Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree to increase the number of troops in the Russian army. The decree increases the size of Russia's army from around 1.9 million to 2.04 million.

Ukraine war: Russian President Vladimir Putin raises armed forces cap by 10%

In an apparent effort to replenish troops that have sustained significant losses in six months of deadly combat and get ready for a protracted, exhausting battle in Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin authorised a significant expansion of his nation's military forces on Thursday.

The decision to boost army numbers by 137,000, or 13%, to 1.15 million by the end of the year coincided with ominous events in Ukraine:

— According to Ukrainian authorities, fires damaged the final functional transmission line, cutting off the Zaporizhzhia power plant in the centre of the conflict in southern Ukraine from the electrical system. The incident led to a regional blackout. A local Russian-installed official reported that the plant was later restored to the grid.

— 25 people have died as a result of a Russian rocket strike on a train station and the neighbourhood on Ukraine's Independence Day, according to Ukrainian authorities. In its attack on Wednesday, Russia claimed to have attacked a military train and killed more than 200 Ukrainian reservists.

Putin's order was vague as to whether the increase would be accomplished by expanding the draught, increasing volunteerism, or a combination of the two. The Kremlin's worries about a potential domestic backlash from a larger conscription, however, led some Russian military strategists to foresee a greater dependence on volunteers.

With the addition of the 1.15 million personnel, the move will increase <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/over-200-ukrainian-troops-killed-in-chaplyne-railway-station-attack-claims-russia-510118">Russia's armed forces</a> to 2.04 million.

More Russians than the Soviet Union lost in its ten-year war in Afghanistan, according to estimates from the West, which vary from more than 15,000 to over 20,000. Up to 80,000 Russian soldiers may have been killed or wounded, according to the Pentagon's report from last week, which makes Moscow less able to launch major offensives.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-six-months-into-the-russia-ukraine-war-what-are-the-consequences-so-far-509615">Explained: Six months into the Russia-Ukraine war, what are the consequences so far?</a>

Only volunteer contract soldiers, according to the Kremlin, are involved in the conflict in Ukraine. However, it might be challenging to locate additional willing soldiers, and according to military analysts, the anticipated troop levels might not be enough to support operations.

Retired Russian Col. Retired Viktor Murakhovsky stated that the Kremlin will likely try to continue depending on volunteers and that this will account for the majority of the increase in remarks published by the Moscow-based RBC online news outlet.

Fighting near the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia facility has raised concerns in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-operating-21-filtration-locations-to-process-ukraine-pow-us-report-510199">Ukraine</a> about a catastrophe akin to Chernobyl. Russia and Ukraine have both accused the other of bombarding the location.

It was unclear right away if the damaged line in the incident on Thursday carried incoming power or outgoing power needed to run the plant, including the crucial cooling system for the reactors. According to Ukrainian authorities, a backup power line that uses energy from a different, non-nuclear reactor is still connected and in use.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/for-the-first-time-india-votes-against-russia-in-unsc-during-procedural-vote-on-ukraine-510162">For the first time, India votes against Russia in UNSC during procedural vote on Ukraine</a>

The Russian government has frequently asserted that its forces exclusively aim at legitimate military objectives after attacks in which civilians have died. Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu maintained the military was doing all possible to save civilians hours before the massacre at the railway station, even if it meant slowing down its offensive in Ukraine.

In April, when large groups, primarily made up of women and children, tried to flee the fighting, a Russian missile attack on a train station in the eastern Ukrainian city of Kramatorsk resulted in the deaths of over 50 people. The assault was called a war crime.

(With inputs from agencies)

Also WATCH |&nbsp;Russia readies emergency blue print, plan risks failure of nuclear plant's cooling system

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-readies-emergency-blue-print-plan-risks-failure-of-nuclear-plants-cooling-system-510019/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In an apparent effort to replenish troops that have sustained significant losses in six months of deadly combat and get ready for a protracted, exhausting battle in Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin authorised a significant expansion of his nation's military forces on Thursday.

