<p>A bizarre image of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-military-raided-wagner-bases-in-syria-detained-fighters-and-leaders-reports-611461">Wagner</a> Chief Yevgeny Prigozhin has been making rounds of several Telegram channels and now on Twitter which shows the mercenary group’s boss half-naked sitting inside a tent. The undated image was reportedly first shared by a Wager-affiliated Telegram channel.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>About the image</strong></h2>

<p>The image shows the Russian mercenary group’s boss in what appeared to be a field tent which shows Prigozhin waving to the camera while sitting upright and seemingly unfazed by his state of undress. The Wagner chief was also seen only wearing a beige T-shirt and his underwear.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<em><strong>WION cannot verify the authenticity of the image.</strong></em></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Russian media publish a reportedly recent photo of Prigozhin in a field tent in (allegedly) Belarus. <a href="https://t.co/MNXSBhffui">pic.twitter.com/MNXSBhffui</a></p>
— Anton Gerashchenko (@Gerashchenko_en) <a href="https://twitter.com/Gerashchenko_en/status/1679783921939087360?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 14, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>This is the first image of the Wagner chief seen since his June 24 announcement of a coup against the Kremlin amid growing discontent with the top Russian defence officials.</p>

<h2><strong>Is Wagner chief in Belarus?</strong></h2>

<p>It was not immediately clear who or why the image was shared but reports speculate it is part of an apparent campaign to undermine and embarrass the once-feared mercenary group’s chief.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A Belarusian Gayun Monitoring Group speculates that the photograph may have been taken, earlier this week, in Osipovichi, Belarus, where Prigozhin was exiled after his aborted mutiny in Moscow.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A report by The Mirror, citing the group, also said that the image might have been taken on July 12, a day after Gayun reported that a plane belonging to Prigozhin flew to Belarus for the third time. Subsequently, two helicopters flew to Osipovichi, reported the monitoring group, according to the British media report.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, the next day, Wagner chief’s plane flew back to St. Petersburg in Russia which suggests. that Prigozhin was there to check the new camp.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It was around the time that image was first posted, a report by Financial Times, on Friday, citing analysts and people close to Prigozhin suggested that he might have been granted some time to wrap up his business in Russia before settling in Belarus.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It was also on July 14, that the Kremlin said it will review the legal status of Wagner and similar groups after Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the aborted mutiny by the Russian mercenary group last month <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wagners-legal-status-to-be-reviewed-says-kremlin-mercenaries-train-troops-in-belarus-615770">does not legally “exist”</a> since there is no Russian law about private military companies.</p>

<p>During the interview with Kommersant newspaper, the Russian president also confirmed that he had met Prigozhin, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vladimir-putin-met-wagner-chief-yevgeny-prigozhin-five-days-after-failed-coup-attempt-kremlin-613881">on June 29</a> and then named the “real” Wagner leader as “Grey Hair,” the military callsign for Andrei Troshev, a former Russian army colonel.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Prigozhin’s many disguises</strong></h2>

<p>The latest image also comes after six photos of the Wagner chief were leaked to the media, last week, where Prigozhin was seen in a series of bizarre disguises and ill-fitting wigs and beards.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<em><strong>WION cannot verify the authenticity of the image.</strong></em></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Prigozhin's "absurd disguises" are just incredible <a href="https://t.co/ojd8RKa3Kf">pic.twitter.com/ojd8RKa3Kf</a></p>
— Kevin Klyman (@kevin_klyman) <a href="https://twitter.com/kevin_klyman/status/1677050597541924864?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 6, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Russian media outlets also showed images of Prigozhin’s home in St Petersburg being raided where officials reportedly found a number of wigs and photographs of Prigozhin dressed in several disguises.<br />
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A bizarre image of Wagner Chief Yevgeny Prigozhin has been making rounds of several Telegram channels and now on Twitter which shows the mercenary group’s boss half-naked sitting inside a tent.

A bizarre image of Wagner Chief Yevgeny Prigozhin has been making rounds of several Telegram channels and now on Twitter which shows the mercenary group’s boss half-naked sitting inside a tent. The undated image was reportedly first shared by a Wager-affiliated Telegram channel. About the image The image shows the Russian mercenary group’s boss in what appeared to be a field tent which shows Prigozhin waving to the camera while sitting upright and seemingly unfazed by his state of undress. The Wagner chief was also seen only wearing a beige T-shirt and his underwear. WION cannot verify the authenticity of the image. Russian media publish a reportedly recent photo of Prigozhin in a field tent in (allegedly) Belarus. pic.twitter.com/MNXSBhffui — Anton Gerashchenko (@Gerashchenko_en) July 14, 2023 × This is the first image of the Wagner chief seen since his June 24 announcement of a coup against the Kremlin amid growing discontent with the top Russian defence officials. Is Wagner chief in Belarus? It was not immediately clear who or why the image was shared but reports speculate it is part of an apparent campaign to undermine and embarrass the once-feared mercenary group’s chief. A Belarusian Gayun Monitoring Group speculates that the photograph may have been taken, earlier this week, in Osipovichi, Belarus, where Prigozhin was exiled after his aborted mutiny in Moscow. A report by The Mirror, citing the group, also said that the image might have been taken on July 12, a day after Gayun reported that a plane belonging to Prigozhin flew to Belarus for the third time. Subsequently, two helicopters flew to Osipovichi, reported the monitoring group, according to the British media report. However, the next day, Wagner chief’s plane flew back to St. Petersburg in Russia which suggests. that Prigozhin was there to check the new camp. It was around the time that image was first posted, a report by Financial Times, on Friday, citing analysts and people close to Prigozhin suggested that he might have been granted some time to wrap up his business in Russia before settling in Belarus. It was also on July 14, that the Kremlin said it will review the legal status of Wagner and similar groups after Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the aborted mutiny by the Russian mercenary group last month does not legally “exist” since there is no Russian law about private military companies. During the interview with Kommersant newspaper, the Russian president also confirmed that he had met Prigozhin, on June 29 and then named the “real” Wagner leader as “Grey Hair,” the military callsign for Andrei Troshev, a former Russian army colonel. Prigozhin’s many disguises The latest image also comes after six photos of the Wagner chief were leaked to the media, last week, where Prigozhin was seen in a series of bizarre disguises and ill-fitting wigs and beards. WION cannot verify the authenticity of the image. Prigozhin's "absurd disguises" are just incredible pic.twitter.com/ojd8RKa3Kf — Kevin Klyman (@kevin_klyman) July 6, 2023 × Russian media outlets also showed images of Prigozhin’s home in St Petersburg being raided where officials reportedly found a number of wigs and photographs of Prigozhin dressed in several disguises. 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.

Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin appears ‘half-naked’ in bizarre photo since aborted mutiny: Reports

<p>Wagner group's fighters have reached Belarus from Russia, confirmed Ukrainian and Polish officials on Saturday, one day after Minsk stated that the mercenaries were training the soldiers of the country in the southeast of the capital.<br />
<br />
"Wagner is in Belarus," said Andriy Demchenko, a spokesman for the Ukrainian border agency, shared in a statement on the Telegram messaging app. He stated that the officials have observed in Belarus the movement of "separate groups" from Russia.<br />
<br />
Since Tuesday, some Wagner fighters were already present in Belarus, two sources close to the fighters confirmed to news agency Reuters.<br />
<br />
A video was released by the Belarusian defence ministry on Friday which showed what it stated were Wagner fighters providing training to Belarusian soldiers at a military range which was located close to the town of Osipovichi.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/russians-scrambled-to-withdraw-hundred-billion-rubles-during-wagners-mutiny-615118">Russians scrambled to withdraw hundred billion rubles during Wagner's mutiny</a></p>

<p>The move of Wagner to Belarus was part of the deal which was finalised to end the mutiny attempt of the group in June – when they had captured a Russian military headquarter, were marching towards Moscow and threatening to start a civil war in Russia, as stated by Russian President Vladimir Putin.<br />
<br />
Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin was not seen in public since he departed from the southern Russian city of Rostov-on-Don on June 24.<br />
<br />
Poland's Deputy Minister Co-ordinator of Special Services Stanislaw Zaryn stated that the presence of Wagner fighters in Belarus has also been confirmed by Wagner fighters.<br />
<br />
"There may be several hundred of them at the moment," stated Zaryn on Twitter. This month, Poland stated that it was bolstering its border with Belarus to prevent any potential threats.</p>

<h2><strong>At least 60 vehicles enter Belarus</strong></h2>

<p>Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, who did not make his&nbsp;own troops available to Russia, permitted Moscow to use its territory to launch its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Since this, Belarus has allowed its country to be used as a base for Russian nuclear weapons.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Russia's Wagner mercenary group trains soldiers in Belarus</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russias-wagner-mercenary-group-trains-soldiers-in-belarus-615776/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>The Belarusian Hajun project, which is responsible for monitoring military activity in the country and is seen as an extremist formation by Belarusian authorities, said that on Friday night a large column of at least 60 vehicles entered the country from Russia.<br />
<br />
It stated that the vehicles, which included trucks, pickups, vans and buses, carried licence plates of the self-styled Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics, which is internationally recognised as eastern Ukraine.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Wagner group's fighters have reached Belarus from Russia, confirmed Ukrainian and Polish officials on Saturday, one day after Minsk stated that the mercenaries were training the soldiers of the country in the southeast of the capital.

