Russian President Vladimir Putin will most likely attend the G20 Summit in September in New Delhi, India, as per reports. The Kremlin is attempting to free up Putin's schedule so that he may attend the meeting after missing the last two summits. Meanwhile, as per Iran's official IRNA news agency, a contract to purchase Sukhoi-35 fighter planes from Russia has been finalised. This might assist Iran in updating its ageing fighter aircraft fleet amid international sanctions.

Amoung other news, the northern airports of Germany will be closed on Monday, March 13, according to the Verdi labour union. The strikes might result in longer lines for travellers and cancelled flights. The ongoing protests are over regular pay rise to public sector employees.&nbsp;

Click on the headlines to read more:

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-president-vladimir-putin-likely-to-attend-g20-summit-in-india-report-570868">Russian President Vladimir Putin likely to attend G20 summit in India: Report</a>

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Russian President Vladimir Putin will most likely attend the G20 summit in September in India’s capital New Delhi, Bloomberg has reported citing officials. According to the reports, Kremlin is working to clear Putin’s schedule to make it possible for the Russian president to participate in the gathering after he had to skip the last two summits.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/deal-clinched-to-buy-russian-fighter-planes-says-iran-570962">Deal clinched to buy Russian fighter planes, says Iran</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/03/12/247133-russian-sukhoi-su-35-jet-fighters.jpg?imwidth=1920" />Iran's official IRNA news agency has said that the country has finalised deal to buy Sukhoi-35 fighter jets from Russia. This may help Iran modernise its ageing fleet of fighter jet which it has struggled to get spare parts for due to international sanctions.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/german-trade-union-calls-for-strikes-at-nations-northern-airports-on-march-13-570968">German trade union calls for strikes at nation's northern airports on March 13</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/03/11/338103-00032dy8w9.jpg?imwidth=1920" />The Verdi trade union in Germany has called for strikes on Monday (March 13) at the country's northern airports. The strikes are likely to cause longer queues for passengers and flight cancellations. In separate statements on Saturday, the relevant regional branches of the services sector union said the strikes will affect Berlin's international airport, as well as the smaller airports of Hamburg, Hanover, and Bremen, the news agency Reuters reported.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-appoints-two-indian-americans-to-advisory-committee-for-trade-570943">US: Joe Biden appoints two Indian-Americans to Advisory Committee for trade</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/03/11/338089-revathi-advaithi-bapna.jpg?imwidth=1920" />US President Joe Biden on Friday (March 11) appointed two Indian-Americans to the Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations. Revathi Advaithi, CEO of Flex, and Manish Bapna, CEO of Natural Resources Defence Council, join the increasing list of persons of Indian heritage who have been appointed to important posts in the Biden administration.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-to-host-3-more-sco-ministerial-meetings-this-month-nsa-meet-on-29th-march-570941">India to host 3 more SCO ministerial meetings this month, NSA meet on 29th March</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/03/11/338088-untitled-design-2023-03-11t182150513.jpg?imwidth=1920" />India, as the current chair of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), will host three important ministerial meetings this month. The first meeting of Energy Ministers is scheduled for March 14 and will be held virtually. The Sports and Youth Affairs Ministers' Meeting will be held on March 15 in New Delh. While the Tourism Ministers' Meeting is set to take place in Kashi, also known as Varanasi, on March 17.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britain-braces-for-colder-weekend-with-wider-snow-and-ice-warnings-570991">Britain braces for colder weekend with wider snow and ice warnings</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/03/11/338119-untitled-design-2023-03-11t220004903.jpg?imwidth=1920" />

Parts of the United Kingdom faced as low as minus 15.2C temperatures as heavy snowfall continued its onslaught on the country's lives and lifelines. The Met Office had posted yellow warnings in large swathes of the nation in the aftermath of blizzards brought to Britain by the storm Larisa.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-shot-fired-in-maine-college-lockdown-imposed-570914">US: Shot fired in Maine college during annual party, lockdown imposed</a>

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A liberal arts college in Waterville, Maine went into lockdown on Saturday morning after a shot was fired in a student housing complex. The shot was reportedly fired during a "massive annual party", ABC News reported.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/for-real-elon-musk-teases-buying-collapsed-silicon-valley-bank-570959">For real? Tesla CEO Elon Musk teases buying collapsed Silicon Valley Bank</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/03/11/338099-untitled-design-4.png?imwidth=1920" />

Is he for real? Indeed, no one really knows because Elon Musk frequently tweets 'bombshells' that indicate outlandish ideas. What then did the CEO of Tesla do this time? Elon Musk, the CEO of Twitter, has said that he is open to the possibility of purchasing the defunct Silicon Valley Bank. He made these comments in response to a Tweet from Razer co-founder and CEO Min-Liang Tan. Tan recommended that Musk acquire the bank and transform it into a digital bank.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-war-russian-strike-in-kherson-kills-three-battle-for-bakhmut-rages-on-570951">Ukraine war: Russian strike in Kherson kills three; battle for Bakhmut rages on</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/03/11/338093-000339e8fb.jpg?imwidth=1920" />