In an apparent effort to replenish troops that have sustained significant losses in six months of deadly combat and get ready for a protracted, exhausting battle in Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin authorised a significant expansion of his nation's military forces on Thursday. The decision to boost army numbers by 137,000, or 13%, to 1.15 million by the end of the year coincided with ominous events in Ukraine: — According to Ukrainian authorities, fires damaged the final functional transmission line, cutting off the Zaporizhzhia power plant in the centre of the conflict in southern Ukraine from the electrical system. The incident led to a regional blackout. A local Russian-installed official reported that the plant was later restored to the grid. — 25 people have died as a result of a Russian rocket strike on a train station and the neighbourhood on Ukraine's Independence Day, according to Ukrainian authorities. In its attack on Wednesday, Russia claimed to have attacked a military train and killed more than 200 Ukrainian reservists. Putin's order was vague as to whether the increase would be accomplished by expanding the draught, increasing volunteerism, or a combination of the two. The Kremlin's worries about a potential domestic backlash from a larger conscription, however, led some Russian military strategists to foresee a greater dependence on volunteers. With the addition of the 1.15 million personnel, the move will increase Russia's armed forces to 2.04 million. More Russians than the Soviet Union lost in its ten-year war in Afghanistan, according to estimates from the West, which vary from more than 15,000 to over 20,000. Up to 80,000 Russian soldiers may have been killed or wounded, according to the Pentagon's report from last week, which makes Moscow less able to launch major offensives. Also read | Explained: Six months into the Russia-Ukraine war, what are the consequences so far? Only volunteer contract soldiers, according to the Kremlin, are involved in the conflict in Ukraine. However, it might be challenging to locate additional willing soldiers, and according to military analysts, the anticipated troop levels might not be enough to support operations. Retired Russian Col. Retired Viktor Murakhovsky stated that the Kremlin will likely try to continue depending on volunteers and that this will account for the majority of the increase in remarks published by the Moscow-based RBC online news outlet. Fighting near the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia facility has raised concerns in Ukraine about a catastrophe akin to Chernobyl. Russia and Ukraine have both accused the other of bombarding the location. It was unclear right away if the damaged line in the incident on Thursday carried incoming power or outgoing power needed to run the plant, including the crucial cooling system for the reactors. According to Ukrainian authorities, a backup power line that uses energy from a different, non-nuclear reactor is still connected and in use. Also read | For the first time, India votes against Russia in UNSC during procedural vote on Ukraine The Russian government has frequently asserted that its forces exclusively aim at legitimate military objectives after attacks in which civilians have died. Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu maintained the military was doing all possible to save civilians hours before the massacre at the railway station, even if it meant slowing down its offensive in Ukraine. In April, when large groups, primarily made up of women and children, tried to flee the fighting, a Russian missile attack on a train station in the eastern Ukrainian city of Kramatorsk resulted in the deaths of over 50 people. The assault was called a war crime. (With inputs from agencies) Also WATCH | Russia readies emergency blue print, plan risks failure of nuclear plant's cooling system

Putin signs decree to boost the size of Russian forces

Ukraine unveiled plans on how it intends to make Russian President Vladimir Putin responsible for his "crimes." In other news, North Korea reports four new ‘fever’ cases, two weeks after declaring its victory over COVID-19. As per reports, the Pakistani Army has been divided over support for Imran Khan. Finally, Twitter's CEO Parag Agrawal assured the company is working hard to address the issues it is facing and dismissed the whistleblower's allegations as false.

Click on the headlines to read more:

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-reveals-plan-to-hold-vladimir-putin-accountable-for-his-crime-of-aggression-509955">Ukraine reveals plan to hold Vladimir Putin accountable for his 'crime of aggression'</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/08/25/290309-new-wion.png" />

As per an AFP report, Ukraine is drawing up plans for a special international tribunal to investigate Russia's alleged "crime of aggression".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-reports-four-new-fever-cases-after-declaring-victory-over-covid-19-509966">North Korea reports four 'fever' cases after declaring victory over Covid, blames&nbsp;South&nbsp;Korea</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/08/25/290318-untitled-design-2022-08-25t084826187.png" />

However, the official KCNA said that the four fever instances had been discovered in the bordering Chinese province of Ryanggang, AFP reported.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistani-army-divided-over-support-for-former-prime-minister-imran-khan-report-509957">Pakistani Army divided over support for former Prime Minister Imran Khan: Report</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/08/25/290312-untitled-design-24.png" />

The dilemma that the Pakistan military faces are that the more they try to seek to boot Khan out of politics, the greater the risk he becomes even more popular.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-staff-exodus-twitter-ceo-parag-agrawal-dispels-whistleblowers-claims-509939">Amid staff exodus, Twitter CEO Parag Agrawal dispels whistleblower’s claims</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/08/25/290292-twitter.jpg" />

Agrawal said a "false narrative" has been created about the company, which "is currently challenging our integrity”, adding, "I know that that can be frustrating, and I know it can be challenging."

