Amid the ongoing war with Ukraine, Russia has a new addition to its Nuclear arsenal as it tests new Nuclear-capable Ballistic missile.

New addition to Russia's Nuclear arsenal as Russia tests new Ballistic missile

On Thursday, April 21, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Mariupol, Ukraine, had been "successfully liberated."&nbsp;

On the other hand, Putin has instructed his soldiers not to attack the Azovstal steel mill, the last surviving Ukrainian stronghold in the city, but to block it so no one can escape.

President Vladimir Putin praised Russia's "liberation" of Mariupol after his defence minister stated that Moscow now controls the city, with the exception of the Azovstal steel factory, where Ukrainian troops remain. Putin said, "Block off this industrial region so that not even a fly can leave."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-russias-donbas-offensive-us-sends-warplanes-to-ukraine-472278">Amid Russia's Donbas offensive, US sends warplanes to Ukraine</a>

Russia's defence minister, Sergei Shoigu, said on Tuesday that his country's forces were "methodically carrying out" preparations to "liberate" two separatist territories in eastern Ukraine. On Thursday, he added that the steel plant had been "securely blocked."

Taking full control of Mariupol on the Azov Sea would be a big strategic win for Russia, allowing it to link occupied Crimea to pro-Russian separatist-controlled territory in eastern Ukraine.

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Thousands of people are thought to have died in the city, which was besieged by Russian troops for over a month and had little food, water, or electricity.

On Thursday, April 21, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Mariupol, Ukraine, had been "successfully liberated." On the other hand, Putin has instructed his soldiers not to attack the Azovstal steel mill, the last surviving Ukrainian stronghold in the city, but to block it so no one can escape.

On Thursday, April 21, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Mariupol, Ukraine, had been "successfully liberated." On the other hand, Putin has instructed his soldiers not to attack the Azovstal steel mill, the last surviving Ukrainian stronghold in the city, but to block it so no one can escape. President Vladimir Putin praised Russia's "liberation" of Mariupol after his defence minister stated that Moscow now controls the city, with the exception of the Azovstal steel factory, where Ukrainian troops remain. Putin said, "Block off this industrial region so that not even a fly can leave." Also read | Amid Russia's Donbas offensive, US sends warplanes to Ukraine Russia's defence minister, Sergei Shoigu, said on Tuesday that his country's forces were "methodically carrying out" preparations to "liberate" two separatist territories in eastern Ukraine. On Thursday, he added that the steel plant had been "securely blocked." Taking full control of Mariupol on the Azov Sea would be a big strategic win for Russia, allowing it to link occupied Crimea to pro-Russian separatist-controlled territory in eastern Ukraine. Also read | Russia seeks India drug imports as pharmacies run short of medicines amid Ukraine war, sanctions Thousands of people are thought to have died in the city, which was besieged by Russian troops for over a month and had little food, water, or electricity.

'Mariupol successfully liberated', says Putin, as Russia captures port city

According to reports, the city of Mariupol, the key port city for which the battle been raging on in Ukraine for almost about eight weeks, Russia has now claimed that it has managed to secure control over the whole of Mariupol except for the Azovstal steel plant.

Putin claims taking control of Mariupol, 'block off Azovstal plant so not even a fly can escape'

It is week nine of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and Kyiv says that the second phase of the war has now begun. Russia has launched its much anticipated offensive with explosions reported all along the eastern front, Ukraine's President Zelensky vowed to fight on, listen in.

Battle for Donbas: Capturing Donbas crucial for Russia

In the ruins of Mariupol, Russia once again issued an ultimatum to Ukraine soldiers still defending the city. 'Laid down your arms and surrender,' this proposal is likely to be ignored by Ukraine just like it did before. Now, Russia bombs Mariupol steel plant as it threatens to 'filter out' all men.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Russia bombs Mariupol steel plant as it threatens to 'filter out' all men

Russia successfully launched its intercontinental ballistic missile "Sarmat" from the Plesetsk cosmodrome in the Arkhangelsk region, despite tensions with NATO over Ukraine. The Russian Defense Ministry confirmed this on Wednesday.

