The US government has announced a 250 million dollar Ukraine military aid package, which it says is the last remaining package of weapons available for Ukraine under existing authorization. Congress now must decide whether to keep supporting Kyiv's battle against the Russian invasion.

Congress to decide on Biden's funding requests

Russia said on Sunday that its forces have gained full control of Maryinka in Ukraine's east, but Kyiv's military denied Moscow's claim, saying Ukrainian troops were still within the borders of the blighted town.

Russia-Ukraine War: Russia says it seized town of Maryinka in Ukraine; Kyiv denies the claim

The United States' imposition of sanctions on Russia's Arctic LNG-2 project has triggered a geopolitical ripple effect. The project, slated to kick off production in early 2024, is now facing unexpected challenges. Amid these setbacks, Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokeswoman Mao Ning affirmed on Tuesday that the two nations will persist in their economic and trade cooperation.

China-Russia economic ties unshaken, China defends stake in LNG projects

Russia is expected to position its all-new howitzers in its northern military district. The district shares its borders with Finland and Norway. This is according to the latest statement released by the Rostec state defence conglomerate.

Russia's all-new autonomous artillery units complete testing

Russian President Vladimir Putin has given the green light for Rosbank to acquire stakes in key Russian companies previously owned by Societe Generale, according to a decree signed on Sunday. <o:p></o:p>

The decree specifically enables Rosbank, a part of the Societe Generale group, to purchase SocGen's interests in major Russian firms, including energy giants like Rosneft and Gazprom, as well as leading metal companies like Norilsk Nickel and Severstal. While Societe Generale chose not to comment, it was revealed that the bank had a significant exposure of 22.4 billion euros to Russia as of June 2021, as reported by the European Banking Authority (EBA).<o:p></o:p>

Societe Generale's decision to offload its separate stakes in various Russian companies was confirmed in May 2022 when it exited Russia and finalised the sale of its local unit, Rosbank, to the Interros group, linked to Russian oligarch Vladimir Potanin. <o:p></o:p>

Putin's decree is particularly noteworthy as transactions involving Russian assets by companies from nations deemed "unfriendly" due to sanctions against Russia require special approval from Moscow. <o:p></o:p>

While Societe Generale's individual holdings in Russian companies were relatively small, the combined value of the assets under consideration is said to be in the "billions of roubles."<o:p></o:p>

Although specific details of the transaction remain undisclosed, the move aligns with Russia's broader geopolitical landscape. Putin has previously characterised Western sanctions as an "economic war" against Russia, leading to frozen assets worth hundreds of billions of dollars in the West, including state assets and those of Russian businessmen.<o:p></o:p>

Societe Generale's decision to divest its Russian assets is part of a broader trend, where Western companies are adjusting their positions in Russia amid geopolitical tensions. <o:p></o:p>

It's worth noting that the acquisition comes at a time when Russian entrepreneurs are strategically gaining control of major Western assets in Russia. Examples include Russian control over Carlsberg's eight breweries and Danone's enterprises.<o:p></o:p>

(With inputs from Reuters)<o:p></o:p>

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Russian President Vladimir Putin has given the green light for Rosbank to acquire stakes in key Russian companies previously owned by Societe Generale, according to a decree signed on Sunday.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has given the green light for Rosbank to acquire stakes in key Russian companies previously owned by Societe Generale, according to a decree signed on Sunday. The decree specifically enables Rosbank, a part of the Societe Generale group, to purchase SocGen's interests in major Russian firms, including energy giants like Rosneft and Gazprom, as well as leading metal companies like Norilsk Nickel and Severstal. While Societe Generale chose not to comment, it was revealed that the bank had a significant exposure of 22.4 billion euros to Russia as of June 2021, as reported by the European Banking Authority (EBA). Societe Generale's decision to offload its separate stakes in various Russian companies was confirmed in May 2022 when it exited Russia and finalised the sale of its local unit, Rosbank, to the Interros group, linked to Russian oligarch Vladimir Potanin. Putin's decree is particularly noteworthy as transactions involving Russian assets by companies from nations deemed "unfriendly" due to sanctions against Russia require special approval from Moscow. While Societe Generale's individual holdings in Russian companies were relatively small, the combined value of the assets under consideration is said to be in the "billions of roubles." Although specific details of the transaction remain undisclosed, the move aligns with Russia's broader geopolitical landscape. Putin has previously characterised Western sanctions as an "economic war" against Russia, leading to frozen assets worth hundreds of billions of dollars in the West, including state assets and those of Russian businessmen. Societe Generale's decision to divest its Russian assets is part of a broader trend, where Western companies are adjusting their positions in Russia amid geopolitical tensions. It's worth noting that the acquisition comes at a time when Russian entrepreneurs are strategically gaining control of major Western assets in Russia. Examples include Russian control over Carlsberg's eight breweries and Danone's enterprises. (With inputs from Reuters) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Putin clears Rosbank's acquisition of Societe Generale's Russian holdings

Alexei Navalny, the jailed Russian opposition leader, has been moved to a penal colony in the Arctic, his spokeswoman said on Monday. Navalny's whereabouts were not known for over two weeks.

