Russian President Vladimir Putin's top ally Dmitry Medvedev has said that the war with Ukraine can last for decades and long periods of fighting can continue interspersed by truces, reported Russia's RIA news agency on Thursday. 
 
The report stated that former president and deputy chairman of Putin's Security Council Medvedev had made the statement during his visit to Vietnam. 
 
Medvedev is known for making hardline comments. Last month, he described Ukrainian authorities as an infection. 
 
"This conflict will last a very long time, most likely decades. As long as there is such a power in place, there will be, say, three years of truce, two years of conflict, and everything will be repeated,” RIA cited Medvedev as saying. 
 
Medvedev reiterated the claim of Moscow that Ukraine is a Nazi state. In January, Medvedev stated that if Russia was defeated, it would lead to a nuclear war.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-general-says-ukraine-shouldnt-use-us-weaponry-inside-russia-596571">US general says Ukraine shouldn't use US weaponry inside Russia</a>

<h2>Ukraine claims shooting down 10 missiles, 20 drones</h2>

Meanwhile, Ukrainian officials on Friday claimed that they shot down 10 missiles and 20 drones launched by Russia in overnight attacks that took place on the capital Kyiv as well as the city of Dnipro and eastern regions. 
 
This month, the missile and drone attacks on Ukraine have been intensified by Russia, mainly attacking infrastructure facilities and logistics before an expected Ukrainian counteroffensive. 
 
The Ukrainian air force stated that they shot down 10 missiles which were fired from the Caspian Sea, along with two reconnaissance drones and 23 Iranian-made Shahed drones. 
 
It stated that the Russians launched a total of 17 missiles and 31 drones during the attacks which began around 10:00 pm (1900 GMT) on Thursday and continued till 5&nbsp;am on Friday. 
 
Several missiles and drones hit targets in Kharkiv and Dnipropetrovsk regions, stated officials. 
 
"It was a very difficult night. It was loud — the enemy launched a massive attack on the region with missiles and drones," said Serhiy Lysak, the Dnipropetrovsk regional governor, on the Telegram messaging app. "Dnipro has suffered,” he added.

WATCH |&nbsp;Russia Ukraine War | US: No signs of Russia prepping to use nukes | World News | WION

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Lysak stated that various cars, houses and private companies, including a gas station and a transport company, had been damaged. 
 
Officials in Kyiv stated that the roof of a private house and a shopping mall and several cars had been damaged. The governor of the Kharkiv region also stated that several private houses and industrial facilities were damaged. 
 
Russia which started its full-scale invasion 15 months ago has launched hundreds of missile attacks since last October aiming to destroy critical power facilities and infrastructure.

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Russian President Vladimir Putin's top ally Dmitry Medvedev has said that the war with Ukraine can last for decades and long periods of fighting can continue interspersed by truces, reported Russia's RIA news agency on Thursday.

Russian President Vladimir Putin's top ally Dmitry Medvedev has said that the war with Ukraine can last for decades and long periods of fighting can continue interspersed by truces, reported Russia's RIA news agency on Thursday. The report stated that former president and deputy chairman of Putin's Security Council Medvedev had made the statement during his visit to Vietnam. Medvedev is known for making hardline comments. Last month, he described Ukrainian authorities as an infection. "This conflict will last a very long time, most likely decades. As long as there is such a power in place, there will be, say, three years of truce, two years of conflict, and everything will be repeated,” RIA cited Medvedev as saying. Medvedev reiterated the claim of Moscow that Ukraine is a Nazi state. In January, Medvedev stated that if Russia was defeated, it would lead to a nuclear war. ALSO READ | US general says Ukraine shouldn't use US weaponry inside Russia Ukraine claims shooting down 10 missiles, 20 drones Meanwhile, Ukrainian officials on Friday claimed that they shot down 10 missiles and 20 drones launched by Russia in overnight attacks that took place on the capital Kyiv as well as the city of Dnipro and eastern regions. This month, the missile and drone attacks on Ukraine have been intensified by Russia, mainly attacking infrastructure facilities and logistics before an expected Ukrainian counteroffensive. The Ukrainian air force stated that they shot down 10 missiles which were fired from the Caspian Sea, along with two reconnaissance drones and 23 Iranian-made Shahed drones. It stated that the Russians launched a total of 17 missiles and 31 drones during the attacks which began around 10:00 pm (1900 GMT) on Thursday and continued till 5 am on Friday. Several missiles and drones hit targets in Kharkiv and Dnipropetrovsk regions, stated officials. "It was a very difficult night. It was loud — the enemy launched a massive attack on the region with missiles and drones," said Serhiy Lysak, the Dnipropetrovsk regional governor, on the Telegram messaging app. "Dnipro has suffered,” he added. WATCH | Russia Ukraine War | US: No signs of Russia prepping to use nukes | World News | WION Lysak stated that various cars, houses and private companies, including a gas station and a transport company, had been damaged. Officials in Kyiv stated that the roof of a private house and a shopping mall and several cars had been damaged. The governor of the Kharkiv region also stated that several private houses and industrial facilities were damaged. Russia which started its full-scale invasion 15 months ago has launched hundreds of missile attacks since last October aiming to destroy critical power facilities and infrastructure. 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.

