<p>Indian Minister of External Affairs (MEA) Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar recently wrapped up his five-day visit to Russia, which also included an interaction with Russian President Vladimir Putin in a rare deviation from the Kremlin’s protocol.</p>

<p>The visit came as a testament to flourishing political and economic relations between the two powers, even as headwinds over the past two years have grown stronger over Russia’s war in Ukraine and the ensuing sanctions by the West.</p>

<p>Jaishankar’s visit to Russia has been hailed as India’s ‘bold statement’ to the West by the Russian media. Russia’s state-backed RT News in an opinion piece stated: “The visit is also a way for New Delhi to signal its independent foreign policy and strategic autonomy in pursuing its interests, at a time when India is drawing closer to the United States and its allies.”</p>

<h2><strong>Ex-US ambassador loses calm</strong></h2>

<p>Sharing the RT’s piece on X, USA’s former ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul expressed his disappointment over Jaishankar’s visit to Russia, accusing New Delhi of embracing ‘imperial Russia.’</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jaishankar-on-delhis-foreign-policy-goals-to-develop-international-relations-with-indian-characteristics-674489"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Jaishankar on Delhi`s foreign policy goals: `To develop International Relations with Indian characteristics`</strong></a></p>

<p>“India was once a world champion against imperialism and for decolonization. Sad to see this embrace of imperial Russia using war and annexation to try to recolonize Ukraine,” &nbsp;the ambassador wrote on X.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">India was once a world champion against imperialism and for decolonization. Sad to see this embrace of imperial Russia using war and annexation to try to recolonize Ukraine. I guess money is more important than values. <a href="https://t.co/2bQmpSed1d">https://t.co/2bQmpSed1d</a></p>
— Michael McFaul (@McFaul) <a href="https://twitter.com/McFaul/status/1741007992542404867?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 30, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>“I guess money is more important than values,” he added.</p>

<h2><strong>Ambassador gets schooled by Indians</strong></h2>

<p>Indians on X took great offence at McFaul’s comments and flooded the reply section with hard-hitting comments.</p>

<p>“Why do you have to "guess money is more important than values"? You are American. You have always put money above values for the last three hundred years,” wrote an X user CA Shailendra Marathe.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Why do you have to "guess money is more important than values"? You are American. You have always put money above values for the last three hundred years. 😀</p>
— CA Shailendra Marathe (@ShailMarathe) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShailMarathe/status/1741144066912665886?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 30, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>"I hope you have heard about 'American Interests' while your country indirectly sponsored Taliban, LeT, Jaish and many more. India never did any such despicable actions," wrote another user Manan Bhatt.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;S Jaishankar in Russia: India &amp; Russia sign pacts, inch closer to jointly producing weapons</strong></p>

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<p>"Still, we have to care for 'Indian Interests' that's what my country is doing."</p>

<p>"Why so much double speak, amb?"</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I hope you have heard about 'American Interests' while your country indirectly sponsored Taliban, LeT, Jaish and many more.<br />
India never did any such despicable actions.<br />
Still, we have to care for 'Indian Interests' that's what my country is doing.<br />
Why so much double speak, amb?</p>
— Manan Bhatt 🇮🇳 (@mananbhattnavy) <a href="https://twitter.com/mananbhattnavy/status/1741133034190184573?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 30, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Some users also shared pictures from the recent meeting between the Army Chief of Pakistan, India's arch nemesis, and USA's Secretary of State Antony Blinken.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Say what now? <a href="https://t.co/91t464mlmg">https://t.co/91t464mlmg</a> <a href="https://t.co/7dmYbPxb8Y">pic.twitter.com/7dmYbPxb8Y</a></p>
— Rishap Vats (@VatsRishap) <a href="https://twitter.com/VatsRishap/status/1741139381161976083?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 30, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>Take from experts</strong></h2>

<p>Even geopolitical experts on X&nbsp;raised questions on the ambassador's comments, who agreed that India was just serving its own "interests."</p>

<p>"It's not about 'money.'&nbsp; 'Interests'&nbsp;are more important than values," wrote&nbsp;Jeff M Smith,&nbsp;Director of the Asian Studies Center at The Heritage Foundation.</p>

<p>"That goes for us too, when we meet with leaders of Saudi or Egypt. If we meet Xi when he's sponsoring genocide or Pak generals when they're sponsoring terrorism, we can't lecture India about meeting with Putin," he added.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">It's not about "money."<br />
"Interests" are more important than values.<br />
<br />
That goes for us too, when we meet with leaders of Saudi or Egypt. If we meet Xi when he's sponsoring genocide or Pak generals when they're sponsoring terrorism, we can't lecture India about meeting with Putin. <a href="https://t.co/j9CBUm2DF9">https://t.co/j9CBUm2DF9</a></p>
— Jeff M. Smith (@Cold_Peace_) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cold_Peace_/status/1741129385178964156?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 30, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Geopolitical expert&nbsp;Gokul Sahni also posted a satirical response to the ambassador's comments.</p>

<p>"Always great to be accused of pursuing a profiteering foreign policy from the paragons of virtue - the American foreign policy establishment," he wrote.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Always great to be accused of pursuing a profiteering foreign policy from the paragons of virtue - the American foreign policy establishment. <a href="https://t.co/tvDTElM7GG">https://t.co/tvDTElM7GG</a></p>
— Gokul Sahni (@Gokul_Sahni) <a href="https://twitter.com/Gokul_Sahni/status/1741132202748907859?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 30, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Indian Minister of External Affairs (MEA) Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar recently wrapped up his five-day visit to Russia, which also included an interaction with Russian President Vladimir Putin in a rare deviation from the Kremlin’s protocol.