Russia: Navalny shifted to remote prison ahead of President elections, moved to Arctic Penal Colony

Jailed Russian ultranationalist for 2024 presidential race. Can he beat Putin? Russia's communist party pits Nikolai Kharitonov against Putin. Kharitonov ran against Putin in 2004 & polled barely 14% votes.

Russia presidential election heats up; Communist Party pits Nikolai Kharitonov against Putin

How was 2023 for the Russian President? Wagner Chief challenged Putin's authority

As Russia braces for its March 17 presidential elections and President Putin moves closer to a fifth term in office, new candidates are looking to enter the race. Russia’s civic initiative party has backed the nomination of independent candidate Boris Nadezhdin.

New candidates look to enter Russia's race to power

A former CIA chief with three decades of experience in the intelligence field, Jack Devine, is boldly predicting the downfall of Russian President Vladimir Putin in what he refers to as a 'Black Swan' palace coup.&nbsp;The term 'Black Swan' is used for an event that is rare and unpredictable.&nbsp;

Devine, in an exclusive interview with The Sun, expressed his belief that Putin's days are numbered, stating, "Putin could disappear tomorrow, and I wouldn’t be surprised if some element in the government had decided they were going to take executive action."

Devine, who led thousands of spies on covert missions, points to Putin's increasingly unpredictable and dangerous behaviour, particularly his invasion of Ukraine, as the catalyst for his "political demise".

The war in Ukraine, marked by brutal assaults and severe casualties, has led to a decline in Putin's popularity, Devine anticipated while also predicting a 'Black Swan' event or a palace coup, especially if Russia's efforts result in a "permanent stalemate" in Ukraine.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/is-the-dollars-status-as-a-global-reserve-currency-at-risk-673035">Is the dollar's status as a global reserve currency at risk?</a>

Despite Putin's determination to press on with the war, Devine believes that as losses and violence become more visible to Russian citizens, recruitment will become increasingly challenging, and the war less popular.

“He will have a hard time recruiting, but it is Russia after all. He will find a way to strong arm, entice," he told The Sun.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-new-eligibility-requirements-for-visa-673034">UK: New eligibility requirements for visa</a>

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While acknowledging the uncertainty of the future, he warned that the replacement for Putin is unlikely to bring dramatic changes.

In light of this, Devine also laid emphasis on the importance of monitoring the geopolitical landscape, particularly the 'Axis of Evil' consisting of China, Iran, and Russia, as they attempt to strengthen their alliance.

“And I think we can see it being demonstrated with the Hamas attack in Israel and how Russia is playing that," he said adding, “The expansionist abilities of Putin are psychological and political right now, and I think it’s in the non-European world where he’s making some progress.”

(With inputs from agencies)

A former CIA chief with three decades of experience in the intelligence field, Jack Devine, is boldly predicting the downfall of Russian President Vladimir Putin in what he refers to as a 'Black Swan' palace coup.

A former CIA chief with three decades of experience in the intelligence field, Jack Devine, is boldly predicting the downfall of Russian President Vladimir Putin in what he refers to as a 'Black Swan' palace coup. The term 'Black Swan' is used for an event that is rare and unpredictable. Devine, in an exclusive interview with The Sun, expressed his belief that Putin's days are numbered, stating, "Putin could disappear tomorrow, and I wouldn’t be surprised if some element in the government had decided they were going to take executive action." Devine, who led thousands of spies on covert missions, points to Putin's increasingly unpredictable and dangerous behaviour, particularly his invasion of Ukraine, as the catalyst for his "political demise". The war in Ukraine, marked by brutal assaults and severe casualties, has led to a decline in Putin's popularity, Devine anticipated while also predicting a 'Black Swan' event or a palace coup, especially if Russia's efforts result in a "permanent stalemate" in Ukraine. Also Read | Is the dollar's status as a global reserve currency at risk? Despite Putin's determination to press on with the war, Devine believes that as losses and violence become more visible to Russian citizens, recruitment will become increasingly challenging, and the war less popular. “He will have a hard time recruiting, but it is Russia after all. He will find a way to strong arm, entice," he told The Sun. Watch | UK: New eligibility requirements for visa × While acknowledging the uncertainty of the future, he warned that the replacement for Putin is unlikely to bring dramatic changes. In light of this, Devine also laid emphasis on the importance of monitoring the geopolitical landscape, particularly the 'Axis of Evil' consisting of China, Iran, and Russia, as they attempt to strengthen their alliance. “And I think we can see it being demonstrated with the Hamas attack in Israel and how Russia is playing that," he said adding, “The expansionist abilities of Putin are psychological and political right now, and I think it’s in the non-European world where he’s making some progress.” (With inputs from agencies)

