A hawkish voice in Moscow is advocating that Russia could launch a limited nuclear strike on a NATO country without triggering all-out nuclear war. He claims that the United States is bluffing that it can guarantee nuclear protection to its allies. Our next story explains all about the alarming threat.

Will Russia use nuclear weapons? Putin's options explained

<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday (Sep 12) held a meeting with Indian National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval in St Petersburg on the sidelines of the meeting of BRICS and BRICS Plus High-Level Security Officials. During the engagement, Putin told Doval that he was waiting for PM Narendra Modi’s arrival in Russia’s Kazan for the BRICS summit.</p>

<p>A statement from the Indian external affairs ministry said that Doval and Putin discussed the war in Ukraine and peace efforts. “NSA Doval met with President Putin. He has other engagements in Russia,” a spokesperson for the ministry said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">❗️Putin Greets PM Modi's National Security Advisor, Ajit Kumar Doval, During BRICS Meeting In St Petersburg 🇷🇺 <a href="https://t.co/xpzyWK1ihp">pic.twitter.com/xpzyWK1ihp</a></p>
— RT_India (@RT_India_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/RT_India_news/status/1834191212040855680?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 12, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Putin earlier this month had said that nations like China, India, and Brazil could act as mediators in potential peace talks over Ukraine.</p>

<p>Doval’s visit to Russia was discussed during PM Modi’s phone call with Putin in August, with an increased focus on the Ukraine war.</p>

<h2><strong>Indians fighting in Russia</strong></h2>

<p>The external affairs ministry spokesperson Randir Jaiswal also gave an update on Indians who were lured into fighting for Russia in the ongoing war against Ukraine.</p>

<p>Jaiswal said that Russia recently set free six Indians earlier caught in the conflict. The spokesperson stressed that 50 more Indians will be released very soon.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiKnZvv0r2IAxWHyDgGHdlUEMkQxfQBKAB6BAgQEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-know-putin-trump-avoids-backing-ukraine-against-russia-during-presidential-debate-757815" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/i-know-putin-trump-avoids-backing-ukraine-against-russia-during-presidential-debate-757815&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiKnZvv0r2IAxWHyDgGHdlUEMkQxfQBKAB6BAgQEAE">‘I know Putin...,’ Trump avoids backing Ukraine against Russia during presidential debate</a></strong></p>

<p>“Since the Prime Minister’s visit to Russia, 35 Indian nationals have been discharged, with 6 arriving the day before. Another 50 are yet to return. Prior to the visit, 10 had already been discharged,” Jaiswal said.</p>

<h2><strong>‘Dozens of countries want to join BRICS’</strong></h2>

<p>Putin earlier met with representatives of BRICS (an intergovernmental organization comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates) states, during which the Russian leader said more than “thirty countries" wanted to join the organisation.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiKnZvv0r2IAxWHyDgGHdlUEMkQxfQBKAB6BAgOEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-putin-italys-meloni-says-india-can-help-resolve-russia-ukraine-crisis-756753" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/after-putin-italys-meloni-says-india-can-help-resolve-russia-ukraine-crisis-756753&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiKnZvv0r2IAxWHyDgGHdlUEMkQxfQBKAB6BAgOEAE">After Putin, Italy’s Meloni says India can help resolve Russia-Ukraine conflict</a></strong></p>

