Elon Musk gave around $75 million to his pro-Donald Trump spending group in the span of three months, federal disclosures showed on Tuesday, underscoring how the billionaire has become crucial to the Republican candidate's efforts to win the November&nbsp;5 presidential election.

America PAC, which is focused on turning out voters in closely contested states that could decide the election, spent around $72 million of that in the July-September period, according to disclosures filed to the Federal Election Commission.

That is more than any other pro-Trump super PAC focused on turning out voters. The Trump campaign is broadly reliant on outside groups for canvassing voters, meaning the super PAC founded by Musk - the world's richest man - plays an outsized role in the razor-thin election between Trump and Democrat Kamala Harris.

Musk, the CEO of electric car manufacturer Tesla, was the sole donor to the group in that period.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indian-american-billionaire-and-past-monk-investigated-for-tax-abuse-768017">Indian American billionaire and past monk, investigated for tax abuse</a>

Musk, who has said he has voted for Democratic presidential candidates in the past, has taken a sharp turn to the right this election. He endorsed Trump in July and appeared with him at a rally in Pennsylvania earlier this month.

On Wednesday, Musk said in a post on X that he will be "giving a series of talks" throughout Pennsylvania, less than two weeks after his appearance with Trump in the state.

He said people only needed to sign a petition on his America PAC website to attend his talks from "tomorrow night through Monday."

Reuters reported, quoting a source, last week that Musk planned more campaigning for Trump in Pennsylvania, considered a crucial state for both Trump and his Democratic opponent Harris in the race for the White House.

Musk's donations to America PAC propel him into the exclusive club of Republican mega-donors, a list that also includes banking heir Timothy Mellon and casino billionaire Miriam Adelson.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sco-roundup-india-opposes-chinas-obor-jaishankar-schools-pakistan-and-more-768020">SCO roundup: India opposes China's OBOR, Jaishankar schools Pakistan, and more</a>

However, Reuters reported earlier this month that Musk has secretly funded a conservative political group for years, well before his public embrace of Trump.

America PAC declined to comment on the Musk donations. Musk did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

America PAC is focused on encouraging Americans who like Trump but don't always vote to cast ballots this cycle, a high-risk, labour-intensive strategy by the Trump campaign.

The group, which started its work later in the election than other PACs, has encountered some problems with hiring and its contractors. Since July, it has fired two major contractors it has hired to knock on doors.

It has also struggled to hire door knockers in several battleground states in part because by the time the PAC became operational many other canvassing groups had already staffed up, a half-dozen sources briefed on the issues told Reuters.

The group had around $4 million left on hand by the end of September, the filings show.

Separate filings earlier on Tuesday showed that Miriam Adelson, the casino magnate, donated $95 million to another pro-Trump super PAC, Preserve America PAC, in the same period.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Elon Musk gave around $75 million to his pro-Donald Trump spending group in the span of three months, federal disclosures showed on Tuesday, underscoring how the billionaire has become crucial to the Republican candidate's efforts to win the November 5 presidential election.

Elon Musk gave around $75 million to his pro-Donald Trump spending group in the span of three months, federal disclosures showed on Tuesday, underscoring how the billionaire has become crucial to the Republican candidate's efforts to win the November 5 presidential election. America PAC, which is focused on turning out voters in closely contested states that could decide the election, spent around $72 million of that in the July-September period, according to disclosures filed to the Federal Election Commission. That is more than any other pro-Trump super PAC focused on turning out voters. The Trump campaign is broadly reliant on outside groups for canvassing voters, meaning the super PAC founded by Musk - the world's richest man - plays an outsized role in the razor-thin election between Trump and Democrat Kamala Harris. Musk, the CEO of electric car manufacturer Tesla, was the sole donor to the group in that period. Also Read | Indian American billionaire and past monk, investigated for tax abuse Musk, who has said he has voted for Democratic presidential candidates in the past, has taken a sharp turn to the right this election. He endorsed Trump in July and appeared with him at a rally in Pennsylvania earlier this month. On Wednesday, Musk said in a post on X that he will be "giving a series of talks" throughout Pennsylvania, less than two weeks after his appearance with Trump in the state. He said people only needed to sign a petition on his America PAC website to attend his talks from "tomorrow night through Monday." Reuters reported, quoting a source, last week that Musk planned more campaigning for Trump in Pennsylvania, considered a crucial state for both Trump and his Democratic opponent Harris in the race for the White House. Musk's donations to America PAC propel him into the exclusive club of Republican mega-donors, a list that also includes banking heir Timothy Mellon and casino billionaire Miriam Adelson. Also Read | SCO roundup: India opposes China's OBOR, Jaishankar schools Pakistan, and more However, Reuters reported earlier this month that Musk has secretly funded a conservative political group for years, well before his public embrace of Trump. America PAC declined to comment on the Musk donations. Musk did not immediately respond to a request for comment. America PAC is focused on encouraging Americans who like Trump but don't always vote to cast ballots this cycle, a high-risk, labour-intensive strategy by the Trump campaign. The group, which started its work later in the election than other PACs, has encountered some problems with hiring and its contractors. Since July, it has fired two major contractors it has hired to knock on doors. It has also struggled to hire door knockers in several battleground states in part because by the time the PAC became operational many other canvassing groups had already staffed up, a half-dozen sources briefed on the issues told Reuters. The group had around $4 million left on hand by the end of September, the filings show. Separate filings earlier on Tuesday showed that Miriam Adelson, the casino magnate, donated $95 million to another pro-Trump super PAC, Preserve America PAC, in the same period. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Musk becomes Republican mega-donor, gives $75 million to pro-Trump group

Ukraine is asking for a NATO membership invitation before Joe Biden leaves the White House, arguing it would be a fitting legacy for the US&nbsp;president, a senior Ukrainian diplomat said.

"Our idea is that giving Ukraine (an) invitation at this moment is a political signal," Nataliia Galibarenko, Kyiv's ambassador to NATO, told Reuters.

"We sincerely believe that it can be part of the legacy of (the) current American administration," she said in an interview at the Ukrainian mission to NATO, opposite the alliance’s headquarters in Brussels.

Next month's US&nbsp;presidential election creates major uncertainty for Ukraine as Washington has been Kyiv's biggest provider of military aid for its war against Russia's invasion.

While Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris has signalled continuing support for Ukraine, she has not spelled out the level of that support. Republican ex-President Donald Trump has not been clear about how he would handle the war.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-solves-mystery-of-black-balls-washing-up-after-two-sydney-beaches-closed-here-is-what-they-are-767985">Australia solves&nbsp;mystery of black balls washing up after two Sydney beaches closed. Here is what they are</a>

Being in NATO would make Ukraine part of the U.S.-led military alliance's mutual defence pact, which means an attack on one member is considered an attack on all, although the accession process can take years of adapting to NATO standards.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has made clear in recent weeks that he sees an early NATO invitation as part of his "victory plan".

In the interview, Galibarenko elaborated on the rationale for Kyiv's push. She argued an invitation would remove a major bone of contention between Kyiv and Moscow.

Moscow has cited Ukraine's potential membership of NATO to justify the war while Ukraine has insisted it needs to join the alliance to protect against any future Russian aggression.

"If we will say that the invitation is there, for the Russian Federation, it would be like a final verdict – so that's it, so you cannot raise the stakes using this topic anymore," Galibarenko said in the interview, which took place on Tuesday.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-elections-as-abortion-trumps-women-voters-key-issues-is-donald-heading-to-a-losing-game-767993">US elections: As abortion trumps women voters' key issues, is Donald heading to a losing game?</a>

NATO has declared Ukraine will join its ranks and its path to the alliance is irreversible. But it has said Kyiv cannot join while at war and declined to put a timeline on membership.

Most NATO members, including its predominant power, the United States, have shown no willingness to extend a membership invitation to Ukraine at this stage.

A senior US&nbsp;government official, briefing reporters on condition of anonymity, said last week that there has been no shift in Washington’s position.

Galibarenko said Kyiv is not pushing for an immediate launch of membership talks but a formal invitation now would send a powerful message.

Asked when Ukraine would like the invitation to be issued, she replied: "The sooner the better."

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Ukraine is asking for a NATO membership invitation before Joe Biden leaves the White House, arguing it would be a fitting legacy for the US president, a senior Ukrainian diplomat said.