In televised remarks on Wednesday, Putin told the army, "I congratulate you on the successful launch of the Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile."

"This truly unique weapon will strengthen the combat potential of our armed forces, reliably ensure the security of Russia from external threats and make those who, in the heat of aggressive rhetoric, try to threaten our country, think twice," Putin said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/how-russias-sarmat-intercontinental-ballistic-missile-can-change-battlefield-dynamic-458549">Pictures: How Russia's Sarmat Intercontinental ballistic missile can change battlefield dynamic</a>

"Today at 15:12 Moscow time at the Plesetsk state test cosmodrome in the Arkhangelsk region, a Sarmat fixed-based intercontinental ballistic missile was successfully launched from a silo launcher," the Russian Defense Ministry said.

"The launch tasks have been completed in full. Design characteristics have been confirmed at all stages of its flight. Training warheads have arrived in a given area at the Kura training ground on the Kamchatka Peninsula," the report added.

With a brief initial boost phase, the Sarmat superheavy intercontinental ballistic missile is designed to avoid anti-missile defence systems, allowing adversary surveillance systems a little window to follow it.

Putin claims that the rocket, which weighs more than 200 tonnes and can carry numerous warheads, can hit any target on Earth.

Russia successfully launched its intercontinental ballistic missile "Sarmat" from the Plesetsk cosmodrome in the Arkhangelsk region, despite tensions with NATO over Ukraine.

Russia successfully launched its intercontinental ballistic missile "Sarmat" from the Plesetsk cosmodrome in the Arkhangelsk region, despite tensions with NATO over Ukraine. The Russian Defense Ministry confirmed this on Wednesday. In televised remarks on Wednesday, Putin told the army, "I congratulate you on the successful launch of the Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile." "This truly unique weapon will strengthen the combat potential of our armed forces, reliably ensure the security of Russia from external threats and make those who, in the heat of aggressive rhetoric, try to threaten our country, think twice," Putin said. Pictures: How Russia's Sarmat Intercontinental ballistic missile can change battlefield dynamic "Today at 15:12 Moscow time at the Plesetsk state test cosmodrome in the Arkhangelsk region, a Sarmat fixed-based intercontinental ballistic missile was successfully launched from a silo launcher," the Russian Defense Ministry said. "The launch tasks have been completed in full. Design characteristics have been confirmed at all stages of its flight. Training warheads have arrived in a given area at the Kura training ground on the Kamchatka Peninsula," the report added. With a brief initial boost phase, the Sarmat superheavy intercontinental ballistic missile is designed to avoid anti-missile defence systems, allowing adversary surveillance systems a little window to follow it. Putin claims that the rocket, which weighs more than 200 tonnes and can carry numerous warheads, can hit any target on Earth.

Russia launches its ‘most-powerful’ missile, Putin says can hit any target on earth

US is all set to welcome and host G20 financial leaders amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine. Russia will join G20 meetings virtually.

Washington, D.C. to welcome G20 financial leaders, Russia to join G20 meetings virtually

Eighth week of the war in Ukraine and fighting continues in the southern and eastern part of the country. Scores of bodies are scattered in Mariupol.

Deaths & ruins on Mariupol streets as Russia continues to bomb Ukrainian cities

Aleksandr&nbsp;Dugin a well known Russian ultranationalist philosopher&nbsp;has reportedly said the Russian army's retreat from Kyiv is a "temporary situation".

Dugin claimed Russia's retreat from Kyiv was "purely tactical" in order to regroup its forces under its&nbsp;newly-appointed commander Alexandr Dvornikov.

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Russia had announced earlier it was concentrating its forces in eastern Ukraine in the Donbas region amid heavy resistance by Ukrainian forces in capital Kyiv. However, Russia threatened to escalate attacks on Kyiv if Ukraine hit Russian soil.

Who is Aleksandr&nbsp;Dugin?

Aleksandr&nbsp;Dugin is widely believed to be "Putin's brain" due to his reported influence on the Russian leader. He has taught in Russia's universities and often appears on local television. Reports say the extreme Russian nationalist leader has influenced Kremlin's policies over the years.

