Saudi Arabia and Russia have confirmed their commitment to maintaining oil supply reductions of over 1 million barrels per day until the end of the year, even as geopolitical tensions in West Asia continue to unsettle global oil markets.

According to a Bloomberg report, leaders of the OPEC+ coalition jointly announced this decision in separate official statements on Sunday. Riyadh has significantly reduced its daily crude production by 1 million barrels, while Moscow is curbing its oil exports by 300,000 barrels. These actions are in addition to previous production cuts implemented with other OPEC+ member nations.

Saudi Arabia intends to review its production levels in the coming month and will consider the options of "extending the cut, deepening the cut, or increasing production," as stated by the Saudi Press Agency.

Russia's Deputy Prime Minister, Alexander Novak, echoed these sentiments in a separate statement.

Recent weeks have seen fluctuations in oil prices due to concerns about the conflict between Israel and Hamas potentially escalating into a larger regional conflict involving major crude producer Iran. On Friday, Brent futures closed just under $85 a barrel in London.

Should a broader conflict ensue, it might prompt both Saudi Arabia and Russia to reassess their planned production cuts. The International Energy Agency has warned about the potential risks posed by high fuel prices to global inflation and the economy. Nevertheless, for now, the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and its partners remain committed to keeping oil supplies under strict control.

Saudi Arabia, in particular, may be motivated to continue these production cuts as it seeks oil prices as high as $100, according to Bloomberg Economics. Such high prices are essential to fund ambitious projects like Neom, a futuristic city, and the acquisition of prominent athletes for domestic sports franchises. On the other hand, President Vladimir Putin relies on petroleum revenues to finance ongoing efforts related to the situation in Ukraine.

According to Bloomberg, Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman previously stated at the Future Investment Initiative conference in Riyadh that the kingdom's oil-market strategy has been effective.

Additionally, signs of weakness in physical oil markets may incentivise Saudi Arabia to maintain its course. Declining profits in the fuel-making sector and rising freight costs for transporting crude across regions have posed challenges. Despite industry expectations, substantial inventory declines have yet to materialise, as observed by Goldman Sachs Group Inc.

Eurasia Group, a consultancy, suggests that Saudi Arabia might be compelled to extend its unilateral 1 million barrel-a-day production cut into 2024 if market conditions continue to deteriorate. The International Energy Agency predicts that a new surplus in supply will emerge early next year as demand growth slows significantly.

The entire OPEC+ coalition, comprised of 23 nations, is scheduled to convene for a ministerial meeting on November 26 to review the policy for 2024.

(With inputs from Bloomberg)

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Saudi Arabia and Russia have confirmed their commitment to maintaining oil supply reductions of over 1 million barrels per day until the end of the year, even as geopolitical tensions in West Asia continue to unsettle global oil markets.

Saudi Arabia and Russia have confirmed their commitment to maintaining oil supply reductions of over 1 million barrels per day until the end of the year, even as geopolitical tensions in West Asia continue to unsettle global oil markets. According to a Bloomberg report, leaders of the OPEC+ coalition jointly announced this decision in separate official statements on Sunday. Riyadh has significantly reduced its daily crude production by 1 million barrels, while Moscow is curbing its oil exports by 300,000 barrels. These actions are in addition to previous production cuts implemented with other OPEC+ member nations. Saudi Arabia intends to review its production levels in the coming month and will consider the options of "extending the cut, deepening the cut, or increasing production," as stated by the Saudi Press Agency. Russia's Deputy Prime Minister, Alexander Novak, echoed these sentiments in a separate statement. Recent weeks have seen fluctuations in oil prices due to concerns about the conflict between Israel and Hamas potentially escalating into a larger regional conflict involving major crude producer Iran. On Friday, Brent futures closed just under $85 a barrel in London. Should a broader conflict ensue, it might prompt both Saudi Arabia and Russia to reassess their planned production cuts. The International Energy Agency has warned about the potential risks posed by high fuel prices to global inflation and the economy. Nevertheless, for now, the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and its partners remain committed to keeping oil supplies under strict control. Saudi Arabia, in particular, may be motivated to continue these production cuts as it seeks oil prices as high as $100, according to Bloomberg Economics. Such high prices are essential to fund ambitious projects like Neom, a futuristic city, and the acquisition of prominent athletes for domestic sports franchises. On the other hand, President Vladimir Putin relies on petroleum revenues to finance ongoing efforts related to the situation in Ukraine. According to Bloomberg, Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman previously stated at the Future Investment Initiative conference in Riyadh that the kingdom's oil-market strategy has been effective. Additionally, signs of weakness in physical oil markets may incentivise Saudi Arabia to maintain its course. Declining profits in the fuel-making sector and rising freight costs for transporting crude across regions have posed challenges. Despite industry expectations, substantial inventory declines have yet to materialise, as observed by Goldman Sachs Group Inc. Eurasia Group, a consultancy, suggests that Saudi Arabia might be compelled to extend its unilateral 1 million barrel-a-day production cut into 2024 if market conditions continue to deteriorate. The International Energy Agency predicts that a new surplus in supply will emerge early next year as demand growth slows significantly. The entire OPEC+ coalition, comprised of 23 nations, is scheduled to convene for a ministerial meeting on November 26 to review the policy for 2024. (With inputs from Bloomberg) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Saudi Arabia and Russia hold steady on oil production cuts amid West Asia tensions

Pyotr Verzilov,&nbsp;an activist linked to the punk&nbsp;band and art collective Pussy Riot, has been sentenced to eight-and-half years in prison by a Russian court on Friday (Nov 3).&nbsp;Verzilov was sentenced "in absentia" for breaching Russia's strict censorship laws for posts related to its invasion of Ukraine.

The 36-year-old has not been living in Russia since 2020. The Russian court said Verzilov's social media posts alleging Russian atrocities in Bucha, a city in Ukraine, was "false information". According to a law Russia introduced in the initial days of its invasion of Ukraine, this is a criminal offence.

Russia has cracked down on dissent over years and has sent many high-profile critics of President Vladimir Putin to jail. This has not stopped after the Ukraine war.

Watch | US top officials to visit India: Israel war &amp; Russia-Ukraine war on agenda

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Verzilov has reportedly told the Russian media at the beginning of the conflict that he travelled to Ukraine to make a documentary, but is now fighting alongside Ukrainian forces.

The case in which Verzilov has been sentenced is based on his videos on social media in which dead civilians were seen lined up in body bags in Bucha. Verzilov compared Russian soldiers to Adolf Hitler and Joseph Stalin.

When Ukrainian forces retook the city last March after a month-long occupation by Russian forces, they found more than 450 bodies.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germany-bats-for-ukraines-eu-membership-says-formal-talks-could-get-greenlit-next-month-654640">Germany bats for Ukraine's EU membership, says formal talks could get greenlit next month</a>

Bucha is a city on the outskirts of Kyiv. In December last year, the United Nations said that at least 73 civilians in the city were killed by Russian troops. The UN added that 57 among them were "summarily executed". The agency is still investigating more than 100 more alleged killings by Russian troops.&nbsp;Ukraine and the G7 countries have called Russian action a "massacre".

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-support-for-kyiv-waning-most-americans-believe-ukraine-war-is-at-stalemate-654610">US support for Kyiv waning? Most Americans in a recent survey feel Ukraine war is at stalemate</a>

Russia has denied these accusations repeatedly and has claimed that images of the dead citizens were "staged."

Pyotr Verzilov is a member of Pussy Riot, which is a Russian Protest Punk band and also an art collective. 
 
The group gained fame and even notoriety when three members were arrested when they staged a protest in an Orthodox Church in Moscow. Hooliganism charges were slapped against them.

(With inputs from agencies)

Pyotr Verzilov, an activist linked to the punk band and art collective Pussy Riot, has been sentenced to eight-and-half years in prison by a Russian court on Friday (Nov 3).

Pyotr Verzilov, an activist linked to the punk band and art collective Pussy Riot, has been sentenced to eight-and-half years in prison by a Russian court on Friday (Nov 3). Verzilov was sentenced "in absentia" for breaching Russia's strict censorship laws for posts related to its invasion of Ukraine. The 36-year-old has not been living in Russia since 2020. The Russian court said Verzilov's social media posts alleging Russian atrocities in Bucha, a city in Ukraine, was "false information". According to a law Russia introduced in the initial days of its invasion of Ukraine, this is a criminal offence. Russia has cracked down on dissent over years and has sent many high-profile critics of President Vladimir Putin to jail. This has not stopped after the Ukraine war. Watch | US top officials to visit India: Israel war & Russia-Ukraine war on agenda × Verzilov has reportedly told the Russian media at the beginning of the conflict that he travelled to Ukraine to make a documentary, but is now fighting alongside Ukrainian forces. The case in which Verzilov has been sentenced is based on his videos on social media in which dead civilians were seen lined up in body bags in Bucha. Verzilov compared Russian soldiers to Adolf Hitler and Joseph Stalin. When Ukrainian forces retook the city last March after a month-long occupation by Russian forces, they found more than 450 bodies. Also Read | Germany bats for Ukraine's EU membership, says formal talks could get greenlit next month Bucha is a city on the outskirts of Kyiv. In December last year, the United Nations said that at least 73 civilians in the city were killed by Russian troops. The UN added that 57 among them were "summarily executed". The agency is still investigating more than 100 more alleged killings by Russian troops. Ukraine and the G7 countries have called Russian action a "massacre". Also Read | US support for Kyiv waning? Most Americans in a recent survey feel Ukraine war is at stalemate Russia has denied these accusations repeatedly and has claimed that images of the dead citizens were "staged." Pyotr Verzilov is a member of Pussy Riot, which is a Russian Protest Punk band and also an art collective. The group gained fame and even notoriety when three members were arrested when they staged a protest in an Orthodox Church in Moscow. Hooliganism charges were slapped against them. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia: Pussy Riot band activist sentenced in absentia over Bucha claims

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday (Oct 31) warned against expecting rapid success in the country’s counteroffensive which aims to reclaim occupied land from Russia saying that Moscow’s forces are gearing up for a fresh wave of attacks in different parts of the frontline.&nbsp;

The remarks came as Zelensky has sought to rally his troops amid Kyiv’s gruelling months-long offensive. Meanwhile, several UN agencies addressed the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) about the humanitarian situation in Ukraine.&nbsp;

The UN human rights office (OCHA) said it has formally verified the death of 9,900 civilians in Ukraine after strikes on homes, schools, fields and markets, since the beginning of the Russian invasion in February 2022, adding that “the actual number is certainly higher.”

<h2>Don’t expect instant success: Zelensky</h2>

“We live in a world that gets used to success too quickly. When the full-scale invasion began, many people around the world did not believe that Ukraine would survive,” said the Ukrainian president in his nightly address.&nbsp;

“Glory to all those who do not retreat, who do not burn out, who believe in Ukraine just as they did on February 24, and who have been fighting unwaveringly.”

The Ukrainian offensive began in June and since then Kyiv has not reported much success on its vast frontline in the east and south, sparking criticism and impatience among some of the country’s allies in the West.&nbsp;

Zelensky also said that his troops have succeeded in diminishing Russia’s military strength in the Black Sea and that more support from his allies could lead to an ultimate Ukrainian victory over Russia.&nbsp;

“When we ensure even more security to the Black Sea, Russia will lose any ability to dominate in this area and expand its malign influence to other countries,” said the Ukrainian president. Russia often uses its fleet in the Black Sea to launch long-range strikes on Ukraine.&nbsp;

Sectors considered engulfed by the fiercest fighting in the east and northeast, include Avdiivka and Kupiansk – &nbsp;where Russia has been on the offensive in recent weeks – said Zelensky following a meeting with senior commanders.&nbsp;

<h2>Humanitarian situation in Ukraine</h2>

Ramesh Rajasingham, director of coordination from the OCHA told the UNSC, that Ukrainian civilians are suffering “horrendous humanitarian consequences” from the Russian strikes.&nbsp;

Around 18 million Ukrainians – over 40 per cent of Ukraine’s population, require some form of humanitarian assistance, said Rajasingham, adding that as winter approaches, these “needs will be magnified.”&nbsp;

Humanitarian organisations are helping people carry out household repairs and ensuring that water and heating systems are functional ahead of freezing temperatures, said the UN official.&nbsp;

The Russian military had been accused of methodically targeting Ukraine’s power and other critical infrastructure with missiles and drones during the last winter season.&nbsp;

World Health Organization (WHO) has verified over 1,300 attacks on healthcare&nbsp;since the beginning of the invasion – more than 55 per cent of all attacks worldwide during the same period, said the official from OCHA.&nbsp;

More than 100 healthcare workers and patients have been killed since the beginning of September, according to the UN.&nbsp;

United States Deputy Ambassador Robert Wood, citing UN estimates, said Russian attacks have reduced Ukraine’s power generation to roughly half its pre-war capacity. One day in September, Russia launched some 44 missiles at energy facilities in six Ukrainian regions, said Wood.

Russia’s UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia rejected claims that Russian airstrikes are hitting “civilian objects” and accused the Kyiv government of making up “lies about Russia” and blaming Moscow for “tragedies” in Ukraine to get more funding from the West.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday (Oct 31) warned against expecting rapid success in the country’s counteroffensive which aims to reclaim occupied land from Russia saying that Moscow’s forces are gearing up for a fresh wave of attacks in different parts of the frontline.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday (Oct 31) warned against expecting rapid success in the country’s counteroffensive which aims to reclaim occupied land from Russia saying that Moscow’s forces are gearing up for a fresh wave of attacks in different parts of the frontline. The remarks came as Zelensky has sought to rally his troops amid Kyiv’s gruelling months-long offensive. Meanwhile, several UN agencies addressed the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) about the humanitarian situation in Ukraine. The UN human rights office (OCHA) said it has formally verified the death of 9,900 civilians in Ukraine after strikes on homes, schools, fields and markets, since the beginning of the Russian invasion in February 2022, adding that “the actual number is certainly higher.” Don’t expect instant success: Zelensky “We live in a world that gets used to success too quickly. When the full-scale invasion began, many people around the world did not believe that Ukraine would survive,” said the Ukrainian president in his nightly address. “Glory to all those who do not retreat, who do not burn out, who believe in Ukraine just as they did on February 24, and who have been fighting unwaveringly.” The Ukrainian offensive began in June and since then Kyiv has not reported much success on its vast frontline in the east and south, sparking criticism and impatience among some of the country’s allies in the West. Zelensky also said that his troops have succeeded in diminishing Russia’s military strength in the Black Sea and that more support from his allies could lead to an ultimate Ukrainian victory over Russia. “When we ensure even more security to the Black Sea, Russia will lose any ability to dominate in this area and expand its malign influence to other countries,” said the Ukrainian president. Russia often uses its fleet in the Black Sea to launch long-range strikes on Ukraine. Sectors considered engulfed by the fiercest fighting in the east and northeast, include Avdiivka and Kupiansk – where Russia has been on the offensive in recent weeks – said Zelensky following a meeting with senior commanders. Humanitarian situation in Ukraine Ramesh Rajasingham, director of coordination from the OCHA told the UNSC, that Ukrainian civilians are suffering “horrendous humanitarian consequences” from the Russian strikes. Around 18 million Ukrainians – over 40 per cent of Ukraine’s population, require some form of humanitarian assistance, said Rajasingham, adding that as winter approaches, these “needs will be magnified.” Humanitarian organisations are helping people carry out household repairs and ensuring that water and heating systems are functional ahead of freezing temperatures, said the UN official. The Russian military had been accused of methodically targeting Ukraine’s power and other critical infrastructure with missiles and drones during the last winter season. World Health Organization (WHO) has verified over 1,300 attacks on healthcare since the beginning of the invasion – more than 55 per cent of all attacks worldwide during the same period, said the official from OCHA. More than 100 healthcare workers and patients have been killed since the beginning of September, according to the UN. United States Deputy Ambassador Robert Wood, citing UN estimates, said Russian attacks have reduced Ukraine’s power generation to roughly half its pre-war capacity. One day in September, Russia launched some 44 missiles at energy facilities in six Ukrainian regions, said Wood. Russia’s UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia rejected claims that Russian airstrikes are hitting “civilian objects” and accused the Kyiv government of making up “lies about Russia” and blaming Moscow for “tragedies” in Ukraine to get more funding from the West. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. 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.

Don’t expect rapid success in offensive, says Zelensky; UN confirms death of over 9,900 civilians in Ukraine

A Russian court on Tuesday denied an appeal by US dual citizen journalist Alsu Kurmasheva against her pre-trial detention on charges of allegedly failing to register as a "foreign agent".

Kurmasheva is the second US journalist to be arrested in Russia this year, after Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich was detained in March for "spying" -- a charge that he and his employer vehemently deny.

"(Kurmasheva) and her lawyer asked to change the measure of restraint from detention to house arrest. The court disallowed the appeal," a representative from the Supreme Court of Tatarstan told the Interfax news agency.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-russia-detains-another-american-journalist-heres-what-we-know-649362">Explained: Russia detains another American journalist. Here’s what we know</a>

Kurmasheva, who works for the US-funded Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) media outlet, was detained by Russian law enforcement in the central city of Kazan earlier in October.

A court last week ruled to keep her in pre-trial detention until at least December 5 for the charge of failing to register as a "foreign agent", which carries a potential five-year prison sentence.

