Vladimir Putin hosted his "dear friend" Xi Jinping for dinner at the Kremlin on Monday, showing off his relationship with his most powerful ally just days after an international court called for the Russian president's arrest for war crimes in Ukraine.

Putin flaunts alliance with Xi as 'dear friends' meet in Kremlin |

‘Dear friends’ Xi & Putin meet in Moscow

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Monday that China's Ukraine "peace plan" could be discussed and that Moscow is always open for dialogue. Watch the video to know more.

Xi Jinping: China values relationship with Russia

Putin: Open to discuss China's peace-plan

The ICC has issued an arrest warrant against Russian president Vladimir Putin. The hague had also issued a warrant against Russia's presidential commissioner for child rights, Maria Vova-Bilova. Russia is being accused of war crimes for allegedly deporting Ukrainian children illegally. While the U.S has called the arrest warrant justified and have themselves alleged war crimes were committed by the Russian side in Ukraine, President Biden has admitted that the warrant is unrecognized by the U.S. So what does the arrest warrant mean for President Putin? How does it impact the war in Ukraine and is the warrant even enforceable?

Can Putin be arrested by the international criminal court?

The International Criminal Court (ICC) on Friday (March 17) issued an arrest warrant against Russian President Vladimir Putin for war crimes because of his alleged involvement in the&nbsp; abduction and "unlawful deportation" of Ukrainian children. 
 
The Hague-based ICC said it had also issued a warrant against Maria Lvova-Belova, Commissioner for Children’s Rights in the Office of the President of the Russian Federation,&nbsp;on similar charges.&nbsp;

The statement issued by the court said that Putin "is allegedly responsible for the war crime of unlawful deportation of population (children) and that of unlawful transfer of population (children) from occupied areas of Ukraine to the Russian Federation."

Ukraine’s presidency welcomed the International Criminal Court’s decision and said that this was just an initial step in restoring justice.

“The Hague Chamber of the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Putin. This is just the beginning,” Ukraine’s presidential chief of staff Andriy Yermak said on social media.

Ukraine’s chief prosecutor echoed the sentiment.

“The world received a signal that the Russian regime is criminal and its leadership and henchmen will be held accountable,” Ukraine’s Prosecutor General Andriy Kostin said in a statement on social media. 
 
“This is a historic decision for Ukraine and the entire system of international law,” Kostin added.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Ukrainian&nbsp;President Volodymyr Zelensky hailed the decision. "This is an historic decision which will lead to historic accountability. The head of the terrorist state and another official have officially become suspects in a war crimes case," he said.

"In criminal cases that are being investigated by our law enforcement there are more than 16,000 instances of forcible deportation of Ukrainian children by occupiers. But the real, complete number of deported could be much larger. It would have been impossible to enact such a criminal operation without the say-so of the man at the helm of the terrorist state," he added.

"To part children from their families, to prevent them from contacting their relatives, to hide children on the territory of Russia, to disseminate them around far-flung regions is clearly state policy of Russia, state decisions and state evil, which starts precisely with the top official of this state," Zelensky further stated.

UK's Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab&nbsp;said that it would be a "long journey" until Putin is brought to justice. United States President Joe Biden called the step "justified", stating that the move "makes a very strong point".&nbsp;

Quite expectedly, Russia has said that the warrant issued by the ICC has ‘no meaning’ and is ‘legally void’.

"The decisions of the International Criminal Court have no meaning for our country, including from a legal point of view," Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on social media.

"Russia is not a party of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court and bears no obligations under it," she added.&nbsp;

"Russia does not cooperate with this body and possible 'recipes' for arrest coming from the international court will be legally void as far as we are concerned," she said without referring to Putin by name.

