Former secretary of defence Mark Esper has said the United States should deploy more troops along the Black Sea in Bulgaria and Romania to deter potential aggression from Russia as tensions between Moscow and Washington heat up.&nbsp;

Esper, now a fellow at the McCain Institute for International Leadership at Arizona State University, said "I think we need to continue to stand up to Russia and try to deter their bad behavior."&nbsp;

Washington should look to reassure European allies and boost the NATO alliance by deploying more forces in Poland, "into the Baltics, if it makes sense, and places like Romania and Bulgaria, if not on a permanent - on a rotational basis," Esper said in an interview on Tuesday.&nbsp;

President Joe Biden called on Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday to reduce tensions stirred by a Russian military build-up on Ukraine's border and proposed a summit of the estranged leaders to tackle a raft of disputes.&nbsp;

Russia seized Crimea from Ukraine in 2014 and fighting has increased in recent weeks in eastern Ukraine, where government forces have battled Russian-backed separatists in a seven-year conflict that Kyiv says has killed 14,000 people. &nbsp;

When he was running the Pentagon last year, Esper advocated a similar shift as former President Donald Trump announced his intention to cut the US troop contingent in Germany by about a third, saying Berlin had been taking advantage of the United States while not meeting financial obligations to NATO.&nbsp;

The United States announced on Tuesday that it will ramp up its forces in Germany amid the latest tensions with Russia over Ukraine, abandoning Trump's plan to withdraw around 12,000 of the 36,000 US troops there.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

Former secretary of defence Mark Esper has said the United States should deploy more troops along the Black Sea in Bulgaria and Romania to deter potential aggression from Russia as tensions between Moscow and Washington heat up.

Former secretary of defence Mark Esper has said the United States should deploy more troops along the Black Sea in Bulgaria and Romania to deter potential aggression from Russia as tensions between Moscow and Washington heat up. Esper, now a fellow at the McCain Institute for International Leadership at Arizona State University, said "I think we need to continue to stand up to Russia and try to deter their bad behavior." Washington should look to reassure European allies and boost the NATO alliance by deploying more forces in Poland, "into the Baltics, if it makes sense, and places like Romania and Bulgaria, if not on a permanent - on a rotational basis," Esper said in an interview on Tuesday. President Joe Biden called on Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday to reduce tensions stirred by a Russian military build-up on Ukraine's border and proposed a summit of the estranged leaders to tackle a raft of disputes. Russia seized Crimea from Ukraine in 2014 and fighting has increased in recent weeks in eastern Ukraine, where government forces have battled Russian-backed separatists in a seven-year conflict that Kyiv says has killed 14,000 people. When he was running the Pentagon last year, Esper advocated a similar shift as former President Donald Trump announced his intention to cut the US troop contingent in Germany by about a third, saying Berlin had been taking advantage of the United States while not meeting financial obligations to NATO. The United States announced on Tuesday that it will ramp up its forces in Germany amid the latest tensions with Russia over Ukraine, abandoning Trump's plan to withdraw around 12,000 of the 36,000 US troops there. (With inputs from agencies)

US should deploy troops along Black Sea, says former Pentagon chief 

A bombshell&nbsp;report by NATO has blamed Russia for compromising Western interests from the Atlantic Ocean to the Arctic, as General Jens Stoltenberg, the bloc's secretary-general calls for individuals to heighten their essence on the nation's fringes.&nbsp;

The examination, distributed on Wednesday, contended that Moscow takes part in "self-assured strategies and forceful activity," which has "adversely affected the security of the Euro-Atlantic territory." "In the long haul until 2030, Russia is probably going to remain the primary military danger toward the North Atlantic Alliance," the creators of the report said.&nbsp;

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It added that Moscow regularly arranges "intimidatory military tasks in the prompt region of NATO." The remarks come only two days after the top of the association, Jens Stoltenberg, told a public interview that individuals need to additionally reinforce their quality on Russia's outskirts on the Crimean promontory and the Black Sea, and discussed a need to expand their maritime presence in the district.&nbsp;

As a component of rising strains, a week ago the US-led a progression of rocket-dispatch tests during NATO practices in Romania, firing long-range missiles with the capability to hit Russian territory into the Black Sea. Reacting to the drill, the appointee top of the Public Chamber of Crimea, Alexander Formanchuk, told correspondents that Russian military had conveyed progressed equipment on the promontory, which would kill any "shock rocket assault."&nbsp;

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The lawmaker contended that the activities fit inside a more extensive example of heightening, saying that "incitements against Crimea have gotten more incessant. Tragically, we are seeing a further compounding of global relations and the worldwide circumstance. What's more, the subject of Crimea is an advantageous explanation behind raising such incitements."&nbsp;

Recently, the Russian Navy took steps to smash an American warship, the USS 'John S. McCain', which it says was captured two kilometers inside Russian waters in the Sea of Japan, off the shore of the Far East capital of Vladivostock.&nbsp;

In his location to pioneers on Tuesday, Stoltenberg added that "we see Russia disregarding and subverting arrangements." Moscow has, notwithstanding, communicated comparable worries after the US singularly rejected various peaceful accords, including the Cold War-time Open Skies agreement that took into consideration straightforwardness over the developments of troops and military equipment on the landmass.&nbsp;

A year ago, President Donald Trump's White House additionally destroyed the Reagan-time Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty that had restricted various exceptionally dangerous weapons with scopes of somewhere in the range of 500km and 5,500km. At that point, Washington likewise blamed Russia for breaking the states of the agreement, while Moscow unequivocally denied the claims.

A bombshell report by NATO has blamed Russia for compromising Western interests from the Atlantic Ocean to the Arctic, as General Jens Stoltenberg, the bloc's secretary-general calls for individuals to heighten their essence on the nation's fringes.

A bombshell report by NATO has blamed Russia for compromising Western interests from the Atlantic Ocean to the Arctic, as General Jens Stoltenberg, the bloc's secretary-general calls for individuals to heighten their essence on the nation's fringes. The examination, distributed on Wednesday, contended that Moscow takes part in "self-assured strategies and forceful activity," which has "adversely affected the security of the Euro-Atlantic territory." "In the long haul until 2030, Russia is probably going to remain the primary military danger toward the North Atlantic Alliance," the creators of the report said. Also read: Russia defies West sanctions after NATO's emergency meeting over Navalny It added that Moscow regularly arranges "intimidatory military tasks in the prompt region of NATO." The remarks come only two days after the top of the association, Jens Stoltenberg, told a public interview that individuals need to additionally reinforce their quality on Russia's outskirts on the Crimean promontory and the Black Sea, and discussed a need to expand their maritime presence in the district. As a component of rising strains, a week ago the US-led a progression of rocket-dispatch tests during NATO practices in Romania, firing long-range missiles with the capability to hit Russian territory into the Black Sea. Reacting to the drill, the appointee top of the Public Chamber of Crimea, Alexander Formanchuk, told correspondents that Russian military had conveyed progressed equipment on the promontory, which would kill any "shock rocket assault." Also read: Russia-backed hackers running anti-NATO fake news campaign: Report The lawmaker contended that the activities fit inside a more extensive example of heightening, saying that "incitements against Crimea have gotten more incessant. Tragically, we are seeing a further compounding of global relations and the worldwide circumstance. What's more, the subject of Crimea is an advantageous explanation behind raising such incitements." Recently, the Russian Navy took steps to smash an American warship, the USS 'John S. McCain', which it says was captured two kilometers inside Russian waters in the Sea of Japan, off the shore of the Far East capital of Vladivostock. In his location to pioneers on Tuesday, Stoltenberg added that "we see Russia disregarding and subverting arrangements." Moscow has, notwithstanding, communicated comparable worries after the US singularly rejected various peaceful accords, including the Cold War-time Open Skies agreement that took into consideration straightforwardness over the developments of troops and military equipment on the landmass. A year ago, President Donald Trump's White House additionally destroyed the Reagan-time Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty that had restricted various exceptionally dangerous weapons with scopes of somewhere in the range of 500km and 5,500km. At that point, Washington likewise blamed Russia for breaking the states of the agreement, while Moscow unequivocally denied the claims.