Watch |&nbsp;United States | Joe Biden: $10,000 loan cut for university graduates

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/united-states-joe-biden-10000-loan-cut-for-university-graduates-509954/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

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Ukraine unveiled plans on how it intends to make Russian President Vladimir Putin responsible for his "crimes." In other news, North Korea reports four new ‘fever’ cases, two weeks after declaring its victory over COVID-19.

Ukraine unveiled plans on how it intends to make Russian President Vladimir Putin responsible for his "crimes." In other news, North Korea reports four new ‘fever’ cases, two weeks after declaring its victory over COVID-19. As per reports, the Pakistani Army has been divided over support for Imran Khan. Finally, Twitter's CEO Parag Agrawal assured the company is working hard to address the issues it is facing and dismissed the whistleblower's allegations as false. Click on the headlines to read more: Ukraine reveals plan to hold Vladimir Putin accountable for his 'crime of aggression' As per an AFP report, Ukraine is drawing up plans for a special international tribunal to investigate Russia's alleged "crime of aggression". North Korea reports four 'fever' cases after declaring victory over Covid, blames South Korea However, the official KCNA said that the four fever instances had been discovered in the bordering Chinese province of Ryanggang, AFP reported. Pakistani Army divided over support for former Prime Minister Imran Khan: Report The dilemma that the Pakistan military faces are that the more they try to seek to boot Khan out of politics, the greater the risk he becomes even more popular. Amid staff exodus, Twitter CEO Parag Agrawal dispels whistleblower’s claims Agrawal said a "false narrative" has been created about the company, which "is currently challenging our integrity”, adding, "I know that that can be frustrating, and I know it can be challenging." Watch | United States | Joe Biden: $10,000 loan cut for university graduates

Morning news brief: Ukraine to hold Putin accountable, 4 fever cases in N Korea, and more

Officials reported that dozens of people were injured and at least 22 people died on Wednesday when Russian rocket attacks struck a Ukrainian town and ignited a passenger train. The incident occurred as the country celebrated 31 years since gaining independence from Moscow-dominated Soviet rule.

Watch: The aftermath of Russian attack on Ukraine's Chaplyne

As Russia marks six whole months to the full-blown war that it waged against Ukraine, we have several takeaways. But, the most noteworthy of it is that a war situation has consequences not for just the parties involved, but for the whole world.