A Russian strike in Ukraine's Kherson city on Saturday (March 11) killed three people and injured two others. According to Oleksandr Prokudin, the head of Kherson's regional military administration, the casualties occurred when a car was hit by a shell and caught fire, the news agency AFP reported. Taking to Telegram, Andriy Yermak, the head of Ukraine's presidential office posted a photograph of firefighters standing next to the charred car.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-days-after-suffering-a-heart-attack-sushmita-sen-struts-down-the-runway-in-style-570966">Days after suffering a heart attack, Sushmita Sen struts down the runway in style</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/03/11/338102-untitled-design-2023-03-11t203918864.jpg?imwidth=1920" />

Bollywood actress and Miss Universe 1994 Sushmita Sen left everyone awestruck when she took over the runway on Saturday for Lakme Fashion Week Day 3. As the showstopper, she walked gracefully for designer Anushree Reddy and flaunted her amazing creation in the best possible way. Despite suffering a heart attack recently, the actress fulfilled her work commitment with a huge smile on her face.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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Russian President Vladimir Putin will most likely attend the G20 Summit in September in New Delhi, India, as per reports. The Kremlin is attempting to free up Putin's schedule so that he may attend the meeting after missing the last two summits.

Russian President Vladimir Putin will most likely attend the G20 Summit in September in New Delhi, India, as per reports. The Kremlin is attempting to free up Putin's schedule so that he may attend the meeting after missing the last two summits. Meanwhile, as per Iran's official IRNA news agency, a contract to purchase Sukhoi-35 fighter planes from Russia has been finalised. This might assist Iran in updating its ageing fighter aircraft fleet amid international sanctions. Amoung other news, the northern airports of Germany will be closed on Monday, March 13, according to the Verdi labour union. The strikes might result in longer lines for travellers and cancelled flights. The ongoing protests are over regular pay rise to public sector employees. Click on the headlines to read more: Russian President Vladimir Putin likely to attend G20 summit in India: Report Russian President Vladimir Putin will most likely attend the G20 summit in September in India’s capital New Delhi, Bloomberg has reported citing officials. According to the reports, Kremlin is working to clear Putin’s schedule to make it possible for the Russian president to participate in the gathering after he had to skip the last two summits. Deal clinched to buy Russian fighter planes, says Iran Iran's official IRNA news agency has said that the country has finalised deal to buy Sukhoi-35 fighter jets from Russia. This may help Iran modernise its ageing fleet of fighter jet which it has struggled to get spare parts for due to international sanctions. German trade union calls for strikes at nation's northern airports on March 13 The Verdi trade union in Germany has called for strikes on Monday (March 13) at the country's northern airports. The strikes are likely to cause longer queues for passengers and flight cancellations. In separate statements on Saturday, the relevant regional branches of the services sector union said the strikes will affect Berlin's international airport, as well as the smaller airports of Hamburg, Hanover, and Bremen, the news agency Reuters reported. US: Joe Biden appoints two Indian-Americans to Advisory Committee for trade US President Joe Biden on Friday (March 11) appointed two Indian-Americans to the Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations. Revathi Advaithi, CEO of Flex, and Manish Bapna, CEO of Natural Resources Defence Council, join the increasing list of persons of Indian heritage who have been appointed to important posts in the Biden administration. India to host 3 more SCO ministerial meetings this month, NSA meet on 29th March India, as the current chair of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), will host three important ministerial meetings this month. The first meeting of Energy Ministers is scheduled for March 14 and will be held virtually. The Sports and Youth Affairs Ministers' Meeting will be held on March 15 in New Delh. While the Tourism Ministers' Meeting is set to take place in Kashi, also known as Varanasi, on March 17. Britain braces for colder weekend with wider snow and ice warnings Parts of the United Kingdom faced as low as minus 15.2C temperatures as heavy snowfall continued its onslaught on the country's lives and lifelines. The Met Office had posted yellow warnings in large swathes of the nation in the aftermath of blizzards brought to Britain by the storm Larisa. US: Shot fired in Maine college during annual party, lockdown imposed A liberal arts college in Waterville, Maine went into lockdown on Saturday morning after a shot was fired in a student housing complex. The shot was reportedly fired during a "massive annual party", ABC News reported. For real? Tesla CEO Elon Musk teases buying collapsed Silicon Valley Bank Is he for real? Indeed, no one really knows because Elon Musk frequently tweets 'bombshells' that indicate outlandish ideas. What then did the CEO of Tesla do this time? Elon Musk, the CEO of Twitter, has said that he is open to the possibility of purchasing the defunct Silicon Valley Bank. He made these comments in response to a Tweet from Razer co-founder and CEO Min-Liang Tan. Tan recommended that Musk acquire the bank and transform it into a digital bank. Ukraine war: Russian strike in Kherson kills three; battle for Bakhmut rages on A Russian strike in Ukraine's Kherson city on Saturday (March 11) killed three people and injured two others. According to Oleksandr Prokudin, the head of Kherson's regional military administration, the casualties occurred when a car was hit by a shell and caught fire, the news agency AFP reported. Taking to Telegram, Andriy Yermak, the head of Ukraine's presidential office posted a photograph of firefighters standing next to the charred car. Days after suffering a heart attack, Sushmita Sen struts down the runway in style Bollywood actress and Miss Universe 1994 Sushmita Sen left everyone awestruck when she took over the runway on Saturday for Lakme Fashion Week Day 3. As the showstopper, she walked gracefully for designer Anushree Reddy and flaunted her amazing creation in the best possible way. Despite suffering a heart attack recently, the actress fulfilled her work commitment with a huge smile on her face.