Ukraine is asking for a NATO membership invitation before Joe Biden leaves the White House, arguing it would be a fitting legacy for the US president, a senior Ukrainian diplomat said. "Our idea is that giving Ukraine (an) invitation at this moment is a political signal," Nataliia Galibarenko, Kyiv's ambassador to NATO, told Reuters. "We sincerely believe that it can be part of the legacy of (the) current American administration," she said in an interview at the Ukrainian mission to NATO, opposite the alliance’s headquarters in Brussels. Next month's US presidential election creates major uncertainty for Ukraine as Washington has been Kyiv's biggest provider of military aid for its war against Russia's invasion. While Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris has signalled continuing support for Ukraine, she has not spelled out the level of that support. Republican ex-President Donald Trump has not been clear about how he would handle the war. Also Read | Australia solves mystery of black balls washing up after two Sydney beaches closed. Here is what they are Being in NATO would make Ukraine part of the U.S.-led military alliance's mutual defence pact, which means an attack on one member is considered an attack on all, although the accession process can take years of adapting to NATO standards. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has made clear in recent weeks that he sees an early NATO invitation as part of his "victory plan". In the interview, Galibarenko elaborated on the rationale for Kyiv's push. She argued an invitation would remove a major bone of contention between Kyiv and Moscow. Moscow has cited Ukraine's potential membership of NATO to justify the war while Ukraine has insisted it needs to join the alliance to protect against any future Russian aggression. "If we will say that the invitation is there, for the Russian Federation, it would be like a final verdict – so that's it, so you cannot raise the stakes using this topic anymore," Galibarenko said in the interview, which took place on Tuesday. Also Read | US elections: As abortion trumps women voters' key issues, is Donald heading to a losing game? NATO has declared Ukraine will join its ranks and its path to the alliance is irreversible. But it has said Kyiv cannot join while at war and declined to put a timeline on membership. Most NATO members, including its predominant power, the United States, have shown no willingness to extend a membership invitation to Ukraine at this stage. A senior US government official, briefing reporters on condition of anonymity, said last week that there has been no shift in Washington’s position. Galibarenko said Kyiv is not pushing for an immediate launch of membership talks but a formal invitation now would send a powerful message. Asked when Ukraine would like the invitation to be issued, she replied: "The sooner the better." Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Ukraine asks for NATO invite before Joe Biden leaves office: Ukrainian envoy

Nearly three million people have fled Sudan after 18 months of war in a still-growing exodus, the UN warned, with 25,000 fleeing to neighbouring Chad in the first week of October alone.

Mamadou Dian Balde, the UN's Sudan regional refugee coordinator, told AFP that the three-million mark will likely be crossed in the next two to three weeks.

That the figure is approaching three million is a "disaster" directly linked to the increasing brutality of the conflict, he said in an interview on Tuesday during his visit to Geneva this week.

War has raged since April 2023 between the Sudanese army under the country's de facto ruler Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, led by his former deputy Mohamed Hamdan Daglo.

Both sides have been accused of war crimes, including targeting civilians and blocking humanitarian aid.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-said-18-of-the-19-people-who-work-for-netanyahu-are-liars-in-major-revelation-767945">Joe Biden said ‘18 of the 19 people who work for Netanyahu are liars' in major revelation</a>

The conflict has left tens of thousands dead and some 26 million people facing severe food insecurity, with famine declared in the Zamzam displacement camp in Sudan's western Darfur region.

Some 11.3 million people have been forced to flee, including nearly 2.95 million who have fled across the country's borders, according to the latest figures from UNHCR, the UN refugee agency.

<h2>- Strain on Chad -</h2>

In a sign of the worsening conflict in Darfur, some 25,000 people -- 80 percent of whom were women and children -- crossed into eastern Chad in the first week of October, a record number for a single week in 2024.

And more than 20,270 crossed into Chad in the whole of September.

Chad is host to 681,944 Sudanese refugees -- more than any other country.

However, it is also one of the poorest countries on Earth and is lacking the basic services to accommodate such numbers, said Balde, while highlighting the generosity shown by Chadians towards their fleeing neighbours.

"When we see 25,000 arriving, it's enormous," he said.

He called for greater support from international donors.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-administration-says-israel-must-improve-gazas-humanitarian-situation-or-jeopardise-uss-military-aid-767768">Biden says Israel must improve Gaza's humanitarian situation in 30 days</a>

A UN appeal for $1.51 billion to support Sudanese refugees and their hosts in the region through the end of the year remains just 27-percent funded.

"It's not enough, because the number of refugees continues to grow," said Balde, who also serves as the UNHCR's East and Horn of Africa and Great Lakes regional director.

Balde said he expected "very unfortunately, in the coming weeks, to have many more refugees in Chad", due to both the conflict intensifying in Darfur and the drop in water levels as the rainy season ends.

<h2>- Aid still limited -</h2>

With the drier conditions, the UN hopes to be able to deliver more aid to Sudan -- if the parties to the conflict allow it.

Several rounds of negotiation efforts have so far failed to end the fighting.

In late August, following talks outside Geneva convened by the United States, the two factions committed to ensuring safe and unhindered access for humanitarians along two key corridors.

"This has helped us save lives," but "not all the commitments made have been respected" -- and the flow of aid remains "limited", said Balde, deploring the persistent "barriers at the administrative level".

In Geneva for the UNHCR's annual executive committee meeting, he chaired a discussion on Sudan, during which he asked for support to help Sudanese refugees get into the jobs market and thereby reduce their reliance on humanitarian assistance.

"We are asking development actors to mobilise to complement" such aid, he explained, while stressing the need for peace in Sudan.

Balde warned it would be "a big mistake" to think the flow of displaced people will be limited to Sudan and the wider region.

"There are more and more who are coming towards Italy, Europe and southern Africa", and "there are some who will go towards the Gulf countries too", he said.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Nearly three million people have fled Sudan after 18 months of war in a still-growing exodus, the UN warned, with 25,000 fleeing to neighbouring Chad in the first week of October alone.

Nearly three million people have fled Sudan after 18 months of war in a still-growing exodus, the UN warned, with 25,000 fleeing to neighbouring Chad in the first week of October alone. Mamadou Dian Balde, the UN's Sudan regional refugee coordinator, told AFP that the three-million mark will likely be crossed in the next two to three weeks. That the figure is approaching three million is a "disaster" directly linked to the increasing brutality of the conflict, he said in an interview on Tuesday during his visit to Geneva this week. War has raged since April 2023 between the Sudanese army under the country's de facto ruler Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, led by his former deputy Mohamed Hamdan Daglo. Both sides have been accused of war crimes, including targeting civilians and blocking humanitarian aid. Also Read | Joe Biden said ‘18 of the 19 people who work for Netanyahu are liars' in major revelation The conflict has left tens of thousands dead and some 26 million people facing severe food insecurity, with famine declared in the Zamzam displacement camp in Sudan's western Darfur region. Some 11.3 million people have been forced to flee, including nearly 2.95 million who have fled across the country's borders, according to the latest figures from UNHCR, the UN refugee agency. - Strain on Chad - In a sign of the worsening conflict in Darfur, some 25,000 people -- 80 percent of whom were women and children -- crossed into eastern Chad in the first week of October, a record number for a single week in 2024. And more than 20,270 crossed into Chad in the whole of September. Chad is host to 681,944 Sudanese refugees -- more than any other country. However, it is also one of the poorest countries on Earth and is lacking the basic services to accommodate such numbers, said Balde, while highlighting the generosity shown by Chadians towards their fleeing neighbours. "When we see 25,000 arriving, it's enormous," he said. He called for greater support from international donors. Also Read | Biden says Israel must improve Gaza's humanitarian situation in 30 days A UN appeal for $1.51 billion to support Sudanese refugees and their hosts in the region through the end of the year remains just 27-percent funded. "It's not enough, because the number of refugees continues to grow," said Balde, who also serves as the UNHCR's East and Horn of Africa and Great Lakes regional director. Balde said he expected "very unfortunately, in the coming weeks, to have many more refugees in Chad", due to both the conflict intensifying in Darfur and the drop in water levels as the rainy season ends. - Aid still limited - With the drier conditions, the UN hopes to be able to deliver more aid to Sudan -- if the parties to the conflict allow it. Several rounds of negotiation efforts have so far failed to end the fighting. In late August, following talks outside Geneva convened by the United States, the two factions committed to ensuring safe and unhindered access for humanitarians along two key corridors. "This has helped us save lives," but "not all the commitments made have been respected" -- and the flow of aid remains "limited", said Balde, deploring the persistent "barriers at the administrative level". In Geneva for the UNHCR's annual executive committee meeting, he chaired a discussion on Sudan, during which he asked for support to help Sudanese refugees get into the jobs market and thereby reduce their reliance on humanitarian assistance. "We are asking development actors to mobilise to complement" such aid, he explained, while stressing the need for peace in Sudan. Balde warned it would be "a big mistake" to think the flow of displaced people will be limited to Sudan and the wider region. "There are more and more who are coming towards Italy, Europe and southern Africa", and "there are some who will go towards the Gulf countries too", he said. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Escalating Sudan bloodshed increases refugee surge into Chad

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar arrived in Islamabad, Pakistan, on Tuesday for the 23rd meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of Government. Later in the evening, Jaishankar could be seen exchanging pleasantries with Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ahead of the dinner with delegates.&nbsp;

The 23rd SCO CHG kicked off Wednesday (OCt 15) in Pakistan's capital, Islamabad, with top-notch security measures in place. Further, the Ministry of External Affairs said that the meeting will focus on the trade and economic agenda of the organisation.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Islamabad: Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif welcomes EAM Dr S Jaishankar and other SCO Council Heads of Government, to a dinner hosted by him. 
 
EAM is in Pakistan to participate in the 23rd Meeting of SCO Council of Heads of Government. 
 