Her employer has called for her immediate release.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-formally-charges-american-journalist-alsu-kurmasheva-detained-for-violating-foreign-agent-law-651705">Russia formally charges American journalist Alsu Kurmasheva detained for violating ‘foreign agent’ law</a>

Rights groups have warned her detention marks a new threshold in Russia's campaign against independent media, which has escalated dramatically since Moscow's offensive in Ukraine. 
 
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A Russian court on Tuesday denied an appeal by US dual citizen journalist Alsu Kurmasheva against her pre-trial detention on charges of allegedly failing to register as a "foreign agent".

A Russian court on Tuesday denied an appeal by US dual citizen journalist Alsu Kurmasheva against her pre-trial detention on charges of allegedly failing to register as a "foreign agent". Kurmasheva is the second US journalist to be arrested in Russia this year, after Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich was detained in March for "spying" -- a charge that he and his employer vehemently deny. "(Kurmasheva) and her lawyer asked to change the measure of restraint from detention to house arrest. The court disallowed the appeal," a representative from the Supreme Court of Tatarstan told the Interfax news agency. ALSO READ | Explained: Russia detains another American journalist. Here’s what we know Kurmasheva, who works for the US-funded Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) media outlet, was detained by Russian law enforcement in the central city of Kazan earlier in October. A court last week ruled to keep her in pre-trial detention until at least December 5 for the charge of failing to register as a "foreign agent", which carries a potential five-year prison sentence. Her employer has called for her immediate release. ALSO READ | Russia formally charges American journalist Alsu Kurmasheva detained for violating ‘foreign agent’ law Rights groups have warned her detention marks a new threshold in Russia's campaign against independent media, which has escalated dramatically since Moscow's offensive in Ukraine. 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 denies US-Russian journalist's appeal against detention

Russia has beefed up security in the Muslim-majority North Caucasus region after the massive anti-Semitic riots over the weakened.

The decision was taken following an emergency meeting held between President Vladimir Putin and top security officials on Monday evening.

The Kremlin did not provide additional details of the meeting, except saying that the deliberations focused on strengthening measures to counter external interference.

It did not disclose what those measures were, but Ramzan Kadyrov, the Kremlin-backed head of Chechnya, was reported to have issued an order to shoot and kill anyone trying to riot in his Muslim-majority republic, which borders Dagestan.

Later in a speech on TV, Putin blamed the Western agents for the riots, saying, “The events in Makhachkala last night were instigated through social networks, not least from Ukraine, by the hands of agents of Western special services.”

<h2>Sporadic protests caught authorities off-guard&nbsp;</h2>

On Sunday, swam of rioters in the southern Dagestan region stormed an airport on Sunday to "catch" Jewish passengers arriving on a flight from Tel Aviv.

The sporadic nature of the protests had caught the authorities off-guard as it took them hours to regain control of the airport in Makachkala

More than 20 people were injured and at least 80 were detained. The incident was condemned by Jewish leaders who equated the incident to Tsarist-era pogroms.

The attack came in the wake of the Israel-Hamas war which has left the Jewish and Muslim communities divided all over the world.

Meanwhile, Israel has warned its citizens to leave the northern Caucasus in the wake of the riots.

Israel's Foreign Ministry and National Security Council warned its citizens to immediately leave the place and called on "all Israelis staying abroad to exercise vigilance, and stay away from demonstrations and protests, and obey the local security forces in case they get caught up in the incidents."

<h2>Prominent rabi's rare rebuke against Russian officials&nbsp;</h2>

It also raised its travel warning level to 4, the highest level, calling on citizens to avoid all travel to Dagestan and neighbouring regions, and for those who are there to leave as soon as possible.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-ministry-floats-idea-of-transferring-23mn-gazans-to-egypts-sinai-peninsula-653479">Israel floats idea of shifting 2.3mn Gazans to Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula</a>

On Tuesday, a prominent rabbi in Russia, Boruch Gorin, slammed the Russian authorities over the antisemetic riots calling the incident an “eternal disgrace.”

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-jewish-students-at-cornell-university-receive-online-threats-police-deployed-for-safety-653515">Israel-Hamas war: Jewish students at Cornell University receive death threats, police deployed for safety</a>

Gorin, a journalist, publisher and spokesperson for Russian Chief Rabbi Berel Lazar, said on Facebook, “Shocked [at what happened] at the international airport. Has the republic not yet been renamed Hamastan?”

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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Russia has beefed up security in the Muslim-majority North Caucasus region after the massive anti-Semitic riots over the weakened. The decision was taken following an emergency meeting held between President Vladimir Putin and top security officials on Monday evening.

Russia has beefed up security in the Muslim-majority North Caucasus region after the massive anti-Semitic riots over the weakened. The decision was taken following an emergency meeting held between President Vladimir Putin and top security officials on Monday evening. The Kremlin did not provide additional details of the meeting, except saying that the deliberations focused on strengthening measures to counter external interference. It did not disclose what those measures were, but Ramzan Kadyrov, the Kremlin-backed head of Chechnya, was reported to have issued an order to shoot and kill anyone trying to riot in his Muslim-majority republic, which borders Dagestan. Later in a speech on TV, Putin blamed the Western agents for the riots, saying, “The events in Makhachkala last night were instigated through social networks, not least from Ukraine, by the hands of agents of Western special services.” Sporadic protests caught authorities off-guard On Sunday, swam of rioters in the southern Dagestan region stormed an airport on Sunday to "catch" Jewish passengers arriving on a flight from Tel Aviv. The sporadic nature of the protests had caught the authorities off-guard as it took them hours to regain control of the airport in Makachkala More than 20 people were injured and at least 80 were detained. The incident was condemned by Jewish leaders who equated the incident to Tsarist-era pogroms. The attack came in the wake of the Israel-Hamas war which has left the Jewish and Muslim communities divided all over the world. Meanwhile, Israel has warned its citizens to leave the northern Caucasus in the wake of the riots. Israel's Foreign Ministry and National Security Council warned its citizens to immediately leave the place and called on "all Israelis staying abroad to exercise vigilance, and stay away from demonstrations and protests, and obey the local security forces in case they get caught up in the incidents." Prominent rabi's rare rebuke against Russian officials It also raised its travel warning level to 4, the highest level, calling on citizens to avoid all travel to Dagestan and neighbouring regions, and for those who are there to leave as soon as possible. Also read | Israel floats idea of shifting 2.3mn Gazans to Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula On Tuesday, a prominent rabbi in Russia, Boruch Gorin, slammed the Russian authorities over the antisemetic riots calling the incident an “eternal disgrace.” Also read | Israel-Hamas war: Jewish students at Cornell University receive death threats, police deployed for safety Gorin, a journalist, publisher and spokesperson for Russian Chief Rabbi Berel Lazar, said on Facebook, “Shocked [at what happened] at the international airport. Has the republic not yet been renamed Hamastan?” (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Russia beefs up security in Muslim-majority region after anti-Semetic riots, Israel asks citizens to leave

Indian and Russian officials will soon meet to discuss and decide about final delivery schedule for last two squadrons of Russian S-400 missile defence system. The Indian Air Force (IAF) has already operationalised three of these squadrons.&nbsp;The delivery of the last two was delayed due to the Russia-Ukraine war.

The Russian air defence missile system is considered to be one of the best in the world. In 2018-19, India signed a USD&nbsp;4.2 billion contract with Russia for five squadrons of S-400 missiles.&nbsp;

"The three squadrons have already been operationalised in important sectors. While one unit is looking at both China and Pakistan, one each has been earmarked for China and Pakistan fronts," a report from ANI news agency said, citing defence sources.

Watch | Russia eyes eastern Ukraine: Key battlefront in Russia's winter offensive

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The Russian side has reportedly not made it fully clear when the delivery for the remaining squadrons will take place, as the Ukraine war is still going on.

According to ANI, there were unconfirmed reports that the squadrons that were manufactured for the Indian Air Force were used by Russians.

The Indian Defence Acquisition Council recently cleared the procurement of Indian Long Range Surface to Air Missile system (LR-SAM). This is part of Project Kusha. The development project was cleared by the Cabinet Committee on Security.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-says-it-is-ready-to-repel-russias-offensive-actions-in-bakhmut-653284">Ukraine says it is ready to repel Russia's offensive actions in Bakhmut</a>

The LRSAM is three-layered long-range surface-to-air missile defence system that is capable of striking down enemy aircraft and missiles from surface. The range of this system is 400 km.

India already has air defence systems. They are sure to complement LRSAM. 
 
Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM) is one such missile system that is used by all three defence services of India. The addition of S-400 will boost India's defence capabilities.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Indian and Russian officials will soon meet to discuss and decide about final delivery schedule for last two squadrons of Russian S-400 missile defence system. The Indian Air Force (IAF) has already operationalised three of these squadrons.

Indian and Russian officials will soon meet to discuss and decide about final delivery schedule for last two squadrons of Russian S-400 missile defence system. The Indian Air Force (IAF) has already operationalised three of these squadrons. The delivery of the last two was delayed due to the Russia-Ukraine war. The Russian air defence missile system is considered to be one of the best in the world. In 2018-19, India signed a USD 4.2 billion contract with Russia for five squadrons of S-400 missiles. "The three squadrons have already been operationalised in important sectors. While one unit is looking at both China and Pakistan, one each has been earmarked for China and Pakistan fronts," a report from ANI news agency said, citing defence sources. Watch | Russia eyes eastern Ukraine: Key battlefront in Russia's winter offensive × The Russian side has reportedly not made it fully clear when the delivery for the remaining squadrons will take place, as the Ukraine war is still going on. According to ANI, there were unconfirmed reports that the squadrons that were manufactured for the Indian Air Force were used by Russians. The Indian Defence Acquisition Council recently cleared the procurement of Indian Long Range Surface to Air Missile system (LR-SAM). This is part of Project Kusha. The development project was cleared by the Cabinet Committee on Security. Also Read | Ukraine says it is ready to repel Russia's offensive actions in Bakhmut The LRSAM is three-layered long-range surface-to-air missile defence system that is capable of striking down enemy aircraft and missiles from surface. The range of this system is 400 km. India already has air defence systems. They are sure to complement LRSAM. Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM) is one such missile system that is used by all three defence services of India. The addition of S-400 will boost India's defence capabilities. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

India, Russia to meet to discuss delivery of last S-400 missile defence system squadrons

We all have our favorite subjects in school. For some, it is Geography. But for all our mugging (and reading after school years) there comes a time when a name stumps us. Is it a country? Is it a province? Don't feel bad if you felt the same way when you heard 'Dagestan' because there are many like you who had to come down from their perch which had the tag 'knowledgeable'.

Before we delve deeper, take it as a working idea that Dagestan is a place. This will help in quickly explaining why it is in news before going into more detail.

<h2>Why is Dagestan in news?</h2>

Anti-Israel protesters stormed an airport in Makhachkala (a place in Dagestan) on Sunday (October 30). This resulted in quite a chaos and twenty people were injured. The protesters numbered in hundreds.

After some efforts. securty forces were able to control the situation and remove the demonstrators from the scene.

The incident has been noticed across the world. Russia said that the protest and ensuing chaos was caused due to "outside influence".

Israel expressed concerns and urged Russia to protect Israelis in Dagestan and also inside the airport.

Now, why are nations turning to Russia when there's a situation in what sounds like the name of a country (Dagestan)?

Read on to know more.

<h2>What is Dagestan?</h2>

Although the name Dagestan or the word 'Republic of Dagestan' tempts us into declaring it a country, Dagestan is a province of Russia, within the Russian Federation. It does not matter that the official name is 'Republic of Dagestan'. The province is the southernmost tip of the largest country in the world.

<h2>Where exactly is Dagestan?</h2>

<img alt="Dagestan" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2ba0ee2b-9118-4ee4-a555-f8d12d01a79b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Dagestan.png" />

(Image: Wikimedia Commons)

Dagestan translates as "land of the mountains'. It is a mountainous territory located in the eastern part of the North Caucasus. Dagestan has Georgia and Chechnya to the west and Azerbaijan to the south. To its east is Caspian Sea.

Some places in the mountainous terrain are so high and unreachable, you'll only have take a helicopter in order to reach there.

<h2>What about ethnicity in Dagestan?</h2>

The mainly Muslim republic of Dagestan is ethnically and linguistically a varied region. The diversity is so rich, that its Russia's most diverse region.

Sample this.

There are at least 40 different ethnicities in Dagestan. More than 30 languages are spoken here.&nbsp;

The Avars are the largest ethnicity. They form about a fifth of the population in the province. After the Avars, there is a sizeable presence of Dargins, Kumyks and Lezgins.&nbsp;

The republic within the Russian Federation has a population of about 3.2 million, say official figures from the Russian government. About 10 per cent of the population is ethnically Russian.

<h2>What&nbsp;is the capital of Dagestan?</h2>

It's Makhachkala. And if the word sounds familiar then the chaos at the airport mentioned in&nbsp;the beginning took place in this city. It is located on Dagestan's Caspian Sea coast. It was conquered by the Russian Imperial Army in the 19th century. It was a major pre-revolutionary trading port.

In present times, Dagestan is a conduit for major oil and gas pipelines going from the Caspian Sea to the Russian heartland. Dagestan itself has oil and gas reserves.

Watch | Israel-Palestine war: Protesters storm Russia's Dagestan airport in search of Israelis

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However, the region witnesses organised crime and is part of Russian region&nbsp;that's unstable. Russian security forces battled an armed insurgency for almost a decade till 2017. They fought various Islamist militant groups in Dagestan, neighbouring Ingushetia and Chechnya.

Imam Shamil, a 19th-century Islamic fighter who has a legendary halo around him was born in Dagestan. He resisted Russian rule for 25 years in the 19th century. Today, many places and streets in the region are named after him.

<h2>A quick look at Dagestan's situation&nbsp;20th century onwards</h2>

1920s: Dagestan becomes an autonomous republic within the Russian Federation as USSR attempts to gain control in the Caucasus.

1991: As the Soviet Union fell, authorities in the Republic of Dagestan remained loyal to Russia but the region soon became infamous because of corruption and lawlessness.

1990s: Separatist elements from Chechnya conduct armed attacks in Dagestan multiple times.

1995-1996: Forces led by the Chechens take hundreds of hostages in hospital located in the Dagestani towns of Budennovsk and Kizlyar. Large number of people die in these attacks.

2007-2017: Islamist insurgency in North Caucasus causes conflict with Russian forces. Post 2015, Russian forces also battle with Islamic State fighters. Such fights mostly remain concentrated in Chechnya, Ingushetia, Dagestan and Kabardino-Balkaria.

2010: Russia alleges Dagestani fighter Magomed Vagabov is responsible for the suicide attack in Moscow metro. Shortly afterward, Russian forces kill Vagabov in Dagestan

2017: Russia's internal intelligence agency FSB says last outfit of insurgents in the North Caucasus has been destroyed.

2022: Clashes erupt in Makhachkala. Protesters clash with police as they oppose Moscow's call-up of military reservists in order to help Russian war effort in Ukraine. The protesters also express there anger over the death of large number of Dagestani servicemen in the Ukraine war.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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We all have our favorite subjects in school. For some, it is Geography. But for all our mugging (and reading after school years) there comes a time when a name stumps us.

