In first days of the Ukraine war, Turkey emerged as an irreplaceable mediator between Moscow & Kyiv, as western nations were not enthusiastic about talking to Putin. The growing importance of Turkey's defence industry has made it an important player which directly affects western interests. the Turkish-made Bayraktar tb-2 armed drones have proven themselves very effective in multiple conflicts in the past years.

US President Biden & his Turkey counterpart Erdogan discuss F-16, Sweden in NATO

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 grants diplomatic immunity for attendees of BRICS event

According to Alexander Lukashenko, the president of Belarus, "nuclear weapons will be available for everyone" who decides to join a Russia-Belarus union. After the two nations inked a deal last week allowing Russia to deploy tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus, Lukashenko stated in an interview shown on Russian state television on Sunday night that it must be "strategically understood" that Minsk and Moscow have a unique opportunity to join.

Lukashenko: Nuclear weapons to those willing to join Belarus-Russia union

Belarusian president Alexander Lukashenko has fallen critically ill mysteriously following his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. While the cause of his declining health is yet to be identified Lukashenko's political rival has now pointed a finger at the Kremlin alleging that the leader has been poisoned. The opposition presidential candidate in Belarus, Valery Tspekalo, took to Twitter and made a number of claims about Lukashenko's condition.

Lukashenko was poisoned by the Kremlin, alleges Belarus opposition leader

Belarus president Alexander Lukashenko was rushed to a Moscow hospital after meeting Vladimir Putin, according to a Belarusian opposition leader.

Belarus president 'rushed to hospital' minutes after holding meeting with Putin

<p>In order to secure 'fast' Russian military and civilian movement into Ukrainian territories already under Moscow's control, President Vladimir Putin issued stricter border security orders on Sunday.</p>

<p>Putin said the duty of the border service was to "reliably cover" the lines close to the conflict zone. He made these remarks on Border Guard Day in a message to the border personnel, a division of the Federal Security Service (FSB) of Russia. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netherlands-over-1500-arrested-in-protests-by-extinction-rebellion-climate-group-597390">Netherlands: Over 1,500 arrested in protests by Extinction Rebellion climate group</a></p>

<p>Attacks within Russia have increased in the recent weeks. Most of these attacks are drone strikes on border regions. However, the&nbsp;territory inside Russian borders is not left untouched. For instance, on Saturday, an oil pipeline came under attack in northwest Moscow.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-first-homegrown-passenger-jet-c919-embarks-on-maiden-commercial-flight-597356">China's first homegrown passenger jet C919 embarks on maiden commercial flight</a></p>

<p>In a post on the Kremlin's Telegram handle, Putin said, "It is necessary to ensure the fast movement of both military and civilian vehicles and cargo, including food, humanitarian aid building materials sent to the new subjects of the (Russian) Federation."&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Belgorod shellings&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>As per reports, three people had been hurt by Ukrainian shelling in Belgorod on Saturday.&nbsp;Attacks have destroyed the military, rail, and electricity infrastructure and targeted the Russian borderlands of Kursk and Belgorod. Local local authorities have been blaming Ukraine for these incidents.</p>

<h2><strong>Kyiv denies claims</strong></h2>

<p>Kyiv has never officially accepted blame for assaults within Russia and on Ukrainian territory under Russian control. In fact, Ukraine claimed that destroying infrastructure serves as a prelude to Russia for its intended ground offensive on Kyiv.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Russian-occupied territories</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>The four Ukrainian provinces of Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, Luhansk, and Donetsk were annexed by Putin last September. Kyiv at the time alleged that the referendums were nothing short of a sham. Notably, the four territories are only partially under Russian authority.</p>

<h2><strong>Russia's fresh drone strikes on Kyiv &nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Local authorities have reported that a fresh drone strike was launched by Russia on Kyiv, overnight.</p>

<p>According to Vitaliy Klitschko, the mayor of Kyiv, a man died when drone debris hit a gas station nearby while another woman suffered injuries. Before a "new drone wave" struck the capital, he claimed that air defences had shot down more than 20 drones that were headed for Kyiv.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | India's new Parliament: PM Modi to inaugurate new Parliament on Sunday | Details</strong></p>

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<p>Later, using early data, Kyiv's military administration claimed that more than 40 drones had been shot down. Air raid alarms were set out earlier on Sunday in 12 Ukrainian areas, from Dnipropetrovsk in the south-east to Volyn in the north-west.</p>