As Russia marks six whole months to the full-blown war that it waged against Ukraine, we have several takeaways. But, the most noteworthy of it is that a war situation has consequences not for just the parties involved, but for the whole world. Ukraine is on life support, Russian troops are suffering significant losses, and the rest of the world is dealing with acute food shortages, skyrocketing inflation, the possibility of a nuclear calamity, and other challenges brought on by a brutal conflict that has no sign of coming to an end soon. This is the stark reality of the Russia-Ukraine war. The Red Cross issued a warning on Tuesday that the crisis in Ukraine is taxing the whole humanitarian system and might have long-term effects on organisation's capacity to respond to emergencies around the world. Francesco Rocca, president of the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, stated that the war, which has been going on for six months, has brought people to "a crucial breaking point" (IFRC). In a statement, he stated that as the conflict continues, "the tragic knock-on effects are only mounting, with rising food and fuel prices and deepening food crises." We take you through the ramifications of this war. The human cost of the war - Death figures Although the true toll is substantially higher, 5,587 civilian deaths and 7,890 civilian injuries have been officially reported since February 24. According to the OHCHR, the majority of individuals killed or hurt were the victims of explosive weapons including artillery, missiles, and air attacks. The body of a serviceman is coated in snow next to a destroyed Russian military multiple rocket launcher vehicle on the outskirts of Kharkiv, Ukraine, Friday, Feb. 25, 2022. Photo credits: AP Separately, on August 22, General Valeriy Zaluzhnyi, the commander of the Ukrainian armed forces, announced that almost 9,000 Ukrainian service members had perished in the conflict. This was the first death toll announced by the military's highest ranking officials since the invasion. He said nothing more specific. The number of Russian soldiers killed has not been disclosed. According to U.S. intelligence, 15,000 Russian soldiers have died and three times as many have been wounded in Ukraine so far, which is equal to all the deaths suffered by the Soviet Union throughout its occupation of Afghanistan from 1979 to 1989. Internal displacement of Ukrainians According to the United Nations Refugee agency, since Feb. 24, a third of Ukrainians, who number over 41 million, have been ejected from their homes, creating the world's worst human displacement catastrophe right now. According to the agency's data, more than 6.6 million Ukrainian refugees have been registered across Europe, with the largest populations being in Poland, Russia, and Germany Territorial loss to Ukraine In addition to the lives lost, Reuters estimates that since Russia annexed Crimea in 2014, Ukraine has lost control of almost 22% of its territory. A large portion of its coastline has been lost, its economy is in ruins, and Russian bombardment has reduced certain cities to desolation. According to projections from the World Bank and International Monetary Fund, the Ukrainian GDP will collapse by 45% in 2022. Uncertainty surrounds Ukraine's actual monetary loss. According to the prime minister, Denys Shmyhal, the entire cost of the post-war rebuild would be around $750 billion. It might be a lot more. Russian expenses Russia has also incurred costs as a result of the conflict, albeit it does not divulge them since they are state secrets. In addition to the military costs, the West has attempted to penalise Moscow by enforcing harsh sanctions, which have caused Russia's economy to experience its greatest shock since the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991. The $1.8 trillion Russian economy is expected to fall by 4%–6% in 2022, which is less than the 8%–10% contraction that the central bank had predicted in April. The economic impact on Russia is still significant and not entirely understood. It is unable to access Western financial markets, the majority of its oligarchs are subject to sanctions, and it has trouble obtaining some goods, such as microchips. For the first time since the disastrous months that followed the 1917 Bolshevik revolution, Russia defaulted on its foreign obligations last month. Global inflation The invasion and Western sanctions against Russia caused sharp increases in the prices of energy, metals, wheat, fertiliser, and other commodities, feeding into a developing food crisis as well as an inflationary wave that is smashing through the world economy. After Saudi Arabia, Russia is the second-largest oil exporter in the world. It is also the world's top exporter of natural gas, wheat, nitrogen fertiliser, and palladium. Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, global oil prices soared to record highs not seen since 2008. The most acute energy shortage since the Arab oil embargo in the 1970s has been made worse by efforts to cut back on dependence on Russian oil, gas, and oil products—or even to control their pricing. Gas prices for wholesale in Europe increased after Russia stopped sending gas through the Nord Stream 1 pipeline to Germany. According to Goldman Sachs, a complete cutoff would cause a recession in the euro region, with significant contractions in Germany and Italy. Global economy The International Monetary Fund currently predicts that the global economy will expand by 3.2% this year, down from 6.1% last year and much less than its previous projections from April of 3.6%, January of 4.4%, and October of 4.9%. The IMF predicted that global growth would slow to 2.6% in 2022 and 2% in 2023 under a "plausible" alternative scenario that includes a complete cutoff of Russian gas supplies to Europe by year's end and a further 30% drop in Russian oil exports, with growth in Europe and the US next year approaching zero. (With inputs from agencies) Also Watch | Russians to pay tributes to nationalist Daria Dugina at her memorial

Explained: Six months into the Russia-Ukraine war, what are the consequences so far?

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has vowed on Tuesday to raise Ukraine's national flag in currently Russian-occupied parts of the country.

President Zelensky vows to hoist the Ukrainian flag in Russian-occupied territories

In the centre of the Ukrainian capital's Khreshchatyk Boulevard, burned-out Russian tanks and infantry carriers were on display, attracting the interest of onlookers and amateur photographers.

Burnt Russian tanks on display in Kyiv ahead of Ukraine's Independence Day

Ukrainian president Zelensky has urged UN to maintain security at nuclear plant. UN chief, Zelensky and Erdogan discussed grain exports during the meet.

Ukraine: Zelensky urges UN to maintain security at nuclear plant

Chinese and Russian leaders Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin will attend the G20 summit on the resort island of Bali this November, a longtime adviser to the Indonesian president said on Friday.