(With inputs from agencies) 
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The International Criminal Court (ICC) on Friday (March 17) issued an arrest warrant against Russian President Vladimir Putin for war crimes because of his alleged involvement in the abduction and "unlawful deportation" of Ukrainian children.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) on Friday (March 17) issued an arrest warrant against Russian President Vladimir Putin for war crimes because of his alleged involvement in the abduction and "unlawful deportation" of Ukrainian children. The Hague-based ICC said it had also issued a warrant against Maria Lvova-Belova, Commissioner for Children’s Rights in the Office of the President of the Russian Federation, on similar charges. The statement issued by the court said that Putin "is allegedly responsible for the war crime of unlawful deportation of population (children) and that of unlawful transfer of population (children) from occupied areas of Ukraine to the Russian Federation." Ukraine’s presidency welcomed the International Criminal Court’s decision and said that this was just an initial step in restoring justice. “The Hague Chamber of the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Putin. This is just the beginning,” Ukraine’s presidential chief of staff Andriy Yermak said on social media. Ukraine’s chief prosecutor echoed the sentiment. “The world received a signal that the Russian regime is criminal and its leadership and henchmen will be held accountable,” Ukraine’s Prosecutor General Andriy Kostin said in a statement on social media. “This is a historic decision for Ukraine and the entire system of international law,” Kostin added. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hailed the decision. "This is an historic decision which will lead to historic accountability. The head of the terrorist state and another official have officially become suspects in a war crimes case," he said. "In criminal cases that are being investigated by our law enforcement there are more than 16,000 instances of forcible deportation of Ukrainian children by occupiers. But the real, complete number of deported could be much larger. It would have been impossible to enact such a criminal operation without the say-so of the man at the helm of the terrorist state," he added. "To part children from their families, to prevent them from contacting their relatives, to hide children on the territory of Russia, to disseminate them around far-flung regions is clearly state policy of Russia, state decisions and state evil, which starts precisely with the top official of this state," Zelensky further stated. UK's Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab said that it would be a "long journey" until Putin is brought to justice. United States President Joe Biden called the step "justified", stating that the move "makes a very strong point". Quite expectedly, Russia has said that the warrant issued by the ICC has ‘no meaning’ and is ‘legally void’. "The decisions of the International Criminal Court have no meaning for our country, including from a legal point of view," Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on social media. "Russia is not a party of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court and bears no obligations under it," she added. "Russia does not cooperate with this body and possible 'recipes' for arrest coming from the international court will be legally void as far as we are concerned," she said without referring to Putin by name. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

International Criminal Court issues arrest warrant against Putin over war crimes in Ukraine

Shortly after landing in Crimea, President Vladimir Putin made a visit to Mariupol, the Ukrainian city which has been under the control of Russian forces since last year.

The Tass news agency, citing Kremlin, reported that Putin flew to the southern port city by helicopter.&nbsp;

"Putin flew to Mariupol by helicopter, then driving a car drove around several districts of the city and making stops. In the Nevsky microdistrict, Putin spoke with the townspeople. He also examined the coastline of Mariupol," Kremlin said in a statement, the TASS report said.

The Russian leader also met with the top command of his military operation in Ukraine, including Chief of the General Staff, Valery Gerasimov, who is in charge of Moscow's offensive in Ukraine,&nbsp;state media reported.

The meeting took place at the Rostov-on-Don command post in southern Russia,&nbsp;TASS&nbsp; reported further.

Putin was in Crimea on Saturday to mark the ninth anniversary of the peninsula's annexation.&nbsp;His visit came just a day after the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant against him, accusing him&nbsp;of war crimes pertaining to the deportation of children. Russia has dismissed these allegations but Putin himself is yet to comment on the arrest warrant.

<h2>Russian President Vladimir Putin visits Crimea on ninth anniversary of annexation</h2>

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Sevastopol governor Mikhail Razvozhayev said that Putin was expected to take part in the opening of children's art school via video link.&nbsp;

"But Vladimir Vladimirovich came in person. Himself. Behind the wheel. Because on such a historic day, the president is always with Sevastopol and the people of Sevastopol," the Moscow-appointed official said.

State media did not broadcast any remarks from Putin immediately after his arrival in Crimea.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Shortly after landing in Crimea, President Vladimir Putin made a visit to Mariupol, the Ukrainian city which has been under the control of Russian forces since last year.

