Russia has launched a wave of air strikes against cities across Ukraine, including Kyiv, leaving at least 12 people dead. Ten people including a child were killed in an attack that hit a block of flats in the central city of Uman, officials said.

Ukraine war: Twelve dead as Russian missiles hit cities

Vladimir Putin says the Russian drone industry could soon be worth $12.25 billion. A plan to boost the production is being worked out, and Putin is betting on the versatility of unmanned aerial vehicles. Late last year, Putin said Russia must increase its output of drones. The Russian President is pushing for the widespread use of drones in military and civilian applications. He ordered a strategy for drone development through 2030. Drones, remote or pre-programmed, have been used extensively in battles. Drones gather intelligence, deliver explosives, and can even launch missiles and fly away. With drones, Russia is hitting targets, crushing morale and draining Ukraine's war chest. Suicide drones can flood combat theatres, and are often dubbed as the poor man's cruise missile. Drones are allowing Russia to avoid putting sophisticated aircraft and pilots at risk. Drones are also helping Russia save expensive, long-range precision missiles.

Russia acing the 'Game of Drones'? Strategy for drone development through 2030 | Details

China is sending diplomats to Ukraine to try to broker a peace deal between Kyiv and Moscow. This comes after Chinese President Xi Jinping held an hour-long phone call with Ukraine's Zelensky. Molly Gambhir brings you the details.

China's Xi to send diplomat to Ukraine to broker peace with Russia

South Africa is not planning to quit the International Criminal Court, as earlier suggested by president Cyril Ramaphosa. Just hours before, Ramaphosa had said his African National Congress had decided to withdraw South Africa from the International Court. The president's office cited a communication error from the ruling A.N.C. Party. In march, 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. Russia denies the allegations. The I.C.C. arrest warrant meant that Pretoria, due to host the Brics Summit this year, would have to detain Putin on arrival. The arrest warrant for Putin, a sitting head of state of a permanent member of U.N. Security Council, is an unprecedented step for the Hague-based court. Russia is not a party to the international criminal court, so it was unclear if or how Putin could ever end up in the dock.

Ramaphosa's office cities communication error over Int'l Criminal Court exit statement

According to President Cyril Ramaphosa, the ruling African National Congress (ANC) party decided that South Africa should leave the International Criminal Court when it issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin last month.

South African president Ramaphosa says governing party wants International Criminal Court exit

Rumours that Russian President Vladimir Putin sits in a bunker and has body duplicates, according to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, are yet another lie. The remarks were part of a lecture Peskov gave at the Znanie youth forum marathon titled "The Lies about Russia."

Kremlin dismisses rumour that Vladimir Putin has body double and sits in a bunker

China's role in the Russia-Ukraine war has come under the scanner. This is due to Chinese diplomat remarking stoke controversy. Countries are now questioning China if it really has a neutral stand in Ukraine-Russia war as it claims.

China's role in Ukraine-Russia war being questioned

For more than a year, Ukraine has been fighting for its life against a military superpower that enjoys overwhelming advantages in terms of funding, weapons, and manpower. One of the few areas were Ukraine has managed to stay consistently ahead of Russia is in the use of innovative military technologies.

Role of technology in the Russia-Ukraine war

Much like the Russian government, the Bolshoi Theatre, home to two of the world’s greatest opera and ballet companies, is being shunned by the West over Moscow’s military campaign in Ukraine and looking east to China instead.

Russian Theatre Bolshoi looks to China for new ties

Russia is known for developing high-tech weapons - be it fighter jets, robotic combat vehicles, and hypersonic missiles. Now the country is planning to combine two lethal weapons. Watch this story to know more.

Russia's robotic weapon gets more firepower

The Russian military has launched a video campaign to lure more professional soldiers to fight in Ukraine which challenges those interested to show they are "a real man" and swap what it casts as hum-drum civilian life for the battlefield.

Russia expands war recruitment drive with video ad calling for 'real' men

Russia's President Vladimir Putin has accepted the invitation to attend an in-person BRICS summit in South Africa later this year in August, said BRICS South Africa Sherpa Anil Sooklal in an exclusive interview with WION.