Wagner group's fighters have reached Belarus from Russia, confirmed Ukrainian and Polish officials on Saturday, one day after Minsk stated that the mercenaries were training the soldiers of the country in the southeast of the capital. "Wagner is in Belarus," said Andriy Demchenko, a spokesman for the Ukrainian border agency, shared in a statement on the Telegram messaging app. He stated that the officials have observed in Belarus the movement of "separate groups" from Russia. Since Tuesday, some Wagner fighters were already present in Belarus, two sources close to the fighters confirmed to news agency Reuters. A video was released by the Belarusian defence ministry on Friday which showed what it stated were Wagner fighters providing training to Belarusian soldiers at a military range which was located close to the town of Osipovichi. ALSO READ | Russians scrambled to withdraw hundred billion rubles during Wagner's mutiny The move of Wagner to Belarus was part of the deal which was finalised to end the mutiny attempt of the group in June – when they had captured a Russian military headquarter, were marching towards Moscow and threatening to start a civil war in Russia, as stated by Russian President Vladimir Putin. Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin was not seen in public since he departed from the southern Russian city of Rostov-on-Don on June 24. Poland's Deputy Minister Co-ordinator of Special Services Stanislaw Zaryn stated that the presence of Wagner fighters in Belarus has also been confirmed by Wagner fighters. "There may be several hundred of them at the moment," stated Zaryn on Twitter. This month, Poland stated that it was bolstering its border with Belarus to prevent any potential threats. At least 60 vehicles enter Belarus Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, who did not make his own troops available to Russia, permitted Moscow to use its territory to launch its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Since this, Belarus has allowed its country to be used as a base for Russian nuclear weapons. WATCH | Russia's Wagner mercenary group trains soldiers in Belarus The Belarusian Hajun project, which is responsible for monitoring military activity in the country and is seen as an extremist formation by Belarusian authorities, said that on Friday night a large column of at least 60 vehicles entered the country from Russia. It stated that the vehicles, which included trucks, pickups, vans and buses, carried licence plates of the self-styled Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics, which is internationally recognised as eastern Ukraine. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Wagner fighters have reached Belarus, confirm Ukraine, Poland

British Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said on Wednesday he had warned Ukraine that its international allies were "not Amazon" and Kyiv needed to show gratitude for weapons donations to persuade Western politicians to give more.

'We're not Amazon': Britain's Defence Minister says Ukrainian officials should show more gratitude

<p>The Kremlin, on Friday (July 14) said that it will review the legal status of the private Wagner mercenary group after Russian President Vladimir Putin argued that it had no legal basis. Meanwhile, Wagner group’s fighters who were reported to be in Belarus after their chief’s aborted mutiny in Moscow, were shown training soldiers southeast of Minsk. &nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What did the Kremlin say?</strong></h2>

<p>Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters that the legal status of groups like Wagner is “rather complicated”. This comes a day after Putin told Kommersant newspaper that the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/west-had-nothing-to-do-with-wagners-aborted-russia-mutiny-us-president-biden-608976">aborted mutiny</a> by the Russian mercenary group last month does not legally “exist” since there is no Russian law about private military companies.</p>

<p>During the press briefing, Peskov also spoke about how, given the complication of their legal status, there is a need to study and consider the issue. When asked about the possibility of new legislation about the status of private military companies, the Kremlin spokesperson said, “This question will at least be under consideration.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>On June 24, Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin announced a coup against the Kremlin amid growing discontent with the top Russian defence officials. The group’s fighters <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-global-leaders-are-reacting-on-rebellion-in-southern-russian-city-of-rostov-on-don-608271">took control of Rostov-on-Don</a> but did not proceed further saying that they wanted to avoid “shedding Russian blood”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The fighters, including their chief who has not been seen in public since, also agreed to live in exile in Belarus. Putin also told the Kommersant he offered the Wagner group to continue fighting for Russia but suggested Prigozhin be removed and the group operate under a different commander.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This week, the Russian defence ministry said that Wagner was in the midst of completing the transfer of its weapons to the regular army as a part of the deal with the Kremlin which ended the mutiny.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Wagner fighters in Belarus</strong></h2>

<p>In what is being seen as a first indication that at least a part of the deal with Russia to end the mutiny might be implemented, Belarus, said their soldiers are being trained by the group’s fighters at a military range.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Two sources close to the fighters told Reuters on condition of anonymity that some mercenaries have been seen since at least Tuesday. This comes as part of a Kremlin-struck deal under which <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/prigozhin-posts-first-message-since-mutiny-says-march-not-aimed-at-overthrowing-government-608952">Prigozhin</a> stood down, and agreed to move to Belarus and in exchange Russia dropped mutiny charges against them.&nbsp;</p>

<p>So far, there had been no signs of Wagner fighters in Belarus. However, the Belarusian defence ministry’s television channel aired footage and said, “Wagner fighters acted as instructors in a number of military disciplines.” The ministry released a video showing what it said was at a military range near the town of Osipovichi.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
<br />
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The Kremlin, on Friday (July 14) said that it will review the legal status of the private Wagner mercenary group after Russian President Vladimir Putin argued that it had no legal basis.

The Kremlin, on Friday (July 14) said that it will review the legal status of the private Wagner mercenary group after Russian President Vladimir Putin argued that it had no legal basis. Meanwhile, Wagner group’s fighters who were reported to be in Belarus after their chief’s aborted mutiny in Moscow, were shown training soldiers southeast of Minsk. What did the Kremlin say? Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters that the legal status of groups like Wagner is “rather complicated”. This comes a day after Putin told Kommersant newspaper that the aborted mutiny by the Russian mercenary group last month does not legally “exist” since there is no Russian law about private military companies. During the press briefing, Peskov also spoke about how, given the complication of their legal status, there is a need to study and consider the issue. When asked about the possibility of new legislation about the status of private military companies, the Kremlin spokesperson said, “This question will at least be under consideration.” On June 24, Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin announced a coup against the Kremlin amid growing discontent with the top Russian defence officials. The group’s fighters took control of Rostov-on-Don but did not proceed further saying that they wanted to avoid “shedding Russian blood”. The fighters, including their chief who has not been seen in public since, also agreed to live in exile in Belarus. Putin also told the Kommersant he offered the Wagner group to continue fighting for Russia but suggested Prigozhin be removed and the group operate under a different commander. This week, the Russian defence ministry said that Wagner was in the midst of completing the transfer of its weapons to the regular army as a part of the deal with the Kremlin which ended the mutiny. Wagner fighters in Belarus In what is being seen as a first indication that at least a part of the deal with Russia to end the mutiny might be implemented, Belarus, said their soldiers are being trained by the group’s fighters at a military range. Two sources close to the fighters told Reuters on condition of anonymity that some mercenaries have been seen since at least Tuesday. This comes as part of a Kremlin-struck deal under which Prigozhin stood down, and agreed to move to Belarus and in exchange Russia dropped mutiny charges against them. So far, there had been no signs of Wagner fighters in Belarus. However, the Belarusian defence ministry’s television channel aired footage and said, “Wagner fighters acted as instructors in a number of military disciplines.” The ministry released a video showing what it said was at a military range near the town of Osipovichi. (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.

Wagner’s legal status to be reviewed, says Kremlin; mercenaries train troops in Belarus

Russia-Ukraine war as much as it has been about the battlefield gains. It has also been about the antiques and rhetorics in this battle of claims and counters, claims Russia has decided to show its gains to the world.

NATO members unveil more security guarantee for Ukraine

Lithuania is preparing to host the NATO Summit and has significantly enhanced security measures, including reinforcing borders with Belarus. 16 NATO allies have deployed around 1,000 troops to ensure the safety of the two-day summit.

Lithuania bolsters security as NATO Summit approaches

Russia's Wagner group moving to Belarus has prompted Poland to deploy over a thousand troops to its eastern border, raising concerns about increased tensions at the border.

Poland deploys troops amid rising tensions as Russia's Wagner group moves to Belarus

<p>A Ukrainian defence official, on Sunday (July 9), seemingly revealed that the country’s forces attacked the bridge connecting Russia and Russian-occupied Crimea, last year. Meanwhile, Russian officials claimed that their air defence systems shot down two missiles, one over the annexed Crimean peninsula and the other one over the southern Rostov region which borders Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This also comes amid the Polish president’s visit to Ukraine to meet with his Ukrainian counterpart.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Did Ukraine claim responsibility for Crimea bridge blast?</strong></h2>

<p>In what might be the first direct admission of Ukraine’s involvement in the blast which damaged Russia’s only land link to Crimea (annexed by Moscow in 2014), Ukraine’s Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Maliar in a Telegram post, said, “(It’s been) 273 days since (we) carried out the first strike on the Crimean bridge in order to disrupt the logistics for the Russians”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The post, on Saturday, also noted some other Ukrainian successes amid the ongoing conflict, including the sinking of the Moskva cruiser, which the Russian officials have refused to attribute to a Ukrainian attack, as well as the liberation of Snake Island.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Kerch Bridge blast took place in October 2022 and was inaugurated by President Vladimir Putin&nbsp;in 2018&nbsp;and is seen as a vital transport link carrying military equipment to Russian soldiers in Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Officials in Moscow had determined that the blast took place after a vehicle had exploded and ignited a huge fire, setting ablaze seven oil tankers transported by train and collapsing two car lanes of the giant road and rail structure.</p>

<p>The Ukrainian defence official’s statement also caught the attention of Russian state media and officials. Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, in response, once again called Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s government a “terrorist regime” and condemned the attack, in an online statement.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Russia claims to have intercepted missiles over Crimea and Rostov region</strong></h2>

<p>Russia-installed Governor Sergei Aksyonov took to Telegram, on Sunday, and said that a cruise missile was shot down near the city of Kerch on the Crimean peninsula but did not inflict any damage or cause casualties.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Additionally, local officials also reported some disruption in the traffic movement on the Crimean Bridge but said it was restored after an apparent suspension. However, they did not give any reason for the traffic halt.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Russian Governor Vasily Golubev also took to Telegram and said the air defence shot down a Ukrainian missile in the Rostov region which is close to the Ukrainian border. “There were no casualties. The debris partially damaged the roofs of several buildings,” said Golubev.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Polish president’s visit to Ukraine</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Polish President Andrzej Duda took to social media, on Sunday, and wrote, “We are stronger together,” while visiting the western city of Lutsk with his Ukrainian counterpart, on Sunday. The visit comes ahead of the NATO summit on July 11-12 where Kyiv is expecting a clear indication about being a part of the United States-led military alliance.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, Poland has been one of the biggest supporters of Ukraine within NATO since the beginning of the conflict over a year ago and asked for “security guarantees” from other members of the alliance for Kyiv.</p>

<h2><strong>Poland increases security along eastern border</strong></h2>

<p>The Polish president’s visit to Ukraine comes a day after the country’s defence minister said that they are moving more than 1,000 troops to the east of the country amid concerns over the presence of Russia’s Wagner Group fighters in neighbouring Belarus.</p>

<p>“Over 1,000 soldiers and almost 200 units of equipment from the 12th and 17th Mechanized Brigades are starting to move to the east of the country,” said Polish Defence Minister Mariusz Blaszczak. He added, “This is a demonstration of our readiness to respond to attempts at destabilisation near the border of our country.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>The move also comes nearly a week after Warsaw said it would send 500 police officers to its border with Belarus to secure its border amid an increase in the number of migrants trying to cross into the country from Minsk.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Over 200 people tried to enter Poland illegally, on Friday,&nbsp;including citizens of Morocco, India and Ethiopia, according to&nbsp;the Border Guard.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
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A Ukrainian defence official, on Sunday (July 9), seemingly revealed that the country’s forces attacked the bridge connecting Russia and Russian-occupied Crimea, last year.