Shortly after landing in Crimea, President Vladimir Putin made a visit to Mariupol, the Ukrainian city which has been under the control of Russian forces since last year. The Tass news agency, citing Kremlin, reported that Putin flew to the southern port city by helicopter. "Putin flew to Mariupol by helicopter, then driving a car drove around several districts of the city and making stops. In the Nevsky microdistrict, Putin spoke with the townspeople. He also examined the coastline of Mariupol," Kremlin said in a statement, the TASS report said. The Russian leader also met with the top command of his military operation in Ukraine, including Chief of the General Staff, Valery Gerasimov, who is in charge of Moscow's offensive in Ukraine, state media reported. The meeting took place at the Rostov-on-Don command post in southern Russia, TASS reported further. Putin was in Crimea on Saturday to mark the ninth anniversary of the peninsula's annexation. His visit came just a day after the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant against him, accusing him of war crimes pertaining to the deportation of children. Russia has dismissed these allegations but Putin himself is yet to comment on the arrest warrant. Russian President Vladimir Putin visits Crimea on ninth anniversary of annexation Sevastopol governor Mikhail Razvozhayev said that Putin was expected to take part in the opening of children's art school via video link. "But Vladimir Vladimirovich came in person. Himself. Behind the wheel. Because on such a historic day, the president is always with Sevastopol and the people of Sevastopol," the Moscow-appointed official said. State media did not broadcast any remarks from Putin immediately after his arrival in Crimea. (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 ×

After Crimea, Russian President Vladimir Putin visits occupied Mariupol in Ukraine for the first time

In a major diplomatic boost for the Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Chinese President Xi Jinping is all set to visit Moscow today. In an apparent show of support for the Russian President and also in a bid to act as a mediator in the Ukraine-Russia conflict. This is the Chinese President's first visit to Moscow since the Russian invasion of Ukraine began.

Putin to welcome Xi Jinping to Moscow today

China President Xi Jinping is scheduled to travel to Moscow today (March 20),&nbsp;giving Russian President Vladimir Putin an important diplomatic boost.&nbsp;The visit by Xi comes in the midst of escalating East-West tensions over the&nbsp;13-month-old war in Ukraine and is the most recent indication of Beijing's reinvigorated diplomatic goals.&nbsp;

The US&nbsp;declared on Friday it would&nbsp;oppose any attempt by China to establish a truce in Ukraine at the meeting that amounts to a "ratification of Russian annexation" of Ukrainian territory,&nbsp;reported the Associated Press.&nbsp;

John Kirby, a spokesperson for the White House National Security Council, urged Xi to get in touch with Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the president of Ukraine, to learn about his nation's perspective on the conflict and steer clear of any "one-sided" proposals.&nbsp;

By refusing to denounce Moscow's aggressiveness and announcing a "no-limits" friendship with Russia last year, China has attempted to portray itself as impartial in the war. Beijing has criticised Western sanctions imposed on Moscow and claimed that NATO and the United States were responsible for inciting Putin to use force.&nbsp;

The sovereignty and territorial integrity of any nation should be respected, China has maintained throughout the conflict. It's not clear, though, whether it agrees with Moscow's assertions that it has occupied Ukrainian land.

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Xi Jinping Russia Visit: Official talks between Putin and Jinping to be held on March 21

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Xi’s visit would be his his first meeting with Putin since September, when they met on the sidelines of a regional summit in Uzbekistan. Prior to&nbsp;that, Putin attended the opening of the 2022 Beijing Winter Games and met with Xi shortly&nbsp;before launching an attack on Ukraine.&nbsp;

Putin invited Xi to visit Russia during a video conference call the two made in late December. It may "demonstrate to the whole world the strength of the Russian-Chinese ties" and "become the main political event of the year in bilateral relations," according to Putin.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-putin-discusses-mariupol-reconstruction-plans-during-surprise-visit-573646">Russia-Ukraine war: Putin discusses Mariupol reconstruction plans during surprise visit</a>

Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Wang Wenbin said on Friday that Xi and Putin will talk about&nbsp;“bilateral relations and major international and regional issues of common concern....”

“Currently, the world is entering a new period of turbulence and reform with the accelerated evolution of changes of the century,” he added.” As permanent members of the UN&nbsp;Security Council and important major countries, the significance and impact of the China-Russia relations go far beyond the bilateral sphere,” he continued.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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China President Xi Jinping is scheduled to travel to Moscow today (March 20), giving Russian President Vladimir Putin an important diplomatic boost. The visit by Xi comes in the midst of escalating East-West tensions over the 13-month-old war in Ukraine and is the most recent indication of Beijing's reinvigorated diplomatic goals.