(Video Source: PTV) <a href="https://t.co/BHtUhuLm9e">pic.twitter.com/BHtUhuLm9e</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1846203549572632903?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 15, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"The 23rd Meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of Government (CHG) will be held on 16 October 2024 in Islamabad under the chairmanship of Pakistan. The SCO CHG meeting is held annually and focuses on the trade and economic agenda of the organisation," the MEA stated.&nbsp;

Jaishankar will lead the Indian delegation at the 23rd Meeting of the SCO.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Landed in Islamabad to take part in SCO Council of Heads of Government Meeting. <a href="https://t.co/PQ4IFPZtlp">pic.twitter.com/PQ4IFPZtlp</a>
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1846150619486163253?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 15, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"India remains actively engaged in the SCO format, including various mechanisms and initiatives within the SCO framework," the release said.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/omar-abdullah-to-take-oath-as-jk-cm-security-beefed-up-as-india-alliances-key-leaders-likely-to-attend-767675">Omar Abdullah to take oath as J&amp;K CM; security beefed up as India Alliance's key leaders likely to attend</a>

The EAM had earlier said that he will not be going to Islamabad to discuss "India-Pakistan relations," but his visit is all about the multilateral event SCO Summit 2024. Jaishankar had also emphasised that he is travelling to Pakistan only to be a "good member of the SCO."

With the arrival of foreign top officials, the security agencies are determined to prevent any disruptions and have amped up security in Islamabad. 
 
To ensure the safety and security of the 23rd SCO summit in Islamabad, the Pakistan Army has been deployed to safeguard the event, key government buildings, and the Red Zone area.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/southwest-monsoon-ends-northeast-monsoon-begins-chennai-on-red-alert-imd-warns-767694">India: Southwest Monsoon ends, northeast monsoon begins; Chennai on red alert, IMD warns</a>

Additionally, rangers have been stationed throughout the capital. 
 
As a precautionary measure, numerous businesses have been temporarily shut down to minimise security risks in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Key routes have also been closed.

Notably, the government has deployed over 10,000 police and paramilitary personnel for the security of about 900 delegates set to arrive for the event.

The delegates will stay at different places in the capital located inside the 'Red Zone' or in the vicinity, as 14 locations in the capital have been arranged for their accommodation, Dawn reported.

A motorcade of 124 vehicles has been arranged to ensure transportation for guests. This fleet will be divided into two groups: 84 vehicles will escort the heads of states, while 40 vehicles will cater to other delegates. With all delegations set to arrive, a packed schedule awaits on Wednesday.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar arrived in Islamabad, Pakistan, on Tuesday for the 23rd meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of Government.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar arrived in Islamabad, Pakistan, on Tuesday for the 23rd meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of Government. Later in the evening, Jaishankar could be seen exchanging pleasantries with Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ahead of the dinner with delegates. The 23rd SCO CHG kicked off Wednesday (OCt 15) in Pakistan's capital, Islamabad, with top-notch security measures in place. Further, the Ministry of External Affairs said that the meeting will focus on the trade and economic agenda of the organisation. #WATCH | Islamabad: Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif welcomes EAM Dr S Jaishankar and other SCO Council Heads of Government, to a dinner hosted by him. EAM is in Pakistan to participate in the 23rd Meeting of SCO Council of Heads of Government. (Video Source: PTV) pic.twitter.com/BHtUhuLm9e — ANI (@ANI) October 15, 2024 × "The 23rd Meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of Government (CHG) will be held on 16 October 2024 in Islamabad under the chairmanship of Pakistan. The SCO CHG meeting is held annually and focuses on the trade and economic agenda of the organisation," the MEA stated. Jaishankar will lead the Indian delegation at the 23rd Meeting of the SCO. Landed in Islamabad to take part in SCO Council of Heads of Government Meeting. pic.twitter.com/PQ4IFPZtlp — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) October 15, 2024 × "India remains actively engaged in the SCO format, including various mechanisms and initiatives within the SCO framework," the release said. Also Read | Omar Abdullah to take oath as J&K CM; security beefed up as India Alliance's key leaders likely to attend The EAM had earlier said that he will not be going to Islamabad to discuss "India-Pakistan relations," but his visit is all about the multilateral event SCO Summit 2024. Jaishankar had also emphasised that he is travelling to Pakistan only to be a "good member of the SCO." With the arrival of foreign top officials, the security agencies are determined to prevent any disruptions and have amped up security in Islamabad. To ensure the safety and security of the 23rd SCO summit in Islamabad, the Pakistan Army has been deployed to safeguard the event, key government buildings, and the Red Zone area. Also Read | India: Southwest Monsoon ends, northeast monsoon begins; Chennai on red alert, IMD warns Additionally, rangers have been stationed throughout the capital. As a precautionary measure, numerous businesses have been temporarily shut down to minimise security risks in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Key routes have also been closed. Notably, the government has deployed over 10,000 police and paramilitary personnel for the security of about 900 delegates set to arrive for the event. The delegates will stay at different places in the capital located inside the 'Red Zone' or in the vicinity, as 14 locations in the capital have been arranged for their accommodation, Dawn reported. A motorcade of 124 vehicles has been arranged to ensure transportation for guests. This fleet will be divided into two groups: 84 vehicles will escort the heads of states, while 40 vehicles will cater to other delegates. With all delegations set to arrive, a packed schedule awaits on Wednesday. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

SCO Summit: EAM S Jaishankar exchanges greetings with Pakistan PM Sharif

A Russian man was found alive after drifting for two months on an inflatable boat while another man and a teenage boy died, prosecutors said Tuesday (Oct 15).

The two men and a 15-year-old set off to the Island of Sakhalin from the far eastern Khabarovsk region on August 9, transport prosecutors said.

"After a time, communication with them was lost, their boat's location remained unknown," they said.

"On October 14 around 10:00 pm, the boat was discovered as it passed a fishing boat... Two people died, one remained alive, he is receiving medical help," prosecutors said.

The dinghy was found in the Sea of Okhotsk, around 1,000 kilometres (670 miles) from its starting point.&nbsp;

Prosecutors published a video showing the bearded survivor in a life jacket shouting at the fishermen: "I don't have much strength" but managing to catch a rope.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-poll-body-eci-announces-dates-for-maharashtra-jharkhand-assembly-elections-767677">Poll body ECI announces dates for Maharashtra, Jharkhand Assembly elections</a>

The survivor was named by the RIA Novosti news agency as Mikhail Pichugin, while his brother Sergei, 49, and nephew Ilya, 15, died. Their bodies were on the boat.

Russian rescuers had mounted a search using helicopters and a plane for the men a few days after they disappeared, suspecting the boat had been carried by currents towards Kamchatka.&nbsp;

Alexei Arykov, the owner of the fishing boat that found the survivor said he was "in a serious condition, thin, but conscious," RIA Novosti reported.

The boat docked around 0830 GMT in the far eastern city of Magadan and the survivor was carried off on a stretcher, the news agency reported.

The survivor's wife Yekaterina told RIA Novosti: "It's a kind of miracle", adding that the men had taken enough food and water to last only two weeks.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-issues-stark-warning-to-iran-any-plot-against-trump-will-be-act-of-war-767580">US issues stark warning to Iran: Any plot against Trump will be 'act of war'</a>

She said her husband's weight could have helped save him, as "he weighed around 100 kilograms" (220 pounds). Russian television reported he lost 50 kilograms.

The brothers were from Ulan-Ude in Siberia but Mikhail Pichugin was working on Sakhalin as a driver.&nbsp;

He had invited his brother and nephew to visit and they planned a sea trip to see whales, Komsomolskaya Pravda tabloid reported, citing relatives.

An expert questioned by RIA Novosti recalled that in 1960, four Soviet soldiers survived 49 days adrift on a small boat in the Pacific Ocean that was found by the US aircraft carrier Kearsarge.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

A Russian man was found alive after drifting for two months on an inflatable boat while another man and a teenage boy died, prosecutors said Tuesday (Oct 15). The two men and a 15-year-old set off to the Island of Sakhalin from the far eastern Khabarovsk region on August 9, transport prosecutors said.