Andi Widjajanto, former cabinet secretary and unofficial adviser to President Joko Widodo, who is popularly known as Jokowi, told Reuters the two leaders would join the summit.

"Jokowi told me that Xi and Putin are both planning to attend in Bali," Widjajanto, who heads the National Resilience Institute, told Reuters.

On Thursday, Jokowi told Bloomberg News that both leaders had given him their assurances. Indonesian presidential officials did not respond to requests for confirmation of the report.

The Chinese foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. A Kremlin spokesperson declined to comment to Bloomberg, but another official familiar with the situation told the news agency Putin plans to attend the meeting in person.

The trip would be significant given it would be Xi's first time outside China since January 2020, when he visited Myanmar.

China maintains a zero-COVID policy that has all but shut its borders to international travel.

Since then, Xi made his only trip outside of mainland China on June 30, visiting Hong Kong to mark the 25th anniversary of the handover of the territory from British control.

Xi is widely expected to secure a precedent-breaking third leadership term during a once-in-five-year congress of the ruling Communist Party scheduled for this autumn, most likely before he would head to Bali for the mid-November G20 gathering.

No dates have been announced for the party congress, but the last two took place in late October and early November.

Chinese officials are also reportedly making plans for a November meeting in Southeast Asia between Xi and U.S. President Joe Biden, who is expected to attend the G20 summit in Bali, according to a report https://www.wsj.com/articles/chinas-xi-jinping-plans-to-meet-with-biden-in-first-foreign-trip-in-nearly-three-years-11660318437 in the Wall Street Journal.

As head of the G20 this year, Indonesia has faced pressure from Western countries to withdraw its invitation to Putin over his country's invasion of Ukraine, which his government calls a "special military operation".

Indonesia has also invited Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky to attend the Bali summit.

Jokowi has sought to position himself as a mediator between the warring countries and has in recent months travelled to meet both the Ukrainian and Russian presidents to call for an end to the war and seek ways to ease the global food crisis.

This week, Jokowi said both countries have accepted Indonesia as a "bridge of peace". 
&nbsp;

Chinese and Russian leaders Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin will attend the G20 summit on the resort island of Bali this November, a longtime adviser to the Indonesian president said on Friday.

Chinese and Russian leaders Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin will attend the G20 summit on the resort island of Bali this November, a longtime adviser to the Indonesian president said on Friday. Andi Widjajanto, former cabinet secretary and unofficial adviser to President Joko Widodo, who is popularly known as Jokowi, told Reuters the two leaders would join the summit. "Jokowi told me that Xi and Putin are both planning to attend in Bali," Widjajanto, who heads the National Resilience Institute, told Reuters. On Thursday, Jokowi told Bloomberg News that both leaders had given him their assurances. Indonesian presidential officials did not respond to requests for confirmation of the report. The Chinese foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. A Kremlin spokesperson declined to comment to Bloomberg, but another official familiar with the situation told the news agency Putin plans to attend the meeting in person. The trip would be significant given it would be Xi's first time outside China since January 2020, when he visited Myanmar. China maintains a zero-COVID policy that has all but shut its borders to international travel. Since then, Xi made his only trip outside of mainland China on June 30, visiting Hong Kong to mark the 25th anniversary of the handover of the territory from British control. Xi is widely expected to secure a precedent-breaking third leadership term during a once-in-five-year congress of the ruling Communist Party scheduled for this autumn, most likely before he would head to Bali for the mid-November G20 gathering. No dates have been announced for the party congress, but the last two took place in late October and early November. Chinese officials are also reportedly making plans for a November meeting in Southeast Asia between Xi and U.S. President Joe Biden, who is expected to attend the G20 summit in Bali, according to a report https://www.wsj.com/articles/chinas-xi-jinping-plans-to-meet-with-biden-in-first-foreign-trip-in-nearly-three-years-11660318437 in the Wall Street Journal. As head of the G20 this year, Indonesia has faced pressure from Western countries to withdraw its invitation to Putin over his country's invasion of Ukraine, which his government calls a "special military operation". Indonesia has also invited Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky to attend the Bali summit. Jokowi has sought to position himself as a mediator between the warring countries and has in recent months travelled to meet both the Ukrainian and Russian presidents to call for an end to the war and seek ways to ease the global food crisis. This week, Jokowi said both countries have accepted Indonesia as a "bridge of peace".