NATO calls 'intimidating' Russia 'biggest threat' to bloc; plans to send warships to Black Sea

Turkey expects its energy imports to fall significantly following a major Black Sea natural gas find and more discoveries could be made in another area now being evaluated, Energy Minister Fatih Donmez said on Saturday.

President Tayyip Erdogan announced the discovery of a 320 billion cubic meter&nbsp;gasfield on Friday that could come on stream as soon as 2023 and said Turkey was determined to become a net energy exporter.

If the gas can be commercially extracted, it could transform Turkey's dependence on Russia, Iran and Azerbaijan for energy imports, which cost the country $41 billion last year.

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Any reduction in Turkey's energy imports would also boost government finances and help ease a chronic current account deficit that has helped drive the lira to record lows against the dollar.

"With the discovery, we expect a serious fall in imports. We have established the groundwork for our citizens to use natural gas at much more economic costs," Donmez told reporters.

"There is a new area of 6,000 square kilometres ahead of us. The evaluation of our experts is that we may see similar structures there too," he said in Istanbul.

"We can already say that the gas we will produce ourselves will be more economic than the gas we import ... It is inevitable for prices to fall where the product is abundant."

Turkey has also been exploring for hydrocarbons in the Mediterranean, where its surveys in disputed waters have drawn protests from Greece and Cyprus. Greek and Turkish warships shadowing a Turkish survey vessel collided there last week.

Turkey expects its energy imports to fall significantly following a major Black Sea natural gas find and more discoveries could be made in another area now being evaluated, Energy Minister Fatih Donmez said on Saturday.

Turkey expects its energy imports to fall significantly following a major Black Sea natural gas find and more discoveries could be made in another area now being evaluated, Energy Minister Fatih Donmez said on Saturday. President Tayyip Erdogan announced the discovery of a 320 billion cubic meter gasfield on Friday that could come on stream as soon as 2023 and said Turkey was determined to become a net energy exporter. If the gas can be commercially extracted, it could transform Turkey's dependence on Russia, Iran and Azerbaijan for energy imports, which cost the country $41 billion last year. Also read: Turkey to step up Mediterranean energy exploration by year-end: Erdogan Any reduction in Turkey's energy imports would also boost government finances and help ease a chronic current account deficit that has helped drive the lira to record lows against the dollar. "With the discovery, we expect a serious fall in imports. We have established the groundwork for our citizens to use natural gas at much more economic costs," Donmez told reporters. "There is a new area of 6,000 square kilometres ahead of us. The evaluation of our experts is that we may see similar structures there too," he said in Istanbul. "We can already say that the gas we will produce ourselves will be more economic than the gas we import ... It is inevitable for prices to fall where the product is abundant." Turkey has also been exploring for hydrocarbons in the Mediterranean, where its surveys in disputed waters have drawn protests from Greece and Cyprus. Greek and Turkish warships shadowing a Turkish survey vessel collided there last week.

Turkey expects big drop in gas imports after historic discovery in Black Sea

In a first for the Russian Navy, an all-female navy crew carried out patrols on the Black Sea on Friday in preparation for Russia's Navy Day celebrations later this month.

WION Dispatch: In a first for Russian Navy, All-female crew embarks on Black Sea patrol

In a&nbsp;first&nbsp;for the&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;Navy, an&nbsp;all-female&nbsp;navy&nbsp;crew&nbsp;carried out&nbsp;patrols on the&nbsp;Black&nbsp;Sea&nbsp;on Friday in preparation for Russia's&nbsp;Navy&nbsp;Day celebrations later this month.

The&nbsp;crew, on board a&nbsp;patrol&nbsp;boat, fulfilled a broad array of drills on their maiden voyage, simulating how they would react to an incursion by saboteurs including by tossing RGD-5 hand grenades into the&nbsp;sea.

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Olga Chelkova, a senior engine mechanic said she&nbsp;decided to become a member of the&nbsp;crew&nbsp;because it's ''very interesting''.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/all-female-crew-embarks-on-black-sea-patrol-in-first-for-russian-navy-313212/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"It's promising and, most of&nbsp;all, it's an experiment that women have never taken part in before."

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The voyage marks a symbolic step in&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;women's quest to play a more active role in the armed forces, an institution dominated by men.

The&nbsp;navy&nbsp;still holds barriers to entry for women. A decree signed by President Vladimir Putin in 2000 lists 456 jobs in 38 industries which women are barred from doing because they would entail "heavy work and work in harmful working conditions".

The role of captain is not on the list but&nbsp;seaman is, and serving a&nbsp;seaman's apprenticeship is standard practice for male cadets and a necessary step to take on a command role.

The&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;government plans next year to shorten the list of jobs women are barred from holding.

In a first for the Russian Navy, an all-female navy crew carried out patrols on the Black Sea on Friday in preparation for Russia's Navy Day celebrations later this month. The crew, on board a patrol boat, fulfilled a broad array of drills on their maiden voyage, simulating how they would react to an incursion by saboteurs including by tossing RGD-5 hand grenades into the sea. Also read| Fact-check: Has Russia really found coronavirus vaccine? Olga Chelkova, a senior engine mechanic said she decided to become a member of the crew because it's ''very interesting''. "It's promising and, most of all, it's an experiment that women have never taken part in before." Also read| Russian bounties: Pompeo speaks with Russia's Lavrov about Afghanistan The voyage marks a symbolic step in Russian women's quest to play a more active role in the armed forces, an institution dominated by men. The navy still holds barriers to entry for women. A decree signed by President Vladimir Putin in 2000 lists 456 jobs in 38 industries which women are barred from doing because they would entail "heavy work and work in harmful working conditions". The role of captain is not on the list but seaman is, and serving a seaman's apprenticeship is standard practice for male cadets and a necessary step to take on a command role. The Russian government plans next year to shorten the list of jobs women are barred from holding.

In a first for Russian Navy, all-female crew embarks on Black Sea patrol

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) will include Georgia from Russia under its&nbsp;regional security program.

Georgia's desire&nbsp;to join NATO has angered its neighbour Russia&nbsp;since 2008.

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NATO promised Georgia&nbsp;&nbsp;that it would one day join the alliance.

However,&nbsp;Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned NATO that cultivating closer ties with Ukraine and Georgia would have unspecified consequences for the alliance.

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As a result the Western military bloc announced on Wednesday that it will help protect the Black Sea country from Russia’s “aggressive” cyber&nbsp;and misinformation threats.

A four-step strategy has been made&nbsp;for providing Georgia ''hybrid defence'' according to James Appathurai, NATO’s special representative for the Caucasus.

''This implies protection from the methods and means that Russia uses against other countries, for example, cyberattacks or misinformation, energy blockade, covert intelligence or military activity,''&nbsp;Appathurai said.

Russia has hampered Georgia's chances of joing the NATO several times via territorial incursions.

As per NATO policy,&nbsp;countries with territorial conflicts cannot join the alliance.

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) will include Georgia from Russia under its regional security program. Georgia's desire to join NATO has angered its neighbour Russia since 2008.

