For Kherson resident Iryna Radetska, the catastrophic flooding of her city after the giant Kakhovka dam was destroyed is the latest chapter in more than a year of wartime suffering.

Kherson's unending nightmare: Occupation, shelling and floods

Russia found a new ally in North Korea. While the Russia-Ukraine war continues to intensify, Putin has found a strategic partner in Kim Jong Un. North Korean leader has vowed to 'hold hands' with Vladimir Putin. Kim wants to strengthen strategic cooperation with Russia. While sharing a common goal of building a powerful country.

Why has North Korea's Kim vowed to 'hold hands' with Putin?

As Ukraine confirms the launch of its counteroffensive to reclaim the territory lost to Russia. The Russian Ministry of defense has shared images of their forces shredding Ukraine's army vehicles. These fighter vehicles destroyed were provided by Western countries.

Russia says it repels many attacks by Ukraine; Ukraine claims gains in Bakhmut

Russian President Vladimir Putin seems to think so. "We can definitely state that this Ukrainian offensive has begun," he said in a video interview published on Telegram on Friday.

Ukraine's counter-offensive against Russia under way

Crews worked Wednesday to rescue civilians from flooding caused by the collapse of the Kakhovka hydroelectric dam in Russian-occupied Ukraine as Kyiv and Moscow traded blame for its destruction.

Rescue efforts underway as Ukraine, Russia trade blame for dam collapse

Ukraine & Russia are accusing each other of shelling rescuers and evacuees in the flood-hit Kherson region. Moscow says its forces fought off a Ukrainian offensive in another part of the front line. The un nuclear watchdog has stated Europe's largest atomic power plant is still receiving water from a key dam after it was breached in the fighting. Water from the reservoir of the dam is still being pumped to the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant to cool reactors, though levels are at values earlier thought to make it impossible. After Zelensky's Kherson visit, Kyiv said Russian strikes killed one and injured 18 more, including emergency services staff. In the Zaporizhzhia region, Russia said its forces had fought a 2- hour battle with Ukrainian troops in the early hours of Thursday. Russian defence minister Sergei Shoigu said the Ukrainian offensive involved 1,500 soldiers & 150 armored vehicles. He said the enemy was stopped & retreated after heavy losses.

Russia: 'Ukrainian troops stopped, retreated after losses' | Strikes in Kherson after Zelensky visit

Claims and counterclaims rage on as Russia and Ukraine continue shelling amid rescue operations in the flood-hit Kherson region. 600 square kilometers of Kherson is underwater. Another area of focus here is zaporizhzhia, the area of the critical nuclear power plant. According to Ukrainian officials, Russian shelling killed one person and injured 18 other people. This includes one of the emergency service staff who was overseeing the evacuation. Meanwhile, officials from the Russian-controlled areas of Kherson have said that two evacuees were killed in Ukrainian shelling. Russia said its forces had fought a two-hour battle with Ukrainian troops on Thursday. Russian defence minister Shoigu said the Ukrainian offensive involved 1,500 soldiers and 150 armored vehicles.

Russia claims it stopped Ukrainian offensive in Zaporizhzhia within 2 hours

The Ka-Kho-Vka dam explosion has resulted in floods and widespread destruction, triggering a humanitarian crisis in the middle of a warzone. Now, it has unleashed a new threat stray, rogue landmines which were planted along the river bank have been washed away.

Putin calls Ukraine dam explosion 'a barbaric act' as threat of rogue landmines loom large

As per reports, the Biden administration received an intelligence report that Ukraine had a plan for an attack on the Nord Stream pipelines three months before an underwater explosion disabled the natural gas link from Russia to Germany.

