Pakistan Army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir has taken on the role of Chief of Defence Forces, making him the principal military adviser to the prime minister and federal cabinet on defence and security matters. The move follows Pakistan’s 27th Constitutional Amendment, which reshaped the country’s military command structure.


Asim Munir becomes 'dictator' of Pak military tri-services

A close adviser to the commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian Army was killed on his birthday after a grenade that was placed amongst his birthday gifts exploded.

Initially, the incident was termed as an assassination until further details revealed that Major Gennadiy Chastiakov, 39, had received a box of grenades as a gift.

Some local reports claimed that a real grenade was placed amongst novelty gifts shaped to look like grenades.

Ukraine’s interior minister Igor Klymenko in a statement on Monday (Nov 6) said that Chastiakov was showing his gift to his son when the explosion took place.

“At first, the son took the munition in his hands and began to turn the ring. Then the serviceman took the grenade away from the child and pulled the ring, causing a tragic explosion,” Klymenko said.

<h2>Real grenade placed among novelty ones&nbsp;</h2>

His 13-year-old son was also seriously injured, Ukrainska Pravda newspaper reported citing the police, and added that Chastiakov’s wife saw her husband bringing the gift box, which had the real grenade, home.

Army Gen Valery Zaluzhny condoled Chastiakov’s death on Telegram.

“Under tragic circumstances, my assistant and close friend, Major Gennadiy Chastiakov, was killed … on his birthday,” Zaluzhny said, adding that an “unknown explosive device detonated in one of his gifts”.

Zaluzhny said that since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, Chastiakov had been “fully devoting his life to the armed forces of Ukraine and the fight against Russian aggression”.

A fellow soldier has been detained by the police who gave the fatal gift to Chastiakov. Two similar grenades were seized from him. An investigation was underway.

Chastiakov is survived by a wife and four children.

According to local media reports, Chastiakov was a graduate of a military academy and fully trained in handling grenades.&nbsp;

<h2>Zelensky&nbsp;rejects the idea of wartime election</h2>

Meanwhile, President Volodymyr Zelensky has dismissed the possibility of holding elections during the wartime as debates gain pace over a possible voting.

Zelensky said in a nightly video address that it was critical to concentrate on the military challenges facing Ukraine.

"We all understand that now, in wartime, when there are many challenges, it is utterly irresponsible to engage in topics related to an election in such a frivolous manner," he said Monday.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/this-ex-israeli-soldier-joined-a-pro-palestinian-rally-but-why-heres-what-he-said-656197">This ex-Israeli soldier joined a pro-Palestinian rally but why? Here's what he said</a>

"We need to recognise that this is a time for defence, a time for battle, upon which the fate of the state and its people depend … I believe that elections are not appropriate at this time."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/middle-east/netanyahu-says-israel-will-take-control-of-overall-security-of-gaza-after-war-655981">Netanyahu says Israel will take control of Gaza’s ‘overall security’ after war</a>

Ukraine was placed under martial at the start of Russia's full-scale invasion. It prohibits authorities from holding elections.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A close adviser to the commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian Army was killed on his birthday after a grenade that was placed amongst his birthday gifts exploded. Initially, the incident was termed as an assassination until further details revealed that Major Gennadiy Chastiakov, 39, had received a box of grenades as a gift.