<p>Klitschko advised Kyiv residents to "stay in shelters" in a social media post, noting that the night would be "difficult". He said that at least two high-rise buildings&nbsp;in various parts of the capital were on fire as a result of being struck by drone shards that were falling to the ground.</p>

<h2><strong>Ukraine's counteroffensive</strong></h2>

<p>On Saturday, Ukraine said it was prepared to begin a long-promised counteroffensive to retake land lost to Russia during the war that has now been going on for over a year.&nbsp;The conflict has resulted in a significant number of casualties, displacement of people, and humanitarian challenges. There have been periods of relative calm and ceasefire agreements, but occasional flare-ups of violence have continued. Also, many Ukrainian cities have been brought to ruins due to Russia's war.</p>

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In order to secure 'fast' Russian military and civilian movement into Ukrainian territories already under Moscow's control, President Vladimir Putin issued stricter border security orders on Sunday.

In order to secure 'fast' Russian military and civilian movement into Ukrainian territories already under Moscow's control, President Vladimir Putin issued stricter border security orders on Sunday. Putin said the duty of the border service was to "reliably cover" the lines close to the conflict zone. He made these remarks on Border Guard Day in a message to the border personnel, a division of the Federal Security Service (FSB) of Russia. Also Read | Netherlands: Over 1,500 arrested in protests by Extinction Rebellion climate group Attacks within Russia have increased in the recent weeks. Most of these attacks are drone strikes on border regions. However, the territory inside Russian borders is not left untouched. For instance, on Saturday, an oil pipeline came under attack in northwest Moscow. Also Read | China's first homegrown passenger jet C919 embarks on maiden commercial flight In a post on the Kremlin's Telegram handle, Putin said, "It is necessary to ensure the fast movement of both military and civilian vehicles and cargo, including food, humanitarian aid building materials sent to the new subjects of the (Russian) Federation." Belgorod shellings As per reports, three people had been hurt by Ukrainian shelling in Belgorod on Saturday. Attacks have destroyed the military, rail, and electricity infrastructure and targeted the Russian borderlands of Kursk and Belgorod. Local local authorities have been blaming Ukraine for these incidents. Kyiv denies claims Kyiv has never officially accepted blame for assaults within Russia and on Ukrainian territory under Russian control. In fact, Ukraine claimed that destroying infrastructure serves as a prelude to Russia for its intended ground offensive on Kyiv. Russian-occupied territories The four Ukrainian provinces of Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, Luhansk, and Donetsk were annexed by Putin last September. Kyiv at the time alleged that the referendums were nothing short of a sham. Notably, the four territories are only partially under Russian authority. Russia's fresh drone strikes on Kyiv Local authorities have reported that a fresh drone strike was launched by Russia on Kyiv, overnight. According to Vitaliy Klitschko, the mayor of Kyiv, a man died when drone debris hit a gas station nearby while another woman suffered injuries. Before a "new drone wave" struck the capital, he claimed that air defences had shot down more than 20 drones that were headed for Kyiv. Watch | India's new Parliament: PM Modi to inaugurate new Parliament on Sunday | Details × Later, using early data, Kyiv's military administration claimed that more than 40 drones had been shot down. Air raid alarms were set out earlier on Sunday in 12 Ukrainian areas, from Dnipropetrovsk in the south-east to Volyn in the north-west. Klitschko advised Kyiv residents to "stay in shelters" in a social media post, noting that the night would be "difficult". He said that at least two high-rise buildings in various parts of the capital were on fire as a result of being struck by drone shards that were falling to the ground. Ukraine's counteroffensive On Saturday, Ukraine said it was prepared to begin a long-promised counteroffensive to retake land lost to Russia during the war that has now been going on for over a year. The conflict has resulted in a significant number of casualties, displacement of people, and humanitarian challenges. There have been periods of relative calm and ceasefire agreements, but occasional flare-ups of violence have continued. Also, many Ukrainian cities have been brought to ruins due to Russia's war. 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. ×

Putin orders heightened border security as Kyiv faces massive Russian drone attack

As the war in Ukraine rages on, experts believe this conflict will last for decades. Recently, Russia took control of Bakhmut in a blood-filled capture. It also faced a 'sabotage-attack'. Meanwhile, Ukraine's dream of getting F-16 jets got a green signal at the G7 summit. But who will be providing these jets to Kyiv? Listen in to Vikram Chandra.