US intelligence CIA was aware months before blasts, says report

<p data-testid="paragraph-0">Russia said on Monday (June 5) that its forces managed to thwart a major Ukrainian offensive at five points along the Donetsk region and killed hundreds of pro-Kyiv troops. Russia's defence in the Donetsk region at the time of this Ukrainian attack was led by&nbsp;Russian Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov himself.</p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-0">It is yet not clear if the troops at the Ukrainian side consisted of&nbsp;the regular forces or some anti-Russia militant group.</p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-0">The supposed attack is deemed a part of Ukraine's counteroffensive which President Zelensky had been promising since months to recapture the territory lost in the war.</p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-0"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-appeals-residents-to-evacuate-border-district-amid-ukraine-shelling-600363">New fighting on Russian side of Ukraine border, says governor</a></strong></p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-0">Russia's defence ministry said Ukraine had attacked with six mechanised and two tank battalions in southern Donetsk, where Moscow has long suspected Ukraine would seek to drive a wedge through Russian-controlled territory.</p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-3">"On the morning of June 4, the enemy launched a large-scale offensive in five sectors of the front in the South Donetsk direction," the defence ministry said in a statement posted on Telegram.</p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-4">"The enemy's goal was to break through our defences in the most vulnerable, in its opinion, sector of the front," it said. "The enemy did not achieve its tasks, it had no success."</p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-4"><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine War: Russian authorities ask villagers to evacuate border villages</strong></p>

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<p data-testid="paragraph-0">Meanwhile, a pro-Ukraine group of Russian partisans on Sunday said it had captured several Russian soldiers during a cross-border raid and would hand them over to Ukrainian authorities.</p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-1">The Russian Volunteer Corps made the claim in a video statement released on Telegram. The brief clip showed what appeared to be around a dozen Russian soldiers being held captive, with two lying on hospital beds.</p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-2">The group said earlier it had taken two soldiers prisoner.</p>

<p>Earlier, Ukrainian Defence Minister Oleksii Reznikov published a cryptic message on Twitter on Sunday, quoting Depeche Mode's song "Enjoy the Silence".</p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-7">"Words are very unnecessary. They can only do harm," his tweet said.</p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-10">Russian forces killed 250 Ukrainian troops as well as destroying 16 tanks, three infantry&nbsp;fighting vehicles and 21 armoured combat vehicles, the ministry said.</p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-11">Russian Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov, who is in charge of Moscow's military operation in Ukraine, was in the area of the Ukrainian attack, the ministry said.</p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-12">"(Gerasimov) was at one of the advanced command posts," the ministry said.</p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-12">Sixteen months into the war, Russia now controls at least 18 per cent&nbsp;of what is internationally recognised to be Ukrainian territory, and has claimed four regions of Ukraine as Russian territory.</p>

<p><em><strong>Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.</strong></em></p>

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Russia said on Monday (June 5) that its forces managed to thwart a major Ukrainian offensive at five points along the Donetsk region and killed hundreds of pro-Kyiv troops.

Russia said on Monday (June 5) that its forces managed to thwart a major Ukrainian offensive at five points along the Donetsk region and killed hundreds of pro-Kyiv troops. Russia's defence in the Donetsk region at the time of this Ukrainian attack was led by Russian Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov himself. It is yet not clear if the troops at the Ukrainian side consisted of the regular forces or some anti-Russia militant group. The supposed attack is deemed a part of Ukraine's counteroffensive which President Zelensky had been promising since months to recapture the territory lost in the war. Also read | New fighting on Russian side of Ukraine border, says governor Russia's defence ministry said Ukraine had attacked with six mechanised and two tank battalions in southern Donetsk, where Moscow has long suspected Ukraine would seek to drive a wedge through Russian-controlled territory. "On the morning of June 4, the enemy launched a large-scale offensive in five sectors of the front in the South Donetsk direction," the defence ministry said in a statement posted on Telegram. "The enemy's goal was to break through our defences in the most vulnerable, in its opinion, sector of the front," it said. "The enemy did not achieve its tasks, it had no success." Also watch | Russia-Ukraine War: Russian authorities ask villagers to evacuate border villages × Meanwhile, a pro-Ukraine group of Russian partisans on Sunday said it had captured several Russian soldiers during a cross-border raid and would hand them over to Ukrainian authorities. The Russian Volunteer Corps made the claim in a video statement released on Telegram. The brief clip showed what appeared to be around a dozen Russian soldiers being held captive, with two lying on hospital beds. The group said earlier it had taken two soldiers prisoner. Earlier, Ukrainian Defence Minister Oleksii Reznikov published a cryptic message on Twitter on Sunday, quoting Depeche Mode's song "Enjoy the Silence". "Words are very unnecessary. They can only do harm," his tweet said. Russian forces killed 250 Ukrainian troops as well as destroying 16 tanks, three infantry fighting vehicles and 21 armoured combat vehicles, the ministry said. Russian Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov, who is in charge of Moscow's military operation in Ukraine, was in the area of the Ukrainian attack, the ministry said. "(Gerasimov) was at one of the advanced command posts," the ministry said. Sixteen months into the war, Russia now controls at least 18 per cent of what is internationally recognised to be Ukrainian territory, and has claimed four regions of Ukraine as Russian territory. Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Zelensky's counteroffensive crashing? Russia says it killed hundreds of Ukrainian troops in Donetsk region