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) will include Georgia from Russia under its regional security program. Georgia's desire to join NATO has angered its neighbour Russia since 2008. Also read: Russia sets a grim record, reports 7,933 coronavirus cases in a day NATO promised Georgia that it would one day join the alliance. However, Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned NATO that cultivating closer ties with Ukraine and Georgia would have unspecified consequences for the alliance. Also read: Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin tests positive for coronavirus As a result the Western military bloc announced on Wednesday that it will help protect the Black Sea country from Russia’s “aggressive” cyber and misinformation threats. A four-step strategy has been made for providing Georgia ''hybrid defence'' according to James Appathurai, NATO’s special representative for the Caucasus. ''This implies protection from the methods and means that Russia uses against other countries, for example, cyberattacks or misinformation, energy blockade, covert intelligence or military activity,'' Appathurai said. Russia has hampered Georgia's chances of joing the NATO several times via territorial incursions. As per NATO policy, countries with territorial conflicts cannot join the alliance.

NATO to provide 'hybrid defence' to Georgia against Russia

Russian President Vladimir Putin on January 9 oversaw military exercises from a naval vessel in the Black Sea near Crimea, including the test launch of a hypersonic air-launched Kinzhal missile. A pair of MiG-31K interceptor jets test fired the Kinzhal (Dagger) missile at a target on a military test site. The exercise involved several navy vessels. #WION #Russia #Putin #BlackSea #Crimea

Your Story: Russia's Putin oversees hypersonic missile test in Crimea

Eight people were killed and ten were injured in a hotel fire in Ukraine's port city of Odesa early Saturday, emergency services said.&nbsp;

The fire broke out at 1.34 am (2234 GMT) in the southern city's Tokyo Star hotel.

Some 65 firefighters backed by 13 emergency vehicles put out the blaze three hours later.&nbsp;

Emergency services said in a statement that eight people died and ten were injured.&nbsp;

In a statement on his Facebook page, <a href="wionews.com/world/emmanuel-macron-says-new-ukraine-peace-talks-possible-under-volodymyr-zelensky-228118">President Volodymyr Zelensky</a> said four of those injured were in a critical condition.&nbsp;

Odessa authorities said around 150 people were evacuated from the area.&nbsp;

Police opened a criminal investigation into possible violations of fire safety requirements and the causes of the fire were being established.&nbsp;

"We lost eight lives overnight," Zelensky said on Facebook.&nbsp;

"And this is not due to war and shelling. It is because of criminal negligence, neglect of elementary safety standards and neglect towards human life."&nbsp;

Zelensky added he would "personally make sure" that those responsible are punished "by the norms of the law."&nbsp;

Odesa is a Black Sea port 475 kilometres (300 miles) south of Ukraine's capital Kiev. The seaside town also attracts summer tourists. 
&nbsp;

Eight people were killed and ten were injured in a hotel fire in Ukraine's port city of Odesa early Saturday, emergency services said. The fire broke out at 1.34 am (2234 GMT) in the southern city's Tokyo Star hotel.

Eight people were killed and ten were injured in a hotel fire in Ukraine's port city of Odesa early Saturday, emergency services said. The fire broke out at 1.34 am (2234 GMT) in the southern city's Tokyo Star hotel. Some 65 firefighters backed by 13 emergency vehicles put out the blaze three hours later. Emergency services said in a statement that eight people died and ten were injured. In a statement on his Facebook page, President Volodymyr Zelensky said four of those injured were in a critical condition. Odessa authorities said around 150 people were evacuated from the area. Police opened a criminal investigation into possible violations of fire safety requirements and the causes of the fire were being established. "We lost eight lives overnight," Zelensky said on Facebook. "And this is not due to war and shelling. It is because of criminal negligence, neglect of elementary safety standards and neglect towards human life." Zelensky added he would "personally make sure" that those responsible are punished "by the norms of the law." Odesa is a Black Sea port 475 kilometres (300 miles) south of Ukraine's capital Kiev. The seaside town also attracts summer tourists.

Eight killed in Ukraine hotel fire

A Ukrainian court has ordered the seizure of a Russian tanker. Ukrainian authorities said that the tanker was used in a Russian operation to block Ukrainian vessels from sailing through the Kerch Strait between the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov in November last year.

Ukraine seizes Russian tanker, releases crew members

Ukraine-Russia tensions: Ukraine court orders seizure of Russian tanker

More than 300 police officers backed by two helicopters on Sunday mounted a massive search along Romania's Black Sea coast after 131 kilogrammes (286 pounds) of cocaine washed ashore, police said.

Police spokesman Georgian Dragan told AFP that 14 boats and several frogmen were also involved in the unprecedented search operation for more packets of the drug, which began arriving ashore on Friday.

Romania's organised crime unit urged local residents not to open packets appearing on the beach "whose contents could put their lives in danger".

On March 20, more than a tonne of cocaine packed into 36 plastic bags apparently from the same shipment were found in a boat that capsized in the Danube delta. Two Serbians were arrested in connection with that discovery.

Around 200 more kilos were plucked out of the Black Sea last Tuesday, police said.

Prosecutors evaluated the cocaine's purity at 90 percent and said it was worth hundreds of millions of euros.

Romania is a key transit point for cocaine originating in Latin America destined for western Europe.

Romanian police seized a record 2.5 tonnes of cocaine from Colombia in the Romanian Black Sea port of Constanta in 2016, with an estimated value of 600 million euros ($675 million).

More than 300 police officers backed by two helicopters on Sunday mounted a massive search along Romania's Black Sea coast after 131 kilogrammes (286 pounds) of cocaine washed ashore, police said.

More than 300 police officers backed by two helicopters on Sunday mounted a massive search along Romania's Black Sea coast after 131 kilogrammes (286 pounds) of cocaine washed ashore, police said. Police spokesman Georgian Dragan told AFP that 14 boats and several frogmen were also involved in the unprecedented search operation for more packets of the drug, which began arriving ashore on Friday. Romania's organised crime unit urged local residents not to open packets appearing on the beach "whose contents could put their lives in danger". On March 20, more than a tonne of cocaine packed into 36 plastic bags apparently from the same shipment were found in a boat that capsized in the Danube delta. Two Serbians were arrested in connection with that discovery. Around 200 more kilos were plucked out of the Black Sea last Tuesday, police said. Prosecutors evaluated the cocaine's purity at 90 percent and said it was worth hundreds of millions of euros. Romania is a key transit point for cocaine originating in Latin America destined for western Europe. Romanian police seized a record 2.5 tonnes of cocaine from Colombia in the Romanian Black Sea port of Constanta in 2016, with an estimated value of 600 million euros ($675 million).

Massive search launched after 130 kg of cocaine wash up on Romanian coast

Russia: 14 sailors rescued from Black Sea

The Ministry of external affairs has confirmed that six Indians died while 6 are still missing in the Crimea ship fire incident in Kerch Strait near Crimea, involving two ships -- Maestro and Candy.&nbsp;

Of the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ten-sailors-dead-after-2-ships-catch-fire-near-crimea-indian-crewmen-may-be-among-casualties-191893">six Indians </a>who died 5 were from Candy while one was from Maestro, the ministry&nbsp;said.&nbsp;

The victims have been identified as Pinal Kumar Bharatbhai Tandel, Vikram Singh, Sarvanan Nagarajan, Vishal Dod, Raja Debnarayan Panigrahi and Karankumar Haribhai Tandel. Those who still missing are Siddharth Meher, Neeraj Singh, Sebastian Britto Breezlin Sahayaraj, Rushikesh Raju Sakpal, Akshay Baban Jadhav, Anandasekar Avinash.