Putin tells Brazil's Lula that Russia is open to dialogue over Ukraine

Tactical Nuclear Weapons typically refer to short-range weapons. The categorisation includes land-based missiles with a range of less than 500 kilometres & air and sea-launched weapons with a range of less than 600 kilometres. Tactical nukes are the least-regulated category of nuclear weapons covered in arms control agreements. They are only subject to an informal regime created by unilateral, parallel declarations, made by George Bush & Mikhail Gorbachev in the fall of 1991.

Russia Ukraine War | US: No signs of Russia prepping to use nukes | World News | WION

Russian President Vladimir Putin is playing Peacemaker between Azerbaijan and Armenia. President Putin met the two countries leaders in Moscow on Thursday in an effort to settle the conflict of a disputed territory in Nagorno-Karabakh. On Thursday Russian President Vladimir Putin held a trilateral meeting with the Armenian and Azerbaijani leaders on in a bit to settle the conflict. He says the situation in developing towards a settlement and the three countries would meet in a week to try and resolve their differences.

'Settling Nagorno-Karabakh will benefit all', says Russian President Putin

Putin's nuclear doom for Ukraine? First deployment outside Russia since fall of the USSR | Details

A warning from Russia's defence minister vowing that there will be a harsh response after an attack near the border of Russia and Ukraine. Melissa Nakhavoly with details on the group responsible who now says more attacks are to be expected.

Russia warns of 'harsh response" after border attack

Will Wagner lead a putsch against Putin? Wagner boss Prigozhin is dropping hints about a possible revolution. What are the chances he will challenge Putin and lead an insurrection with the help of the army? Molly Gambhir tells you.

Gravitas: Will Wagner lead a putsch against Putin? Prigozhin drops hints

Several Nations have stepped up their aid to Ukraine this not only includes providing weapons but also training its pilots on the use of F-16 fighter jets. Kyiv has said that it needs these Jets to resist the Russian invasion the support comes amid an intensified offensive by Moscow. The U.S. approved the sale of an air defense system and other related equipment to Ukraine worth 285 billion dollars.

Russia-Ukraine war: Netherlands and Norway extend support to Ukraine

Russia's prime minister signed a set of agreements with China on Wednesday during a trip to Beijing, describing bilateral ties at an unprecedented high, despite criticism of their relationship in the West as the war in Ukraine drags on.

Russian PM: We stand together against West's agenda

<p>As per Russia’s state-run TASS news agency, as Moscow steps up its military presence in the Pacific, Russia plans to move its newest nuclear submarine to a permanent base in the Kamchatka Peninsula in August this year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Citing a source close to the military department, TASS stated that “the submarine Generalissimo Suvorov will make an inter-naval transition from the Northern Fleet (in the Arctic) to the Pacific Fleet in August”. &nbsp;TASS further added that “the transition will be carried out along the Northern Sea Route, in a submerged position.”</p>

<h2><strong>The Russian submarine - Generalissimo Suvorov&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The submarine Generalissimo Suvorov, which entered service at the end of 2022, carries up to 16 nuclear-tipped Russian Bulava intercontinental ballistic missiles, each of which can carry more than one nuclear warhead.</p>

<p>The Generalissimo Suvorov was among several new vessels commissioned by Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2022 after he promised to further strengthen the country’s navy. At that time, Russian news agencies reported that the commissioning of Generalissimo Suvorov was meant to bolster the nuclear-powered fleet at the Rybachiy submarine base on the Kamchatka Peninsula.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-war-affects-russian-energy-giant-gazproms-profits-net-profit-down-by-414-in-2022-595729">Ukraine war affects Russian energy giant Gazprom's profits; net profit down by 41.4% in 2022</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>Replacement of Russia’s ballistic missile submarines</strong></h2>

<p>As per reports from Russian agencies, the Generalissimo Suvorov submarine is the sixth vessel of the Russian Borei class of smaller and stealthier submarines. These submarines are likely to replace Russia’s previous generation&nbsp;of ballistic missile submarines.</p>

<h2><strong>‘Kalibr missiles’</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier this year, Russia had plans to equip several Navy vessels with Kalibr missiles. With the use of these Kalibr missiles, submarines will not only be able to hit land and sea targets but also submarines.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;US journalist detained in Russia for espionage | Russia intercepts US jets</strong></p>

