Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky promises victory against Russia on the second anniversary of the invasion as his troops fight on despite a lack of western aid and recent Russian gains. But the western weapon deliveries are drying up. Russia is world's most sanctioned country. Yet Russia's economy is back to its pre-war levels. The big question: are the western sanctions against Russia working? Watch to know more!

Russia-Ukraine war | Two years of Russia-Ukraine war: Why Putin has the upper hand

India has an extensive bilateral relationship with Ukraine, spanning all spheres of cooperation. India was one of the first countries to recognize Ukraine. The government of India recognized the Republic of Ukraine as a sovereign country in December 1991 and established diplomatic relations in January 1992. Ukraine's Deputy FM, Iryana Borovets talks about the evolution of Ukraine's relationship with India and more.

Ukraine's Deputy FM, Iryana Borovets talks to WION on 2nd anniversary of Russia-Ukraine war

After one of the bloodiest engagements of the war, Moscow claimed complete control over the Ukrainian town of Avdiivka, but some Ukrainian troops were reportedly still holed up in a Soviet-era coke plant.

Russia-Ukraine war: Ukraine's defences under strain as Russia enhances attack on the country

The United States on Friday imposed extensive sanctions against Russia, targeting more than 500 people and entities to mark the second anniversary of Moscow's invasion of Ukraine and retaliate for the death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny.

Russia-Ukraine war: US targets Russia with hundreds of sanctions over Ukraine war, Navalny death

Russia said it had full control of the Ukrainian town of Avdiivka after Ukrainian troops withdrew, though Moscow said that some were still holed up in a Soviet-era coke plant after one of the most intense battles of the war.

Russia-Ukraine war: Russia makes crucial advances in Ukraine | Pushes further in West

Today is the second anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Russian forces have advanced further to the West. Russia claims it has destroyed key Ukrainian facilities. Meanwhile, as the war rages on, Ukrainians across the country face a grim uncertainty.

Russia-Ukraine war: Two years of Russia-Ukraine war, what is next?

Tens of thousands of individuals have vanished under mysterious circumstances two years into Russia's conflict with Ukraine; their whereabouts remain unknown.

Russia-Ukraine war: Hundreds of Ukrainians live in agony and uncertainty about location of relatives

As the Ukraine war enters its third year, the infantry of 59th Brigade are confronting a bleak reality: they're running out of soldiers and ammunition to resist their Russian invaders.

Ukraine outnumbered, outgunned and ground down by relentless Russia | East the new target?

According to Air Force Commander Mykola Oleshchuk, Ukraine's military downed a Russian A-50 surveillance aircraft on Friday. This is the second time in a little over a month that Ukraine has reported downing the high-tech aircraft.

Ukraine claims it has shot down A-50 Russian spy plane, known for it rarity

Russian President Vladimir Putin dawned a pilot's uniform then took the hot seat in a high-tech supersonic strategic bomber fighter Jet. The giant T160 Wing plane is a modernized version of a Soviet era bomber. The Putin's flight on a jet capable of carrying nuclear missiles is being seen as some kind of a message to the west and it has come just days before Moscow marks the second anniversary of its military invasion of Ukraine. Watch to know more!

Russian President Vladimir Putin sends signal to west with flight on bomber jet

As the Ukraine war enters its third year, Russia has gained the upper hand with recent victories on the battlefield. Outnumbered and outgunned, Ukraine has been pleading for more arms from the West. How long can the U.S.-led bloc sustain Ukraine's war efforts? What is the realistic step ahead?

Putin touts Russia's new nuclear bomber, Zelensky pleads for ammo | Has NATO lost Ukraine war?

Ukraine said Tuesday it was fighting off dozens of attacks, after President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russian forces were exploiting delays in Western military aid and called the situation “extremely difficult”.

Russia-Ukraine war: 81 Frontline battles in past 24 hours

On Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin put on a pilot's uniform and sat in the pilot's seat of a contemporary Tu-160M strategic bomber fighter plane to personally inspect the level of modernization. The head of state arrived on the runway at the Kazan Aviation Plant dressed as a pilot and took the pilot's seat, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters in Kazan, a city in southwest Russia.

Russian President Putin shows muscle with 'White Swan': Flies supersonic strategic bomber

Russia invaded Ukraine from three fronts in the biggest assault on a European state since World War Two. Tens of thousands flee. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a "special military operation" to demilitarise and "denazify" Ukraine.