<p>As per some sources linked to US intelligence quoted by CNN, Ukraine is working on arming its "agents and sympathisers"&nbsp;inside Russia with drones to undertake sabotage operations against the Russian establishment. The sources also attributed the recent drone attack on the Kremlin to these agents, who launched the drones from inside Russia rather than flying them from Ukrainian territory far away.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Several other drone attacks have taken place in Russia over the last few days, including one on a residential neighbourhood near Moscow and another on an oil refinery in southern Russia. However, it was not clear whether those strikes were carried out by Ukrainian agents operating within Russian territory.</p>

<h2><strong>"No US-made drone used in attacks"</strong></h2>

<p>The sources quoted by CNN also clarified that drones used by Ukraine's agents in Russia were manufactured by Ukraine itself, and no US-made drone was used to stage attacks inside Russia. As per the sources, Ukrainian forces have established well-practised smuggling routes beyond the Russian border to send drone components to its operatives in Russia, where they assemble drones and carry out strikes on Russian targets.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Russia claims US behind Ukraine drone attack on the Kremlin</strong></p>

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<p>CNN also quoted a European intelligence source as saying that since the Russia-Ukraine border was very vast and difficult to control, it provided Ukraine with a god-sent opportunity to set up such smuggling routes along the border and use it to its own advantage.</p>

<h2><strong>"Strikes and explosions inside Russia will continue"</strong></h2>

<p>According to a spokesperson from the Ukrainian Security Service, as reported by CNN, it was suggested that the series of unexplained explosions and drone strikes within Russia would continue, indicating that its network of agents will continue to be active.</p>

<p>The spokesperson quoted the head of the Security Service, Vasyl Malyuk, stating that they would only comment on these incidents, referred to as "cotton" by Ukrainians, after achieving victory. Furthermore, the spokesperson emphasised that "cotton" had occurred, is currently happening, and will continue to occur.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/did-alleged-ukrainian-drones-targeted-luxury-homes-of-putins-ex-wife-and-daughter-600180"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Did Ukrainian drones allegedly target luxury homes of Putin's ex-wife and daughters?</strong></a></p>

<p>The term "cotton" is a slang word used by Ukrainians to describe explosions, particularly those happening in Russia or Russia-occupied territories within Ukraine. The term originated during the early stages of the war due to the similarity between the Russian word for "pop" and the Ukrainian word for "cotton".</p>

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As per some sources linked to US intelligence quoted by CNN, Ukraine is working on arming its "agents and sympathisers" inside Russia with drones to undertake sabotage operations against the Russian establishment.