The ministry of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/20-may-have-died-after-fire-engulfs-two-ships-near-crimea-indian-nationals-also-affected-192010">external affairs</a> in a release said, "We regret to inform that there have been causalities among Indian seamen working on these ships. We convey our deepest condolences to families of those deceased."

Russian Maritime Agency and Maritime Rescue and Coordination Centre Novorossiysk is still continuing its effort to locate those still missing.&nbsp;

Four Indians -- Harish Jogi, Sachin Singh, Ashish Ashok Nair, and Kamleshbhai Gopalbhai Tandel -- were rescued.&nbsp;

The blaze took place on Monday during fuel transfer from one ship to other, 16 miles off Russia's Krasnodar Krai at the entrance to the Kerch Strait.

The Director-General Communication Center, Indian Registry of Shipping, Mumbai is in touch with families of affected Indian seamen. Indian Registry of Shipping is making all arrangements for the repatriation of rescued seamen while Indian embassy in Moscow is making arrangements to bring back the bodies of the deceased, MEA said.&nbsp;

The MEA has issued emergency contact number (007-9652773414) of the Embassy of India in Moscow. The number &nbsp;(0091-22-22614646, 022 22610606) of Director General Communication Center, Indian Registry of Shipping has also been shared.

Meanwhile, the Investigation Committee of Russia has initiated a criminal case under Article 109 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (causing death by negligence). Russian authorities are providing assistance by the rescue ships Mercury and Demidov.&nbsp;

The Ministry of external affairs has confirmed that six Indians died while 6 are still missing in the Crimea ship fire incident in Kerch Strait near Crimea, involving two ships -- Maestro and Candy.

The Ministry of external affairs has confirmed that six Indians died while 6 are still missing in the Crimea ship fire incident in Kerch Strait near Crimea, involving two ships -- Maestro and Candy. Of the six Indians who died 5 were from Candy while one was from Maestro, the ministry said. The victims have been identified as Pinal Kumar Bharatbhai Tandel, Vikram Singh, Sarvanan Nagarajan, Vishal Dod, Raja Debnarayan Panigrahi and Karankumar Haribhai Tandel. Those who still missing are Siddharth Meher, Neeraj Singh, Sebastian Britto Breezlin Sahayaraj, Rushikesh Raju Sakpal, Akshay Baban Jadhav, Anandasekar Avinash. The ministry of external affairs in a release said, "We regret to inform that there have been causalities among Indian seamen working on these ships. We convey our deepest condolences to families of those deceased." Russian Maritime Agency and Maritime Rescue and Coordination Centre Novorossiysk is still continuing its effort to locate those still missing. Four Indians -- Harish Jogi, Sachin Singh, Ashish Ashok Nair, and Kamleshbhai Gopalbhai Tandel -- were rescued. The blaze took place on Monday during fuel transfer from one ship to other, 16 miles off Russia's Krasnodar Krai at the entrance to the Kerch Strait. The Director-General Communication Center, Indian Registry of Shipping, Mumbai is in touch with families of affected Indian seamen. Indian Registry of Shipping is making all arrangements for the repatriation of rescued seamen while Indian embassy in Moscow is making arrangements to bring back the bodies of the deceased, MEA said. The MEA has issued emergency contact number (007-9652773414) of the Embassy of India in Moscow. The number (0091-22-22614646, 022 22610606) of Director General Communication Center, Indian Registry of Shipping has also been shared. Meanwhile, the Investigation Committee of Russia has initiated a criminal case under Article 109 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (causing death by negligence). Russian authorities are providing assistance by the rescue ships Mercury and Demidov.

6 Indians dead, 6 missing after two ships catch fire in Black Sea near Crimea

Britain sends royal ship to black sea to help Ukraine

A new corvette Orekhovo-Zuyevo <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-tests-new-anti-ship-cruise-missile-and-s-125-air-defence-system-181743">arrived in the port of Sevastopol</a> on Friday&nbsp;to join the Russian Black Sea Fleet in annexed Crimea.

Orekhovo-Zuyevo is a Buyan-M class corvette armed with nuclear-capable Kalibr cruise missiles with a claimed range of 2000 km, according to the Russian Ministry of Defence.

Her sister ship - corvette Vyshny Volochek has already joined the fleet in June.

In 2016 two other ships of the same class took part in military action in Syria. The Black Sea Fleet is expected to get two more corvettes armed with Kalibr missiles next year, the spokesman of the fleet Aleksei Rulev told journalists last month.

Earlier this week,&nbsp;two patrol ships Dmitry Rogachev and Vassiy Bykov had also arrived in Sevastopol.

The enforcement of the Black Sea Fleet in Crimea, which Russia annexed from Ukraine in 2014, follows Russia's seizure of three Ukrainian navy vessels off the coast of the peninsula on November 25.

A new corvette Orekhovo-Zuyevo arrived in the port of Sevastopol on Friday to join the Russian Black Sea Fleet in annexed Crimea. Orekhovo-Zuyevo is a Buyan-M class corvette armed with nuclear-capable Kalibr cruise missiles with a claimed range of 2000 km, according to the Russian Ministry of Defence.

A new corvette Orekhovo-Zuyevo arrived in the port of Sevastopol on Friday to join the Russian Black Sea Fleet in annexed Crimea. Orekhovo-Zuyevo is a Buyan-M class corvette armed with nuclear-capable Kalibr cruise missiles with a claimed range of 2000 km, according to the Russian Ministry of Defence. Her sister ship - corvette Vyshny Volochek has already joined the fleet in June. In 2016 two other ships of the same class took part in military action in Syria. The Black Sea Fleet is expected to get two more corvettes armed with Kalibr missiles next year, the spokesman of the fleet Aleksei Rulev told journalists last month. Earlier this week, two patrol ships Dmitry Rogachev and Vassiy Bykov had also arrived in Sevastopol. The enforcement of the Black Sea Fleet in Crimea, which Russia annexed from Ukraine in 2014, follows Russia's seizure of three Ukrainian navy vessels off the coast of the peninsula on November 25.

Watch: New missile carrier ship joins Russian fleet in Crimea

World's oldest intact shipwreck found in Black Sea

Amid diplomacy and politics,<a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/pm-modi-to-visit-putin's-'personal'-palace-with-gold-plated-swimming-pool,-helipads-138647#photo-138636"> PM Modi and Russian President Vladimir </a>Putin took a ride on a yacht along the Black Sea in Sochi.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> PM Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin take ride on a yacht in Russia's Sochi <a href="https://t.co/g4qwmUHdxB">pic.twitter.com/g4qwmUHdxB</a>
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Earlier, PM Modi met <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-live-pm-modi-meets-russian-president-putin-138616">President Putin in an "informal summit"</a> as the two leaders&nbsp;discussed&nbsp;trade and military cooperation.

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Russia: PM Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin take ride on a yacht in Sochi <a href="https://t.co/eqgAfy7g21">pic.twitter.com/eqgAfy7g21</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/998564292117983232?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"I am grateful to President Putin who invited me for an informal meeting and hence, in the long friendship of ours, this is a new aspect that has been attached to our relationship," Modi said.

"Our defense ministries maintain very close contacts and cooperation. It speaks about a very high strategic level of our partnership," Putin said.

Putin also hailed growing trade between India and Russia which had grown over 17 per cent.

While thanking the Russian president for India's permanent entry into the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation(SCO), PM Modi congratulated Putin on his fourth term as president.&nbsp;

"In my political career also, Russia and you (Putin) are very significant...As the chief minister of Gujarat, it was my first meeting with a foreign leader. Hence, the beginning of my international relations started from you and Russia," Modi added.