<p>This comes a week after NATO nation Turkey applied for membership of the bloc of developing nations.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday (Sep 12) held a meeting with Indian National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval in St Petersburg on the sidelines of the meeting of BRICS and BRICS Plus High-Level Security Officials.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday (Sep 12) held a meeting with Indian National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval in St Petersburg on the sidelines of the meeting of BRICS and BRICS Plus High-Level Security Officials. During the engagement, Putin told Doval that he was waiting for PM Narendra Modi’s arrival in Russia’s Kazan for the BRICS summit. A statement from the Indian external affairs ministry said that Doval and Putin discussed the war in Ukraine and peace efforts. “NSA Doval met with President Putin. He has other engagements in Russia,” a spokesperson for the ministry said. ❗️Putin Greets PM Modi's National Security Advisor, Ajit Kumar Doval, During BRICS Meeting In St Petersburg 🇷🇺 pic.twitter.com/xpzyWK1ihp — RT_India (@RT_India_news) September 12, 2024 × Putin earlier this month had said that nations like China, India, and Brazil could act as mediators in potential peace talks over Ukraine. Doval’s visit to Russia was discussed during PM Modi’s phone call with Putin in August, with an increased focus on the Ukraine war. Indians fighting in Russia The external affairs ministry spokesperson Randir Jaiswal also gave an update on Indians who were lured into fighting for Russia in the ongoing war against Ukraine. Jaiswal said that Russia recently set free six Indians earlier caught in the conflict. The spokesperson stressed that 50 more Indians will be released very soon. Also read: ‘I know Putin...,’ Trump avoids backing Ukraine against Russia during presidential debate “Since the Prime Minister’s visit to Russia, 35 Indian nationals have been discharged, with 6 arriving the day before. Another 50 are yet to return. Prior to the visit, 10 had already been discharged,” Jaiswal said. ‘Dozens of countries want to join BRICS’ Putin earlier met with representatives of BRICS (an intergovernmental organization comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates) states, during which the Russian leader said more than “thirty countries" wanted to join the organisation. Also read: After Putin, Italy’s Meloni says India can help resolve Russia-Ukraine conflict This comes a week after NATO nation Turkey applied for membership of the bloc of developing nations. (With inputs from agencies)

Putin ‘waiting for PM Modi’ for BRICS summit, says 30 nations want to join bloc

Will Russia nuke a NATO nation? Putin's options explained

<p>Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin sent greetings to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on the occasion of North Korea's founding anniversary, state media KCNA said on Monday.</p>

<p>"I am sure that the comprehensive strategic partnership between Russia and the DPRK will be strengthened in a planned way thanks to our joint efforts," Putin said, according to KCNA.</p>

<p>DPRK is short for the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, the North's official name.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-eu-claim-iran-sent-ballistic-missiles-to-russia-moscow-responds-757103">Iran supplied missiles to Russia? After US, EU claims, Moscow issues statement</a></strong></p>

<p>Xi called for deeper strategic communication and cooperation with North Korea in his message, KCNA said.</p>

<p>Last year, Kim marked the country's founding day on September 9 with a parade of paramilitary groups and diplomatic exchanges in which he vowed to deepen ties with China and Russia.</p>

<p><em>Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.</em></p>


Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin sent greetings to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on the occasion of North Korea's founding anniversary, state media KCNA said on Monday.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin sent greetings to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on the occasion of North Korea's founding anniversary, state media KCNA said on Monday. "I am sure that the comprehensive strategic partnership between Russia and the DPRK will be strengthened in a planned way thanks to our joint efforts," Putin said, according to KCNA. DPRK is short for the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, the North's official name. Also read: Iran supplied missiles to Russia? After US, EU claims, Moscow issues statement Xi called for deeper strategic communication and cooperation with North Korea in his message, KCNA said. Last year, Kim marked the country's founding day on September 9 with a parade of paramilitary groups and diplomatic exchanges in which he vowed to deepen ties with China and Russia. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Xi Jinping and Putin send messages to Kim Jong Un on North Korea's founding anniversary

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called for a renewed effort to bring peace to Ukraine, adding that he and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had both agreed in recent talks on the need for a new peace conference that would include Russia.

Russia-Ukraine War: Scholz 'under pressure' over Ukraine funding

Russia has embarked on a gold-buying spree, significantly increasing its gold reserves to a record high of $188.8 billion. This marks a strategic shift for the country, as gold now constitutes over 30% of its international reserves

Russia’s gold reserves hit 25-year high | World Business Watch | WION

Moscow now has access to Iran's Shahed attack drone for use in combat. Tehran has always refuted this, claiming that the supplies were prepared before to the war's outbreak.

Iran transfers ballistic missiles to Russia amid war with Ukraine

Surprisingly little is in fact known about the private life of one of the world's most discard and powerful political entities the Russian President. Vladimir Putin is famously secretive not just about what he intends to do in politics but also of his personal life.

Delving into the family life of President Vladimir Putin

Influencers are known for picking their favorite Presidential candidate for the US polls. From George Clooney to Taylor Swift the big names have often hinted at supporting a democratic Presidential nominee Kamala Harris, but here's someone beyond the Pacific who is also hedging his bets on Harris. Watch in for more details!