As per some sources linked to US intelligence quoted by CNN, Ukraine is working on arming its "agents and sympathisers" inside Russia with drones to undertake sabotage operations against the Russian establishment. The sources also attributed the recent drone attack on the Kremlin to these agents, who launched the drones from inside Russia rather than flying them from Ukrainian territory far away. Several other drone attacks have taken place in Russia over the last few days, including one on a residential neighbourhood near Moscow and another on an oil refinery in southern Russia. However, it was not clear whether those strikes were carried out by Ukrainian agents operating within Russian territory. "No US-made drone used in attacks" The sources quoted by CNN also clarified that drones used by Ukraine's agents in Russia were manufactured by Ukraine itself, and no US-made drone was used to stage attacks inside Russia. As per the sources, Ukrainian forces have established well-practised smuggling routes beyond the Russian border to send drone components to its operatives in Russia, where they assemble drones and carry out strikes on Russian targets. Watch: Russia claims US behind Ukraine drone attack on the Kremlin × CNN also quoted a European intelligence source as saying that since the Russia-Ukraine border was very vast and difficult to control, it provided Ukraine with a god-sent opportunity to set up such smuggling routes along the border and use it to its own advantage. "Strikes and explosions inside Russia will continue" According to a spokesperson from the Ukrainian Security Service, as reported by CNN, it was suggested that the series of unexplained explosions and drone strikes within Russia would continue, indicating that its network of agents will continue to be active. The spokesperson quoted the head of the Security Service, Vasyl Malyuk, stating that they would only comment on these incidents, referred to as "cotton" by Ukrainians, after achieving victory. Furthermore, the spokesperson emphasised that "cotton" had occurred, is currently happening, and will continue to occur. Also read | Did Ukrainian drones allegedly target luxury homes of Putin's ex-wife and daughters? The term "cotton" is a slang word used by Ukrainians to describe explosions, particularly those happening in Russia or Russia-occupied territories within Ukraine. The term originated during the early stages of the war due to the similarity between the Russian word for "pop" and the Ukrainian word for "cotton". WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Ukraine has built network of agents inside Russia to sabotage Kremlin operations: Report

Russia's President Vladimir Putin has decided to transfer one of the country's holiest icons from a museum to a Moscow cathedral as the Ukraine-Russia standoff drags on, sparking a debate over Putin's increasing reliance on the church.

Russia: President Vladimir Putin orders transfer of trinity to Moscow Cathedral

Russia's military has likely ordered Chechen Republic Head Ramzan Kadyrov’s forces to begin offensive operations in Ukraine following the withdrawal of Wagner Group forces from Bakhmut, according to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).

Ukraine war: Russia orders Chechen soldiers to begin offensive

Bilateral ties with Russia are a key pillar of India's foreign policy. India & Russia have been longstanding & time-tested allies. After Russia faced sanctions worldwide following its invasion of Ukraine. India emerged as a top buyer of Russian oil. A significant portion of trade was being conducted in Rupee. Though it seemed like a win-win situation for everybody, there is a problem. Russia does not know how to reap the benefits of this trade.

What will Russia do with the $147 bn stranded Rupee assets it amassed from trade with India?

President Volodymyr Zelensky ordered Strategic Industries Minister Oleksandr Kamyshin and Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko to conduct a full audit of all bomb shelters in Ukraine. He also ordered a "comprehensive review" of Ukraine's air defense systems.

Russia-Ukraine war: Zelensky orders audit of bomb shelters, review of air defense systems

The arrest warrant against Russian president Vladimir Putin overshadowed the BRICS foreign ministers meeting in South Africa. Why the ICC issued an arrest warrant for Putin? What did the BRICS foreign ministers say during the meeting in Capetown? The power of an ICC arrest warrant versus the weight of diplomatic immunity and similar scenarios from the past & how they played out. BRICS leaders have said they are open to admitting new members, an expansion is likely on the agenda of the ongoing meeting. Iran's foreign minister and his Saudi counterpart were also present in cape town to participate in the BRICS forum.

BRICS Summit 2023: South Africa FM says mulling over if Putin attend August meet

The arrest warrant against Russian president Vladimir Putin overshadowed the BRICS foreign ministers meeting in South Africa. Today, on World DNA, we break down this story for you. Why the ICC issued an arrest warrant for Putin? What the BRICS foreign ministers said during the meeting in Capetown?

Arrest warrant against Putin overshadows BRICS FMs meeting in South Africa | All you need to know

Ukrainian forces in Kyiv said on Friday they shot down 36 Russian missiles and drones in and around the capital overnight, with two people injured by falling debris before authorities lifted air raid alerts across most of the country.

Ukraine says it downed 36 Russian missiles and drone

Will Putin attend BRICS summit in August? Putin's arrest overshadows FMs meet

The arrest warrant against Russian president Vladimir Putin overshadowed the BRICS foreign ministers meeting in South Africa. Today, on World DNA, we break down this story for you. Why the ICC issued an arrest warrant for Putin? What the BRICS foreign ministers said during the meeting in Capetown? The power of an ICC arrest warrant versus the weight of diplomatic immunity and similar scenarios from the past & how they played out. BRICS leaders have said they are open to admitting new members, an expansion is likely on the agenda of the ongoing meeting. Iran's foreign minister and his Saudi counterpart were also present in cape town to participate in the BRICS forum.