Indian Minister of External Affairs (MEA) Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar recently wrapped up his five-day visit to Russia, which also included an interaction with Russian President Vladimir Putin in a rare deviation from the Kremlin’s protocol. The visit came as a testament to flourishing political and economic relations between the two powers, even as headwinds over the past two years have grown stronger over Russia’s war in Ukraine and the ensuing sanctions by the West. Jaishankar’s visit to Russia has been hailed as India’s ‘bold statement’ to the West by the Russian media. Russia’s state-backed RT News in an opinion piece stated: “The visit is also a way for New Delhi to signal its independent foreign policy and strategic autonomy in pursuing its interests, at a time when India is drawing closer to the United States and its allies.” Ex-US ambassador loses calm Sharing the RT’s piece on X, USA’s former ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul expressed his disappointment over Jaishankar’s visit to Russia, accusing New Delhi of embracing ‘imperial Russia.’ Also read: Jaishankar on Delhi`s foreign policy goals: `To develop International Relations with Indian characteristics` “India was once a world champion against imperialism and for decolonization. Sad to see this embrace of imperial Russia using war and annexation to try to recolonize Ukraine,” the ambassador wrote on X. India was once a world champion against imperialism and for decolonization. Sad to see this embrace of imperial Russia using war and annexation to try to recolonize Ukraine. I guess money is more important than values. https://t.co/2bQmpSed1d — Michael McFaul (@McFaul) December 30, 2023 × “I guess money is more important than values,” he added. Ambassador gets schooled by Indians Indians on X took great offence at McFaul’s comments and flooded the reply section with hard-hitting comments. “Why do you have to "guess money is more important than values"? You are American. You have always put money above values for the last three hundred years,” wrote an X user CA Shailendra Marathe. Why do you have to "guess money is more important than values"? You are American. You have always put money above values for the last three hundred years. 😀 — CA Shailendra Marathe (@ShailMarathe) December 30, 2023 × "I hope you have heard about 'American Interests' while your country indirectly sponsored Taliban, LeT, Jaish and many more. India never did any such despicable actions," wrote another user Manan Bhatt. Watch: S Jaishankar in Russia: India & Russia sign pacts, inch closer to jointly producing weapons × "Still, we have to care for 'Indian Interests' that's what my country is doing." "Why so much double speak, amb?" I hope you have heard about 'American Interests' while your country indirectly sponsored Taliban, LeT, Jaish and many more. India never did any such despicable actions. Still, we have to care for 'Indian Interests' that's what my country is doing. Why so much double speak, amb? — Manan Bhatt 🇮🇳 (@mananbhattnavy) December 30, 2023 × Some users also shared pictures from the recent meeting between the Army Chief of Pakistan, India's arch nemesis, and USA's Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Say what now? https://t.co/91t464mlmg pic.twitter.com/7dmYbPxb8Y — Rishap Vats (@VatsRishap) December 30, 2023 × Take from experts Even geopolitical experts on X raised questions on the ambassador's comments, who agreed that India was just serving its own "interests." "It's not about 'money.' 'Interests' are more important than values," wrote Jeff M Smith, Director of the Asian Studies Center at The Heritage Foundation. "That goes for us too, when we meet with leaders of Saudi or Egypt. If we meet Xi when he's sponsoring genocide or Pak generals when they're sponsoring terrorism, we can't lecture India about meeting with Putin," he added. It's not about "money." "Interests" are more important than values. That goes for us too, when we meet with leaders of Saudi or Egypt. If we meet Xi when he's sponsoring genocide or Pak generals when they're sponsoring terrorism, we can't lecture India about meeting with Putin. https://t.co/j9CBUm2DF9 — Jeff M. Smith (@Cold_Peace_) December 30, 2023 × Geopolitical expert Gokul Sahni also posted a satirical response to the ambassador's comments. "Always great to be accused of pursuing a profiteering foreign policy from the paragons of virtue - the American foreign policy establishment," he wrote. Always great to be accused of pursuing a profiteering foreign policy from the paragons of virtue - the American foreign policy establishment. https://t.co/tvDTElM7GG — Gokul Sahni (@Gokul_Sahni) December 30, 2023 ×

'It's about interests,' Indians rip into ex-US ambassador after he questions Jaishankar's visit to Russia

<p>A deadly missile strike by Ukraine on the Russian city of Belgorod claimed the lives of at least 14 people and wounded 108 others, Russia's emergencies ministry said Saturday (Dec 30).</p>

<p>"According to updated information, 12 adults and two children were killed in Belgorod. Another 108 people, including 15 children, were injured," the ministry said.</p>

<p>Earlier, the ministry had reported the death toll as 10 which included nine adults and one child.</p>

<p>"Nine adults and one child were killed in Belgorod due to shelling by the Ukrainian army. 45 people were injured, including 4 children," Russia's emergencies ministry said.</p>

<p>Regional governor Vyacheslav Gladkov, in a post on the social media platform Telegram said that a residential building was hit by the strike, further urging the residents to rush to air raid shelters as sirens blared across the city.</p>

<p>Belgorod, which is about 30 kilometres (19 miles) from the Ukrainian border has like other Russian border zones suffered shelling and drone attacks all throughout the year that authorities have condemned Ukraine for.</p>

<p>As per the news agency AFP, unverified footage of the strike showed debris scattered across the street and smoke billowing from burnt-out cars in the city's centre.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/xi-jinpings-2023-when-chinas-bri-dream-faced-an-italian-reality-check-674821">Xi Jinping's 2023: When China's BRI dream faced an Italian 'reality check'</a></p>

<h2><strong>Putin briefed on strike</strong></h2>

<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin has been briefed about the Ukrainian strike, the Kremlin said.</p>

<p>"President Vladimir Putin has been informed about the Ukrainian armed forces' strike on residential neighbourhoods in Belgorod," spokesman Dmitry Peskov told the TASS news agency.</p>

<p>Moscow also said that this act "would not go unpunished".</p>

<p>"This offence will not go unpunished," Russia's defence ministry said in a statement.</p>

<h2><strong>Russia&nbsp;seeking UN Security Council meeting on strike</strong></h2>

<p>Russia requested a meeting of the United Nations Security Council to discuss the Ukrainian strike on the city of Belgorod.</p>

<p>"We have requested a meeting of the Security Council on Belgorod for 15.00 New York time (2000 GMT) today, 30 December," Moscow's deputy permanent representative to the UN Dmitry Polyansky said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The attack came after the Russian strikes killed at least 39 people just a day before.</p>

<p>Ukraine's military estimated Russia had launched 158 missiles and drones on Ukraine and 114 of them had been destroyed.</p>

<p>Air Force spokesman Yuriy Ignat told the news agency AFP that this was a "record number" of missiles and "the most massive missile attack" of the conflict, excluding the early days of constant bombardment.</p>

<p>"Work is still underway to eliminate the consequences of yesterday's Russian attack," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A deadly missile strike by Ukraine on the Russian city of Belgorod claimed the lives of at least 14 people and wounded 108 others, Russia's emergencies ministry said Saturday (Dec 30).

A deadly missile strike by Ukraine on the Russian city of Belgorod claimed the lives of at least 14 people and wounded 108 others, Russia's emergencies ministry said Saturday (Dec 30). "According to updated information, 12 adults and two children were killed in Belgorod. Another 108 people, including 15 children, were injured," the ministry said. Earlier, the ministry had reported the death toll as 10 which included nine adults and one child. "Nine adults and one child were killed in Belgorod due to shelling by the Ukrainian army. 45 people were injured, including 4 children," Russia's emergencies ministry said. Regional governor Vyacheslav Gladkov, in a post on the social media platform Telegram said that a residential building was hit by the strike, further urging the residents to rush to air raid shelters as sirens blared across the city. Belgorod, which is about 30 kilometres (19 miles) from the Ukrainian border has like other Russian border zones suffered shelling and drone attacks all throughout the year that authorities have condemned Ukraine for. As per the news agency AFP, unverified footage of the strike showed debris scattered across the street and smoke billowing from burnt-out cars in the city's centre. Also read: Xi Jinping's 2023: When China's BRI dream faced an Italian 'reality check' Putin briefed on strike Russian President Vladimir Putin has been briefed about the Ukrainian strike, the Kremlin said. "President Vladimir Putin has been informed about the Ukrainian armed forces' strike on residential neighbourhoods in Belgorod," spokesman Dmitry Peskov told the TASS news agency. Moscow also said that this act "would not go unpunished". "This offence will not go unpunished," Russia's defence ministry said in a statement. Russia seeking UN Security Council meeting on strike Russia requested a meeting of the United Nations Security Council to discuss the Ukrainian strike on the city of Belgorod. "We have requested a meeting of the Security Council on Belgorod for 15.00 New York time (2000 GMT) today, 30 December," Moscow's deputy permanent representative to the UN Dmitry Polyansky said. The attack came after the Russian strikes killed at least 39 people just a day before. Ukraine's military estimated Russia had launched 158 missiles and drones on Ukraine and 114 of them had been destroyed. Air Force spokesman Yuriy Ignat told the news agency AFP that this was a "record number" of missiles and "the most massive missile attack" of the conflict, excluding the early days of constant bombardment. "Work is still underway to eliminate the consequences of yesterday's Russian attack," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukrainian strike kills at least 14 in city of Belgorod, says Russia

