustained to date in the conflict.&nbsp;

Paris, France

The intelligence chiefs of Israel, Egypt, and the United States met in the French capital this week. The meeting&nbsp;revived the hopes for a second truce in Gaza amid the Israel-Hamas war that began on October 7 last year when Hamas militants stormed into southern Israel, killed around 1,200 people, and took nearly 234 people captive. In the blockaded Palestinian enclave of Gaza, the retaliatory state of war by Israel has killed nearly 30,000 people with about 85 per cent of infrastructure completely or partially destroyed.&nbsp;

In Paris, the secretive talks for a truce have yielded preliminary results. The de-facto leaders of Gaza and Israeli negotiators have "come to an understanding" and a basic "outline" for a truce has been agreed upon.

The Capitals <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-capitals-between-killed-and-killers-dohas-vital-role-for-peace-in-west-asia-660534#google_vignette">reported</a> in November 2023 about the vital role of Qatar in brokering&nbsp;peace between various warring sides in a volatile West Asia.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-capitals-between-killed-and-killers-dohas-vital-role-for-peace-in-west-asia-660534">The Capitals: Between killed and killers, Doha's vital role for peace in West Asia</a>

So on Sunday (Feb 25, 2024), from Paris, the truce talks resumed in the Qatari capital Doha.

Later over the weekend,&nbsp;negotiations for the truce resumed in Qatar's capital Doha between "experts from Egypt, Qatar, the United States and Israel", as well as Hamas representatives, state-linked Egyptian media reported.

The talks are a "continuation of what was discussed in Paris" and "will be followed by meetings in Cairo," reported Al-Qahera News.&nbsp;

A previous week-long truce in November saw more than 100 hostages and 240 Palestinian prisoners freed, with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-why-is-blinken-returning-to-west-asia-despite-a-failed-peace-bid-last-time-653921">shuttle diplomacy</a>, as well as Doha and Cairo, playing vital roles.&nbsp;

Israeli media has reported that a truce comprising the exchange of hostages with Palestinian security&nbsp;prisoners in Israel&nbsp;is likely to materialise before March 10, before the commencement of the Ramadan month.

<h2>London, United Kingdom</h2>

<img alt="Patrick Sanders" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="370f634d-5437-496a-a63c-54a2b759735e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/RussiaUkraineWar%20%283%29.png" />

The head of the British Army, Gen Sir Patrick Sanders suggested that the country's under-funded army is at risk of becoming a "domestically-focused land force".

In a leaked letter, Gen Sir Patrick Sanders suggested that the Army’s ability to mount overseas campaigns was in jeopardy, meaning that the British Army could be at risk of failing to fulfil its NATO commitments.&nbsp;

The British Chief of the General Staff wrote: "For some time, we have asset-sweated the military, compounded by a mismatch between ambition and resource that has been robustly addressed by both National Audit Office and Defence Select Committee reporting."

"Our strategic resilience is at risk, and we might inadvertently reduce ourselves to a smaller, static and domestically-focused land force. I am not sure that this is either the Army the nation needs, or the one that policymakers want."

The British Army chief's comments&nbsp;come as the UK and the US continued with their campaign of strikes against Houthi militants in Yemen in a bid to "disrupt and degrade" the militia’s capabilities that have affected the Red Sea shipping route in recent weeks.

<h2>Cairo, Egypt</h2>

In another sign of progress through regional cooperation, Egypt on Friday (Feb 23) announced a deal with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) that would bring $35 billion of investments to the indebted country over the next two months.

Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly said that the&nbsp;development of the Ras El Hekma peninsula could eventually attract as much as $150 billion in investments.&nbsp;<img alt="Google Maps | Not to scale" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="71c9ebbc-a5dc-495c-a63a-2b4b3f6b27f5" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/RussiaUkraineWar%20%284%29.png" />

Google Maps | Not to scale

The deal has been signed with ADQ, the smallest of Abu Dhabi's three main sovereign investment funds.

The investment inflows would&nbsp;boost Egypt's crisis-stricken economy amid pressures linked to the war in Gaza and efforts for&nbsp;expansion of its current IMF support programme.

Russia's full-fledged offensive against Ukraine entered its third year this week. Russian forces continued to slowly inch forward as the leaders of Italy, Canada, Belgium, and the European Union met in Ukraine's capital Kyiv while the demonstrators in London, Vienna, Dublin, Athens, Stockholm, and the rest of Europe marched in support of Ukraine's war effort in the face of the Russian offensive.