China President Xi Jinping is scheduled to travel to Moscow today (March 20), giving Russian President Vladimir Putin an important diplomatic boost. The visit by Xi comes in the midst of escalating East-West tensions over the 13-month-old war in Ukraine and is the most recent indication of Beijing's reinvigorated diplomatic goals. The US declared on Friday it would oppose any attempt by China to establish a truce in Ukraine at the meeting that amounts to a "ratification of Russian annexation" of Ukrainian territory, reported the Associated Press. John Kirby, a spokesperson for the White House National Security Council, urged Xi to get in touch with Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the president of Ukraine, to learn about his nation's perspective on the conflict and steer clear of any "one-sided" proposals. By refusing to denounce Moscow's aggressiveness and announcing a "no-limits" friendship with Russia last year, China has attempted to portray itself as impartial in the war. Beijing has criticised Western sanctions imposed on Moscow and claimed that NATO and the United States were responsible for inciting Putin to use force. The sovereignty and territorial integrity of any nation should be respected, China has maintained throughout the conflict. It's not clear, though, whether it agrees with Moscow's assertions that it has occupied Ukrainian land. ALSO WATCH | Xi Jinping Russia Visit: Official talks between Putin and Jinping to be held on March 21 Xi’s visit would be his his first meeting with Putin since September, when they met on the sidelines of a regional summit in Uzbekistan. Prior to that, Putin attended the opening of the 2022 Beijing Winter Games and met with Xi shortly before launching an attack on Ukraine. Putin invited Xi to visit Russia during a video conference call the two made in late December. It may "demonstrate to the whole world the strength of the Russian-Chinese ties" and "become the main political event of the year in bilateral relations," according to Putin. ALSO READ | Russia-Ukraine war: Putin discusses Mariupol reconstruction plans during surprise visit Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Wang Wenbin said on Friday that Xi and Putin will talk about “bilateral relations and major international and regional issues of common concern....” “Currently, the world is entering a new period of turbulence and reform with the accelerated evolution of changes of the century,” he added.” As permanent members of the UN Security Council and important major countries, the significance and impact of the China-Russia relations go far beyond the bilateral sphere,” he continued. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

China's Xi heads to Russia amid Ukraine war; to discuss bilateral ties, global issues

In a major diplomatic boost for the Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Chinese President Xi Jinping is all set to visit Moscow tomorrow. In an apparent show of support for the Russian President and also in a bid to act as a mediator in the Ukraine-Russia conflict. This is the Chinese President's first visit to Moscow since the Russian invasion of Ukraine began.

China's Xi Jinping to visit Russia, to meet Putin

After Iran-Saudi pact, China to play peacemaker in Ukraine war?

Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Crimea on ninth anniversary of its annexation. In a surprise visit Putin was seen touring an art school along with the local Governor. The visits comes a day after the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant against him.

Russian President Vladimir Putin visits Crimea on ninth anniversary of annexation

The Russian State media says Russian President Vladimir Putin made a surprise visit to the war ravish Port of Mariupol. This is the Kremlin Leader's first visit to the newly occupied Ukrainian territory.

Russian President Vladimir Putin makes surprise visit to South-Eastern Ukraine

China's Xi Jinping to meet Putin as Beijing seeks bolder Global role

Chinese President Xi Jinping is all set to visit Moscow tomorrow. This is being seen as a major diplomatic boost for the Russian President Vladimir Putin who has largely been isolated by various countries. China hopes to act as a mediator in the Ukraine-Russia conflict but the big question is can China actually be an honest broker for peace?

Major diplomatic boost for Vladimir Putin as Xi Jinping to visit Russia?

On Friday, the international criminal court announced an arrest warrant for Vladimir Putin. The warrant against the Russian President is based on the war crime accusation of unlawfully deporting Ukrainian children. The Hague-based court said it had also issued a warrant against Maria Vovabilova, Russia's presidential commissioner for children's rights. According to Kyiv, over 16,000 children have been deported to Russia. The International Criminal Court said judges found there were reasonable grounds to suspect Putin's criminal responsibility.