A close adviser to the commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian Army was killed on his birthday after a grenade that was placed amongst his birthday gifts exploded. Initially, the incident was termed as an assassination until further details revealed that Major Gennadiy Chastiakov, 39, had received a box of grenades as a gift. Some local reports claimed that a real grenade was placed amongst novelty gifts shaped to look like grenades. Ukraine’s interior minister Igor Klymenko in a statement on Monday (Nov 6) said that Chastiakov was showing his gift to his son when the explosion took place. “At first, the son took the munition in his hands and began to turn the ring. Then the serviceman took the grenade away from the child and pulled the ring, causing a tragic explosion,” Klymenko said. Real grenade placed among novelty ones His 13-year-old son was also seriously injured, Ukrainska Pravda newspaper reported citing the police, and added that Chastiakov’s wife saw her husband bringing the gift box, which had the real grenade, home. Army Gen Valery Zaluzhny condoled Chastiakov’s death on Telegram. “Under tragic circumstances, my assistant and close friend, Major Gennadiy Chastiakov, was killed … on his birthday,” Zaluzhny said, adding that an “unknown explosive device detonated in one of his gifts”. Zaluzhny said that since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, Chastiakov had been “fully devoting his life to the armed forces of Ukraine and the fight against Russian aggression”. A fellow soldier has been detained by the police who gave the fatal gift to Chastiakov. Two similar grenades were seized from him. An investigation was underway. Chastiakov is survived by a wife and four children. According to local media reports, Chastiakov was a graduate of a military academy and fully trained in handling grenades. Zelensky rejects the idea of wartime election Meanwhile, President Volodymyr Zelensky has dismissed the possibility of holding elections during the wartime as debates gain pace over a possible voting. Zelensky said in a nightly video address that it was critical to concentrate on the military challenges facing Ukraine. "We all understand that now, in wartime, when there are many challenges, it is utterly irresponsible to engage in topics related to an election in such a frivolous manner," he said Monday. Also read | This ex-Israeli soldier joined a pro-Palestinian rally but why? Here's what he said "We need to recognise that this is a time for defence, a time for battle, upon which the fate of the state and its people depend … I believe that elections are not appropriate at this time." Also read | Netanyahu says Israel will take control of Gaza’s ‘overall security’ after war Ukraine was placed under martial at the start of Russia's full-scale invasion. It prohibits authorities from holding elections. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine military chief's adviser killed as grenade among his birthday gifts explodes

The United Kingdom foreign secretary&nbsp;Liz Truss ousts top adviser, Baroness Morrissey, a pro-Brexit banker, who told a radio show she would prefer it if Boris Johnson quit over the Partygate scandal. Morrissey resigned as the office’s lead non-executive director after Foreign Secretary Liz Truss made it clear that she would sack her.

Morrissey&nbsp;stepped down following talks with the department’s permanent secretary Sir Philip Barton. Sources said the Foreign Secretary believed her comments made the job ‘untenable’.

The 55-year-old banker&nbsp;was ennobled by Mr Johnson two years ago, but yesterday she told LBC radio that the Prime Minister was ‘just in the wrong job’.

Morrissey&nbsp;said: ‘Wavering MPs when they saw the booing of the Prime Minister outside St Paul’s (at the Platinum Jubilee thanksgiving service), they would see that he had actually become a liability rather than an asset.

‘I would rather he didn’t (carry on as Prime Minister)... I don’t see any contrition. He said he would bash on, that’s not what we want to hear. Tax cuts one minute after we’ve just raised them, that’s not going to help,’ she added.

Miss Truss is believed to have instructed Sir Philip to sack Baroness Morrissey in the meeting, but she offered her resignation.

A source close to the Foreign Secretary said: ‘Liz instructed Philip Barton to sack Helena. She thought the comments were outrageous and made her position untenable.’

Morrissey&nbsp;ran Newton Investment Management for 15 years and held a senior role at Legal and General, managing assets of almost £ 6 billion.

Last year, Mr Johnson faced calls to sack her after Morrissey&nbsp;put up a tweet which appeared to deny the extent of the Covid pandemic. She wrote: ‘The data shows we are NOT in a pandemic. If people were dropping dead in the street we would notice and not go to M&amp;S and have all those football matches.’

In an apparent reference to the Chinese Communist Party, she added: ‘CCP fake videos started this. It is ridiculous.’

Meanwhile, nine Tory frontbenchers have still failed to voice their loyalty after Monday’s no-confidence vote. Rumours of a snap reshuffle to shore up support for the PM have so far failed to materialise. 
&nbsp;

[with inputs from agencies]

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The United Kingdom foreign secretary Liz Truss ousts top adviser, Baroness Morrissey, a pro-Brexit banker, who told a radio show she would prefer it if Boris Johnson quit over the Partygate scandal.