We all have our favorite subjects in school. For some, it is Geography. But for all our mugging (and reading after school years) there comes a time when a name stumps us. Is it a country? Is it a province? Don't feel bad if you felt the same way when you heard 'Dagestan' because there are many like you who had to come down from their perch which had the tag 'knowledgeable'. Before we delve deeper, take it as a working idea that Dagestan is a place. This will help in quickly explaining why it is in news before going into more detail. Why is Dagestan in news? Anti-Israel protesters stormed an airport in Makhachkala (a place in Dagestan) on Sunday (October 30). This resulted in quite a chaos and twenty people were injured. The protesters numbered in hundreds. After some efforts. securty forces were able to control the situation and remove the demonstrators from the scene. The incident has been noticed across the world. Russia said that the protest and ensuing chaos was caused due to "outside influence". Israel expressed concerns and urged Russia to protect Israelis in Dagestan and also inside the airport. Now, why are nations turning to Russia when there's a situation in what sounds like the name of a country (Dagestan)? Read on to know more. What is Dagestan? Although the name Dagestan or the word 'Republic of Dagestan' tempts us into declaring it a country, Dagestan is a province of Russia, within the Russian Federation. It does not matter that the official name is 'Republic of Dagestan'. The province is the southernmost tip of the largest country in the world. Where exactly is Dagestan? (Image: Wikimedia Commons) Dagestan translates as "land of the mountains'. It is a mountainous territory located in the eastern part of the North Caucasus. Dagestan has Georgia and Chechnya to the west and Azerbaijan to the south. To its east is Caspian Sea. Some places in the mountainous terrain are so high and unreachable, you'll only have take a helicopter in order to reach there. What about ethnicity in Dagestan? The mainly Muslim republic of Dagestan is ethnically and linguistically a varied region. The diversity is so rich, that its Russia's most diverse region. Sample this. There are at least 40 different ethnicities in Dagestan. More than 30 languages are spoken here. The Avars are the largest ethnicity. They form about a fifth of the population in the province. After the Avars, there is a sizeable presence of Dargins, Kumyks and Lezgins. The republic within the Russian Federation has a population of about 3.2 million, say official figures from the Russian government. About 10 per cent of the population is ethnically Russian. What is the capital of Dagestan? It's Makhachkala. And if the word sounds familiar then the chaos at the airport mentioned in the beginning took place in this city. It is located on Dagestan's Caspian Sea coast. It was conquered by the Russian Imperial Army in the 19th century. It was a major pre-revolutionary trading port. In present times, Dagestan is a conduit for major oil and gas pipelines going from the Caspian Sea to the Russian heartland. Dagestan itself has oil and gas reserves. Watch | Israel-Palestine war: Protesters storm Russia's Dagestan airport in search of Israelis × However, the region witnesses organised crime and is part of Russian region that's unstable. Russian security forces battled an armed insurgency for almost a decade till 2017. They fought various Islamist militant groups in Dagestan, neighbouring Ingushetia and Chechnya. Imam Shamil, a 19th-century Islamic fighter who has a legendary halo around him was born in Dagestan. He resisted Russian rule for 25 years in the 19th century. Today, many places and streets in the region are named after him. A quick look at Dagestan's situation 20th century onwards 1920s: Dagestan becomes an autonomous republic within the Russian Federation as USSR attempts to gain control in the Caucasus. 1991: As the Soviet Union fell, authorities in the Republic of Dagestan remained loyal to Russia but the region soon became infamous because of corruption and lawlessness. 1990s: Separatist elements from Chechnya conduct armed attacks in Dagestan multiple times. 1995-1996: Forces led by the Chechens take hundreds of hostages in hospital located in the Dagestani towns of Budennovsk and Kizlyar. Large number of people die in these attacks. 2007-2017: Islamist insurgency in North Caucasus causes conflict with Russian forces. Post 2015, Russian forces also battle with Islamic State fighters. Such fights mostly remain concentrated in Chechnya, Ingushetia, Dagestan and Kabardino-Balkaria. 2010: Russia alleges Dagestani fighter Magomed Vagabov is responsible for the suicide attack in Moscow metro. Shortly afterward, Russian forces kill Vagabov in Dagestan 2017: Russia's internal intelligence agency FSB says last outfit of insurgents in the North Caucasus has been destroyed. 2022: Clashes erupt in Makhachkala. Protesters clash with police as they oppose Moscow's call-up of military reservists in order to help Russian war effort in Ukraine. The protesters also express there anger over the death of large number of Dagestani servicemen in the Ukraine war. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Explained | What and where is Dagestan, why is it in news?

The Russian army, which has been fighting to gain control of the embattled city of Avdiivka, in eastern Ukraine have most probably faced some worst casualty rates this year, as they have faced losses of at least 4,000 troops, as per reports. 
 
In a call held with US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin on Saturday (Oct 28), Ukraine Defence Minister Rustem Umerov spoke about the staggering death tally of the Russian army in Avdiivka, as per a Telegram post by the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence. 
 
The defence ministry of the United Kingdom stated eight brigades had been deployed by Moscow in its campaign for Avdiivka, which is home to a sprawling coke plant and is located roughly 16 miles from Donetsk, which has been occupied by Russia. However, those forces have “likely suffered some of Russia’s highest casualty rates of 2023 so far”.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-8-injured-after-russian-strike-in-ukraines-kherson-dozens-of-buildings-damaged-652137">At least 8 injured in Russian strike on Ukraine’s Kherson, dozens of buildings damaged</a>

In its Saturday battlefield report, the Ukrainian General Staff stated that Russian forces were making attempts to encircle Avdiivka, however, Kyiv has continued to repel the Russian troops strongly. “The Ukrainian soldiers are standing their ground, inflicting major losses on the enemy,” it stated. 
 
The assault was launched by Russia on the embattled Donetsk in mid-October as Ukrainian forces were slammed with repeated artillery assaults along with multiple attacks by armoured vehicles and troops, as per the local and military authorities in Ukraine.

<h2>Moscow lost at least a brigade: Zelensky</h2>

On Friday, Ukraine President Vladimir Zelensky stated that in the offensive push of Russia for Avdiivka, Moscow lost “at least a brigade”, which has different sizes but can include as many as 8,000 troops. 
 
“The invaders made several attempts to surround Avdiivka, but each time our soldiers stopped them and threw them back, causing painful losses,” stated Zelensky.

Watch |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine War | European firms helping Russia produce dagger missiles: Report

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The concentrated assault by Russia on Avdiivka came nearly five months after a counteroffensive was launched by Ukraine in the south and eastern territories, currently taken by Moscow. 
 
The American think tank, the Institute for the Study of War, on Thursday, said that the forces of Moscow have faced severe losses in equipment in their campaign to control Avdiivka, which “will likely undermine Russian offensive capabilities over the long term”. 
 
This week, the Biden administration stated that Russian soldiers are being executed by the Russian military if they are not following the orders and entire units have been threatened that they will be killed if they tried retreating from the battlefield in Ukraine.

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The Russian army, which has been fighting to gain control of the embattled city of Avdiivka, in eastern Ukraine have most probably faced some worst casualty rates this year, as they have faced losses of at least 4,000 troops, as per reports.

The Russian army, which has been fighting to gain control of the embattled city of Avdiivka, in eastern Ukraine have most probably faced some worst casualty rates this year, as they have faced losses of at least 4,000 troops, as per reports. In a call held with US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin on Saturday (Oct 28), Ukraine Defence Minister Rustem Umerov spoke about the staggering death tally of the Russian army in Avdiivka, as per a Telegram post by the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence. The defence ministry of the United Kingdom stated eight brigades had been deployed by Moscow in its campaign for Avdiivka, which is home to a sprawling coke plant and is located roughly 16 miles from Donetsk, which has been occupied by Russia. However, those forces have “likely suffered some of Russia’s highest casualty rates of 2023 so far”. ALSO READ | At least 8 injured in Russian strike on Ukraine’s Kherson, dozens of buildings damaged In its Saturday battlefield report, the Ukrainian General Staff stated that Russian forces were making attempts to encircle Avdiivka, however, Kyiv has continued to repel the Russian troops strongly. “The Ukrainian soldiers are standing their ground, inflicting major losses on the enemy,” it stated. The assault was launched by Russia on the embattled Donetsk in mid-October as Ukrainian forces were slammed with repeated artillery assaults along with multiple attacks by armoured vehicles and troops, as per the local and military authorities in Ukraine. Moscow lost at least a brigade: Zelensky On Friday, Ukraine President Vladimir Zelensky stated that in the offensive push of Russia for Avdiivka, Moscow lost “at least a brigade”, which has different sizes but can include as many as 8,000 troops. “The invaders made several attempts to surround Avdiivka, but each time our soldiers stopped them and threw them back, causing painful losses,” stated Zelensky. Watch | Russia-Ukraine War | European firms helping Russia produce dagger missiles: Report The concentrated assault by Russia on Avdiivka came nearly five months after a counteroffensive was launched by Ukraine in the south and eastern territories, currently taken by Moscow. The American think tank, the Institute for the Study of War, on Thursday, said that the forces of Moscow have faced severe losses in equipment in their campaign to control Avdiivka, which “will likely undermine Russian offensive capabilities over the long term”. This week, the Biden administration stated that Russian soldiers are being executed by the Russian military if they are not following the orders and entire units have been threatened that they will be killed if they tried retreating from the battlefield in Ukraine. Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Russia suffers 4,000 casualties as fight for Avdiivka escalates in eastern Ukraine

Palestinian militant group Hamas said that on Moscow's request, it is trying to find eight Russian-Israeli dual citizens who were held captive during its attack on Israel to free them, Russian news agencies reported on Saturday (Oct 28).

Russia, which has begun diplomatic efforts to free hostages held in Gaza, does not consider Hamas to be a terror group and has good relations with it.

"From the Russian side, via the foreign ministry, we received a list of citizens that have dual citizenship," senior Hamas representative Moussa Abu Marzook was cited as saying by the RIA Novosti news agency.&nbsp;

"We are looking for those people... It is hard but we are looking. And when we find them, we will let them go."&nbsp;

"We are very attentive to this list and will process it carefully because we consider Russia to be the closest friend," he said. &nbsp;

"About the peaceful citizens that were taken and that are now in Gaza, we treat them as guests."&nbsp;

<h2>Russia says Israel's Gaza bombardment</h2>

Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that Israel's bombardment of Gaza is against international law and imperils creating a cataclysm that could last for years.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israels-ground-invasion-of-gaza-can-turn-catastrophic-saudi-arabia-warns-us-652260">Israel's ground invasion of Gaza can turn catastrophic: Saudi Arabia warns US</a>

Lavrov made the remarks in an interview with the Belarusian state news agency Belta, which released them on Saturday.

"While we condemn terrorism, we categorically disagree that you can respond to terrorism by violating the norms of international humanitarian law, including indiscriminately using force against targets where civilians are known to be present, including hostages that have been taken," said Lavrov.

"If Gaza is destroyed and 2 million inhabitants are expelled, as some politicians in Israel and abroad propose, this will create a catastrophe for many decades, if not centuries," warned Lavrov.

"It is necessary to stop, and to announce humanitarian programmes to save the population under blockade."

Lavrov also said that Russia was in close contact with Israel too.

"We remain in full contact with Israel, and our ambassador is regularly in touch with them," said Lavrov.

"We are sending signals about the need to seek a peaceful solution and not to follow through with this announced 'scorched earth' strategy."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
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Palestinian militant group Hamas said that on Moscow's request, it is trying to find eight Russian-Israeli dual citizens who were held captive during its attack on Israel to free them, Russian news agencies reported on Saturday (Oct 28).

Palestinian militant group Hamas said that on Moscow's request, it is trying to find eight Russian-Israeli dual citizens who were held captive during its attack on Israel to free them, Russian news agencies reported on Saturday (Oct 28). Russia, which has begun diplomatic efforts to free hostages held in Gaza, does not consider Hamas to be a terror group and has good relations with it. "From the Russian side, via the foreign ministry, we received a list of citizens that have dual citizenship," senior Hamas representative Moussa Abu Marzook was cited as saying by the RIA Novosti news agency. "We are looking for those people... It is hard but we are looking. And when we find them, we will let them go." "We are very attentive to this list and will process it carefully because we consider Russia to be the closest friend," he said. "About the peaceful citizens that were taken and that are now in Gaza, we treat them as guests." Russia says Israel's Gaza bombardment Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that Israel's bombardment of Gaza is against international law and imperils creating a cataclysm that could last for years. Also read: Israel's ground invasion of Gaza can turn catastrophic: Saudi Arabia warns US Lavrov made the remarks in an interview with the Belarusian state news agency Belta, which released them on Saturday. "While we condemn terrorism, we categorically disagree that you can respond to terrorism by violating the norms of international humanitarian law, including indiscriminately using force against targets where civilians are known to be present, including hostages that have been taken," said Lavrov. "If Gaza is destroyed and 2 million inhabitants are expelled, as some politicians in Israel and abroad propose, this will create a catastrophe for many decades, if not centuries," warned Lavrov. "It is necessary to stop, and to announce humanitarian programmes to save the population under blockade." Lavrov also said that Russia was in close contact with Israel too. "We remain in full contact with Israel, and our ambassador is regularly in touch with them," said Lavrov. "We are sending signals about the need to seek a peaceful solution and not to follow through with this announced 'scorched earth' strategy." (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.

Hamas says trying to locate Russian-Israeli hostages to free them

At least eight people have been injured after heavy shelling by Russian forces in the Ukrainian city of Kherson on Friday (Oct 27) which as per a senior city official has also destroyed and damaged around 15 buildings, reported Reuters. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian president said Russian forces have lost at least a brigade worth of troops amid its new offensive against the Ukrainian city of Avdiivka.&nbsp;

In a separate attack, Ukraine’s interior minister on Friday said a Russian missile hit a fire department building in the northern region of Kharkiv injuring at least eight rescuers.&nbsp;

<h2>What happened in Kherson?</h2>

Roman Mrochko, head of the city’s military administration, took to Telegram and said three among those injured are being treated in hospital. He also said that two buildings in the city had been destroyed, three suffered heavy damage and 10 sustained some damage.

“In the evening, the entire city trembled,” said the Ukrainian Emergency Services on Telegram, adding that the “enemy targeted the very centre of Kherson.” The emergency services said their workers rescued two women, in their 70s and 80s, who had been blocked in a building.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-is-executing-soldiers-who-are-refusing-orders-in-ukraine-says-white-house-651710">Russia is ‘executing soldiers’ who are refusing orders in Ukraine, says White House</a>

Another person was wounded when Russian forces shelled Beryslav, a town further north on the Dnipro River in the Kherson Region, according to Ukraine’s Suspilne public broadcaster.&nbsp;

<h2>Eight injured in Kharkiv</h2>

According to the Ukrainian interior minister Ihor Klymenko, the attack took place in the Ukrainian town of Izium which left eight rescuers injured as well as the “building itself and 13 pieces of equipment were also damaged.”&nbsp;

<h2>Zelensky claims says Russia loses ‘at least a brigade’</h2>

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Russian forces have lost at least a brigade worth of troops in a bid to take over the eastern city of Avdiivka.&nbsp;

This comes as Russia in the past weeks has ramped up attacks in the Ukrainian town of Avdiivka in the eastern Donetsk region and the northeastern city of Kupyansk, in what is being viewed as a new offensive by the Russian forces in a bid to move the front line forward before winter.

“The invaders made several attempts to surround Avdiivka, but each time our soldiers stopped them and threw them back, causing painful losses. In these cases, the enemy lost at least a brigade,” Zelensky told United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak during a phone call, according to the president’s office. The size of a brigade can vary between 1,500 and 8,000 troops.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-visits-military-hq-in-southern-russia-moscow-ramps-up-attacks-in-avdiivka-says-ukraine-649312">Putin visits military HQ in southern Russia; Moscow ramps up attacks in Avdiivka, says Ukraine&nbsp;</a>

A report by the New York Times, back in August, citing US officials said the number of Ukrainian and Russian troops killed or wounded since the war in Ukraine that began in February 2022 was nearing 500,000.&nbsp;

However, the officials warned that the number is strictly an estimate due to the lack of official figures.&nbsp;

In an update on Friday, the Ukrainian General Staff said the military “steadfastly holds the defence and causes significant losses” to Russian troops, adding Moscow was not giving up on its attempts to encircle the town.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

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At least eight people have been injured after heavy shelling by Russian forces in the Ukrainian city of Kherson on Friday (Oct 27) which as per a senior city official has also destroyed and damaged around 15 buildings, reported Reuters.

At least eight people have been injured after heavy shelling by Russian forces in the Ukrainian city of Kherson on Friday (Oct 27) which as per a senior city official has also destroyed and damaged around 15 buildings, reported Reuters. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian president said Russian forces have lost at least a brigade worth of troops amid its new offensive against the Ukrainian city of Avdiivka. In a separate attack, Ukraine’s interior minister on Friday said a Russian missile hit a fire department building in the northern region of Kharkiv injuring at least eight rescuers. What happened in Kherson? Roman Mrochko, head of the city’s military administration, took to Telegram and said three among those injured are being treated in hospital. He also said that two buildings in the city had been destroyed, three suffered heavy damage and 10 sustained some damage. “In the evening, the entire city trembled,” said the Ukrainian Emergency Services on Telegram, adding that the “enemy targeted the very centre of Kherson.” The emergency services said their workers rescued two women, in their 70s and 80s, who had been blocked in a building. ALSO READ | Russia is ‘executing soldiers’ who are refusing orders in Ukraine, says White House Another person was wounded when Russian forces shelled Beryslav, a town further north on the Dnipro River in the Kherson Region, according to Ukraine’s Suspilne public broadcaster. Eight injured in Kharkiv According to the Ukrainian interior minister Ihor Klymenko, the attack took place in the Ukrainian town of Izium which left eight rescuers injured as well as the “building itself and 13 pieces of equipment were also damaged.” Zelensky claims says Russia loses ‘at least a brigade’ Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Russian forces have lost at least a brigade worth of troops in a bid to take over the eastern city of Avdiivka. This comes as Russia in the past weeks has ramped up attacks in the Ukrainian town of Avdiivka in the eastern Donetsk region and the northeastern city of Kupyansk, in what is being viewed as a new offensive by the Russian forces in a bid to move the front line forward before winter. “The invaders made several attempts to surround Avdiivka, but each time our soldiers stopped them and threw them back, causing painful losses. In these cases, the enemy lost at least a brigade,” Zelensky told United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak during a phone call, according to the president’s office. The size of a brigade can vary between 1,500 and 8,000 troops. ALSO READ | Putin visits military HQ in southern Russia; Moscow ramps up attacks in Avdiivka, says Ukraine A report by the New York Times, back in August, citing US officials said the number of Ukrainian and Russian troops killed or wounded since the war in Ukraine that began in February 2022 was nearing 500,000. However, the officials warned that the number is strictly an estimate due to the lack of official figures. In an update on Friday, the Ukrainian General Staff said the military “steadfastly holds the defence and causes significant losses” to Russian troops, adding Moscow was not giving up on its attempts to encircle the town. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. 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.