Russian President Putin accepts invite for BRICS summit: South Africa's BRICS Sherpa Anil Sooklal

President Volodymyr Zelensky visited the front-line city of Avdiivka, some five kilometers north of Russian-occupied Donetsk, the President's Office reported on April 18.

Ukraine war: Zelensky visits front-line Avdiivka, Putin reportedly visits occupied territories

Russian President Vladimir Putin has visited two districts of Ukraine that are under Russian control. While there, he spoke with Russian officials on the ongoing conflict.

Vladimir Putin visits Luhansk and Kherson to discuss war with senior generals

Russian President Vladimir Putin welcomed China's defence minister Li Shangfu on Sunday and the two held talks. Russia's defence minister Sergei Shoigu was also present in the meeting. Putin said Russian-Chinese military cooperation helps strengthen strategic and trust-based relations between the two countries. He added that Russia-China ties have entered a new era.

New era of Russia-China ties, says Putin while welcoming Chinese defence minister

<p>Chinese defence minister in a meeting with Russia's President Vladimir Putin said that the country is willing to have close communication with the Russian military. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday refuted several claims, including Mossad involvement in Israeli demonstrations, declining poll numbers and strained ties with the Biden administration.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In other news, the Sudanese army continued striking paramilitary bases on Sunday. Reports suggest that the army appeared to have gained the upper hand over the Rapid Support Forces.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Click on the headlines to read more:</strong></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-minister-meets-putin-says-willing-to-work-with-russian-military-to-have-close-communications-583151">Chinese minister meets Putin, says willing to work with Russian military to have close communications</a><br />
<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/04/17/345803-xi-jinping-and-vladimir-putin.png?imwidth=1920" /></p>

<p>Chinese defence minister Li Shangfu met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Sunday (April 16) and hailed ties between the two nations, state media reported on Monday.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/middle-east/netanyahu-discloses-why-us-intel-leaks-said-mossad-encouraged-israel-protests-583154">Netanyahu discloses why US intel leaks said Mossad encouraged Israel protests</a><br />
<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/04/17/345805-untitled-design-40.png?imwidth=1920" /></p>

<p>Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday refuted all claims made in the alleged US intel leaks that top Mossad officials had supported and encouraged demonstrations against the government's judicial overhaul, a move against which massive protests have been held in the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/power-struggle-in-sudan-rages-as-army-pounds-paramilitary-bases-with-air-strikes-583171">Power struggle in Sudan rages as army pounds paramilitary bases with air strikes</a><br />
<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/04/17/345806-khartoum-international-airport.png?imwidth=1920" /></p>

<p>Sudanese army pounded paramilitary bases with air strikes on Sunday (April 16) as the power struggle continues to rage in the North African nation, news agency Reuters reported citing witnesses. Sudan's army appeared to have gained the upper hand. The latest report stated that the death toll climbed to 97, including UN workers.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Fierce fighting rages in Sudanese capital; Major shooting incident in Alabama </strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/fierce-fighting-rages-in-sudanese-capital-major-shooting-incident-in-alabama-wion-speed-news-583174/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Elon Musk launches new AI start up to compete with OpenAI</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/elon-musk-launches-new-ai-start-up-to-compete-with-openai-583170/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Chinese defence minister in a meeting with Russia's President Vladimir Putin said that the country is willing to have close communication with the Russian military.

Chinese defence minister in a meeting with Russia's President Vladimir Putin said that the country is willing to have close communication with the Russian military. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday refuted several claims, including Mossad involvement in Israeli demonstrations, declining poll numbers and strained ties with the Biden administration. In other news, the Sudanese army continued striking paramilitary bases on Sunday. Reports suggest that the army appeared to have gained the upper hand over the Rapid Support Forces. Click on the headlines to read more: Chinese minister meets Putin, says willing to work with Russian military to have close communications Chinese defence minister Li Shangfu met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Sunday (April 16) and hailed ties between the two nations, state media reported on Monday. Netanyahu discloses why US intel leaks said Mossad encouraged Israel protests Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday refuted all claims made in the alleged US intel leaks that top Mossad officials had supported and encouraged demonstrations against the government's judicial overhaul, a move against which massive protests have been held in the country. Power struggle in Sudan rages as army pounds paramilitary bases with air strikes Sudanese army pounded paramilitary bases with air strikes on Sunday (April 16) as the power struggle continues to rage in the North African nation, news agency Reuters reported citing witnesses. Sudan's army appeared to have gained the upper hand. The latest report stated that the death toll climbed to 97, including UN workers. Watch | Fierce fighting rages in Sudanese capital; Major shooting incident in Alabama × Watch | Elon Musk launches new AI start up to compete with OpenAI ×