The United Kingdom foreign secretary Liz Truss ousts top adviser, Baroness Morrissey, a pro-Brexit banker, who told a radio show she would prefer it if Boris Johnson quit over the Partygate scandal. Morrissey resigned as the office’s lead non-executive director after Foreign Secretary Liz Truss made it clear that she would sack her. Morrissey stepped down following talks with the department’s permanent secretary Sir Philip Barton. Sources said the Foreign Secretary believed her comments made the job ‘untenable’. The 55-year-old banker was ennobled by Mr Johnson two years ago, but yesterday she told LBC radio that the Prime Minister was ‘just in the wrong job’. Morrissey said: ‘Wavering MPs when they saw the booing of the Prime Minister outside St Paul’s (at the Platinum Jubilee thanksgiving service), they would see that he had actually become a liability rather than an asset. ‘I would rather he didn’t (carry on as Prime Minister)... I don’t see any contrition. He said he would bash on, that’s not what we want to hear. Tax cuts one minute after we’ve just raised them, that’s not going to help,’ she added. Miss Truss is believed to have instructed Sir Philip to sack Baroness Morrissey in the meeting, but she offered her resignation. A source close to the Foreign Secretary said: ‘Liz instructed Philip Barton to sack Helena. She thought the comments were outrageous and made her position untenable.’ Morrissey ran Newton Investment Management for 15 years and held a senior role at Legal and General, managing assets of almost £ 6 billion. Last year, Mr Johnson faced calls to sack her after Morrissey put up a tweet which appeared to deny the extent of the Covid pandemic. She wrote: ‘The data shows we are NOT in a pandemic. If people were dropping dead in the street we would notice and not go to M&S and have all those football matches.’ In an apparent reference to the Chinese Communist Party, she added: ‘CCP fake videos started this. It is ridiculous.’ Meanwhile, nine Tory frontbenchers have still failed to voice their loyalty after Monday’s no-confidence vote. Rumours of a snap reshuffle to shore up support for the PM have so far failed to materialise. [with inputs from agencies] WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

UK foreign secretary sacks top advisor for her remarks on PM Johnson

Chelsea will not have a queue of buyers lining up outside Stamford Bridge, according to one of the advisors who helped Roman Abramovich purchase the Premier League club in 2003.

Abramovich announced he was putting the west London club up for sale after 19 trophy-laden years on Wednesday in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

"In all likelihood there aren't going to be 20 or 30 people queuing up to buy this," investment banker and corporate takeover advisor Keith Harris told BBC Radio 4's Today Programme on Friday.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/i-am-not-too-worried-about-milestones-says-virat-kohli-after-big-scores-continue-to-evade-him-458977">I am not too worried about milestones, says Virat Kohli after big scores continue to evade him</a>

"It's like buying a house that's very expensive: it will appeal to a limited population of buyers. It's a rare beast that has the odd three billion pounds lying in a back pocket.

"It's a big, big ask."

Metals magnate Abramovich bought the team for 140 million pounds ($185.93 million) and people familiar with the matter say he expects the club to fetch three billion pounds.

The Russian said he would not ask for loans he has made to the Premier League club - reported to total 1.5 billion pounds ($2.0 billion) - to be repaid to him and the sale would not be fast-tracked.

He has told his aides to set up a charitable foundation which would receive all net proceeds from the sale.

Harris said he expected Chelsea to be in new hands before the start of next season.

"One of the questions being asked in the circles I mix in is 'Who do you think will own Chelsea at the start of next season?'&nbsp;I think if ten were asked eight would probably say Roman Abramovich," he said.

"I'm not one of the eight. I think there will be a deal done, but if it's done within the next three months that's as quickly as it will be done."

Harris also said it would be hard to make a profit from Chelsea who reported a 145.6 million pounds loss in December.

"At £2bn it's possible you could make a return on it. At £3bn it's a much harder ask," he said.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/winter-paralympics-russian-contingent-to-leave-beijing-after-deciding-against-appeal-458975">Winter Paralympics: Russian contingent to leave Beijing after deciding against appeal</a>

"It appears that over the years Roman has clocked up £1.5bn of loans to the club. Over the 19 years that he's owned it, it`s probably only two years that it's actually made a cash profit."

On Thursday, a spokesperson for chemicals company INEOS said there was no substance in reports that its chairman, British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe, was interested in buying Chelsea.

Chelsea will not have a queue of buyers lining up outside Stamford Bridge, according to one of the advisors who helped Roman Abramovich purchase the Premier League club in 2003.