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<p>The Kalibr missile family is made up of several variants, including long–range cruise missiles and anti-submarine torpedoes. As per reports, almost all newly built and most upgraded units will be equipped with Kalibr missiles.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Putin’s plan to expand the Russian navy</strong></h2>

<p>Putin aims to develop further the defence capabilities of Russia. Earlier too, with the commissioning of the Generalissimo Suvorov submarine, Putin pointed out that “we will increase the pace and volume of construction of various ships, equip them with the most modern weapons”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In his attempt to ensure the safety and security of Russia, he added that “all in all, everything to reliably ensure Russia’s security, the protection of our national interests in the world ocean”. &nbsp;</p>

<p>(with inputs from agencies)</p>

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As per Russia’s state-run TASS news agency, as Moscow steps up its military presence in the Pacific, Russia plans to move its newest nuclear submarine to a permanent base in the Kamchatka Peninsula in August this year.

As per Russia’s state-run TASS news agency, as Moscow steps up its military presence in the Pacific, Russia plans to move its newest nuclear submarine to a permanent base in the Kamchatka Peninsula in August this year. Citing a source close to the military department, TASS stated that “the submarine Generalissimo Suvorov will make an inter-naval transition from the Northern Fleet (in the Arctic) to the Pacific Fleet in August”. TASS further added that “the transition will be carried out along the Northern Sea Route, in a submerged position.” The Russian submarine - Generalissimo Suvorov The submarine Generalissimo Suvorov, which entered service at the end of 2022, carries up to 16 nuclear-tipped Russian Bulava intercontinental ballistic missiles, each of which can carry more than one nuclear warhead. The Generalissimo Suvorov was among several new vessels commissioned by Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2022 after he promised to further strengthen the country’s navy. At that time, Russian news agencies reported that the commissioning of Generalissimo Suvorov was meant to bolster the nuclear-powered fleet at the Rybachiy submarine base on the Kamchatka Peninsula. ALSO READ | Ukraine war affects Russian energy giant Gazprom's profits; net profit down by 41.4% in 2022 Replacement of Russia’s ballistic missile submarines As per reports from Russian agencies, the Generalissimo Suvorov submarine is the sixth vessel of the Russian Borei class of smaller and stealthier submarines. These submarines are likely to replace Russia’s previous generation of ballistic missile submarines. ‘Kalibr missiles’ Earlier this year, Russia had plans to equip several Navy vessels with Kalibr missiles. With the use of these Kalibr missiles, submarines will not only be able to hit land and sea targets but also submarines. WATCH | US journalist detained in Russia for espionage | Russia intercepts US jets × The Kalibr missile family is made up of several variants, including long–range cruise missiles and anti-submarine torpedoes. As per reports, almost all newly built and most upgraded units will be equipped with Kalibr missiles. Putin’s plan to expand the Russian navy Putin aims to develop further the defence capabilities of Russia. Earlier too, with the commissioning of the Generalissimo Suvorov submarine, Putin pointed out that “we will increase the pace and volume of construction of various ships, equip them with the most modern weapons”. In his attempt to ensure the safety and security of Russia, he added that “all in all, everything to reliably ensure Russia’s security, the protection of our national interests in the world ocean”. (with inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Russia's Generalissimo Suvorov to move to a permanent Pacific base in August

Russia has said more than 70 attackers were killed in its operation to repel cross-border raiders who entered the country’s Belgorod region from Ukraine and battled with Russian forces for an estimated 24 hours before retreating from Russian territory.

Russia claims 70 attackers killed in cross-border Belgorod raid

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Saturday that decisions taken by the Group of Seven countries at their summit in Japan were aimed at the "double containment" of Russia and China.

Russia's Lavrov says G7 is bent on "double containment" of Russia and China

Russia on Saturday claimed to fully capture the key eastern Ukrainian city of Bakhmut, which would mark an end to the longest and bloodiest battle of the 15-month war.

Russia says key Ukrainian city Bakhmut captured, Kyiv rejects claim

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky says that Bakhmut is completely destroyed - but has denied that Russia has won the bloody battle for the city.

Russia-Ukraine war: Zelensky drops hint on Bakhmut loss

Bakhmut: Zelensky says city is destroyed as Russia claims victory

Russian airborne missile system could be powerful and deadly. But it's believed that the Patriot missile system could give it a tough fight. It is considered to be one of the most advanced U.S. air defence systems. We show you how the Patriot defence system works and if it can knock out Russian hypersonic missiles.