Thanking Modi on his visit, Putin said the Indian prime ministers visit would give a fresh impetus to bilateral ties.&nbsp;

<iframe allow="autoplay encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QopMXOFODDM" width="560"></iframe>

Putin hailed growing trade between India and Russia which had grown over 17 per cent.

Amid diplomacy and politics, PM Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin took a ride on a yacht along the Black Sea in Sochi. #WATCH PM Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin take ride on a yacht in Russia's Sochi pic.twitter.com/g4qwmUHdxB — ANI (@ANI) May 21, 2018 × Earlier, PM Modi met President Putin in an "informal summit" as the two leaders discussed trade and military cooperation. Russia: PM Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin take ride on a yacht in Sochi pic.twitter.com/eqgAfy7g21 — ANI (@ANI) May 21, 2018 × "I am grateful to President Putin who invited me for an informal meeting and hence, in the long friendship of ours, this is a new aspect that has been attached to our relationship," Modi said. "Our defense ministries maintain very close contacts and cooperation. It speaks about a very high strategic level of our partnership," Putin said. Putin also hailed growing trade between India and Russia which had grown over 17 per cent. While thanking the Russian president for India's permanent entry into the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation(SCO), PM Modi congratulated Putin on his fourth term as president. "In my political career also, Russia and you (Putin) are very significant...As the chief minister of Gujarat, it was my first meeting with a foreign leader. Hence, the beginning of my international relations started from you and Russia," Modi added. Thanking Modi on his visit, Putin said the Indian prime ministers visit would give a fresh impetus to bilateral ties.

Watch: PM Modi, Putin take 'informal' yacht ride in Sochi

Turkish police on Monday detained four Iraqis suspected of planning an attack on the US embassy in Ankara, media reports said.

The group were held during anti-terror raids in the Black Sea province of Samsun, the Hurriyet daily reported, after the US mission in the capital announced it would close Monday because of a &quot;security threat&quot;.

The mission&#39;s website urged Americans to &quot;avoid large crowds&quot; and &quot;keep a low profile&quot;.

Two of the suspects were detained on a bus on the Samsun-Ankara highway while the other two were taken into custody in the Samsun district of Ilkadim, the newspaper reported.

They were being held over alleged links to the Islamic State (IS) extremist group.

As a result of the security alert, 12 foreigners were detained earlier Monday over alleged links to IS after the Ankara prosecutor issued 20 arrest warrants, state news agency Anadolu said.

They were trying to recruit for IS, it reported, adding that the suspects were in contact with associates in &quot;conflict zones&quot;.

The Ankara governor&#39;s office said in a statement that it had taken &quot;extra security measures&quot; after US sources provided Turkish intelligence with information on the possibility of terror attacks against the embassy and American homes.

The mission issued a second statement on its website, saying the embassy would remain closed to the public on Tuesday because of a &quot;security threat&quot; again.

It did not indicate when it would reopen: &quot;The embassy will announce its reopening once it resumes services.&quot;

A US embassy spokesman said the embassy would be closed for visa and American citizen services specifically.

&quot;We appreciate the continuing strong support we receive from the Turkish national police and Turkish security services in making our facilities as safe as possible,&quot; the spokesman said.

Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Bekir Bozdag told reporters on Monday that 4,045 &quot;IS terrorists&quot; had been arrested including 1,858 &quot;foreign terrorist fighters&quot; since 2011.

Turkish police frequently conduct raids against IS across the country including one last month when 29 foreigners were detained in Istanbul over alleged links to the group.

A series of terror attacks in 2015 and 2016 as well as one in 2017 were blamed on IS and outlawed Kurdish militants.

The last attack IS claimed was in January 2017 when a gunman killed 39 people at an Istanbul nightclub during New Year&#39;s celebrations.

The group were held during anti-terror raids in the Black Sea province of Samsun

Turkish police on Monday detained four Iraqis suspected of planning an attack on the US embassy in Ankara, media reports said. The group were held during anti-terror raids in the Black Sea province of Samsun, the Hurriyet daily reported, after the US mission in the capital announced it would close Monday because of a "security threat". The mission's website urged Americans to "avoid large crowds" and "keep a low profile". Two of the suspects were detained on a bus on the Samsun-Ankara highway while the other two were taken into custody in the Samsun district of Ilkadim, the newspaper reported. They were being held over alleged links to the Islamic State (IS) extremist group. As a result of the security alert, 12 foreigners were detained earlier Monday over alleged links to IS after the Ankara prosecutor issued 20 arrest warrants, state news agency Anadolu said. They were trying to recruit for IS, it reported, adding that the suspects were in contact with associates in "conflict zones". The Ankara governor's office said in a statement that it had taken "extra security measures" after US sources provided Turkish intelligence with information on the possibility of terror attacks against the embassy and American homes. The mission issued a second statement on its website, saying the embassy would remain closed to the public on Tuesday because of a "security threat" again. It did not indicate when it would reopen: "The embassy will announce its reopening once it resumes services." A US embassy spokesman said the embassy would be closed for visa and American citizen services specifically. "We appreciate the continuing strong support we receive from the Turkish national police and Turkish security services in making our facilities as safe as possible," the spokesman said. Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Bekir Bozdag told reporters on Monday that 4,045 "IS terrorists" had been arrested including 1,858 "foreign terrorist fighters" since 2011. Turkish police frequently conduct raids against IS across the country including one last month when 29 foreigners were detained in Istanbul over alleged links to the group. A series of terror attacks in 2015 and 2016 as well as one in 2017 were blamed on IS and outlawed Kurdish militants. The last attack IS claimed was in January 2017 when a gunman killed 39 people at an Istanbul nightclub during New Year's celebrations.

Turkey detains Iraqis plotting US embassy attack: Report

A Russian Su-27 fighter jet intercepted a US surveillance plane over the Black Sea on Monday, prompting the US State Department to protest the maneuver as &ldquo;an unsafe interaction.&rdquo;

The encounter, first reported by Russia&rsquo;s RIA news agency, cited the defense ministry as saying the US Navy aircraft, an ЕР-3E Aries II plane, did not violate Russian airspace.

In a statement, the State Department said the Russian jet &ldquo;engaged in an unsafe interaction with a US EP-3 in international airspace, closing to within 5 feet (1.5 meters) and crossing directly in front of the EP-3&rsquo;s flight path.&rdquo;

&ldquo;This is but the latest example of Russian military activities disregarding international norms and agreements,&rdquo; the statement said, calling on Russia &ldquo;to cease these unsafe actions.&rdquo;

&ldquo;After the surveillance plane of the US Navy had changed its course to move away from the border, the Su-27 returned to its base,&rdquo; RIA quoted the Russian defense ministry as saying.

'After the surveillance plane of the US Navy had changed its course to move away from the border, the Su-27 returned to its base,' the ministry was quoted as saying

A Russian Su-27 fighter jet intercepted a US surveillance plane over the Black Sea on Monday, prompting the US State Department to protest the maneuver as “an unsafe interaction.” The encounter, first reported by Russia’s RIA news agency, cited the defense ministry as saying the US Navy aircraft, an ЕР-3E Aries II plane, did not violate Russian airspace. In a statement, the State Department said the Russian jet “engaged in an unsafe interaction with a US EP-3 in international airspace, closing to within 5 feet (1.5 meters) and crossing directly in front of the EP-3’s flight path.” “This is but the latest example of Russian military activities disregarding international norms and agreements,” the statement said, calling on Russia “to cease these unsafe actions.” “After the surveillance plane of the US Navy had changed its course to move away from the border, the Su-27 returned to its base,” RIA quoted the Russian defense ministry as saying.