Chelsea will not have a queue of buyers lining up outside Stamford Bridge, according to one of the advisors who helped Roman Abramovich purchase the Premier League club in 2003. Abramovich announced he was putting the west London club up for sale after 19 trophy-laden years on Wednesday in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. "In all likelihood there aren't going to be 20 or 30 people queuing up to buy this," investment banker and corporate takeover advisor Keith Harris told BBC Radio 4's Today Programme on Friday. ALSO READ: I am not too worried about milestones, says Virat Kohli after big scores continue to evade him "It's like buying a house that's very expensive: it will appeal to a limited population of buyers. It's a rare beast that has the odd three billion pounds lying in a back pocket. "It's a big, big ask." Metals magnate Abramovich bought the team for 140 million pounds ($185.93 million) and people familiar with the matter say he expects the club to fetch three billion pounds. The Russian said he would not ask for loans he has made to the Premier League club - reported to total 1.5 billion pounds ($2.0 billion) - to be repaid to him and the sale would not be fast-tracked. He has told his aides to set up a charitable foundation which would receive all net proceeds from the sale. Harris said he expected Chelsea to be in new hands before the start of next season. "One of the questions being asked in the circles I mix in is 'Who do you think will own Chelsea at the start of next season?' I think if ten were asked eight would probably say Roman Abramovich," he said. "I'm not one of the eight. I think there will be a deal done, but if it's done within the next three months that's as quickly as it will be done." Harris also said it would be hard to make a profit from Chelsea who reported a 145.6 million pounds loss in December. "At £2bn it's possible you could make a return on it. At £3bn it's a much harder ask," he said. ALSO READ: Winter Paralympics: Russian contingent to leave Beijing after deciding against appeal "It appears that over the years Roman has clocked up £1.5bn of loans to the club. Over the 19 years that he's owned it, it`s probably only two years that it's actually made a cash profit." On Thursday, a spokesperson for chemicals company INEOS said there was no substance in reports that its chairman, British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe, was interested in buying Chelsea.

'It's like buying a house that's very expensive': Advisor claims Chelsea won't have long queue of buyers

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's top advisor quit on Monday amid allegations of political interference in the criminal prosecution of engineering giant SNC-Lavalin.

One of the key architects of Trudeau's 2015 electoral win and his longtime friend, Gerry Butts said he resigned as the prime minister's principle secretary to avoid distractions for the government facing another tough ballot fight in eight months.

In a statement, Butts "categorically" denied accusations that he personally applied undue pressure on former attorney general Jody Wilson-Raybould for an out-of-court settlement with the firm.

"Any accusation that I or the staff put pressure on the attorney general is simply not true," he said, but added: "It is in the best interests of the office and its important work for me to step away."

For weeks, Trudeau's government has been rocked by the meddling allegations first reported by the Globe and Mail, citing unnamed sources.

The political crisis deepened last week with Wilson-Raybould's surprise resignation, and the launch of an investigation by the independent ethics commissioner.

Opposition members of the Commons justice committee also sought to put a spotlight on the issue, but the Liberals used their majority to block motions to have Butts and other senior government officials testify. The committee is to discuss the issue again on Tuesday behind closed doors.

Montreal-based SNC-Lavalin was charged in 2015 with corruption for allegedly bribing officials in Libya between 2001 and 2011 to secure government contracts during former strongman Moamer Kadhafi's reign.

It lobbied the government, including senior officials in Trudeau's office, for an out-of-court settlement that would include paying a fine and agreeing to put in place compliance measures.

A possible guilty verdict at trial, the company argued, risked crippling its business and putting thousands out of work.

But Wilson-Raybould refused to ask prosecutors to settle with the company, and the trial is set to proceed.

Trudeau has denied the allegations, saying that he had made clear to Wilson-Raybould that any decision on the case "as attorney general was hers alone to make."

Wilson-Raybould has declined to speak, citing solicitor-client privilege and cabinet confidentiality.

Butts became close friends with Trudeau in university and over the next two decades would help chart Trudeau's political future.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's top advisor quit on Monday amid allegations of political interference in the criminal prosecution of engineering giant SNC-Lavalin.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's top advisor quit on Monday amid allegations of political interference in the criminal prosecution of engineering giant SNC-Lavalin. One of the key architects of Trudeau's 2015 electoral win and his longtime friend, Gerry Butts said he resigned as the prime minister's principle secretary to avoid distractions for the government facing another tough ballot fight in eight months. In a statement, Butts "categorically" denied accusations that he personally applied undue pressure on former attorney general Jody Wilson-Raybould for an out-of-court settlement with the firm. "Any accusation that I or the staff put pressure on the attorney general is simply not true," he said, but added: "It is in the best interests of the office and its important work for me to step away." For weeks, Trudeau's government has been rocked by the meddling allegations first reported by the Globe and Mail, citing unnamed sources. The political crisis deepened last week with Wilson-Raybould's surprise resignation, and the launch of an investigation by the independent ethics commissioner. Opposition members of the Commons justice committee also sought to put a spotlight on the issue, but the Liberals used their majority to block motions to have Butts and other senior government officials testify. The committee is to discuss the issue again on Tuesday behind closed doors. Montreal-based SNC-Lavalin was charged in 2015 with corruption for allegedly bribing officials in Libya between 2001 and 2011 to secure government contracts during former strongman Moamer Kadhafi's reign. It lobbied the government, including senior officials in Trudeau's office, for an out-of-court settlement that would include paying a fine and agreeing to put in place compliance measures. A possible guilty verdict at trial, the company argued, risked crippling its business and putting thousands out of work. But Wilson-Raybould refused to ask prosecutors to settle with the company, and the trial is set to proceed. Trudeau has denied the allegations, saying that he had made clear to Wilson-Raybould that any decision on the case "as attorney general was hers alone to make." Wilson-Raybould has declined to speak, citing solicitor-client privilege and cabinet confidentiality. Butts became close friends with Trudeau in university and over the next two decades would help chart Trudeau's political future.