Russia-Ukraine war: Ukraine war recap as conflict enters its second anniversary

<p>Dasha Navalnaya, daughter of Putin critic Alexei Navalny, recently shared a heartfelt tribute to&nbsp;her father following his death. In an Instagram&nbsp;post, she uploaded a childhood photo featuring herself, her mother, and her father, accompanied by a message expressing her love and longing for him. This post marks the first public statement from Navalnaya, aged 23, since her father's demise in a Siberian penal colony.&nbsp;</p>

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<h2><strong>Biden meets Navalny's wife and daughter in US</strong></h2>

<p>President Joe Biden met privately with Alexei Navalny's wife and daughter in California on Thursday (Feb 22), offering support as his administration imposed new sanctions against Russia following the Kremlin critic's death.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Today, I met with Yulia and Dasha Navalnaya – Aleksey Navalny's loved ones – to express my condolences for their devastating loss.<br />
<br />
Aleksey's legacy of courage will live on in Yulia and Dasha, and the countless people across Russia fighting for democracy and human rights. <a href="https://t.co/aiCcgTrws3">pic.twitter.com/aiCcgTrws3</a></p>
— President Biden (@POTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1760752933866512580?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 22, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>The emotional meeting, held in San Francisco, saw Biden embracing Yulia Navalnaya and engaging in discussions with her and Navalny's daughter, Dasha.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/alexei-navalnys-wife-yulias-x-social-media-account-suspended-692033">Also read |&nbsp;Alexei Navalny’s wife Yulia’s X social media account briefly suspended</a></p>

<p>The president,&nbsp;praised the women for their bravery, echoing Navalny's courage. Yulia Navalnaya, committed to continuing her late husband's opposition to Putin, received Biden's encouragement.</p>

<p>The US announced new sanctions against over 500 targets in Russia, citing Navalny's death and the anniversary of Ukraine's invasion. Navalny, a prominent critic of Putin, sparked protests against corruption and government malfeasance.<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Protests across Russia</strong></h2>

<p>Meanwhile, hundreds of people have been detained in Russia in the past few days&nbsp;while attending gatherings to honour Navalny.</p>

<p>Following the announcement of her son's death, Lyudmila Navalnaya travelled&nbsp;to Russia's Far North in a bid to reclaim his body. Despite her efforts, officials initially denied her access, prompting her to issue a direct appeal to Putin.</p>

<p>Eventually, she was permitted to view Navalny's body in a morgue near the remote prison in Salekhard.</p>

<p>However, she revealed in a social media video released by Navalny's team that investigators were pressuring her to agree to a secretive burial arrangement, depriving loved ones of the chance to bid farewell.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Russian officials not releasing Navalny's body: Navalny's team&nbsp;</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russian-officials-not-releasing-navalnys-body-navalnys-team-alexei-navalny-death-mystery-691256/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>"Looking me in the eye, they said that if I do not agree to a secret funeral they'll do something with my son's body... I ask for my son's body to be given to me immediately," she said.</p>

<p>Despite being informed of the cause of death by investigators, Navalny's mother asserted that they did not disclose it. While the Kremlin has not specified a timeline for releasing the body, Western condemnation has intensified. The US National Security Council urged Russia to return Navalny's body to his mother, while Putin has refrained from commenting on the matter. Navalny's spokesperson revealed that the medical report provided to Lyudmila Navalnaya cited natural causes as the reason for Navalny's death.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Dasha Navalnaya, daughter of Putin critic Alexei Navalny, recently shared a heartfelt tribute to her father following his death. In an Instagram post, she uploaded a childhood photo featuring herself, her mother, and her father, accompanied by a message expressing her love and longing for him.

Dasha Navalnaya, daughter of Putin critic Alexei Navalny, recently shared a heartfelt tribute to her father following his death. In an Instagram post, she uploaded a childhood photo featuring herself, her mother, and her father, accompanied by a message expressing her love and longing for him. This post marks the first public statement from Navalnaya, aged 23, since her father's demise in a Siberian penal colony. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Dasha Navalnaya (@dasha_navalnaya) × Biden meets Navalny's wife and daughter in US President Joe Biden met privately with Alexei Navalny's wife and daughter in California on Thursday (Feb 22), offering support as his administration imposed new sanctions against Russia following the Kremlin critic's death. Today, I met with Yulia and Dasha Navalnaya – Aleksey Navalny's loved ones – to express my condolences for their devastating loss. Aleksey's legacy of courage will live on in Yulia and Dasha, and the countless people across Russia fighting for democracy and human rights. pic.twitter.com/aiCcgTrws3 — President Biden (@POTUS) February 22, 2024 × The emotional meeting, held in San Francisco, saw Biden embracing Yulia Navalnaya and engaging in discussions with her and Navalny's daughter, Dasha. Also read | Alexei Navalny’s wife Yulia’s X social media account briefly suspended The president, praised the women for their bravery, echoing Navalny's courage. Yulia Navalnaya, committed to continuing her late husband's opposition to Putin, received Biden's encouragement. The US announced new sanctions against over 500 targets in Russia, citing Navalny's death and the anniversary of Ukraine's invasion. Navalny, a prominent critic of Putin, sparked protests against corruption and government malfeasance. Protests across Russia Meanwhile, hundreds of people have been detained in Russia in the past few days while attending gatherings to honour Navalny. Following the announcement of her son's death, Lyudmila Navalnaya travelled to Russia's Far North in a bid to reclaim his body. Despite her efforts, officials initially denied her access, prompting her to issue a direct appeal to Putin. Eventually, she was permitted to view Navalny's body in a morgue near the remote prison in Salekhard. However, she revealed in a social media video released by Navalny's team that investigators were pressuring her to agree to a secretive burial arrangement, depriving loved ones of the chance to bid farewell. Also watch | Russian officials not releasing Navalny's body: Navalny's team "Looking me in the eye, they said that if I do not agree to a secret funeral they'll do something with my son's body... I ask for my son's body to be given to me immediately," she said. Despite being informed of the cause of death by investigators, Navalny's mother asserted that they did not disclose it. While the Kremlin has not specified a timeline for releasing the body, Western condemnation has intensified. The US National Security Council urged Russia to return Navalny's body to his mother, while Putin has refrained from commenting on the matter. Navalny's spokesperson revealed that the medical report provided to Lyudmila Navalnaya cited natural causes as the reason for Navalny's death. (With inputs from agencies)