<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin's rumoured goddaughter Ksenia Sobchak was reportedly one of the attendees at the controversial star-studded "almost-naked" party which has now triggered severe backlash in the country.</p>

<p>A journalist, socialite, and onetime presidential candidate, Sobchak said she had realised that being a part of the "almost-naked" party was not the right thing to do.</p>

<p>The scandalous event in Moscow's famed Mutabor nightclub saw celebrities dressed in raunchy costumes.</p>

<p>Famous rapper Nikolai Vasilyev, also known as Vacio, attended the party wearing only a sock to hide his modesty.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He was later imprisoned for 15 days and fined for promoting "non-traditional sexual relations".</p>

<p>The other stars who wore flesh-coloured mesh, lace, and lingerie, faced cancelled concerts, lost TV appearances, and broken sponsorship deals.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The party was organised by famous Instagram influencer Anastasia Ivleeva and was attended by several celebs who have been staying in the country since Putin launched his offensive against Russia in Feb 2022.</p>

<p><strong>Also read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russias-star-studded-almost-naked-party-triggers-severe-backlash-heres-what-happened-674393">Russia’s star-studded ‘almost naked’ party triggers severe backlash | Here’s what happened</a></p>

<h2><strong>Sobchak issues public apology</strong></h2>

<p>Sobchak, reacting to the controversy, issued a partial apology, while also seeking to defend the organiser of the party Ivleeva.</p>

<p>As per a Washington Post translation, she shared a post on her Telegram account a day after the backlash began, saying, "Where and when adults go with their butts naked is their personal business."</p>

<p>The post showcased the video of a woman wearing a sheer black dress.</p>

<p>A few days later, the footage of the party sparked public outrage after which Sobchak released another video saying that attending the party and sharing images online was not the right thing to do at a time when Russian troops were fighting in Ukraine.</p>

<p>"You always need to choose carefully the right time, and this is not the right time," she said.</p>

<p>“If anyone was offended by my appearance, I apologise for that,” she added. “I don’t want to cause hatred and anger toward myself and other artists because of this stupid accident.”</p>

<p>Sobchak is the daughter of Putin's former boss Anatoly Sobchak, the ex-mayor of St. Petersburg who passed away in 2000.</p>

<p>The controversial event has invited criticism from the authorities, pro-Kremlin lawmakers and bloggers, state media, and Orthodox Church groups.</p>

<p>It has also angered Russians who back Moscow's aggression against Ukraine.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


Russian President Vladimir Putin's rumoured goddaughter Ksenia Sobchak was reportedly one of the attendees at the controversial star-studded "almost-naked" party which has now triggered severe backlash in the country.

Russian President Vladimir Putin's rumoured goddaughter Ksenia Sobchak was reportedly one of the attendees at the controversial star-studded "almost-naked" party which has now triggered severe backlash in the country. A journalist, socialite, and onetime presidential candidate, Sobchak said she had realised that being a part of the "almost-naked" party was not the right thing to do. The scandalous event in Moscow's famed Mutabor nightclub saw celebrities dressed in raunchy costumes. Famous rapper Nikolai Vasilyev, also known as Vacio, attended the party wearing only a sock to hide his modesty. He was later imprisoned for 15 days and fined for promoting "non-traditional sexual relations". The other stars who wore flesh-coloured mesh, lace, and lingerie, faced cancelled concerts, lost TV appearances, and broken sponsorship deals. The party was organised by famous Instagram influencer Anastasia Ivleeva and was attended by several celebs who have been staying in the country since Putin launched his offensive against Russia in Feb 2022. Also read: Russia’s star-studded ‘almost naked’ party triggers severe backlash | Here’s what happened Sobchak issues public apology Sobchak, reacting to the controversy, issued a partial apology, while also seeking to defend the organiser of the party Ivleeva. As per a Washington Post translation, she shared a post on her Telegram account a day after the backlash began, saying, "Where and when adults go with their butts naked is their personal business." The post showcased the video of a woman wearing a sheer black dress. A few days later, the footage of the party sparked public outrage after which Sobchak released another video saying that attending the party and sharing images online was not the right thing to do at a time when Russian troops were fighting in Ukraine. "You always need to choose carefully the right time, and this is not the right time," she said. “If anyone was offended by my appearance, I apologise for that,” she added. “I don’t want to cause hatred and anger toward myself and other artists because of this stupid accident.” Sobchak is the daughter of Putin's former boss Anatoly Sobchak, the ex-mayor of St. Petersburg who passed away in 2000. The controversial event has invited criticism from the authorities, pro-Kremlin lawmakers and bloggers, state media, and Orthodox Church groups. It has also angered Russians who back Moscow's aggression against Ukraine. (With inputs from agencies)

Russian President Putin's rumoured goddaughter issues apology after attending ‘almost naked’ party

<p>Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar along with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov hailed "very steady and strong" New Delhi-Moscow relations,&nbsp;stating that the ties are based on strategic convergence and geopolitical interests and that they are mutually beneficial.</p>

<p>Jaishankar at a joint press briefing with Lavrov said that both sides had a "very good session of talks".</p>

<p>“I think today what clearly came out was that India-Russia relations remain very steady, remain very strong, they are based on our strategic convergence, on our geopolitical interests, and because they are mutually beneficial,” he said.</p>

<p>“For us, Russia is a valued partner, a time-tested partner. It is a relationship from which both India and Russia have benefitted enormously,” Jaishankar said while responding to a question.</p>

<p>“My presence here today and the fact that all the developments that I have pointed out including our growing trade, investments, our military-technical cooperation, our connectivity projects, I think all of this will give you a good sense of the importance and value that we attach to the relationship,” he added.</p>

<p>Talking about the North-South transport corridor, Jaishankar said that it was in the interest&nbsp;of the entire global economy. “It is in our interest and not just in our interest, I think in the interest of the global economy that this corridor progresses. And we will give it the highest priority,” he said responding to another question.</p>

<h2><strong>India-Russia trade exceeds USD 50 billion</strong></h2>

<p>Jaishankar, further highlighting the significant progress made, said that the bilateral trade had surpassed USD 50 billion.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indian-foreign-minister-jaishankar-meets-russian-president-vladimir-putin-in-moscow-674123">Putin discusses trade, Ukraine war with Jaishankar, invites 'friend' PM Modi to Russia</a></p>

<p>He also emphasised the potential for further growth and the need to provide trade ties with a more sustainable character.</p>

<p>“We appreciate the fact that our trade is at an all-time high. We crossed $50 billion turnover last year. We expect to exceed that this year. And what is important is that this trade is more balanced. It is sustainable, and it provides for fair market access,” Jaishankar said.</p>

<p>He further said that the&nbsp;two countries also discussed cooperation in their relationship with the Russian Far East.</p>

<p>He said that he expects a delegation from the Far East to participate in the Vibrant Gujarat meeting in January.</p>

<p>“We discussed long-term arrangements. We are today, in our trade, energy, fertilizers, and cooking coal are very big components of that. How do we reach long-term arrangements in that regard was a big part of our discussion. We discussed mutual investments, and the need to progress on a bilateral investment treaty,” he said.</p>