Morning news brief: China's close communications with Russian military, Netanyahu on US intel leaks, & more

The commander of the Russian paramilitary force Wagner group, who is rumoured to have access to President Vladimir Putin has demanded an end to the conflict in Ukraine, arguing that it is necessary given that Russia has accomplished all of its intended objectives with regard to its Special Operation.

Yevgeny Prigozhin calls Putin to end war and declare victory

Russia will conduct missile launches and torpedo tests as part of a surprise inspection of its Pacific naval fleet, Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said on Friday.

Russia conducts surprise inspection of Pacific Fleet

<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday approved an electronic call-up bill which will put restrictions on people who are eligible for military service but try to dodge it by not showing up at their enlistment office.&nbsp;The State Duma, the lower house of the Russian parliament, had passed this bill earlier that would make it harder for those who avoid military service. This comes amid reports that many refuse to pick up mail at their official address to escape service. But with this bill approved now, electronic notifications will be sent too.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The legislation includes the creation of one registry for all people who are eligible to serve in the military and the implementation of electronic military summons. A copy of the legislation was posted on a government website on Friday, reported Russia's&nbsp;TASS news agency. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-four-killed-13-injured-in-fire-in-childrens-shelter-582595">Brazil: Four killed, 13 injured in fire in children's shelter</a></p>

<p>The legislation requires that electronic copies of draft orders be delivered to those who are qualified for military duty in addition to print copies.&nbsp;</p>

<p>An electronic summons will be deemed delivered if it is uploaded to the recipient's account on "a relevant online service, in an information system."&nbsp;</p>

<p>A person will also receive notification of the summons through his or her account with the online portal for government services.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per TASS, a summons shall be deemed served seven days after the day it was registered in the draft registry, if it is not delivered in writing or electronically.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pentagon-leak-us-president-biden-says-probe-will-examine-why-leaker-had-classified-access-582597">Pentagon leak: US President Biden says investigation will examine why leaker had classified access</a></p>

<p><strong>What are the restrictions in the new electronic military enlistment bill </strong><strong>?&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>If people&nbsp;do not report at their military enlistment office within 20 days of receiving&nbsp;the summons, without a good cause, temporary limits will be placed on them.<br />
<br />
<strong>Watch | Macron's pension reform gets constitutional green light despite raging protests</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/macrons-pension-reform-gets-constitutional-green-light-despite-raging-protests-582585/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>They might not be allowed to register as entrepreneurs, register their cars and houses and other properties, have their licences cancelled, and have their loan requests denied.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Various regions in Russia will be free to enact their own additional regulations. It may include restricting different payments, benefits, and other forms of social support. There are two ways to challenge these restrictions, in court or outside it.</p>

<p>Additionally, those who are required to serve in the military will be prohibited from leaving Russia beginning from the day they get summons until they go to the recruitment office.</p>

<p>If they have not already done so, everybody who is eligible for military duty has two weeks from the beginning of the next conscription period to report to their enlistment office.</p>