Teasing Russian President Putin says Russia backs Kamala Harris

The Russian President Vladimir Putin said on September 5 that China, India, and Brazil could act as mediators in potential peace talks over Ukraine. Watch in for more details!

Putin Says India, China, and Brazil as Potential Mediators for Russia-Ukraine Talks | WION Originals

Russia has warned US to not take its red line warnings as a joke. President Zelensky has said that Ukraine must be able to use its long-range weapons. Watch WION to know more.

Zelensky: Ukraine must be able to use long-range weapons to hit deep into Russia

The Russian President Vladimir Putin says he is ready for talks with Ukraine on the basis of an aborted deal between Moscow and Kyiv negotiators that was reached in Istanbul in 2022. Watch in for more details!

Russia-Ukraine war: Russian President Putin says, 'never refused peace talks with Ukraine'

Germany's military put the first Iris-T air-defence system into service on its own soil Wednesday having delivered several of them to war-torn Ukraine to intercept Russian rockets, drones and missiles.

Russian strikes keeps Germany on its toes

The United States indicts two employees of Russia's RT news and imposes sanctions on top editors of the state-funded news outlet, accusing them of seeking to influence the 2024 US presidential election.

White House: Putin was aware of Russian election interference

The White House has accused Russia for interference in the Election. The US has also said that Russia is using the state media to spread disinformation. Watch in for more details.

US accuses Russia of using state media to spread disinformation

<p>Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently stated that his troops' incursion into Russia's Kursk region is a key part of a broader victory plan that he intends to present to US President Joe Biden in September.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking at a forum on Tuesday, Zelensky said the success of the plan would depend on President Biden and on whether the US would give Ukraine "what is in this plan or not, [and] whether we will be free to use this plan, or not".</p>

<p>He acknowledged that the plan might seem overly ambitious to some but emphasised its significance for Ukraine. He also mentioned that he intends to share the plan with both US presidential candidates, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-test-fired-first-domestically-produced-ballistic-missile-president-zelensky-753770">Ukraine test-fired first domestically-produced ballistic missile: Zelensky</a></p>

<p>Notably, a number of Ukrainian troops made an incursion into Russia's Kursk region in early August, and Russia has so far seemingly been unable to repel them.</p>

<p>Ukraine's&nbsp;top military commander, Gen Oleksandr Syrskyi, said Kyiv&nbsp;now controls 1,294 sq km (500 sq miles) of Russian territory and 100 settlements.</p>

<p>Gen Syrskyi further said Ukraine had no aim of holding on to the territory and that one motivation for the incursion was to distract Russian&nbsp;forces away from their own offensive in eastern Ukraine. Russia is trying to capture the town of Pokrovsk, which is an important hub and home to a key railway station.</p>

<p>President Zelensky also revealed that recently, his military carried out the first successful test of a domestically-produced ballistic missile, amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While Ukraine has already used some ballistic missiles against Russia that were provided by the US, it has been working to develop the domestic production of military hardware to diminish its dependency on Western aid.</p>

<p>However, for now, Ukraine mostly relies on military supplies from abroad to fight Russia and repel its attacks.&nbsp;</p>

<p>For a long time now, Ukraine has been trying to develop its own arms industry and boosting military production on its own territory, to become less dependent on Western military aid amid the ongoing war with Russia.</p>

<p><a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:962,&quot;w&quot;:638,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2806}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/video-ukrainian-drone-hits-russian-high-rise-building-resembling-911-attack-visuals-753370"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:962,&quot;w&quot;:638,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2806}">Also read:&nbsp;Ukrainian drone hits Russian high-rise building, resembling 9/11 attack visuals</strong></a></p>

<p>For the past two nights, Russia has pummelled Ukraine with a barrage of drone and missile attacks which have left several people dead and caused blackouts in various areas of the country.</p>