<p>“We spoke about railways yesterday, about industrial zone infrastructure. And we have agreed that the negotiations between India and the Eurasian Economic Union for a free trade agreement will be resumed in the second half of January this year,” he said, referring to his meeting with the co-chair of the India-Russia Intergovernmental Commission, Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov, on Tuesday.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/openai-microsoft-sued-by-new-york-times-for-use-of-stories-to-train-chatbots-674120">OpenAI, Microsoft sued by New York Times for use of its stories to train their chatbots</a></p>

<p>He also underlined the discussions held taking into consideration Indian investments in Russia, in oil and gas, which he said India was seeking to expand.</p>

<p>“We also spoke about connectivity; connectivity from western India through the International North-South Transport Corridor. Also connectivity from eastern India, from Chennai to Vladivostok and the polar route. We discussed various related areas where India’s polar capabilities could be enhanced in collaboration with Russia,” he added.</p>

<p>He then said that civil aviation and tourism were also touched upon during the discussions between both sides. “We would like to see more Russian tourists in India. We have increased the number of flights from India every week, from 52 to 64. We are open to increasing it further.”</p>

<h2><strong>Good to see India-Russia ties progressing consistently, says Lavrov&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Lavrov said that the ties between both countries are based on mutual respect and that it was good to see that the relations were consistently making progress.</p>

<p>“We express our heartfelt gratitude to our Indian counterparts for their aspiration to take a responsible approach in considering and resolving regional and global issues, primarily focusing on national interests, the interests of equal and fair international cooperation. This approach is also characteristic of India’s position on the ongoing processes in and around Ukraine, and we have also talked about it,” Lavrov said.</p>

<p>He further lauded India's G20 presidency, adding that Russia backed India’s candidacy for the UN Security Council.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The New Delhi G20 Summit that took place last year was a true triumph of India’s foreign policy; it was a triumph of multilateral diplomacy, which has become possible, to a decisive degree, because the G20 Chair did not allow making the outcome document unilateral. The outcome document reflects the balance of interests,” he said.</p>

<p>Jaishankar, earlier on Wednesday (Dec 27), held wide-ranging talks with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov in Moscow where he said that the relations between both countries reflect geopolitical realities, strategic convergence and mutual benefit.</p>

<p>Jaishankar and Lavrov also exchanged views on the Indo-Pacific region, conflict in Ukraine, the ongoing situation in Gaza, &nbsp;Afghanistan and Central Asia, BRICS, Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, G20 and UN-related matters.</p>

<p>"A wide-ranging and useful meeting with FM Sergey Lavrov of Russia. As strategic partners, (we) discussed the international situation and contemporary issues," Jaishankar said in a post on X.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A wide ranging and useful meeting with FM Sergey Lavrov of Russia.<br />
<br />
As strategic partners, discussed the international situation and contemporary issues. Exchanged views on Indo-Pacific, the Ukraine conflict, the Gaza situation , Afghanistan and Central Asia, BRICS, SCO, G20 and… <a href="https://t.co/Uk9VTbZm5y">pic.twitter.com/Uk9VTbZm5y</a></p>
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1740000058618024124?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 27, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>He further said that both sides&nbsp;noted the progress in economic cooperation, energy trade, connectivity efforts, military-technical cooperation and people-to-people exchanges.</p>

<p>“Signed Protocol on Consultations for the period 2024-28. India-Russia relations reflect geopolitical realities, strategic convergence and mutual benefit,” he added.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;</em></p>


Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar along with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov hailed "very steady and strong" New Delhi-Moscow relations, stating that the ties are based on strategic convergence and geopolitical interests and that they are mutually beneficial.

Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar along with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov hailed "very steady and strong" New Delhi-Moscow relations, stating that the ties are based on strategic convergence and geopolitical interests and that they are mutually beneficial. Jaishankar at a joint press briefing with Lavrov said that both sides had a "very good session of talks". “I think today what clearly came out was that India-Russia relations remain very steady, remain very strong, they are based on our strategic convergence, on our geopolitical interests, and because they are mutually beneficial,” he said. “For us, Russia is a valued partner, a time-tested partner. It is a relationship from which both India and Russia have benefitted enormously,” Jaishankar said while responding to a question. “My presence here today and the fact that all the developments that I have pointed out including our growing trade, investments, our military-technical cooperation, our connectivity projects, I think all of this will give you a good sense of the importance and value that we attach to the relationship,” he added. Talking about the North-South transport corridor, Jaishankar said that it was in the interest of the entire global economy. “It is in our interest and not just in our interest, I think in the interest of the global economy that this corridor progresses. And we will give it the highest priority,” he said responding to another question. India-Russia trade exceeds USD 50 billion Jaishankar, further highlighting the significant progress made, said that the bilateral trade had surpassed USD 50 billion. Also read: Putin discusses trade, Ukraine war with Jaishankar, invites 'friend' PM Modi to Russia He also emphasised the potential for further growth and the need to provide trade ties with a more sustainable character. “We appreciate the fact that our trade is at an all-time high. We crossed $50 billion turnover last year. We expect to exceed that this year. And what is important is that this trade is more balanced. It is sustainable, and it provides for fair market access,” Jaishankar said. He further said that the two countries also discussed cooperation in their relationship with the Russian Far East. He said that he expects a delegation from the Far East to participate in the Vibrant Gujarat meeting in January. “We discussed long-term arrangements. We are today, in our trade, energy, fertilizers, and cooking coal are very big components of that. How do we reach long-term arrangements in that regard was a big part of our discussion. We discussed mutual investments, and the need to progress on a bilateral investment treaty,” he said. “We spoke about railways yesterday, about industrial zone infrastructure. And we have agreed that the negotiations between India and the Eurasian Economic Union for a free trade agreement will be resumed in the second half of January this year,” he said, referring to his meeting with the co-chair of the India-Russia Intergovernmental Commission, Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov, on Tuesday. Also read: OpenAI, Microsoft sued by New York Times for use of its stories to train their chatbots He also underlined the discussions held taking into consideration Indian investments in Russia, in oil and gas, which he said India was seeking to expand. “We also spoke about connectivity; connectivity from western India through the International North-South Transport Corridor. Also connectivity from eastern India, from Chennai to Vladivostok and the polar route. We discussed various related areas where India’s polar capabilities could be enhanced in collaboration with Russia,” he added. He then said that civil aviation and tourism were also touched upon during the discussions between both sides. “We would like to see more Russian tourists in India. We have increased the number of flights from India every week, from 52 to 64. We are open to increasing it further.” Good to see India-Russia ties progressing consistently, says Lavrov Lavrov said that the ties between both countries are based on mutual respect and that it was good to see that the relations were consistently making progress. “We express our heartfelt gratitude to our Indian counterparts for their aspiration to take a responsible approach in considering and resolving regional and global issues, primarily focusing on national interests, the interests of equal and fair international cooperation. This approach is also characteristic of India’s position on the ongoing processes in and around Ukraine, and we have also talked about it,” Lavrov said. He further lauded India's G20 presidency, adding that Russia backed India’s candidacy for the UN Security Council. “The New Delhi G20 Summit that took place last year was a true triumph of India’s foreign policy; it was a triumph of multilateral diplomacy, which has become possible, to a decisive degree, because the G20 Chair did not allow making the outcome document unilateral. The outcome document reflects the balance of interests,” he said. Jaishankar, earlier on Wednesday (Dec 27), held wide-ranging talks with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov in Moscow where he said that the relations between both countries reflect geopolitical realities, strategic convergence and mutual benefit. Jaishankar and Lavrov also exchanged views on the Indo-Pacific region, conflict in Ukraine, the ongoing situation in Gaza, Afghanistan and Central Asia, BRICS, Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, G20 and UN-related matters. "A wide-ranging and useful meeting with FM Sergey Lavrov of Russia. As strategic partners, (we) discussed the international situation and contemporary issues," Jaishankar said in a post on X. A wide ranging and useful meeting with FM Sergey Lavrov of Russia. As strategic partners, discussed the international situation and contemporary issues. Exchanged views on Indo-Pacific, the Ukraine conflict, the Gaza situation , Afghanistan and Central Asia, BRICS, SCO, G20 and… pic.twitter.com/Uk9VTbZm5y — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) December 27, 2023 × He further said that both sides noted the progress in economic cooperation, energy trade, connectivity efforts, military-technical cooperation and people-to-people exchanges. “Signed Protocol on Consultations for the period 2024-28. India-Russia relations reflect geopolitical realities, strategic convergence and mutual benefit,” he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Lavrov hails 'mutually beneficial' India-Russia ties, Jaishankar calls Moscow a 'time-tested partner'