Top 10 world news: Putin most likely to attend India-hosted G20 summit in September, and more

Russia fired a huge wave of missiles across Ukraine on Thursday as people slept, killing at least nine civilians and knocking out power in an attack Kyiv said included six Kinzhal hypersonic cruise missiles, one of Moscow's most valuable weapons.

Russia-Ukraine war: Russia kills civilians in first huge missile wave for weeks

Russian armed forces have targeted cities across Ukraine, including Kyiv, Odesa and Kharkiv. The missile strikes come as Ukrainian defenders continue to repel assaults on the beleaguered town of Bakhmut. The missiles hit a wide arc of targets, including cities stretching from Zhytomyr, Vynnytsia and Rivne in the west, to Dnipro and Poltava in central ukraine. Kyiv mayor flagged explosions in the south-western part of the town. Residents have reported power outages. The governor of Odesa region says a mass missile attack hit an energy facility in the port city, cutting power. As per the governor, Russia also targeted residential areas. Kharkiv region governor cited 15 strikes, with targets including infrastructure. Reports of Russian strikes have also emerged from the central city of Dnipro and regions throughout the country.

Russian missiles strike cities across Ukraine; Moscow targets key infra & energy sites | Details

High tension prevails in Ukraine's Bakhmut as Russia steps up it assault, is the key city in Ukraine's east about to fall, once again? And if the city does fall, will it change the course of war?

The battle for Bakhmut

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov revealed why Moscow had been forced to suspend New START treaty. Watch this video to find out.

Russia reveals why it has suspended the New START nuclear arms control treaty

A year on, thousands of soldiers and civilians have been killed in the conflict, while millions of Ukrainians have become refugees. Oleg Nikolenko, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine speaks to WION more on the Russia-Ukraine war.

Oleg Nikolenko, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine speaks to WION

Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered stepped-up protection at the border after Moscow on Tuesday (February 28) accused Kyiv of launching drones deep into the national territory. While a spate of targeted launches raised questions about Russian defences, officials said no damage or injuries were reported. One of the drones crashed in the Moscow region in what seemed to be an attempt to target civilian infrastructure, the city's governor said. The developments come a week after Ukraine marked one year of war against Russia. &nbsp;

While Putin did not refer to any specific strikes, his order is being viewed as a response to the drone launches, according to news agency AP. The strikes were reported on Monday night and Tuesday. The airspace over St Petersburg was temporarily closed amid concerns over an "unidentified" flying object.&nbsp;

About 100 km from Moscow, near the village of Gubastov, a drone crashed near the gas facility operated by Russian energy giant Gazprom on Tuesday, according to BBC. "There are no casualties or damage on the ground. The FSB [Russian security service] and other competent authorities are investigating," Moscow Governor Andrey Vorobyov posted on Telegram.&nbsp;

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Also watch|&nbsp;Russia- Ukraine : A year of war and misery

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Even as there has been no confirmation from Kyiv on the strikes, Anton Gerashchenko, advisor to Ukraine's internal affairs minister, tweeted a photo showing the drone - presumed to be UJ-22 Airborne, a product of Ukrainian manufacturer Ukrjet - at the crash site. 
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-accuses-us-of-planning-toxic-chemicals-provocation-in-ukraine-566906">Russia accuses US of planning 'toxic chemicals' provocation in Ukraine</a> 
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"Russian media report that an unknown drone was shot down near a Gazprom object in Moscow region. It is more than 500 km away from Russian border with Ukraine. Soon Putin might get very afraid to show himself in public as drones can reach far distances (sic)," he tweeted. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Russian officials on Tuesday also alleged hacking attempts after some local TV channels aired a missile attack warning.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