A Russian man was found alive after drifting for two months on an inflatable boat while another man and a teenage boy died, prosecutors said Tuesday (Oct 15). The two men and a 15-year-old set off to the Island of Sakhalin from the far eastern Khabarovsk region on August 9, transport prosecutors said. "After a time, communication with them was lost, their boat's location remained unknown," they said. "On October 14 around 10:00 pm, the boat was discovered as it passed a fishing boat... Two people died, one remained alive, he is receiving medical help," prosecutors said. The dinghy was found in the Sea of Okhotsk, around 1,000 kilometres (670 miles) from its starting point. Prosecutors published a video showing the bearded survivor in a life jacket shouting at the fishermen: "I don't have much strength" but managing to catch a rope. Also Read | Poll body ECI announces dates for Maharashtra, Jharkhand Assembly elections The survivor was named by the RIA Novosti news agency as Mikhail Pichugin, while his brother Sergei, 49, and nephew Ilya, 15, died. Their bodies were on the boat. Russian rescuers had mounted a search using helicopters and a plane for the men a few days after they disappeared, suspecting the boat had been carried by currents towards Kamchatka. Alexei Arykov, the owner of the fishing boat that found the survivor said he was "in a serious condition, thin, but conscious," RIA Novosti reported. The boat docked around 0830 GMT in the far eastern city of Magadan and the survivor was carried off on a stretcher, the news agency reported. The survivor's wife Yekaterina told RIA Novosti: "It's a kind of miracle", adding that the men had taken enough food and water to last only two weeks. Also Read | US issues stark warning to Iran: Any plot against Trump will be 'act of war' She said her husband's weight could have helped save him, as "he weighed around 100 kilograms" (220 pounds). Russian television reported he lost 50 kilograms. The brothers were from Ulan-Ude in Siberia but Mikhail Pichugin was working on Sakhalin as a driver. He had invited his brother and nephew to visit and they planned a sea trip to see whales, Komsomolskaya Pravda tabloid reported, citing relatives. An expert questioned by RIA Novosti recalled that in 1960, four Soviet soldiers survived 49 days adrift on a small boat in the Pacific Ocean that was found by the US aircraft carrier Kearsarge. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Russian man rescued after surviving 67 days adrift in sea

Conflict-ravaged Gaza appears to be facing the worst restrictions on aid since the Israel-Hams war there began over a year ago, the UN said on Tuesday, lamenting the devastating impact,&nbsp;especially, on children.

"Day after day, the situation for children becomes worse than the day before," said James Elder, spokesman for the UN children's agency UNICEF.

Vast areas of Gaza have been devastated by Israel's retaliatory assault on the territory after the October 7 Hamas attack last year that sparked the war.

And Israel has been intensifying operations in the north of the besieged Palestinian territory, where the UN has warned hundreds of thousands of people are trapped.

Despite a desperate need to increase the amount of aid going in, Elder lamented that aid access was worsening.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-to-impose-sanctions-on-india-experts-say-sick-man-shouldnt-punch-above-its-weight-767697">Canada looks to sanction India; experts say ‘sick man’ will shoot in the foot</a>

"August was the lowest amount of humanitarian aid that came into the Gaza Strip of any full month since the war broke out," he said, adding that there had been "several days in the last week (where) no commercial trucks whatsoever were allowed to come in".

"We see now what are probably the worst restrictions we've seen on humanitarian aid, ever."

Earlier in the year, amid warnings that the UN could declare a full-fledged famine in Gaza, Elder said there had been "a real push to have new routes and access point open".

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israels-air-defence-system-facing-shortage-of-munitions-as-war-drags-on-report-767726">Israel's air defence system facing shortage of munitions as war drags on</a>

But now, "we have seen an absolute reversal of that", he warned, adding that since May, "we've seen consistent entry points blocked".

Northern Gaza, meanwhile, "hasn't had food, any food aid at all coming in all of October", he added.

The dire lack of aid, coupled with the relentless strikes and the fact that around 85 per cent of the Gaza Strip has been hit with some form of evacuation order, has made the territory "essentially unlivable", Elder said.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Conflict-ravaged Gaza appears to be facing the worst restrictions on aid since the Israel-Hams war there began over a year ago, the UN said on Tuesday, lamenting the devastating impact, especially, on children.

Conflict-ravaged Gaza appears to be facing the worst restrictions on aid since the Israel-Hams war there began over a year ago, the UN said on Tuesday, lamenting the devastating impact, especially, on children. "Day after day, the situation for children becomes worse than the day before," said James Elder, spokesman for the UN children's agency UNICEF. Vast areas of Gaza have been devastated by Israel's retaliatory assault on the territory after the October 7 Hamas attack last year that sparked the war. And Israel has been intensifying operations in the north of the besieged Palestinian territory, where the UN has warned hundreds of thousands of people are trapped. Despite a desperate need to increase the amount of aid going in, Elder lamented that aid access was worsening. Also Read | Canada looks to sanction India; experts say ‘sick man’ will shoot in the foot "August was the lowest amount of humanitarian aid that came into the Gaza Strip of any full month since the war broke out," he said, adding that there had been "several days in the last week (where) no commercial trucks whatsoever were allowed to come in". "We see now what are probably the worst restrictions we've seen on humanitarian aid, ever." Earlier in the year, amid warnings that the UN could declare a full-fledged famine in Gaza, Elder said there had been "a real push to have new routes and access point open". Also Read | Israel's air defence system facing shortage of munitions as war drags on But now, "we have seen an absolute reversal of that", he warned, adding that since May, "we've seen consistent entry points blocked". Northern Gaza, meanwhile, "hasn't had food, any food aid at all coming in all of October", he added. The dire lack of aid, coupled with the relentless strikes and the fact that around 85 per cent of the Gaza Strip has been hit with some form of evacuation order, has made the territory "essentially unlivable", Elder said. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

‘Worst restrictions’ on Gaza aid since Israel-Hamas war began: UN

Israeli military strikes killed at least 40‬ Palestinians across the Gaza Strip as Israeli forces tightened their squeeze around Jabalia in the north of the enclave on Tuesday, amid fierce battles with Hamas-led fighters.

Palestinian health officials said at least 11 people were killed by Israeli fire near Al-Falouja in Jabalia, the largest of Gaza's eight historic refugee camps, while 10 others were killed in Bani Suhaila in eastern Khan Younis in the south when an Israeli missile struck a house.

Earlier on Tuesday, an Israeli airstrike destroyed three houses in the Sabra suburb of Gaza City, and the local civil emergency service said they recovered two bodies from the site, while the search continued for 12 other people who were believed to have been in the houses at the time of the strike.

Five others were killed when a house was struck in the Nuseirat camp in central Gaza.

Jabalia has been the focus of an Israeli offensive for more than 10 days, with troops returning to areas of the north that came under heavy bombardment in the early months of the year-long war.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-poll-body-eci-announces-dates-for-maharashtra-jharkhand-assembly-elections-767677">Poll body ECI announces dates for Maharashtra, Jharkhand Assembly elections</a>

The operation has raised concerns among Palestinians and UN&nbsp;agencies that Israel wants to clear residents from the north of the crowded enclave, a charge it has denied.

The United Nations human rights office said on Tuesday the Israeli military appeared to be "cutting off North Gaza completely from the rest of the Gaza Strip."

"Amid intense ongoing hostilities and evacuation orders in northern Gaza families are facing unimaginable fear, loss of loved ones, confusion, and exhaustion. People must be able to flee safely, without facing further danger," Adrian Zimmerman, ICRC Gaza head of sub-delegation, said in a statement.

"Many, including the sick and disabled, cannot leave, and they remain protected under international humanitarian law – all possible precautions must be taken to ensure they remain unharmed. Every person displaced has the right to return home in safety," he added.

The Israeli military has now encircled the Jabalia camp and sent tanks into nearby Beit Lahiya and Beit Hanoun towns, with the declared aim of stamping out Hamas fighters who are trying to regroup there.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/west-asia-crisis-25-of-lebanon-under-israeli-evacuation-orders-says-un-agency-767682">West Asia crisis: 25% of Lebanon under Israeli evacuation orders, says UN agency</a>

The Israeli military has told residents to leave their homes and head to safety in southern Gaza. Palestinian and UN&nbsp;officials say there was no place safe in Gaza.

Israeli officials said evacuation orders were aimed at separating Hamas fighters from civilians and denied that there was any systematic plan to clear civilians out of Jabalia or other northern areas.

Hamas' armed wing said fighters were engaged in fierce battles with Israeli forces in and around Jabalia.

Zimmerman also urged for health facilities in the north to be protected, saying hospitals there were struggling to provide medical services.

Gaza's health ministry said the army ordered the three hospitals operating there to evacuate but medical staffers said they were determined to continue their services even though they are overwhelmed by the growing number of casualties.

On Monday, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the level of civilian casualties in northern Gaza.

The northern part of Gaza is home to well over half the territory's 2.3 million people and hundreds of thousands of residents were forced to flee their homes amidst heavy bombing in the first phase of Israel's assault on the territory.

Around 400,000 people remained, according to United Nations estimates.

Israel launched the offensive against Hamas after the militant group's October&nbsp;7 attack on Israel, in which 1,200 people were killed and around 250 taken hostage to Gaza, by Israeli tallies. More than 42,000 Palestinians have been killed in the offensive so far, according to Gaza's health authorities.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Israeli military strikes killed at least 40‬ Palestinians across the Gaza Strip as Israeli forces tightened their squeeze around Jabalia in the north of the enclave on Tuesday, amid fierce battles with Hamas-led fighters.