A Ukrainian defence official, on Sunday (July 9), seemingly revealed that the country’s forces attacked the bridge connecting Russia and Russian-occupied Crimea, last year. Meanwhile, Russian officials claimed that their air defence systems shot down two missiles, one over the annexed Crimean peninsula and the other one over the southern Rostov region which borders Ukraine. This also comes amid the Polish president’s visit to Ukraine to meet with his Ukrainian counterpart. Did Ukraine claim responsibility for Crimea bridge blast? In what might be the first direct admission of Ukraine’s involvement in the blast which damaged Russia’s only land link to Crimea (annexed by Moscow in 2014), Ukraine’s Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Maliar in a Telegram post, said, “(It’s been) 273 days since (we) carried out the first strike on the Crimean bridge in order to disrupt the logistics for the Russians”. The post, on Saturday, also noted some other Ukrainian successes amid the ongoing conflict, including the sinking of the Moskva cruiser, which the Russian officials have refused to attribute to a Ukrainian attack, as well as the liberation of Snake Island. The Kerch Bridge blast took place in October 2022 and was inaugurated by President Vladimir Putin in 2018 and is seen as a vital transport link carrying military equipment to Russian soldiers in Ukraine. Officials in Moscow had determined that the blast took place after a vehicle had exploded and ignited a huge fire, setting ablaze seven oil tankers transported by train and collapsing two car lanes of the giant road and rail structure. The Ukrainian defence official’s statement also caught the attention of Russian state media and officials. Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, in response, once again called Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s government a “terrorist regime” and condemned the attack, in an online statement. Russia claims to have intercepted missiles over Crimea and Rostov region Russia-installed Governor Sergei Aksyonov took to Telegram, on Sunday, and said that a cruise missile was shot down near the city of Kerch on the Crimean peninsula but did not inflict any damage or cause casualties. Additionally, local officials also reported some disruption in the traffic movement on the Crimean Bridge but said it was restored after an apparent suspension. However, they did not give any reason for the traffic halt. Meanwhile, Russian Governor Vasily Golubev also took to Telegram and said the air defence shot down a Ukrainian missile in the Rostov region which is close to the Ukrainian border. “There were no casualties. The debris partially damaged the roofs of several buildings,” said Golubev. Polish president’s visit to Ukraine Polish President Andrzej Duda took to social media, on Sunday, and wrote, “We are stronger together,” while visiting the western city of Lutsk with his Ukrainian counterpart, on Sunday. The visit comes ahead of the NATO summit on July 11-12 where Kyiv is expecting a clear indication about being a part of the United States-led military alliance. Notably, Poland has been one of the biggest supporters of Ukraine within NATO since the beginning of the conflict over a year ago and asked for “security guarantees” from other members of the alliance for Kyiv. Poland increases security along eastern border The Polish president’s visit to Ukraine comes a day after the country’s defence minister said that they are moving more than 1,000 troops to the east of the country amid concerns over the presence of Russia’s Wagner Group fighters in neighbouring Belarus. “Over 1,000 soldiers and almost 200 units of equipment from the 12th and 17th Mechanized Brigades are starting to move to the east of the country,” said Polish Defence Minister Mariusz Blaszczak. He added, “This is a demonstration of our readiness to respond to attempts at destabilisation near the border of our country.” The move also comes nearly a week after Warsaw said it would send 500 police officers to its border with Belarus to secure its border amid an increase in the number of migrants trying to cross into the country from Minsk. Over 200 people tried to enter Poland illegally, on Friday, including citizens of Morocco, India and Ethiopia, according to the Border Guard. (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.

Ukrainian official seemingly claims responsibility for Crimea bridge blast

<p>President Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus has said that no one emerged as a hero out of the Wagner mutiny in Russia, disputing reports in Russian state media which claimed President Vladimir Putin had emerged victorious from the dramatic events. "I think that no-one came out of that situation a hero,” Lukashenko was quoted as saying by BBC.</p>

<p>He said that Putin requires to carefully monitor armed groups like Wagner that flourish on Russian soil.</p>

<p>“Not [Wagner chief Yevgeny] Prigozhin, not Putin, not Lukashenko. There were no heroes. And the lesson from this? If we create armed groups like this, we need to keep an eye on them and pay serious attention to them," Lukashenko said.</p>

<h2><strong>Lukashenko on using nuclear weapons</strong></h2>

<p>While talking to BBC, Lukashenko said he “won’t hesitate to use nuclear weapons” but added that he hopes he is never forced to take the decision to use them.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Upon being reminded that they were not Belarus’s own nukes, but given by Russia, Lukashenko replied, “Why can't I fight with someone else's weapons?”</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Russian state TV shows 'The Riches' of Wagner chief</strong></p>

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<p>"In Ukraine a whole army is fighting with foreign weapons, isn't it," the Belarusian leader retorted. "Nato weapons. Because they've run out of their own. So why can't I fight with someone else's weapons?"</p>

<h2><strong>Lukashenko on Wagner chief</strong></h2>

<p>Lukashenko also clarified that Wagner chief Prigozhin, along with his fighters, was not on Belarusian territory, and added that there was a possibility that he may never have to move to Belarus, as promised under the deal brokered by him between the Wagner chief and the Kremlin.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"He is in Petersburg ... perhaps he went to Moscow this morning," Lukashenko was quoted as saying by Reuters.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/where-is-wagner-chief-prigozhin-lukashenko-says-not-in-belarus-612593"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Where is Wagner chief Prigozhin? Lukashenko says not in Belarus</strong></a></p>

<p>He also speculated that Russian intelligence forces were keeping a close watch on the Wagner chief and that Kremlin had never wanted to “wipe out” Prigozhin because that would have unleashed a civil war on the nation.<br />
"The fighters of the Wagner group are at their camps - their permanent camps - those where they have been located since they left the front," he added.</p>

<h2><strong>Russia on Prigozhin</strong></h2>

<p>The Kremlin earlier denied that Russia was tracking Prigozhin’s movements in Russia, while not confirming whether or not his departure from the country was one condition of the deal. "No, we do not follow his movements, we have neither the ability nor the desire to do so," Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Thursday.</p>

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President Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus has said that no one emerged as a hero out of the Wagner mutiny in Russia, disputing reports in Russian state media which claimed President Vladimir Putin had emerged victorious from the dramatic events.

President Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus has said that no one emerged as a hero out of the Wagner mutiny in Russia, disputing reports in Russian state media which claimed President Vladimir Putin had emerged victorious from the dramatic events. "I think that no-one came out of that situation a hero,” Lukashenko was quoted as saying by BBC. He said that Putin requires to carefully monitor armed groups like Wagner that flourish on Russian soil. “Not [Wagner chief Yevgeny] Prigozhin, not Putin, not Lukashenko. There were no heroes. And the lesson from this? If we create armed groups like this, we need to keep an eye on them and pay serious attention to them," Lukashenko said. Lukashenko on using nuclear weapons While talking to BBC, Lukashenko said he “won’t hesitate to use nuclear weapons” but added that he hopes he is never forced to take the decision to use them. Upon being reminded that they were not Belarus’s own nukes, but given by Russia, Lukashenko replied, “Why can't I fight with someone else's weapons?” Watch: Russian state TV shows 'The Riches' of Wagner chief × "In Ukraine a whole army is fighting with foreign weapons, isn't it," the Belarusian leader retorted. "Nato weapons. Because they've run out of their own. So why can't I fight with someone else's weapons?" Lukashenko on Wagner chief Lukashenko also clarified that Wagner chief Prigozhin, along with his fighters, was not on Belarusian territory, and added that there was a possibility that he may never have to move to Belarus, as promised under the deal brokered by him between the Wagner chief and the Kremlin. "He is in Petersburg ... perhaps he went to Moscow this morning," Lukashenko was quoted as saying by Reuters. Also read: Where is Wagner chief Prigozhin? Lukashenko says not in Belarus He also speculated that Russian intelligence forces were keeping a close watch on the Wagner chief and that Kremlin had never wanted to “wipe out” Prigozhin because that would have unleashed a civil war on the nation. "The fighters of the Wagner group are at their camps - their permanent camps - those where they have been located since they left the front," he added. Russia on Prigozhin The Kremlin earlier denied that Russia was tracking Prigozhin’s movements in Russia, while not confirming whether or not his departure from the country was one condition of the deal. "No, we do not follow his movements, we have neither the ability nor the desire to do so," Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Thursday. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

‘No one came out as hero’, Lukashenko disputes Russia’s take on Wagner mutiny

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said on Thursday that the Wagner chief was back in Russia with thousands of fighters, but dismissed speculation that President Vladimir Putin would have Yevgeny Prigozhin killed. To know more watch this interview with the Professor of the University of South-Eastern Norway, Glenn Diesen.

Russia-Ukraine War| Is the Belarus deal off?  Is Yevgeny Prigozhin in Russia?

Ukraine's capital city of Kyiv is the hotbed of the Russia-Ukraine war. The city is back in the news but not for the usual reasons. Debris from eight British Hurricane Fighter Jets has been found in there, take a look.

Remains of eight British WWII-era Hurricane aircraft found near Kyiv

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said on Thursday that the Wagner chief was back in Russia with thousands of fighters, but dismissed speculation that President Vladimir Putin would have Yevgeny Prigozhin killed.