 
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Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered stepped-up protection at the border after Moscow on Tuesday (February 28) accused Kyiv of launching drones deep into the national territory.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered stepped-up protection at the border after Moscow on Tuesday (February 28) accused Kyiv of launching drones deep into the national territory. While a spate of targeted launches raised questions about Russian defences, officials said no damage or injuries were reported. One of the drones crashed in the Moscow region in what seemed to be an attempt to target civilian infrastructure, the city's governor said. The developments come a week after Ukraine marked one year of war against Russia. While Putin did not refer to any specific strikes, his order is being viewed as a response to the drone launches, according to news agency AP. The strikes were reported on Monday night and Tuesday. The airspace over St Petersburg was temporarily closed amid concerns over an "unidentified" flying object. About 100 km from Moscow, near the village of Gubastov, a drone crashed near the gas facility operated by Russian energy giant Gazprom on Tuesday, according to BBC. "There are no casualties or damage on the ground. The FSB [Russian security service] and other competent authorities are investigating," Moscow Governor Andrey Vorobyov posted on Telegram. Also watch| Russia- Ukraine : A year of war and misery × Even as there has been no confirmation from Kyiv on the strikes, Anton Gerashchenko, advisor to Ukraine's internal affairs minister, tweeted a photo showing the drone - presumed to be UJ-22 Airborne, a product of Ukrainian manufacturer Ukrjet - at the crash site. Also read: Russia accuses US of planning 'toxic chemicals' provocation in Ukraine "Russian media report that an unknown drone was shot down near a Gazprom object in Moscow region. It is more than 500 km away from Russian border with Ukraine. Soon Putin might get very afraid to show himself in public as drones can reach far distances (sic)," he tweeted. Russian officials on Tuesday also alleged hacking attempts after some local TV channels aired a missile attack warning. (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 steps up border protection as Russia alleges drone attacks by Ukraine

The Kremlin on Tuesday repeated its position that Russia was open to negotiations to end the Ukraine conflict, but that new "territorial realities" could not be ignored.

Russia: Don't ignore new territorial realities

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko and a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin met Chinese President Xi Jinping, who is on a visit to the European country, and lent his full support to Beijing’s recently proposed "peace" initiative amid the Ukraine war.&nbsp;

During a meeting between the leaders on Wednesday, Lukashenko told Xi, “Belarus has been actively proposing peace and fully supports your initiative on international security.” 
 
The meeting between Lukashenko and Xi&nbsp;led to a joint call by them for a cease-fire and negotiations to bring about a political settlement to the Ukraine conflict.

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The development comes after&nbsp;China recently said that it hopes to play a constructive role in resolving the geopolitical tensions between Russia and Ukraine and came up with the so-called peace plan in the form of a 12-point foreign ministry paper for a gradual de-escalation between the warring nations.&nbsp;

Lukashenko also called for a cease-fire and negotiations to end the Ukraine war which entered second year.&nbsp;He said the meeting is held at a very difficult time which requires "new nonstandard approaches and responsible political decisions," reported Belarusian Telegraph Agency (BelTA).&nbsp;

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“They should be aimed to prevent global confrontation which will have no winners. You have recently stated it, both clearly and unambiguously, addressing the world community," the Belarusian president added.&nbsp;

In a veiled reference to the US and other European nations, Xi said, “Relevant countries should stop politicizing and using the world economy as their tool, and take measures that truly advance a cease-fire and stop to war and resolve the crisis peacefully.”

“The core of China’s stance is to call for peace and encourage talks ... and for the legitimate security concerns of all countries to be respected,” Xi was quoted as saying by Chinese state broadcaster CCTV.

Meanwhile, Lukashenko also held a meeting with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and urged to give an impetus to the bilateral ties between the nations.&nbsp;

Watch | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/eu-bans-tiktok-on-work-devices-amid-data-security-breaches-567233">EU bans TikTok on work devices amid data security breaches</a>

“We have no closed topics for cooperation. We cooperate in all avenues. Most importantly, we have never set ourselves the task of being friends or working against third countries,” Lukashenko told Li.&nbsp;

In response to China's peace plan, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia paid a "lot of attention" to it and added that "for now, we don't see any of the conditions that are needed to bring this whole story towards peace."&nbsp;

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Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko and a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin met Chinese President Xi Jinping, who is on a visit to the European country, and lent his full support to Beijing’s recently proposed "peace" initiative amid the Ukraine war.

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko and a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin met Chinese President Xi Jinping, who is on a visit to the European country, and lent his full support to Beijing’s recently proposed "peace" initiative amid the Ukraine war. During a meeting between the leaders on Wednesday, Lukashenko told Xi, “Belarus has been actively proposing peace and fully supports your initiative on international security.” The meeting between Lukashenko and Xi led to a joint call by them for a cease-fire and negotiations to bring about a political settlement to the Ukraine conflict. Also Read | Biden appoints two prominent Indian American corporate leaders to his Export Council The development comes after China recently said that it hopes to play a constructive role in resolving the geopolitical tensions between Russia and Ukraine and came up with the so-called peace plan in the form of a 12-point foreign ministry paper for a gradual de-escalation between the warring nations. Lukashenko also called for a cease-fire and negotiations to end the Ukraine war which entered second year. He said the meeting is held at a very difficult time which requires "new nonstandard approaches and responsible political decisions," reported Belarusian Telegraph Agency (BelTA). Also Read | BBC must follow law, EAM Jaishankar tells UK Foreign secretary “They should be aimed to prevent global confrontation which will have no winners. You have recently stated it, both clearly and unambiguously, addressing the world community," the Belarusian president added. In a veiled reference to the US and other European nations, Xi said, “Relevant countries should stop politicizing and using the world economy as their tool, and take measures that truly advance a cease-fire and stop to war and resolve the crisis peacefully.” “The core of China’s stance is to call for peace and encourage talks ... and for the legitimate security concerns of all countries to be respected,” Xi was quoted as saying by Chinese state broadcaster CCTV. Meanwhile, Lukashenko also held a meeting with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and urged to give an impetus to the bilateral ties between the nations. Watch | EU bans TikTok on work devices amid data security breaches “We have no closed topics for cooperation. We cooperate in all avenues. Most importantly, we have never set ourselves the task of being friends or working against third countries,” Lukashenko told Li. In response to China's peace plan, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia paid a "lot of attention" to it and added that "for now, we don't see any of the conditions that are needed to bring this whole story towards peace." 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’s ally Lukashenko, Xi hold talks, appeal for ceasefire, dialogue to end Ukraine war