<p>These attacks demonstrate that Moscow has no intention of ending the war, President Zelensky noted, stating, "When they seek peace talks, they don't launch 230 air strikes."&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, since the Ukrainian incursion into Kursk, Russia has indicated that it is unwilling to engage in any peace negotiations with Ukraine.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently stated that his troops' incursion into Russia's Kursk region is a key part of a broader victory plan that he intends to present to US President Joe Biden in September.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently stated that his troops' incursion into Russia's Kursk region is a key part of a broader victory plan that he intends to present to US President Joe Biden in September. Speaking at a forum on Tuesday, Zelensky said the success of the plan would depend on President Biden and on whether the US would give Ukraine "what is in this plan or not, [and] whether we will be free to use this plan, or not". He acknowledged that the plan might seem overly ambitious to some but emphasised its significance for Ukraine. He also mentioned that he intends to share the plan with both US presidential candidates, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. Also read: Ukraine test-fired first domestically-produced ballistic missile: Zelensky Notably, a number of Ukrainian troops made an incursion into Russia's Kursk region in early August, and Russia has so far seemingly been unable to repel them. Ukraine's top military commander, Gen Oleksandr Syrskyi, said Kyiv now controls 1,294 sq km (500 sq miles) of Russian territory and 100 settlements. Gen Syrskyi further said Ukraine had no aim of holding on to the territory and that one motivation for the incursion was to distract Russian forces away from their own offensive in eastern Ukraine. Russia is trying to capture the town of Pokrovsk, which is an important hub and home to a key railway station. President Zelensky also revealed that recently, his military carried out the first successful test of a domestically-produced ballistic missile, amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. While Ukraine has already used some ballistic missiles against Russia that were provided by the US, it has been working to develop the domestic production of military hardware to diminish its dependency on Western aid. However, for now, Ukraine mostly relies on military supplies from abroad to fight Russia and repel its attacks. For a long time now, Ukraine has been trying to develop its own arms industry and boosting military production on its own territory, to become less dependent on Western military aid amid the ongoing war with Russia. Also read: Ukrainian drone hits Russian high-rise building, resembling 9/11 attack visuals For the past two nights, Russia has pummelled Ukraine with a barrage of drone and missile attacks which have left several people dead and caused blackouts in various areas of the country. These attacks demonstrate that Moscow has no intention of ending the war, President Zelensky noted, stating, "When they seek peace talks, they don't launch 230 air strikes." However, since the Ukrainian incursion into Kursk, Russia has indicated that it is unwilling to engage in any peace negotiations with Ukraine. (With inputs from agencies)

Zelensky claims Russian incursion is part of victory plan

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday (Aug 27) talked over the phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin, days after his historic visit to war-torn Ukraine. PM Modi said the talks focused on&nbsp;strengthening "special and privileged strategic partnership."</p>

<p>"Exchanged perspectives on the Russia-Ukraine conflict and my insights from the recent visit to Ukraine. Reiterated India’s firm commitment to support an early, abiding and peaceful resolution of the conflict," PM Modi wrote on X.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Spoke with President Putin today. Discussed measures to further strengthen Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership. Exchanged perspectives on the Russia-Ukraine conflict and my insights from the recent visit to Ukraine. Reiterated India’s firm commitment to support an early,…</p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1828360552181113041?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 27, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Modi's call with Putin comes a day after he received a phone call from US President Joe Biden. A statement by the White House revealed that Biden&nbsp;commended Modi's "historic visits" to Poland and Ukraine as well as his message of peace.</p>

<p>"The President commended the Prime Minister for his historic visits to Poland and Ukraine, the first by an Indian Prime Minister in decades, and for his message of peace and ongoing humanitarian support for Ukraine, including its energy sector," the statement read.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwja7aGE8ZSIAxWSRmcHHQqvKxoQxfQBKAB6BAgPEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-joe-biden-discuss-ukraine-bangladesh-and-global-security-over-phone-753509" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-joe-biden-discuss-ukraine-bangladesh-and-global-security-over-phone-753509&amp;ved=2ahUKEwja7aGE8ZSIAxWSRmcHHQqvKxoQxfQBKAB6BAgPEAE">PM Modi speaks with President Biden, discusses Ukraine, Bangladesh, and global security</a></strong></p>

<p>A statement released by the Indian side said the two leaders held discussions on various issues of global and regional importance.</p>

<p>"While discussing the situation in Ukraine, the Prime Minister briefed President Biden on his recent visit to Ukraine. He reiterated India's consistent position in favour of dialogue and diplomacy and expressed full support for early return of peace and stability," the statement read.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;PM Modi appreciates President Biden's commitment to India-US partnership</strong></p>