International Criminal Court issues warrant for Putin's arrest; Moscow dismisses order as 'void'

Here, we bring you the news that is trending across WION's social media platforms - Afraid of breakup? Invest in 'heartbreak insurance fund', International Criminal Court issues arrest warrant against Putin over war crimes in Ukraine, Is the Indian Rupee challenging the dollar's dominance in global trade?

Aliens on distant Exoplanets?; Code used for recommending tweets will be public | Trending on WION

'Null and void': Russia slams war crimes warrant for Putin; Biden terms court order 'justified'

In&nbsp;the latest, the US law department is looking into the Chinese company that controls TikTok's monitoring of US residents, including numerous journalists who cover the tech sector.&nbsp;In other news, former US president, Donald Trump has posted on Facebook for the first time after being reinstated. Separately, India and Bangladesh are all set to unveil a new energy pipeline today (March 18), adding a fresh layer to their bilateral relations.&nbsp;

Click on the headlines to read more.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-justice-department-fbi-investigates-tiktok-over-allegations-of-spying-573167">US Justice Department, FBI investigates TikTok over allegations of spying</a>

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TikTok, the video-sharing application owned by Chinese company ByteDance, is being investigated by the Department of Justice and FBI over the allegations of its employees spying on journalists, said a law enforcement official on Friday as per media reports.

Justice Department prosecutors are conducting the investigation in the Eastern District of Virginia and in Washington along with the FBI, said the officials.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/youtube-reinstates-donald-trumps-account-after-two-year-suspension-573171">'I'M BACK': Trump writes first post on his reinstated Facebook, YouTube account</a>

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United States former president Donald Trump on Friday uploaded his first post on his Facebook and YouTube accounts&nbsp;which were reinstated after being banned for more than two years over the US Capitol insurrection.

"I'M BACK," Trump wrote, while sharing a 12-second video clip in which he appeared to be giving his victory speech after winning the elections in 2016. In the video, he was seen exclaiming, "Sorry to keep you waiting - complicated business."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/code-for-recommending-tweets-will-be-public-says-elon-musk-573189">Code used for recommending tweets will be public, says Elon Musk</a>

<img alt="picture" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4b12c769-5518-4b69-a05e-7b184c1e6024" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/2VIELRA3MBL6RIEAQAOQPOIID4.jpg" />

Twitter owner Elon Musk on Friday announced that the social media platform will soon make the long-secret algorithm public for recommending tweets.

The code through which recommendations for posts are made to users will become "open source" by the end of March, said Musk in a tweet.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/new-paradigm-in-india-bangladesh-friendship-pm-modi-sheikh-hasina-to-inaugurate-joint-energy-pipeline-573193">New paradigm in India-Bangladesh friendship: PM Modi, Sheikh Hasina to inaugurate joint energy pipeline</a>

<img alt="picture" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1c1e4196-a8a5-48e4-ab1c-a18f50c15852" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/web-hasina-modi-pid-1552233648461.jpg" />

The first energy pipeline between India and Bangladesh will be opened on Saturday (March 18)&nbsp;via video conference between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bangladeshi counterpart, Sheikh Hasina.&nbsp;

This pipeline, which is expected to cost Rs 377 crore, will be the first cross-border pipeline between the two nations. The sum of the costs includes the Rs 285 crore spent on paving the section on the Bangladeshi side, as reported by PTI.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Democrats accuse Trump of violating gift law, says 'he failed to report foreign gifts'

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/democrats-accuse-trump-of-violating-gift-law-says-he-failed-to-report-foreign-gifts-573199/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe>

In the latest, the US law department is looking into the Chinese company that controls TikTok's monitoring of US residents, including numerous journalists who cover the tech sector.