Ukraine said its forces are under pressure in Bakhmut, a nearly-destroyed city in the eastern Donetsk region that Russia has been trying to seize for months. Ukraine's ground forces described the situation as "extremely tense".

Russian troops intensify attack on Bakhmut

A year on, thousands of soldiers and civilians have been killed in the conflict, while millions of Ukrainians have become refugees. Watch WION's exclusive report from Ukraine.

Russia- Ukraine : A year of war and misery

Russian forces on Tuesday pressed forward their weeks-long drive to encircle and capture the eastern Ukrainian city of Bakhmut where the commander of Ukraine's ground forces described the situation as "extremely tense".

Russians tighten noose on Ukraine's Bakhmut

As the war in Ukraine continues, there are heightened fears that Moldova could be Putin's next target. Moldovan President has accused Russia of using saboteurs to stoke unrest in the country. Jamil n. Jaffer, founder and executive director, National Security Institute joins WION to discuss Russia's broader ambitions.

Is Putin eyeing Moldova next?

12 months since the Ukraine war started, which side is closer to victory? How will the war play out in 2023? Will it die down or divide the world further? Here's what Priyanka Sharma has to say on Gravitas Plus.

Gravitas Plus: Ukraine War: What will Putin do next?

UN Security Council marks one year anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Several minsters expected to attend. No action has been proposed or is expected by the 15-member council as Russia could wield its veto power.

How Ukraine took on a mightier foe

Exclusive: 'International law is foundation of peace & stability across the world, India is committed to those principles…we count on India this year [as G20 Pres.] to continue the work... done last year, by Indonesia' French FM @francediplo_EN tells @WIONews's @susanmtehrani

Can India help resolve the Ukraine conflict?

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday sent out a hard-hitting message to the West and talked about suspending a nuclear arms control pact that it holds with the US, the New START treaty.&nbsp;

"... if the United States conducts tests, then we will. No one should have dangerous illusions that global strategic parity can be destroyed," Putin said.&nbsp;

This once again heightened concerns over a possible nuclear threat as the world's two main nuclear powers come face-to-face.&nbsp;

But how real are Putin's threats?&nbsp;

India's former ambassador to Turkey and Uzbekistan and Author of “Uncle Sam's Nuclear Cabin”, M.K. Bhadrakumar, spoke with WION and shared his razor-sharp observations on what significance Putin's nuclear threats have. He also spoke about the US thinking and how India's steadfast position on the Ukraine war reflects the nation’s well-founded foreign policy.&nbsp;

The envoy cut to the chase and said, "The nuclear threat is more of a hoax."&nbsp;

"It is political. One must understand that Russians have a clear nuclear doctrine, which is registered with the UN and is the country’s legislation as well. Putin or anyone cannot change it arbitrarily."

The world first believed that Russia would capture Ukraine in a matter of days but now discussions are around whether Putin's nuclear threat is real and can actually lead to a global disaster.

Bhadrakumar detailed what Russia's doctrine actually entails. "It spells out very clearly that nuclear power will be used in certain situations. Like, if the Russian state comes under threat or its existence is in danger, and the Ukraine conflict does not really come to that."&nbsp;

When can a shift really happen in the nuke status quo?

The former diplomat said the doctrine can "only change if there is a direct NATO intervention in Ukraine."&nbsp; 
 
"(US President Joe) Biden is quite mindful of it and that is why he keeps saying that there is no question of putting boots on the ground or NATO interfering in the war."&nbsp;

In any case, Bhadrakumar pointed out, even if the US wants, the other NATO powers are not going to go along with it.&nbsp;

"They know a confrontation of that kind between NATO and Russia will develop into a nuclear confrontation and Europe will be in the crossfire."&nbsp;

Nuclear threat: A propaganda tool

Nuclear threat, the former envoy said, is propaganda to create certain narratives.&nbsp;

By talking about the suspension of the New START treaty, Putin has put the ball in the American court, he said. "Now Biden cannot go on and escalate&nbsp;because if he escalates now, Russians will walk out of the New START treaty completely."&nbsp;

The Russian foreign ministry issued a statement&nbsp;after Putin’s treaty suspension speech, clarifying that they will nonetheless observe the terms of the treaty till 2026.&nbsp;

“That (talk of New START treaty suspension) is clearly to compel the US to exercise self-restraint because if US goes ahead and escalates like this and Russians walk out, then Europe is in a mess. Europe has two nuclear powers and Germany and Italy will also now want nuclear deterrence of their own, then what happens with NATO? NATO becomes redundant."&nbsp;

He stressed that Americans know all this. "It is a different ball game that is being played there. What Russians have done is to compel the US to strategically engage with Russia and that means all issues connected to security will be on the table."&nbsp;

"This is nothing about nuclear war, this is more about nuclear diplomacy."&nbsp;

By nuclear diplomacy, he said, Russians hope to bring matters to the negotiating table.&nbsp;

"Security is not divisible, like you cannot just handle nuclear security, there has to be mutual trust, mutual confidence, various underpinnings have to be built into it and so on but the Americans will have no choice but to engage with Russians.”