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<p>PM Modi visited Ukraine on Friday (Aug 23), the first by any Indian leader to date. The visit came after Modi visited Russia in July, drawing heavy criticism from Ukraine as well as Western leaders.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday (Aug 27) talked over the phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin, days after his historic visit to war-torn Ukraine.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday (Aug 27) talked over the phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin, days after his historic visit to war-torn Ukraine. PM Modi said the talks focused on strengthening "special and privileged strategic partnership." "Exchanged perspectives on the Russia-Ukraine conflict and my insights from the recent visit to Ukraine. Reiterated India’s firm commitment to support an early, abiding and peaceful resolution of the conflict," PM Modi wrote on X. Spoke with President Putin today. Discussed measures to further strengthen Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership. Exchanged perspectives on the Russia-Ukraine conflict and my insights from the recent visit to Ukraine. Reiterated India’s firm commitment to support an early,… — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 27, 2024 × Modi's call with Putin comes a day after he received a phone call from US President Joe Biden. A statement by the White House revealed that Biden commended Modi's "historic visits" to Poland and Ukraine as well as his message of peace. "The President commended the Prime Minister for his historic visits to Poland and Ukraine, the first by an Indian Prime Minister in decades, and for his message of peace and ongoing humanitarian support for Ukraine, including its energy sector," the statement read. Also read: PM Modi speaks with President Biden, discusses Ukraine, Bangladesh, and global security A statement released by the Indian side said the two leaders held discussions on various issues of global and regional importance. "While discussing the situation in Ukraine, the Prime Minister briefed President Biden on his recent visit to Ukraine. He reiterated India's consistent position in favour of dialogue and diplomacy and expressed full support for early return of peace and stability," the statement read. Watch: PM Modi appreciates President Biden's commitment to India-US partnership × PM Modi visited Ukraine on Friday (Aug 23), the first by any Indian leader to date. The visit came after Modi visited Russia in July, drawing heavy criticism from Ukraine as well as Western leaders. (With inputs from agencies)

PM Modi speaks to Putin days after visiting Ukraine, reiterates commitment to peace

Now, we turn our attention to the latest in the U.S. Sanctions on Russia. Russia's MMC Norilsk Nickel Pjsc has warned that challenges with cross-border payments hit its bottom line. This came just before the U.S. Imposed sanctions on the firm's copper unit...And other affiliates that supply services to the miner on Friday.

Targeted U.S. Sanctions weigh on Russian businesses | World Business Watch | WION

#Gravitas | In the early hours of Sunday, Kyiv once again found itself under a barrage of Russian missiles and drones. As per reports, the attack killed two people and injured three, including a 12-year-old boy. Russia's strike wasn't limited to Kyiv it was part of a broader, coordinated offensive that saw 57 drones unleashed across Ukraine targeting 11 regions. Gravitas tells you more!

Russia's revenge: Kyiv pays the price for Kursk | Gravitas

Ukrainian troops have advanced some 30 km into Russian territory with Moscow terming it an effort by terrorists to destabilize the country in the latest continuing tensions between Kyiv and Moscow. Watch this video to know more.

Russia-Ukraine war: Kyiv advances 30 km into Russia; says reports

Ukraine's plan to push war onto 'aggressor' Russia's territory

<p>As Russia battled it out with the Ukrainian forces on its border region of&nbsp;Kursk, Russia’s Lipetsk too came under an intense assault by Ukrainian drones on Thursday (Aug 8). Ukrainian forces targeted a key military airfield there, roughly 300 km deep inside the Russian territory, said Ukraine’s general staff of command.</p>

<p>The attack forced Moscow to declare an emergency in another Russian region, following a similar order for Kursk. At least four villages in the region had to be evacuated.</p>

<p>“Several sources of ignition were recorded, a strong fire broke out and multiple detonations were observed,” said the Ukrainian military. It claimed the targeted airfield housed aircraft like Su-34, Su-34 and MiG-31.</p>

<p>Russia’s Lipetsk Governor Igor Artamonov took to&nbsp;Telegram and said that the drone attack damaged an energy infrastructure facility, leading to power supply disruptions. He also&nbsp;announced a state of emergency in the municipal district.</p>

<h2><strong>At least 10 killed in Russian strike on Donetsk supermarket</strong></h2>

<p>Russia on Friday (Aug 9) targeted a supermarket in the eastern Ukrainian town of Kostiantynivka, allegedly killing at least 10 people and wounding 35 others.</p>

