Russian President Vladimir Putin showered praises on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his leadership while interacting with university students in Kaliningrad Region. He also appreciated India for following an 'independent' foreign policy, which is difficult to pursue in the current scenario.

Vladimir Putin showers praises on PM Modi, expresses admiration for Indian culture

Russian President Vladimir Putin is hinting at restarting negotiations in the ongoing Ukraine war through secret indirect channels. As per reports citing sources Russia has sent signals to United States through back channels that it may be willing to consider dropping its insistence on Ukraine's neutrality and also ultimately abandon opposition to its eventual NATO membership.

US-Russia secret back channel talks? | Talks to agree on security guarantees: Reports

Did Zelensky's men order the bombing of the Russian plane that was carrying 65 Ukrainian POWs. Russia certainly thinks so. If Moscow is right, why would Ukraine kill its soldiers? What led to the crash of Russia's 100-ton aircraft on January 24th? Was the plane even carrying POWs? We piece together the details of what has come out on this episode of Gravitas.

Gravitas: Putin fumes as Russian jet with POWs crashes near Ukraine | Did Zelensky order the hit?

Nadezhdin, a Russian opposition politician who has spoken out against the war in Ukraine, collected the necessary 100,000 signatures of support to enter the race, news agency reported on Tuesday.

Russia: Putin's opponent Nadezhdin backs ending Ukraine war | Race to Power

The CIA has launched a new campaign with a video aimed at recruiting Russians to spy for the US. CNN's Alex Marquardt reports.

CIA launches video to recruit Russian spies

Russian anti-war candidate gathers signatures to challenge Putin in presidential run

Will Russia see a Putin opponent in March polls? Russian missiles hit two Ukrainian cities

Russia-Ukraine war continues to rage on. There is no end in sight as war enters 2024. Both Kyiv & Moscow are attacking inside each other's territories. Now, Putin vows to intensify attacks on Ukraine. Watch this video for all details.

Russian President Vladimir Putin says Russia will 'intensify' attacks on Ukraine

Russia and Ukraine have exchanged hundreds of prisoners of war in the biggest single release of captives since Russia’s invasion began in February 2022.

Russia and Ukraine exchange hundreds of prisoners of war

<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin observed the Orthodox feast of Epiphany by immersing himself in frigid waters, a ritual performed in the early hours of January 19, media reports said citing Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov.&nbsp;Throughout Russia, authorities have established designated bathing sites for believers, even in Siberian regions where temperatures plummeted to below -22°F. However, it is not clear where Putin took the dip on Friday (Jan 19).&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Yes, he did it to mark Epiphany according to tradition," Peskov confirmed when reportedly asked about the president's participation in the Epiphany dip, Moscow Times reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The video of Putin immersing himself in water on Friday (Jan 19)&nbsp;is not available. However, in 2018, the video of the 65-year-old leader was publicised on Russian television where he was seen approaching a hole cut in the ice on Lake Seliger in northwestern Russia. He then plunged into the icy waters, crossing himself.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">WATCH: Putin takes an icy dip to mark Orthodox Epiphany. More from <a href="https://twitter.com/ReutersTV?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ReutersTV</a>: <a href="https://t.co/aOw4lSGCPj">https://t.co/aOw4lSGCPj</a> <a href="https://t.co/nB9JFmwBhk">pic.twitter.com/nB9JFmwBhk</a></p>
— Reuters (@Reuters) <a href="https://twitter.com/Reuters/status/954345742541426688?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>In adherence to Orthodox tradition, water blessed by a priest during Epiphany week is considered sacred and imbued with healing properties. Epiphany, celebrated on January 19, marks the Baptism of the Lord.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-to-get-real-slap-in-the-face-if-aggression-expanded-warns-hezbollah-681717">Israel to get 'real slap in the face' if aggression expanded, warns Hezbollah</a></p>

<p>This is a significant Christian holiday observed by Orthodox believers worldwide. The act of immersing oneself in icy waters during this time is a customary practice.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/biden-hosts-conference-of-mayors-as-us-faces-extreme-weather-conditions-681749">Biden hosts conference of Mayors as US faces extreme weather conditions</a></strong></p>

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<p>Peskov revealed that the president had followed this tradition in previous years but had not publicised it until 2018. In 2023, Putin opted for an icy dip in a Moscow suburb.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Russian President Vladimir Putin observed the Orthodox feast of Epiphany by immersing himself in frigid waters, a ritual performed in the early hours of January 19, media reports said citing Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov.