Israeli military strikes killed at least 40‬ Palestinians across the Gaza Strip as Israeli forces tightened their squeeze around Jabalia in the north of the enclave on Tuesday, amid fierce battles with Hamas-led fighters. Palestinian health officials said at least 11 people were killed by Israeli fire near Al-Falouja in Jabalia, the largest of Gaza's eight historic refugee camps, while 10 others were killed in Bani Suhaila in eastern Khan Younis in the south when an Israeli missile struck a house. Earlier on Tuesday, an Israeli airstrike destroyed three houses in the Sabra suburb of Gaza City, and the local civil emergency service said they recovered two bodies from the site, while the search continued for 12 other people who were believed to have been in the houses at the time of the strike. Five others were killed when a house was struck in the Nuseirat camp in central Gaza. Jabalia has been the focus of an Israeli offensive for more than 10 days, with troops returning to areas of the north that came under heavy bombardment in the early months of the year-long war. Also Read | Poll body ECI announces dates for Maharashtra, Jharkhand Assembly elections The operation has raised concerns among Palestinians and UN agencies that Israel wants to clear residents from the north of the crowded enclave, a charge it has denied. The United Nations human rights office said on Tuesday the Israeli military appeared to be "cutting off North Gaza completely from the rest of the Gaza Strip." "Amid intense ongoing hostilities and evacuation orders in northern Gaza families are facing unimaginable fear, loss of loved ones, confusion, and exhaustion. People must be able to flee safely, without facing further danger," Adrian Zimmerman, ICRC Gaza head of sub-delegation, said in a statement. "Many, including the sick and disabled, cannot leave, and they remain protected under international humanitarian law – all possible precautions must be taken to ensure they remain unharmed. Every person displaced has the right to return home in safety," he added. The Israeli military has now encircled the Jabalia camp and sent tanks into nearby Beit Lahiya and Beit Hanoun towns, with the declared aim of stamping out Hamas fighters who are trying to regroup there. Also Read | West Asia crisis: 25% of Lebanon under Israeli evacuation orders, says UN agency The Israeli military has told residents to leave their homes and head to safety in southern Gaza. Palestinian and UN officials say there was no place safe in Gaza. Israeli officials said evacuation orders were aimed at separating Hamas fighters from civilians and denied that there was any systematic plan to clear civilians out of Jabalia or other northern areas. Hamas' armed wing said fighters were engaged in fierce battles with Israeli forces in and around Jabalia. Zimmerman also urged for health facilities in the north to be protected, saying hospitals there were struggling to provide medical services. Gaza's health ministry said the army ordered the three hospitals operating there to evacuate but medical staffers said they were determined to continue their services even though they are overwhelmed by the growing number of casualties. On Monday, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the level of civilian casualties in northern Gaza. The northern part of Gaza is home to well over half the territory's 2.3 million people and hundreds of thousands of residents were forced to flee their homes amidst heavy bombing in the first phase of Israel's assault on the territory. Around 400,000 people remained, according to United Nations estimates. Israel launched the offensive against Hamas after the militant group's October 7 attack on Israel, in which 1,200 people were killed and around 250 taken hostage to Gaza, by Israeli tallies. More than 42,000 Palestinians have been killed in the offensive so far, according to Gaza's health authorities. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Israel-Hamas war: At least 40 killed in Gaza amid Israeli strikes as tanks deepen raid in north

Taiwan detected a record 153 Chinese military aircraft around the self-ruled island, official data showed Tuesday, after China held a day of large-scale drills.

The aircraft were spotted in the 25 hours to 6:00 am on Tuesday (2200 GMT Monday), the defence ministry said in a statement -- the most for a single day.

Beijing deployed fighter jets, drones, warships and coast guard boats to encircle Taiwan on Monday, with Taiwan responding by dispatching "appropriate forces" and placing its outlying islands on heightened alert.

Taiwan condemned China's actions as "irrational and provocative", and the US called them "unwarranted".

Japan said Tuesday it had expressed its "concerns" to China over the drills, and scrambled fighter jets near its southern island of Yonaguni.

"The government is closely monitoring the related activities with great interest, and has conveyed Japan's concerns to the Chinese side," deputy chief cabinet secretary Kazuhiko Aoki told reporters.

Taiwan's foreign ministry on Tuesday urged China "not to cause trouble for no reason and become a troublemaker that undermines peace and stability".

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/uk-prioritises-trade-deals-with-india-and-gulf-nations-says-business-minister-767637">UK prioritises trade deals with India and Gulf nations, says Business Minister</a>

China claims Taiwan as part of its territory and insisted Monday it will never renounce the use of force to bring the island under its control.&nbsp;

Beijing has ramped up military pressure on Taipei in recent years to accept its claims of sovereignty over the island, and Monday represented the fourth round of large-scale drills in just over two years.

Taiwan's defence ministry also recorded 14 Chinese navy ships in the latest 25-hour period, slightly fewer than the 17 announced Monday afternoon.

Of the aircraft spotted, 111 crossed the median line of the sensitive Taiwan Strait that separates mainland China and Taiwan, the figures showed.

<h2>- 'Unwarranted' -</h2>

The United States said China's actions on Monday were "unwarranted" and risked "escalation" as it called on Beijing to act with restraint.

China said the drills, dubbed Joint Sword 2024B, were held in areas to the north, south and east of Taiwan.&nbsp;

Beijing declared them over by around 6:00 pm on Monday, about 13 hours after they started.

China said the exercises served as a "stern warning to the separatist acts of 'Taiwan Independence' forces".

Taiwan President Lai Ching-te, who took office in May, has been more outspoken than his predecessor Tsai Ing-wen in defending Taiwan's sovereignty, angering Beijing, which calls him a "separatist".

In his National Day speech on Thursday, Lai vowed to "resist annexation" and insisted that Beijing and Taipei were "not subordinate to each other".

Lai pledged Monday to "protect democratic Taiwan and safeguard national security".

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sco-summit-2024-check-key-attendees-dates-and-agenda-s-jaishankar-to-attend-767640">SCO Summit 2024: Check key attendees, dates and agenda, S. Jaishankar to attend</a>

In late May, three days after Lai's inauguration, China launched Joint Sword-2024A, an apparent precursor to the latest drills.

People in Taipei appeared to be unfazed by the exercises.

"To denounce and threaten with military force is not a big deal and we don't think it is possible that it will invade us with force," 78-year-old retiree Lai Chih-wai told AFP.

"It's not there yet. Their action is like dogs barking."&nbsp;

The dispute between China and Taiwan dates back to a civil war in which the nationalist forces of Chiang Kai-shek were defeated by Mao Zedong's communist fighters and fled to the island in 1949.

China and Taiwan have been ruled separately since then.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Taiwan detected a record 153 Chinese military aircraft around the self-ruled island, official data showed Tuesday, after China held a day of large-scale drills. The aircraft were spotted in the 25 hours to 6:00 am on Tuesday (2200 GMT Monday), the defence ministry said in a statement -- the most for a single day.

Taiwan detected a record 153 Chinese military aircraft around the self-ruled island, official data showed Tuesday, after China held a day of large-scale drills. The aircraft were spotted in the 25 hours to 6:00 am on Tuesday (2200 GMT Monday), the defence ministry said in a statement -- the most for a single day. Beijing deployed fighter jets, drones, warships and coast guard boats to encircle Taiwan on Monday, with Taiwan responding by dispatching "appropriate forces" and placing its outlying islands on heightened alert. Taiwan condemned China's actions as "irrational and provocative", and the US called them "unwarranted". Japan said Tuesday it had expressed its "concerns" to China over the drills, and scrambled fighter jets near its southern island of Yonaguni. "The government is closely monitoring the related activities with great interest, and has conveyed Japan's concerns to the Chinese side," deputy chief cabinet secretary Kazuhiko Aoki told reporters. Taiwan's foreign ministry on Tuesday urged China "not to cause trouble for no reason and become a troublemaker that undermines peace and stability". Also Read | UK prioritises trade deals with India and Gulf nations, says Business Minister China claims Taiwan as part of its territory and insisted Monday it will never renounce the use of force to bring the island under its control. Beijing has ramped up military pressure on Taipei in recent years to accept its claims of sovereignty over the island, and Monday represented the fourth round of large-scale drills in just over two years. Taiwan's defence ministry also recorded 14 Chinese navy ships in the latest 25-hour period, slightly fewer than the 17 announced Monday afternoon. Of the aircraft spotted, 111 crossed the median line of the sensitive Taiwan Strait that separates mainland China and Taiwan, the figures showed. - 'Unwarranted' - The United States said China's actions on Monday were "unwarranted" and risked "escalation" as it called on Beijing to act with restraint. China said the drills, dubbed Joint Sword 2024B, were held in areas to the north, south and east of Taiwan. Beijing declared them over by around 6:00 pm on Monday, about 13 hours after they started. China said the exercises served as a "stern warning to the separatist acts of 'Taiwan Independence' forces". Taiwan President Lai Ching-te, who took office in May, has been more outspoken than his predecessor Tsai Ing-wen in defending Taiwan's sovereignty, angering Beijing, which calls him a "separatist". In his National Day speech on Thursday, Lai vowed to "resist annexation" and insisted that Beijing and Taipei were "not subordinate to each other". Lai pledged Monday to "protect democratic Taiwan and safeguard national security". Also Read | SCO Summit 2024: Check key attendees, dates and agenda, S. Jaishankar to attend In late May, three days after Lai's inauguration, China launched Joint Sword-2024A, an apparent precursor to the latest drills. People in Taipei appeared to be unfazed by the exercises. "To denounce and threaten with military force is not a big deal and we don't think it is possible that it will invade us with force," 78-year-old retiree Lai Chih-wai told AFP. "It's not there yet. Their action is like dogs barking." The dispute between China and Taiwan dates back to a civil war in which the nationalist forces of Chiang Kai-shek were defeated by Mao Zedong's communist fighters and fled to the island in 1949. China and Taiwan have been ruled separately since then. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Taiwan records 153 Chinese military aircraft after large-scale drills

Iranian commander Esmail Qaani on Tuesday appeared in public after weeks of absence to attend the funeral ceremony for general Abbas Nilforoushan, who was killed last month in Lebanon.