Russia says Su-27 fighter jet intercepted US spy plane; US protests

At least eighteen people were killed when a bus plunged into the Black Sea in southern&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;early on Friday, Interfax and TASS news agencies reported, citing emergency ministry officials.

Eight more people were injured, five of them seriously, Interfax said, quoting the emergency ministry which carried out rescue works.

There were more than 40 people on the bus, which fell from a pier, several meters high and part of oil shipment infrastructure on the Black Sea coast.

The crash was likely caused by a failure in the vehicle&#39;s braking system, said Oteko Port service company, which runs the shipment facility.

A picture from the scene, published by the emergency ministry on its website, showed divers on two boats searching waters underneath the pier.

Eight more people were injured, five of them seriously

At least eighteen people were killed when a bus plunged into the Black Sea in southern Russia early on Friday, Interfax and TASS news agencies reported, citing emergency ministry officials. Eight more people were injured, five of them seriously, Interfax said, quoting the emergency ministry which carried out rescue works. There were more than 40 people on the bus, which fell from a pier, several meters high and part of oil shipment infrastructure on the Black Sea coast. The crash was likely caused by a failure in the vehicle's braking system, said Oteko Port service company, which runs the shipment facility. A picture from the scene, published by the emergency ministry on its website, showed divers on two boats searching waters underneath the pier.

Bus plunges into Black sea in southern Russia, 18 killed

&nbsp;A Russian navy&nbsp;reconnaissance ship&nbsp;collided with a vessel carrying livestock off Turkey&#39;s Black Sea coast on Thursday, broadcaster NTV reported. Initial reports said 45&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;soldiers were rescued while 15 were missing. Later,&nbsp;Turkey&#39;s coastal safety authority said all 78 soldiers were rescued even as the ship sunk in the Black Sea.

NTV said the coast guard and emergency teams had been dispatched to the site, 18 miles (29 km) from Kilyos village, on the Black Sea coast just north of Istanbul.

&quot;All 78 crew members of a Russian navy vessel have been rescued,&quot; Turkish transport minister Ahmet Arslan said.

The minister said the navy ship sank after the collision which was caused by fog and poor weather. The other vessel only suffered minor damage.

&quot;Russian personnel would be returned to Russian authorities,&quot; the minister added.

The research ship Liman &quot;sustained a hull breach due to a collision&quot; with the ship Ashot-7, 40 kilometres (25 miles) north-west of the Bosphorus Strait, the Russian defence ministry informed earlier.

(WION with agency inputs)

A Russian military ship collided with a vessel off Turkey's Black Sea coast

A Russian navy reconnaissance ship collided with a vessel carrying livestock off Turkey's Black Sea coast on Thursday, broadcaster NTV reported. Initial reports said 45 Russian soldiers were rescued while 15 were missing. Later, Turkey's coastal safety authority said all 78 soldiers were rescued even as the ship sunk in the Black Sea. NTV said the coast guard and emergency teams had been dispatched to the site, 18 miles (29 km) from Kilyos village, on the Black Sea coast just north of Istanbul. "All 78 crew members of a Russian navy vessel have been rescued," Turkish transport minister Ahmet Arslan said. The minister said the navy ship sank after the collision which was caused by fog and poor weather. The other vessel only suffered minor damage. "Russian personnel would be returned to Russian authorities," the minister added. The research ship Liman "sustained a hull breach due to a collision" with the ship Ashot-7, 40 kilometres (25 miles) north-west of the Bosphorus Strait, the Russian defence ministry informed earlier. (WION with agency inputs)

Russian?navy?ship collides with vessel off Turkey's Black Sea coast,  78 soldiers rescued

Recordings from the black box of the Russian military plane that crashed in the Black Sea Sunday have revealed that the crash happened because of a fault in its flaps, Russian media said. &nbsp;

The investigation into the plane crash suggested the flaps malfunctioned because of which the plane came down on Christmas day.

The Life news website says this led the pilots to lose control as the plane was at a critical angle, BBC reported.&nbsp;

The plane took off from Sochi in Russia where it had landed briefly for refuelling.

All the 92 passengers on board died in the accident.&nbsp;Among those killed in the fateful accident were&nbsp;64 members of the famed Alexandrov military music ensemble, as well as one of Russia&#39;s best-known humanitarian,&nbsp;Yelizaveta Glinka. The choir&nbsp;was&nbsp;supposed to perform at a&nbsp;New Year concert.

The plane was heading for Latakia, Russia&#39;s air force base in Syria.

(WION)

Recordings from the black box reveal that the plane came down because of a faulty flap

Recordings from the black box of the Russian military plane that crashed in the Black Sea Sunday have revealed that the crash happened because of a fault in its flaps, Russian media said. The investigation into the plane crash suggested the flaps malfunctioned because of which the plane came down on Christmas day. The Life news website says this led the pilots to lose control as the plane was at a critical angle, BBC reported. The plane took off from Sochi in Russia where it had landed briefly for refuelling. All the 92 passengers on board died in the accident. Among those killed in the fateful accident were 64 members of the famed Alexandrov military music ensemble, as well as one of Russia's best-known humanitarian, Yelizaveta Glinka. The choir was supposed to perform at a New Year concert. The plane was heading for Latakia, Russia's air force base in Syria. (WION)

Probe finds faulty wing behind Russian military plane crash

Russian emergencies ministry staff continued their search on Tuesday (December 27) for bodies of passengers and parts of military TU-154 plane which crashed into the Black Sea off the Sochi coast with 92 people on board.

Rescue teams have already recovered several parts of the plane, including a large piece of fuselage with cabin windows as well as one flight recorder which has already been delivered to Moscow. It contains information that could help investigators to identify the cause of the crash, which killed dozens of Red Army Choir singers and dancers en route to Syria to entertain Russian troops in the run-up to the New Year.

Investigators have so far said that pilot error or a technical fault, rather than terrorism, are most likely to have caused the Defence Ministry Tupolev-154 to crash into the sea.

The Interfax news agency, citing a law enforcement source, said a second flight recorder had also been found in the wreckage of Sunday&#39;s crash, but not yet raised to the surface.

The Defence Ministry said that search and rescue teams have so far recovered 12 bodies and 156 body fragments. 
 
(Reuters)

Rescue teams have recovered several parts of the plane, including a flight recorder that could identify help identify the cause of the crash

Russian emergencies ministry staff continued their search on Tuesday (December 27) for bodies of passengers and parts of military TU-154 plane which crashed into the Black Sea off the Sochi coast with 92 people on board. Rescue teams have already recovered several parts of the plane, including a large piece of fuselage with cabin windows as well as one flight recorder which has already been delivered to Moscow. It contains information that could help investigators to identify the cause of the crash, which killed dozens of Red Army Choir singers and dancers en route to Syria to entertain Russian troops in the run-up to the New Year. Investigators have so far said that pilot error or a technical fault, rather than terrorism, are most likely to have caused the Defence Ministry Tupolev-154 to crash into the sea. The Interfax news agency, citing a law enforcement source, said a second flight recorder had also been found in the wreckage of Sunday's crash, but not yet raised to the surface. The Defence Ministry said that search and rescue teams have so far recovered 12 bodies and 156 body fragments. (Reuters)

Russia plane crash: Search operations continue, rescuers find flight recorder

Russian investigators do not regard &quot;a terrorist act&quot; as one of the main theories behind the crash of a military plane in the Black Sea on Sunday, the Kremlin said on Monday.

All 92 people on board were killed in the incident.

&quot;(Investigators) are considering all versions of events. It is still too early to say. But the version that it was a terrorist act is nowhere near the top of the list,&quot; Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on a conference call.