Alexei Navalny's daughter Dasha Navalnaya offers tribute to late father in first public statement

<p>United States President Joe Biden on Wednesday (Feb 21) called his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin a "crazy SOB" while addressing a public fundraising event in California.</p>

<p>"We have a crazy SOB like that guy Putin, and others, and we always have to worry about nuclear conflict, but the existential threat to humanity is climate," Biden said in a brief speech at the event in San Francisco.</p>

<p>Biden has previously also launched scathing attacks against Putin after he ordered the invasion of Ukraine in the year 2022, calling him a "butcher" and a "war criminal".</p>

<p>This also comes as the US announced tough new sanctions against Russia over the death of opposition leader Alexei Navalny in prison and the completion of two years of the Ukraine war.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Biden, while speaking to the reporters before departing on his trip to California said that the US will announce a major package of sanctions against Russia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>These, according to White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan, will target a range of items, including the country's defence and industrial bases, along with sources of revenue for the economy. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The package will "hold Russia accountable for what happened to Mr Navalny" and for its actions over the course of the war in Ukraine, Kirby said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/wion-world-of-sports/biden-announces-fresh-student-loan-relief-for-150000-americans-692498">Biden announces fresh student loan relief for 150,000 Americans</a></p>

<h2><strong>Navalny's death proof of Putin's brutality,&nbsp;says Biden</strong></h2>

<p>Biden on Friday (Feb 16) said he was "not surprised" by the death of Navalny. Addressing the press at the White House, the American President blamed Russian President Vladimir Putin for Navalny's death, and said that it was proof of his (Putin's) "brutality".</p>

<p>Describing the Kremlin critic Navalny as a "powerful voice for the truth", Biden said, "He bravely stood up to the corruption, the violence and all the bad things the (Vladimir) Putin government was doing."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Saying that he was "outraged", but "not surprised" by the news, Biden said that it was the fault of Putin and his "thugs".</p>

<p>"Russian authorities are going to tell their own story," he said, adding, "But make no mistake, Putin is responsible for Navalny's death. Putin is responsible."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"What has happened to Navalny is yet more proof of Putin's brutality. No one should be fooled," said Biden in the televised remarks.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


United States President Joe Biden on Wednesday (Feb 21) called his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin a "crazy SOB" while addressing a public fundraising event in California.

United States President Joe Biden on Wednesday (Feb 21) called his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin a "crazy SOB" while addressing a public fundraising event in California. "We have a crazy SOB like that guy Putin, and others, and we always have to worry about nuclear conflict, but the existential threat to humanity is climate," Biden said in a brief speech at the event in San Francisco. Biden has previously also launched scathing attacks against Putin after he ordered the invasion of Ukraine in the year 2022, calling him a "butcher" and a "war criminal". This also comes as the US announced tough new sanctions against Russia over the death of opposition leader Alexei Navalny in prison and the completion of two years of the Ukraine war. Biden, while speaking to the reporters before departing on his trip to California said that the US will announce a major package of sanctions against Russia. These, according to White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan, will target a range of items, including the country's defence and industrial bases, along with sources of revenue for the economy. The package will "hold Russia accountable for what happened to Mr Navalny" and for its actions over the course of the war in Ukraine, Kirby said. Also read: Biden announces fresh student loan relief for 150,000 Americans Navalny's death proof of Putin's brutality, says Biden Biden on Friday (Feb 16) said he was "not surprised" by the death of Navalny. Addressing the press at the White House, the American President blamed Russian President Vladimir Putin for Navalny's death, and said that it was proof of his (Putin's) "brutality". Describing the Kremlin critic Navalny as a "powerful voice for the truth", Biden said, "He bravely stood up to the corruption, the violence and all the bad things the (Vladimir) Putin government was doing." Saying that he was "outraged", but "not surprised" by the news, Biden said that it was the fault of Putin and his "thugs". "Russian authorities are going to tell their own story," he said, adding, "But make no mistake, Putin is responsible for Navalny's death. Putin is responsible." "What has happened to Navalny is yet more proof of Putin's brutality. No one should be fooled," said Biden in the televised remarks. (With inputs from agencies)

US President Joe Biden calls Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin 'crazy SOB'

Alexei Navalny: Putin's most prominent critic died on February 16th Who killed Navalny? Navalny's wife, Yulia Navalnaya accuses Putin for her husband's death Major Sanctions against Russia have been Imposed after the incident As Russia heads to polls next month, What's next for Vladimir Putin with no opposition in sight? Watch WION WIDEANGLE- INSIDE PUTIN'S RUSSIA

Inside Putin's Russia

As per reports, Iran has provided Russia with several powerful surface-to-surface ballistic missiles. The military cooperation between the two U.S-sanctioned countries is progressing tremendously. Watch this video for all details.