Nilforoushan, a general in Iran's Revolutionary Guards, was killed in an Israeli strike on Beirut alongside Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah.

The funeral procession for the slain Iranian general began at the Imam Hossein Square in central Tehran Tuesday morning, according to a live broadcast on state television.

Qaani -- who heads the Quds Force, the Revolutionary Guard's foreign operations arm -- had disappeared from public view and was rumoured in some media to have been targeted in an Israeli strike on Lebanon.

He appeared Tuesday at the funeral, clad in the Guards' green military uniform.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trudeau-says-india-attacking-me-personally-canada-police-allege-new-delhi-bishnoi-gang-collaboration-767468">Trudeau says India 'attacking' me; Canada police hint at Bishnoi gang's role</a>

Thousands attended the funeral procession in Imam Hossein Square, many of them carrying yellow Hezbollah banners and Iranian and Palestinian flags and chanting "Death to Israel".

Iran's foreign ministry said Monday the Islamic Republic would use "all its capacities" to bring Israel to account over the deaths.

On October 1, Iran launched 200 missiles on Israel in retaliation for the death of Nilforoushan and Nasrallah, in its second-ever direct attack on its arch-foe.

The attack was also in retaliation for Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh, who was killed in July while he was in Tehran to attend an inauguration ceremony for Iran's president.

Israel has vowed to retaliate for the missile attack, with Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant saying Israel's response will be "deadly, precise, and surprising".&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-flashes-nuclear-card-as-israel-promises-to-target-only-military-sites-767517">Iran flashes nuclear card as Israel promises to target ‘only military sites’</a>

Iran has in recent days engaged in high-level diplomatic talks around establishing a ceasefire in Lebanon and Gaza, as well as ways to prevent the conflict from spreading across the region.

On a visit to Baghdad, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, on Sunday said that Iran was "fully prepared for a war situation", but added that "we do not want war, we want peace".

In April Tehran had fired a volley of missiles and drones at Israel in retaliation for a deadly strike on Iran's consulate in Damascus, blamed on Israel.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Iranian commander Esmail Qaani on Tuesday appeared in public after weeks of absence to attend the funeral ceremony for general Abbas Nilforoushan, who was killed last month in Lebanon.

Iranian commander Esmail Qaani on Tuesday appeared in public after weeks of absence to attend the funeral ceremony for general Abbas Nilforoushan, who was killed last month in Lebanon. Nilforoushan, a general in Iran's Revolutionary Guards, was killed in an Israeli strike on Beirut alongside Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah. The funeral procession for the slain Iranian general began at the Imam Hossein Square in central Tehran Tuesday morning, according to a live broadcast on state television. Qaani -- who heads the Quds Force, the Revolutionary Guard's foreign operations arm -- had disappeared from public view and was rumoured in some media to have been targeted in an Israeli strike on Lebanon. He appeared Tuesday at the funeral, clad in the Guards' green military uniform. Also Read | Trudeau says India 'attacking' me; Canada police hint at Bishnoi gang's role Thousands attended the funeral procession in Imam Hossein Square, many of them carrying yellow Hezbollah banners and Iranian and Palestinian flags and chanting "Death to Israel". Iran's foreign ministry said Monday the Islamic Republic would use "all its capacities" to bring Israel to account over the deaths. On October 1, Iran launched 200 missiles on Israel in retaliation for the death of Nilforoushan and Nasrallah, in its second-ever direct attack on its arch-foe. The attack was also in retaliation for Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh, who was killed in July while he was in Tehran to attend an inauguration ceremony for Iran's president. Israel has vowed to retaliate for the missile attack, with Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant saying Israel's response will be "deadly, precise, and surprising". Also Read | Iran flashes nuclear card as Israel promises to target ‘only military sites’ Iran has in recent days engaged in high-level diplomatic talks around establishing a ceasefire in Lebanon and Gaza, as well as ways to prevent the conflict from spreading across the region. On a visit to Baghdad, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, on Sunday said that Iran was "fully prepared for a war situation", but added that "we do not want war, we want peace". In April Tehran had fired a volley of missiles and drones at Israel in retaliation for a deadly strike on Iran's consulate in Damascus, blamed on Israel. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Iranian commander Esmail Qaani attends General Abbas Nilforoushan's funeral

China insisted on Monday it would never renounce the "use of force" to take control of Taiwan, after ending a day of military drills around the self-ruled island that Beijing said was a "stern warning" to "separatist" forces.

Beijing, which claims Taiwan as part of its own territory, deployed fighter jets, drones, warships and coast guard vessels to encircle the island in its fourth round of large-scale war games in just over two years.

The United States said China's actions were "unwarranted" and risked "escalation" as it called on Beijing to act with restraint.

China declared the drills over at around 6:00 pm (1000 GMT), about 13 hours after they had begun.

"We sincerely strive for the prospect of peaceful reunification, but we will never promise to renounce the use of force and will not leave any space for 'Taiwan independence'," Ministry of National Defense spokesperson Wu Qian said soon after.

The exercises, dubbed Joint Sword-2024B, had "fully tested the integrated joint operation capabilities of its troops", military spokesperson Captain Li Xi said in a statement.

President Lai Ching-te, who took office in May, has been more outspoken than his predecessor Tsai Ing-wen in defending Taiwan's sovereignty, angering Beijing, which calls him a "separatist".

Lai vowed on Monday to "protect democratic Taiwan and safeguard national security", while the defence ministry said it had dispatched "appropriate forces" in response to the drills.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-withdraws-high-commissioner-top-diplomats-from-canada-as-ties-collapse-767401">India recalls high commissioner, top diplomats to Canada as ties collapse</a>

Taiwan detected 125 Chinese aircraft, including fighter jets and drones from early morning to late afternoon, a defence ministry official said, describing it as a record for a single day. Seventeen warships were also spotted.

Outlying islands administered by Taipei had been put on "heightened alert", Taiwan's defence ministry said.

Beijing said its exercises served as a "stern warning to the separatist acts of 'Taiwan Independence' forces".

The drills took place in "areas to the north, south and east of Taiwan Island", Li said earlier.

Their aim was to focus "on subjects of sea-air combat-readiness patrol, blockade on key ports and areas", Li said.

They also practised an "assault on maritime and ground targets".

The previous large-scale drills held in May, three days after Lai's inauguration, were called "Joint Sword-2024A" and lasted two days.

- China coast guard 'inspections' -

China's coast guard was also sent to conduct "inspections", with a diagram released by the coast guard showing four fleets encircling Taiwan and moving anti-clockwise around the island.

The coast guard of the eastern province of Fujian -- the closest area on the mainland to Taiwan -- also said it conducted "comprehensive law enforcement patrols" in waters near the Taipei-controlled Matsu islands.

Taiwan said four "formations" of China coast guard ships had patrolled the island and briefly entered its restricted waters, but not its prohibited waters.

China has ramped up military activity around Taiwan in recent years, sending warplanes and other military aircraft while its ships maintain a near-constant presence around the island's waters.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/demi-lovatos-fiance-jutes-almost-broke-down-crying-during-adorable-proposal-767338">Demi Lovato's fiancé Jutes 'almost broke down crying' during adorable proposal</a>

"In the face of enemy threats, all officers and soldiers of the country are in full readiness," Taiwan's defence ministry said on Monday.

Lai convened a high-level security meeting over the drills, said Joseph Wu, secretary-general of the National Security Council, who described the exercises as "inconsistent with international law".

He vowed in his National Day speech on Thursday to "resist annexation" and insisted that Beijing and Taipei were "not subordinate to each other".

Lai's Democratic Progressive Party has long defended the sovereignty and democracy of Taiwan, which has its own government, military and currency.

Beijing said on Monday the drills were "a legitimate and necessary operation for safeguarding state sovereignty and national unity".

- 'Feel a bit numb' -

Lieutenant Colonel Fu Zhengnan, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of Military Sciences, said in a video shared by state media that the drills could "switch from training to combat at any time".

"If Taiwan separatists provoke once, the PLA's operation around the island will make their first move," Fu said, referring to China's People's Liberation Army.

Taiwan's coast guard said on Monday it had detained a Chinese man on one of its outlying islands after a possible "grey zone intrusion", referring to tactics that fall short of a direct act of war.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nobel-prize-in-economics-awarded-to-daron-acemoglu-simon-johnson-and-james-robinson-767296">Nobel in Economics awarded to Daron Acemoglu, Simon Johnson and James Robinson</a>

In Taipei, people appeared to be largely unperturbed.