Top advisor to Canada PM Trudeau resigns amid controversy

Veteran Republican consultant <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/roger-stone-indictment-has-nothing-to-do-with-trump-white-house-192791">Roger Stone</a> was arrested in a predawn Florida raid Friday, becoming the sixth campaign associate of President Donald Trump indicted in the investigation into possible collusion with Russia in the 2016 election.

Stone, a renowned political dirty trickster who has consulted with <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-campaign-may-also-have-colluded-with-wikileaks-mueller-probe-180140">Trump for four decades</a>, was charged with lying to Congress and obstruction in relation to his contacts with WikiLeaks, whose publication of embarrassing Russian-hacked communications from Democrat Hillary Clinton's campaign in 2016 gave a boost to Trump.

Stone was also charged with witness tampering after he allegedly tried to persuade an associate to also lie to Congress to protect him.

The White House stiffly defended Trump, saying the Stone indictment brought by Special Counsel Robert Mueller, who leads the investigation into possible election collusion with Russia in 2016, has no connection to Trump.

"This has nothing to do with the president and certainly nothing to do with the White House," spokeswoman Sarah Sanders told CNN.

Trump's lawyer Jay Sekulow added in a statement that the indictment did not allege Russian collusion by Stone or anyone else.

'Politically motivated'

The dapper 66-year-old was freed on $250,000 bail by a Ft. Lauderdale court where, true to form, his appearance took the form of the political theater he has long been proud of.

Hundreds of reporters thronged him while scores of protesters chanted "lock him up" as he declared his innocence and loyalty to Trump.

"I am falsely accused," he said. "I will plead not guilty to these charges. I will defeat them in court. I believe this is a politically-motivated investigation."&nbsp;

He castigated the heavily-armed 29-man SWAT team that arrested him in the dark at his home, charging that "they terrorized my wife, my dogs."&nbsp;

"The FBI agents were extraordinarily courteous," he added, quipping: "The only thing worse than being talked about is not being talked about."

Contacts with WikiLeaks

Stone, who launched his career as a campaign aide to Richard Nixon and has a tattoo on his back of the first US president to resign from office, has spent decades advising various US political campaigns.

His association with Trump dates back to 1979, and he was one of the first to enlist when the billionaire real estate magnate launched his run for the presidency in 2015.

Stone left the campaign months later but the indictment filed Friday shows he remained in active communication, providing support and information.

The charges arose from Stone's alleged lies in testimony to the House Intelligence Committee in 2017 involving his communications during the campaign with Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks, which published material stolen by Russian hackers from the Clinton campaign.

The indictment said that Stone discussed his communications with Assange with "senior officials " of the campaign who wanted him to obtain information about what WikiLeaks had on Clinton and when it would release it.

Tantalizingly, it says that after WikiLeaks' July 22, 2016 release of stolen Democratic emails, "a senior Trump Campaign official was directed to contact Stone about any additional releases and what other damaging information" WikiLeaks might have on Clinton.

Adam Schiff, who chairs the House Intelligence Committee, said that was a key revelation.

"Our committee will be eager to learn just who directed a senior campaign official to contact Stone about additional damaging information held by WikiLeaks, one of the publishing arms of Russian government hackers," Schiff said.

Six Trump associates charged

Stone's arrest brought to 34 the number of individuals indicted in Mueller's sprawling probe into Russian meddling and possible collusion in the 206 election.

Besides Stone, five others were close to Trump and the campaign: &nbsp;chair Paul Manafort, deputy chair Rick Gates, national security advisor Michael Flynn, Trump's personal lawyer Michael Cohen, and foreign policy advisor George Papadopoulos.

But none has been charged with anything close to conspiracy to collude with Russia, and while the White House remains under pressure from Mueller's team, it is not known what might have on the president himself.