Did Iran send Russia hundreds of ballistic missiles?

Russian President Vladimir Putin declared Tuesday that Moscow has no intention of deploying nuclear weapons in space, claiming that the country has only developed space capabilities similar to those of the US.

Russian President Putin denies plans to deploy nuclear weapons in space

Rapidly evolving threat in space: Putin says, 'No plans to deploy nukes in space'

Eleven Ukrainian children crossed the border from Belarus to Ukraine on Tuesday evening. Several children were taken to Russia and occupied territories during the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Russia repatriates Ukrainian children after Qatari mediation

Russia is exploiting delays in extending aid to Ukraine, and the situation in areas where Moscow's troops are concentrated is "extremely difficult", Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said.

Russians taking advantage of delays in aid to Ukraine says Zelensky

<p>Son of an ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin has been found dead under 'strange' circumstances, reported Newsweek. Ivan Sechin, son of Russian state-owned oil giant Rosneft's CEO Igor Sechin was 35-years-old. Ivan worked for Rosneft since 2014. His death was not announced and came to light when exiled Russian oligarch and Putin-critic Leonid Nevzlin drew attention to it.</p>

<p>Nevzlin said on social media that he found mention of Sechin's death in Russia's national register of inheritance cases.</p>

<p>According to Nevzlin, the entry said that Ivan Sechin, born in 1989, lived in a building that was previosly described as "a house for President Putin's associates."</p>

<p>In his Facebook post, Nevzlin said death of Ivan Sechin was a "strange coincidence."</p>

<p>"Today, when we recalled with my friends and partners why the Kremlin war against Yukos began...it was today that I learned that Igor Sechin had just lost his son. The very same man who fabricated every blatant and bloody case against us. And still," he said in his post.</p>

<p>"Probably hard to believe but my heart goes out to a father who lost his child. How I sympathize with Alexei Navalny's mother. How I sympathized in recent years to Bory Nemtsov's mother, who left us this month," Nevzlin added. "My condolences to Sechin's family, who are forced to hide their grief."</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Alexei Navalny death: Navalny’s widow accuses Putin of killing him and vows to continue his work</strong></p>

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<p>Many prominent Russians have inexplicably died since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-to-hold-alexei-navalnys-body-for-two-weeks-carry-out-chemical-analysis-claims-family-691827">Russia to hold Alexei Navalny’s body for two weeks, will carry out 'chemical analysis’, family told</a></strong></p>

<p>Pavel Antov, a wealthy tycoon and a member of Putin's United Russia party had once criticised Russian invasion of Ukraine. In December 2022, he was found dead after falling from a window in India.</p>

<p>Most recently Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny died while serving prison sentence in a penal colony in Russia.</p>

<p>In December 2022, Pavel Antov, a member of Putin's United Russia party and a wealthy sausage tycoon who once criticized Putin's invasion of Ukraine, was found dead after a fall from a window in India.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Son of an ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin has been found dead under 'strange' circumstances, reported Newsweek. Ivan Sechin, son of Russian state-owned oil giant Rosneft's CEO Igor Sechin was 35-years-old.

Son of an ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin has been found dead under 'strange' circumstances, reported Newsweek. Ivan Sechin, son of Russian state-owned oil giant Rosneft's CEO Igor Sechin was 35-years-old. Ivan worked for Rosneft since 2014. His death was not announced and came to light when exiled Russian oligarch and Putin-critic Leonid Nevzlin drew attention to it. Nevzlin said on social media that he found mention of Sechin's death in Russia's national register of inheritance cases. According to Nevzlin, the entry said that Ivan Sechin, born in 1989, lived in a building that was previosly described as "a house for President Putin's associates." In his Facebook post, Nevzlin said death of Ivan Sechin was a "strange coincidence." "Today, when we recalled with my friends and partners why the Kremlin war against Yukos began...it was today that I learned that Igor Sechin had just lost his son. The very same man who fabricated every blatant and bloody case against us. And still," he said in his post. "Probably hard to believe but my heart goes out to a father who lost his child. How I sympathize with Alexei Navalny's mother. How I sympathized in recent years to Bory Nemtsov's mother, who left us this month," Nevzlin added. "My condolences to Sechin's family, who are forced to hide their grief." Watch | Alexei Navalny death: Navalny’s widow accuses Putin of killing him and vows to continue his work × Many prominent Russians have inexplicably died since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. Also Read | Russia to hold Alexei Navalny’s body for two weeks, will carry out 'chemical analysis’, family told Pavel Antov, a wealthy tycoon and a member of Putin's United Russia party had once criticised Russian invasion of Ukraine. In December 2022, he was found dead after falling from a window in India. Most recently Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny died while serving prison sentence in a penal colony in Russia. In December 2022, Pavel Antov, a member of Putin's United Russia party and a wealthy sausage tycoon who once criticized Putin's invasion of Ukraine, was found dead after a fall from a window in India. (With inputs from agencies)

Son of Putin ally found dead at 35 in ‘strange’ circumstances: Report

Vladimir Putin gave Kim Jong-un a luxury Russian Aurus limousine as a gift because the North Korean leader liked the car when the Russian president showed it to him last year, the Kremlin said on Tuesday.