Xi, Putin to attend G20 summit in Indonesia's Bali this November

Amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, Russian Vladimir Putin has revived a Soviet-era ‘Mother Heroine’ award. What exactly is the ‘Mother Heroine’ award and who are eligible for it? Know all about it here.

What is Soviet-era ‘Mother Heroine’ award that Putin has revived in Russia?

Repeated shelling at Europe's largest nuclear power plant has scared the world. Zelensky said that Zaporizhzhia 'catastrophe' would threaten Europe. UN warned of 'grave' crisis amid violence near plant.

Is Europe staring at a nuclear disaster? | Ukraine holds disaster response drills

The recent shelling around the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant has scared the world, experts have predicted that these strikes could lead to a possible catastrophe. Meanwhile, Russia has denied claims of plans to use nuke weapons.

Ukraine-Russia war: Battle around Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant worries world

On Monday, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Moscow cherished its relations with nations in Latin America, Asia, and Africa and was prepared to provide modern weapons to its allies.

Will India benefit from Putin's call to offer Russia's ‘most advanced weapons’ to allies?

Russian President Vladimir Putin opened the country's annual military exhibition at the Army 2022 Expo held in the outskirts in Moscow. This year's exhibition showcased more than 28,000 military products.

Russian Prez Putin makes speech at Army 2022 military exhibition, praises 'combat-tested' weapons

Russia has vowed to "expand its bilateral relations" with North Korea as Putin said the move would be in the interest of both countries. Molly Gambhir spoke to Fred Weir about what this cooperation means.

WION Fineprint | Putin says Russia and North Korea will expand bilateral relations

Russian president Vladimir Putin in a letter to North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un vowed to expand the comprehensive and constructive bilateral relations between the two nations.

Kim, Putin exchange letters on North Korea's Liberation day

Amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, a few Ukrainians are using 3D tech to preserve the heritage. Volunteers are scanning buildings and monuments.

Ukrainians use 3D tech to preserve the heritage as volunteers scan buildings and monuments

The US-based firm released satellite images that appear to show extensive damage and several destroyed Russian warplanes at a Crimea airbase following explosions earlier this week. Now, the mystery over the Crimea blasts remains as Moscow is in denial, and Kyiv remains silent.

Deepening mystery over Crimea blasts: Moscow in denial, Kyiv remains silent

Footage released by the Russian Defence Ministry shows a SU-35 jet in action over Ukrainian skies. Russian invasion of Ukraine has been raging on for several months now.

Russian Defence Ministry releases footage of SU-35 jet in action over Ukrainian skies

Amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine and global condemnation by the West, the EU banned air travel from Russia. Now, Russian tourists are visiting Europe by road.

Russian tourists visiting Europe by road after the EU banned air travel from Russia

Overnight strikes in central Ukraine have resulted in killing 13 people while 11 others are reported to being injured. According to the Ukrainian authorities, 5 of them are reported to be in a pretty serious condition.

Russian shelling near Ukraine nuke plant kill 14; UNSC to hold meet

It has been several months since the Russian invasion of Ukraine started, and scores of civilians have lost their lives in the conflict. Armies of both countries have been involved in intense fights since Russian troops entered Ukraine. Now, IAEA warns of 'Nuclear disaster' as fighting in Zaporizhzhya intensifies.

Russia-Ukraine war: UN nuclear watchdog calls for end to military action near plant

Russia-Ukraine war: IAEA warns of 'Nuclear disaster' as fighting in Zaporizhzhya intensifies

Russia and Turkiye have strengthened their bilateral ties. Both countries will collaborate on energy & trade. This comes after Putin and Erdogan hold 4-hour long talks.

Russia, Turkiye strengthen bilateral ties: Countries to collaborate on energy & trade

It has been several months since the Russian invasion of Ukraine started, and scores of civilians have lost their lives in the conflict. Armies of both countries have been involved in intense fights since Russian troops entered Ukraine. Now, shelling hits Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.