<p>With this new law, the electronic call-up processes Putin aims to make military mobilisation more efficient. Over 300,000 men, according to reports, were mobilised last year to support its "special military operation" in Ukraine.<br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1  width=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday approved an electronic call-up bill which will put restrictions on people who are eligible for military service but try to dodge it by not showing up at their enlistment office.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday approved an electronic call-up bill which will put restrictions on people who are eligible for military service but try to dodge it by not showing up at their enlistment office. The State Duma, the lower house of the Russian parliament, had passed this bill earlier that would make it harder for those who avoid military service. This comes amid reports that many refuse to pick up mail at their official address to escape service. But with this bill approved now, electronic notifications will be sent too. The legislation includes the creation of one registry for all people who are eligible to serve in the military and the implementation of electronic military summons. A copy of the legislation was posted on a government website on Friday, reported Russia's TASS news agency. Also Read | Brazil: Four killed, 13 injured in fire in children's shelter The legislation requires that electronic copies of draft orders be delivered to those who are qualified for military duty in addition to print copies. An electronic summons will be deemed delivered if it is uploaded to the recipient's account on "a relevant online service, in an information system." A person will also receive notification of the summons through his or her account with the online portal for government services. As per TASS, a summons shall be deemed served seven days after the day it was registered in the draft registry, if it is not delivered in writing or electronically. Also Read | Pentagon leak: US President Biden says investigation will examine why leaker had classified access What are the restrictions in the new electronic military enlistment bill ? If people do not report at their military enlistment office within 20 days of receiving the summons, without a good cause, temporary limits will be placed on them. Watch | Macron's pension reform gets constitutional green light despite raging protests × They might not be allowed to register as entrepreneurs, register their cars and houses and other properties, have their licences cancelled, and have their loan requests denied. Various regions in Russia will be free to enact their own additional regulations. It may include restricting different payments, benefits, and other forms of social support. There are two ways to challenge these restrictions, in court or outside it. Additionally, those who are required to serve in the military will be prohibited from leaving Russia beginning from the day they get summons until they go to the recruitment office. If they have not already done so, everybody who is eligible for military duty has two weeks from the beginning of the next conscription period to report to their enlistment office. With this new law, the electronic call-up processes Putin aims to make military mobilisation more efficient. Over 300,000 men, according to reports, were mobilised last year to support its "special military operation" in Ukraine. (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 approves electronic call-up bill, clamps down on Russians who dodge military service

The Russian invasion of Ukraine is costing Putin much more than billions. The Russian President is in a dire state as he faces criminal charges. The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued a warrant for the arrest of Vladimir Putin. The warrant has been issued for the unlawful, alleged deportation of Ukrainian children to Russia. This creates a challenging situation for the upcoming BRICS summit. The summit is scheduled to take place in South Africa.

South Africa: Putin's ICC warrant complicates BRICS Summit

Russia has conducted what it said was the successful test launch of an "advanced" intercontinental ballistic missile, weeks after it suspended participation in its last remaining nuclear arms control pact with the United States.

Russia conducts test launch of 'advanced' ICBM

Russian President Vladimir Putin may attend the G-20 summit in India in July, according to his spokesperson on Monday. When asked if Putin would attend the summit in India in September, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov responded, "It cannot be ruled out."

President Vladimir Putin may visit India for G20 summit

French President Emmanuel Macron and Chinese President Xi Jinping have said they are opposed to the use of nuclear weapons in Ukraine. Watch the video to know more.

Opposed to use of nuclear weapons in Ukraine, says French President Macron, Xi Jinping

French President Emmanuel Macron pressed Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday to urge Russia to seek peace in the war with Ukraine.

French President Emmanuel Macron presses Xi to urge Russian peace in Ukraine

Here, we bring you the news that is trending across WION's social media platforms - You are responsible for strained relations: Putin tells US & EU, groom dies after bride's ex-lover gives explosive-filled 'home theatre system' as wedding gift, Donald Trump sells t-shirt with fake mugshot on campaign website.

You are responsible for strained relations: Putin tells US & EU

French President Emmanuel Macron and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen arrive in Beijing on Wednesday for a three-day state visit in a bid to dissuade China from supporting Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

On China visit, Macron attempts diplomatic balancing act on Ukraine

<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday (April 5) bluntly accused the United States and the European Union of being responsible for strain in relations with Russia. He made the accusation in front of the respective ambassadors during a ceremony in Kremlin. Russian&nbsp;ties with the West have seen dramatic deterioration since Russian invasion of Ukraine last year.</p>

<p>The EU and US ambassadors were among 17 who formally presented their diplomatic credentials to Putin at a televised ceremony in the Kremlin.</p>

<p>Putin told new US ambassador Lynne Tracy that US&nbsp;support for a revolution in Ukraine in 2014 had led to the current situation where Russia and Ukraine were in conflict.</p>

<p>He said relations were in "a deep crisis" that was "based on fundamentally different approaches to the formation of the modern world order".</p>