In the latest, the US law department is looking into the Chinese company that controls TikTok's monitoring of US residents, including numerous journalists who cover the tech sector. In other news, former US president, Donald Trump has posted on Facebook for the first time after being reinstated. Separately, India and Bangladesh are all set to unveil a new energy pipeline today (March 18), adding a fresh layer to their bilateral relations. Click on the headlines to read more. US Justice Department, FBI investigates TikTok over allegations of spying TikTok, the video-sharing application owned by Chinese company ByteDance, is being investigated by the Department of Justice and FBI over the allegations of its employees spying on journalists, said a law enforcement official on Friday as per media reports. Justice Department prosecutors are conducting the investigation in the Eastern District of Virginia and in Washington along with the FBI, said the officials. 'I'M BACK': Trump writes first post on his reinstated Facebook, YouTube account United States former president Donald Trump on Friday uploaded his first post on his Facebook and YouTube accounts which were reinstated after being banned for more than two years over the US Capitol insurrection. "I'M BACK," Trump wrote, while sharing a 12-second video clip in which he appeared to be giving his victory speech after winning the elections in 2016. In the video, he was seen exclaiming, "Sorry to keep you waiting - complicated business." Code used for recommending tweets will be public, says Elon Musk Twitter owner Elon Musk on Friday announced that the social media platform will soon make the long-secret algorithm public for recommending tweets. The code through which recommendations for posts are made to users will become "open source" by the end of March, said Musk in a tweet. New paradigm in India-Bangladesh friendship: PM Modi, Sheikh Hasina to inaugurate joint energy pipeline The first energy pipeline between India and Bangladesh will be opened on Saturday (March 18) via video conference between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bangladeshi counterpart, Sheikh Hasina. This pipeline, which is expected to cost Rs 377 crore, will be the first cross-border pipeline between the two nations. The sum of the costs includes the Rs 285 crore spent on paving the section on the Bangladeshi side, as reported by PTI. WATCH | Democrats accuse Trump of violating gift law, says 'he failed to report foreign gifts'

Morning news brief: US probes TikTok over spying allegations, Trump posts on reinstated FB account, & more

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all latest news, top headlines and international breakings from all across the globe, stay tuned with Gravitas for more!

Gravitas Global Headlines: ICC issues arrest warrant accusing Vladimir Putin of war crimes

Former UK prime minister Tony Blair rebuked Russian President Vladimir Putin saying the Iraq war was about introducing democracy and Putin using its pretext for Ukraine's invasion is nothing but an "excuse" as Kyiv poses no threat to its neighbours.&nbsp;

"If he didn't use that excuse (Iraq), he'd use another excuse," the British Labour Party leader told AFP news agency.&nbsp;

Blair pointed out that the Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein had started regional wars, disobeyed several UN resolutions, and used chemical weapons against his own people.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-officials-beef-up-security-around-new-york-ahead-of-possible-donald-trumps-indictment-573298">US officials beef up security around New York ahead of possible Donald Trump’s indictment</a>

The administration of then-US president George W. Bush also alleged that the Iraqi dictator was actively manufacturing biological and chemical munitions, so-called weapons of mass destruction (WMD), in breach of international treaties and conventions.

Blair told AFP that Ukraine in comparison has a democratic government and poses no danger to its neighbours when Putin invaded the country first in 2014 and then the full invasion last year.

"At least you could say we were removing a despot and trying to introduce democracy," Blair said at the offices of his Tony Blair Institute for Global Change in central London.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hunter-bidens-laptop-scandal-us-presidents-son-sues-repairman-for-leaking-data-to-political-enemies-573296">Hunter Biden's laptop scandal: US president's son sues repairman for leaking data to 'political enemies'</a>

"Now you can argue about all the consequences and so on.&nbsp;His (Putin's) intervention in the Middle East (in Syria) was to prop up a despot and refuse a democracy. So we should treat all that propaganda with the lack of respect it deserves."

George Bush Senior, the president's father, commanded the coalition that drove Iraqi forces out of Kuwait during the Gulf War, between 1990 and 1991 but was unable to overthrow the regime.

WATCH | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/denmarks-unusual-collection-of-almost-10000-brains-573317">Denmark's unusual collection of almost 10,000 brains</a>

In March 2003, British soldiers participated in a coalition invasion of Iraq. After a month of the war, they toppled Saddam Hussein's government and took control of the nation. But, six more years would pass before Britain's war efforts ended.

No weapons of mass destruction were discovered in Iraq, which the war's many detractors used to say that it was an imprudent misadventure. 
 