“Russians will then say you can not give long-range weapons to Ukraine and you cannot induct Ukraine as a NATO member and so on."&nbsp;

Searching for a thaw? The Nuland interview

Speaking about US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland's interview with TASS news agency, the envoy said, if one looks closely they will note that there are many backdoor talks which go on.&nbsp;

Notably, in an interview with the agency, Nuland said that the United States is ready to start talks with Russia on the New START nuclear arms control treaty "tomorrow" without preconditions and accusations if Moscow is prepared for this.&nbsp;

"She would not have said it without instructions from Biden himself."

He said that Americans are now ready to talk as otherwise, it can lead to the demolition of NATO and the transatlantic system and all nuclear threshold states in Europe like Turkey, Poland, Germany, and Italy will all become nuclear states. "And if there is no nuclear architecture everyone will go for deterrent capability on its own."&nbsp;

And then what happens?&nbsp;

He said, "It will be free for all."&nbsp;

"And what is the requirement of an alliance if all develop their own deterrent capabilities?" the envoy questioned.&nbsp;

"South Arabia will go for it, Iran, South Korea... so many threshold states are there... Egypt."&nbsp;

"Americans know that after that, there conventional superiority... military superiority becomes irrelevant."&nbsp;

"And if the other side has nuclear capabilities they checkmate American power. So this is the brilliant game that the Russians have played by bringing these things to the fore. So there are no winners after this."&nbsp;

He underscored that the conventional military superiority of the US cannot be translated in geopolitical terms.&nbsp;

"Saddam Hussein did not have weapons (of mass destruction)....suppose Saddam Hussain had weapons or Muammar Gaddafi had weapons. They would not have met with that miserable fate. So a number of countries are going to think along those lines."

After all, in the case of Russia, the former envoy underlined, the country cannot lose this war. "Russia cannot be defeated only because it is someone with nuclear capability."&nbsp;

"Because if they are down, they will take the Americans along with them. Biden knows in any case the game is up.. it will be all order or complete anarchy."&nbsp;

Ukraine can make a ‘dirty bomb?’

In the latest IAEA report, the UN nuclear watchdog elaborated on nuclear safety in Ukraine. It noted that the nuclear plant Zaporizhzhia NPP, which Russian troops entered on March 4, 2022, remains under Russian control.

On a discussion over the report, the Ambassador said Zaporizhzhia&nbsp;NPP is an entirely different category and has nothing to do with nuclear weapons.&nbsp;

"It is in terms of energy security. It caters to the bulk of Ukraine's power grid. If these provinces are going to be part of Russia, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, Donbas province and so on, their economic viability will depend on power supplies and it will help Russia quite a lot."&nbsp;

Going back to the main issue of nuclear threat, the envoy said, "Second aspect is that unless they are not in control…there is always a possibility that Ukraine is a nuclear threshold state. So in these kinds of anarchical conditions, they can always go nuclear and they can always make the dirty bomb."

"Russian raised this in the UNSC and I was asked to come and look into it whether Ukraine is already doing it or not. So, NPP is entirely different, it has nothing to do with nuclear war."&nbsp;

India's steadfast stand on the Russia-Ukraine war

India's position on the Russia-Ukraine war has remained constant. Even under western pressure, India did not waver.&nbsp;

"India has the professionalism to understand what is happening. The confusion arises only in the mind of uninformed people but as far as decision-makers are concerned keep them separate."

He said Indian PM Narendra Modi and Foreign Minister S Jaishankar have all the facts at their disposal.&nbsp;

"They will not get agitated and India's policy towards the war is well-founded on the basis of other larger considerations. Everyone knows it and Jaishankar's remarks at MSC make it abundantly clear that India has understood that this is about the world order."

"The transatlantic alliance cannot dictate any further terms.. that is about western hegemony."

"The war is an unprecedented confrontation between big powers. So, it is an entirely different ball game and world order that is going to prevail in the 21st century and in the coming decades. It is very clear that India's strategic autonomy is well-founded."