<p>"Ten were killed and 35 others were wounded," Ukrainian Interior Minister Igor Klymenko wrote on Telegram. President Volodymyr Zelensky earlier said on X that some victims were still buried under the rubble.</p>

<h2><strong>Russia sending reinforcements to Kursk</strong></h2>

<p>The Russian defence ministry said it was moving more forces to the besieged territory of Kursk as the Ukrainian offensive entered its second week on Friday.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwju_MeBlOiHAxVfR2wGHaX1Nr8QxfQBKAB6BAgREAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-war-russia-must-feel-consequences-of-its-invasion-says-zelensky-748724" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-war-russia-must-feel-consequences-of-its-invasion-says-zelensky-748724&amp;ved=2ahUKEwju_MeBlOiHAxVfR2wGHaX1Nr8QxfQBKAB6BAgREAE">Ukraine war: Russia must feel consequences of its invasion, says Zelensky</a></strong></p>

<p>Russia is bringing reinforcements with "BM-21 Grad multiple rocket launchers, towed artillery guns, tanks transported on trawls, heavy tracked vehicles, Ural and Samaz trucks" into the Sudzhansky District of Kursk, reported the local media.</p>

<h2><strong>Ukraine also evacuated 20,000 people</strong></h2>

<p>Meanwhile, Ukraine was also evacuating thousands from areas across the border from Russia's Kursk region.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Russia should feel what it has done to Ukraine, says President Zelenskyy</strong></p>

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<p>Ukrainian police said "about 20,000 people need to be evacuated" from 28 settlements in Sumy region, a sharp increase from a previous estimate of&nbsp;6,000&nbsp;people.</p>

<p><em><strong>Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.</strong></em></p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


As Russia battled it out with the Ukrainian forces on its border region of Kursk, Russia’s Lipetsk too came under an intense assault by Ukrainian drones on Thursday (Aug 8).

As Russia battled it out with the Ukrainian forces on its border region of Kursk, Russia’s Lipetsk too came under an intense assault by Ukrainian drones on Thursday (Aug 8). Ukrainian forces targeted a key military airfield there, roughly 300 km deep inside the Russian territory, said Ukraine’s general staff of command. The attack forced Moscow to declare an emergency in another Russian region, following a similar order for Kursk. At least four villages in the region had to be evacuated. “Several sources of ignition were recorded, a strong fire broke out and multiple detonations were observed,” said the Ukrainian military. It claimed the targeted airfield housed aircraft like Su-34, Su-34 and MiG-31. Russia’s Lipetsk Governor Igor Artamonov took to Telegram and said that the drone attack damaged an energy infrastructure facility, leading to power supply disruptions. He also announced a state of emergency in the municipal district. At least 10 killed in Russian strike on Donetsk supermarket Russia on Friday (Aug 9) targeted a supermarket in the eastern Ukrainian town of Kostiantynivka, allegedly killing at least 10 people and wounding 35 others. "Ten were killed and 35 others were wounded," Ukrainian Interior Minister Igor Klymenko wrote on Telegram. President Volodymyr Zelensky earlier said on X that some victims were still buried under the rubble. Russia sending reinforcements to Kursk The Russian defence ministry said it was moving more forces to the besieged territory of Kursk as the Ukrainian offensive entered its second week on Friday. Also read: Ukraine war: Russia must feel consequences of its invasion, says Zelensky Russia is bringing reinforcements with "BM-21 Grad multiple rocket launchers, towed artillery guns, tanks transported on trawls, heavy tracked vehicles, Ural and Samaz trucks" into the Sudzhansky District of Kursk, reported the local media. Ukraine also evacuated 20,000 people Meanwhile, Ukraine was also evacuating thousands from areas across the border from Russia's Kursk region. Watch: Russia should feel what it has done to Ukraine, says President Zelenskyy × Ukrainian police said "about 20,000 people need to be evacuated" from 28 settlements in Sumy region, a sharp increase from a previous estimate of 6,000 people. Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine war: Russia rushes reinforcements to Kursk, emergency declared in Lipetsk

Let's now get you some updates from what is happening in the Russia-Ukraine war; where in a dramatic attack that is said to have pierced at least about 10 to 15 kilometers inside of the Russian territory. The Ukrainian forces who are backed by tanks and armored vehicles are carrying out an incursion into Russia's Kursk region for the third straight day.