Watch:&nbsp;Russia threatens more attacks on Kyiv

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Dugin is reportedly the founder of Russia's anti-European Eurasian movement. He had reportedly urged Putin to intervene in eastern Ukraine in 2014 as Russia annexed Crimea.

US sanctions on Dugin

The US had imposed sanctions on the Russian ideologue in 2015 including other&nbsp;Ukrainian separatists during Barack Obama's presidency after the Crimean conflict in 2014.&nbsp;

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According to the US treasury department, "Dugin was a leader of the Eurasian Youth Union which actively recruited individuals with military and combat experience to fight on behalf of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic."

Dugin's views

The US says the Russian ultra-nationalist runs a website known as Geopolitica which reportedly spreads "disinformation and propaganda" against the West.

The US treasury department said Geopolitica had published an article just days before the Russian invasion of Ukraine accusing the US and NATO of "provoking war" with Russia. The US said the article was meant to "further terrorise the American people in all sorts of malicious ways".

Dugin’s daughter, Darya Aleksandrovna Dugina has also been sanctioned by the US. Darya is the editor of United World International. The US treasury department said she had sought contributors to write on anti-Ukraine articles for her website.

(With inputs from Agencies)

&nbsp;

Aleksandr Dugin a well known Russian ultranationalist philosopher has reportedly said the Russian army's retreat from Kyiv is a "temporary situation". Dugin claimed Russia's retreat from Kyiv was "purely tactical" in order to regroup its forces under its newly-appointed commander Alexandr Dvornikov.

Aleksandr Dugin a well known Russian ultranationalist philosopher has reportedly said the Russian army's retreat from Kyiv is a "temporary situation". Dugin claimed Russia's retreat from Kyiv was "purely tactical" in order to regroup its forces under its newly-appointed commander Alexandr Dvornikov. Also Read in Pic: How could Putin be prosecuted for war crimes in Ukraine? Russia had announced earlier it was concentrating its forces in eastern Ukraine in the Donbas region amid heavy resistance by Ukrainian forces in capital Kyiv. However, Russia threatened to escalate attacks on Kyiv if Ukraine hit Russian soil. Who is Aleksandr Dugin? Aleksandr Dugin is widely believed to be "Putin's brain" due to his reported influence on the Russian leader. He has taught in Russia's universities and often appears on local television. Reports say the extreme Russian nationalist leader has influenced Kremlin's policies over the years. Watch: Russia threatens more attacks on Kyiv Dugin is reportedly the founder of Russia's anti-European Eurasian movement. He had reportedly urged Putin to intervene in eastern Ukraine in 2014 as Russia annexed Crimea. US sanctions on Dugin The US had imposed sanctions on the Russian ideologue in 2015 including other Ukrainian separatists during Barack Obama's presidency after the Crimean conflict in 2014. Also Read in Pics| Napoleon's Waterloo & Hitler's Barbarossa: 5 lessons Putin can learn According to the US treasury department, "Dugin was a leader of the Eurasian Youth Union which actively recruited individuals with military and combat experience to fight on behalf of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic." Dugin's views The US says the Russian ultra-nationalist runs a website known as Geopolitica which reportedly spreads "disinformation and propaganda" against the West. The US treasury department said Geopolitica had published an article just days before the Russian invasion of Ukraine accusing the US and NATO of "provoking war" with Russia. The US said the article was meant to "further terrorise the American people in all sorts of malicious ways". Dugin’s daughter, Darya Aleksandrovna Dugina has also been sanctioned by the US. Darya is the editor of United World International. The US treasury department said she had sought contributors to write on anti-Ukraine articles for her website. (With inputs from Agencies)

Aleksandr Dugin: Russian ultranationalist philosopher close to Putin: Who is he?

Recently, US President Joe Biden announced $800 mn worth of military aid to Ukraine. Russia sent a diplomatic note to the United States to stop arming Ukraine. To get more details, we're joined by Fred Weir, Russian Affairs Expert.