At least 8 injured in Russian strike on Ukraine’s Kherson, dozens of buildings damaged

Russia, on Thursday (Oct 26) formally charged the Russian-American journalist Alsu Kurmasheva detained in the country for failing to register as a “foreign agent” days after extending her detention.&nbsp;

Kurmasheva, a Prague-based editor for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), is the second American to be detained by Russia after Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich who was arrested in March on spying charges, which he, his employer and the White House have since denied.&nbsp;

<h2>What are the charges?</h2>

According to a statement by RFE/RL, Russia’s investigative committee announced that she has been charged with a section of the criminal code which refers to the registration of foreign agents. This comes a week after she was arrested in the Russian city of Kazan.&nbsp;

Kurmasheva was charged with a violation of the law which requires registration of those who carry out “purposeful collection of information in the field of military, military-technical activities of Russia” as “foreign agents”, which if received by foreign sources, “can be used against the security of the country,” reported the RFE/RL’s Russian service.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-russia-detains-another-american-journalist-heres-what-we-know-649362">Explained: Russia detains another American journalist. Here’s what we know</a>

RFE/RL is funded by the United States Congress and is designated by Moscow as a “foreign agent”.

The Russian-American journalist was detained on Wednesday (Oct 18) and is currently being held in pre-trial detention until at least December 5.&nbsp;

If found guilty, Kurmasheva faces up to five years in prison. However, the Russian-American journalist who lives in Prague with her husband and two children has denied the charge, according to RFE/RL.&nbsp;

Kurmasheva had travelled to Russia for a family emergency back in May and was temporarily detained on June 2 while waiting for her return flight at Kazan airport. Officials confiscated both her Russian and American passports.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-russia-us-proposals-for-un-action-on-israel-gaza-rejected-at-security-council-651348">Israel-Hamas war: Russia, US proposals for UN action on Israel, Gaza rejected at Security Council</a>

She was also fined $103 (10,000 roubles) on October 11 for not registering her passports.

<h2>‘Egregious’ escalation in Moscow’s decades-long crackdown: Rights groups</h2>

The Russian-American journalist’s detention has been called an “egregious” escalation in Moscow’s decades-long campaign against independent media in the country by right groups.

Kurmasheva’s detention has sparked a wave of criticism from rights groups, including critics who have called the law so broadly sweeping that it essentially allows Russian officials to arrest journalists at will.&nbsp;

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The Committee to Protect Journalists (CJP) called Kurmasheva’s arrest “the most egregious instance to date of the abusive use of Russia’s foreign agents’ legislation against independent press”.&nbsp;

Rights groups, as per AFP, have said that the Russian-American journalist’s arrest is the first time that Russian officials have pressed criminal charges of this kind against a journalist.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russia, on Thursday (Oct 26) formally charged the Russian-American journalist Alsu Kurmasheva detained in the country for failing to register as a “foreign agent” days after extending her detention.

Russia, on Thursday (Oct 26) formally charged the Russian-American journalist Alsu Kurmasheva detained in the country for failing to register as a “foreign agent” days after extending her detention. Kurmasheva, a Prague-based editor for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), is the second American to be detained by Russia after Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich who was arrested in March on spying charges, which he, his employer and the White House have since denied. What are the charges? According to a statement by RFE/RL, Russia’s investigative committee announced that she has been charged with a section of the criminal code which refers to the registration of foreign agents. This comes a week after she was arrested in the Russian city of Kazan. Kurmasheva was charged with a violation of the law which requires registration of those who carry out “purposeful collection of information in the field of military, military-technical activities of Russia” as “foreign agents”, which if received by foreign sources, “can be used against the security of the country,” reported the RFE/RL’s Russian service. ALSO READ | Explained: Russia detains another American journalist. Here’s what we know RFE/RL is funded by the United States Congress and is designated by Moscow as a “foreign agent”. The Russian-American journalist was detained on Wednesday (Oct 18) and is currently being held in pre-trial detention until at least December 5. If found guilty, Kurmasheva faces up to five years in prison. However, the Russian-American journalist who lives in Prague with her husband and two children has denied the charge, according to RFE/RL. Kurmasheva had travelled to Russia for a family emergency back in May and was temporarily detained on June 2 while waiting for her return flight at Kazan airport. Officials confiscated both her Russian and American passports. ALSO READ | Israel-Hamas war: Russia, US proposals for UN action on Israel, Gaza rejected at Security Council She was also fined $103 (10,000 roubles) on October 11 for not registering her passports. ‘Egregious’ escalation in Moscow’s decades-long crackdown: Rights groups The Russian-American journalist’s detention has been called an “egregious” escalation in Moscow’s decades-long campaign against independent media in the country by right groups. Kurmasheva’s detention has sparked a wave of criticism from rights groups, including critics who have called the law so broadly sweeping that it essentially allows Russian officials to arrest journalists at will. ALSO READ | Slovakia’s newly elected PM Robert Fico stops military aid to Ukraine. And its personal The Committee to Protect Journalists (CJP) called Kurmasheva’s arrest “the most egregious instance to date of the abusive use of Russia’s foreign agents’ legislation against independent press”. Rights groups, as per AFP, have said that the Russian-American journalist’s arrest is the first time that Russian officials have pressed criminal charges of this kind against a journalist. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia formally charges American journalist Alsu Kurmasheva detained for violating ‘foreign agent’ law

A delegation from Hamas landed in Moscow on Thursday for talks with Russian officials on the release of Russian hostages and other foreign nationals who are currently held up in Gaza.

There are at least 220 Russian citizens held as hostages by Hamas, according to the Israeli government.

Mousa Abu Marzook, the founder and political leader of Hamas, was among the delegation of the militant group who met Russian deputy foreign minister Mikhail Bogdanov, state-run Tass news agency reported.

According to reports, Marzook, who lives in exile in Qatar, travelled to Moscow after an earlier meeting in Doha with Bogdanov and the Iranian deputy foreign minister, Ali Bagheri Kani.

“Abu Marzook, a member of the political bureau of the Islamic resistance movement Hamas, is in Moscow,” said the Russian foreign ministry in a statement.

“Contact with him took place in pursuit for the immediate release of foreign hostages held in the Gaza Strip, and issues related to ensuring the evacuation of Russian and other foreign citizens from the territory of the Palestinian enclave were discussed.”

Later, Hamas in its own statement praised Russia's President Vladimir Putin for his efforts to end "the crimes of Israel that are supported by the West", Russia's RIA news agency reported.

<h2>Russia-Hamas ties&nbsp;</h2>

The meeting comes after the deputy minister expressed his desire to meet the terrorist organisation in Qatar to discuss the release of Israeli hostages.

&nbsp;“If they are willing, we always are in favour of contact,” Bogdanov told state media earlier this month.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/advancing-india-middle-east-europe-economic-corridor-potential-reason-behind-hamas-attack-biden-651583">Biden links Hamas attack to economic corridor put out in G20 summit</a>

“Especially in this situation, [a meeting] would be useful for solving practical issues, including the freeing of hostages.”

<h2>Putin wants Gaza bombing to end&nbsp;</h2>

The meeting reflects Russia’s unwavering support to the Palestinians who have been affected by the Israeli counter-operations launched against Hamas for the October 7 terror attack.

Also read |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/meta-blocks-pro-palestine-account-on-instagram-due-to-security-reasons-651678">Meta blocks pro-Palestine account on Instagram, users accuse it of shadowbanning</a>

Earlier this week, Vladimir Putin warned that an Israeli ground invasion of Gaza could lead to a broader regional conflict, saying that “our main task is to stop the bloodshed and violence … otherwise, further escalation of the crisis is fraught with grave and extremely dangerous and destructive consequences. And not only for the Middle East region. It could spill over far beyond the borders of the Middle East.”

(With inputs from agencies)

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A delegation from Hamas landed in Moscow on Thursday for talks with Russian officials on the release of Russian hostages and other foreign nationals who are currently held up in Gaza.

A delegation from Hamas landed in Moscow on Thursday for talks with Russian officials on the release of Russian hostages and other foreign nationals who are currently held up in Gaza. There are at least 220 Russian citizens held as hostages by Hamas, according to the Israeli government. Mousa Abu Marzook, the founder and political leader of Hamas, was among the delegation of the militant group who met Russian deputy foreign minister Mikhail Bogdanov, state-run Tass news agency reported. According to reports, Marzook, who lives in exile in Qatar, travelled to Moscow after an earlier meeting in Doha with Bogdanov and the Iranian deputy foreign minister, Ali Bagheri Kani. “Abu Marzook, a member of the political bureau of the Islamic resistance movement Hamas, is in Moscow,” said the Russian foreign ministry in a statement. “Contact with him took place in pursuit for the immediate release of foreign hostages held in the Gaza Strip, and issues related to ensuring the evacuation of Russian and other foreign citizens from the territory of the Palestinian enclave were discussed.” Later, Hamas in its own statement praised Russia's President Vladimir Putin for his efforts to end "the crimes of Israel that are supported by the West", Russia's RIA news agency reported. Russia-Hamas ties The meeting comes after the deputy minister expressed his desire to meet the terrorist organisation in Qatar to discuss the release of Israeli hostages. “If they are willing, we always are in favour of contact,” Bogdanov told state media earlier this month. Also read | Biden links Hamas attack to economic corridor put out in G20 summit “Especially in this situation, [a meeting] would be useful for solving practical issues, including the freeing of hostages.” Putin wants Gaza bombing to end The meeting reflects Russia’s unwavering support to the Palestinians who have been affected by the Israeli counter-operations launched against Hamas for the October 7 terror attack. Also read | Meta blocks pro-Palestine account on Instagram, users accuse it of shadowbanning Earlier this week, Vladimir Putin warned that an Israeli ground invasion of Gaza could lead to a broader regional conflict, saying that “our main task is to stop the bloodshed and violence … otherwise, further escalation of the crisis is fraught with grave and extremely dangerous and destructive consequences. And not only for the Middle East region. It could spill over far beyond the borders of the Middle East.” (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Hamas delegation visits Moscow to discuss release of hostages

The Kremlin said on Wednesday it was not concerned by China increasing the capabilities of its nuclear arsenal, stressing Moscow's "advanced strategic partnership" with Beijing and China's sovereign right to ensure its own security.

China has&nbsp;launched&nbsp;its first nuclear-powered guided missile submarines, according to the Pentagon's latest report on China's military, giving it land and sea attack options that were once the sole province of US&nbsp;and Russian vessels.

"This does not cause us concern, our relations are an advanced strategic partnership, we have the most advanced stage of political dialogue, economic interaction," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.

"And in this case, China, which faces very serious challenges for its own security in the region, is taking steps that it considers appropriate."

"This is the absolute sovereign right of this country."

Russia has forged even closer commercial, political and security ties with China, part of what they call a "no limits" partnership, since Moscow's decision to send tens of thousands of troops into Ukraine in February 2022, triggering sweeping Western sanctions.

The Pentagon&nbsp;report, published on Oct. 20, marks the first apparent confirmation that modified submarines seen in Chinese shipyards over the last 18 months are Type 093B guided missile submarines.

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Russia has been tweaking its own legislation on nuclear matters this month, with parliament on Wednesday&nbsp;completing&nbsp;the passage of a law that withdraws Moscow's ratification of the global treaty banning nuclear weapons tests.

Also read |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/greta-thunberg-kicked-out-of-israeli-textbooks-after-stand-with-gaza-row-651005">Greta Thunberg kicked out of Israeli textbooks after 'stand with Gaza' row</a>

Russia says it will not resume nuclear testing unless Washington does, but arms control experts are concerned it may be inching towards a test that the West would perceive as a threatening escalation in the context of the Ukraine war. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

The Kremlin said on Wednesday it was not concerned by China increasing the capabilities of its nuclear arsenal, stressing Moscow's "advanced strategic partnership" with Beijing and China's sovereign right to ensure its own security.

The Kremlin said on Wednesday it was not concerned by China increasing the capabilities of its nuclear arsenal, stressing Moscow's "advanced strategic partnership" with Beijing and China's sovereign right to ensure its own security. China has launched its first nuclear-powered guided missile submarines, according to the Pentagon's latest report on China's military, giving it land and sea attack options that were once the sole province of US and Russian vessels. "This does not cause us concern, our relations are an advanced strategic partnership, we have the most advanced stage of political dialogue, economic interaction," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters. "And in this case, China, which faces very serious challenges for its own security in the region, is taking steps that it considers appropriate." "This is the absolute sovereign right of this country." Russia has forged even closer commercial, political and security ties with China, part of what they call a "no limits" partnership, since Moscow's decision to send tens of thousands of troops into Ukraine in February 2022, triggering sweeping Western sanctions. The Pentagon report, published on Oct. 20, marks the first apparent confirmation that modified submarines seen in Chinese shipyards over the last 18 months are Type 093B guided missile submarines. Also read | Trump gaining ground in New York? Poll shows dip in Biden's popularity, rise in Trump's Russia has been tweaking its own legislation on nuclear matters this month, with parliament on Wednesday completing the passage of a law that withdraws Moscow's ratification of the global treaty banning nuclear weapons tests. Also read | Greta Thunberg kicked out of Israeli textbooks after 'stand with Gaza' row Russia says it will not resume nuclear testing unless Washington does, but arms control experts are concerned it may be inching towards a test that the West would perceive as a threatening escalation in the context of the Ukraine war. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia unconcerned by China increasing nuclear arsenal capabilities, says Kremlin

Russia and the United States on Wednesday (Oct 25) voted against each others’ draft resolutions which has further deepened the United Nations Security Council’s deadlock over any unified response to address the ongoing war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas.&nbsp;

The proposals come days after the US vetoed a draft resolution proposed by Brazil which condemned the October 7 terror attacks in Israel by Hamas and called for “humanitarian pauses” in the fighting to allow for aid delivery.

However, US ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield at the time criticised the text for not mentioning Israel’s right to defend itself.&nbsp;

<h2>‘Broadly similar’ US and Russia proposals</h2>

Notably, both resolutions are said to be similarly worded but the Russia-led proposal calls for a “humanitarian ceasefire” while the US has called for a “humanitarian pause” to enable the safe delivery of aid to civilians in Gaza.&nbsp;

Both resolutions condemned the terror attacks by Hamas on Israeli civilians and urged the UN to address the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza.&nbsp;

<h2>Russia, China veto US-led resolution</h2>

Russia and China vetoed the US-led resolution which reportedly shocked several diplomats as it said Israel has a right to defend itself and demanded Iran stop exporting arms to militant groups.&nbsp;

Nine countries, aside from the US, voted in favour of the Washington-led resolution – Albania, France, Ecuador, Gabon, Ghana, Japan, Malta, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.&nbsp;

However, it was rejected since China and Russia – two permanent members of the council – voted against the proposal. Brazil and Mozambique abstained from voting.

Ahead of the vote, Thomas-Greenfield said that the US has “worked exhaustively to draft a strong and balanced text.” She also said that in drafting the resolution, “we listened, we engaged” with humanitarian agencies and that the draft includes mechanisms to protect civilians and UN personnel.&nbsp;

However, after the resolution was double vetoed, Thomas-Greenfield told the 15-member council that she was disappointed and “though today’s vote was a setback, we must not be deterred.”

“The draft does not reflect the world’s strongest calls for a ceasefire, an end to the fighting, and it does not help resolve the issue,” said China’s UN Ambassador Zhang Jun after the vote.&nbsp;

He added, “At this moment, ceasefire is not just a diplomatic term. It means the life and death of many civilians.”

<h2>Russia-led resolutions fails to garner enough votes</h2>

Meanwhile, the Russia-led resolution calls for a “humanitarian ceasefire” and immediate cancellation of evacuation orders by the Israeli army forcing around one million people from northern Gaza to head to the southern part of the Gaza Strip ahead of the ground assault.&nbsp;

Russia’s Ambassador to the UN Vassily Nebenzya told the council he did not see the point of supporting the US-led draft which, according to him, served the geopolitical interests of one of the members of the council.&nbsp;

However, the Russian proposal failed to garner the minimum number of votes – four – to pass the resolution. A resolution needs at least nine votes and no vetoes by the five permanent members of the Security Council in order for it to be adopted.&nbsp;

Four countries that voted in favour of Russia’s resolution were China, Gabon, and UAE while the US and UK voted against it. Additionally, nine countries abstained from voting for Russia’s proposal.&nbsp;

This was Russia’s second attempt at a resolution after only five members voted in favour of its previous text on October 16.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
&nbsp;

Russia and the United States on Wednesday (Oct 25) voted against each others’ draft resolutions which has further deepened the United Nations Security Council’s deadlock over any unified response to address the ongoing war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas.