Russia-Ukraine war may continue for decades, says Putin ally Dmitry Medvedev

Mikhail Mishustin, the man likely to be Russia's next prime minister after President Vladimir Putin proposed him on Wednesday, is a little-known figure to the wider public who has headed the country's tax service for a decade.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/now-putin-proposes-referendum-to-boost-russian-parliaments-powers-274453">Also Read: Now, Putin proposes referendum to boost Russian parliament's powers</a>

The 53-year-old Muscovite trained as an engineer and has a PhD in economics, according to his official biography.

He was appointed head of the tax service in 2010 after being proposed by then-finance minister Alexei Kudrin, known for his outspoken liberal stance.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-pm-medvedev-resigns-after-putin-proposes-to-boost-parliaments-powers-274458">Also read: PM Medvedev's Russian government resigns after Putin proposes to boost Parliament's powers</a> 
&nbsp;

He has been in the post ever since and is praised for streamlining the service formerly notorious for red tape, mountains of paperwork and long queues.

After Putin proposed Mishustin, Rossiya-24 state television reported that he "created the best tax collection system in the world."

He was picked as premier to create a "more competent leadership," Dmitri Trenin, head of the Carnegie Moscow Centre, wrote on Twitter.

Mishustin is a "neutral figure" and his candidacy cannot be linked to any "ideological platform," political analyst Ekaterina Schulmann told AFP, adding she doubted he is being groomed as a successor to President Vladimir Putin.

While Putin has criticised the internet and is rarely shown using technology, Mishustin has said Russia needs to adapt its economy, making him closer to predecessor Dmitry Medvedev, a keen user of Apple products.

Mishustin told the Kommersant newspaper last year that Russia needs to adapt to the era of digital technology and artificial intelligence or fall behind.&nbsp;

"We are entering a fourth industrial revolution, this is already a digital world," he said.

"If we don't understand how this world is developing and what its rules are, if we insist our country is part of the old order, this new world will make us its victim."

'Avid hockey player'

Mishustin shares a sporting interest with Putin, as he "regularly plays ice hockey," said state news agency RIA Novosti.

He is a member of the supervisory council of CSKA hockey club, along with Rosneft chief Igor Sechin and other powerful figures.

The RBK business newspaper reported in 2010 that Mishustin has "good contacts in the law enforcement structures. He has often been seen at hockey matches with senior officials from the FSB (security service) and the interior ministry."

While much of his career has been at the tax service, he started out in the 1990s heading an organisation set up to promote international cooperation in computing.

He became deputy head of the tax service in 1998 and shortly afterwards was appointed deputy tax minister, a position he held until 2004. After that, he headed federal agencies that worked on the property and special economic zones.

From 2008 for two years he was president of UFG Asset Management, an international group that has been investing in Russia and other ex-Soviet states since 1996. Deutsche Bank set up a joint venture with the company in 2008.

He reportedly speaks several foreign languages.

Forbes Russia listed him as the 54th best-paid state official in 2015 with earnings of 183.31 million rubles (around $3 million at the current exchange rate).