Kim Jong-un receives luxury Russian limo from Vladimir's Putin

<p>Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) announced the arrest of a US-Russian woman in Yekaterinburg on suspicion of treason and raising funds for the Ukrainian Army.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The incident occurred at a time of ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, as well as complexities in US-Russia relations.</p>

<p>The FSB arrested&nbsp;the 33-year-old woman, a dual citizen residing in Los Angeles, for her alleged involvement in illegal activities, AFP news agency reported citing the intelligence agency. The woman's identity remains undisclosed.</p>

<p><strong>What are the allegations?</strong></p>

<p>According to the FSB statement, the woman was actively gathering funds aimed at purchasing tactical medical items, equipment, weapons, and ammunition for the Ukrainian armed forces.</p>

<p>This action, purportedly conducted while she was in the United States, is deemed as working against Russia's national security interests.</p>

<p>Media outlets shared a video released by the FSB, showing officers escorting the woman, who was wearing a white coat and a hat covering her eyes, in handcuffs.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-gifts-russian-made-car-to-north-koreas-kim-jong-un-violates-un-sanction-691948">Also read |&nbsp;Putin gifts Russian-made car to North Korea's Kim Jong Un, violating UN sanctions</a></p>

<p>In Russia, treason carries severe penalties, with a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison.</p>

<p>The arrest of the US-Russian woman exemplifies the stringent stance Russia maintains regarding activities perceived as detrimental to its security interests.</p>

<p>This incident adds to the existing tensions between Russia and the United States. It also highlights the challenges faced by individuals with dual citizenship amid strained diplomatic relations between the countries.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Russians taking advantage of delays in aid to Ukraine says Zelensky</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russians-taking-advantage-of-delays-in-aid-to-ukraine-says-zelensky-691924/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>The arrest occurred even as several US citizens are already detained in Russia on various charges.</p>

<p>The case of Evan Gershkovich, a Wall Street Journal reporter held on espionage charges, remains unresolved, prompting discussions of potential prisoner exchanges between the two nations.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) announced the arrest of a US-Russian woman in Yekaterinburg on suspicion of treason and raising funds for the Ukrainian Army.

Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) announced the arrest of a US-Russian woman in Yekaterinburg on suspicion of treason and raising funds for the Ukrainian Army. The incident occurred at a time of ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, as well as complexities in US-Russia relations. The FSB arrested the 33-year-old woman, a dual citizen residing in Los Angeles, for her alleged involvement in illegal activities, AFP news agency reported citing the intelligence agency. The woman's identity remains undisclosed. What are the allegations? According to the FSB statement, the woman was actively gathering funds aimed at purchasing tactical medical items, equipment, weapons, and ammunition for the Ukrainian armed forces. This action, purportedly conducted while she was in the United States, is deemed as working against Russia's national security interests. Media outlets shared a video released by the FSB, showing officers escorting the woman, who was wearing a white coat and a hat covering her eyes, in handcuffs. Also read | Putin gifts Russian-made car to North Korea's Kim Jong Un, violating UN sanctions In Russia, treason carries severe penalties, with a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison. The arrest of the US-Russian woman exemplifies the stringent stance Russia maintains regarding activities perceived as detrimental to its security interests. This incident adds to the existing tensions between Russia and the United States. It also highlights the challenges faced by individuals with dual citizenship amid strained diplomatic relations between the countries. Also watch | Russians taking advantage of delays in aid to Ukraine says Zelensky The arrest occurred even as several US citizens are already detained in Russia on various charges. The case of Evan Gershkovich, a Wall Street Journal reporter held on espionage charges, remains unresolved, prompting discussions of potential prisoner exchanges between the two nations. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia's FSB arrests US-Russian woman for alleged treason, funding Ukrainian Army

<p>Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny's spokeswoman Kira Yarmysh confirmed the reports of Navalny's death while calling it a murder.</p>

<p>Citing an official notice given to the Russian opposition leader's mother, Yarmysh said that the death occurred on February 16 at 2:17 pm&nbsp;local time.</p>

<p>"Alexey Navalny was murdered. His death occurred on February 16 at 2:17 p.m. local time, according to the official message to Alexey’s mother," Yarmysh said in a post&nbsp;on social media platform X.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Alexey Navalny was murdered. His death occurred on February 16 at 2:17 p.m. local time, according to the official message to Alexey’s mother.<br />
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An employee of the colony said that the body of Navalny is now in Salekhard. It was picked up by investigators from the IC. Now they are…</p>
— Кира Ярмыш (@Kira_Yarmysh) <a href="https://twitter.com/Kira_Yarmysh/status/1758801430125695199?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 17, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>"An employee of the colony said that the body of Navalny is now in Salekhard. It was picked up by investigators from the IC. Now they are conducting "investigations" with him," she added.</p>