Russia and the United States on Wednesday (Oct 25) voted against each others’ draft resolutions which has further deepened the United Nations Security Council’s deadlock over any unified response to address the ongoing war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas. The proposals come days after the US vetoed a draft resolution proposed by Brazil which condemned the October 7 terror attacks in Israel by Hamas and called for “humanitarian pauses” in the fighting to allow for aid delivery. However, US ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield at the time criticised the text for not mentioning Israel’s right to defend itself. ‘Broadly similar’ US and Russia proposals Notably, both resolutions are said to be similarly worded but the Russia-led proposal calls for a “humanitarian ceasefire” while the US has called for a “humanitarian pause” to enable the safe delivery of aid to civilians in Gaza. Both resolutions condemned the terror attacks by Hamas on Israeli civilians and urged the UN to address the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza. Russia, China veto US-led resolution Russia and China vetoed the US-led resolution which reportedly shocked several diplomats as it said Israel has a right to defend itself and demanded Iran stop exporting arms to militant groups. Nine countries, aside from the US, voted in favour of the Washington-led resolution – Albania, France, Ecuador, Gabon, Ghana, Japan, Malta, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. However, it was rejected since China and Russia – two permanent members of the council – voted against the proposal. Brazil and Mozambique abstained from voting. Ahead of the vote, Thomas-Greenfield said that the US has “worked exhaustively to draft a strong and balanced text.” She also said that in drafting the resolution, “we listened, we engaged” with humanitarian agencies and that the draft includes mechanisms to protect civilians and UN personnel. However, after the resolution was double vetoed, Thomas-Greenfield told the 15-member council that she was disappointed and “though today’s vote was a setback, we must not be deterred.” “The draft does not reflect the world’s strongest calls for a ceasefire, an end to the fighting, and it does not help resolve the issue,” said China’s UN Ambassador Zhang Jun after the vote. He added, “At this moment, ceasefire is not just a diplomatic term. It means the life and death of many civilians.” Russia-led resolutions fails to garner enough votes Meanwhile, the Russia-led resolution calls for a “humanitarian ceasefire” and immediate cancellation of evacuation orders by the Israeli army forcing around one million people from northern Gaza to head to the southern part of the Gaza Strip ahead of the ground assault. Russia’s Ambassador to the UN Vassily Nebenzya told the council he did not see the point of supporting the US-led draft which, according to him, served the geopolitical interests of one of the members of the council. However, the Russian proposal failed to garner the minimum number of votes – four – to pass the resolution. A resolution needs at least nine votes and no vetoes by the five permanent members of the Security Council in order for it to be adopted. Four countries that voted in favour of Russia’s resolution were China, Gabon, and UAE while the US and UK voted against it. Additionally, nine countries abstained from voting for Russia’s proposal. This was Russia’s second attempt at a resolution after only five members voted in favour of its previous text on October 16. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel-Hamas war: Russia, US proposals for UN action on Israel, Gaza rejected at Security Council

Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich's sister has urged the Biden administration to remain focused on trying to bring her brother home from a Russian prison where he has been held for six months.

In a statement on Tuesday, Danielle expressed concern about Evan and said that she fears that the ongoing Middle East crisis may distract Washington from hostage diplomacy.

<h2>Putting faith in Biden</h2>

Talking to Reuters, Danielle said that her family has written Evan Gershkovich a special letter to mark his 32nd birthday, which falls on Thursday (October 26th).

She said that she and her family are putting their faith in President Joe Biden's promise to bring Evan home.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-evan-gershkovich-the-us-journalist-arrested-in-russia-for-espionage-577732">Who is Evan Gershkovich, the US journalist arrested in Russia for espionage</a>

"When we see the news, any news, we're always thinking of it through the lens of what does this mean for Evan? Our focus is on Evan," said Danielle.

"We just have to continue to ask President Biden to prioritise this and bring Evan home to us," she added.

She also called on people to read the reporter's stories and use the hashtag #IstandwithEvan on social media to aid his return.

"We're doing all that we can on our end to keep&nbsp;focus on Evan in the news," she stated.

<h2>What the Biden administration says</h2>

As per the news agency, a US White House Official has assured that there would be no letup in efforts to bring the Wall Street Journal reporter and other detained Americans home.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-wsjs-evan-gershkovich-another-american-journalist-detained-in-russia-648598">After WSJ's Evan Gershkovich, another American journalist detained in Russia</a>

The official reportedly said that this week there were "active meetings" on the cases of both Gershkovich and Paul Whelan, a former US Marine, who is also in Russian detention.

<h2>Why was the reporter arrested by Russia?</h2>

On March 29, Russia arrested Gershkovich 29 in the Urals city of Yekaterinburg. He has been accused of espionage. The charge carries up to 20 years in prison.&nbsp;

WSJ and the reporter have both denied the charges. The publication has been calling for his immediate release.

However, Russia's FSB — the main successor to the Soviet-era KGB — claims that the reporter was caught "red-handed" trying to obtain military secrets.

The White House has also labelled the charges "ridiculous" and the US president called the detention "totally illegal."

(With inputs from agencies)

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Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich's sister has urged the Biden administration to remain focused on trying to bring her brother home from a Russian prison where he has been held for six months.

Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich's sister has urged the Biden administration to remain focused on trying to bring her brother home from a Russian prison where he has been held for six months. In a statement on Tuesday, Danielle expressed concern about Evan and said that she fears that the ongoing Middle East crisis may distract Washington from hostage diplomacy. Putting faith in Biden Talking to Reuters, Danielle said that her family has written Evan Gershkovich a special letter to mark his 32nd birthday, which falls on Thursday (October 26th). She said that she and her family are putting their faith in President Joe Biden's promise to bring Evan home. Also read | Who is Evan Gershkovich, the US journalist arrested in Russia for espionage "When we see the news, any news, we're always thinking of it through the lens of what does this mean for Evan? Our focus is on Evan," said Danielle. "We just have to continue to ask President Biden to prioritise this and bring Evan home to us," she added. She also called on people to read the reporter's stories and use the hashtag #IstandwithEvan on social media to aid his return. "We're doing all that we can on our end to keep focus on Evan in the news," she stated. What the Biden administration says As per the news agency, a US White House Official has assured that there would be no letup in efforts to bring the Wall Street Journal reporter and other detained Americans home. Also read | After WSJ's Evan Gershkovich, another American journalist detained in Russia The official reportedly said that this week there were "active meetings" on the cases of both Gershkovich and Paul Whelan, a former US Marine, who is also in Russian detention. Why was the reporter arrested by Russia? On March 29, Russia arrested Gershkovich 29 in the Urals city of Yekaterinburg. He has been accused of espionage. The charge carries up to 20 years in prison. WSJ and the reporter have both denied the charges. The publication has been calling for his immediate release. However, Russia's FSB — the main successor to the Soviet-era KGB — claims that the reporter was caught "red-handed" trying to obtain military secrets. The White House has also labelled the charges "ridiculous" and the US president called the detention "totally illegal." (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.

Evan Gershkovich's family asks Biden to 'prioritise' bringing detained US journalist home from Russia

An investigation by the United Nations has further discovered evidence which proves that Russian forces committed “indiscriminate attacks” and war crimes while carrying out an invasion of Ukraine, which included deportation of children to Moscow and rape. 
 
“The collected evidence further shows that Russian authorities have committed the war crimes of willful killing, torture, rape and other sexual violence, and the deportation of children to the Russian Federation,” stated a United Nations Commission of inquiry on Ukraine, in its report submitted to the UN general assembly. 
 
“The commission has recently documented attacks that affected civilian objects, such as residential buildings, a railway station, shops, and a warehouse for civilian use, leading to numerous casualties,” the inquiry added.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-launches-missile-attack-on-postal-centre-in-kharkiv-kills-six-649843">Russia launches missile attack on postal centre in Kharkiv, six killed</a>

An arrest warrant was issued for Russian President Vladimir Putin by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in March for overseeing the abduction of Ukrainian children.

<h2>Russia faces strong opposition from Ukraine</h2>

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky along with top commanders visited Kherson's southern region where the Ukrainian troops were praised for defending Avdiivka and Kupiansk, two places where attacks have been intensified by Russia. 
 
“Thanks to all our boys, who powerfully hold the defence and destroy the occupier day after day,” said Zelensky, in a video shared on the Telegram messaging app. “These days, the Russian losses are really staggering, and it is precisely losses by the occupier that Ukraine needs,” he added. 
 
In October, a surprise offensive was launched by Russia on the eastern Ukrainian town of Avdiivka which as per reports resulted in serious losses for the forces of Moscow.

Watch |&nbsp;Russia launches 'most significant offensive operation' in Ukraine, eyes eastern Ukraine&nbsp;

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After gaining some ground initially, Russian troops found themselves facing strong opposition from Ukraine which counter-fired. 
 
“The initial Russian offensive operations in the Avdiivka area on October 10 also resulted in high verified Russian equipment losses,” wrote the Institute for the Study of War on X. The Institute for the Study of War is a thinktank based in Washington DC which regularly publishes analysis of the conflict. 
 
“The fact that Russian forces regrouped and re-launched assaults after the initial attacks suggests that either Russian forces believe they can feasibly take Avdiivka, or that the Russian military command is poorly prioritising offensive operations regardless of cost,” the thinktank stated.

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

(With inputs from agencies)

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An investigation by the United Nations has further discovered evidence which proves that Russian forces committed “indiscriminate attacks” and war crimes while carrying out an invasion of Ukraine, which included deportation of children to Moscow and rape.

An investigation by the United Nations has further discovered evidence which proves that Russian forces committed “indiscriminate attacks” and war crimes while carrying out an invasion of Ukraine, which included deportation of children to Moscow and rape. “The collected evidence further shows that Russian authorities have committed the war crimes of willful killing, torture, rape and other sexual violence, and the deportation of children to the Russian Federation,” stated a United Nations Commission of inquiry on Ukraine, in its report submitted to the UN general assembly. “The commission has recently documented attacks that affected civilian objects, such as residential buildings, a railway station, shops, and a warehouse for civilian use, leading to numerous casualties,” the inquiry added. ALSO READ | Russia launches missile attack on postal centre in Kharkiv, six killed An arrest warrant was issued for Russian President Vladimir Putin by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in March for overseeing the abduction of Ukrainian children. Russia faces strong opposition from Ukraine Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky along with top commanders visited Kherson's southern region where the Ukrainian troops were praised for defending Avdiivka and Kupiansk, two places where attacks have been intensified by Russia. “Thanks to all our boys, who powerfully hold the defence and destroy the occupier day after day,” said Zelensky, in a video shared on the Telegram messaging app. “These days, the Russian losses are really staggering, and it is precisely losses by the occupier that Ukraine needs,” he added. In October, a surprise offensive was launched by Russia on the eastern Ukrainian town of Avdiivka which as per reports resulted in serious losses for the forces of Moscow. Watch | Russia launches 'most significant offensive operation' in Ukraine, eyes eastern Ukraine After gaining some ground initially, Russian troops found themselves facing strong opposition from Ukraine which counter-fired. “The initial Russian offensive operations in the Avdiivka area on October 10 also resulted in high verified Russian equipment losses,” wrote the Institute for the Study of War on X. The Institute for the Study of War is a thinktank based in Washington DC which regularly publishes analysis of the conflict. “The fact that Russian forces regrouped and re-launched assaults after the initial attacks suggests that either Russian forces believe they can feasibly take Avdiivka, or that the Russian military command is poorly prioritising offensive operations regardless of cost,” the thinktank stated. Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

UN discovers more evidence which proves Russia's 'war crimes' in Ukraine

Ukrainian officials stated that six people were killed and 14 others were injured in a Russian missile attack which was carried out on a postal distribution centre in Kharkiv, the war-devastated northeastern Ukrainian city, said officials from Ukraine. 
 
"Russian missiles hit the Nova Poshta centre - an ordinary civilian object," stated Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenksy, on the Telegram messaging app. 
 
A video was posted by him which showed a building with windows in ruins after the blast and the construction material&nbsp;strewn around, with red trucks, which had Nova Poshta written on them in Ukrainian, standing in front of it. 
 
Governor of the Kharkiv region, which has the city of Kharkiv as its administrative centre, Oleh Synehubov said that many injured people were admitted to hospital in serious condition.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-visits-military-hq-in-southern-russia-moscow-ramps-up-attacks-in-avdiivka-says-ukraine-649312">Putin visits military HQ in southern Russia; Moscow ramps up attacks in Avdiivka, says Ukraine</a>

The people killed and injured were working for the postal centre, said Synehubov, taking to Telegram. The police stated that the workers did not get enough time to hide in the shelter, because the siren went off a second before the impact. 
 
The two sides have always denied targeting civilians in the war which started with Russia's&nbsp; invasion of its neighbour in February 2022. 
 
The second-largest city of Ukraine, Kharkiv, suffered massive devastation in the early days when Russia carried out a full-scale invasion.

<h2>Russia faces resistance in Avdiivka</h2>

Meanwhile, Russian forces have been facing resistance by Ukraine further south in the east as Moscow tried to gain control over more territories amid a slow counteroffensive of Kyiv, which has continued for months. 
 
Moscow's&nbsp;drive to capture Avdiivka faced fierce resistance on Saturday, said Ukraine's military, as the fortifications were bolstered by defences. "The enemy is becoming more active, but is incurring heavy losses," said General Oleksandr Tarnavskyi, commander of Ukraine's troops in the south, on Telegram.

Watch |&nbsp;How has Ukraine war impacted Russia's trade? | Trade booms between Russia &amp; China | WION

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The defence ministry of Russia, in its evening report, did not mention anything about Avdiivka but stated about strikes carried out on areas outside Bakhmut, which was seized by the forces of Moscow in May after months of battle. 
 
Avdiivka, which is a watchword for resistance in Ukraine, has faced enemy attacks for months. In the video footage, buildings can be seen in ruins and streets are barely distinguishable. 
 
"We have concrete fortifications ... outside the city," said military analyst Pavel Norozhnyi, while speaking on national television. "(Russian forces) need heavy artillery and anti-tank missiles to destroy every stronghold,” he added.

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Ukrainian officials stated that six people were killed and 14 others were injured in a Russian missile attack which was carried out on a postal distribution centre in Kharkiv, the war-devastated northeastern Ukrainian city, said officials from Ukraine.

Ukrainian officials stated that six people were killed and 14 others were injured in a Russian missile attack which was carried out on a postal distribution centre in Kharkiv, the war-devastated northeastern Ukrainian city, said officials from Ukraine. "Russian missiles hit the Nova Poshta centre - an ordinary civilian object," stated Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenksy, on the Telegram messaging app. A video was posted by him which showed a building with windows in ruins after the blast and the construction material strewn around, with red trucks, which had Nova Poshta written on them in Ukrainian, standing in front of it. Governor of the Kharkiv region, which has the city of Kharkiv as its administrative centre, Oleh Synehubov said that many injured people were admitted to hospital in serious condition. ALSO READ | Putin visits military HQ in southern Russia; Moscow ramps up attacks in Avdiivka, says Ukraine The people killed and injured were working for the postal centre, said Synehubov, taking to Telegram. The police stated that the workers did not get enough time to hide in the shelter, because the siren went off a second before the impact. The two sides have always denied targeting civilians in the war which started with Russia's invasion of its neighbour in February 2022. The second-largest city of Ukraine, Kharkiv, suffered massive devastation in the early days when Russia carried out a full-scale invasion. Russia faces resistance in Avdiivka Meanwhile, Russian forces have been facing resistance by Ukraine further south in the east as Moscow tried to gain control over more territories amid a slow counteroffensive of Kyiv, which has continued for months. Moscow's drive to capture Avdiivka faced fierce resistance on Saturday, said Ukraine's military, as the fortifications were bolstered by defences. "The enemy is becoming more active, but is incurring heavy losses," said General Oleksandr Tarnavskyi, commander of Ukraine's troops in the south, on Telegram. Watch | How has Ukraine war impacted Russia's trade? | Trade booms between Russia & China | WION The defence ministry of Russia, in its evening report, did not mention anything about Avdiivka but stated about strikes carried out on areas outside Bakhmut, which was seized by the forces of Moscow in May after months of battle. Avdiivka, which is a watchword for resistance in Ukraine, has faced enemy attacks for months. In the video footage, buildings can be seen in ruins and streets are barely distinguishable. "We have concrete fortifications ... outside the city," said military analyst Pavel Norozhnyi, while speaking on national television. "(Russian forces) need heavy artillery and anti-tank missiles to destroy every stronghold,” he added. Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Russia launches missile attack on postal centre in Kharkiv, six killed

The detention of Russian-American journalist <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-wsjs-evan-gershkovich-another-american-journalist-detained-in-russia-648598">Alsu Kurmasheva </a>was extended by 72 hours on Friday (Oct 20), days after she was detained by the police from the Russian city of Kazan. Kurmasheva has been accused of violating Russian law on foreign agents. Meanwhile, the Kremlin denied “persecuting” American citizens.

The Prague-based editor for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) is the second American to be detained by Russia after Wall Street Journal reporter <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-evan-gershkovich-the-us-journalist-arrested-in-russia-for-espionage-577732">Evan Gershkovich </a>was arrested in March on spying charges, which he, his employer and the White House have since denied.&nbsp;

<h2>Accusations against Kurmasheva</h2>

The Russian-American journalist was detained on Wednesday (Oct 18) after she allegedly failed to register as a “foreign agent” during a visit to Russia.&nbsp;

RFE/RL is funded by the US Congress and is designated by Moscow as a “foreign agent”. Moscow’s foreign agent law allows Russian authorities to label organisations and people that receive foreign funding as “foreign agents”.&nbsp;

Notably, the term that carries Cold War connotations of espionage, is not just limited to organisations, and can be applied to&nbsp;journalists, rights activists and even entertainers who can be asked to register with the justice ministry.

If found guilty, Kurmasheva faces up to five years in prison. However, her lawyer Edgar Matevosyan told Reuters that she was pleading not guilty.

<h2>What happened in the court?</h2>

Kurmasheva was seen wearing what appeared to be a hooded coat and a mask over her face, while two staff members in balaclavas escorted her into Kazan’s Sovetski court for the hearing on Friday.&nbsp; 
 
 
<img alt="Russia-American journalist" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a3deccd2-319f-458e-9a66-9b123b873079" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/WION%20IMAGES%21%20-%202023-10-20T211053.617_0.png" />

Image shows RFE/RL&nbsp;journalist Alsu Kurmasheva during a court hearing in Kazan, Russia on October 20, 2023. 
 