Putin involved in forcibly deporting Ukrainian children: ICC

The South African government is currently facing a diplomatic dilemma. The ruling government is trying to evade the arrest warrant issued for Putin. However, the opposition parties of South Africa are reluctant to provide any respite soon. A leading opposition party in South Africa has approached a court to force Putin's arrest.

Will South Africa be forced to arrest Putin after facing a legal bid?

Ukrainian forces shelled a Russian town close to the border for the third time in a week, injuring four people, damaging buildings, and setting vehicles on fire, the governor of the region said on Wednesday.

Russia official says Ukraine shelling of border town injures four

The ongoing Ukraine war continues to escalate with the recent Russian aggression, with Western calls to provide Kyiv with advanced weapons and long-range missiles.

Macron calls on West to offer Ukraine `tangible and credible` security guarantees

President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday accused Kyiv of seeking to "frighten" Russians after drones hit Moscow high-rises in the first such attack since the beginning of the Kremlin's assault on Ukraine. As drones struck in and around Moscow, Russian drones targeted Kyiv for a third straight day while Ukraine gears up for a major offensive against Russian forces.

Russian President Vladimir Putin slams Ukraine as attack drones hit Moscow high-rises

The UN Nuclear chief stressed that the world is fortunate a nuclear accident hasn’t happened in Ukraine. IAEA Chief pushed Moscow and Kyiv to commit to preventing any attack on the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. The Russian and Ukrainian envoys at the United Nations blamed each other's countries for the crisis, although they did not reject the principles put forward by the IAEA.

UN pushes Russia & Ukraine to protect Europe's largest nuclear power facility | Details

Russian President Vladimir Putin has accused Ukraine of seeking to frighten Russia after drones hit Moscow's high-rises as the drones struck in and around Moscow. The US said that it does not support attacks inside Russia.

Putin slams Ukraine after drone attack | US says, 'Kyiv must use arms to defend & retake areas'

Putin slams Ukraine as drones hit Moscow, says 'Kyiv seeking to frighten Russians'

Large-scale drone attack hits Moscow for first time in Ukraine war

<p>A leading opposition party in South Africa said on Tuesday (May 30) that it has&nbsp;approached&nbsp;a court to force the national government to&nbsp;arrest Russian President Vladimir Putin if he attends the upcoming BRICS Summit in the country. Putin has an arrest warrant against him issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC). South African government is currently facing a diplomatic dilemma. The BRICS meeting is scheduled for August.</p>

<p>The Democratic Alliance (DA) party said it has&nbsp;lodged a court application for Putin's arrest "should President Putin set foot in South Africa" and further demanded that Putin then be handed over to the ICC.</p>

<p>"This pre-emptory court action aims to ensure that South Africa upholds its obligations," DA shadow minister of justice Glynnis Breytenbach said in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch | How Russia &amp; United States turned Europe into a nuclear playground</strong></p>

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<p>South Africa is a member of the ICC and has close diplomatic relations with Moscow. But the government is yet to declare its unequivocal official position about how it will deal with the Putin situation. However, it has granted diplomatic immunity to all officials attending the summit.</p>

<p>Breytenbach said the DA was seeking a "declaratory order" to avoid a repeat of 2015 when Pretoria failed to arrest then-Sudanese President Omar Hassan al-Bashir, who was similarly wanted by the ICC.</p>

<h2><strong>No comment from Russia right now</strong></h2>

<p>Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov declined to comment on Tuesday on whether Putin plans to travel to South Africa for the summit.</p>

<p>"Russia will be duly represented," Peskov said, adding that&nbsp;Moscow expected its BRICS partners "not be guided" by "illegitimate decisions" such as the ICC arrest warrant.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Some view the move as a preparatory step to provide legal cover for Putin's visit — something Pretoria has denied.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"These immunities do not override any warrant that may have been issued by any international tribunal against any attendee of the conference," South Africa's foreign affairs department said in a statement.</p>

<p>Their issuing was "standard" procedure for the hosting of international conferences, it said.</p>