Patriot missile system: How is it helping Ukraine?

The Russian branch of environmental group Greenpeace on Friday said it would shut down after authorities declared the group an "undesirable organisation", effectively banning it from operating.

Greenpeace to shut down in Russia after being declared ‘undesirable organisation’

The meeting on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Hiroshima marks the first in-person talks between the two leaders since the war began. Narendra Modi got on the phone with Zelensky to discuss the situation in Ukraine on multiple occasions after Russia's 2022 invasion. Over the years, India's security cooperation with Western nations has increased. New Delhi continues to rely on Moscow for defence and oil imports. Remember, India has long-standing security ties with Russia. So far, New Delhi has refused to condemn Moscow for the Ukraine invasion. However, prime minister modi told Putin last year, 'This is not the era for war'. In April, Ukraine's deputy foreign minister visited New Delhi.

Modi-Zelensky meeting in Japan; India has long-standing security ties with Russia | Details

Russia keeps demonstrating its advanced technologies and high-tech weapons. It has an edge over most of its rivals when it comes to military hardware. These days, Moscow's focus is on hypersonic missiles which are an important weapon in modern warfare. These missiles are designed to penetrate sophisticated air defence systems. Here's more.

Russia unleashes missile attacks on Ukraine

<p>Belarus has begun building military fortifications along its border with Ukraine, according to the Belarusian monitoring organisation Belaruski Hayun, as reported by the Moscow Times.&nbsp;Construction equipment and a line of miniature anti-tank concrete pyramids known as dragon's teeth were sighted 10 kilometres from Gomel, a city located 44 kilometres from the Ukrainian border as per&nbsp;Belaruski Hayun.</p>

<p>During World War II, dragon's teeth were commonly utilised to impede the advance of enemy vehicles and soldiers.</p>

<p>Their deployment in Belarus, a close Russian ally that granted Moscow permission to invade Ukraine through its territory in February 2022, comes ahead of a widely anticipated Ukrainian counteroffensive.</p>

<p>This week, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko called the Ukrainian counteroffensive "disinformation."</p>

<p>"There is no ‘counteroffensive,’ from my point of view, and there cannot be. It's simply madness,” Lukashenko&nbsp;said&nbsp;Thursday at a meeting of the Collective Security Treaty Organisation’s (CSTO) Parliamentary Assembly.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Belarusian military will conduct territorial exercises in the Gomel area from May 11 to June 2.</p>

<p>After Ukraine's successful counteroffensive in the fall of 2022, which saw Kyiv regain swaths of the northeast and south from invading Russian soldiers, Russian forces began vigorously erecting defensive lines.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Mercenaries from the Wagner private military company (PMC) began building fortifications in the eastern Donetsk area in September, where Russia has been focusing its effort for months.</p>

<p>This "line" was supposed to run east from the Russian-Ukrainian border to Kremennoye, then south to Svetlodarsk. A line of this length would be around 217 km long, according to CNN.</p>

<p>Furthermore, Russia has built defensive fortifications along the left bank of the Dnipro River, where Russian soldiers fled after abandoning Kherson.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-intensifies-attack-on-kyiv-overnight-air-defence-remains-active-594323">Russia intensifies attack on Ukraine overnight; Kyiv says air defence active</a></p>

<p>The construction of dragon's teeth has also been mentioned by governors of Russia's border areas with Ukraine, notably Belgorod region Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov.</p>

<h2><strong>Belarus' involvement in the Russia-Ukraine war</strong></h2>

<p>Belarus has always functioned as a launch pad for Russia's assault against Ukraine. Despite earlier promises from top Belarusian authorities that this would not happen, Russian forces invaded Ukraine via Belarus, and the nation has consistently supplied logistical support, supply lines, and medical treatment for Russian soldiers. Russian military planes have utilised Belarusian airfields, and Russia had fired at least 717 missiles from Belarus as of mid-September, as per the European Leadership Network.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;G7 Hiroshima Meet 2023: PM Modi meets Ukraine Prez Zelensky for first time since Russian invasion</strong></p>

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<p>According to a group of independent Belarusian monitors, Belarus also delivered over 65,000 tonnes of ammunition, over 100 Soviet-era tanks (such as the TM-72A), and roughly 20 armoured vehicles to Russia between March and September.</p>

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Belarus has begun building military fortifications along its border with Ukraine, according to the Belarusian monitoring organisation Belaruski Hayun, as reported by the Moscow Times.