Ukraine strikes Russia's Kursk; Officials declare state of emergency near border

Ukrainian President Zelensky on Monday said that the country has contracted 1 million drones for this year and more drones will follow in total within the year. This comes as Ukraine is fighting the war against Russia with dwindling supplies.

Ukraine contracted a million drones, more to follow; says Zelensky

<p>US&nbsp;president Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris greeted&nbsp;Former US Marine Paul Whelan and journalist Evan Gershkovich as they stepped off the plane at&nbsp;Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on Thursday (Aug 2).</p>

<p>“I’m home,” Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich told his colleagues after stepping off the plane.</p>

<p>Around a dozen Wall Street Journal employees gathered on the tarmac in solidarity with their returning colleague.</p>

<p>Celebrating the release, President Biden said&nbsp;“It feels wonderful. It’s been a long time coming. I was absolutely confident we could get it done. I meant it when I said — alliances make a difference. They stepped up and took a chance for us, and it mattered a lot."</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-criticises-bidens-decision-on-whelan-and-gershkovich-exchange-746425">Trump criticises Biden's decision on Gershkovich and Whelan exchange</a></p>

<p>Speaking on the tarmac after the released Americans landed in US, Vice President Kamala Harris said it was “an incredible day.”</p>

<p>“I’m very thankful for our president and his efforts, especially concerning these families and individuals. His ability to bring our allies together on many issues, and particularly this one, has been significant,” Harris said.</p>

<p>Russia on Thursday (August 1) released imprisoned Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and former US Marine Paul Whelan as part of a major prisoner swap with the United States.</p>

<p>The men were jailed in Russia on espionage charges that they and the US deny.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-hails-release-of-wsj-reporter-evan-gershkovich-other-prisoners-from-russia-brutal-ordeal-is-over-746379">Biden hails release of Gershkovich, Whelan and Kurmasheva from Russia: ‘Brutal ordeal is over’</a></p>

<p>The prisoners were flown to Turkey's capital Ankara from Russia, the United States, Germany, Poland, Slovenia, Norway and Belarus under the complex deal, the Turkish presidency said.</p>

<p>During an earlier White House briefing with the families of the US citizens incarcerated in Russia, President Joe Biden said, "Today, three American citizens and one American green-card holder who were unjustly imprisoned in Russia are finally coming home: Paul Whelan, Evan Gershkovich, Alsu Kurmasheva, and Vladimir Kara-Murza.</p>

<p>"The deal that secured their freedom was a feat of diplomacy. All told, we’ve negotiated the release of 16 people from Russia—including five Germans and seven Russian citizens who were political prisoners in their own country," the statement said.</p>

<p>Hailing the move, Harris said, "&nbsp;Over many years, President Biden and I and our team have engaged in complex diplomatic negotiations to bring these wrongfully detained Americans home. &nbsp;We never stopped fighting for their release. &nbsp;And today, in spite of all of their suffering, it gives me great comfort to know that their horrible ordeal is finally over."</p>

<h2><strong>Putin welcomes Russians returning to Moscow after prisoner swap</strong></h2>

<p>Russian nationals involved in a historic&nbsp;prisoner swap with Western countries arrived in Moscow late on Thursday and were greeted at the airport by President Vladimir Putin, according to Russian news agencies.</p>

<p>The agencies reported that the eight returnees would all be presented with state awards and quoted Putin as saying that their "homeland had not forgotten them, not for a single minute".</p>

<h2><strong>Obama lauds Biden for US-Russia prisoner swap&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Former president Barack Obama applauded Biden's “skill and persistence” alongside that of vice president Kamala Harris and US' allies.</p>

<p>“It’s a tremendous diplomatic achievement, and we’re grateful that they’ll be back home with their families where they belong,” he wrote on X.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Thanks to the skill and persistence of <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/VP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@VP</a>, and our allies, Paul Whelan, Evan Gershkovich, Alsu Kurmasheva, and Vladimir Kara-Murza are being released from Russian custody. It’s a tremendous diplomatic achievement, and we’re grateful that they’ll be back home with their…</p>
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) <a href="https://twitter.com/BarackObama/status/1819060394633150658?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 1, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


US president Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris greeted Former US Marine Paul Whelan and journalist Evan Gershkovich as they stepped off the plane at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on Thursday (Aug 2).