<p>Russia attacked Ukraine in February last year. South Africa, however, has chosen to not condemn the Russian invasion. Since its attack on Ukraine, Russia has found itself increasingly isolated on the international stage. South Africa has maintained that it prefers to stay neutral and has supported dialogue to end the war.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vladimir-putin-vows-response-to-alleged-ukraine-drone-attacks-on-moscow-598477">Vladimir Putin vows ‘response’ to alleged Ukrainian drone attacks on Moscow</a></strong></p>

<p>South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said earlier this month that his country has been under "extraordinary pressure" to pick sides in the Ukraine conflict. South Africa has been on the receiving end of accusations that it has a tilt towards Kremlin.</p>

<p>Putin is wanted by the ICC over accusations that Russia unlawfully deported Ukrainian children.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><em>You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form"><strong>here</strong></a>.</em></p>

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A leading opposition party in South Africa said on Tuesday (May 30) that it has approached a court to force the national government to arrest Russian President Vladimir Putin if he attends the upcoming BRICS Summit in the country.

A leading opposition party in South Africa said on Tuesday (May 30) that it has approached a court to force the national government to arrest Russian President Vladimir Putin if he attends the upcoming BRICS Summit in the country. Putin has an arrest warrant against him issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC). South African government is currently facing a diplomatic dilemma. The BRICS meeting is scheduled for August. The Democratic Alliance (DA) party said it has lodged a court application for Putin's arrest "should President Putin set foot in South Africa" and further demanded that Putin then be handed over to the ICC. "This pre-emptory court action aims to ensure that South Africa upholds its obligations," DA shadow minister of justice Glynnis Breytenbach said in a statement. Watch | How Russia & United States turned Europe into a nuclear playground × South Africa is a member of the ICC and has close diplomatic relations with Moscow. But the government is yet to declare its unequivocal official position about how it will deal with the Putin situation. However, it has granted diplomatic immunity to all officials attending the summit. Breytenbach said the DA was seeking a "declaratory order" to avoid a repeat of 2015 when Pretoria failed to arrest then-Sudanese President Omar Hassan al-Bashir, who was similarly wanted by the ICC. No comment from Russia right now Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov declined to comment on Tuesday on whether Putin plans to travel to South Africa for the summit. "Russia will be duly represented," Peskov said, adding that Moscow expected its BRICS partners "not be guided" by "illegitimate decisions" such as the ICC arrest warrant. Some view the move as a preparatory step to provide legal cover for Putin's visit — something Pretoria has denied. "These immunities do not override any warrant that may have been issued by any international tribunal against any attendee of the conference," South Africa's foreign affairs department said in a statement. Their issuing was "standard" procedure for the hosting of international conferences, it said. Russia attacked Ukraine in February last year. South Africa, however, has chosen to not condemn the Russian invasion. Since its attack on Ukraine, Russia has found itself increasingly isolated on the international stage. South Africa has maintained that it prefers to stay neutral and has supported dialogue to end the war. Also Read | Vladimir Putin vows ‘response’ to alleged Ukrainian drone attacks on Moscow South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said earlier this month that his country has been under "extraordinary pressure" to pick sides in the Ukraine conflict. South Africa has been on the receiving end of accusations that it has a tilt towards Kremlin. Putin is wanted by the ICC over accusations that Russia unlawfully deported Ukrainian children. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

South Africa opposition moves court demanding Putin’s arrest during BRICS Summit

<p>A woman who alleged that US President Joe Biden&nbsp;sexually assaulted her in 1993&nbsp;has sought Russian citizenship after defecting to the country. Ex-Senate staffer Tara Reade had made the accusations in 2020 when Biden was seeking a Democratic nomination for the president's post.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Reade, in an interview with the Russian state media, appeared alongside&nbsp;Maria Butina, a Russian lawmaker, who was&nbsp;imprisoned in Washington in 2018 for being an&nbsp;alleged spy and said she&nbsp;feels right at home in Moscow&nbsp;after fleeing the United States.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"When I got off the plane in Moscow, for the first time in a very long time I felt safe, and I felt heard and felt respected," said Reade, according to Sputnik News.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I’m still kind of in a daze a bit but I feel very good. I feel very surrounded by protection and safety. And I just really so appreciate Maria and everyone who’s been giving me that at a time when it’s been very difficult to know if I’m safe or not," she added.</p>