Russian President Vladimir Putin observed the Orthodox feast of Epiphany by immersing himself in frigid waters, a ritual performed in the early hours of January 19, media reports said citing Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov. Throughout Russia, authorities have established designated bathing sites for believers, even in Siberian regions where temperatures plummeted to below -22°F. However, it is not clear where Putin took the dip on Friday (Jan 19). "Yes, he did it to mark Epiphany according to tradition," Peskov confirmed when reportedly asked about the president's participation in the Epiphany dip, Moscow Times reported. The video of Putin immersing himself in water on Friday (Jan 19) is not available. However, in 2018, the video of the 65-year-old leader was publicised on Russian television where he was seen approaching a hole cut in the ice on Lake Seliger in northwestern Russia. He then plunged into the icy waters, crossing himself. WATCH: Putin takes an icy dip to mark Orthodox Epiphany. More from @ReutersTV: https://t.co/aOw4lSGCPj pic.twitter.com/nB9JFmwBhk — Reuters (@Reuters) January 19, 2018 × In adherence to Orthodox tradition, water blessed by a priest during Epiphany week is considered sacred and imbued with healing properties. Epiphany, celebrated on January 19, marks the Baptism of the Lord. Also Read | Israel to get 'real slap in the face' if aggression expanded, warns Hezbollah This is a significant Christian holiday observed by Orthodox believers worldwide. The act of immersing oneself in icy waters during this time is a customary practice. Watch | Biden hosts conference of Mayors as US faces extreme weather conditions × Peskov revealed that the president had followed this tradition in previous years but had not publicised it until 2018. In 2023, Putin opted for an icy dip in a Moscow suburb. (With inputs from agencies)

VIRAL VIDEO | Putin takes dip in icy waters. Here's why

Russian President Vladimir Putin's campaign office announced that he has collected more than two million signatures in support of his candidacy in the March presidential election.

Russian presidential elections: Putin gathers over two million re-election signatures

"A shortage of ammunition is a very real and pressing problem that our armed forces are facing right now," Defence Minister Rustem Umerov wrote on X after speaking by video link to the group led by France and the United States.

Russia-Ukraine war: The victory in war may come down to who can last longer

Russia-Ukraine war: Ukraine facing critical ammunition shortage | Zelensky balmes world production

Russian police use tear gas to disperse protests that erupted in the central Bashkortostan region after a court sentenced a local activist to four years in prison. Fail Alsynov, who campaigns against gold mining in the Urals region and advocates for the protection of the large ethnic Bashkir population's language, was sentenced for "inciting hatred" in the town of Baymak.

Putin says 2020 US elections rigged, gets signatures from donetsk ahead of elections

Leaked super-secret documents from Germany's defence ministry outline a scenario where Russia goes to war with NATO. It envisages a step-by-step doomsday scenario on how Russian President Vladimir Putin could escalate the war in Ukraine to an even bigger battle in Europe.

Gravitas: Putin planning World War 3? Leaked documents from German MoD reveal NATO's worst nightmare

UK to deploy 20,000 troops alongside nato allies in a major show of strength. Grant Shapps set out his vision for deterring threats, leading among allies, and defending the UK as ‘the foundations of the world order are being shaken to their core’. Meanwhile, the UN seeks $4.2 Billion to support refugees of the Russia-Ukraine war. The agency seeks funding to aid 8.5 million people in war-ravaged spots and 2.3 million refugees.

UK to send 20,000 service personnel for NATO’s military exercises

Russian forces launched a large-scale missile attack on Ukraine on Saturday. Watch the video to know more.

Russia launches fresh missile attack against Ukraine

Rishi Sunak has vowed that Ukraine "will never be alone" as the UK announced £2.5bn of military aid to Ukraine over the coming year.