"I won't panic too much because they quite often have drills," 34-year-old engineer Benjamin Hsiao told AFP.

"It's not the first time in recent years anyway, so I feel a bit numb."

The dispute between China and Taiwan dates back to a civil war in which the nationalist forces of Chiang Kai-shek were defeated by Mao Zedong's communist fighters and fled to the island in 1949.

China and Taiwan have been ruled separately since then.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

China insisted on Monday it would never renounce the "use of force" to take control of Taiwan, after ending a day of military drills around the self-ruled island that Beijing said was a "stern warning" to "separatist" forces.

China insisted on Monday it would never renounce the "use of force" to take control of Taiwan, after ending a day of military drills around the self-ruled island that Beijing said was a "stern warning" to "separatist" forces. Beijing, which claims Taiwan as part of its own territory, deployed fighter jets, drones, warships and coast guard vessels to encircle the island in its fourth round of large-scale war games in just over two years. The United States said China's actions were "unwarranted" and risked "escalation" as it called on Beijing to act with restraint. China declared the drills over at around 6:00 pm (1000 GMT), about 13 hours after they had begun. "We sincerely strive for the prospect of peaceful reunification, but we will never promise to renounce the use of force and will not leave any space for 'Taiwan independence'," Ministry of National Defense spokesperson Wu Qian said soon after. The exercises, dubbed Joint Sword-2024B, had "fully tested the integrated joint operation capabilities of its troops", military spokesperson Captain Li Xi said in a statement. President Lai Ching-te, who took office in May, has been more outspoken than his predecessor Tsai Ing-wen in defending Taiwan's sovereignty, angering Beijing, which calls him a "separatist". Lai vowed on Monday to "protect democratic Taiwan and safeguard national security", while the defence ministry said it had dispatched "appropriate forces" in response to the drills. Also Read | India recalls high commissioner, top diplomats to Canada as ties collapse Taiwan detected 125 Chinese aircraft, including fighter jets and drones from early morning to late afternoon, a defence ministry official said, describing it as a record for a single day. Seventeen warships were also spotted. Outlying islands administered by Taipei had been put on "heightened alert", Taiwan's defence ministry said. Beijing said its exercises served as a "stern warning to the separatist acts of 'Taiwan Independence' forces". The drills took place in "areas to the north, south and east of Taiwan Island", Li said earlier. Their aim was to focus "on subjects of sea-air combat-readiness patrol, blockade on key ports and areas", Li said. They also practised an "assault on maritime and ground targets". The previous large-scale drills held in May, three days after Lai's inauguration, were called "Joint Sword-2024A" and lasted two days. - China coast guard 'inspections' - China's coast guard was also sent to conduct "inspections", with a diagram released by the coast guard showing four fleets encircling Taiwan and moving anti-clockwise around the island. The coast guard of the eastern province of Fujian -- the closest area on the mainland to Taiwan -- also said it conducted "comprehensive law enforcement patrols" in waters near the Taipei-controlled Matsu islands. Taiwan said four "formations" of China coast guard ships had patrolled the island and briefly entered its restricted waters, but not its prohibited waters. China has ramped up military activity around Taiwan in recent years, sending warplanes and other military aircraft while its ships maintain a near-constant presence around the island's waters. Also Read | Demi Lovato's fiancé Jutes 'almost broke down crying' during adorable proposal "In the face of enemy threats, all officers and soldiers of the country are in full readiness," Taiwan's defence ministry said on Monday. Lai convened a high-level security meeting over the drills, said Joseph Wu, secretary-general of the National Security Council, who described the exercises as "inconsistent with international law". He vowed in his National Day speech on Thursday to "resist annexation" and insisted that Beijing and Taipei were "not subordinate to each other". Lai's Democratic Progressive Party has long defended the sovereignty and democracy of Taiwan, which has its own government, military and currency. Beijing said on Monday the drills were "a legitimate and necessary operation for safeguarding state sovereignty and national unity". - 'Feel a bit numb' - Lieutenant Colonel Fu Zhengnan, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of Military Sciences, said in a video shared by state media that the drills could "switch from training to combat at any time". "If Taiwan separatists provoke once, the PLA's operation around the island will make their first move," Fu said, referring to China's People's Liberation Army. Taiwan's coast guard said on Monday it had detained a Chinese man on one of its outlying islands after a possible "grey zone intrusion", referring to tactics that fall short of a direct act of war. Also Read | Nobel in Economics awarded to Daron Acemoglu, Simon Johnson and James Robinson In Taipei, people appeared to be largely unperturbed. "I won't panic too much because they quite often have drills," 34-year-old engineer Benjamin Hsiao told AFP. "It's not the first time in recent years anyway, so I feel a bit numb." The dispute between China and Taiwan dates back to a civil war in which the nationalist forces of Chiang Kai-shek were defeated by Mao Zedong's communist fighters and fled to the island in 1949. China and Taiwan have been ruled separately since then. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

China reiterates stand of not renouncing 'use of force' to take Taiwan’s control as military drills end

Several messages posted on social media platform X purportedly from a group identifying as terrorists from Pakistan have put security agencies on high alert in Mumbai and Delhi on Monday morning.

The message claimed that an Air India flight operating from Mumbai to New York had 6 kg of RDX, six terrorists on board, and it would be hijacked, sending a panic message to airport security.

A senior officer in airport security informed that on Monday at 3.30 am, Air India received two messages on X from a user named Fazluddin Nirban regarding a bomb, stating, "6 kg of RDX and our 6 terrorists are travelling in your flight VT-AER AI 119 New York, this flight will be hijacked in next 20 min and will be blown up in the sky. Today India will cry. Pakistan Zindabad."

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/communal-unrest-in-indias-bahraich-shops-torched-30-detained-after-deadly-clashes-767382">Communal unrest in India's Bahraich: Shops torched, 30 detained after deadly clashes</a>

Immediately, the matter was informed to all concerned. In this regard, the bomb threat assessment committee (BTAC) was convened at Mumbai and Delhi and declared the threat as "specific" at about 03: 55 hrs. The said Air India flight was diverted to Delhi and landed at IGI Airport at around 4 am.

"We are investigating the origin of the message. It has been removed from the platform where it was posted. We haven't found any suspicious person or item on the flight. Simultaneously, we are also investigating the similar type of threat received regarding Indigo planes around the same time," said the officer.

After the flight landed, the details of all passengers were checked, and the entire plane was frisked by the team.

"Following standard security protocols, a thorough inspection was conducted, and no suspicious items were found," said Usha Rangnani, DCP (Delhi Airport)

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ahead-of-sco-summit-jaishankars-visit-to-pakistan-includes-possible-dinner-with-pm-shehbaz-sharif-report-767376">Ahead of SCO Summit, Jaishankar’s visit to Pakistan includes possible dinner with PM Shehbaz Sharif: Report</a>

"Flight AI119 operating from Mumbai to JFK on October 14 received a specific security alert and on instructions of the government's security regulatory committee was diverted to Delhi. All passengers have disembarked and are at the Delhi airport terminal. Our colleagues on the ground are making sure to minimise the inconvenience caused to our guests by this unexpected disruption. Air India is committed to and accords top priority to the safety and security of its passengers and crew," said the Air India spokesperson.

"We confirm that all 239 passengers and 19 crew have disembarked and are currently undergoing security procedures. Refreshments have been provided to the passengers. Guests will be moved to hotels once security protocols are completed. The flight has been rescheduled to the morning of October 15," the spokesperson added.

Two Indigo Flights operating from Mumbai Airport to Muscat and Jeddah received a bomb threat on Monday morning. The aircraft were taken to an isolated bay, and following the standard operating procedure, mandatory security checks were promptly initiated, said Indigo spokesperson.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for&nbsp;WION&nbsp;audience.

Several messages posted on social media platform X purportedly from a group identifying as terrorists from Pakistan have put security agencies on high alert in Mumbai and Delhi on Monday morning.