(Reuters)

All 92 people on board were killed in the incident

Russian investigators do not regard "a terrorist act" as one of the main theories behind the crash of a military plane in the Black Sea on Sunday, the Kremlin said on Monday. All 92 people on board were killed in the incident. "(Investigators) are considering all versions of events. It is still too early to say. But the version that it was a terrorist act is nowhere near the top of the list," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on a conference call. (Reuters)

'Terrorist act' not among prime theories for military plane crash: Kremlin

The Russian Foreign Ministry dismissed as absurd suggestions from the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) that a Russian carrier battle group (CBG)&nbsp;in the Mediterranean would join the bombardment of Syria&#39;s Aleppo, the RIA Novosti&nbsp;reported on Thursday.

RIA cited the Rusian ministry as saying NATO had no reason to worry about the CBG&nbsp;and that the Russian air force had not flown any bombing runs in Aleppo for nine days.

NATO secretary-general Jens Stoltenberg warned on Tuesday that the ships, headed for Syria, could be used to target civilians in the besieged city of Aleppo and to launch more air strikes.

Andrei Kelin, a senior Russian Foreign Ministry official, told RIA Stoltenberg&#39;s statement was unhelpful.

&quot;The concerns are not based on anything as our planes have not come near Aleppo for nine days. Our battle group is in the Mediterranean. Our ships have always had a presence there,&quot; said Kelin.

&quot;Why make some spurious suggestions and then make some political recommendations based on them? It is of course absurd.&quot;

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights has questioned Russia&#39;s statements about a moratorium on bombing Aleppo, saying the city has been hit by strikes since a lull in fighting ended on Saturday.

&nbsp;

NATO&#39;s military response

NATO&#39;s secretary-general announced on Wednesday, October 26, that the alliance would strengthen its presence in the Black Sea, as several nations confirmed they would contribute to a Romanian-led multinational brigade there.

Britain said it would send fighter jets to Romania next year and the United States promised troops, tanks and artillery to Poland in the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation&#39;s biggest military build-up on Russia&#39;s borders since the Cold War.

Germany, Canada and other NATO allies also pledged forces at a defence ministers&#39;&nbsp;meeting in Brussels on the same day as two Russian warships armed with cruise missiles entered the Baltic Sea between Sweden and Denmark, underscoring East-West tensions.

(Reuters)

Several NATO nations confirmed they would contribute to a Romanian-led multinational brigade near the Black Sea

The Russian Foreign Ministry dismissed as absurd suggestions from the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) that a Russian carrier battle group (CBG) in the Mediterranean would join the bombardment of Syria's Aleppo, the RIA Novosti reported on Thursday. RIA cited the Rusian ministry as saying NATO had no reason to worry about the CBG and that the Russian air force had not flown any bombing runs in Aleppo for nine days. NATO secretary-general Jens Stoltenberg warned on Tuesday that the ships, headed for Syria, could be used to target civilians in the besieged city of Aleppo and to launch more air strikes. Andrei Kelin, a senior Russian Foreign Ministry official, told RIA Stoltenberg's statement was unhelpful. "The concerns are not based on anything as our planes have not come near Aleppo for nine days. Our battle group is in the Mediterranean. Our ships have always had a presence there," said Kelin. "Why make some spurious suggestions and then make some political recommendations based on them? It is of course absurd." The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights has questioned Russia's statements about a moratorium on bombing Aleppo, saying the city has been hit by strikes since a lull in fighting ended on Saturday. NATO's military response NATO's secretary-general announced on Wednesday, October 26, that the alliance would strengthen its presence in the Black Sea, as several nations confirmed they would contribute to a Romanian-led multinational brigade there. Britain said it would send fighter jets to Romania next year and the United States promised troops, tanks and artillery to Poland in the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation's biggest military build-up on Russia's borders since the Cold War. Germany, Canada and other NATO allies also pledged forces at a defence ministers' meeting in Brussels on the same day as two Russian warships armed with cruise missiles entered the Baltic Sea between Sweden and Denmark, underscoring East-West tensions. (Reuters)

Russia sends battle group to Mediterranean, NATO beefs up military deployment on Russian border

Grain millers in Bangladesh are boosting their wheat purchases from Russia and Ukraine as cargoes from key exporter India fade due to a supply squeeze in that country.

Bangladesh has booked about 800,000 tonnes of wheat from the Black Sea region for shipment between mid-July and October, up from around 550,000-600,000 tonnes in the same period last year, two trade sources said.

Strong demand from South Asia&#39;s top wheat importer and other key buyers could help buoy benchmark futures, which have been recovering from a 10-year low of $3.99-1/4 a bushel hit earlier this month due to pressure from plentiful global production.

&quot;India is out of the market, Bangladesh buyers are taking larger volumes of feed wheat as well as milling grade wheat from Russia and Ukraine,&quot; said one Singapore-based trader.

&quot;It is all about prices, most Bangladeshi millers take the cheapest origin.&quot;

Buyers paid $155-$168 a tonne, free on board, for Black Sea feed wheat with about 10.5-per cent protein content, the sources said. They declined to be identified as they were not authorised to speak with media.

For milling wheat with 11.5- to 12.5-per cent protein, importers have paid $165-$180 a tonne FOB, they said.

India has been exporting wheat to Bangladesh for the last few years, but its recent crops have been hit by a severe drought linked to the El Nino weather pattern and by unseasonable rains.

Bin-busting

Russia and Ukraine, two of the Black Sea region&#39;s leading wheat producers, have seen bin-busting grain production.

Ukraine&#39;s 2016 grain harvest is likely to be around 3 million tonnes bigger than the year before at around 63 million tonnes, agriculture ministry official Leonid Sukhomlin said earlier this week.

And Russia is facing a lack of grain storage as it remains on track to produce the largest cereal crop in post-Soviet history, said the head of Russia&#39;s Grain Union. 
 
But analysts warned against relying too heavily on shipments from the Black Sea.

&quot;Worldwide, many countries are depending on Russia to supply much of their wheat and that is risky,&quot; said one agricultural commodities analyst. &quot;There could be delays.&quot;

Much of the Middle East and North Africa has heavily booked wheat shipments from the Black Sea region, taking advantage of lower prices.

Traders said there is already a delay of 10-12 days for ships waiting to load wheat at Russian ports.

Bangladesh has also booked about 200,000 tonnes of higher quality Canadian milling wheat, the sources said.

The South Asian nation has ramped up its wheat purchases from Russia and Ukraine by almost 33%

Grain millers in Bangladesh are boosting their wheat purchases from Russia and Ukraine as cargoes from key exporter India fade due to a supply squeeze in that country. Bangladesh has booked about 800,000 tonnes of wheat from the Black Sea region for shipment between mid-July and October, up from around 550,000-600,000 tonnes in the same period last year, two trade sources said. Strong demand from South Asia's top wheat importer and other key buyers could help buoy benchmark futures, which have been recovering from a 10-year low of $3.99-1/4 a bushel hit earlier this month due to pressure from plentiful global production. "India is out of the market, Bangladesh buyers are taking larger volumes of feed wheat as well as milling grade wheat from Russia and Ukraine," said one Singapore-based trader. "It is all about prices, most Bangladeshi millers take the cheapest origin." Buyers paid $155-$168 a tonne, free on board, for Black Sea feed wheat with about 10.5-per cent protein content, the sources said. They declined to be identified as they were not authorised to speak with media. For milling wheat with 11.5- to 12.5-per cent protein, importers have paid $165-$180 a tonne FOB, they said. India has been exporting wheat to Bangladesh for the last few years, but its recent crops have been hit by a severe drought linked to the El Nino weather pattern and by unseasonable rains. Bin-busting Russia and Ukraine, two of the Black Sea region's leading wheat producers, have seen bin-busting grain production. Ukraine's 2016 grain harvest is likely to be around 3 million tonnes bigger than the year before at around 63 million tonnes, agriculture ministry official Leonid Sukhomlin said earlier this week. And Russia is facing a lack of grain storage as it remains on track to produce the largest cereal crop in post-Soviet history, said the head of Russia's Grain Union. But analysts warned against relying too heavily on shipments from the Black Sea. "Worldwide, many countries are depending on Russia to supply much of their wheat and that is risky," said one agricultural commodities analyst. "There could be delays." Much of the Middle East and North Africa has heavily booked wheat shipments from the Black Sea region, taking advantage of lower prices. Traders said there is already a delay of 10-12 days for ships waiting to load wheat at Russian ports. Bangladesh has also booked about 200,000 tonnes of higher quality Canadian milling wheat, the sources said.