UK PM Sunak announces $3.2 billion aid for Ukraine in Kyiv

Ukraine's President has kicked off his tour of the Batlic nations with a trip to Lithuania, where he sought support for the ongoing conflict with Russia.

Lithuania announces €200m aid package for Ukraine

In the latest that is coming in from the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, former russian president Dmitry Medvedev has warned of a potential nuclear attack on Ukraine. In a stern warning issued, he stated that any Ukrainian attacks on missile launch sites within Russia using weapons supplied by the United States could provoke such an attack.

Moscow warns of nuclear response if Kyiv hits missile launch sites

Two russian missiles pounded a hotel in Ukraine's second-largest city Kharkiv. The missile strikes injured at least 11 people, with one person suffering serious injuries. No casualties were reported. The attack had occurred in the city at around 10.30 p.m. Local time. Images showed the streets covered with massive mounds of debris, numerous windows blasted out, and ruined balconies.

Russia-Ukraine war: Russian missiles wreck Kharkiv hotel

Two Russian missiles have struck a hotel in Ukraine's second-largest city, Kharkiv, said Kharkiv governor.

Russia-Ukraine war: Russian missiles pound Ukraine's Kharkiv

Latest in Russia-Ukraine war: Russian shelling in southern Ukraine kills 2, several injured. Ukrainian Air Force shoots down 21 drones. Watch the video to know more!

Russia-Ukraine war: Ukrainian armed forces shell hospital in Donetsk, injures 3

<p>Ukraine on Monday (Jan 8) came under a fresh wave of Russian missile attacks that struck near the front lines of fighting in the east, western as well as central parts of the country, said the officials.</p>

<p>The strikes claimed the lives of at least three and wounded dozens of others.</p>

<p>The latest barrage of hypersonic projectiles fired by Moscow comes less than a week after Kyiv cautioned that it only had sufficient ammunition to withstand a few more powerful attacks amid Russia's intense bombardment.</p>

<p>"The enemy launched dozens of missiles at peaceful cities and villages of Ukraine," Ukraine's deputy head of the presidency Oleksiy Kuleba said, adding that 33 were injured.</p>

<p>Some of the Ukrainian targets hit by the Russian projectiles were high-rise buildings and a shopping centre in President Volodymyr Zelensky's hometown Kryvyi Rig, claiming the life of at least one, said Kuleba.</p>

<p>"In Kryvyi Rig, there are many breakages in power grids, there are power outages, and electric transport does not work," he said.</p>

<p>Separate "explosions" in the western region of Khmelnytsky, far from the frontlines in the east, he said, killed one person.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zelensky-personally-ordered-belgorod-attack-claims-russian-state-media-675579"> </a></strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zelensky-personally-ordered-belgorod-attack-claims-russian-state-media-675579">Zelensky personally ordered Belgorod attack, claims Russian state media</a></p>

<h2><strong>Around 300 evacuated from Belgorod over Ukraine strikes, says Russia</strong></h2>

<p>Russia said that it has evacuated nearly 300 residents of Belgorod over strikes by Ukraine.</p>

<p>The governor of the Belgorod region, which is a city near the Ukrainian border, on Monday, released a statement saying that the ones evacuated have been moved to temporary shelter centres.</p>

<p>"Some 300 residents of Belgorod, who decided to temporarily evacuate, are at the moment being housed in temporary shelter centres in Stary Oskol, Gubkin and the Korochansky district" which are further from the border, Belgorod region governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said in a video posted on Telegram.</p>

<p>"Over the past 24 hours we received 1,300 requests to send Belgorod children to school camps away from the city, in other regions," he said.</p>

<p>The evacuation from Belgorod, which is less than 20 miles (32 kilometres) from the Ukrainian border, is so far the largest of a major Russian city ever since Moscow began its offensive against Kyiv in Feb 2022.</p>

<p>Ukraine launched strikes on the Russian city on Dec 30 claiming the lives of at least 25 people.<br />
<br />
<em><strong>Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos</strong></em></p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Ukraine on Monday (Jan 8) came under a fresh wave of Russian missile attacks that struck near the front lines of fighting in the east, western as well as central parts of the country, said the officials.