Several messages posted on social media platform X purportedly from a group identifying as terrorists from Pakistan have put security agencies on high alert in Mumbai and Delhi on Monday morning. The message claimed that an Air India flight operating from Mumbai to New York had 6 kg of RDX, six terrorists on board, and it would be hijacked, sending a panic message to airport security. A senior officer in airport security informed that on Monday at 3.30 am, Air India received two messages on X from a user named Fazluddin Nirban regarding a bomb, stating, "6 kg of RDX and our 6 terrorists are travelling in your flight VT-AER AI 119 New York, this flight will be hijacked in next 20 min and will be blown up in the sky. Today India will cry. Pakistan Zindabad." Also Read | Communal unrest in India's Bahraich: Shops torched, 30 detained after deadly clashes Immediately, the matter was informed to all concerned. In this regard, the bomb threat assessment committee (BTAC) was convened at Mumbai and Delhi and declared the threat as "specific" at about 03: 55 hrs. The said Air India flight was diverted to Delhi and landed at IGI Airport at around 4 am. "We are investigating the origin of the message. It has been removed from the platform where it was posted. We haven't found any suspicious person or item on the flight. Simultaneously, we are also investigating the similar type of threat received regarding Indigo planes around the same time," said the officer. After the flight landed, the details of all passengers were checked, and the entire plane was frisked by the team. "Following standard security protocols, a thorough inspection was conducted, and no suspicious items were found," said Usha Rangnani, DCP (Delhi Airport) Also Read | Ahead of SCO Summit, Jaishankar’s visit to Pakistan includes possible dinner with PM Shehbaz Sharif: Report "Flight AI119 operating from Mumbai to JFK on October 14 received a specific security alert and on instructions of the government's security regulatory committee was diverted to Delhi. All passengers have disembarked and are at the Delhi airport terminal. Our colleagues on the ground are making sure to minimise the inconvenience caused to our guests by this unexpected disruption. Air India is committed to and accords top priority to the safety and security of its passengers and crew," said the Air India spokesperson. "We confirm that all 239 passengers and 19 crew have disembarked and are currently undergoing security procedures. Refreshments have been provided to the passengers. Guests will be moved to hotels once security protocols are completed. The flight has been rescheduled to the morning of October 15," the spokesperson added. Two Indigo Flights operating from Mumbai Airport to Muscat and Jeddah received a bomb threat on Monday morning. The aircraft were taken to an isolated bay, and following the standard operating procedure, mandatory security checks were promptly initiated, said Indigo spokesperson. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Security hiked at Delhi, Mumbai airports over threats posted on social media from Pakistan

A Russian court on Monday sentenced a French researcher to three years in a penal colony after finding him guilty of breaching a "foreign agent" law.

The trial of Laurent Vinatier, who works for a Swiss conflict mediation NGO, comes amid tensions between Russia and the West over the Ukraine war.

The 48-year-old was arrested in Moscow in June and charged with gathering information on Russia's military without being registered as a "foreign agent".

Judge Natalya Cheprasova at Moscow's Zamoskvoretsky district court ruled that Vinatier was guilty and sentenced him to three years in a penal colony, two years less than the maximum possible sentence, an AFP journalist in the courtroom heard.

Wearing jeans and a pale blue shirt, Vinatier looked grave but calm as the verdict was read. He was not allowed to speak to the media.

His lawyer Pavel Mamonov told journalists: "We consider the sentence harsh and will definitely appeal."

The Frenchman had acknowledged violating Russian law, saying he was unaware he should have registered as a "foreign agent".

The prosecutor had requested a sentence of three years and three months, saying Vinatier "repented" but the case involved "significant threats connected to Russia's security".

Ahead of the verdict, Vinatier gave a final speech in Russian, even quoting the national poet, Alexander Pushkin.

"I agree with the charge fully. I fully admit guilt," he told the court.

"I ask for a merciful and just sentence in the case," he added, apologising to Russia for breaking the law as well as to his NGO and family.

He read a poem by Pushkin titled "If Life Deceives You", with the lines: "The heart lives in the future... Everything is momentary, everything will pass."

Another lawyer for Vinatier, Oleg Bessonov, had asked the judge to issue him with a fine.

The "foreign agent" law has been widely used to crack down on critics of the Kremlin but not usually foreign citizens.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-sanctions-iran-for-supplying-ballistic-missiles-to-russia-767339">EU sanctions Iran for supplying ballistic missiles to Russia</a>

<meta charset="utf-8" />

French President Emmanuel Macron had demanded Vinatier's release, saying the "propaganda" against him "does not match reality".

Vinatier was charged over a requirement introduced in 2022 that people who gather information on Russia's military and arms that could harm the country's national security, must register as "foreign agents". He was not charged with espionage.

Tensions between Moscow and Paris are running high after France charged Russian-born Telegram founder Pavel Durov in August over illegal content on the popular social media platform, with the Kremlin warning against "political persecution".

France has also strongly supported Ukraine in its fight against Russia's offensive and is training thousands of Ukrainian troops.

Vinatier is an adviser with the Geneva-based Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue, and is a veteran researcher on Russia and other post-Soviet countries.

The Centre "works to prevent and resolve armed conflicts around the world through mediation and discreet diplomacy", it says in a statement on its website.

- 'Love for Russia' -

According to sources interviewed by AFP, the Frenchman had been working for years on the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, before Russia launched its full-scale offensive in February 2022.

In his final speech in court, Vinatier said that he first visited Russia 20 years ago and decided to work there.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/poland-welcomes-india-joining-un-peacekeeping-joint-statement-767363">Poland welcomes India joining UN peacekeeping joint statement&nbsp;</a>

<meta charset="utf-8" />

"I fell in love with Russia. My wife is Russian, my friends are Russian. I lived a Russian life, that's who I am," he said.

Russia has arrested several Westerners and charged them with serious crimes during its Ukraine offensive, which ruptured ties with the West.

Washington has accused Moscow of arresting US citizens on baseless charges to use them as bargaining chips to secure the release of Russians convicted abroad.

On August 1, Russia freed US reporter Evan Gershkovich, former US Marine Paul Whelan and more than a dozen others -- including Russian opposition politicians -- in its biggest prisoner swap with the West since the Cold War.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for&nbsp;WION&nbsp;audience.&nbsp;

A Russian court on Monday sentenced a French researcher to three years in a penal colony after finding him guilty of breaching a "foreign agent" law. The trial of Laurent Vinatier, who works for a Swiss conflict mediation NGO, comes amid tensions between Russia and the West over the Ukraine war.

A Russian court on Monday sentenced a French researcher to three years in a penal colony after finding him guilty of breaching a "foreign agent" law. The trial of Laurent Vinatier, who works for a Swiss conflict mediation NGO, comes amid tensions between Russia and the West over the Ukraine war. The 48-year-old was arrested in Moscow in June and charged with gathering information on Russia's military without being registered as a "foreign agent". Judge Natalya Cheprasova at Moscow's Zamoskvoretsky district court ruled that Vinatier was guilty and sentenced him to three years in a penal colony, two years less than the maximum possible sentence, an AFP journalist in the courtroom heard. Wearing jeans and a pale blue shirt, Vinatier looked grave but calm as the verdict was read. He was not allowed to speak to the media. His lawyer Pavel Mamonov told journalists: "We consider the sentence harsh and will definitely appeal." The Frenchman had acknowledged violating Russian law, saying he was unaware he should have registered as a "foreign agent". The prosecutor had requested a sentence of three years and three months, saying Vinatier "repented" but the case involved "significant threats connected to Russia's security". Ahead of the verdict, Vinatier gave a final speech in Russian, even quoting the national poet, Alexander Pushkin. "I agree with the charge fully. I fully admit guilt," he told the court. "I ask for a merciful and just sentence in the case," he added, apologising to Russia for breaking the law as well as to his NGO and family. He read a poem by Pushkin titled "If Life Deceives You", with the lines: "The heart lives in the future... Everything is momentary, everything will pass." Another lawyer for Vinatier, Oleg Bessonov, had asked the judge to issue him with a fine. The "foreign agent" law has been widely used to crack down on critics of the Kremlin but not usually foreign citizens. Also Read | EU sanctions Iran for supplying ballistic missiles to Russia French President Emmanuel Macron had demanded Vinatier's release, saying the "propaganda" against him "does not match reality". Vinatier was charged over a requirement introduced in 2022 that people who gather information on Russia's military and arms that could harm the country's national security, must register as "foreign agents". He was not charged with espionage. Tensions between Moscow and Paris are running high after France charged Russian-born Telegram founder Pavel Durov in August over illegal content on the popular social media platform, with the Kremlin warning against "political persecution". France has also strongly supported Ukraine in its fight against Russia's offensive and is training thousands of Ukrainian troops. Vinatier is an adviser with the Geneva-based Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue, and is a veteran researcher on Russia and other post-Soviet countries. The Centre "works to prevent and resolve armed conflicts around the world through mediation and discreet diplomacy", it says in a statement on its website. - 'Love for Russia' - According to sources interviewed by AFP, the Frenchman had been working for years on the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, before Russia launched its full-scale offensive in February 2022. In his final speech in court, Vinatier said that he first visited Russia 20 years ago and decided to work there. Also Read | Poland welcomes India joining UN peacekeeping joint statement "I fell in love with Russia. My wife is Russian, my friends are Russian. I lived a Russian life, that's who I am," he said. Russia has arrested several Westerners and charged them with serious crimes during its Ukraine offensive, which ruptured ties with the West. Washington has accused Moscow of arresting US citizens on baseless charges to use them as bargaining chips to secure the release of Russians convicted abroad. On August 1, Russia freed US reporter Evan Gershkovich, former US Marine Paul Whelan and more than a dozen others -- including Russian opposition politicians -- in its biggest prisoner swap with the West since the Cold War. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Russian court sentences French researcher to 3 years' jail for breaching 'foreign agent' law

Author

Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

Wionintern

Home

Live Tv

Latest

World

India

Business

Entertainment

Sports

Opinions

Videos

Photos

Gravitas

Lifestyle

Science

Tech

Rajasthan News in Hindi: In-depth coverage of Rajasthan Crime, Political News, Education, Rajasthan Weather Update and Latest Rajasthan News on Zee News Rajasthan.