India's Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar on Wednesday (Dec 27) hailed the "very strong" and "very steady" relationship between New Delhi and Moscow as he met his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov to discuss bilateral cooperation in different spheres, international strategic situation, conflicts and tensions. Watch the video to know more!

Jaishankar hails very strong & very steady Indo-Russia ties as he meets Russian counterpart Lavrov

Jaishankar on five-day Russia visit: Agreement signed on Kudankulam nuclear plant

New Delhi has officially announced that the country's external affairs minister S Jaishankar will fly to Russia on a key diplomatic visit beginning on Christmas day that is on December 25th. The 5-day visit is part of an ongoing high-level exchanges between Russia and India and it will include engagements in Moscow and St Petersburg.

Jaishankar on five-day Russia visit: All eyes on Jaishankar-Lavrov meet, to expand engagement

<p>Iran has summoned Russia's envoy following a recent statement by Moscow and Arab countries calling for talks over three islands controlled by Tehran but claimed by the United Arab Emirates.</p>

<p>The summoning of Moscow's charge d'affaires comes days after Iran's key ally Russia signed a joint declaration with Arab countries which "supported peaceful solutions and initiatives" to resolve the dispute over the islands.</p>

<p>Iran's foreign ministry on Saturday (Dec 23) said that it summoned Moscow's charge d'affaires in Tehran, in the absence of its ambassador, to submit a "note of protest" on the contents of the joint statement.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-feel-sad-bethlehem-the-birthplace-of-jesus-marks-sombre-christmas-celebration-with-vigil-amid-gaza-war-673157">Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus, marks sombre Christmas Eve amid Gaza war</a></p>

<p>"The Islamic Republic of Iran considers any claim from any side in this regard as rejected and unacceptable," Iran's foreign ministry said in a statement.</p>

<p>Iran's top diplomat Hossein Amir-Abdollahian also called the islands "an integral part of Iran's territorial integrity"&nbsp;in a telephonic conversation with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov on Friday (Dec 22).</p>

<p>"Tehran will not compromise with any side on the issue of respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty," he added.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-navy-responds-swiftly-to-maritime-incident-in-arabian-sea-673183">Indian Navy responds swiftly to maritime incident in Arabian Sea</a></p>

<p>Iran, in July, had summoned the Russian ambassador to oppose a similar joint statement signed by Moscow and Arab countries on the islands.</p>

<p>Located in the Gulf, the three strategic islands of Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb and Abu Musa are located near the Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of world oil output passes.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Iran has summoned Russia's envoy following a recent statement by Moscow and Arab countries calling for talks over three islands controlled by Tehran but claimed by the United Arab Emirates.

Iran has summoned Russia's envoy following a recent statement by Moscow and Arab countries calling for talks over three islands controlled by Tehran but claimed by the United Arab Emirates. The summoning of Moscow's charge d'affaires comes days after Iran's key ally Russia signed a joint declaration with Arab countries which "supported peaceful solutions and initiatives" to resolve the dispute over the islands. Iran's foreign ministry on Saturday (Dec 23) said that it summoned Moscow's charge d'affaires in Tehran, in the absence of its ambassador, to submit a "note of protest" on the contents of the joint statement. Also read: Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus, marks sombre Christmas Eve amid Gaza war "The Islamic Republic of Iran considers any claim from any side in this regard as rejected and unacceptable," Iran's foreign ministry said in a statement. Iran's top diplomat Hossein Amir-Abdollahian also called the islands "an integral part of Iran's territorial integrity" in a telephonic conversation with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov on Friday (Dec 22). "Tehran will not compromise with any side on the issue of respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty," he added. Also read: Indian Navy responds swiftly to maritime incident in Arabian Sea Iran, in July, had summoned the Russian ambassador to oppose a similar joint statement signed by Moscow and Arab countries on the islands. Located in the Gulf, the three strategic islands of Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb and Abu Musa are located near the Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of world oil output passes. (With inputs from agencies)

Iran summons Russian envoy, registers displeasure over statement on disputed Gulf islands

India's Jaishankar arrives in Moscow to meet Russian deputy PM

<p>Russia on Saturday (Dec 23) rejected an application by presidential hopeful Yekaterina Duntsova calling for peace. The Central Electoral Commission, citing mistakes in the documents submitted by Duntsova, cancelled the plea, reported Russian television.</p>

<p>The commission's chief, Ella Pamfilova, released a statement saying that the members rejected Duntsova's bid to stand in the elections to be held next year.</p>

<p>It further said Duntsova, who is a former journalist and city councillor campaigning "for peace and democratic processes", could not move on to the next stage of assembling thousands of supporters' signatures.</p>

<p>Pamfilova told her: "You are a young woman, you have everything ahead of you."</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/drone-strike-hits-ship-off-indias-coast-says-report-672821">Missile strike hits merchant ship off India's coast; crew included 21 Indians</a></p>

<p>She further said that at least 29 people had filed to run for the presidency in Russia.</p>

<p>The 40-year-old former journalist was asked to provide documents proving that a group of at least 500 people had held a meeting supporting her.</p>

<p>"A people's initiative is not needed, is not welcomed," Duntsova told journalists, saying she would not have time to file another application as an independent candidate.</p>

<p>She then took to her official social media account saying that she would file an appeal against the ruling with the Supreme Court.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Anti-war candidate</strong></h2>

<p>Duntsova submitted her application on Wednesday (Dec 20) to challenge incumbent President Vladimir Putin in the country’s upcoming elections in March 2024.&nbsp;</p>

<p>She had planned to run on a scaffold of ending the war in Ukraine and freeing political prisoners.</p>

<p>Duntsova, in an interview with Reuters last month, called for an end to the war and the release of political prisoners, including opposition leader Alexei Navalny.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/czech-president-attends-mass-for-victims-of-prague-attack-as-country-holds-national-mourning-672861">Prague shooting: Czech president attends mass for victims as nation mourns</a></p>

<p>“I feel a sense of accomplishment: We’ve done everything that we needed to do. We’ve made this step, and I think it should inspire people who support us,” said Duntsova, speaking to journalists in Moscow on Wednesday.</p>

<p>In her interview with Reuters, Duntsova avoided using the word “war” to describe the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which Putin calls his “special military operation", but did acknowledge that she was afraid. “Any sane person taking this step would be afraid - but fear must not win.”&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Russia on Saturday (Dec 23) rejected an application by presidential hopeful Yekaterina Duntsova calling for peace. The Central Electoral Commission, citing mistakes in the documents submitted by Duntsova, cancelled the plea, reported Russian television.