Ukraine on Monday (Jan 8) came under a fresh wave of Russian missile attacks that struck near the front lines of fighting in the east, western as well as central parts of the country, said the officials. The strikes claimed the lives of at least three and wounded dozens of others. The latest barrage of hypersonic projectiles fired by Moscow comes less than a week after Kyiv cautioned that it only had sufficient ammunition to withstand a few more powerful attacks amid Russia's intense bombardment. "The enemy launched dozens of missiles at peaceful cities and villages of Ukraine," Ukraine's deputy head of the presidency Oleksiy Kuleba said, adding that 33 were injured. Some of the Ukrainian targets hit by the Russian projectiles were high-rise buildings and a shopping centre in President Volodymyr Zelensky's hometown Kryvyi Rig, claiming the life of at least one, said Kuleba. "In Kryvyi Rig, there are many breakages in power grids, there are power outages, and electric transport does not work," he said. Separate "explosions" in the western region of Khmelnytsky, far from the frontlines in the east, he said, killed one person. Also read: Zelensky personally ordered Belgorod attack, claims Russian state media Around 300 evacuated from Belgorod over Ukraine strikes, says Russia Russia said that it has evacuated nearly 300 residents of Belgorod over strikes by Ukraine. The governor of the Belgorod region, which is a city near the Ukrainian border, on Monday, released a statement saying that the ones evacuated have been moved to temporary shelter centres. "Some 300 residents of Belgorod, who decided to temporarily evacuate, are at the moment being housed in temporary shelter centres in Stary Oskol, Gubkin and the Korochansky district" which are further from the border, Belgorod region governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said in a video posted on Telegram. "Over the past 24 hours we received 1,300 requests to send Belgorod children to school camps away from the city, in other regions," he said. The evacuation from Belgorod, which is less than 20 miles (32 kilometres) from the Ukrainian border, is so far the largest of a major Russian city ever since Moscow began its offensive against Kyiv in Feb 2022. Ukraine launched strikes on the Russian city on Dec 30 claiming the lives of at least 25 people. Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos (With inputs from agencies)

Strong wave of Russian strikes hits areas across Ukraine; 3 killed and dozens injured

Ukraine is considering to review proposed changes to the rules on army mobilisation that would enable Kyiv to call up more people and tighten sanctions against draft evasion as the war with Russia drags on.

Russia-Ukraine War: Ukraine considers changing mobilisation rules

Russia has used ballistic missiles and launchers supplied by North Korea in its war on Ukraine, the US has said.

Russia used North Korean missiles in Ukraine attack: US

Ukraine’s security service has attributed the cyber-attack on mobile operator Kyivstar to Russian hacking group Sandworm.

Russia-Ukraine war: Rise of cyber warfare

<p>After the twin attacks on the fourth death anniversary of slain Iranian general Qasem Soleimani&nbsp;shook Iran on Wednesday (Jan 3), reactions have started to trickle in, with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi terming the "terrorist attacks" as "heinous".</p>

<p>At least 103 people have been killed and 140 others injured in the twin blasts near Soleimani's grave.&nbsp;Russian President Vladimir Putin, who holds good relations with Iran and held a meeting with his Iranian counterpart Raisi in the first week of December 2023, has also expressed shock over the incident.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-qasem-soleimani-the-mighty-iranian-general-who-controlled-proxy-militias-across-middle-east-676271">Who was Qasem Soleimani? The mighty Iranian general who controlled proxy militias across Middle East</a></p>

<p>He extended his condolences in a letter to Raisi and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei where he said, "The killing of peaceful people visiting the cemetery is shocking in its cruelty and cynicism."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-says-another-blast-heard-near-grave-of-general-qasem-soleimani-676221">Iran says 103 killed in twin blasts near late general Qasem Soleimani’s grave</a></p>