Russian state TV shows 'The Riches' of Wagner chief

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all the latest news and top headlines from all across the globe: Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, who last month brokered a deal to end an armed mutiny in Russia, said on Thursday that Russian mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin was no longer in Belarus.

Belarus President Lukashenko says Wagner Chief Prigozhin is back in Russia

The United States military believes that cluster munitions would be useful for Ukraine in pushing back against Russian forces, a senior Pentagon official said on Thursday, but they had not been approved for Kyiv yet because of congressional restrictions and concerns from allies.

Cluster munitions would be useful for Ukraine: Pentagon

The Belarusian president Alexander Lukashenko has signed off a law. Banning unfriendly media reports against Belarus by foreign countries. This comes after Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin. Moved to Belarus following a lulled mutiny against the kremlin.

Lukashenko signs new law as Wagner chief seeks shelter in Belarus

According to allegations from a Belarusian guerrilla organisation and officials, the Wagner mercenary group may be using the camp, which seemed to be newly constructed in satellite pictures assessed by the Associated Press on Saturday.

Construction of site for Wagner mercenaries underway in Belarus

<p>Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday ordered the security at his country's border with Belarus to be tightened after the arrival of fighters from the mercenary group Wagner in the neighbouring nation.</p>

<p>The mercenary group's fighters and its chief were offered an exile in Belarus after their mutiny against Russian military leadership&nbsp;was aborted last week. As a part of a deal, President Vladimir Putin gave the fighters a choice of signing contracts with the Russian defence ministry, returning to civilian life or going into exile in Belarus.</p>

<p>Zelensky, on Friday, said that he had been informed of the situation in Belarus by the Ukrainian intelligence service GUR, foreign intelligence services and border guards.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"By the decision of the Stavka (chief of staff), Commander-in-Chief (Valery) Zaluzhny and General (Sergey) Nayev were instructed to strengthen the northern direction in order to guarantee peace. There are appropriate deadlines," the Ukraine leader said in a video posted on Telegram.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Wagner mutineers 'can join army or go to Belarus': Putin</strong></h2>

<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin, in a televised address to the nation late on Monday, said that he would honour his promise to allow Wagner fighters to relocate to Belarus, if they wanted, or to sign a contract with the Defence Ministry or simply return to their families.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-how-lukashenko-emerged-as-a-key-player-to-resolve-wagner-situation-608913">Explained | How Lukashenko emerged as key player to resolve Wagner situation</a></p>

<p>"I thank those soldiers and commanders of the Wagner Group who made the only right decision - they did not turn to fratricidal bloodshed, they stopped at the last line. Today, you have the opportunity to continue serving Russia by entering into a contract with the Ministry of Defence or other law enforcement agencies or to return to your family and friends. Whoever wants to, can go to Belarus. The promise I made will be fulfilled."</p>

<p>He then thanked the Wagner mercenary fighters and commanders who had stood down to avoid bloodshed.</p>

<p>“We knew and we know that the vast majority of the fighters and commanders of the Wagner Group are also Russian patriots, devoted to their people and state. They proved it with their courage on the battlefield, liberating the Donbas and Novorossiya. They tried to use them in the dark against their brothers-in-arms, with whom they fought together for the sake of the country and its future. Therefore, from the very beginning of the events, on my direct instructions, steps were taken to avoid a lot of bloodshed."</p>

<p>Belarus leader Alexander Lukashenko offered Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin refuge after he aborted the armed rebellion against Moscow a week ago.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday ordered the security at his country's border with Belarus to be tightened after the arrival of fighters from the mercenary group Wagner in the neighbouring nation.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday ordered the security at his country's border with Belarus to be tightened after the arrival of fighters from the mercenary group Wagner in the neighbouring nation. The mercenary group's fighters and its chief were offered an exile in Belarus after their mutiny against Russian military leadership was aborted last week. As a part of a deal, President Vladimir Putin gave the fighters a choice of signing contracts with the Russian defence ministry, returning to civilian life or going into exile in Belarus. Zelensky, on Friday, said that he had been informed of the situation in Belarus by the Ukrainian intelligence service GUR, foreign intelligence services and border guards. "By the decision of the Stavka (chief of staff), Commander-in-Chief (Valery) Zaluzhny and General (Sergey) Nayev were instructed to strengthen the northern direction in order to guarantee peace. There are appropriate deadlines," the Ukraine leader said in a video posted on Telegram. Wagner mutineers 'can join army or go to Belarus': Putin Russian President Vladimir Putin, in a televised address to the nation late on Monday, said that he would honour his promise to allow Wagner fighters to relocate to Belarus, if they wanted, or to sign a contract with the Defence Ministry or simply return to their families. Also read: Explained | How Lukashenko emerged as key player to resolve Wagner situation "I thank those soldiers and commanders of the Wagner Group who made the only right decision - they did not turn to fratricidal bloodshed, they stopped at the last line. Today, you have the opportunity to continue serving Russia by entering into a contract with the Ministry of Defence or other law enforcement agencies or to return to your family and friends. Whoever wants to, can go to Belarus. The promise I made will be fulfilled." He then thanked the Wagner mercenary fighters and commanders who had stood down to avoid bloodshed. “We knew and we know that the vast majority of the fighters and commanders of the Wagner Group are also Russian patriots, devoted to their people and state. They proved it with their courage on the battlefield, liberating the Donbas and Novorossiya. They tried to use them in the dark against their brothers-in-arms, with whom they fought together for the sake of the country and its future. Therefore, from the very beginning of the events, on my direct instructions, steps were taken to avoid a lot of bloodshed." Belarus leader Alexander Lukashenko offered Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin refuge after he aborted the armed rebellion against Moscow a week ago. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Volodymyr Zelensky orders tighter security on Ukraine-Belarus border after arrival of Wagner fighters

<p lang="en-US">Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko has asked Wagner Group mercenaries to the military of his country, in a new twist to the armed group's journey from Russia's pillar in the Ukraine war to the rebelled group and finally a unit exiled to Minsk, an ally of Moscow.<br />
<br />
According to state news agency Belta, Lukashenko said, “Unfortunately, they (Wagner mercenaries) are not here. “And if their instructors, as I already told them, come and pass on combat experience to us, we will accept this experience.”<br />
<br />
The proposal of Lukashenko comes just a week after he was given the credit for defusing Wagner forces' armed insurrection against Moscow. In a shocking series of events which seemed to threaten the position of Russian President Vladimir Putin in decades, Wagner leader Yevgeny Prigozhin had marched towards Moscow along with his forces and taken control of military facilities in two cities of Russia.</p>

<p lang="en-US"><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/volodymyr-zelensky-orders-tighter-security-at-ukraine-belarus-border-after-arrival-of-wagner-fighters-610721">Volodymyr Zelensky orders tighter security at Ukraine-Belarus border after arrival of Wagner fighters</a></p>

<p lang="en-US">The crisis came to an end after Lukashenko successfully brokered a deal according to which Prigozhin had to move to Belarus. In the same deal, Wagner troops were given the option to either go to Belarus, sign up with the Russian military or law enforcement agencies, or go back to their family and friends.<br />
<br />
Lukashenko, in his speech, said that he did not fear the members of the Wagner Group and had “known them for a long time.” “These are people who fought all over the world to establish a normal civilisation. The West hates them to the core,” he added.<br />
<br />
He further warned a “world-scale military-political crisis unprecedented in the history of mankind” was brewing, and slammed the West for not understanding the need for dialogue to resolve the situation.</p>

<p lang="en-US"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: Is Russia's Wagner group setting up a secret training base in Belarus?</strong></p>

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<p lang="en-US">The European Union and the United States were accused of “arming Poland at an accelerated pace” and claimed that the West was making Poland into “a proxy training ground” to use against Russia and Belarus.<br />
<br />
“Thus, another hotbed of tension is being created, another stronghold is being created for the aggression of the most aggressive country in the world and, unfortunately, the most powerful – the United States,” he stated.</p>

<h2 lang="en-US"><strong>CIA director meets Zelensky</strong></h2>

<p lang="en-US">Recently, CIA Director William Burns visited Ukraine and held talks with President Volodymyr Zelensky and Ukrainian intelligence officials, as per a US official.<br />
<br />
Speaking to CNN, the official said, “Director Burns recently travelled to Ukraine, as he has done regularly since the beginning of Russia’s recent aggression more than a year ago. As with other trips, the director met with his Ukrainian intelligence counterparts and President Zelensky, reaffirming the US commitment to sharing intelligence to help Ukraine defend against Russian aggression.”<br />
<br />
He noted that Director Burns had travelled to Kyiv before the rebellion of Yevgeny Prigozhin.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko has asked Wagner Group mercenaries to the military of his country, in a new twist to the armed group's journey from Russia's pillar in the Ukraine war to the rebelled group and finally a unit exiled to Minsk, an ally of Moscow.

Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko has asked Wagner Group mercenaries to the military of his country, in a new twist to the armed group's journey from Russia's pillar in the Ukraine war to the rebelled group and finally a unit exiled to Minsk, an ally of Moscow. According to state news agency Belta, Lukashenko said, “Unfortunately, they (Wagner mercenaries) are not here. “And if their instructors, as I already told them, come and pass on combat experience to us, we will accept this experience.” The proposal of Lukashenko comes just a week after he was given the credit for defusing Wagner forces' armed insurrection against Moscow. In a shocking series of events which seemed to threaten the position of Russian President Vladimir Putin in decades, Wagner leader Yevgeny Prigozhin had marched towards Moscow along with his forces and taken control of military facilities in two cities of Russia. ALSO READ | Volodymyr Zelensky orders tighter security at Ukraine-Belarus border after arrival of Wagner fighters The crisis came to an end after Lukashenko successfully brokered a deal according to which Prigozhin had to move to Belarus. In the same deal, Wagner troops were given the option to either go to Belarus, sign up with the Russian military or law enforcement agencies, or go back to their family and friends. Lukashenko, in his speech, said that he did not fear the members of the Wagner Group and had “known them for a long time.” “These are people who fought all over the world to establish a normal civilisation. The West hates them to the core,” he added. He further warned a “world-scale military-political crisis unprecedented in the history of mankind” was brewing, and slammed the West for not understanding the need for dialogue to resolve the situation. WATCH | Gravitas: Is Russia's Wagner group setting up a secret training base in Belarus? The European Union and the United States were accused of “arming Poland at an accelerated pace” and claimed that the West was making Poland into “a proxy training ground” to use against Russia and Belarus. “Thus, another hotbed of tension is being created, another stronghold is being created for the aggression of the most aggressive country in the world and, unfortunately, the most powerful – the United States,” he stated. CIA director meets Zelensky Recently, CIA Director William Burns visited Ukraine and held talks with President Volodymyr Zelensky and Ukrainian intelligence officials, as per a US official. Speaking to CNN, the official said, “Director Burns recently travelled to Ukraine, as he has done regularly since the beginning of Russia’s recent aggression more than a year ago. As with other trips, the director met with his Ukrainian intelligence counterparts and President Zelensky, reaffirming the US commitment to sharing intelligence to help Ukraine defend against Russian aggression.” He noted that Director Burns had travelled to Kyiv before the rebellion of Yevgeny Prigozhin. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Belarusian President Lukashenko asks Wagner army to train his military

<p>Polish President Andrzej Duda said on Wednesday (June 28) during a visit to Ukraine that the presence of Wagner troops in Belarus could be a potential "threat" to the countries of the region.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Duda told reporters in Kyiv, "It is difficult for us to exclude today that the presence of the Wagner Group in Belarus could pose a potential threat to Poland, which shares a border with Belarus, a threat to Lithuania... as well as potentially to Latvia."&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Tuesday, a jet belonging to Russian mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin flew out of Rostov and landed near Minsk, which was later confirmed by Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko. The Belarusian leader was quoted as saying by the state media Belta that Prigozin was currently in Belarus.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said that "security guarantees have been given" as promised to Russian President Vladimir Putin. "I see Prigozhin's been flying aboard this plane - yes, indeed he’s in Belarus today," he further added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Lukashenko mentioned that Belarus is not building any camps for the group, but will accommodate them if they want. However, their presence itself has become a matter of concern for the Polish President.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/leaked-intel-foils-wagners-attempt-to-capture-russias-military-leadership-report-609743">Wagner aimed to capture Russia's military leadership, sped up efforts after plans leaked: Report</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<h2><strong>Poland and Lithuania presidents in Kyiv&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The presidents of Poland and Lithuania made a surprise visit to Kyiv on Wednesday and met their Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Duda said in a joint news conference that Poland and Lithuania will do everything they can to ensure that Ukraine becomes a member of NATO as soon as possible.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, NATO members unanimously said that Ukraine must get all support during the war against Russia. They are affirmative about Ukraine's inclusion in NATO but have yet to resolve differences over how to address Kyiv's desire for membership.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Lithuania and Poland have been among the staunchest supporters of Ukraine in NATO and the EU, and have been calling for accepting it into both. Meanwhile, Lithuania is buying NASAMS air defence systems for Ukraine from a Norwegian company.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Deadly Russian missile strike hits pizza restaurant in Ukraine</strong></p>

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<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-wished-to-wipe-out-wagner-chief-prigozhin-during-mutiny-claims-lukashenko-609677">Putin wished to ‘wipe out’ Wagner chief Prigozhin after mutiny, claims Lukashenko</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<h2><strong>Poland gets first batch of Abrams&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>On Wednesday, Poland also received the first shipment of US-made advanced Abrams tanks. The defence minister said that it is a boost to the nation's military capabilities amid the Russia-Ukraine war.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Poland's Defence Minister Mariusz Blaszczak told reporters, "The first tanks are already on Polish soil, it's an important day for the Polish army. This year we will have more tanks and they will form a battalion of Abrams tanks," Blaszczak said, hailing the US-made Abrams as "the best tanks in the world."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The authorities in Warsaw ordered a total of 366 Abrams tanks from the United States, with the first batch comprising 14 tanks which arrived at the port city of Szczecin. The shipment is part of a deal worth $1.4 billion for 116 M1A1 Abrams tanks that were previously used by the US Marine Corps.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
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Polish President Andrzej Duda said on Wednesday (June 28) during a visit to Ukraine that the presence of Wagner troops in Belarus could be a potential "threat" to the countries of the region.

Polish President Andrzej Duda said on Wednesday (June 28) during a visit to Ukraine that the presence of Wagner troops in Belarus could be a potential "threat" to the countries of the region. Duda told reporters in Kyiv, "It is difficult for us to exclude today that the presence of the Wagner Group in Belarus could pose a potential threat to Poland, which shares a border with Belarus, a threat to Lithuania... as well as potentially to Latvia." On Tuesday, a jet belonging to Russian mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin flew out of Rostov and landed near Minsk, which was later confirmed by Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko. The Belarusian leader was quoted as saying by the state media Belta that Prigozin was currently in Belarus. He said that "security guarantees have been given" as promised to Russian President Vladimir Putin. "I see Prigozhin's been flying aboard this plane - yes, indeed he’s in Belarus today," he further added. Lukashenko mentioned that Belarus is not building any camps for the group, but will accommodate them if they want. However, their presence itself has become a matter of concern for the Polish President. Also read: Wagner aimed to capture Russia's military leadership, sped up efforts after plans leaked: Report Poland and Lithuania presidents in Kyiv The presidents of Poland and Lithuania made a surprise visit to Kyiv on Wednesday and met their Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky. Duda said in a joint news conference that Poland and Lithuania will do everything they can to ensure that Ukraine becomes a member of NATO as soon as possible. Notably, NATO members unanimously said that Ukraine must get all support during the war against Russia. They are affirmative about Ukraine's inclusion in NATO but have yet to resolve differences over how to address Kyiv's desire for membership. Lithuania and Poland have been among the staunchest supporters of Ukraine in NATO and the EU, and have been calling for accepting it into both. Meanwhile, Lithuania is buying NASAMS air defence systems for Ukraine from a Norwegian company. Watch: Deadly Russian missile strike hits pizza restaurant in Ukraine × Also read: Putin wished to ‘wipe out’ Wagner chief Prigozhin after mutiny, claims Lukashenko Poland gets first batch of Abrams On Wednesday, Poland also received the first shipment of US-made advanced Abrams tanks. The defence minister said that it is a boost to the nation's military capabilities amid the Russia-Ukraine war. Poland's Defence Minister Mariusz Blaszczak told reporters, "The first tanks are already on Polish soil, it's an important day for the Polish army. This year we will have more tanks and they will form a battalion of Abrams tanks," Blaszczak said, hailing the US-made Abrams as "the best tanks in the world." The authorities in Warsaw ordered a total of 366 Abrams tanks from the United States, with the first batch comprising 14 tanks which arrived at the port city of Szczecin. The shipment is part of a deal worth $1.4 billion for 116 M1A1 Abrams tanks that were previously used by the US Marine Corps. (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.

Poland says Wagner troops in Belarus 'threat' to countries of the region

Russian mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin flew into exile in Belarus under a deal that ended a mutiny by his fighters, as Putin praised his forces for averting a civil war. Lukashenko, seen as Putin's junior partner & Europe's last dictator, is positioning himself as the voice of reason. Revealing details of the deal with Prigozhin, Lukashenko said he talked the Wagner boss back from brink. While NATO says it is ready to defend against Moscow, or Minsk, some member states are tracking the events anxiously. Here's a look at the key developments.

'They will squash you like a bug': Belarus president says he warned Wagner boss Prigozhin | Details

Wagner Revolt: Lukashenko positions himself as voice of reason

<p lang="en-US">Head of the Wagner group Yevgeny Prigozhin is still under investigation and the charges against him for organising armed rebellion have not been dropped, reported Russian news agencies on Monday, even after the mercenary group agreed to a deal with the Kremlin to end the mutiny.<br />
<br />
"The criminal case against (Yevgeny) Prigozhin has not been dropped," a source in the prosecutor's office was quoted as saying by the three main Russian news agencies.</p>

<p lang="en-US"><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wagner-chief-prigozhin-commands-fighters-to-retreat-from-advance-on-moscow-to-prevent-bloodshed-608369">Wagner chief Prigozhin orders fighters to retreat, halt advance on Moscow to prevent bloodshed</a></p>

<p lang="en-US">The main state news service of Russia, Ria Novosti, on Monday citing the source confirmed that the charges against Prigozhin have not been dropped. Russian business newspaper Kommersant further reported that Prigozhin is still being investigated by Russia’s main security service FSB and said “not enough time has passed to take another decision”.<br />
<br />
Since he evacuated the southern army headquarters in Rostov-on-Don, Prigozhin has not been seen or heard anywhere. At the time when the deal was finalised, the Kremlin had stated that all charges against Prigozhin will be dropped after the latter agreed to leave for Belarus.</p>

<h2 lang="en-US"><strong>Wagner to continue operations in Mali, C.Africa, says Lavrov</strong></h2>

<p>Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Monday said that the country's Wagner mercenary group will&nbsp;continue its operations in the Central African Republic and Mali. Wagner members "are working there as instructors. This work, of course, will continue," said Lavrov in an interview with RT, adding that the rebellion will not impact the ties of Russia with "partners and friends".</p>

<h2 lang="en-US"><strong>Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu visits troops</strong></h2>

<p lang="en-US">The images of Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu visiting troops were released on Monday which marked the first public appearance of the minister since Prigozhin rebelled against the senior military leadership of the country.<br />
<br />
In the video shared by the defence ministry, Shoigu is seen inspecting a Russian command point and receiving a report on the progress made by Russia in the war against Ukraine from subordinates.<br />
<br />
Rybar, which is a social media channel run by the country's former defence ministry press secretary, said that it appeared that the video was filmed when the defence minister visited the Belgorod region, which is on Ukraine's border, before Prigozhin’s revolt.</p>

<p lang="en-US"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Wagner Mutiny Aftermath: Lukashenko overshadows Putin by playing peacemaker with Wagner</strong></p>

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<p lang="en-US">There were speculations that Russian President Vladimir Putin had given a nod to the removal of Shoigu as part of a deal finalised with Prigozhin to end the rebellion, however, it was denied by the Kremlin.<br />
<br />
As per media reports, the video may be a way to show that the business has returned to normalcy just two days after Wagner group's armed forces marched most of the way to Moscow, posing a threat to Putin's regime.<br />
<br />
On Monday, the defence ministry said that Shoigu was given a report about “the current situation, (the) nature of the enemy’s activities and fulfilment of the (army’s) combat tasks in the main tactical directions” from Yevgeny Nikiforov, who is the commander of Russia’s Western Military District.<br />
<br />
Shoigu appreciated the army for its “high effectiveness” and ordered it to “uncover the enemy’s plans and stop them from being realised”.&nbsp;</p>

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Head of the Wagner group Yevgeny Prigozhin is still under investigation and the charges against him for organising armed rebellion have not been dropped, reported Russian news agencies on Monday, even after the mercenary group agreed to a deal with the Kremlin to end the mutiny.