(With inputs from agencies) 
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Former UK prime minister Tony Blair rebuked Russian President Vladimir Putin saying the Iraq war was about introducing democracy and Putin using its pretext for Ukraine's invasion is nothing but an "excuse" as Kyiv poses no threat to its neighbours.

Former UK prime minister Tony Blair rebuked Russian President Vladimir Putin saying the Iraq war was about introducing democracy and Putin using its pretext for Ukraine's invasion is nothing but an "excuse" as Kyiv poses no threat to its neighbours. "If he didn't use that excuse (Iraq), he'd use another excuse," the British Labour Party leader told AFP news agency. Blair pointed out that the Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein had started regional wars, disobeyed several UN resolutions, and used chemical weapons against his own people. Also Read | US officials beef up security around New York ahead of possible Donald Trump’s indictment The administration of then-US president George W. Bush also alleged that the Iraqi dictator was actively manufacturing biological and chemical munitions, so-called weapons of mass destruction (WMD), in breach of international treaties and conventions. Blair told AFP that Ukraine in comparison has a democratic government and poses no danger to its neighbours when Putin invaded the country first in 2014 and then the full invasion last year. "At least you could say we were removing a despot and trying to introduce democracy," Blair said at the offices of his Tony Blair Institute for Global Change in central London. Also Read | Hunter Biden's laptop scandal: US president's son sues repairman for leaking data to 'political enemies' "Now you can argue about all the consequences and so on. His (Putin's) intervention in the Middle East (in Syria) was to prop up a despot and refuse a democracy. So we should treat all that propaganda with the lack of respect it deserves." George Bush Senior, the president's father, commanded the coalition that drove Iraqi forces out of Kuwait during the Gulf War, between 1990 and 1991 but was unable to overthrow the regime. WATCH | Denmark's unusual collection of almost 10,000 brains In March 2003, British soldiers participated in a coalition invasion of Iraq. After a month of the war, they toppled Saddam Hussein's government and took control of the nation. But, six more years would pass before Britain's war efforts ended. No weapons of mass destruction were discovered in Iraq, which the war's many detractors used to say that it was an imprudent misadventure. (With inputs from agencies) 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.

Pretext of Iraq war just an ‘excuse’: Tony Blair denounces Putin’s Ukraine invasion

Russia is clandestinely working to topple the Moldovan government by fomenting protests that it hopes will lead to a coup, the U.S. charged . U.S. intelligence indicates the Kremlin is "pursuing options to weaken the Moldovan government probably with the eventual goal of seeing a more Russian friendly administration in the capital," National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby told reporters.

Secret Kremlin Document: How Russia PLANS to overturn Moldova

After the United States of America accused Russian jet of colliding with an American drone over the Black Sea, Defence Ministers and Military Chiefs of the two countries held rare telephonic conversations. The U.S. Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin said that he has spoken to Russia's Defence Minister about the incident.

Game of Drones: Intentional or Accidental? Not clear, says US; accuses Russia of aggressive behavior

It has been weeks since China proposed a 12-point plan for peace in Ukraine. Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to soon visit Russia & meet with Vladimir Putin. Reportedly, they are going to hold a virtual meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Will China be able to broker peace between Russia and Ukraine after its success with Saudi Arabia & Iran?

Can China broker peace between Russia and Ukraine after its success with Saudi Arabia & Iran?

Russian hackers appear to be preparing a renewed wave of cyber attacks against Ukraine, including a "ransomware-style" threat to organizations serving Ukraine's supply lines, a research report by Microsoft said on Wednesday.

New Russian attack cyberattack on Ukraine: Reports

Russian President Vladimir Putin said that last year's blasts on the Nord Stream gas pipelines had been carried out on a state level, dismissing the idea an autonomous pro-Ukraine group was responsible as "complete nonsense". Putin further questioned Germany's silence on the Nord Stream blast.

Putin rejects claims about Ukrainian role in Nord Stream blasts, says 'it's complete nonsense’

Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu visited the tactical missiles corporation factory in Moscow. The factory manufactures high-precision rockets. Shoigu ordered the workers to double their productivity. He said this would reduce labour costs and also make additional products available.