Belarus has begun building military fortifications along its border with Ukraine, according to the Belarusian monitoring organisation Belaruski Hayun, as reported by the Moscow Times. Construction equipment and a line of miniature anti-tank concrete pyramids known as dragon's teeth were sighted 10 kilometres from Gomel, a city located 44 kilometres from the Ukrainian border as per Belaruski Hayun. During World War II, dragon's teeth were commonly utilised to impede the advance of enemy vehicles and soldiers. Their deployment in Belarus, a close Russian ally that granted Moscow permission to invade Ukraine through its territory in February 2022, comes ahead of a widely anticipated Ukrainian counteroffensive. This week, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko called the Ukrainian counteroffensive "disinformation." "There is no ‘counteroffensive,’ from my point of view, and there cannot be. It's simply madness,” Lukashenko said Thursday at a meeting of the Collective Security Treaty Organisation’s (CSTO) Parliamentary Assembly. The Belarusian military will conduct territorial exercises in the Gomel area from May 11 to June 2. After Ukraine's successful counteroffensive in the fall of 2022, which saw Kyiv regain swaths of the northeast and south from invading Russian soldiers, Russian forces began vigorously erecting defensive lines. Mercenaries from the Wagner private military company (PMC) began building fortifications in the eastern Donetsk area in September, where Russia has been focusing its effort for months. This "line" was supposed to run east from the Russian-Ukrainian border to Kremennoye, then south to Svetlodarsk. A line of this length would be around 217 km long, according to CNN. Furthermore, Russia has built defensive fortifications along the left bank of the Dnipro River, where Russian soldiers fled after abandoning Kherson. ALSO READ | Russia intensifies attack on Ukraine overnight; Kyiv says air defence active The construction of dragon's teeth has also been mentioned by governors of Russia's border areas with Ukraine, notably Belgorod region Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov. Belarus' involvement in the Russia-Ukraine war Belarus has always functioned as a launch pad for Russia's assault against Ukraine. Despite earlier promises from top Belarusian authorities that this would not happen, Russian forces invaded Ukraine via Belarus, and the nation has consistently supplied logistical support, supply lines, and medical treatment for Russian soldiers. Russian military planes have utilised Belarusian airfields, and Russia had fired at least 717 missiles from Belarus as of mid-September, as per the European Leadership Network. ALSO WATCH | G7 Hiroshima Meet 2023: PM Modi meets Ukraine Prez Zelensky for first time since Russian invasion According to a group of independent Belarusian monitors, Belarus also delivered over 65,000 tonnes of ammunition, over 100 Soviet-era tanks (such as the TM-72A), and roughly 20 armoured vehicles to Russia between March and September. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Belarus building defensive fortifications near Ukraine border: Reports

Russia on Friday said it banned entry to 500 Americans, including former president Barack Obama, in response to sanctions imposed by Washington.

Ukraine war: Russia bans entry to 500 Americans including Barack Obama

<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin owns a hidden mansion by the Black Sea with a network of tunnels to assist him in escape, according to leaked papers obtained by Business Insider. Putin's 'secret palace' is a luxurious property by the Black Sea coast and ownership of this property has been the subject of controversy and speculation.&nbsp;According to The Telegraph, Putin allegedly ordered the building of the tunnels, which are located 50 meters below sea level, in order to protect himself in the case of a revolution or war.</p>

<p>The 190,000 square foot and $1.3 billion complex offers every luxury its owner could want.&nbsp;According to the publication, Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny initially acknowledged the palace's existence in 2021 and said it has a cathedral, wine cellar, casino, and ice rink. A separate no-fly zone and 17,000 acres of forest isolate the palace from the rest of Russia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, the Kremlin has repeatedly denied the allegations, stating that the palace does not belong to President Putin or any state institution. They have described the claims as unfounded and dismissed them as part of an orchestrated campaign to tarnish Putin's reputation.<br />
<br />
The building's drawings, which reveal intricate tunnels beneath it, were made public by the now-defunct Russian contractor Metro Style. These maps were published by the company in 2010 and were still accessible in 2016. The diagrams are still accessible through the Wayback Machine, a website archive.</p>

<p>A group of Russian people known as "diggers" who visit and record banned areas dug them out. A member of the digging crew, who identified himself as being from the organisation "Sect Z," told Business Insider that they were publishing the pictures "because we are tired of Putin's stupid face and want to show his paranoid underground transport."</p>