<p>United States had killed Soleimani in a drone strike at Baghdad International Airport in January 2020. Fast forward to today, the US alleges that Iran is playing a key role in supplying drones to Russia to back the nation against its war against Ukraine.&nbsp; A quick reaction from Putin was everyone's guess.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Bombs detonated via remote control&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Iran's Tasnim News Agency citing sources said that the bombs were detonated using a remote control. "Two bags carrying bombs went off," the agency report added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The footage in the wake of the attack, Iran's deadliest since the 1979 uprising which resulted in the establishment of the Islamic Republic, was soon shared on social media platforms. It showed crowds fleeing from the incident site to seek safety for themselves.</p>

<p>Following the attack, Iran's security personnel cordoned off the area as some of the visuals that poured in from Iran's state TV showed victims covered in blood and lying on the ground.</p>

<p>Ambulances and rescue personnel are on the site to "alleviate the impact of this cowardly criminal act".</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/blasts-near-iranian-guards-commander-soleimanis-tomb-676293">Blasts near Iranian guards commander Soleimani's tomb</a></strong></p>

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<p>More leaders are yet to react to the tragic incident that killed over a hundred individuals during a procession&nbsp;near the Saheb al-Zaman mosque in the southern city of Kerman.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


After the twin attacks on the fourth death anniversary of slain Iranian general Qasem Soleimani shook Iran on Wednesday (Jan 3), reactions have started to trickle in, with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi terming the "terrorist attacks" as "heinous".

After the twin attacks on the fourth death anniversary of slain Iranian general Qasem Soleimani shook Iran on Wednesday (Jan 3), reactions have started to trickle in, with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi terming the "terrorist attacks" as "heinous". At least 103 people have been killed and 140 others injured in the twin blasts near Soleimani's grave. Russian President Vladimir Putin, who holds good relations with Iran and held a meeting with his Iranian counterpart Raisi in the first week of December 2023, has also expressed shock over the incident. Also Read | Who was Qasem Soleimani? The mighty Iranian general who controlled proxy militias across Middle East He extended his condolences in a letter to Raisi and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei where he said, "The killing of peaceful people visiting the cemetery is shocking in its cruelty and cynicism." Also Read | Iran says 103 killed in twin blasts near late general Qasem Soleimani’s grave United States had killed Soleimani in a drone strike at Baghdad International Airport in January 2020. Fast forward to today, the US alleges that Iran is playing a key role in supplying drones to Russia to back the nation against its war against Ukraine. A quick reaction from Putin was everyone's guess. Bombs detonated via remote control Iran's Tasnim News Agency citing sources said that the bombs were detonated using a remote control. "Two bags carrying bombs went off," the agency report added. The footage in the wake of the attack, Iran's deadliest since the 1979 uprising which resulted in the establishment of the Islamic Republic, was soon shared on social media platforms. It showed crowds fleeing from the incident site to seek safety for themselves. Following the attack, Iran's security personnel cordoned off the area as some of the visuals that poured in from Iran's state TV showed victims covered in blood and lying on the ground. Ambulances and rescue personnel are on the site to "alleviate the impact of this cowardly criminal act". Watch | Blasts near Iranian guards commander Soleimani's tomb × More leaders are yet to react to the tragic incident that killed over a hundred individuals during a procession near the Saheb al-Zaman mosque in the southern city of Kerman. (With inputs from agencies)

Iran twin blasts: Putin in shock, Raisi terms terrorist attacks ‘heinous’

The BRICS club of emerging-market countries is expected to double on January 1st when Saudi Arabia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, and Egypt join the group. Meanwhile, Russia has taken over the Presidency of the BRICS.

Russia takes over BRICS chairmanship, considering inclusion of about 30 other countries

Following mediation by United Arab Emirates, Russia and Ukraine have exchanged hundreds of prisoners of war in the biggest single release of captives since Moscow's invasion began in February 2022.

Russia and Ukraine stage major POW exchange after UAE mediation

Russia launches strikes across Ukraine as Putin vows to intensify attacks. Russia pounds Ukraine's two biggest cities in a new wave of attacks. Zelensky says Ukraine shot down 70 Russian missiles in the latest attacks.

Russia-Ukraine war: Ukraine pounded with missiles and drones, as Putin vows revenge

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