Defence Minister orders Russian missile factory to double its production

Russian President Vladimir Putin's verbal attack on the West rose to a crescendo for yet another time on Tuesday when he defended the war in Ukraine, saying it is the question of Russia's very existence as a state.

He made these remarks in a long address to workers at an aviation factory in Buryatia, a mountainous Russian republic in eastern Siberia, some 4,400 km east of the capital city of Moscow.

Russian president said that the Ukraine war is more than just a geopolitical task. "So, for us, this is not a geopolitical task, but a task of the survival of Russian statehood, creating conditions for the future development of the country and our children," Putin said in his address.&nbsp;

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Putin in its speech, which was high in its rhetoric against the West, said that the western nations are&nbsp;actually firing salvos from Ukraine's shoulders.&nbsp;He called for giving the West a strategic blow. Putin also spoke on the economic implications of the war after the heavy Russian sanctions.

Putin said he had apprehensions at the start when western nations imposed hard-hitting sanctions on Moscow. Russia, however, is still standing and proving stronger than was anticipated, he added.

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"We have increased our economic sovereignty many times over. After all, what did our enemy count on? That we would collapse in 2-3 weeks or in a month," he said. 
 
He said that the West had been vying to bring Russia to its knees by triggering unemployment and forcing workers to protest and take on the streets and that Russia would "sway from within and collapse".

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"This did not happen," Putin said. "It turned out, for many of us, and even more so for Western countries, that the fundamental foundations of Russia's stability are much stronger than anyone thought." 
 
(With inputs from agencies) 
 
&nbsp;

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Russian President Vladimir Putin's verbal attack on the West rose to a crescendo for yet another time on Tuesday when he defended the war in Ukraine, saying it is the question of Russia's very existence as a state.

Russian President Vladimir Putin's verbal attack on the West rose to a crescendo for yet another time on Tuesday when he defended the war in Ukraine, saying it is the question of Russia's very existence as a state. He made these remarks in a long address to workers at an aviation factory in Buryatia, a mountainous Russian republic in eastern Siberia, some 4,400 km east of the capital city of Moscow. Russian president said that the Ukraine war is more than just a geopolitical task. "So, for us, this is not a geopolitical task, but a task of the survival of Russian statehood, creating conditions for the future development of the country and our children," Putin said in his address. Also Read | China to raise retirement age to tackle ageing population Putin in its speech, which was high in its rhetoric against the West, said that the western nations are actually firing salvos from Ukraine's shoulders. He called for giving the West a strategic blow. Putin also spoke on the economic implications of the war after the heavy Russian sanctions. Putin said he had apprehensions at the start when western nations imposed hard-hitting sanctions on Moscow. Russia, however, is still standing and proving stronger than was anticipated, he added. Also Read | India reports third death from H3N2 in Indian state of Gujarat "We have increased our economic sovereignty many times over. After all, what did our enemy count on? That we would collapse in 2-3 weeks or in a month," he said. He said that the West had been vying to bring Russia to its knees by triggering unemployment and forcing workers to protest and take on the streets and that Russia would "sway from within and collapse". Watch | Indonesia's new capital at the cost of environment? "This did not happen," Putin said. "It turned out, for many of us, and even more so for Western countries, that the fundamental foundations of Russia's stability are much stronger than anyone thought." (With inputs from agencies) 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 defends Ukraine war, claims it’s about ‘survival’ of Russian statehood

Chechnya’s battle-hardened leader, who was poisoned, stunned the world as he surfaced in Moscow in an unexpected meeting with Vladimir Putin. He’s a dreaded fighter and a close ally of Putin. He’s vowed to fight until victory in Ukraine. Who is Ramzan Kadyrov and why is he so feared? What does his emergence mean for the Russia-Ukraine war? Watch Game Plan with Shivan Chanana.

Putin’s 'poisoned’ Chechen ally surfaces in Moscow; vows to finish Ukraine | Wion Game Plan

Nord Stream Blast: Putin questions Germany's silence, says U.S. report is 'completely nonsense'

Russian advances seem to have stalled in Ukraine's Bakhmut city for now. Leading Washington-based think tank has said there are no confirmed advances by Russian forces in Bakhmut.

Russian advances stall in Bakhmut?

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