Putin to be ousted in ‘Black Swan’ palace coup? Ex-CIA chief makes bombshell claims

Former Russian television journalist Yekaterina Duntsova, who had put her name forward as an independent candidate in Russia’s upcoming presidential election, has been barred from running against President Vladimir Putin.

Russia bars Yektaterina Duntsova from running in presidential election

Ukraine is legalising medicinal cannabis to treat psychological trauma and stress-related diseases caused by Russia's war.

Ukraine is legalising medicinal marijuana to treat stress from the war

Russia bars Journalist Yektaterina Duntsova from running in presidential election

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signalled for a possible armistice with Ukraine despite his bravado in public. The Kremlin has indicated its interest in Striking a deal to Halt the war but this will only happen if Russia can declare victory.

Russia-Ukraine war: Putin signals for ceasefire through intermediaries

U.S. Media reports indicate that the airplane bombing assassination of Russian mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin --- Was orchestrated by Nikolai Patrushev. Patrushev is a top Putin confidant and Moscow's security council secretary...

Reports claim Putin aide involved in Wagner Chief Prigozhin killing

U.S. Media reports indicate that the airplane bombing assassination of russian mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin --- Was orchestrated by Nikolai Patrushev. Patrushev is a top Putin confidant and Moscow's security council secretary...

Putin aide involved in Prigozhin killing: Report

New US order acts against those helping Russia evade sanctions. The new order broadens the import ban on seafood & diamonds. Russia hits back at these sanctions by taking control over the assets of western companies.

Russia-Ukraine war: Putin seizes control of Russia's biggest car dealership

The Netherlands will deliver 18 F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine to help its battle against Russia's invasion, the Dutch government said on Friday.

Russia-Ukraine War: Netherlands to deliver 18 F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine

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

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

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

Russia bars anti-war candidate Yekaterina Duntsova from presidential ballot

Against the backdrop of the Russia-Ukraine war and Western sanctions, President Vladimir Putin has taken control of Rolf, Russia's largest car dealership owned by a Cyprus-based firm, placing it under temporary state management.

The Kremlin insisted that the move is driven by commercial considerations, citing the need to comply with Russian legislation and address the challenging international economic situation.

Rolf, originally founded by Russian businessman Sergei Petrov, has been a prominent player in the automotive industry since the post-Soviet era.&nbsp;Petrov, who resides in Austria, faces accusations from Russian authorities of illegally moving money abroad.&nbsp;However, he has denied these allegations.

This seizure follows Moscow's trend of temporarily assuming control of Western-owned assets in response to sanctions disrupting Russian assets abroad.

West has been imposing sanctions on Russia primarily in response to Russia's actions in Ukraine. Sanctions were also imposed in connection with issues such as human rights abuses, cyberattacks, and interference in foreign elections.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-outpaces-colombia-in-alarming-cocaine-consumption-data-672826">UK outpaces Colombia in alarming cocaine consumption: Data</a>

Notably, this marks the first instance of a high-profile Russian business leader losing control of their property in this manner.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that this is "solely linked to&nbsp; economic expediency and compliance with the current legislation of the Russian Federation and taking into account the known international economic situation that is around us now."&nbsp;

Rolf has announced the appointment of Alexei Gulyaev as the new CEO and Svetlana Vinogradova as the first deputy, assuring that the temporary management will not impact its operations.

Russia's federal property management agency, Rosimushchestvo, plans to develop Rolf and enhance its financial performance.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-koreas-upgraded-warship-cheonan-begins-mission-amidst-north-korean-tensions-672819">South Korea's upgraded warship, Cheonan, begins mission amidst North Korean tensions</a>

Petrov, however, viewed this move as a severe blow to Russia's investment landscape, questioning the willingness of investors, especially from Asia, to engage with Russian assets.