The court said that the “period of Kurmasheva’s detention in custody was extended for 72 hours.”&nbsp;

Reuters, citing court documents, said Kurmasheva was fined $103 (10,000 roubles) on October 11 after she failed to register her US passport with Russian authorities and was charged under the foreign agent&nbsp;law a week later.&nbsp;

<h2>About her case&nbsp;</h2>

Kurmasheva, who holds both American and Russian passports, is an editor with the US Congress-funded outlet’s Tatar-Bashkir service, as per her employer RFE/RL, and lives in Prague, Czech Republic.&nbsp;

The Russian-American journalist had entered Russia on May 20 following a family emergency, according to the Prague-based media outlet. However, while she was waiting for her return flight on June 2, she was temporarily detained at the Kazan airport.&nbsp;

Subsequently, her passports were confiscated, and she was fined for failing to register her US passport, according to RFE/RL. However, when she was waiting for the return of her passports, Kurmasheva was detained again and charged with failing to register as a foreign agent.&nbsp;

“Alsu is a highly respected colleague, devoted wife, and dedicated mother to two children,” RFE/RL acting President Jeffrey Gedmin said in a statement. He added, “She needs to be released so she can return to her family immediately.”&nbsp;

According to the media outlet, Kurmasheva lives in Prague with her husband and children. Gedmin also expressed concerns about the Russian court’s decision on Friday to prolong Kurmasheva’s detention and said “journalism is not a crime.”&nbsp;

Kurmasheva has covered ethnic minorities in Tatarstan and Bashkortostan, said RFE/RFL, especially on efforts to preserve the Tatar language, even as Russian authorities have “exerted increased pressure on Tatars in recent years.”&nbsp;

<h2>RFE/RL operations in Russia</h2>

The RFE/RL has also criticised Russia’s foreign agent law and said that it “amounts to political censorship”.&nbsp;

They allege that the law is “meant to prevent journalists from performing their professional duties” and are challenging officials’ actions against Kurmasheva in Russian courts as well as the European Court of Human Rights.

According to the Prague-based media outlet, over 30 RFE/RL employees have been listed as “foreign agents” by the Russian justice ministry.&nbsp;

Earlier this year, a Moscow court also declared bankruptcy of RFE/RL’s operations in Russia after they refused to pay “multiple fines” which amounted to nearly $14 million (over one billion roubles) for “noncompliance with the law.”&nbsp;

“Alsu was detained simply because she is an employee of Radio Liberty. In fact, now any independent journalist in Russia risks the same thing,” one of Kurmasheva’s colleagues said, on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisal, as quoted by Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).&nbsp;

However, the local Tatar-Inform news agency has alleged that Kurmasheva’s detention may be linked to the information she received about university teachers being mobilised to fight in Ukraine. The news agency quoted investigators as saying she had been gathering information on other military activities as well.&nbsp;

<h2>Russia and the US respond</h2>

Notably, Kurmasheva’s detention comes seven months after that of Gershkovich. “This appears to be another case of the Russian government harassing U.S. citizens,” State Department spokesperson Matt Miller told reporters on Thursday (Oct 19).&nbsp;

However, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has since denied the accusations saying, “There is no campaign in Russia to persecute US citizens. There are US citizens who break the law, and appropriate measures are taken against them.”&nbsp;

<h2>Kurmasheva’s detention sparks criticism</h2>

The Russian-American journalist’s detention has since sparked criticism from various international organisations including the United Nations human rights office which took to social media and said it was “concerned” by Kurmasheva’s arrest.

“Journalists must be left to do their vital work free from pressure, intimidation and reprisals,” said the OHCHR.&nbsp;

The CPJ also released a statement that the organisation is “deeply concerned” about Kurmasheva’s detention and called on the Russian authorities to immediately release her and “drop all charges against her.”

“Journalism is not a crime and Kurmasheva’s detention is yet more proof that Russia is determined to stifle independent reporting,” said Gulnoza Said, CPJ’s Europe and Central Asia program coordinator.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
&nbsp;

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The detention of Russian-American journalist Alsu Kurmasheva was extended by 72 hours on Friday (Oct 20), days after she was detained by the police from the Russian city of Kazan.

The detention of Russian-American journalist Alsu Kurmasheva was extended by 72 hours on Friday (Oct 20), days after she was detained by the police from the Russian city of Kazan. Kurmasheva has been accused of violating Russian law on foreign agents. Meanwhile, the Kremlin denied “persecuting” American citizens. The Prague-based editor for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) is the second American to be detained by Russia after Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich was arrested in March on spying charges, which he, his employer and the White House have since denied. Accusations against Kurmasheva The Russian-American journalist was detained on Wednesday (Oct 18) after she allegedly failed to register as a “foreign agent” during a visit to Russia. RFE/RL is funded by the US Congress and is designated by Moscow as a “foreign agent”. Moscow’s foreign agent law allows Russian authorities to label organisations and people that receive foreign funding as “foreign agents”. Notably, the term that carries Cold War connotations of espionage, is not just limited to organisations, and can be applied to journalists, rights activists and even entertainers who can be asked to register with the justice ministry. If found guilty, Kurmasheva faces up to five years in prison. However, her lawyer Edgar Matevosyan told Reuters that she was pleading not guilty. What happened in the court? Kurmasheva was seen wearing what appeared to be a hooded coat and a mask over her face, while two staff members in balaclavas escorted her into Kazan’s Sovetski court for the hearing on Friday. Image shows RFE/RL journalist Alsu Kurmasheva during a court hearing in Kazan, Russia on October 20, 2023. The court said that the “period of Kurmasheva’s detention in custody was extended for 72 hours.” Reuters, citing court documents, said Kurmasheva was fined $103 (10,000 roubles) on October 11 after she failed to register her US passport with Russian authorities and was charged under the foreign agent law a week later. About her case Kurmasheva, who holds both American and Russian passports, is an editor with the US Congress-funded outlet’s Tatar-Bashkir service, as per her employer RFE/RL, and lives in Prague, Czech Republic. The Russian-American journalist had entered Russia on May 20 following a family emergency, according to the Prague-based media outlet. However, while she was waiting for her return flight on June 2, she was temporarily detained at the Kazan airport. Subsequently, her passports were confiscated, and she was fined for failing to register her US passport, according to RFE/RL. However, when she was waiting for the return of her passports, Kurmasheva was detained again and charged with failing to register as a foreign agent. “Alsu is a highly respected colleague, devoted wife, and dedicated mother to two children,” RFE/RL acting President Jeffrey Gedmin said in a statement. He added, “She needs to be released so she can return to her family immediately.” According to the media outlet, Kurmasheva lives in Prague with her husband and children. Gedmin also expressed concerns about the Russian court’s decision on Friday to prolong Kurmasheva’s detention and said “journalism is not a crime.” Kurmasheva has covered ethnic minorities in Tatarstan and Bashkortostan, said RFE/RFL, especially on efforts to preserve the Tatar language, even as Russian authorities have “exerted increased pressure on Tatars in recent years.” RFE/RL operations in Russia The RFE/RL has also criticised Russia’s foreign agent law and said that it “amounts to political censorship”. They allege that the law is “meant to prevent journalists from performing their professional duties” and are challenging officials’ actions against Kurmasheva in Russian courts as well as the European Court of Human Rights. According to the Prague-based media outlet, over 30 RFE/RL employees have been listed as “foreign agents” by the Russian justice ministry. Earlier this year, a Moscow court also declared bankruptcy of RFE/RL’s operations in Russia after they refused to pay “multiple fines” which amounted to nearly $14 million (over one billion roubles) for “noncompliance with the law.” “Alsu was detained simply because she is an employee of Radio Liberty. In fact, now any independent journalist in Russia risks the same thing,” one of Kurmasheva’s colleagues said, on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisal, as quoted by Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). However, the local Tatar-Inform news agency has alleged that Kurmasheva’s detention may be linked to the information she received about university teachers being mobilised to fight in Ukraine. The news agency quoted investigators as saying she had been gathering information on other military activities as well. Russia and the US respond Notably, Kurmasheva’s detention comes seven months after that of Gershkovich. “This appears to be another case of the Russian government harassing U.S. citizens,” State Department spokesperson Matt Miller told reporters on Thursday (Oct 19). However, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has since denied the accusations saying, “There is no campaign in Russia to persecute US citizens. There are US citizens who break the law, and appropriate measures are taken against them.” Kurmasheva’s detention sparks criticism The Russian-American journalist’s detention has since sparked criticism from various international organisations including the United Nations human rights office which took to social media and said it was “concerned” by Kurmasheva’s arrest. “Journalists must be left to do their vital work free from pressure, intimidation and reprisals,” said the OHCHR. The CPJ also released a statement that the organisation is “deeply concerned” about Kurmasheva’s detention and called on the Russian authorities to immediately release her and “drop all charges against her.” “Journalism is not a crime and Kurmasheva’s detention is yet more proof that Russia is determined to stifle independent reporting,” said Gulnoza Said, CPJ’s Europe and Central Asia program coordinator. (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.

Explained: Russia detains another American journalist. Here’s what we know

President Vladimir Putin visited the headquarters in Rostov-on-Don overseeing the Ukraine offensive, said the Kremlin on Friday (Oct 20). Meanwhile, Ukraine has reported that its troops are facing a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-civilians-killed-in-ukraines-avdiivka-russian-forces-improving-positions-along-front-line-claims-putin-647192">new Russian onslaught</a> in the eastern Ukrainian city of Avdiivka, which has recently witnessed a rise in attacks by Moscow.&nbsp;

<h2>Putin’s visit to military HQ</h2>

According to Russian state television, Putin went to the military headquarters to hear a report on the progress of operations in Ukraine.&nbsp;

It showed the chief of the general staff and the commander of the war in Ukraine, General Valery Gerasimov, telling Putin that the troops are “carrying out their tasks in line with the operation plan,” reported Reuters.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the Kremlin, in a statement on Friday addressing the visit, said the Russian president had visited the military headquarters “on his way back from Perm,” a city where he had been the day before.&nbsp;

The meeting on Friday also came a day after Ukraine said that had used US-supplied ATACMS long-range missiles for the first time in the 604-day conflict.&nbsp;

Putin has previously said that the Ukrainian counteroffensive had “completely failed,” adding that Kyiv’s Western backers were less hawkish than before.

“As for the counteroffensive, which is allegedly stalling, it has failed completely,” said the Russian president in a video posted by Kremlin journalist Pavel Zarubin, last week.&nbsp;

When asked about the battle for Avdiivka, Putin said that the “opposing side is preparing new active offensive operations. We see it and we know it.”&nbsp;

<h2>Russia ramps up attacks in Avdiivka: Ukraine</h2>

In an update, on Friday Ukraine’s general staff said Russian troops have ramped up attacks in eastern Ukraine in what was described as an ongoing bid to encircle and capture Avdiivka.&nbsp;

“The enemy has resumed offensive actions and does not stop trying to surround Avdiivka,” said Ukrainian general staff during a briefing. The frontline city in the eastern Donetsk region has become the new centre of fighting as both sides struggle to make gains.&nbsp;

Avdiivka is around 15 kilometres away from the Russian-held city of Donetsk, the capital of the Donetsk region which Moscow annexed last year in September.&nbsp;

Ukrainian General Valery Zaluzhnyi, in a video posted on Telegram, appeared to be talking with officers in Avdiivka and in Kupiansk, a town further north.&nbsp;

“The enemy is actively bringing in assault units and large amounts of armoured equipment and using aircraft and artillery,” said Zaluzhniy, on Thursday in a statement along with the video.

Oleksandr Shtupun, a spokesperson for the southern group of Ukrainian forces, told national television there was constant pressure on Avdiivka. “They (Russian forces) regrouped and launched new assaults there,” said Shtupun.&nbsp;

However, Reuters has reported that while Avdiivka witnessed fierce attacks by Russian forces last week, the shelling had tapered off in the last few days.

Speaking about Kupiansk, which was recaptured by Ukrainian troops late last year, Zaluzhniy said Ukrainian forces were “maintaining their defence in the most difficult of conditions” around the city.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
 
Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

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President Vladimir Putin visited the headquarters in Rostov-on-Don overseeing the Ukraine offensive, said the Kremlin on Friday (Oct 20). Meanwhile, Ukraine has reported that its troops are facing a new Russian onslaught in the eastern Ukrainian city of Avdiivka, which has recently witnessed a rise in attacks by Moscow.

President Vladimir Putin visited the headquarters in Rostov-on-Don overseeing the Ukraine offensive, said the Kremlin on Friday (Oct 20). Meanwhile, Ukraine has reported that its troops are facing a new Russian onslaught in the eastern Ukrainian city of Avdiivka, which has recently witnessed a rise in attacks by Moscow. Putin’s visit to military HQ According to Russian state television, Putin went to the military headquarters to hear a report on the progress of operations in Ukraine. It showed the chief of the general staff and the commander of the war in Ukraine, General Valery Gerasimov, telling Putin that the troops are “carrying out their tasks in line with the operation plan,” reported Reuters. Meanwhile, the Kremlin, in a statement on Friday addressing the visit, said the Russian president had visited the military headquarters “on his way back from Perm,” a city where he had been the day before. The meeting on Friday also came a day after Ukraine said that had used US-supplied ATACMS long-range missiles for the first time in the 604-day conflict. Putin has previously said that the Ukrainian counteroffensive had “completely failed,” adding that Kyiv’s Western backers were less hawkish than before. “As for the counteroffensive, which is allegedly stalling, it has failed completely,” said the Russian president in a video posted by Kremlin journalist Pavel Zarubin, last week. When asked about the battle for Avdiivka, Putin said that the “opposing side is preparing new active offensive operations. We see it and we know it.” Russia ramps up attacks in Avdiivka: Ukraine In an update, on Friday Ukraine’s general staff said Russian troops have ramped up attacks in eastern Ukraine in what was described as an ongoing bid to encircle and capture Avdiivka. “The enemy has resumed offensive actions and does not stop trying to surround Avdiivka,” said Ukrainian general staff during a briefing. The frontline city in the eastern Donetsk region has become the new centre of fighting as both sides struggle to make gains. Avdiivka is around 15 kilometres away from the Russian-held city of Donetsk, the capital of the Donetsk region which Moscow annexed last year in September. Ukrainian General Valery Zaluzhnyi, in a video posted on Telegram, appeared to be talking with officers in Avdiivka and in Kupiansk, a town further north. “The enemy is actively bringing in assault units and large amounts of armoured equipment and using aircraft and artillery,” said Zaluzhniy, on Thursday in a statement along with the video. Oleksandr Shtupun, a spokesperson for the southern group of Ukrainian forces, told national television there was constant pressure on Avdiivka. “They (Russian forces) regrouped and launched new assaults there,” said Shtupun. However, Reuters has reported that while Avdiivka witnessed fierce attacks by Russian forces last week, the shelling had tapered off in the last few days. Speaking about Kupiansk, which was recaptured by Ukrainian troops late last year, Zaluzhniy said Ukrainian forces were “maintaining their defence in the most difficult of conditions” around the city. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. 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 visits military HQ in southern Russia; Moscow ramps up attacks in Avdiivka, says Ukraine

At least two civilians were killed after Russian attacks on the eastern Ukrainian town of Avdiivka, on Saturday, said the regional administration on Sunday (Oct 15). Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Moscow’s forces have bolstered their positions across the entire front line in Ukraine in what he called a failure of the Ukrainian counteroffensive which began earlier this year.&nbsp;

<h2>Two civilians killed in Avdiivka</h2>

Ukrainian officials in the Donetsk region took to Telegram on Sunday and said two people were killed and one more person was injured elsewhere in the region.&nbsp;

This comes as the Russian forces have launched attacks on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-claims-to-have-shot-down-ukrainian-drones-over-black-sea-646816">Avdiivka for the fifth day</a> and with shelling so fierce that emergency crews were unable to recover the dead from wrecked buildings, according to Reuters.&nbsp;

“Avdiivka is completely ablaze. They shoot, using everything they have. The hospital is again under fire, as are administrative buildings and our volunteer centre,” Vitaliy Barabash, head of the city’s military administration told Ukrainian national television, on Saturday.

Oleh Sinehubov, governor of the Kharkiv region said a 54-year-old woman and a 57-year-old man were killed and a woman was injured after overnight Russian air attacks in the region.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces said on Sunday its forces had repelled 15 Russian attacks near Avdiivka, Tonenke and Pervomaiske in the Donetsk region.&nbsp;

<h2>Putin about Russian forces in Ukraine</h2>

Earlier this year, Ukraine launched its counteroffensive to recapture its territory from Russia. However, as per a report by Reuters, the Ukrainian army continues to struggle to penetrate Russian lines which have been bolstered with minefields and thousands of extra Russian troops.

“As for the counteroffensive, which is allegedly stalling, it has failed completely,” said the Russian president in a video posted by Kremlin journalist Pavel Zarubin. When asked about the battle for Avdiivka, Putin said that the “opposing side is preparing new active offensive operations. We see it and we know it.”&nbsp;

“What is happening now along the entire length of the (line of) contact is called ‘an active defence’,” said the Russian president, as quoted by Reuters. He added, “And our troops are improving their position at almost the entire area. Quite a large area.”