Head of the Wagner group Yevgeny Prigozhin is still under investigation and the charges against him for organising armed rebellion have not been dropped, reported Russian news agencies on Monday, even after the mercenary group agreed to a deal with the Kremlin to end the mutiny. "The criminal case against (Yevgeny) Prigozhin has not been dropped," a source in the prosecutor's office was quoted as saying by the three main Russian news agencies. ALSO READ | Wagner chief Prigozhin orders fighters to retreat, halt advance on Moscow to prevent bloodshed The main state news service of Russia, Ria Novosti, on Monday citing the source confirmed that the charges against Prigozhin have not been dropped. Russian business newspaper Kommersant further reported that Prigozhin is still being investigated by Russia’s main security service FSB and said “not enough time has passed to take another decision”. Since he evacuated the southern army headquarters in Rostov-on-Don, Prigozhin has not been seen or heard anywhere. At the time when the deal was finalised, the Kremlin had stated that all charges against Prigozhin will be dropped after the latter agreed to leave for Belarus. Wagner to continue operations in Mali, C.Africa, says Lavrov Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Monday said that the country's Wagner mercenary group will continue its operations in the Central African Republic and Mali. Wagner members "are working there as instructors. This work, of course, will continue," said Lavrov in an interview with RT, adding that the rebellion will not impact the ties of Russia with "partners and friends". Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu visits troops The images of Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu visiting troops were released on Monday which marked the first public appearance of the minister since Prigozhin rebelled against the senior military leadership of the country. In the video shared by the defence ministry, Shoigu is seen inspecting a Russian command point and receiving a report on the progress made by Russia in the war against Ukraine from subordinates. Rybar, which is a social media channel run by the country's former defence ministry press secretary, said that it appeared that the video was filmed when the defence minister visited the Belgorod region, which is on Ukraine's border, before Prigozhin’s revolt. WATCH | Wagner Mutiny Aftermath: Lukashenko overshadows Putin by playing peacemaker with Wagner There were speculations that Russian President Vladimir Putin had given a nod to the removal of Shoigu as part of a deal finalised with Prigozhin to end the rebellion, however, it was denied by the Kremlin. As per media reports, the video may be a way to show that the business has returned to normalcy just two days after Wagner group's armed forces marched most of the way to Moscow, posing a threat to Putin's regime. On Monday, the defence ministry said that Shoigu was given a report about “the current situation, (the) nature of the enemy’s activities and fulfilment of the (army’s) combat tasks in the main tactical directions” from Yevgeny Nikiforov, who is the commander of Russia’s Western Military District. Shoigu appreciated the army for its “high effectiveness” and ordered it to “uncover the enemy’s plans and stop them from being realised”. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Criminal charges against Prigozhin 'not dropped' even after exile to Belarus

<p>Russia mercenary group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin, who turned his force against the military leadership in Moscow, will quit Russia and move to Belarus under an agreement brokered by Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko, the Kremlin said on Saturday.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
All criminal charges against Prigozhin will also be dropped under the deal that ends the&nbsp;armed insurrection&nbsp;that appeared as the gravest threat to the authority of Russian President Vladimir Putin.</p>

<p>"Avoiding bloodshed, internal confrontation, and clashes with unpredictable results was the highest goal," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.</p>

<p>Peskov further added that under the deal, Wagner fighters will also not be prosecuted. "We have always respected their heroic deeds at the front," he said.</p>

<p>"An agreement has been reached that Wagner would return to its bases," Peskov said, adding that those fighters who had not participated in the rebellion would be allowed to formally join the Russian army.</p>

<h2><strong>Wagner chief Prigozhin orders his fighters to retreat</strong></h2>

<p>Yevgeny Prigozhin, the leader of the Wagner mercenary group, ordered his fighters to retreat from their advance towards Moscow to prevent any violent confrontation or avert the potential bloodshed. Prigozhin revealed on Saturday that his forces had made significant progress, covering a distance of 200 km (124 miles) within the past 24 hours, but he has now issued orders for them to promptly return to their respective bases.</p>

<p>This comes as Belarus claimed that President Alexander Lukashenko was able to persuade the Russian warlord Yevgeny Prigozhin to cease his march toward Moscow. If the claims are to be believed, it can lead to a potential end to the coup attempt in Russia, the first in the last 30 years.</p>

<p>Media reports citing Lukashenko's press service said the president engaged in extensive negotiations with Prigozhin throughout the "entire day" after establishing a mutual understanding with Putin.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Before his negotiations with Wagner's chief, he held talks with Putin and they agreed on joint actions and “additionally clarifying the situation through his own channels.”</p>

<p>The press service stated that Prigozhin has accepted Lukashenko's appeal to halt the movement. It said Prigozhin had “accepted [Lukashenko’s] request to “stop the movement of armed men from the Wagner company on Russian territory and [take] further steps to de-escalate the situation.”</p>

<p>“At the moment, there is an absolutely advantageous and acceptable way to defuse the situation on the table, with security guarantees for Wagner’s fighters,” Lukashenko’s press service said, as per media reports.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Russian President Vladimir Putin thanks Lukashenko</strong></h2>

<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin, on Saturday, thanked Belarus leader, Alexander Lukashenko, after the chief of mercenary group&nbsp;Wagner&nbsp;Yegevy Prigozhin announced he was turning around his forces.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The President of Belarus informed the President of Russia in detail about the results of negotiations with the leadership of PMC Wagner," Lukashenko's press service released a statement saying as quoted by news agency AFP, adding Putin "thanked his Belarusian colleague."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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Russia mercenary group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin, who turned his force against the military leadership in Moscow, will quit Russia and move to Belarus under an agreement brokered by Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko, the Kremlin said on Saturday.

Russia mercenary group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin, who turned his force against the military leadership in Moscow, will quit Russia and move to Belarus under an agreement brokered by Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko, the Kremlin said on Saturday. All criminal charges against Prigozhin will also be dropped under the deal that ends the armed insurrection that appeared as the gravest threat to the authority of Russian President Vladimir Putin. "Avoiding bloodshed, internal confrontation, and clashes with unpredictable results was the highest goal," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters. Peskov further added that under the deal, Wagner fighters will also not be prosecuted. "We have always respected their heroic deeds at the front," he said. "An agreement has been reached that Wagner would return to its bases," Peskov said, adding that those fighters who had not participated in the rebellion would be allowed to formally join the Russian army. Wagner chief Prigozhin orders his fighters to retreat Yevgeny Prigozhin, the leader of the Wagner mercenary group, ordered his fighters to retreat from their advance towards Moscow to prevent any violent confrontation or avert the potential bloodshed. Prigozhin revealed on Saturday that his forces had made significant progress, covering a distance of 200 km (124 miles) within the past 24 hours, but he has now issued orders for them to promptly return to their respective bases. This comes as Belarus claimed that President Alexander Lukashenko was able to persuade the Russian warlord Yevgeny Prigozhin to cease his march toward Moscow. If the claims are to be believed, it can lead to a potential end to the coup attempt in Russia, the first in the last 30 years. Media reports citing Lukashenko's press service said the president engaged in extensive negotiations with Prigozhin throughout the "entire day" after establishing a mutual understanding with Putin. Before his negotiations with Wagner's chief, he held talks with Putin and they agreed on joint actions and “additionally clarifying the situation through his own channels.” The press service stated that Prigozhin has accepted Lukashenko's appeal to halt the movement. It said Prigozhin had “accepted [Lukashenko’s] request to “stop the movement of armed men from the Wagner company on Russian territory and [take] further steps to de-escalate the situation.” “At the moment, there is an absolutely advantageous and acceptable way to defuse the situation on the table, with security guarantees for Wagner’s fighters,” Lukashenko’s press service said, as per media reports. Russian President Vladimir Putin thanks Lukashenko Russian President Vladimir Putin, on Saturday, thanked Belarus leader, Alexander Lukashenko, after the chief of mercenary group Wagner Yegevy Prigozhin announced he was turning around his forces. "The President of Belarus informed the President of Russia in detail about the results of negotiations with the leadership of PMC Wagner," Lukashenko's press service released a statement saying as quoted by news agency AFP, adding Putin "thanked his Belarusian colleague." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin to quit Russia and move to Belarus under deal to end mutiny

<p>In a dramatic turn of events, Yevgeny Prigozhin, the rebel leader of the Wagner Group of mercenaries, ordered his fighters to retreat from their advance toward Moscow to prevent any violent confrontation and avert potential bloodshed following a deal with Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko under which Russia would drop all charges against him and he will be granted safe passage to Belarus.&nbsp;Prigozhin revealed on Saturday that his forces had made significant progress, covering a distance of 200 km (124 miles) within the past 24 hours, but he has now issued orders for them to promptly return to their respective bases.</p>

<p>The Wagner mutiny drama ended after Belarus claimed that President Alexander Lukashenko was able to persuade the Russian warlord Yevgeny Prigozhin to cease his march towards Moscow. If the claims are to be believed, it can lead to a potential end to the coup attempt in Russia, the first in last 30 years.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/archaeologists-unearth-4000-year-old-stonehenge-burial-ground-in-the-netherlands-608203">Archaeologists unearth 4,000-year-old ‘Stonehenge’ burial ground in the Netherlands</a></p>