<p>Reade requested Russian President Vladimir Putin to grant her citizenship, adding that she will remain a "good citizen".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I'd like to apply for citizenship in Russia, from the president of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin.&nbsp;I do promise to be a good citizen."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/is-the-us-prepared-to-fight-in-space-amid-threat-posed-by-provocative-russia-china-597928"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Is the U.S. prepared to fight in space amid threat posed by ‘provocative’ Russia &amp; China?</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>What were Reade's accusations?</strong></h2>

<p>Notably, in the run-up to the 2020 elections, Reade in an interview said the Democrat leader attempted to sexually assault her. Then a junior staffer, Reade was tasked with bringing Biden's gym bag to him in his Senate office when the incident occurred.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“l want to f— you,” the former staffer said Biden told her while pinning her up against the wall. She added that what happened next "happened very quickly".</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bidens-assault-accuser-calls-on-him-to-quit-us-presidential-race-297348"><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;Biden's assault accuser calls on him to quit US Presidential race&nbsp;</strong></a></p>

<p>“I remember being pushed up against the wall. The first thought I had was ‘Where’s the bag?’ which is an absurd thought, but that’s what I thought,” she said.</p>

<p>“He had his hands underneath my clothes, and it happened all at once, so when I tell about it, it’s hard because so many things were happening at once, it’s like my brain was trying to catch up to what was happening."</p>

<p>However, Biden denied all the allegations saying the incident never happened.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It is not true. I'm saying unequivocally it never, never happened," he said.</p>

<p>Reade said she filed a complaint after the alleged incident, but no record of it has been found.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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A woman who alleged that US President Joe Biden sexually assaulted her in 1993 has sought Russian citizenship after defecting to the country. Ex-Senate staffer Tara Reade had made the accusations in 2020 when Biden was seeking a Democratic nomination for the president's post.

A woman who alleged that US President Joe Biden sexually assaulted her in 1993 has sought Russian citizenship after defecting to the country. Ex-Senate staffer Tara Reade had made the accusations in 2020 when Biden was seeking a Democratic nomination for the president's post. Reade, in an interview with the Russian state media, appeared alongside Maria Butina, a Russian lawmaker, who was imprisoned in Washington in 2018 for being an alleged spy and said she feels right at home in Moscow after fleeing the United States. "When I got off the plane in Moscow, for the first time in a very long time I felt safe, and I felt heard and felt respected," said Reade, according to Sputnik News. “I’m still kind of in a daze a bit but I feel very good. I feel very surrounded by protection and safety. And I just really so appreciate Maria and everyone who’s been giving me that at a time when it’s been very difficult to know if I’m safe or not," she added. Reade requested Russian President Vladimir Putin to grant her citizenship, adding that she will remain a "good citizen". "I'd like to apply for citizenship in Russia, from the president of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin. I do promise to be a good citizen." WATCH | Is the U.S. prepared to fight in space amid threat posed by ‘provocative’ Russia & China? × What were Reade's accusations? Notably, in the run-up to the 2020 elections, Reade in an interview said the Democrat leader attempted to sexually assault her. Then a junior staffer, Reade was tasked with bringing Biden's gym bag to him in his Senate office when the incident occurred. “l want to f— you,” the former staffer said Biden told her while pinning her up against the wall. She added that what happened next "happened very quickly". ALSO READ | Biden's assault accuser calls on him to quit US Presidential race “I remember being pushed up against the wall. The first thought I had was ‘Where’s the bag?’ which is an absurd thought, but that’s what I thought,” she said. “He had his hands underneath my clothes, and it happened all at once, so when I tell about it, it’s hard because so many things were happening at once, it’s like my brain was trying to catch up to what was happening." However, Biden denied all the allegations saying the incident never happened. "It is not true. I'm saying unequivocally it never, never happened," he said. Reade said she filed a complaint after the alleged incident, but no record of it has been found. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Biden's sexual assault accuser calls on Putin for Russian citizenship after defecting

Here, we bring you the news that is trending across WION's social media platforms- South African government has granted diplomatic immunity to all the participants, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, arriving in the country to take part in BRICS-related events.

South Africa to provide diplomatic immunity to Putin during BRICS event

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