&nbsp;

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Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday sent out a hard-hitting message to the West and talked about suspending a nuclear arms control pact that it holds with the US, the New START treaty.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday sent out a hard-hitting message to the West and talked about suspending a nuclear arms control pact that it holds with the US, the New START treaty. "... if the United States conducts tests, then we will. No one should have dangerous illusions that global strategic parity can be destroyed," Putin said. This once again heightened concerns over a possible nuclear threat as the world's two main nuclear powers come face-to-face. But how real are Putin's threats? India's former ambassador to Turkey and Uzbekistan and Author of “Uncle Sam's Nuclear Cabin”, M.K. Bhadrakumar, spoke with WION and shared his razor-sharp observations on what significance Putin's nuclear threats have. He also spoke about the US thinking and how India's steadfast position on the Ukraine war reflects the nation’s well-founded foreign policy. The envoy cut to the chase and said, "The nuclear threat is more of a hoax." "It is political. One must understand that Russians have a clear nuclear doctrine, which is registered with the UN and is the country’s legislation as well. Putin or anyone cannot change it arbitrarily." The world first believed that Russia would capture Ukraine in a matter of days but now discussions are around whether Putin's nuclear threat is real and can actually lead to a global disaster. Bhadrakumar detailed what Russia's doctrine actually entails. "It spells out very clearly that nuclear power will be used in certain situations. Like, if the Russian state comes under threat or its existence is in danger, and the Ukraine conflict does not really come to that." When can a shift really happen in the nuke status quo? The former diplomat said the doctrine can "only change if there is a direct NATO intervention in Ukraine." "(US President Joe) Biden is quite mindful of it and that is why he keeps saying that there is no question of putting boots on the ground or NATO interfering in the war." In any case, Bhadrakumar pointed out, even if the US wants, the other NATO powers are not going to go along with it. "They know a confrontation of that kind between NATO and Russia will develop into a nuclear confrontation and Europe will be in the crossfire." Nuclear threat: A propaganda tool Nuclear threat, the former envoy said, is propaganda to create certain narratives. By talking about the suspension of the New START treaty, Putin has put the ball in the American court, he said. "Now Biden cannot go on and escalate because if he escalates now, Russians will walk out of the New START treaty completely." The Russian foreign ministry issued a statement after Putin’s treaty suspension speech, clarifying that they will nonetheless observe the terms of the treaty till 2026. “That (talk of New START treaty suspension) is clearly to compel the US to exercise self-restraint because if US goes ahead and escalates like this and Russians walk out, then Europe is in a mess. Europe has two nuclear powers and Germany and Italy will also now want nuclear deterrence of their own, then what happens with NATO? NATO becomes redundant." He stressed that Americans know all this. "It is a different ball game that is being played there. What Russians have done is to compel the US to strategically engage with Russia and that means all issues connected to security will be on the table." "This is nothing about nuclear war, this is more about nuclear diplomacy." By nuclear diplomacy, he said, Russians hope to bring matters to the negotiating table. "Security is not divisible, like you cannot just handle nuclear security, there has to be mutual trust, mutual confidence, various underpinnings have to be built into it and so on but the Americans will have no choice but to engage with Russians.” “Russians will then say you can not give long-range weapons to Ukraine and you cannot induct Ukraine as a NATO member and so on." Searching for a thaw? The Nuland interview Speaking about US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland's interview with TASS news agency, the envoy said, if one looks closely they will note that there are many backdoor talks which go on. Notably, in an interview with the agency, Nuland said that the United States is ready to start talks with Russia on the New START nuclear arms control treaty "tomorrow" without preconditions and accusations if Moscow is prepared for this. "She would not have said it without instructions from Biden himself." He said that Americans are now ready to talk as otherwise, it can lead to the demolition of NATO and the transatlantic system and all nuclear threshold states in Europe like Turkey, Poland, Germany, and Italy will all become nuclear states. "And if there is no nuclear architecture everyone will go for deterrent capability on its own." And then what happens? He said, "It will be free for all." "And what is the requirement of an alliance if all develop their own deterrent capabilities?" the envoy questioned. "South Arabia will go for it, Iran, South Korea... so many threshold states are there... Egypt." "Americans know that after that, there conventional superiority... military superiority becomes irrelevant." "And if the other side has nuclear capabilities they checkmate American power. So this is the brilliant game that the Russians have played by bringing these things to the fore. So there are no winners after this." He underscored that the conventional military superiority of the US cannot be translated in geopolitical terms. "Saddam Hussein did not have weapons (of mass destruction)....suppose Saddam Hussain had weapons or Muammar Gaddafi had weapons. They would not have met with that miserable fate. So a number of countries are going to think along those lines." After all, in the case of Russia, the former envoy underlined, the country cannot lose this war. "Russia cannot be defeated only because it is someone with nuclear capability." "Because if they are down, they will take the Americans along with them. Biden knows in any case the game is up.. it will be all order or complete anarchy." Ukraine can make a ‘dirty bomb?’ In the latest IAEA report, the UN nuclear watchdog elaborated on nuclear safety in Ukraine. It noted that the nuclear plant Zaporizhzhia NPP, which Russian troops entered on March 4, 2022, remains under Russian control. On a discussion over the report, the Ambassador said Zaporizhzhia NPP is an entirely different category and has nothing to do with nuclear weapons. "It is in terms of energy security. It caters to the bulk of Ukraine's power grid. If these provinces are going to be part of Russia, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, Donbas province and so on, their economic viability will depend on power supplies and it will help Russia quite a lot." Going back to the main issue of nuclear threat, the envoy said, "Second aspect is that unless they are not in control…there is always a possibility that Ukraine is a nuclear threshold state. So in these kinds of anarchical conditions, they can always go nuclear and they can always make the dirty bomb." "Russian raised this in the UNSC and I was asked to come and look into it whether Ukraine is already doing it or not. So, NPP is entirely different, it has nothing to do with nuclear war." India's steadfast stand on the Russia-Ukraine war India's position on the Russia-Ukraine war has remained constant. Even under western pressure, India did not waver. "India has the professionalism to understand what is happening. The confusion arises only in the mind of uninformed people but as far as decision-makers are concerned keep them separate." He said Indian PM Narendra Modi and Foreign Minister S Jaishankar have all the facts at their disposal. "They will not get agitated and India's policy towards the war is well-founded on the basis of other larger considerations. Everyone knows it and Jaishankar's remarks at MSC make it abundantly clear that India has understood that this is about the world order." "The transatlantic alliance cannot dictate any further terms.. that is about western hegemony." "The war is an unprecedented confrontation between big powers. So, it is an entirely different ball game and world order that is going to prevail in the 21st century and in the coming decades. It is very clear that India's strategic autonomy is well-founded." 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.