<p>Media reports citing Lukashenko's press service said the president engaged in extensive negotiations with Prigozhin throughout the "entire day" after establishing a mutual understanding with Putin.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Before his negotiations with Wagner&nbsp;chief, Lukashenko held talks with Putin and they agreed on joint actions and “additionally clarifying the situation through his own channels.”</p>

<p>The press service stated that Prigozhin has accepted Lukashenko's appeal to halt the movement. It said Prigozhin had “accepted [Lukashenko’s] request to “stop the movement of armed men from the Wagner company on Russian territory and [take] further steps to de-escalate the situation.”</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/google-rolls-out-perspectives-tab-in-major-search-engine-revamp-608201">Google rolls out 'Perspectives' tab in major search-engine revamp</a></p>

<p>“At the moment, there is an absolutely advantageous and acceptable way to defuse the situation on the table, with security guarantees for Wagner’s fighters,” Lukashenko’s press service said, as per media reports.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">⚡️⚡️⚡️ President of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Belarus?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Belarus</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Lukashenko?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Lukashenko</a> held talks w/ head of PMC Wagner <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Prigozhin?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Prigozhin</a>. Negotiations continued throughout the day.<br />
<br />
‼️Y.Prigozhin accepted the proposal of President of 🇧🇾 to stop the movement of armed people of the Wagner company on the territory of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Russia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Russia</a> <a href="https://t.co/Kpf2SW7RNu">pic.twitter.com/Kpf2SW7RNu</a></p>
— Belarus MFA 🇧🇾 (@BelarusMFA) <a href="https://twitter.com/BelarusMFA/status/1672660872668368898?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 24, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Before Wagner chief's decision to turn back his forces, Ukraine's defence ministry mocked the presence of Russian troops on the country's land on Saturday, urging them to return home and participate in the ongoing clashes between rebel mercenaries and Russia's military. The ministry's statement questioned the reason behind Russian soldiers still being stationed in challenging conditions instead of supporting their comrades involved in the conflict.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a statement, the Ukrainian ministry asked, "Why Russian soldiers are still sitting in muddy trenches rather than running to the aid of their comrades on both sides of the conflict. That would be far safer than confronting the Ukrainian army."</p>

<p><strong>Watch | 'Putin's chef' vs Defence Minister: Where has Wagner operated?</strong></p>

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<p>Many world leaders were also keeping a close eye on the events in Russia as Putin faced a tough battle to push back Wagner chief from making gains in several Russian regions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier in the day, Wagner chief pledged to overthrow Russia's military leadership and his forces were moving through the Lipetsk region, situated around 400 kilometres (250 miles) south of Moscow, however, it seems like a deal was brokered between the warring factions which ultimately lead to the turning back of mercenary forces.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Russia's parliamentary leaders had expressed support for President Putin against Wagner mercenaries. On Saturday, the speakers of both houses of the Russian parliament declared their backing for President Vladimir Putin amidst the Wagner mercenary group's attempted ousting of the country's military leadership.</p>

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In a dramatic turn of events, Yevgeny Prigozhin, the rebel leader of the Wagner Group of mercenaries, ordered his fighters to retreat from their advance toward Moscow to prevent any violent confrontation and avert potential bloodshed following a deal with Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko under which Russia would drop all charges against him and he will be granted safe passage to Belarus.

In a dramatic turn of events, Yevgeny Prigozhin, the rebel leader of the Wagner Group of mercenaries, ordered his fighters to retreat from their advance toward Moscow to prevent any violent confrontation and avert potential bloodshed following a deal with Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko under which Russia would drop all charges against him and he will be granted safe passage to Belarus. Prigozhin revealed on Saturday that his forces had made significant progress, covering a distance of 200 km (124 miles) within the past 24 hours, but he has now issued orders for them to promptly return to their respective bases. The Wagner mutiny drama ended after Belarus claimed that President Alexander Lukashenko was able to persuade the Russian warlord Yevgeny Prigozhin to cease his march towards Moscow. If the claims are to be believed, it can lead to a potential end to the coup attempt in Russia, the first in last 30 years. Also Read | Archaeologists unearth 4,000-year-old ‘Stonehenge’ burial ground in the Netherlands Media reports citing Lukashenko's press service said the president engaged in extensive negotiations with Prigozhin throughout the "entire day" after establishing a mutual understanding with Putin. Before his negotiations with Wagner chief, Lukashenko held talks with Putin and they agreed on joint actions and “additionally clarifying the situation through his own channels.” The press service stated that Prigozhin has accepted Lukashenko's appeal to halt the movement. It said Prigozhin had “accepted [Lukashenko’s] request to “stop the movement of armed men from the Wagner company on Russian territory and [take] further steps to de-escalate the situation.” Also Read | Google rolls out 'Perspectives' tab in major search-engine revamp “At the moment, there is an absolutely advantageous and acceptable way to defuse the situation on the table, with security guarantees for Wagner’s fighters,” Lukashenko’s press service said, as per media reports. ⚡️⚡️⚡️ President of #Belarus #Lukashenko held talks w/ head of PMC Wagner #Prigozhin. Negotiations continued throughout the day. ‼️Y.Prigozhin accepted the proposal of President of 🇧🇾 to stop the movement of armed people of the Wagner company on the territory of #Russia pic.twitter.com/Kpf2SW7RNu — Belarus MFA 🇧🇾 (@BelarusMFA) June 24, 2023 × Before Wagner chief's decision to turn back his forces, Ukraine's defence ministry mocked the presence of Russian troops on the country's land on Saturday, urging them to return home and participate in the ongoing clashes between rebel mercenaries and Russia's military. The ministry's statement questioned the reason behind Russian soldiers still being stationed in challenging conditions instead of supporting their comrades involved in the conflict. In a statement, the Ukrainian ministry asked, "Why Russian soldiers are still sitting in muddy trenches rather than running to the aid of their comrades on both sides of the conflict. That would be far safer than confronting the Ukrainian army." Watch | 'Putin's chef' vs Defence Minister: Where has Wagner operated? × Many world leaders were also keeping a close eye on the events in Russia as Putin faced a tough battle to push back Wagner chief from making gains in several Russian regions. Earlier in the day, Wagner chief pledged to overthrow Russia's military leadership and his forces were moving through the Lipetsk region, situated around 400 kilometres (250 miles) south of Moscow, however, it seems like a deal was brokered between the warring factions which ultimately lead to the turning back of mercenary forces. Russia's parliamentary leaders had expressed support for President Putin against Wagner mercenaries. On Saturday, the speakers of both houses of the Russian parliament declared their backing for President Vladimir Putin amidst the Wagner mercenary group's attempted ousting of the country's military leadership. 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. ×

Wagner chief Prigozhin orders fighters to retreat, halt advance on Moscow to prevent bloodshed

The risk of a nuclear war in Ukraine persists. The Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant is still in peril. Putin is planning to use depleted uranium weapons & Belarus has started receiving Russian nukes. Where are things headed? Vikram Chandra explains.

The risk of nuclear war in Ukraine | Russia sends nukes to Belarus

<p>President Vladimir Putin delivered a keynote address at the St Petersburg International Economic Forum, highlighting positive macroeconomic trends in the Russian economy and expressing doubt about the sustainability of Ukraine's military operations suggesting that Kyiv heavily relies on external sources for equipment and fighting capabilities. During his speech, Putin also revealed that Russia has successfully transported its initial batch of tactical nuclear weapons to Belarus. This move comes as part of a previously announced plan, which has raised concerns and increased tensions with the United States and its allies in relation to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.</p>

<p>Putin said, "The first nuclear charges were delivered to the territory of Belarus. But only the first. This is the first part. But by the end of the summer, by the end of the year, we will complete this work."&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Ukraine war&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>"Soon Ukraine will stop using its own equipment altogether. Nothing remains of it. Everything with which they fight and everything that they use is brought in from the outside. You can't fight for long like that," he said, as per a translation of his speech by Reuters news agency.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Regarding Ukraine's counteroffensive, President Putin commented that Ukrainian forces did not achieve their objectives in any of the sectors they targeted. He expressed doubt about the prospects for success and opined that the Ukrainian armed forces face significant challenges in the conflict.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ex-uk-police-watchdog-chief-charged-with-rape-of-teen-girl-indecent-assault-605180">Ex-UK police watchdog chief charged with rape of teen girl, indecent assault</a></p>

<p>"They did not achieve their goals in any of the sectors ... I think that the Ukrainian armed forces have no chance here...," said Putin.</p>

<p>When discussing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's Jewish heritage, President Putin said, "I have many Jewish friends. They say Zelensky is not a Jew, he is a disgrace to the Jewish people."</p>

<h2><strong>Russian economy&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Putin emphasised the recent growth of the gross domestic product (GDP), which saw a 3.3 per cent&nbsp;increase in April year-on-year basis and expressed confidence that the economy will continue to grow, potentially reaching 1.5 per cent&nbsp;to two&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;by the end of the year. Putin also praised the responsible and balanced budgetary and monetary policies that have contributed to low levels of unemployment and inflation, with inflation currently at a historical low of 2.9 per cent.</p>

<p>"According to the IMF (the Russian economy will grow in 2023 by) 0.7 per cent, but... I agree with those of our experts who believe that growth will be higher, somewhere up to 1.5 per cent, and maybe even (just) under two per cent. And this will allow our country to keep its place among the leading economies of the world," Putin said.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>"We have maintained a responsible, balanced budgetary and monetary policy. Their effective combination made it possible to reach the minimum levels of unemployment, as well as inflation, which is now lower in Russia than in many Western countries, both in the eurozone and in other regions, (and) is close to a historical minimum of 2.9 per cent. Unemployment 3.3 per cent. It has never been so low in our history," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Defence spending</strong></h2>

<p>The president drew attention to the significant growth in non-oil and gas revenues.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch | India: Five terrorists killed in Kashmir</strong></p>

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<p>On defence spending, he said, "Today, our public finances are generally balanced, there is a small current federal budget deficit, ... Naturally, additional funds were needed to strengthen defence and security, to purchase weapons, we are obliged to do this to protect the sovereignty of our country."</p>

<h2><strong>Foreign businesses</strong></h2>

<p>President Putin assured that Russia remains open to foreign manufacturers and is not closing its doors to anyone. He welcomed foreign businesses to return to the Russian market, stating that competition is essential for progress and trade.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Concerns about frozen Russian assets&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>President Putin expressed concerns regarding funds earned in Russia and subsequently deposited in foreign accounts, highlighting the risks it poses for both the state and Russian businesses.&nbsp;</p>

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President Vladimir Putin delivered a keynote address at the St Petersburg International Economic Forum, highlighting positive macroeconomic trends in the Russian economy and expressing doubt about the sustainability of Ukraine's military operations suggesting that Kyiv heavily relies on external sources for equipment and fighting capabilities.