<p>"Dear Madam Ambassador, I know you may not agree, but I cannot but say that the United States' use ... of such tools as support for the so-called 'colour revolutions', support in this regard for the coup in Kyiv in 2014, ultimately led to today's Ukrainian crisis," Putin said.</p>

<p>Putin took a similar line with the new EU ambassador, Roland Galharague, who took up his position in September, telling him that "the European Union initiated a geopolitical confrontation with Russia".</p>

<p>Putin also accused the West of staging terror attacks in Russia.</p>

<p>"There are grounds to assert that the potential of third countries, Western intelligence services is being used to stage sabotage and terrorist attacks," Putin said without providing any evidence.</p>

<p>During his speech, Putin also urged Denmark to support Russian proposal of an independent international commission to investigate the blasts that ruptured the Nord Stream undersea pipelines. Nord Stream pipelines bring natural gas from Russia to Germany. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Putin also stressed that Russia was open to constructive partnership with every country and would not isolate itself, despite the complex situation in the world.</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>

<p><strong><em>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</em></strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday (April 5) bluntly accused the United States and the European Union of being responsible for strain in relations with Russia.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday (April 5) bluntly accused the United States and the European Union of being responsible for strain in relations with Russia. He made the accusation in front of the respective ambassadors during a ceremony in Kremlin. Russian ties with the West have seen dramatic deterioration since Russian invasion of Ukraine last year. The EU and US ambassadors were among 17 who formally presented their diplomatic credentials to Putin at a televised ceremony in the Kremlin. Putin told new US ambassador Lynne Tracy that US support for a revolution in Ukraine in 2014 had led to the current situation where Russia and Ukraine were in conflict. He said relations were in "a deep crisis" that was "based on fundamentally different approaches to the formation of the modern world order". "Dear Madam Ambassador, I know you may not agree, but I cannot but say that the United States' use ... of such tools as support for the so-called 'colour revolutions', support in this regard for the coup in Kyiv in 2014, ultimately led to today's Ukrainian crisis," Putin said. Putin took a similar line with the new EU ambassador, Roland Galharague, who took up his position in September, telling him that "the European Union initiated a geopolitical confrontation with Russia". Putin also accused the West of staging terror attacks in Russia. "There are grounds to assert that the potential of third countries, Western intelligence services is being used to stage sabotage and terrorist attacks," Putin said without providing any evidence. During his speech, Putin also urged Denmark to support Russian proposal of an independent international commission to investigate the blasts that ruptured the Nord Stream undersea pipelines. Nord Stream pipelines bring natural gas from Russia to Germany. Putin also stressed that Russia was open to constructive partnership with every country and would not isolate itself, despite the complex situation in the world. (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 ×

You are responsible for strained relations, Putin tells US and EU

<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday (March 31) adopted a new foreign policy strategy which sets elimination of Western dominance in global politics as a priority. The new strategy has come on the first anniversary of Russia's withdrawal from Ukraine's Bucha. Russian forces are facing opposition from Ukraine troops over control of city of Bakhmut in eastern Ukraine.</p>

<p>"The Russian Federation intends to give priority to the elimination of vestiges of the dominance of the United States and other unfriendly countries in world politics," according to the new 42-page document, reports&nbsp;AFP.</p>

<p>According to Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, the new policy document deems the West to be an 'existential' threat to Russia.</p>

<p>"The existential nature of threats to the security and development of our country, driven by the actions of unfriendly states is recognised" in the policy, Lavrov said during a televised meeting of Russia's security council.</p>

<p>"The United States of America is directly named as the main instigator and driver of anti-Russian sentiment," he added.</p>

<p>Interestingly, the foreign policy document singles out China and India as its main allies on the world stage.</p>

<p>It stresses the importance of "the deepening of ties and coordination with friendly sovereign global centres of power and development located on the Eurasian continent," reports&nbsp;AFP.</p>

<h2><strong>Will defeat 'Russian evil,' says Zelensky</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier on Friday, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky visited Bucha as the city marked one year of withdrawal of Russian forces and recapture by Ukrainian troops.</p>

<p>"The battle for the foundation of the free world is taking place on Ukrainian land. We will definitely win. Russian evil will fall, right here in Ukraine," Zelensky said.</p>