<h2>Russia building new new rail line to Mariupol: UK</h2>

Britain’s defence ministry in its recent intelligence briefing said that Russia “is constructing a new railway line to Mariupol which will reduce travel times for supplies for the Zaporizhzhia.”&nbsp;

Moscow is using civilian contractors and equipment to build the railway line into the Ukrainian city in the Donetsk region, to free up Russian soldiers, who are also trained for railway construction, according to the ministry.&nbsp;

It added, “The new line falls within the notional range of Ukrainian long-range precision strike systems.”&nbsp;

The statement also noted how rail logistics are a “vital component” for sustaining the Russian invasion and that Moscow uses its rail networks to move ammunition, armour, fuel and personnel into Ukraine.&nbsp;

While Russia’s rail network in occupied areas of Ukraine remains viable it is also often vulnerable to attack by Ukrainian forces, said the ministry.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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At least two civilians were killed after Russian attacks on the eastern Ukrainian town of Avdiivka, on Saturday, said the regional administration on Sunday (Oct 15).

At least two civilians were killed after Russian attacks on the eastern Ukrainian town of Avdiivka, on Saturday, said the regional administration on Sunday (Oct 15). Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Moscow’s forces have bolstered their positions across the entire front line in Ukraine in what he called a failure of the Ukrainian counteroffensive which began earlier this year. Two civilians killed in Avdiivka Ukrainian officials in the Donetsk region took to Telegram on Sunday and said two people were killed and one more person was injured elsewhere in the region. This comes as the Russian forces have launched attacks on Avdiivka for the fifth day and with shelling so fierce that emergency crews were unable to recover the dead from wrecked buildings, according to Reuters. “Avdiivka is completely ablaze. They shoot, using everything they have. The hospital is again under fire, as are administrative buildings and our volunteer centre,” Vitaliy Barabash, head of the city’s military administration told Ukrainian national television, on Saturday. Oleh Sinehubov, governor of the Kharkiv region said a 54-year-old woman and a 57-year-old man were killed and a woman was injured after overnight Russian air attacks in the region. Meanwhile, the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces said on Sunday its forces had repelled 15 Russian attacks near Avdiivka, Tonenke and Pervomaiske in the Donetsk region. Putin about Russian forces in Ukraine Earlier this year, Ukraine launched its counteroffensive to recapture its territory from Russia. However, as per a report by Reuters, the Ukrainian army continues to struggle to penetrate Russian lines which have been bolstered with minefields and thousands of extra Russian troops. “As for the counteroffensive, which is allegedly stalling, it has failed completely,” said the Russian president in a video posted by Kremlin journalist Pavel Zarubin. When asked about the battle for Avdiivka, Putin said that the “opposing side is preparing new active offensive operations. We see it and we know it.” “What is happening now along the entire length of the (line of) contact is called ‘an active defence’,” said the Russian president, as quoted by Reuters. He added, “And our troops are improving their position at almost the entire area. Quite a large area.” Russia building new new rail line to Mariupol: UK Britain’s defence ministry in its recent intelligence briefing said that Russia “is constructing a new railway line to Mariupol which will reduce travel times for supplies for the Zaporizhzhia.” Moscow is using civilian contractors and equipment to build the railway line into the Ukrainian city in the Donetsk region, to free up Russian soldiers, who are also trained for railway construction, according to the ministry. It added, “The new line falls within the notional range of Ukrainian long-range precision strike systems.” The statement also noted how rail logistics are a “vital component” for sustaining the Russian invasion and that Moscow uses its rail networks to move ammunition, armour, fuel and personnel into Ukraine. While Russia’s rail network in occupied areas of Ukraine remains viable it is also often vulnerable to attack by Ukrainian forces, said the ministry. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. 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.

Two civilians killed in Ukraine’s Avdiivka; Russian forces improving positions along front line, claims Putin

Russia claims to have shot down two Ukrainian drones over the Black Sea in the southern resort city of Sochi, near the coast of the Krasnodar region, on Saturday (Oct 14). Meanwhile, the commander of the Ukrainian ground forces in an update on Saturday said that fighting along the northern part of the eastern front has “significantly worsened” in recent days.

<h2>Russia shoots drones over Black Sea</h2>

“Today at about 7:10 am in Sochi…two drones were shot down over the sea,” said the governor of the southern Krasnodar region Alexei Kopaygorodskiy on social media.&nbsp;

“There were no casualties or damage in the city,” said the Russian official, adding that the airport was working “normally” and that “the situation was under control.”

However, Russia’s Interfax news agency citing the airport’s press service said there were temporary restrictions at the airport for safety reasons.

Meanwhile, the Russian military said that it thwarted a “terrorist attack by the Kyiv regime” and “destroyed two drones” over the Black Sea near the coast of the Russian region.&nbsp;

Notably, while Ukraine has launched multiple drone attacks against several Russian cities since the beginning of its counteroffensive, earlier this year, Sochi has been largely spared from attacks.

<h2>Ukrainian general about the fighting in northeast</h2>

Oleksandr Syrskyi, who was visiting Ukrainian troops in the country’s northeastern region, in an update said that the Russian forces had regrouped after suffering losses and were attacking around the village of Makiivka and towards the city of Kupiansk.

“The main objective of the enemy is the defeat of a grouping of our troops, the encirclement of Kupiansk and to reach the Oskil River,” said the Ukrainian commander, as per Reuters.&nbsp;

He added that Russian forces were carrying out “dozens” of assaults each day, but that Ukrainian troops had been ready and were holding their ground.

This comes a day after Ukrainian officials said that Russian forces pounded the eastern Ukrainian city of Avdiivka in the Donbas region for the fourth day in a row. “The fighting has been going on for four consecutive days,” Vitaliy Barabash, head of the city’s military administration told Ukrainian national television.&nbsp;

He added, “They have substantial reserves of personnel and equipment. Avdiivka is completely ablaze. They shoot, using everything they have. The hospital is again under fire, as are administrative buildings and our volunteer centre.”

On Friday (Oct 13), at least one person was killed and 24 were injured after a Russian missile strike in the city of Pokrovsk. Separately, a drone attack in Beryslav a 34-year-old woman and seriously injured her 36-year-old husband.

<h2>Russia’s new campaign?</h2>

It has been reported that Russia has increased attacks along the 1,000-kilometre eastern regions of Donetsk and Luhansk, which was seemingly confirmed by the Russian representative to the United Nations, Vasily Nebenzia who said that their intensified battles in the east signified a new stage in its campaign.

“Russian troops have, for several days now, switched over to active combat action practically throughout the entire front line,” Nebenzia told a session of the UN Security Council. He added, “The so-called Ukrainian counteroffensive can therefore be considered finished.”&nbsp; 
 
Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
 
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Russia claims to have shot down two Ukrainian drones over the Black Sea in the southern resort city of Sochi, near the coast of the Krasnodar region, on Saturday (Oct 14).

Russia claims to have shot down two Ukrainian drones over the Black Sea in the southern resort city of Sochi, near the coast of the Krasnodar region, on Saturday (Oct 14). Meanwhile, the commander of the Ukrainian ground forces in an update on Saturday said that fighting along the northern part of the eastern front has “significantly worsened” in recent days. Russia shoots drones over Black Sea “Today at about 7:10 am in Sochi…two drones were shot down over the sea,” said the governor of the southern Krasnodar region Alexei Kopaygorodskiy on social media. “There were no casualties or damage in the city,” said the Russian official, adding that the airport was working “normally” and that “the situation was under control.” However, Russia’s Interfax news agency citing the airport’s press service said there were temporary restrictions at the airport for safety reasons. Meanwhile, the Russian military said that it thwarted a “terrorist attack by the Kyiv regime” and “destroyed two drones” over the Black Sea near the coast of the Russian region. Notably, while Ukraine has launched multiple drone attacks against several Russian cities since the beginning of its counteroffensive, earlier this year, Sochi has been largely spared from attacks. Ukrainian general about the fighting in northeast Oleksandr Syrskyi, who was visiting Ukrainian troops in the country’s northeastern region, in an update said that the Russian forces had regrouped after suffering losses and were attacking around the village of Makiivka and towards the city of Kupiansk. “The main objective of the enemy is the defeat of a grouping of our troops, the encirclement of Kupiansk and to reach the Oskil River,” said the Ukrainian commander, as per Reuters. He added that Russian forces were carrying out “dozens” of assaults each day, but that Ukrainian troops had been ready and were holding their ground. This comes a day after Ukrainian officials said that Russian forces pounded the eastern Ukrainian city of Avdiivka in the Donbas region for the fourth day in a row. “The fighting has been going on for four consecutive days,” Vitaliy Barabash, head of the city’s military administration told Ukrainian national television. He added, “They have substantial reserves of personnel and equipment. Avdiivka is completely ablaze. They shoot, using everything they have. The hospital is again under fire, as are administrative buildings and our volunteer centre.” On Friday (Oct 13), at least one person was killed and 24 were injured after a Russian missile strike in the city of Pokrovsk. Separately, a drone attack in Beryslav a 34-year-old woman and seriously injured her 36-year-old husband. Russia’s new campaign? It has been reported that Russia has increased attacks along the 1,000-kilometre eastern regions of Donetsk and Luhansk, which was seemingly confirmed by the Russian representative to the United Nations, Vasily Nebenzia who said that their intensified battles in the east signified a new stage in its campaign. “Russian troops have, for several days now, switched over to active combat action practically throughout the entire front line,” Nebenzia told a session of the UN Security Council. He added, “The so-called Ukrainian counteroffensive can therefore be considered finished.” Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos (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.

Russia claims it downed Ukrainian drones over Black Sea; Moscow attacks in east intensify, says Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin is heading to China next week to meet "dear friend" Xi Jinping in order to forge even closer ties with the country which is viewed as a key strategic relationship in global politics. Experts are increasingly of the view that Moscow is fast becoming a junior partner in this equation.

On October 17-18, Beijing is playing host to representatives from 130 countries to mark a decade of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). It is a key geopolitical project of Chinese President Xi Jinping which seeks to expand China's global reach.

All eyes will be on Putin, who last month, met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Saint Petersburg and said he had "gladly accepted" Xi's invitation to visit China for the BRI congregation.

Watch | China's fertility rate drops to record low

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Russia's strategic dependence on China has only increased after the global isolation Moscow faced after Ukraine's invasion.

The trade between the two countries has soared considerably since the beginning of Ukraine invasion. As international sanctions increasingly cornered Russian economy, Chinese imports of Russian oil was a critical lifeline to Moscow.

Last year, bilateral trade soared to record USD 190 billion, says the Chinese customs data. Both countries have pledged to take this to USD 200 billion this year.

In the aftermath of Russia's Ukraine invasion, China provided diplomatic cover and refused to condemn the war. China positioned itself as a neutral party but the stance was seen as benefitting Russia in global diplomatic circles.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/combat-veteran-is-top-contender-to-replace-chinas-missing-defence-minister-646488">Combat veteran is top contender to replace China's missing defence minister</a>

"Beijing has maintained a posture of 'pro-Russia neutrality' throughout the invasion, providing critical diplomatic, economic, and non-lethal military assistance to Moscow," Joseph Webster, senior fellow at the Atlantic Council's Global Energy Center, told AFP.

<h2>The shared struggle</h2>

China and Russia see their alliance as a symbiotic necessity and as a bulwark against Western dominance.

When President Xi Jinping made state visit to Moscow in March, he had hailed the "truly unlimited possibilities" in the partnership of the countries.

In May, the Chinese leader told Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin that Beijing and Moscow would continue to offer each other "firm support on issues concerning each other's core interests".

(With inputs from agencies)

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Russian President Vladimir Putin is heading to China next week to meet "dear friend" Xi Jinping in order to forge even closer ties with the country which is viewed as a key strategic relationship in global politics.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is heading to China next week to meet "dear friend" Xi Jinping in order to forge even closer ties with the country which is viewed as a key strategic relationship in global politics. Experts are increasingly of the view that Moscow is fast becoming a junior partner in this equation. On October 17-18, Beijing is playing host to representatives from 130 countries to mark a decade of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). It is a key geopolitical project of Chinese President Xi Jinping which seeks to expand China's global reach. All eyes will be on Putin, who last month, met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Saint Petersburg and said he had "gladly accepted" Xi's invitation to visit China for the BRI congregation. Watch | China's fertility rate drops to record low × Russia's strategic dependence on China has only increased after the global isolation Moscow faced after Ukraine's invasion. The trade between the two countries has soared considerably since the beginning of Ukraine invasion. As international sanctions increasingly cornered Russian economy, Chinese imports of Russian oil was a critical lifeline to Moscow. Last year, bilateral trade soared to record USD 190 billion, says the Chinese customs data. Both countries have pledged to take this to USD 200 billion this year. In the aftermath of Russia's Ukraine invasion, China provided diplomatic cover and refused to condemn the war. China positioned itself as a neutral party but the stance was seen as benefitting Russia in global diplomatic circles. Also Read | Combat veteran is top contender to replace China's missing defence minister "Beijing has maintained a posture of 'pro-Russia neutrality' throughout the invasion, providing critical diplomatic, economic, and non-lethal military assistance to Moscow," Joseph Webster, senior fellow at the Atlantic Council's Global Energy Center, told AFP. The shared struggle China and Russia see their alliance as a symbiotic necessity and as a bulwark against Western dominance. When President Xi Jinping made state visit to Moscow in March, he had hailed the "truly unlimited possibilities" in the partnership of the countries. In May, the Chinese leader told Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin that Beijing and Moscow would continue to offer each other "firm support on issues concerning each other's core interests". (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Vladimir Putin to head to China as two countries draw ever closer

The United Nations human rights body on Thursday (Oct 12) adopted a resolution brought by several European countries to extend the mandate of an independent expert to document alleged human rights abuses in Russia for another year. This comes a year after the UN Human Rights Council first authorised to examine the record of one of the so-called “P5” members.&nbsp;

This is being seen as a second diplomatic defeat for Moscow in three days after the country’s<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/unga-rejects-russian-bid-to-rejoin-human-rights-body-645096"> failed bid</a> to rejoin the 47-member Human Rights Council after it was kicked out following the invasion of Ukraine in 2022.&nbsp;

<h2>Resolution adopted</h2>

The resolution adopted&nbsp;with 18 votes- with 22 abstaining and seven voting against it in Geneva- extends Bulgarian human rights expert Mariana Katzarova’s work for another year.&nbsp;

“The Special Rapporteur is one of the last avenues for civil society to bring international attention to their important work and to give a voice to those who risk their lives,” Katharina Stasch, German ambassador to the UN in Geneva, told the council.&nbsp;

Argentina, Britain, France, Germany, Ukraine and the United States were among those who supported the resolution, while countries like China, Cuba, Eritrea, Kazakhstan and Vietnam voted against the mandate.&nbsp;

Around 22 countries which included India, Malaysia, Mexico, Pakistan, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) abstained from voting.&nbsp;

In line with the resolution passed, Russia is required to establish “constructive communication and full cooperation” with the Bulgarian human rights expert and allow her unhindered access, including to meet freely with civil society and individuals in detention.

However, Moscow has refused to let her in, has not recognised her mandate and previously called criticism of its rights record unfounded.

Last month, Katzarova, in her report on Moscow said that the human rights situation in Russia had significantly deteriorated since the country invaded Ukraine.&nbsp;

She also described a “systematic crackdown” on civil society and said Russia had adopted laws to “muzzle civil society and punish human rights activists and others for their anti-war stance.”

The former journalist also referred to attempts by Russia to obstruct her mandate, saying such actions showed “a lack of political will to uphold its human rights obligations”.&nbsp;

<h2>‘No country is above scrutiny’</h2>

Last year’s special rapporteur’s mandate marked the first time that the UNHRC was authorised to examine the record of one of the UN’s “P5” members, which refers to the countries who hold permanent seats on the Security Council.&nbsp;

“This resolution is not a reflection of politicization but reflects the need to ensure that human rights are universally respected,” said Michèle Taylor, permanent representative of the US to the UNHRC.&nbsp;

“No country is above scrutiny, no matter how upsetting or embarrassing they find it, no matter how strong their military is, no matter how wide the reach of their proxies, and no matter how aggressively they threaten or cajole other countries,” the US representative added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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The United Nations human rights body on Thursday (Oct 12) adopted a resolution brought by several European countries to extend the mandate of an independent expert to document alleged human rights abuses in Russia for another year.