Fighting intensifies in Eastern Ukraine as shelling hits Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant

Vladimir <meta charset="utf-8" /><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-red-vladimir-putin-statue-appears-in-central-park-leaves-visitors-fascinated-503124">Putin</a>&nbsp;may be using a physical duplicate, according to repeated assertions made by the head of Ukraine's military intelligence.

The recently appointed Chief of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, Major General Kyrylo Budanov, said on Ukrainian television that Putin's&nbsp;height and ears have changed in recent appearances.

He made an appearance on the "Groshi" channel and said: "Let's assume the image of the ears is different. Additionally, each person's ear picture is distinctive, just like a fingerprint. It can't be done again."

According to the Ukrainian news site TSN, Budanov also said that he thought the Russian president was gravely ill and that he used body doubles to avoid public appearances.

Many critics have discussed the 69-year-old warmonger's health, and a variety of assertions have been made about it.

The alleged body doubles, according to Budanov, "had different habits, mannerisms, gaits, and sometimes, if you looked closely, different heights."

Putin may have utilised a double for his entrance at a summit in Tehran last month, according to a previous accusation made by the intelligence chief.

Budanov told the 1+1 new channel: “I will only hint. Please look at the moment of Putin's exit from the plane. Is it Putin at all?”

Putin made the trip, which is just his second in five months, as one of the few overseas trips he is currently permitted to undertake as a result of his ongoing invasion of Ukraine. He met the presidents of Turkey and <meta charset="utf-8" /><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-nuclear-deal-indirect-talks-resume-in-vienna-as-tehran-expands-enrichment-503761">Iran</a>&nbsp;at that location.

This occurs while Putin's invasion of Ukraine rages on, with violence concentrated in the nation's east.

In recent days, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky declared his desire to speak with Chinese President Xi Jinping personally in the hope&nbsp;that China will use its clout with Russia to stop the conflict.

All diplomatic channels have so far been fruitless, and China has declined to denounce the incursion.

(With inputs from agencies)

Vladimir Putin may be using a physical duplicate, according to repeated assertions made by the head of Ukraine's military intelligence. The recently appointed Chief of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, Major General Kyrylo Budanov, said on Ukrainian television that Putin's height and ears have changed in recent appearances.

Vladimir Putin may be using a physical duplicate, according to repeated assertions made by the head of Ukraine's military intelligence. The recently appointed Chief of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, Major General Kyrylo Budanov, said on Ukrainian television that Putin's height and ears have changed in recent appearances. He made an appearance on the "Groshi" channel and said: "Let's assume the image of the ears is different. Additionally, each person's ear picture is distinctive, just like a fingerprint. It can't be done again." According to the Ukrainian news site TSN, Budanov also said that he thought the Russian president was gravely ill and that he used body doubles to avoid public appearances. Many critics have discussed the 69-year-old warmonger's health, and a variety of assertions have been made about it. The alleged body doubles, according to Budanov, "had different habits, mannerisms, gaits, and sometimes, if you looked closely, different heights." Putin may have utilised a double for his entrance at a summit in Tehran last month, according to a previous accusation made by the intelligence chief. Budanov told the 1+1 new channel: “I will only hint. Please look at the moment of Putin's exit from the plane. Is it Putin at all?” Putin made the trip, which is just his second in five months, as one of the few overseas trips he is currently permitted to undertake as a result of his ongoing invasion of Ukraine. He met the presidents of Turkey and Iran at that location. This occurs while Putin's invasion of Ukraine rages on, with violence concentrated in the nation's east. In recent days, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky declared his desire to speak with Chinese President Xi Jinping personally in the hope that China will use its clout with Russia to stop the conflict. All diplomatic channels have so far been fruitless, and China has declined to denounce the incursion. (With inputs from agencies)

Putin using body double? Fresh rumours surface

Turkiye's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is to meet with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin for key talks which would be the President's second round of talks with Putin in a span of two weeks.

Turkiye's President Erdogan to meet Putin in Russia

As battle raged on in the Kharkiv region on Thursday, Ukrainian military fired a number of rocket systems. It has been several months since the Russian invasion of Ukraine has been raging on with no end in sight.

Ukrainian soldiers fire multiple rocket systems in the Kharkiv region

In the most recent wave of penalties related to the invasion of Ukraine, the United States blacklisted the alleged lover of Russian President Vladimir Putin and the businessman who owns the second-largest estate in London on Tuesday. Several other oligarchs thought to be connected to Putin, four Russian administrators of the occupied regions in Ukraine, and about two dozen high-tech institutions and businesses, including significant state-backed electronics firms, were also subject to US business prohibitions.