<p>She further demanded that Navalny's body be sent to his family "immediately".</p>

<p>"We demand that Alexey Navalny's body be handed over to his family immediately," she wrote.</p>

<p>After the reports of Navalny's death surfaced on Russian state media, his wife on Friday (Feb 16) said that President Vladimir Putin should know that he would be punished for all that he had done with the country, her family and her husband.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/global-tributes-for-navalny-supporters-condemn-russia-hold-putin-accountable-for-his-death-691127">Alexei Navalny death: Over 170 supporters arrested at rallies across Russia</a></p>

<p>"I'd like Putin and all his staff... to know that they will be punished for what they have done with our country, with my family and with my husband," Navalnaya said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We should fight this horrific regime in Russia today. Vladimir Putin should be personally held for all the atrocities they have committed in our country in the last years," she added.</p>

<h2><strong>‘He was healthy and happy,’ says Navalny’s mother</strong></h2>

<p>Navalny's mother, Liumila Navalnaya, on Friday, said that she did not want to hear any condolences and that her son was "alive, healthy and happy" the last time she saw him, which was on Feb 12.</p>

<p>"I saw my son on the 12th at the (prison) colony, we had a meeting. He was alive, healthy and cheerful," she wrote on Facebook, as per Novaya Gazeta newspaper.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny's spokeswoman Kira Yarmysh confirmed the reports of Navalny's death while calling it a murder. Citing an official notice given to the Russian opposition leader's mother, Yarmysh said that the death occurred on February 16 at 2:17 pm local time.

Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny's spokeswoman Kira Yarmysh confirmed the reports of Navalny's death while calling it a murder. Citing an official notice given to the Russian opposition leader's mother, Yarmysh said that the death occurred on February 16 at 2:17 pm local time. "Alexey Navalny was murdered. His death occurred on February 16 at 2:17 p.m. local time, according to the official message to Alexey’s mother," Yarmysh said in a post on social media platform X. Alexey Navalny was murdered. His death occurred on February 16 at 2:17 p.m. local time, according to the official message to Alexey’s mother. An employee of the colony said that the body of Navalny is now in Salekhard. It was picked up by investigators from the IC. Now they are… — Кира Ярмыш (@Kira_Yarmysh) February 17, 2024 × "An employee of the colony said that the body of Navalny is now in Salekhard. It was picked up by investigators from the IC. Now they are conducting "investigations" with him," she added. She further demanded that Navalny's body be sent to his family "immediately". "We demand that Alexey Navalny's body be handed over to his family immediately," she wrote. After the reports of Navalny's death surfaced on Russian state media, his wife on Friday (Feb 16) said that President Vladimir Putin should know that he would be punished for all that he had done with the country, her family and her husband. Also read: Alexei Navalny death: Over 170 supporters arrested at rallies across Russia "I'd like Putin and all his staff... to know that they will be punished for what they have done with our country, with my family and with my husband," Navalnaya said. "We should fight this horrific regime in Russia today. Vladimir Putin should be personally held for all the atrocities they have committed in our country in the last years," she added. ‘He was healthy and happy,’ says Navalny’s mother Navalny's mother, Liumila Navalnaya, on Friday, said that she did not want to hear any condolences and that her son was "alive, healthy and happy" the last time she saw him, which was on Feb 12. "I saw my son on the 12th at the (prison) colony, we had a meeting. He was alive, healthy and cheerful," she wrote on Facebook, as per Novaya Gazeta newspaper. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Alexei Navalny was murdered,’ claims Russian opposition leader’s spokeswoman while confirming his death

The Russia-Ukraine war continues to rage on. Meanwhile, the threat of a nuclear war is looming. The West and Russia are still at a crossroads. Now, Russia's Medvedev issues a nuclear threat. Watch this video for all details.

Former Russian President Medvedev threatens to nuke the US, UK, Germany & Ukraine

Russian troops launched multiple attacks to the west of recently captured Avdiivka in a bid to force more gains on the battlefield, a Ukrainian army spokesperson said Sunday.

Russia-Ukraine war | Russia trying to attack beyond Avdiivka: Kyiv

Russia said it had full control of the Ukrainian town of Avdiivka after Ukrainian troops withdrew. The fall of Avdiivka is Russia's biggest gain since it captured the city of Bakhmut in May 2023... But the Russian top military brass has not ruled out the chances of a second counter-offensive by Ukraine. What's next in the war? Will there be a second counter-offensive? Can Ukraine do it without U.S. funding? While Ukraine is retreating and Russia is regaining a global footprint from West Asia to Africa to the East. Can Russia's internal politics with the death of Alexei Navalny dampen Putin's forward plans? Putin said Biden is predictable and so what if he's old. Does Putin prefer U.S. President Biden to former President Trump as POTUS?