Russia on Saturday (Dec 23) rejected an application by presidential hopeful Yekaterina Duntsova calling for peace. The Central Electoral Commission, citing mistakes in the documents submitted by Duntsova, cancelled the plea, reported Russian television. The commission's chief, Ella Pamfilova, released a statement saying that the members rejected Duntsova's bid to stand in the elections to be held next year. It further said Duntsova, who is a former journalist and city councillor campaigning "for peace and democratic processes", could not move on to the next stage of assembling thousands of supporters' signatures. Pamfilova told her: "You are a young woman, you have everything ahead of you." Also read: Missile strike hits merchant ship off India's coast; crew included 21 Indians She further said that at least 29 people had filed to run for the presidency in Russia. The 40-year-old former journalist was asked to provide documents proving that a group of at least 500 people had held a meeting supporting her. "A people's initiative is not needed, is not welcomed," Duntsova told journalists, saying she would not have time to file another application as an independent candidate. She then took to her official social media account saying that she would file an appeal against the ruling with the Supreme Court. Anti-war candidate Duntsova submitted her application on Wednesday (Dec 20) to challenge incumbent President Vladimir Putin in the country’s upcoming elections in March 2024. She had planned to run on a scaffold of ending the war in Ukraine and freeing political prisoners. Duntsova, in an interview with Reuters last month, called for an end to the war and the release of political prisoners, including opposition leader Alexei Navalny. Also read: Prague shooting: Czech president attends mass for victims as nation mourns “I feel a sense of accomplishment: We’ve done everything that we needed to do. We’ve made this step, and I think it should inspire people who support us,” said Duntsova, speaking to journalists in Moscow on Wednesday. In her interview with Reuters, Duntsova avoided using the word “war” to describe the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which Putin calls his “special military operation", but did acknowledge that she was afraid. “Any sane person taking this step would be afraid - but fear must not win.” (With inputs from agencies)

Russia bars anti-war candidate Yekaterina Duntsova from presidential ballot

The strong relationship between the two nations, which has endured despite Russia's military invasion of its neighbour Ukraine in early 2022, has faced pointed criticism from Western leaders in recent years.

Russia & China hit trade target ahead of schedule; Russian PM praises Beijing-Moscow relationship

At a party conference in Moscow, representatives of the ruling party of Russia reportedly unanimously supported President Vladimir Putin's candidacy for reelection.

Vladimir Putin: Russia will be sovereign or won't exist

Chinese and Russian warplanes have entered South Korea's air defense zone amid growing military ties between Beijing and Moscow.

Fresh tensions in Korean peninsula: 2 Chinese & 4 Russian planes enter South Korean's defence zone

<p>Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, during his talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, accused the West of backing Israel's "genocide" against the Palestinians in Gaza.</p>

<p>Putin met Raisi in the Kremlin a day after visiting the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, where he had a discussion with leaders over the upsurge in violence in Gaza as well as in Ukraine along with the efforts carried out by Russian and OPEC to boost the prices of oil.</p>

<p>In their televised remarks, both leaders did not mention the growing military cooperation between the two countries, which has been a matter of concern for the United States, which claims that Iran is providing &nbsp;Russia with weapons to use in its war against Ukraine.</p>

<p>Putin stated that discussing the current situation in the Middle East, especially in the Palestinian territories, is the need of the hour.</p>

<p>Raisi responded via a translator: "What is happening in Palestine and Gaza is of course genocide and a crime against humanity." He said it was "even more sad" that this was supported by the United States and the West.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-putin-praises-india-says-pm-modi-guarantor-of-stronger-moscow-delhi-ties-667297">Putin praises India, says PM Modi 'guarantor' of stronger Moscow-Delhi ties</a></p>

<p>Iran has strongly voiced support for the Palestinian militant group Hamas, which is the ruling authority in Gaza, in its war against Israel. Russia has relations with all the key players in the region including Hamas and Israel, which it angered by hosting a Hamas delegation in Moscow in October.</p>

<p>Putin said that the sight of suffering and bloodied children in Gaza makes "tears come to your eyes", however, Western governments dubbed his remarks as hypocritical when Putin's forces have claimed the lives of thousands of civilians in Ukraine.</p>

<p>Earlier, the Kremlin said that Russia and Iran were developing relations, "including in the field of military-technical cooperation", but declined to comment on a suggestion by the White House that Iran may be considering providing Russia with ballistic missiles.</p>

<p>White House spokesman John Kirby on Wednesday dubbed the rapidly growing defence relationship as "worrisome".</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, during his talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, accused the West of backing Israel's "genocide" against the Palestinians in Gaza.

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, during his talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, accused the West of backing Israel's "genocide" against the Palestinians in Gaza. Putin met Raisi in the Kremlin a day after visiting the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, where he had a discussion with leaders over the upsurge in violence in Gaza as well as in Ukraine along with the efforts carried out by Russian and OPEC to boost the prices of oil. In their televised remarks, both leaders did not mention the growing military cooperation between the two countries, which has been a matter of concern for the United States, which claims that Iran is providing Russia with weapons to use in its war against Ukraine. Putin stated that discussing the current situation in the Middle East, especially in the Palestinian territories, is the need of the hour. Raisi responded via a translator: "What is happening in Palestine and Gaza is of course genocide and a crime against humanity." He said it was "even more sad" that this was supported by the United States and the West. Also read: Putin praises India, says PM Modi 'guarantor' of stronger Moscow-Delhi ties Iran has strongly voiced support for the Palestinian militant group Hamas, which is the ruling authority in Gaza, in its war against Israel. Russia has relations with all the key players in the region including Hamas and Israel, which it angered by hosting a Hamas delegation in Moscow in October. Putin said that the sight of suffering and bloodied children in Gaza makes "tears come to your eyes", however, Western governments dubbed his remarks as hypocritical when Putin's forces have claimed the lives of thousands of civilians in Ukraine. Earlier, the Kremlin said that Russia and Iran were developing relations, "including in the field of military-technical cooperation", but declined to comment on a suggestion by the White House that Iran may be considering providing Russia with ballistic missiles. White House spokesman John Kirby on Wednesday dubbed the rapidly growing defence relationship as "worrisome". (With inputs from agencies)

Iranian President Raisi accuses West of backing Israel's 'genocide' during talks with Putin

The United Kingdom and the United States have accused Russian Intelligence of orchestrating a wide-ranging hacking campaign. They've said that Russia is targeting British members of parliament civil servants and journalists to meddle in the United Kingdom's general elections.