Russia-Ukraine war anniversary: Why this former diplomat thinks Putin's nuclear threat ‘is more of a hoax’

In the year since Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered an invasion of Ukraine, tens of thousands of Ukrainian soldiers and civilians have been killed; countless others have been wounded. Another 14 million Ukrainians have fled their homes, and Ukraine’s economy has shrunk by more than 30 percent. WION decodes 5 ways the war has affected you.

How has the Russia- Ukraine war changed the world? | Latest English News | WION

On the first anniversary of Russian President Vladimir Putin ordering his armies to invade Ukraine, his forces remain locked in a bloody war of attrition. Towns and cities have been devastated. Tens of thousands of civilians and fighters on both sides have been killed and injured. Millions of people have either fled the country or been internally displaced. As the conflict which shook the world marks its first anniversary, WION's Eric Njoka speaks to Colonel Daniel l. Davis, a retired army lt. Col and a military expert for defense priorities, on how far both sides are willing to stretch.

Evaluating the Ukraine war, one year later

President Vladimir Putin has told a huge rally in Moscow the "whole country" supports Russian soldiers fighting in Ukraine. It comes ahead of Friday's one-year anniversary of the start of the invasion.

Ukraine War: Putin addresses massive rally in Moscow ahead of anniversary

As Russia's war in Ukraine nears its one-year anniversary, WION's correspondent is in Ukraine to report on how life in Ukraine has changed? What is the new normal? How long the conflict is going to continue? Watch the video to know more.

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The Russia-Ukraine War will mark its one-year anniversary on Friday and the only visible direction in the conflict that has impacted the world more aggression and divides well.

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With Chinese top diplomat Wang Yi visiting Moscow and asserting that China-Russia relations are rock solid and will withstand challenges of a volatile international order. Beijing may have taken a side in the ongoing Ukraine war and its claim to neutrality might have faded. As the Ukraine-Russia war completes one year. In this episode of WION conversation, we try to assess the evolving China-Russia relations.

China's claim to neutrality fades with Moscow visit

Ahead of Ukraine war completing its one year, US President Joe Biden delivered an impassioned speech from Polish capital, Warsaw. Biden's speech came hours after Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered his annual state of the nation address.

US President Biden rallies NATO allies in Poland, says 'Ukraine will never be a victory for Russia'

Amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, the clamour is growing for the U.S. to provide Ukraine with F-16 fighter jets. However, Will the U.S. greenlight F-16 for Ukraine? That is yet to be seen.

Will the U.S. greenlight F-16 for Ukraine?

Ahead of Ukraine war completing its one year, US President Joe Biden delivered an impassioned speech from Polish capital, Warsaw. Biden's speech came hours after Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered his annual state of the nation address. Meanwhile, know happening on the battlefield right now.

Russia-Ukraine war: What's happening on the battlefield? Know here

Russian President Vladimir Putin attends a wreath laying ceremony to mark the Defender of the Fatherland Day. Defender of the Fatherland Day is a Russian holiday celebrated on February 23 as Men's Day because most Russian men are required to serve.

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Biden hails NATO as 'most consequential alliance' as he rallies NATO allies in Poland

Russian President Vladimir Putin has decided to suspend participation in the START Nuclear Treaty, which is the last major remaining Nuclear Arms Control treaty with the U.S. The West has now slammed Russia and echoed concerns over the suspension of the treaty.

NATO: World more dangerous with Russia suspending START treaty

Ahead of Ukraine war completing its one year, US President Joe Biden delivered an impassioned speech from Polish capital, Warsaw. Biden's speech came hours after Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered his annual state of the nation address. Meanwhile, Death & Destruction have hardened people's hearts in Mariupol.

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