President Vladimir Putin delivered a keynote address at the St Petersburg International Economic Forum, highlighting positive macroeconomic trends in the Russian economy and expressing doubt about the sustainability of Ukraine's military operations suggesting that Kyiv heavily relies on external sources for equipment and fighting capabilities. During his speech, Putin also revealed that Russia has successfully transported its initial batch of tactical nuclear weapons to Belarus. This move comes as part of a previously announced plan, which has raised concerns and increased tensions with the United States and its allies in relation to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Putin said, "The first nuclear charges were delivered to the territory of Belarus. But only the first. This is the first part. But by the end of the summer, by the end of the year, we will complete this work." Ukraine war "Soon Ukraine will stop using its own equipment altogether. Nothing remains of it. Everything with which they fight and everything that they use is brought in from the outside. You can't fight for long like that," he said, as per a translation of his speech by Reuters news agency. Regarding Ukraine's counteroffensive, President Putin commented that Ukrainian forces did not achieve their objectives in any of the sectors they targeted. He expressed doubt about the prospects for success and opined that the Ukrainian armed forces face significant challenges in the conflict. Also Read | Ex-UK police watchdog chief charged with rape of teen girl, indecent assault "They did not achieve their goals in any of the sectors ... I think that the Ukrainian armed forces have no chance here...," said Putin. When discussing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's Jewish heritage, President Putin said, "I have many Jewish friends. They say Zelensky is not a Jew, he is a disgrace to the Jewish people." Russian economy Putin emphasised the recent growth of the gross domestic product (GDP), which saw a 3.3 per cent increase in April year-on-year basis and expressed confidence that the economy will continue to grow, potentially reaching 1.5 per cent to two per cent by the end of the year. Putin also praised the responsible and balanced budgetary and monetary policies that have contributed to low levels of unemployment and inflation, with inflation currently at a historical low of 2.9 per cent. "According to the IMF (the Russian economy will grow in 2023 by) 0.7 per cent, but... I agree with those of our experts who believe that growth will be higher, somewhere up to 1.5 per cent, and maybe even (just) under two per cent. And this will allow our country to keep its place among the leading economies of the world," Putin said. Also Read | Blasts, air raid sirens greet African ‘peace mission’ leaders visiting Kyiv "We have maintained a responsible, balanced budgetary and monetary policy. Their effective combination made it possible to reach the minimum levels of unemployment, as well as inflation, which is now lower in Russia than in many Western countries, both in the eurozone and in other regions, (and) is close to a historical minimum of 2.9 per cent. Unemployment 3.3 per cent. It has never been so low in our history," he added. Defence spending The president drew attention to the significant growth in non-oil and gas revenues. Watch | India: Five terrorists killed in Kashmir × On defence spending, he said, "Today, our public finances are generally balanced, there is a small current federal budget deficit, ... Naturally, additional funds were needed to strengthen defence and security, to purchase weapons, we are obliged to do this to protect the sovereignty of our country." Foreign businesses President Putin assured that Russia remains open to foreign manufacturers and is not closing its doors to anyone. He welcomed foreign businesses to return to the Russian market, stating that competition is essential for progress and trade. Concerns about frozen Russian assets President Putin expressed concerns regarding funds earned in Russia and subsequently deposited in foreign accounts, highlighting the risks it poses for both the state and Russian businesses. 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. ×

Putin announces successful transfer of tactical nukes to Belarus, says Ukraine stands 'no chance'

Russian tactical missiles and nuclear bombs arrive in Belarus

After history filled with World Wars and high tensions during the Cold War, Europe is once again facing rising nuclear tensions. This comes in as Belarus has now confirmed that it has started to receive delivery of Russian tactical nuclear weapons. Here we discuss the same in an interview with Geopolitical Analyst General Rich Outzen (R).

Putin: Why no question over the west's Nukes?

After history filled with World Wars and high tensions during the Cold War, Europe is once again facing rising nuclear tensions. This comes in as Belarus has now confirmed that it has started to receive delivery of Russian tactical nuclear weapons. Here are more details.

Belarus says the Nukes could be used swiftly when required

<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin, in a statement, hinted at another attempt to capture the Ukrainian capital city Kyiv and threatened to launch a new offensive. Ignoring the botched attack by Russia on Kyiv which changed a "three-day special military operation" into months of full-scale war, Putin stated that he was taking into consideration a second attempt. The statement was made by Putin while speaking to military bloggers and war reporters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Russian troops "already were near Kyiv", he stated. “Should we come back there or not? Only I could give an answer,” Putin said. Moscow can try to carve out more territories of Ukraine to stop shelling into Russia, following attacks on the Belgorod and Kursk regions, explained Putin.&nbsp;</p>

<p>President Vladimir Putin termed it a "sanitary zone" at the border and said that the amount of territory Russia can capture depends "on potentials that emerge after the so-called [Ukrainian] counteroffensive".</p>

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<h2><strong>Russian missiles&nbsp;strike southern and eastern Ukraine</strong></h2>

<p>Meanwhile, southern and eastern Ukraine were hit by deadly Russian missile strikes on Wednesday. &nbsp;Air defences of Ukraine fought back as Russia fired four Kalibr missiles from a ship in the Black Sea on the port city Odesa, stated Ukraine's air force, adding that three of them were shot down.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A food warehouse was hit by one missile in which three employees were killed and seven others were wounded, said Oleg Kiper, the head of the region's military administration. "There may be people under the rubble," he added.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, six people suffered injuries after a business centre was hit. A residential complex in the city centre and a shop were damaged "as a result of air combat and the blast wave", he stated.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Belarus receives delivery of Russian nuclear weapons</strong></h2>

<p>Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko stated that his country is taking delivery of tactical nuclear weapons from Russia, some of which were claimed to be three times more powerful compared to the atomic bombs that destroyed Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Putin admits Russia doesn’t have enough weapons and drones</strong></p>

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<p>"We have missiles and bombs that we have received from Russia," said Lukashenko in an interview with the Rossiya-1 Russian state TV channel which was shared on the Belarusian Belta state news agency's Telegram channel.</p>

<p>"The bombs are three times more powerful than those (dropped on) Hiroshima and Nagasaki," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We have always been a target. They (the West) have wanted to tear us to pieces since 2020. No one has so far fought against a nuclear country, a country that has nuclear weapons," Lukashenko said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Russian President Vladimir Putin, in a statement, hinted at another attempt to capture the Ukrainian capital city Kyiv and threatened to launch a new offensive. Ignoring the botched attack by Russia on Kyiv which changed a "three-day special military operation" into months of full-scale war, Putin stated that he was taking into consideration a second attempt.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, in a statement, hinted at another attempt to capture the Ukrainian capital city Kyiv and threatened to launch a new offensive. Ignoring the botched attack by Russia on Kyiv which changed a "three-day special military operation" into months of full-scale war, Putin stated that he was taking into consideration a second attempt. The statement was made by Putin while speaking to military bloggers and war reporters. Russian troops "already were near Kyiv", he stated. “Should we come back there or not? Only I could give an answer,” Putin said. Moscow can try to carve out more territories of Ukraine to stop shelling into Russia, following attacks on the Belgorod and Kursk regions, explained Putin. President Vladimir Putin termed it a "sanitary zone" at the border and said that the amount of territory Russia can capture depends "on potentials that emerge after the so-called [Ukrainian] counteroffensive". ALSO READ | Putin says Ukraine deliberately hit Kakhovka dam with HIMARS rockets Russian missiles strike southern and eastern Ukraine Meanwhile, southern and eastern Ukraine were hit by deadly Russian missile strikes on Wednesday. Air defences of Ukraine fought back as Russia fired four Kalibr missiles from a ship in the Black Sea on the port city Odesa, stated Ukraine's air force, adding that three of them were shot down. A food warehouse was hit by one missile in which three employees were killed and seven others were wounded, said Oleg Kiper, the head of the region's military administration. "There may be people under the rubble," he added. Meanwhile, six people suffered injuries after a business centre was hit. A residential complex in the city centre and a shop were damaged "as a result of air combat and the blast wave", he stated. Belarus receives delivery of Russian nuclear weapons Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko stated that his country is taking delivery of tactical nuclear weapons from Russia, some of which were claimed to be three times more powerful compared to the atomic bombs that destroyed Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945. WATCH | Putin admits Russia doesn’t have enough weapons and drones "We have missiles and bombs that we have received from Russia," said Lukashenko in an interview with the Rossiya-1 Russian state TV channel which was shared on the Belarusian Belta state news agency's Telegram channel. "The bombs are three times more powerful than those (dropped on) Hiroshima and Nagasaki," he added. "We have always been a target. They (the West) have wanted to tear us to pieces since 2020. No one has so far fought against a nuclear country, a country that has nuclear weapons," Lukashenko said. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Putin hints at his plan to attack Ukraine's capital, says ‘troops already near Kyiv’

Ukraine and Russia have accused each other of shelling people being evacuated from flood-hit Kherson. The Kremlin and the region's governor both claim that rescue workers and civilians are being targeted after Tuesday's breach of the Kakhovka dam.

Ukraine dam: Ukraine and Russia accuse each other of shelling flood evacuees

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