Moscow rejects claims of malicious cyber acts

<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree allowing the army to boost its troop numbers by 15 per cent. Putin's signing of the decree comes in the backdrop of the war with Ukraine, which has continued&nbsp;for more than 21 months now, causing a significant shortage in the army ranks.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to estimates, the move is expected to increase the number of serving army soldiers by at least 170,000, which is being touted as an&nbsp;"adequate" response to the "aggressive activity of the NATO bloc".</p>

<p>"The increase in the full-time strength of the army is due to growing threats to our country linked with the special military operation and the continuing expansion of NATO," the army said.</p>

<p>While the numbers are being boosted, the army made it clear that it was not planning to make changes to&nbsp;conscription or another mobilisation drive. Last year, the conscription drive led to an exodus of men out of Russia.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-war-can-zelensky-stop-the-russian-assault-665255"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine war: Can Zelensky stop the Russian assault</strong></a></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>A rut in the middle</strong></h2>

<p>Both sides are running low on personnel as the war takes its toll. The replenishment in the ranks is expected to provide the booster shot to the Russian side whose front lines have barely moved in recent months.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Ukraine has struggled to retake territory from Russia, despite launching a much-publicised counter-offensive in June, after stocking on Western&nbsp;weapons.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In recent days, Moscow has tried to intensify the assaults by using a record number of drones, according to Kyiv. The Ukrainian Air Force claimed it had intercepted 71 Iranian-made drones across six regions of the country, including the capital Kyiv, earlier this week.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/moscow-discussed-russia-crimea-tunnel-project-with-chinese-construction-companies-662689">Moscow discussed Russia-Crimea tunnel project with Chinese construction companies</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>The Air Force said: "Anti-aircraft missile troops, tactical aviation, mobile fire groups, and electronic warfare units were involved in repelling the air attack." As per the Air Force, a Kh-59 guided missile was also destroyed in the Dnipropetrovsk region.</p>

<p>The increase in intensity comes after the weather improved, following powerful storms across southern Ukraine and Russia.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><em>Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos</em></strong></p>


Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree allowing the army to boost its troop numbers by 15 per cent. Putin's signing of the decree comes in the backdrop of the war with Ukraine, which has continued for more than 21 months now, causing a significant shortage in the army ranks.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree allowing the army to boost its troop numbers by 15 per cent. Putin's signing of the decree comes in the backdrop of the war with Ukraine, which has continued for more than 21 months now, causing a significant shortage in the army ranks. According to estimates, the move is expected to increase the number of serving army soldiers by at least 170,000, which is being touted as an "adequate" response to the "aggressive activity of the NATO bloc". "The increase in the full-time strength of the army is due to growing threats to our country linked with the special military operation and the continuing expansion of NATO," the army said. While the numbers are being boosted, the army made it clear that it was not planning to make changes to conscription or another mobilisation drive. Last year, the conscription drive led to an exodus of men out of Russia. Watch | Russia-Ukraine war: Can Zelensky stop the Russian assault × A rut in the middle Both sides are running low on personnel as the war takes its toll. The replenishment in the ranks is expected to provide the booster shot to the Russian side whose front lines have barely moved in recent months. Meanwhile, Ukraine has struggled to retake territory from Russia, despite launching a much-publicised counter-offensive in June, after stocking on Western weapons. In recent days, Moscow has tried to intensify the assaults by using a record number of drones, according to Kyiv. The Ukrainian Air Force claimed it had intercepted 71 Iranian-made drones across six regions of the country, including the capital Kyiv, earlier this week. Also read: Moscow discussed Russia-Crimea tunnel project with Chinese construction companies The Air Force said: "Anti-aircraft missile troops, tactical aviation, mobile fire groups, and electronic warfare units were involved in repelling the air attack." As per the Air Force, a Kh-59 guided missile was also destroyed in the Dnipropetrovsk region. The increase in intensity comes after the weather improved, following powerful storms across southern Ukraine and Russia. Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos

Putin signs decree to add 170,000 troops to its armed forces as war with Ukraine takes toll

<p>A Russian court has sentenced a man to 10 days in jail for writing "No to war" on snow-covered turnstile outside a skating rink in Moscow, according to news agency <em>AFP</em>.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The man identified as&nbsp;Dmitry Fedorov was caught by the police on November 23&nbsp;in the capital city's Gorky Park while using his fingers to trace the forbidden slogan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The message is believed to be considered an offence under a law targeting&nbsp;anyone deemed to have acted to discredit Russia’s armed forces.</p>

<p>Although Fedorov admitted in the court that he indeed wrote the anti-war slogan, he disputed the prosecutor's&nbsp;allegation that he disobeyed the police and allegedly refused to go to a police station.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The court documents noted that after the crime, police officers offered to take Fedorov in a vehicle to the&nbsp;Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs but he refused.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Apart from the prison sentence,&nbsp;Fedorov was also fined an undisclosed amount, according to local Russia media reports.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-war-russian-forces-advance-in-eastern-ukraine-664413"><strong>Watch | Russia-Ukraine war: Russian forces advance in eastern Ukraine</strong></a></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Other instances</strong></h2>

<p>This is not the first instance when a person in Russia has been handed a prison sentence for such a puny reason. Earlier this month, an artist named&nbsp;Alexandra Skochilenko was handed a seven-year prison sentence after she&nbsp;swapped supermarket price tags with slogans criticising the offensive.</p>

<p>“Putin has been lying to us from television screens for 20 years: the result of these lies is our readiness to justify the war and the senseless deaths,” read one of the altered price tags.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The Russian army bombed an art school in Mariupol. Around 400 people were hiding inside,” read another.</p>

<p>The 76-year-old shopper who alerted the police about&nbsp;Skochilenko's actions defended her decision saying she was 'proud' of what she had done.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I am the ‘informer’. I’m proud of what I’ve done. Is it not a disgrace to see a crime and then just walk by? Did I send her to lay out these price tags? What do you want me to say, that she’s a good girl? Should she be forgiven?” she said in an interview.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-takes-steps-to-make-foreigners-sign-a-loyalty-agreement-664324"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Russia takes steps to make foreigners sign a 'loyalty agreement'</strong></a></p>

<section>
<p>It has been more than 21 months since Russia first invaded Ukraine. While the war has continued, there had been a crackdown on dissent that rights groups have equated to the days of mass repression under the Soviet Union.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The war has put considerable strain on the resources of Russia, forcing more and more commoners to agitate against the reckless spending of funds on the military.&nbsp;</p>
</section>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A Russian court has sentenced a man to 10 days in jail for writing "No to war" on snow-covered turnstile outside a skating rink in Moscow, according to news agency AFP.

A Russian court has sentenced a man to 10 days in jail for writing "No to war" on snow-covered turnstile outside a skating rink in Moscow, according to news agency AFP. The man identified as Dmitry Fedorov was caught by the police on November 23 in the capital city's Gorky Park while using his fingers to trace the forbidden slogan. The message is believed to be considered an offence under a law targeting anyone deemed to have acted to discredit Russia’s armed forces. Although Fedorov admitted in the court that he indeed wrote the anti-war slogan, he disputed the prosecutor's allegation that he disobeyed the police and allegedly refused to go to a police station. The court documents noted that after the crime, police officers offered to take Fedorov in a vehicle to the Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs but he refused. Apart from the prison sentence, Fedorov was also fined an undisclosed amount, according to local Russia media reports. Watch | Russia-Ukraine war: Russian forces advance in eastern Ukraine × Other instances This is not the first instance when a person in Russia has been handed a prison sentence for such a puny reason. Earlier this month, an artist named Alexandra Skochilenko was handed a seven-year prison sentence after she swapped supermarket price tags with slogans criticising the offensive. “Putin has been lying to us from television screens for 20 years: the result of these lies is our readiness to justify the war and the senseless deaths,” read one of the altered price tags. “The Russian army bombed an art school in Mariupol. Around 400 people were hiding inside,” read another. The 76-year-old shopper who alerted the police about Skochilenko's actions defended her decision saying she was 'proud' of what she had done. “I am the ‘informer’. I’m proud of what I’ve done. Is it not a disgrace to see a crime and then just walk by? Did I send her to lay out these price tags? What do you want me to say, that she’s a good girl? Should she be forgiven?” she said in an interview. Also read | Russia takes steps to make foreigners sign a 'loyalty agreement' It has been more than 21 months since Russia first invaded Ukraine. While the war has continued, there had been a crackdown on dissent that rights groups have equated to the days of mass repression under the Soviet Union. The war has put considerable strain on the resources of Russia, forcing more and more commoners to agitate against the reckless spending of funds on the military. (With inputs from agencies)

Man who wrote 'No to war' in snow, sentenced to 10 days in prison by Moscow court

The wife of the Ukrainian military's spy chief has been poisoned. Doctors have found heavy metals in Marianna Budanova's body. Several other Ukrainian intelligence officials are also being treated for suspected poisoning. Did Russia poison the Ukrainian spy chief's wife?