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<p>At the time of Mr. Navalny's publication of the exposé on Mr. Putin's Black Sea complex in 2021, thousands of Russians had taken to the streets. The palace's ownership by the Russian president has been contested.</p>

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<p>The bunkers have their own ventilation system and fresh water supply, as seen in the diagrams released on Metro Style's website. The plans also reveal that the complex is connected to the two tunnels by a lift shaft, with the lower tunnel heading to the beach.</p>

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<p>A millionaire and childhood friend of Vladimir Putin, Arkady Rotenberg, came out shortly after Navalny's allegations to assert that the property was his and that the President had nothing to do with it. However, concerns were voiced about the complex's 24-hour security and no-fly zone.&nbsp;The property is also said to include opulent features such as a private theater, an underground hockey rink, a casino, and extensive grounds.</p>

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Russian President Vladimir Putin owns a hidden mansion by the Black Sea with a network of tunnels to assist him in escape, according to leaked papers obtained by Business Insider.

Russian President Vladimir Putin owns a hidden mansion by the Black Sea with a network of tunnels to assist him in escape, according to leaked papers obtained by Business Insider. Putin's 'secret palace' is a luxurious property by the Black Sea coast and ownership of this property has been the subject of controversy and speculation. According to The Telegraph, Putin allegedly ordered the building of the tunnels, which are located 50 meters below sea level, in order to protect himself in the case of a revolution or war. The 190,000 square foot and $1.3 billion complex offers every luxury its owner could want. According to the publication, Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny initially acknowledged the palace's existence in 2021 and said it has a cathedral, wine cellar, casino, and ice rink. A separate no-fly zone and 17,000 acres of forest isolate the palace from the rest of Russia. However, the Kremlin has repeatedly denied the allegations, stating that the palace does not belong to President Putin or any state institution. They have described the claims as unfounded and dismissed them as part of an orchestrated campaign to tarnish Putin's reputation. The building's drawings, which reveal intricate tunnels beneath it, were made public by the now-defunct Russian contractor Metro Style. These maps were published by the company in 2010 and were still accessible in 2016. The diagrams are still accessible through the Wayback Machine, a website archive. A group of Russian people known as "diggers" who visit and record banned areas dug them out. A member of the digging crew, who identified himself as being from the organisation "Sect Z," told Business Insider that they were publishing the pictures "because we are tired of Putin's stupid face and want to show his paranoid underground transport." Also Read | Another 7.1 earthquake rocks east of New Caledonia in Pacific Ocean, tsunami warning issued At the time of Mr. Navalny's publication of the exposé on Mr. Putin's Black Sea complex in 2021, thousands of Russians had taken to the streets. The palace's ownership by the Russian president has been contested. Also Read | Macron depicted as Hitler on posters in France's Avignon, police initiate probe The bunkers have their own ventilation system and fresh water supply, as seen in the diagrams released on Metro Style's website. The plans also reveal that the complex is connected to the two tunnels by a lift shaft, with the lower tunnel heading to the beach. Watch | Who was behind the 2022 clashes in Leicester? × A millionaire and childhood friend of Vladimir Putin, Arkady Rotenberg, came out shortly after Navalny's allegations to assert that the property was his and that the President had nothing to do with it. However, concerns were voiced about the complex's 24-hour security and no-fly zone. The property is also said to include opulent features such as a private theater, an underground hockey rink, a casino, and extensive grounds. 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. ×

Is Putin paranoid? Leaked maps show secret bunker underneath $1.3 bn 'secret palace'

The first flight from Russia to Georgia in four years landed Friday. Russian President Vladimir Putin lifted a 2019 travel ban on the South Caucasus nation on May 10 and simultaneously allowed Georgians to enter the country without a visa.

First flight from Russia to Georgia since 2019 lands to protests

The United States has imposed several sanctions against Russia in response to Moscow's invasion of Ukraine. But we have a question - are these sanctions really making a difference to Russia especially when it's getting access to what it wants including Western technologies? Our report tells you more about it.

Russia successfully evading western technology sanctions

With the G7 summit underway in Hiroshima, Japan, the world leaders are planning to impose new sanctions on Russia. In a new round of sanctions, the United Kingdom (UK) has announced a ban on Russian diamonds and imports of metals from Russia including copper, aluminum, and nickel in support of Ukraine.

G7 Summit: UK, US to announce fresh round of sanctions on Russia

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