Mikhail Mishustin, the man likely to be Russia's next prime minister after President Vladimir Putin proposed him on Wednesday, is a little-known figure to the wider public who has headed the country's tax service for a decade.

Mikhail Mishustin, the man likely to be Russia's next prime minister after President Vladimir Putin proposed him on Wednesday, is a little-known figure to the wider public who has headed the country's tax service for a decade. Also Read: Now, Putin proposes referendum to boost Russian parliament's powers The 53-year-old Muscovite trained as an engineer and has a PhD in economics, according to his official biography. He was appointed head of the tax service in 2010 after being proposed by then-finance minister Alexei Kudrin, known for his outspoken liberal stance. Also read: PM Medvedev's Russian government resigns after Putin proposes to boost Parliament's powers He has been in the post ever since and is praised for streamlining the service formerly notorious for red tape, mountains of paperwork and long queues. After Putin proposed Mishustin, Rossiya-24 state television reported that he "created the best tax collection system in the world." He was picked as premier to create a "more competent leadership," Dmitri Trenin, head of the Carnegie Moscow Centre, wrote on Twitter. Mishustin is a "neutral figure" and his candidacy cannot be linked to any "ideological platform," political analyst Ekaterina Schulmann told AFP, adding she doubted he is being groomed as a successor to President Vladimir Putin. While Putin has criticised the internet and is rarely shown using technology, Mishustin has said Russia needs to adapt its economy, making him closer to predecessor Dmitry Medvedev, a keen user of Apple products. Mishustin told the Kommersant newspaper last year that Russia needs to adapt to the era of digital technology and artificial intelligence or fall behind. "We are entering a fourth industrial revolution, this is already a digital world," he said. "If we don't understand how this world is developing and what its rules are, if we insist our country is part of the old order, this new world will make us its victim." 'Avid hockey player' Mishustin shares a sporting interest with Putin, as he "regularly plays ice hockey," said state news agency RIA Novosti. He is a member of the supervisory council of CSKA hockey club, along with Rosneft chief Igor Sechin and other powerful figures. The RBK business newspaper reported in 2010 that Mishustin has "good contacts in the law enforcement structures. He has often been seen at hockey matches with senior officials from the FSB (security service) and the interior ministry." While much of his career has been at the tax service, he started out in the 1990s heading an organisation set up to promote international cooperation in computing. He became deputy head of the tax service in 1998 and shortly afterwards was appointed deputy tax minister, a position he held until 2004. After that, he headed federal agencies that worked on the property and special economic zones. From 2008 for two years he was president of UFG Asset Management, an international group that has been investing in Russia and other ex-Soviet states since 1996. Deutsche Bank set up a joint venture with the company in 2008. He reportedly speaks several foreign languages. Forbes Russia listed him as the 54th best-paid state official in 2015 with earnings of 183.31 million rubles (around $3 million at the current exchange rate).

Mikhail Mishustin: Tax Service head and Hockey player picked by Putin as Russian PM

A day after President Putin named Mikhail Mishustin as the new prime minister of the country, the Parliament members approved his candidacy.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mikhail-mishustin-tax-service-head-and-hockey-player-picked-by-putin-as-russian-pm-274590">Also Read:&nbsp;Mikhail Mishustin: Tax Service head and Hockey player picked by Putin as Russian PM</a>

All MPs voted in Mishustin's favour with Communist MPs abstaining.

Mishusti, 53, who is the head of the tax service had said, "People should already now be feeling real changes for the better, so far this is happening far from everywhere."

Watch Video:

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"To develop further and ensure further growth of GDP we need primarily to stimulate the growth of investment... to restore trust that has perhaps been lost between the authorities and business," he said, adding that he was open "constructive criticism".

Putin had shocked the nation on Wednesday after abruptly proposing new powers were&nbsp;needed for the Russian Parliament leading to the resignation of now caretaker PM Medvedev, who is one of Putin's oldest allies and served as president from 2008 to 2012.

In a speech, Putin said constitutional changes were needed which would give more powers to the country's Parliament allowing the lawmakers to choose the prime minister and cabinet.

Putin is due to step down as president in 2024, according to Russian law, a president cannot serve more than two terms. Putin returned to the presidency in 2012 after a stint as prime minister.