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nikhil-dhar-associate-vp-digital-marketing-indigo-speaks-to-wion-672840">Nikhil Dhar, Associate VP- digital &amp; marketing, Indigo speaks to WION</a>

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"This has a devastating effect on everyone. The state is, as a rule, inefficient, especially in such things as retail," Petrov said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)
</section>

 
&nbsp;

Against the backdrop of the Russia-Ukraine war and Western sanctions, President Vladimir Putin has taken control of Rolf, Russia's largest car dealership owned by a Cyprus-based firm, placing it under temporary state management.

Against the backdrop of the Russia-Ukraine war and Western sanctions, President Vladimir Putin has taken control of Rolf, Russia's largest car dealership owned by a Cyprus-based firm, placing it under temporary state management. The Kremlin insisted that the move is driven by commercial considerations, citing the need to comply with Russian legislation and address the challenging international economic situation. Rolf, originally founded by Russian businessman Sergei Petrov, has been a prominent player in the automotive industry since the post-Soviet era. Petrov, who resides in Austria, faces accusations from Russian authorities of illegally moving money abroad. However, he has denied these allegations. This seizure follows Moscow's trend of temporarily assuming control of Western-owned assets in response to sanctions disrupting Russian assets abroad. West has been imposing sanctions on Russia primarily in response to Russia's actions in Ukraine. Sanctions were also imposed in connection with issues such as human rights abuses, cyberattacks, and interference in foreign elections. Also Read | UK outpaces Colombia in alarming cocaine consumption: Data Notably, this marks the first instance of a high-profile Russian business leader losing control of their property in this manner. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that this is "solely linked to economic expediency and compliance with the current legislation of the Russian Federation and taking into account the known international economic situation that is around us now." Rolf has announced the appointment of Alexei Gulyaev as the new CEO and Svetlana Vinogradova as the first deputy, assuring that the temporary management will not impact its operations. Russia's federal property management agency, Rosimushchestvo, plans to develop Rolf and enhance its financial performance. Also Read | South Korea's upgraded warship, Cheonan, begins mission amidst North Korean tensions Petrov, however, viewed this move as a severe blow to Russia's investment landscape, questioning the willingness of investors, especially from Asia, to engage with Russian assets. Watch | Nikhil Dhar, Associate VP- digital & marketing, Indigo speaks to WION × "This has a devastating effect on everyone. The state is, as a rule, inefficient, especially in such things as retail," Petrov said. (With inputs from agencies)

Putin brings Rolf, Russia’s largest car dealership owned by Cyprus-based firm, under state management

Russia-Ukraine war: Moscow takes control over the assets of western companies

A new Wall Street Journal report has revealed more details of Wagner chief Prigozhin's plane crash. The report claims that Putin's right-hand man Nikolai Patrushev orchestrated the plan to get the Wagner chief killed.

Gravitas: Did Putin order the killing of Wagner Chief?

According to senior American and European officials, the Biden administration is subtly indicating that it is now in favor of seizing over $300 billion in assets that the Russian central bank has hidden in Western countries. It has also commenced urgent talks with allies about utilizing these funds to support Ukraine's war effort during a period when financial support is diminishing.

Russia-Ukraine war: US to use nearly $5 billion Russian assests as aid to Ukraine

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

Strong Russia ties a strategic choice, says Chinas President Xi Jinping

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

Russia PM Mishustin praises China-Russia relationship | Xi calls for deeper bilateral cooperation

The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has lasted for more than a year. The allies of Ukraine are growing weary as tensions rise. Questioning Ukraine's legitimacy, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated, "Won't give up on what's ours!"

Russia-Ukraine war | Russian President questions legitimacy of Ukrainian nation

Russia-Ukraine war | Zelensky: Army seeks extra 500,000 soldiers

The government of Russia has announced that Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin will begin an official two-day visit to China on Tuesday. According to the agreement reached with the Chinese side, Mikhail Mishustin will visit China on December 19–20, according to a statement released by the Russian government on Telegram on Monday.

Russian PM visits China: Visit comes two months after Xi-Putin meet

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin will hold talks with Chinese Premier Li Qiang during a visit on December 19-20, the Chinese foreign ministry said. Mishustin will also meet Chinese President Xi Jinping, the Russian government said on Monday.

Russia-China ties: Ties have grown closer since Moscow's invasion of Ukraine

There are questions about the Ukrainian military's performance on the battleground. Ukraine's top spy has owned up to failure. Aleksey Danilov, the secretary of Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council, has admitted that forced conscriptions have failed on the frontlines.

Gravitas: Ukraine forcing its people to fight on border

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