'Important victory': Russia takes full control of Avdiivka | Vladimir Putin winning in Ukraine?

<p><strong>Russian Opposition Leader Alexei Navalny News:</strong> Alexei Navalny, the most prominent face of political opposition in Russia has died, as per reports in Russian media later confirmed by the spokesperson of the Putin critic. As per initial reports, Navalny died in the prison. In Russia headed by President Vladimir Putin for last few decades, opposing the all-powerful leader is a very huge thing to start with. But Navalny has been doing it for years, and openly. He not only contested elections against Putin (which Putin won) but also created institutionalised network of people any political movement needs to be a social force. Navalny has dodged death many times in past and created an aura around himself of being a fighter, challenging Putin in his own domain.</p>

<p>Navalny was often seen as an 'irritant' to Putin. One who refused to quit and kept going on. In spite of a number of impediments in his political path, allegedly 'created' by the Russian state, Navalny always appeared to find a way. And thus, he solidified his reputation as a political survivor, which in Russian context, is a huge thing, especially, if you are opposed to Putin.</p>

<p>Navalny was active in Russian politics since the 2000s. In his initial years of political involvement, he jumped into local politics, especially that in Russian capital Moscow. He did make waves and rose through political ranks in the initial years but his time in domestic and global limelight predominantly came in 2010s.</p>

<p>It's interesting to examine how Navalny battled political obstacles to keep on going.</p>

<h2><strong>Russian parliamentary elections and protests (2011)</strong></h2>

<p>The Russian parliamentary elections held in the month of December in 2011 drew widespread criticism of election fraud. Although mass anti-Putin protests in Russia are rare, Navalny was part of a Moscow demonstration that drew about 6000 people. Hundreds of people were arrested along with Navalny. He was handed a jail sentence of maximum 15 days.</p>

<p>Though this looks like a minor thing, the adversity of having been sentenced to jail turned into opportunity as Navalny suddenly became a prominent name. He seized the opportunity and began projecting himself globally. After this arrest and sentencing, his blog quickly became available in English and he was able to address wider audience in the unofficial lingua franca.</p>

<p>He had savvy web presence already, but as some Russian news outlets claimed, the arrest in 2011 made him an offline leader in addition to being an online one.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Alexei Navalny dead in prison, says Russia | Navalny's team says not informed about his death</strong></p>

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<p>It is important to note that under the watch of a president like Putin, who has ruthlessly crushed opposition, having come so far was in itself an achievement for Navalny. But he didn't stop there.</p>

<p>After his release from jail, Navalny made an open call to resist Putin.</p>

<p>It was not on Navalny's mind to challenge Putin directly in presidential elections, but he had taken initial steps.</p>

<p>In 2012, an anti-Putin rally Navalny organised in Moscow drew tens of thousands of people.</p>

<h2><strong>A new party (2012)</strong></h2>

<p>Supporters of the Kremlin-critic formed a party with a name "The People's Alliance". The Russian bureaucracy did everything it could to deny recognition but his supporters applied with different name each time recognition was denied. After initial reluctance, Navalny joined the party.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-opposition-politician-alexei-navalny-is-dead-reports-690945">Alexei Navalny, most ardent Putin critic in recent years dies in prison, says Russian state media</a></strong></p>

<p>This again, was a statement against Putin as his critic had become leader of a political party.</p>

<h2>Challenging Putin in presidential elections (2018)</h2>

<p>In a country where even a simple challenge to the president suddenly put a leader in political crosshairs and more, Navalny openly declared that he would contest presidential elections.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brutal-murder-world-reacts-to-reports-of-kremlin-critic-alexei-navalnys-death-690970">'Brutal murder': World reacts to reports of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny's death</a></strong></p>

<p>Navalny was attacked by unknown assailants just outside his office in 2017. He was sprayed with a dye that can potentially damage a person's eye. In another similar attack, Navalny reportedly lost most of the sight of his right eye.</p>

<p>To deter him from contesting elections, Russian bureaucracy and state machinery slapped jail sentences on him and Russia's election body disbarred him from contesting.</p>

<h2><strong>Arrests and hospitalisation around Duma elections (2019)</strong></h2>

<p>In spite of previous attack, Navalny stuck to his political line and chose to support independent candidates. He was arrested multiple times and then was hospitalised because of severe damage to eye and skin. It was claimed that he was suffering from 'allergy' but this was disputed.</p>

<h2><strong>Novichok poisoning (2020)</strong></h2>

<p>This was the most prominent attack on Navalny which nearly killed him. A Soviet-era nerve agent Novichok was used against him and after his health deteriorated during a domestic flight in Russia, he was hospitalised. He was then taken to Germany for treatment where he recovered.</p>

<p>It was possible for Navalny to stay in Germany and be an 'in-exile' opposition leader. But he chose to return and was promptly arrested, convicted and sent to prison, including the one in the dreaded Siberian region.</p>

<p>Navalny survived a lot of situations which normally would make an ordinary human being quit their rebellion and take a safe route. Somehow, Navalny did not do this, and kept on fighting astronomical odds stacked against him. This time however, it is being feared that Putin might finally have got his way.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Russian Opposition Leader Alexei Navalny News: Alexei Navalny, the most prominent face of political opposition in Russia has died, as per reports in Russian media later confirmed by the spokesperson of the Putin critic.