Russia goes to the polls in 2021 with all eyes on Putin's next move.

A day after President Putin named Mikhail Mishustin as the new prime minister of the country, the Parliament members approved his candidacy. Also Read: Mikhail Mishustin: Tax Service head and Hockey player picked by Putin as Russian PM All MPs voted in Mishustin's favour with Communist MPs abstaining.

A day after President Putin named Mikhail Mishustin as the new prime minister of the country, the Parliament members approved his candidacy. Also Read: Mikhail Mishustin: Tax Service head and Hockey player picked by Putin as Russian PM All MPs voted in Mishustin's favour with Communist MPs abstaining. Mishusti, 53, who is the head of the tax service had said, "People should already now be feeling real changes for the better, so far this is happening far from everywhere." Watch Video: "To develop further and ensure further growth of GDP we need primarily to stimulate the growth of investment... to restore trust that has perhaps been lost between the authorities and business," he said, adding that he was open "constructive criticism". Putin had shocked the nation on Wednesday after abruptly proposing new powers were needed for the Russian Parliament leading to the resignation of now caretaker PM Medvedev, who is one of Putin's oldest allies and served as president from 2008 to 2012. In a speech, Putin said constitutional changes were needed which would give more powers to the country's Parliament allowing the lawmakers to choose the prime minister and cabinet. Putin is due to step down as president in 2024, according to Russian law, a president cannot serve more than two terms. Putin returned to the presidency in 2012 after a stint as prime minister. Russia goes to the polls in 2021 with all eyes on Putin's next move.

Russian lawmakers overwhelmingly approve Mikhail Mishustin as PM

Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev resigned today shortly after Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed a referendum to give the Parliament more powers to choose the prime minister in a speech.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/now-putin-proposes-referendum-to-boost-russian-parliaments-powers-274453">Also Read: Now, Putin proposes referendum to boost Russian parliament's powers</a>

Medvedev said the proposals would make significant changes to the country's balance of power and so "the government in its current form has resigned."

Medvedev made the surprise announcement on Russia's state TV while sitting next to Putin who thanked him for his work.

The Russian prime minister submitted his resignation to President Putin, reports said.&nbsp;"All further decisions will be taken by the president," Medvedev stated.

Putin named Mikhail Mishustin, Russia's head of tax service as a replacement for Medvedev.

In a speech, the Russian president had said, "It was necessary to conduct a vote by the country's citizens on an entire package of proposed amendments to the country's constitution."

Putin, 67, is set to step down as president in 2024 with Russia set for parliamentary elections in 2021. Under the Russian constitution, a person cannot serve more than two successive presidential terms.

In December, during a marathon press conference, the Russian president had dropped broad hints that he might not seek another term in 2024.

Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev resigned today shortly after Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed a referendum to give the Parliament more powers to choose the prime minister in a speech.

Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev resigned today shortly after Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed a referendum to give the Parliament more powers to choose the prime minister in a speech. Also Read: Now, Putin proposes referendum to boost Russian parliament's powers Medvedev said the proposals would make significant changes to the country's balance of power and so "the government in its current form has resigned." Medvedev made the surprise announcement on Russia's state TV while sitting next to Putin who thanked him for his work. The Russian prime minister submitted his resignation to President Putin, reports said. "All further decisions will be taken by the president," Medvedev stated. Putin named Mikhail Mishustin, Russia's head of tax service as a replacement for Medvedev. In a speech, the Russian president had said, "It was necessary to conduct a vote by the country's citizens on an entire package of proposed amendments to the country's constitution." Putin, 67, is set to step down as president in 2024 with Russia set for parliamentary elections in 2021. Under the Russian constitution, a person cannot serve more than two successive presidential terms. In December, during a marathon press conference, the Russian president had dropped broad hints that he might not seek another term in 2024.

PM Medvedev's Russian government resigns after Putin proposes to boost Parliament's powers

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Russia-Ukraine war may continue for decades, says Putin ally Dmitry Medvedev

Mikhail Mishustin: Tax Service head and Hockey player picked by Putin as Russian PM

Russian lawmakers overwhelmingly approve Mikhail Mishustin as PM

PM Medvedev's Russian government resigns after Putin proposes to boost Parliament's powers