<p>He earlier called Bucha "a symbol of the atrocities" committed by Russia's forces, who have been linked to the extra-judicial killings of unarmed civilians in Bucha.</p>

<p>"We will never forgive. We will punish every perpetrator," Zelensky said in a statement on social media.</p>

<h2><strong>Belarus urges for 'truce', but also ready to host Russian nukes</strong></h2>

<p>Belarus President Alexander Lukasheknko, who is a close ally of Vladimir Putin, has urged Moscow and Kyiv to help broker a "truce".</p>

<p>"We must stop now, before an escalation begins. I'll take the risk of suggesting an end of hostilities... a declaration of a truce," Lukashenko said during a televised state of the nation address.</p>

<p>However, he also expressed readiness to host Russian nukes on the territory of Belarus.</p>

<p>"If need be, Putin and I will decide and introduce here, if necessary, strategic weapons," he said, referring to long-range missiles.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We will stop at nothing to defend our countries, our states and our people," Lukashenko said in a televised address to the nation.<br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p>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>.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday (March 31) adopted a new foreign policy strategy which sets elimination of Western dominance in global politics as a priority.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday (March 31) adopted a new foreign policy strategy which sets elimination of Western dominance in global politics as a priority. The new strategy has come on the first anniversary of Russia's withdrawal from Ukraine's Bucha. Russian forces are facing opposition from Ukraine troops over control of city of Bakhmut in eastern Ukraine. "The Russian Federation intends to give priority to the elimination of vestiges of the dominance of the United States and other unfriendly countries in world politics," according to the new 42-page document, reports AFP. According to Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, the new policy document deems the West to be an 'existential' threat to Russia. "The existential nature of threats to the security and development of our country, driven by the actions of unfriendly states is recognised" in the policy, Lavrov said during a televised meeting of Russia's security council. "The United States of America is directly named as the main instigator and driver of anti-Russian sentiment," he added. Interestingly, the foreign policy document singles out China and India as its main allies on the world stage. It stresses the importance of "the deepening of ties and coordination with friendly sovereign global centres of power and development located on the Eurasian continent," reports AFP. Will defeat 'Russian evil,' says Zelensky Earlier on Friday, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky visited Bucha as the city marked one year of withdrawal of Russian forces and recapture by Ukrainian troops. "The battle for the foundation of the free world is taking place on Ukrainian land. We will definitely win. Russian evil will fall, right here in Ukraine," Zelensky said. He earlier called Bucha "a symbol of the atrocities" committed by Russia's forces, who have been linked to the extra-judicial killings of unarmed civilians in Bucha. "We will never forgive. We will punish every perpetrator," Zelensky said in a statement on social media. Belarus urges for 'truce', but also ready to host Russian nukes Belarus President Alexander Lukasheknko, who is a close ally of Vladimir Putin, has urged Moscow and Kyiv to help broker a "truce". "We must stop now, before an escalation begins. I'll take the risk of suggesting an end of hostilities... a declaration of a truce," Lukashenko said during a televised state of the nation address. However, he also expressed readiness to host Russian nukes on the territory of Belarus. "If need be, Putin and I will decide and introduce here, if necessary, strategic weapons," he said, referring to long-range missiles. "We will stop at nothing to defend our countries, our states and our people," Lukashenko said in a televised address to the nation. (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 ×

Russia looks for ‘elimination’ of western ‘dominance’ as it adopts new foreign policy

According to reports , an anonymous person has Leaked confidential documents of NTC Vulkan, a Moscow-based defense contractor. It is believed that the documents are authentic and have been provided by an anonymous source who was greatly disturbed by Russia’s attack on Ukraine. The documents are said to include a suite of computer programs and databases that would allow Russia’s intelligence agencies and hacking.

‘Vulkan Files’ leak reveals unique insight into Russian Cyber-War plans

Alexander Novak, Russia's deputy prime minister, said Russian oil sales to India jumped 22-fold in 2022 amid sanctions against Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine.

Russia says oil sales to India surged amid war in Ukraine

putin

Putin, News on Putin, stories on Putin, articles on Putin, Putin stories at Wion, Putin news, Putin latest news