Russia warns US to stop arming Ukraine, sends formal letter warning

CIA chief William Burns said on Thursday that Russian President Vladimir Putin may use a tactical or low-yield nuclear weapon especially since Russia has faced setbacks in its invasion of Ukraine. Burns was speaking in Atlanta in front of Georgia Tech University.

"Given the potential desperation of President Putin and the Russian leadership, given the setbacks that they've faced so far, militarily, none of us can take lightly the threat posed by a potential resort to tactical nuclear weapons or low-yield nuclear weapons," said Burns.

Watch | Russia-Ukraine war: Russian Flagship 'Moskva' sinks in Black Sea while being towed to port

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Burns added that the US has not seen "a lot of practical evidence" of actual deployment of nuclear weapons.

"We're obviously very concerned. I know President Biden is deeply concerned about avoiding a third world war, about avoiding a threshold in which, you know, nuclear conflict becomes possible," said Burns.

Russia possesses tactical nuclear weapons. Such nuclear weapons are less powerful than the nuclear bomb dropped on Hiroshima during Second World War.

The escalate to de-escalate military doctrine of Russia would involve launching a first strike nuclear weapon of low yield to regain the initiative if things go badly in a conventional conflict with the West.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/moskva-russian-navys-black-sea-fleet-flagship-has-sunk-defence-ministry-471089">Moskva, Russian Navy's Black Sea Fleet flagship, has sunk: Defence ministry</a>

But under this hypothesis, "NATO would intervene militarily on the ground in Ukraine in the course of this conflict, and that's not something, as President Biden has made very clear, that's in the cards."

Burns has served as US ambassador to Russia. He had strong words for Vladimir Putin.

calling him an "apostle of payback" who over the years "has stood in a combustible combination of grievance and ambition and insecurity."

"Every day, Putin demonstrates that declining powers can be at least as disruptive as rising ones," Burns said.

(With inputs from agencies)

CIA chief William Burns said on Thursday that Russian President Vladimir Putin may use a tactical or low-yield nuclear weapon especially since Russia has faced setbacks in its invasion of Ukraine.

CIA chief William Burns said on Thursday that Russian President Vladimir Putin may use a tactical or low-yield nuclear weapon especially since Russia has faced setbacks in its invasion of Ukraine. Burns was speaking in Atlanta in front of Georgia Tech University. "Given the potential desperation of President Putin and the Russian leadership, given the setbacks that they've faced so far, militarily, none of us can take lightly the threat posed by a potential resort to tactical nuclear weapons or low-yield nuclear weapons," said Burns. Watch | Russia-Ukraine war: Russian Flagship 'Moskva' sinks in Black Sea while being towed to port × Burns added that the US has not seen "a lot of practical evidence" of actual deployment of nuclear weapons. "We're obviously very concerned. I know President Biden is deeply concerned about avoiding a third world war, about avoiding a threshold in which, you know, nuclear conflict becomes possible," said Burns. Russia possesses tactical nuclear weapons. Such nuclear weapons are less powerful than the nuclear bomb dropped on Hiroshima during Second World War. The escalate to de-escalate military doctrine of Russia would involve launching a first strike nuclear weapon of low yield to regain the initiative if things go badly in a conventional conflict with the West. Also Read | Moskva, Russian Navy's Black Sea Fleet flagship, has sunk: Defence ministry But under this hypothesis, "NATO would intervene militarily on the ground in Ukraine in the course of this conflict, and that's not something, as President Biden has made very clear, that's in the cards." Burns has served as US ambassador to Russia. He had strong words for Vladimir Putin. calling him an "apostle of payback" who over the years "has stood in a combustible combination of grievance and ambition and insecurity." "Every day, Putin demonstrates that declining powers can be at least as disruptive as rising ones," Burns said. (With inputs from agencies)

Desperate Putin may use nuclear weapons, says CIA chief

US president Joe Biden has escalated rhetoric against Russia's President Putin and termed Russian acts as 'genocide' several times. However, Emmanuel Macron has refused to term Russian acts as 'genocide'.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: US President Joe Biden escalates rhetoric against Putin

Russia-Ukraine conflict continues to intensify, Russian president Vladimir Putin has now said that Moscow will continue its invasion of Ukraine until his country's 'noble aims' are fulfilled. In a rare public appearance on Tuesday, Putin said that peace talks with Kyiv have now reached a dead end.