Bangladesh looks to Black Sea region for wheat as India supply dwindles

Turkey aims to develop good relations with Syria and Iraq, and both countries need to be stable for counter-terrorism efforts to succeed, Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said today.&nbsp; 
 
Turkey has long been one of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad&#39;s staunchest opponents, arguing that only his departure could stabilise Syria. The stance set it at odds with Assad&#39;s ally Russia and distanced it from a US-led coalition more focused on fighting Islamic State. 
 
Since taking office in May, Yildirim has repeatedly said that Turkey needs to &quot;increase its friends and decrease its enemies&quot; -- an apparent tacit admission that past policies have left Ankara sidelined. 
 
&quot;It is our greatest and irrevocable goal: Developing good relations with Syria and Iraq, and all our neighbours that surround the Mediterranean and the Black Sea,&quot; Yildirim said, in comments broadcast live on television. 
 
&quot;We normalised relations with Russia and Israel. I&#39;m sure we will normalise relations with Syria as well. For the fight against terrorism to succeed stability needs to return to Syria and Iraq,&quot; he said. 
 
Turkey last month announced the restoration of diplomatic ties with Israel after a six-year rupture and expressed regret to Russia over the downing of a warplane, seeking to mend strained alliances. Officials have insisted those moves do not mark a broader foreign policy shift for Ankara. 
 
(AFP)&nbsp; 
 
&nbsp;

?Since taking office in May, Yildirim has repeatedly said that Turkey needs to "increase its friends and decrease its enemies"

Turkey aims to develop good relations with Syria and Iraq, and both countries need to be stable for counter-terrorism efforts to succeed, Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said today. Turkey has long been one of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's staunchest opponents, arguing that only his departure could stabilise Syria. The stance set it at odds with Assad's ally Russia and distanced it from a US-led coalition more focused on fighting Islamic State. Since taking office in May, Yildirim has repeatedly said that Turkey needs to "increase its friends and decrease its enemies" -- an apparent tacit admission that past policies have left Ankara sidelined. "It is our greatest and irrevocable goal: Developing good relations with Syria and Iraq, and all our neighbours that surround the Mediterranean and the Black Sea," Yildirim said, in comments broadcast live on television. "We normalised relations with Russia and Israel. I'm sure we will normalise relations with Syria as well. For the fight against terrorism to succeed stability needs to return to Syria and Iraq," he said. Turkey last month announced the restoration of diplomatic ties with Israel after a six-year rupture and expressed regret to Russia over the downing of a warplane, seeking to mend strained alliances. Officials have insisted those moves do not mark a broader foreign policy shift for Ankara. (AFP)

Syria, Iraq need to be stable for fight against terror to succeed: Turkish PM

Seven people were killed and eight injured when a helicopter carrying Turkish military personnel, their wives and children crashed in the Black Sea region of northeast Turkey on Tuesday, the Turkish armed forces said. 
 
The cause of the Sikorsky helicopter&#39;s crash, as it returned to the town of Giresun from a visit to military outposts in the area, could not immediately be determined, a statement on the military&#39;s website said. 
 
However, the Prime Minister and one of his deputies said poor weather was responsible, rather than a militant attack. The Turkish armed forces are involved in a conflict with Kurdish militants focussed in the country&#39;s southeast. 
 
Those on board, who according to media reports included a brigadier general, had been visiting military personnel and their families at gendarmerie outposts to mark the Eid al-Fitr holiday at the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramzan. 
 
&quot;Unfortunately, seven people among our comrades in arms, their wives and children lost their lives and the eight injured people were immediately sent to hospitals in the region,&quot; the army said, without specifying who had died. 
 
Rescue teams and ambulances rushed to the site of the crash, but local residents arrived first. Video broadcast by CNN Turk showed locals helping the wounded down a hillside and taking them in their vehicles to nearby hospitals. 
 
The helicopter crashed at around 5:15 pm (1415 GMT) near Tohumluk village in the Alucra district of Giresun province, the military said. 
 
As well as a brigadier general, on board were two colonels and other officers, along with four of their wives and three children, the private news agency Dogan reported. 
 
Earlier, Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said the crash, which occurred in the highlands of Giresun province, appeared to be an accident caused by bad weather. 
 
&quot;It is understood to be an accident resulting purely from poor weather conditions,&quot; Yildirim told reporters in televised comments. 
 
Deputy prime minister Nurettin Canikli, who travelled to the area of the crash, later echoed Yildirim&#39;s words in comments to reporters and ruled out the possibility that an attack could have been responsible. 
 
In May, the army said a military helicopter that had crashed a week earlier may have been brought down by Kurdish militants with a ground-to-air missile. 
 
(Reuters)

The accident appears to be caused purely by bad weather, though has not been immediately determined

Seven people were killed and eight injured when a helicopter carrying Turkish military personnel, their wives and children crashed in the Black Sea region of northeast Turkey on Tuesday, the Turkish armed forces said. The cause of the Sikorsky helicopter's crash, as it returned to the town of Giresun from a visit to military outposts in the area, could not immediately be determined, a statement on the military's website said. However, the Prime Minister and one of his deputies said poor weather was responsible, rather than a militant attack. The Turkish armed forces are involved in a conflict with Kurdish militants focussed in the country's southeast. Those on board, who according to media reports included a brigadier general, had been visiting military personnel and their families at gendarmerie outposts to mark the Eid al-Fitr holiday at the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramzan. "Unfortunately, seven people among our comrades in arms, their wives and children lost their lives and the eight injured people were immediately sent to hospitals in the region," the army said, without specifying who had died. Rescue teams and ambulances rushed to the site of the crash, but local residents arrived first. Video broadcast by CNN Turk showed locals helping the wounded down a hillside and taking them in their vehicles to nearby hospitals. The helicopter crashed at around 5:15 pm (1415 GMT) near Tohumluk village in the Alucra district of Giresun province, the military said. As well as a brigadier general, on board were two colonels and other officers, along with four of their wives and three children, the private news agency Dogan reported. Earlier, Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said the crash, which occurred in the highlands of Giresun province, appeared to be an accident caused by bad weather. "It is understood to be an accident resulting purely from poor weather conditions," Yildirim told reporters in televised comments. Deputy prime minister Nurettin Canikli, who travelled to the area of the crash, later echoed Yildirim's words in comments to reporters and ruled out the possibility that an attack could have been responsible. In May, the army said a military helicopter that had crashed a week earlier may have been brought down by Kurdish militants with a ground-to-air missile. (Reuters)

7 killed, 8 injured in military helicopter crash in northern Turkey

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