Russia's full-fledged offensive against Ukraine entered its third year this week. Russian forces continued to slowly inch forward as the leaders of Italy, Canada, Belgium, and the European Union met in Ukraine's capital Kyiv while the demonstrators in London, Vienna, Dublin, Athens, Stockholm, and the rest of Europe marched in support of Ukraine's war effort in the face of the Russian offensive. Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Belgium's Prime Minister Alexander De Croo speak to each other after a joint press conference following their meeting in Kyiv on February 24, 2024, on the second anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine | AFP Ukraine's 18 per cent internationally recognised territory is being controlled from Moscow. Two years into its full-scale offensive, Russia has captured a little less than a fifth of Ukraine's internationally-recognised territories | AFP Let's put into context how huge the Russian losses in the over two-year-long war have been so far. With 45,000 Russians reportedly killed in action, Moscow has lost three times the Soviet Army's losses during its decade-long operations in Afghanistan. President Volodymyr Zelensky said 31,000 Ukrainian soldiers had been killed in the war, in a rare official statement on military losses sustained to date in the conflict. Paris, France The intelligence chiefs of Israel, Egypt, and the United States met in the French capital this week. The meeting revived the hopes for a second truce in Gaza amid the Israel-Hamas war that began on October 7 last year when Hamas militants stormed into southern Israel, killed around 1,200 people, and took nearly 234 people captive. In the blockaded Palestinian enclave of Gaza, the retaliatory state of war by Israel has killed nearly 30,000 people with about 85 per cent of infrastructure completely or partially destroyed. In Paris, the secretive talks for a truce have yielded preliminary results. The de-facto leaders of Gaza and Israeli negotiators have "come to an understanding" and a basic "outline" for a truce has been agreed upon. The Capitals reported in November 2023 about the vital role of Qatar in brokering peace between various warring sides in a volatile West Asia. Also read | The Capitals: Between killed and killers, Doha's vital role for peace in West Asia So on Sunday (Feb 25, 2024), from Paris, the truce talks resumed in the Qatari capital Doha. Later over the weekend, negotiations for the truce resumed in Qatar's capital Doha between "experts from Egypt, Qatar, the United States and Israel", as well as Hamas representatives, state-linked Egyptian media reported. The talks are a "continuation of what was discussed in Paris" and "will be followed by meetings in Cairo," reported Al-Qahera News. A previous week-long truce in November saw more than 100 hostages and 240 Palestinian prisoners freed, with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's shuttle diplomacy, as well as Doha and Cairo, playing vital roles. Israeli media has reported that a truce comprising the exchange of hostages with Palestinian security prisoners in Israel is likely to materialise before March 10, before the commencement of the Ramadan month. London, United Kingdom The head of the British Army, Gen Sir Patrick Sanders suggested that the country's under-funded army is at risk of becoming a "domestically-focused land force". In a leaked letter, Gen Sir Patrick Sanders suggested that the Army’s ability to mount overseas campaigns was in jeopardy, meaning that the British Army could be at risk of failing to fulfil its NATO commitments. The British Chief of the General Staff wrote: "For some time, we have asset-sweated the military, compounded by a mismatch between ambition and resource that has been robustly addressed by both National Audit Office and Defence Select Committee reporting." "Our strategic resilience is at risk, and we might inadvertently reduce ourselves to a smaller, static and domestically-focused land force. I am not sure that this is either the Army the nation needs, or the one that policymakers want." The British Army chief's comments come as the UK and the US continued with their campaign of strikes against Houthi militants in Yemen in a bid to "disrupt and degrade" the militia’s capabilities that have affected the Red Sea shipping route in recent weeks. Cairo, Egypt In another sign of progress through regional cooperation, Egypt on Friday (Feb 23) announced a deal with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) that would bring $35 billion of investments to the indebted country over the next two months. Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly said that the development of the Ras El Hekma peninsula could eventually attract as much as $150 billion in investments. Google Maps | Not to scale The deal has been signed with ADQ, the smallest of Abu Dhabi's three main sovereign investment funds. The investment inflows would boost Egypt's crisis-stricken economy amid pressures linked to the war in Gaza and efforts for expansion of its current IMF support programme.

The Capitals: Paris and Doha set frame for Ramadan Gaza truce, and more

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