Gravitas: Did Russia poison Ukrainian Spy Chief's wife?

The Ukrainian army has pushed its operations against Russia in southern and eastern Ukraine as long and as hard as it could; but as the snow falls and sub-zero temperatures set in, the last attacks of either side will fizzle out. both Kyiv and Moscow will use the winter lull in fighting to reflect on how they can better exploit their strengths and mitigate their weaknesses going forward into 2024.

Russia-Ukraine war: Russia waits for west to coax Ukraine into submission | In-Live Discussion

Russia claimed it repelled Ukrainian attacks in multiple directions, while Ukraine said that Moscow launched the biggest drone attack on Kyiv since the war began. On the battlefield, fighting has intensified for control of Avdiivka, a key city in the Donetsk region. As winter approaches, the front-line soldiers prepare themselves for extreme climate and Russian attacks. Molly Gambhir brings you the latest from the Ukrainian battleground.

Gravitas: Russia unleashes biggest drone attack on Kyiv yet | Ukraine prepares for winter war

Russian air defences claim to have intercepted Ukrainian drones over several regions in Russia, including Moscow. This comes a day after Kyiv reported the 'largest drone attack' on Ukraine since Russia's invasion last year. Ben Aris, founder and editor-in-chief of Bne Intellinews and also former Moscow bureau chief for the Daily Telegraph, joins us to discuss.

Kyiv endures largest drone attack by Russia since the war began | In-Live Discussion

Pakistan is requesting Russia's help in the application process in order to become a member of the BRICS group of countries in 2024. Pakistan's envoy to Moscow, Muhammad Khalid Jamali, has stated that his country has applied to join the BRICS alliance and has asked for Russia's assistance.

Pakistan applies for BRICS membership, seeks support from Russia

<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to participate in the upcoming virtual G20 leaders' summit on Wednesday (Nov 22) after his absence from the in-person meeting held in New Delhi in September.&nbsp;Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov was the one who led the Russian delegation to the G20 summit hosted by India.</p>

<p>According to a post by Russia's Vesti TV show on its social media page on Sunday (Nov 19), Putin's schedule for the upcoming week includes his participation in the virtual G20 summit.&nbsp;"Vladimir Putin will take part in the virtual G20 summit," the post read.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/india-becomes-4-trillion-economy-creates-history-report-660438">Has India become a $4-trillion economy? Social media abuzz with rumours</a></p>

<p>India, which currently holds the G20 Presidency until November 30, 2023, announced on Saturday (Nov 18) that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair the virtual summit. The summit, as per an official statement, is aimed at building upon the key outcomes and action points from the New Delhi summit held in September.</p>

<p>Notably, the International Criminal Court (ICC) on March 17 issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin, citing allegations of committing war crimes related to the unlawful deportation and transfer of children from occupied regions of Ukraine to Russia.&nbsp;Since then, Putin's international travel has been limited.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The G20 leaders reached a consensus during the New Delhi Summit on the language used for the Russia-Ukraine war in the New Delhi Leaders' Declaration, while also emphasising the principles of international law, territorial integrity, sovereignty, and the peaceful resolution of conflicts.</p>

<p>The virtual G20 Leaders' Summit will involve leaders from all G20 member countries, the Chair of the African Union, nine guest countries, and the heads of 11 international organisations. The discussions will also encompass the 2nd Voice of Global South Summit held on November 17, 2023.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-sends-2nd-batch-of-aid-for-palestinians-caught-in-crossfire-amid-israel-hamas-war-660400">India sends 2nd batch of aid for Palestinians caught in crossfire amid Israel-Hamas war</a></p>

<p>Among the expected agenda items for the Virtual G20 Summit are the effective implementation of G20 decisions and a review of developments since the New Delhi Summit. India, Brazil, and South Africa will form the G20 Troika during the Brazilian G20 Presidency in 2024.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-mulls-sanctions-on-violent-israeli-settlers-660519">US mulls sanctions on violent Israeli settlers</a></strong></p>

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<p>The G20, comprising&nbsp;of the world's largest economies plus the European Union and the African Union, addresses global issues such as food security, climate change, development, health, and digitalisation.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to participate in the upcoming virtual G20 leaders' summit on Wednesday (Nov 22) after his absence from the in-person meeting held in New Delhi in September.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to participate in the upcoming virtual G20 leaders' summit on Wednesday (Nov 22) after his absence from the in-person meeting held in New Delhi in September. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov was the one who led the Russian delegation to the G20 summit hosted by India. According to a post by Russia's Vesti TV show on its social media page on Sunday (Nov 19), Putin's schedule for the upcoming week includes his participation in the virtual G20 summit. "Vladimir Putin will take part in the virtual G20 summit," the post read. Also Read | Has India become a $4-trillion economy? Social media abuzz with rumours India, which currently holds the G20 Presidency until November 30, 2023, announced on Saturday (Nov 18) that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair the virtual summit. The summit, as per an official statement, is aimed at building upon the key outcomes and action points from the New Delhi summit held in September. Notably, the International Criminal Court (ICC) on March 17 issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin, citing allegations of committing war crimes related to the unlawful deportation and transfer of children from occupied regions of Ukraine to Russia. Since then, Putin's international travel has been limited. The G20 leaders reached a consensus during the New Delhi Summit on the language used for the Russia-Ukraine war in the New Delhi Leaders' Declaration, while also emphasising the principles of international law, territorial integrity, sovereignty, and the peaceful resolution of conflicts. The virtual G20 Leaders' Summit will involve leaders from all G20 member countries, the Chair of the African Union, nine guest countries, and the heads of 11 international organisations. The discussions will also encompass the 2nd Voice of Global South Summit held on November 17, 2023. Also Read | India sends 2nd batch of aid for Palestinians caught in crossfire amid Israel-Hamas war Among the expected agenda items for the Virtual G20 Summit are the effective implementation of G20 decisions and a review of developments since the New Delhi Summit. India, Brazil, and South Africa will form the G20 Troika during the Brazilian G20 Presidency in 2024. Watch | US mulls sanctions on violent Israeli settlers × The G20, comprising of the world's largest economies plus the European Union and the African Union, addresses global issues such as food security, climate change, development, health, and digitalisation. (With inputs from agencies)

Putin to attend virtual G20 Summit next week after Lavrov led delegation during in-person Sept Summit

The war in Ukraine faces a second winter. The Ukrainian troops claim they are holding the defensive lines.

Russia-Ukraine war | Russian drone attack hits Ukrainan infrastructure: Zelensky

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