US president Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris greeted Former US Marine Paul Whelan and journalist Evan Gershkovich as they stepped off the plane at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on Thursday (Aug 2). “I’m home,” Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich told his colleagues after stepping off the plane. Around a dozen Wall Street Journal employees gathered on the tarmac in solidarity with their returning colleague. Celebrating the release, President Biden said “It feels wonderful. It’s been a long time coming. I was absolutely confident we could get it done. I meant it when I said — alliances make a difference. They stepped up and took a chance for us, and it mattered a lot." Also read: Trump criticises Biden's decision on Gershkovich and Whelan exchange Speaking on the tarmac after the released Americans landed in US, Vice President Kamala Harris said it was “an incredible day.” “I’m very thankful for our president and his efforts, especially concerning these families and individuals. His ability to bring our allies together on many issues, and particularly this one, has been significant,” Harris said. Russia on Thursday (August 1) released imprisoned Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and former US Marine Paul Whelan as part of a major prisoner swap with the United States. The men were jailed in Russia on espionage charges that they and the US deny. Also read: Biden hails release of Gershkovich, Whelan and Kurmasheva from Russia: ‘Brutal ordeal is over’ The prisoners were flown to Turkey's capital Ankara from Russia, the United States, Germany, Poland, Slovenia, Norway and Belarus under the complex deal, the Turkish presidency said. During an earlier White House briefing with the families of the US citizens incarcerated in Russia, President Joe Biden said, "Today, three American citizens and one American green-card holder who were unjustly imprisoned in Russia are finally coming home: Paul Whelan, Evan Gershkovich, Alsu Kurmasheva, and Vladimir Kara-Murza. "The deal that secured their freedom was a feat of diplomacy. All told, we’ve negotiated the release of 16 people from Russia—including five Germans and seven Russian citizens who were political prisoners in their own country," the statement said. Hailing the move, Harris said, " Over many years, President Biden and I and our team have engaged in complex diplomatic negotiations to bring these wrongfully detained Americans home. We never stopped fighting for their release. And today, in spite of all of their suffering, it gives me great comfort to know that their horrible ordeal is finally over." Putin welcomes Russians returning to Moscow after prisoner swap Russian nationals involved in a historic prisoner swap with Western countries arrived in Moscow late on Thursday and were greeted at the airport by President Vladimir Putin, according to Russian news agencies. The agencies reported that the eight returnees would all be presented with state awards and quoted Putin as saying that their "homeland had not forgotten them, not for a single minute". Obama lauds Biden for US-Russia prisoner swap Former president Barack Obama applauded Biden's “skill and persistence” alongside that of vice president Kamala Harris and US' allies. “It’s a tremendous diplomatic achievement, and we’re grateful that they’ll be back home with their families where they belong,” he wrote on X. Thanks to the skill and persistence of @POTUS, @VP, and our allies, Paul Whelan, Evan Gershkovich, Alsu Kurmasheva, and Vladimir Kara-Murza are being released from Russian custody. It’s a tremendous diplomatic achievement, and we’re grateful that they’ll be back home with their… — Barack Obama (@BarackObama) August 1, 2024 × (With inputs from agencies)

Freed Americans return home following historic prisoner swap; Biden, Harris greet them at airport

Russian President Vladimir Putin warned the United States that if it deployed long-range missiles in Germany, Moscow would station similar missiles within striking distance of the West. Watch in for more details!

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Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a new warning to the West on Russian Navy Day. Russian President said Washington has risked triggering a cold war style Missile Crisis with its decision to deploy Munitions to Germany.

Russian Navy Day: Putin addresses soldiers, warns the West

The Russian Navy celebrated its Navy day today with grand Naval parades and Military Sports festivals in St Petersburg. Up to 200 ships and boats are showcased in the parade.

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Russian President Vladimir Putin's Judo partner has won a court battle against his ex-wife to keep a mansion of over $34 million. Watch in for more details!

Putin's judo partner wins court battle with ex-wife

Russian President Vladimir Putin's Judo partner has won a court battle against his ex-wife to keep a mansion of over $34 million.

Russia: Putin's Judo partner to retain his $34 million mansion in the UK

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