Stone's indictment was long expected, but he has repeatedly echoed Trump's argument that the investigation is a politicized "witch hunt."&nbsp;

"The charges relate in no way to Russian collusion or WikiLeaks collaboration," he said Friday.&nbsp;

He defended Trump as well, calling him a great leader.

"I am one of his oldest friends. I am a fervid supporter of the president," he declared.

"I will not testify against the president, because I would have to bear false witness against him," he added. 
&nbsp;

Veteran Republican consultant Roger Stone was arrested in a predawn Florida raid Friday, becoming the sixth campaign associate of President Donald Trump indicted in the investigation into possible collusion with Russia in the 2016 election.

Veteran Republican consultant Roger Stone was arrested in a predawn Florida raid Friday, becoming the sixth campaign associate of President Donald Trump indicted in the investigation into possible collusion with Russia in the 2016 election. Stone, a renowned political dirty trickster who has consulted with Trump for four decades, was charged with lying to Congress and obstruction in relation to his contacts with WikiLeaks, whose publication of embarrassing Russian-hacked communications from Democrat Hillary Clinton's campaign in 2016 gave a boost to Trump. Stone was also charged with witness tampering after he allegedly tried to persuade an associate to also lie to Congress to protect him. The White House stiffly defended Trump, saying the Stone indictment brought by Special Counsel Robert Mueller, who leads the investigation into possible election collusion with Russia in 2016, has no connection to Trump. "This has nothing to do with the president and certainly nothing to do with the White House," spokeswoman Sarah Sanders told CNN. Trump's lawyer Jay Sekulow added in a statement that the indictment did not allege Russian collusion by Stone or anyone else. 'Politically motivated' The dapper 66-year-old was freed on $250,000 bail by a Ft. Lauderdale court where, true to form, his appearance took the form of the political theater he has long been proud of. Hundreds of reporters thronged him while scores of protesters chanted "lock him up" as he declared his innocence and loyalty to Trump. "I am falsely accused," he said. "I will plead not guilty to these charges. I will defeat them in court. I believe this is a politically-motivated investigation." He castigated the heavily-armed 29-man SWAT team that arrested him in the dark at his home, charging that "they terrorized my wife, my dogs." "The FBI agents were extraordinarily courteous," he added, quipping: "The only thing worse than being talked about is not being talked about." Contacts with WikiLeaks Stone, who launched his career as a campaign aide to Richard Nixon and has a tattoo on his back of the first US president to resign from office, has spent decades advising various US political campaigns. His association with Trump dates back to 1979, and he was one of the first to enlist when the billionaire real estate magnate launched his run for the presidency in 2015. Stone left the campaign months later but the indictment filed Friday shows he remained in active communication, providing support and information. The charges arose from Stone's alleged lies in testimony to the House Intelligence Committee in 2017 involving his communications during the campaign with Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks, which published material stolen by Russian hackers from the Clinton campaign. The indictment said that Stone discussed his communications with Assange with "senior officials " of the campaign who wanted him to obtain information about what WikiLeaks had on Clinton and when it would release it. Tantalizingly, it says that after WikiLeaks' July 22, 2016 release of stolen Democratic emails, "a senior Trump Campaign official was directed to contact Stone about any additional releases and what other damaging information" WikiLeaks might have on Clinton. Adam Schiff, who chairs the House Intelligence Committee, said that was a key revelation. "Our committee will be eager to learn just who directed a senior campaign official to contact Stone about additional damaging information held by WikiLeaks, one of the publishing arms of Russian government hackers," Schiff said. Six Trump associates charged Stone's arrest brought to 34 the number of individuals indicted in Mueller's sprawling probe into Russian meddling and possible collusion in the 206 election. Besides Stone, five others were close to Trump and the campaign: chair Paul Manafort, deputy chair Rick Gates, national security advisor Michael Flynn, Trump's personal lawyer Michael Cohen, and foreign policy advisor George Papadopoulos. But none has been charged with anything close to conspiracy to collude with Russia, and while the White House remains under pressure from Mueller's team, it is not known what might have on the president himself. Stone's indictment was long expected, but he has repeatedly echoed Trump's argument that the investigation is a politicized "witch hunt." "The charges relate in no way to Russian collusion or WikiLeaks collaboration," he said Friday. He defended Trump as well, calling him a great leader. "I am one of his oldest friends. I am a fervid supporter of the president," he declared. "I will not testify against the president, because I would have to bear false witness against him," he added.

Trump's former advisor Roger Stone freed on $250,000 bail by court

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