Russian Opposition Leader Alexei Navalny News: Alexei Navalny, the most prominent face of political opposition in Russia has died, as per reports in Russian media later confirmed by the spokesperson of the Putin critic. As per initial reports, Navalny died in the prison. In Russia headed by President Vladimir Putin for last few decades, opposing the all-powerful leader is a very huge thing to start with. But Navalny has been doing it for years, and openly. He not only contested elections against Putin (which Putin won) but also created institutionalised network of people any political movement needs to be a social force. Navalny has dodged death many times in past and created an aura around himself of being a fighter, challenging Putin in his own domain. Navalny was often seen as an 'irritant' to Putin. One who refused to quit and kept going on. In spite of a number of impediments in his political path, allegedly 'created' by the Russian state, Navalny always appeared to find a way. And thus, he solidified his reputation as a political survivor, which in Russian context, is a huge thing, especially, if you are opposed to Putin. Navalny was active in Russian politics since the 2000s. In his initial years of political involvement, he jumped into local politics, especially that in Russian capital Moscow. He did make waves and rose through political ranks in the initial years but his time in domestic and global limelight predominantly came in 2010s. It's interesting to examine how Navalny battled political obstacles to keep on going. Russian parliamentary elections and protests (2011) The Russian parliamentary elections held in the month of December in 2011 drew widespread criticism of election fraud. Although mass anti-Putin protests in Russia are rare, Navalny was part of a Moscow demonstration that drew about 6000 people. Hundreds of people were arrested along with Navalny. He was handed a jail sentence of maximum 15 days. Though this looks like a minor thing, the adversity of having been sentenced to jail turned into opportunity as Navalny suddenly became a prominent name. He seized the opportunity and began projecting himself globally. After this arrest and sentencing, his blog quickly became available in English and he was able to address wider audience in the unofficial lingua franca. He had savvy web presence already, but as some Russian news outlets claimed, the arrest in 2011 made him an offline leader in addition to being an online one. Watch | Alexei Navalny dead in prison, says Russia | Navalny's team says not informed about his death × It is important to note that under the watch of a president like Putin, who has ruthlessly crushed opposition, having come so far was in itself an achievement for Navalny. But he didn't stop there. After his release from jail, Navalny made an open call to resist Putin. It was not on Navalny's mind to challenge Putin directly in presidential elections, but he had taken initial steps. In 2012, an anti-Putin rally Navalny organised in Moscow drew tens of thousands of people. A new party (2012) Supporters of the Kremlin-critic formed a party with a name "The People's Alliance". The Russian bureaucracy did everything it could to deny recognition but his supporters applied with different name each time recognition was denied. After initial reluctance, Navalny joined the party. Also Read | Alexei Navalny, most ardent Putin critic in recent years dies in prison, says Russian state media This again, was a statement against Putin as his critic had become leader of a political party. Challenging Putin in presidential elections (2018) In a country where even a simple challenge to the president suddenly put a leader in political crosshairs and more, Navalny openly declared that he would contest presidential elections. Also Read | 'Brutal murder': World reacts to reports of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny's death Navalny was attacked by unknown assailants just outside his office in 2017. He was sprayed with a dye that can potentially damage a person's eye. In another similar attack, Navalny reportedly lost most of the sight of his right eye. To deter him from contesting elections, Russian bureaucracy and state machinery slapped jail sentences on him and Russia's election body disbarred him from contesting. Arrests and hospitalisation around Duma elections (2019) In spite of previous attack, Navalny stuck to his political line and chose to support independent candidates. He was arrested multiple times and then was hospitalised because of severe damage to eye and skin. It was claimed that he was suffering from 'allergy' but this was disputed. Novichok poisoning (2020) This was the most prominent attack on Navalny which nearly killed him. A Soviet-era nerve agent Novichok was used against him and after his health deteriorated during a domestic flight in Russia, he was hospitalised. He was then taken to Germany for treatment where he recovered. It was possible for Navalny to stay in Germany and be an 'in-exile' opposition leader. But he chose to return and was promptly arrested, convicted and sent to prison, including the one in the dreaded Siberian region. Navalny survived a lot of situations which normally would make an ordinary human being quit their rebellion and take a safe route. Somehow, Navalny did not do this, and kept on fighting astronomical odds stacked against him. This time however, it is being feared that Putin might finally have got his way. (With inputs from agencies)

Explained | The many lives of Alexei Navalny: The Russian opposition leader who survived, till now

Global South "emerged in part to aid countries in the southern hemisphere to work in collaboration on political, economic, social, environmental, cultural, and technical issues." Watch former US Ambassador to NATO, Kurt Volker speaks to WION on the role of Global South and much more

Exclusive: Former US ambassador to NATO speaks on the role of Global South

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