'Moscow will continue its invasion of Ukraine until 'noble aims' are fulfilled,' says Putin

'Talks with Kyiv have reached dead-end,' Putin vows to continue Russian invasion of Ukraine

Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer held "direct, open and tough" talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin near Moscow. This marks Putin's first meeting with a European Union leader since the Ukraine invasion started.

Austrian leader Karl Nehammer held 'open and tough' talks with Putin

Russia-Ukraine War has been going on for more than a month now and the conflict continues to rage on. Now, The West is probing the use of chemical weapons by Russia.

The West probes the use of chemical weapons, Russian defence ministry yet to respond

After over a month of relentless bombardment and an assault which left the city of Mariupol completely destroyed, Russian forces are on the brink of capturing the city completely.

Zelensky pleads for more weapons as Ukraine reports widespread deaths in Mariupol

Russia-Ukraine War has been going on for more than a month now and the conflict continues to rage on. Now Army rejigs on both sides are happening.

Russia-Ukraine War: Army rejigs on both sides as conflict continues for more than a month now

Weeks after Russia announced a change in its military strategy in Ukraine after which Russian troops withdrew from northern and western Ukraine and that Russia confirmed that it was focusing on liberation of the Donbass region, Kremlin has now appointed a new General in command of Moscow's special operations in Ukraine.

Watch | Putin appoints new General to lead Ukraine war. Is Kremlin changing its strategy?

The Bucha massacre in Ukraine has shocked the entire world. The West has pledged to punish Russia for Bucha killings but Russia called Bucha images 'Fake'.

Russia calls Bucha images 'Fake' as West prepares further sanctions against Moscow

Amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, President Zelensky addressed the United Nations Security Council, where both Ukraine & Russia faced off.

Ukraine & Russia face-off at the UNSC: Russia counters Zelensky's address

Amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, the West is imposing sanctions on Russia. Now, US sanctioned Putin's adult children.

The US sanctions Putin's adult children amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine

The European Union has imposed sanctions on those who are believed to be Vladimir Putin's daughters. This move came after the United States and the UK imposed strict restrictions on them earlier.

Russian President Vladimir Putin's daughters hit with EU sanctions

Amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, Russia has released a video of airstrikes where Ukrainian combat vehicles were targeted.

Russia-Ukraine conflict: Russia releases video of airstrikes, Ukrainian combat vehicles targeted

Top European leaders and diplomats have arrived in Kyiv to reassure membership. Europe will offer financial and moral support to Ukraine.

EU hints at giving membership to Ukraine amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine

After Patriot air defence system arrived in Slovakia amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine. Slovakia has sent its older S-300 system to Ukraine.

Slovakia sends Russian-made S-300 missile system to Ukraine amid Russian invasion

It has been more than a month since the Russian invasion of Ukraine started, and scores of civilians have lost their lives in the conflict. Armies of both countries have been involved in intense fights since Russian troops entered Ukraine. Now, Zelensky has stepped up pleas for help.

Zelensky steps up pleas for help as Ukraine steps up evacuations in East

Amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, The US has committed more weapons to Ukraine. The US has also ended normal trade with Russia.

The US commits more weapons to Ukraine & ends normal trade with Russia

Amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, NATO has pledged to step up military aid to Ukraine. Ukraine has also demanded an energy embargo on Russia.

NATO to step up military aid to Ukraine amid the ongoing Russian invasion

It has been more than a month since the Russian invasion of Ukraine started, and scores of civilians have lost their lives in the conflict. Armies of both countries have been involved in intense fights since Russian troops entered Ukraine. Now, 26 bodies have been recovered from shelled apartments in Borodyanka.

Borodyanka: 26 bodies recovered from shelled apartments

Ukraine-Russia conflict: Joe Biden targets Russia's first family

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