The Witanhurst estate, the second-largest estate in London after Buckingham Palace, is owned by billionaire Andrey Grigoryevich Guryev, a close friend of Vladimir Putin. The founder and former vice chairman of PhosAgro, a significant provider to the world's fertiliser markets, is Guryev. Financial penalties were imposed on him and his son, prohibiting them from doing business with US entities (including banks with U.S. branches) and freezing their assets under US jurisdiction.

Alina Kabaeva, a former Olympic gymnast who is frequently referred to as Putin's girlfriend, and Natalya Popova, the wife of Kirill Dmitriev, the head of the sizable sovereign wealth fund run by the Russian government, were both sanctioned by the Treasury. According to the Treasury, Popova works for Innopraktika, a technological company that is owned by one of Putin's daughters.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-kentucky-floods-8-killed-people-stranded-on-rooftops-and-trees-501712">In pics| Kentucky floods: 8 killed, people stranded on rooftops and trees</a>

Sanctions were also imposed on Viktor Filippovich Rashnikov, one of the biggest taxpayers in Russia, and two of his MMK companies, which is one of the biggest steel producers in the world. The State Department sanctioned oligarchs "running massive revenue-generating companies," including Dmitry Aleksandrovich Pumpyanskiy, Andrey Igorevich Melnichenko, and Alexander Anatolevich Ponomarenko, in joint action. The penalties included visa restrictions. A list of over 900 Russian officials as well as 31 unnamed non-Russian officials who have supported Russia's occupation of Crimea and nearly 900 other individuals were also added, according to the State Department.

(with inputs from agencies)

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In the most recent wave of penalties related to the invasion of Ukraine, the United States blacklisted the alleged lover of Russian President Vladimir Putin and the businessman who owns the second-largest estate in London on Tuesday.

In the most recent wave of penalties related to the invasion of Ukraine, the United States blacklisted the alleged lover of Russian President Vladimir Putin and the businessman who owns the second-largest estate in London on Tuesday. Several other oligarchs thought to be connected to Putin, four Russian administrators of the occupied regions in Ukraine, and about two dozen high-tech institutions and businesses, including significant state-backed electronics firms, were also subject to US business prohibitions. The Witanhurst estate, the second-largest estate in London after Buckingham Palace, is owned by billionaire Andrey Grigoryevich Guryev, a close friend of Vladimir Putin. The founder and former vice chairman of PhosAgro, a significant provider to the world's fertiliser markets, is Guryev. Financial penalties were imposed on him and his son, prohibiting them from doing business with US entities (including banks with U.S. branches) and freezing their assets under US jurisdiction. Alina Kabaeva, a former Olympic gymnast who is frequently referred to as Putin's girlfriend, and Natalya Popova, the wife of Kirill Dmitriev, the head of the sizable sovereign wealth fund run by the Russian government, were both sanctioned by the Treasury. According to the Treasury, Popova works for Innopraktika, a technological company that is owned by one of Putin's daughters. Also Read: In pics| Kentucky floods: 8 killed, people stranded on rooftops and trees Sanctions were also imposed on Viktor Filippovich Rashnikov, one of the biggest taxpayers in Russia, and two of his MMK companies, which is one of the biggest steel producers in the world. The State Department sanctioned oligarchs "running massive revenue-generating companies," including Dmitry Aleksandrovich Pumpyanskiy, Andrey Igorevich Melnichenko, and Alexander Anatolevich Ponomarenko, in joint action. The penalties included visa restrictions. A list of over 900 Russian officials as well as 31 unnamed non-Russian officials who have supported Russia's occupation of Crimea and nearly 900 other individuals were also added, according to the State Department. (with inputs from agencies)

US sanctions Russian oligarchs and Putin's 'girlfriend' for involvement in Ukraine war

The United States has announced another round of military aid worth $550 million to Ukraine amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine.

How much US has invested in Russia-Ukraine war as it plans fresh $550 mn military aid to Ukraine

How much US has invested in the Russia-Ukraine war as it plans fresh $550 mn military aid to Ukraine

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