The United Nations human rights body on Thursday (Oct 12) adopted a resolution brought by several European countries to extend the mandate of an independent expert to document alleged human rights abuses in Russia for another year. This comes a year after the UN Human Rights Council first authorised to examine the record of one of the so-called “P5” members. This is being seen as a second diplomatic defeat for Moscow in three days after the country’s failed bid to rejoin the 47-member Human Rights Council after it was kicked out following the invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Resolution adopted The resolution adopted with 18 votes- with 22 abstaining and seven voting against it in Geneva- extends Bulgarian human rights expert Mariana Katzarova’s work for another year. “The Special Rapporteur is one of the last avenues for civil society to bring international attention to their important work and to give a voice to those who risk their lives,” Katharina Stasch, German ambassador to the UN in Geneva, told the council. Argentina, Britain, France, Germany, Ukraine and the United States were among those who supported the resolution, while countries like China, Cuba, Eritrea, Kazakhstan and Vietnam voted against the mandate. Around 22 countries which included India, Malaysia, Mexico, Pakistan, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) abstained from voting. In line with the resolution passed, Russia is required to establish “constructive communication and full cooperation” with the Bulgarian human rights expert and allow her unhindered access, including to meet freely with civil society and individuals in detention. However, Moscow has refused to let her in, has not recognised her mandate and previously called criticism of its rights record unfounded. Last month, Katzarova, in her report on Moscow said that the human rights situation in Russia had significantly deteriorated since the country invaded Ukraine. She also described a “systematic crackdown” on civil society and said Russia had adopted laws to “muzzle civil society and punish human rights activists and others for their anti-war stance.” The former journalist also referred to attempts by Russia to obstruct her mandate, saying such actions showed “a lack of political will to uphold its human rights obligations”. ‘No country is above scrutiny’ Last year’s special rapporteur’s mandate marked the first time that the UNHRC was authorised to examine the record of one of the UN’s “P5” members, which refers to the countries who hold permanent seats on the Security Council. “This resolution is not a reflection of politicization but reflects the need to ensure that human rights are universally respected,” said Michèle Taylor, permanent representative of the US to the UNHRC. “No country is above scrutiny, no matter how upsetting or embarrassing they find it, no matter how strong their military is, no matter how wide the reach of their proxies, and no matter how aggressively they threaten or cajole other countries,” the US representative added. (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.

UN human rights body extends mandate for investigator to document alleged rights violations in Russia

US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin on Wednesday (Oct 11) said that the US will provide a new USD 200 million military assistance package for Ukraine even as opposition from hardline Republican lawmakers put into question continued aid to Kyiv as it defends against a Russian invasion.

"I'm proud that the United States will announce its latest security assistance package for Ukraine, valued at $200 million," Austin said alongside President Volodymyr Zelensky at the opening of a meeting of Kyiv's international supporters in Brussels.

The aid package includes air defence munitions, artillery and rocket ammo as well as anti-tank weapons among other items.

It is first US package announced since US Congress dropped fresh funding for Ukraine from a recent bill to avert a US government shutdown. This has set off fears in the Western camp that Washington was not keen to continue helping Ukraine for a very long time.&nbsp;

Austin nonetheless insisted Wednesday -- as he has before -- that the United States "will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes."

Even in the face of absence of further action by Congress, the US government can still withdraw more than USD 5 billion in equipment&nbsp;

A senior US official said there is no immediate cause for alarm when it comes to Ukraine assistance.

"Even if we do have... some difficulties we have to work out within the US Congress, there is a lot of money there to still sustain the pace of support that we're accustomed to, and then allies are stepping forward with their own announcements," the official told journalists in Brussels.

"Zelensky's visit really couldn't have come at a better moment in a way, particularly if our goal is to signal continued support for Ukraine, even though there are challenges... within the US system."

Russia invaded Ukraine in February last year. The Western countries, mainly led by the US, have poured in billions of dollars as humanitarian and military aid. A cut in this financial assistance will be a major blow to Ukraine which is still struggling to make considerable progress in retaking the territory captured by Russian forces.

"I continue to firmly believe that our support for the forces of freedom in Ukraine will hold fast in any season or any storm," he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

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US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin on Wednesday (Oct 11) said that the US will provide a new USD 200 million military assistance package for Ukraine even as opposition from hardline Republican lawmakers put into question continued aid to Kyiv as it defends against a Russian invasion.

US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin on Wednesday (Oct 11) said that the US will provide a new USD 200 million military assistance package for Ukraine even as opposition from hardline Republican lawmakers put into question continued aid to Kyiv as it defends against a Russian invasion. "I'm proud that the United States will announce its latest security assistance package for Ukraine, valued at $200 million," Austin said alongside President Volodymyr Zelensky at the opening of a meeting of Kyiv's international supporters in Brussels. The aid package includes air defence munitions, artillery and rocket ammo as well as anti-tank weapons among other items. It is first US package announced since US Congress dropped fresh funding for Ukraine from a recent bill to avert a US government shutdown. This has set off fears in the Western camp that Washington was not keen to continue helping Ukraine for a very long time. Austin nonetheless insisted Wednesday -- as he has before -- that the United States "will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes." Even in the face of absence of further action by Congress, the US government can still withdraw more than USD 5 billion in equipment A senior US official said there is no immediate cause for alarm when it comes to Ukraine assistance. "Even if we do have... some difficulties we have to work out within the US Congress, there is a lot of money there to still sustain the pace of support that we're accustomed to, and then allies are stepping forward with their own announcements," the official told journalists in Brussels. "Zelensky's visit really couldn't have come at a better moment in a way, particularly if our goal is to signal continued support for Ukraine, even though there are challenges... within the US system." Russia invaded Ukraine in February last year. The Western countries, mainly led by the US, have poured in billions of dollars as humanitarian and military aid. A cut in this financial assistance will be a major blow to Ukraine which is still struggling to make considerable progress in retaking the territory captured by Russian forces. "I continue to firmly believe that our support for the forces of freedom in Ukraine will hold fast in any season or any storm," he said. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

US announces new aid for Ukraine amid uncertainty about continued help

Russia said on Wednesday (Oct 11) that its forces had strengthened their positions near Avdiivka frontline. The announcement came just a day after Ukraine warned that Russian forces were stepping up attacks in order to encircle the eastern town.

Avdiivka holds symbolism and strategic importance to Kyiv. It lies just north of the Moscow-controlled city of Donetsk, seized by pro-Russian separatist forces in 2014. It has since become a symbol of Ukrainian resistance against Moscow, with Kyiv clinging on there despite relentless Russian attacks during the Kremlin's almost 20-month-long offensive.

"Actions from the southern group of forces supported by aviation, artillery fire and heavy flamethrower systems, improved the situation along the front line in the vicinity of Avdiivka," the Russian Defense Ministry said.

AFP reported citing local Ukrainian officials that Russian forces had launched an artillery attack on the town in morning hours and there was incessant firing.

"Battles continued throughout the night" in the north and south of the town, the head of the town's administration Vitaliy Barabash said Wednesday.

Barabash said Ukrainian troops were "most likely finishing" repelling Russian forces.

Ukrainian officials were "engaged in persuading people to evacuate every day," he said.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/belgium-plans-to-use-tax-on-frozen-russian-assets-to-help-ukraine-645604">Belgium plans to use tax on frozen Russian assets to help Ukraine</a>

Ukraine armed forces have said that Russian forces had "intensified actions" in several areas including Avdiivka.

"Our defenders repelled all enemy attacks and prevented the loss of lines and positions," military spokesman Andriy Kovalyov said.

Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. After sustained battlefield gains, Russian troops had to withdraw from large swathes of land. Theh Western alliance led by US meanwhile poured in billions of dollars in humanitarian and military aid. However, Ukraine's counteroffensive has not been as successful as it was expected to be initially.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Russia said on Wednesday (Oct 11) that its forces had strengthened their positions near Avdiivka frontline. The announcement came just a day after Ukraine warned that Russian forces were stepping up attacks in order to encircle the eastern town.

Russia said on Wednesday (Oct 11) that its forces had strengthened their positions near Avdiivka frontline. The announcement came just a day after Ukraine warned that Russian forces were stepping up attacks in order to encircle the eastern town. Avdiivka holds symbolism and strategic importance to Kyiv. It lies just north of the Moscow-controlled city of Donetsk, seized by pro-Russian separatist forces in 2014. It has since become a symbol of Ukrainian resistance against Moscow, with Kyiv clinging on there despite relentless Russian attacks during the Kremlin's almost 20-month-long offensive. "Actions from the southern group of forces supported by aviation, artillery fire and heavy flamethrower systems, improved the situation along the front line in the vicinity of Avdiivka," the Russian Defense Ministry said. AFP reported citing local Ukrainian officials that Russian forces had launched an artillery attack on the town in morning hours and there was incessant firing. "Battles continued throughout the night" in the north and south of the town, the head of the town's administration Vitaliy Barabash said Wednesday. Barabash said Ukrainian troops were "most likely finishing" repelling Russian forces. Ukrainian officials were "engaged in persuading people to evacuate every day," he said. Also Read | Belgium plans to use tax on frozen Russian assets to help Ukraine Ukraine armed forces have said that Russian forces had "intensified actions" in several areas including Avdiivka. "Our defenders repelled all enemy attacks and prevented the loss of lines and positions," military spokesman Andriy Kovalyov said. Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. After sustained battlefield gains, Russian troops had to withdraw from large swathes of land. Theh Western alliance led by US meanwhile poured in billions of dollars in humanitarian and military aid. However, Ukraine's counteroffensive has not been as successful as it was expected to be initially. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Russia claims of 'improved' position near east Ukraine town

Belgium is expecting to collect 2.3 billion euros ($2.4 billion) in taxes it will get on frozen Russian asset, to use in reconstructing Ukraine. Group of Seven (G7) countries along with the European Union (EU) have been discussing if they could use the interest incurred on over 300 billion euros of immobilised Russian public money to fund Ukraine.

Over 200 billion frozen assets have been held in Europe and 125 billion of them are managed by Belgian clearing house Euroclear.

The European Commission said in July that it would put forth a proposal on whether these funds could legally be used after in-principle nod from G7. Unites States Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen on Wednesday said that the Biden administration was supporting taxing windfall proceeds from these assets.

Belgium has gone ahead on its own and has decided using the tax paid on the interest. It has said previously in May that it would use 92 million euros it had already received in taxes.

"We only needed EU approval to use the interest. We are simply applying the Belgian tax code, which is our competence," a spokesperson for Prime Minister Alexander De Croo said.

It is expected that Belgium will collect 625 million euros from 2023 tax revenues on frozen Russian assets. It is estimated that it will collect 1.7 billion euros in 2024.

"Last year, it was very clear to us that the taxation on the proceeds of those assets should go 100% to the Ukrainian population," De Croo told reporters earlier on Wednesday.

"That fund will be used for buying military equipment. We will do that in consultation; as well it will be used for humanitarian support."

Although frozen Russian assets are a problem for Russia, there are jitters on the Ukrainian side as well as fresh fears have arisen over certainty of continued US support.

Russia invaded Ukraine in February last year. The Western countries led by the US have poured in billions of dollars in humanitarian and military aid to Ukraine. But there are voices in US political circles that are expressing that US help to Ukraine can't go on forever. President Joe Biden, however, has sought to assert that the US was serious about continued support to Ukraine.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Belgium is expecting to collect 2.3 billion euros ($2.4 billion) in taxes it will get on frozen Russian asset, to use in reconstructing Ukraine. Group of Seven (G7) countries along with the European Union (EU) have been discussing if they could use the interest incurred on over 300 billion euros of immobilised Russian public money to fund Ukraine.

Belgium is expecting to collect 2.3 billion euros ($2.4 billion) in taxes it will get on frozen Russian asset, to use in reconstructing Ukraine. Group of Seven (G7) countries along with the European Union (EU) have been discussing if they could use the interest incurred on over 300 billion euros of immobilised Russian public money to fund Ukraine. Over 200 billion frozen assets have been held in Europe and 125 billion of them are managed by Belgian clearing house Euroclear. The European Commission said in July that it would put forth a proposal on whether these funds could legally be used after in-principle nod from G7. Unites States Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen on Wednesday said that the Biden administration was supporting taxing windfall proceeds from these assets. Belgium has gone ahead on its own and has decided using the tax paid on the interest. It has said previously in May that it would use 92 million euros it had already received in taxes. "We only needed EU approval to use the interest. We are simply applying the Belgian tax code, which is our competence," a spokesperson for Prime Minister Alexander De Croo said. It is expected that Belgium will collect 625 million euros from 2023 tax revenues on frozen Russian assets. It is estimated that it will collect 1.7 billion euros in 2024. "Last year, it was very clear to us that the taxation on the proceeds of those assets should go 100% to the Ukrainian population," De Croo told reporters earlier on Wednesday. "That fund will be used for buying military equipment. We will do that in consultation; as well it will be used for humanitarian support." Although frozen Russian assets are a problem for Russia, there are jitters on the Ukrainian side as well as fresh fears have arisen over certainty of continued US support. Russia invaded Ukraine in February last year. The Western countries led by the US have poured in billions of dollars in humanitarian and military aid to Ukraine. But there are voices in US political circles that are expressing that US help to Ukraine can't go on forever. President Joe Biden, however, has sought to assert that the US was serious about continued support to Ukraine. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Belgium plans to use tax on frozen Russian assets to help Ukraine

The Finnish government said on Tuesday (Oct 10) that a subsea gas pipeline and a telecom cable connecting Finland and Estonia under the Baltic Sea have been damaged. The government thinks that this has been a deliberate act and has blamed 'outside activity' for this. Finland is Russia's neighbour.

North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said that the alliance was sharing what information it had on the damage and was ready to support the concerned allies.

Watch | Israel-Palestine war: Who is Russia supporting?

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Finland joined NATO in April this year while Estonia has been a member of the alliance since 2004.

After concerns that gas was leaking, the Balticconnector gas pipeline was shut early on Sunday. It was feared that there was a hole in the 77-kilometre pipeline. Gasgridm the Finnish operator said repair may take months or even more.

"It is likely that damage to both the gas pipeline and the communication cable is the result of outside activity. The cause of the damage is not yet clear, the investigation continues in cooperation between Finland and Estonia," Finnish President Sauli Niinisto said in a statement on Tuesday.

Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo termed the damage "worrying" but also said that the energy supply to Finland remained stable and damage to telecommunication cable didn't affect the country's overall connectivity.

"It is too early to draw conclusions on who or what caused the damage," Orpo told a press conference.

He added that gas accounted for 5 per cent of Finland's energy supply.

AFP quoted a spokesperson for the Finnish defence forces who said that there wasn't any visible military threat against Finland.

The Finnish Bureau of Investigation has initiated an investigation into the external damage to the pipeline.

"We are still verifying if the damage is caused deliberately or accidentally," the bureau said. But it also added that the size of the damage indicated a deliberate action.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/unga-rejects-russian-bid-to-rejoin-human-rights-body-645096">UN General Assembly rejects Russian bid to rejoin human rights body</a>

In 2022, the larger Nord Stream gas pipelines which cross the Baltic Sea between Russia and Germany were damaged by explosions that authorities have said were deliberate acts of sabotage.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The Finnish government said on Tuesday (Oct 10) that a subsea gas pipeline and a telecom cable connecting Finland and Estonia under the Baltic Sea have been damaged.

The Finnish government said on Tuesday (Oct 10) that a subsea gas pipeline and a telecom cable connecting Finland and Estonia under the Baltic Sea have been damaged. The government thinks that this has been a deliberate act and has blamed 'outside activity' for this. Finland is Russia's neighbour. North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said that the alliance was sharing what information it had on the damage and was ready to support the concerned allies. Watch | Israel-Palestine war: Who is Russia supporting? × Finland joined NATO in April this year while Estonia has been a member of the alliance since 2004. After concerns that gas was leaking, the Balticconnector gas pipeline was shut early on Sunday. It was feared that there was a hole in the 77-kilometre pipeline. Gasgridm the Finnish operator said repair may take months or even more. "It is likely that damage to both the gas pipeline and the communication cable is the result of outside activity. The cause of the damage is not yet clear, the investigation continues in cooperation between Finland and Estonia," Finnish President Sauli Niinisto said in a statement on Tuesday. Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo termed the damage "worrying" but also said that the energy supply to Finland remained stable and damage to telecommunication cable didn't affect the country's overall connectivity. "It is too early to draw conclusions on who or what caused the damage," Orpo told a press conference. He added that gas accounted for 5 per cent of Finland's energy supply. AFP quoted a spokesperson for the Finnish defence forces who said that there wasn't any visible military threat against Finland. The Finnish Bureau of Investigation has initiated an investigation into the external damage to the pipeline. "We are still verifying if the damage is caused deliberately or accidentally," the bureau said. But it also added that the size of the damage indicated a deliberate action. Also Read | UN General Assembly rejects Russian bid to rejoin human rights body In 2022, the larger Nord Stream gas pipelines which cross the Baltic Sea between Russia and Germany were damaged by explosions that authorities have said were deliberate acts of sabotage. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Finland, Russia's neighbour, says 'outside activity' damaged gas pipeline

Russia was unable to regain its seat on the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) as the UN General Assembly (UNGA) rejected its bid. Russia was ousted from UNHRC after it invaded Ukraine last year.

Russia was competing with Bulgaria and Albania for two open spots for Eastern Europe regional group. It nonetheless received 83 votes in its favour from UNGA's 193 members.

The election for the body's 2024-2026 term had been viewed as a test of what Moscow contended was quiet support despite fierce Western-led criticism over its brutal assault on its neighbor.

The vote was held just days after a Russian missile attack targeted a Ukrainian village of Groza. More than 50 people died in the attack when global attention had shifted to Israel-Hamas war.&nbsp;

Watch | Israel-Palestine war: Who is Russia supporting?

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"UN member states sent a strong signal to Russia's leadership that a government responsible for countless war crimes and crimes against humanity doesn’t belong on the Human Rights Council," said Louis Charbonneau of international NGO Human Rights Watch. He was quoted by AFP.

Albanian ambassador Ferit Hoxha said earlier that UN General Assembly faced an important choice" to "demonstrate that it is not ready to take an arsonist for a firefighter."

Albania received 123 votes while Bulgaria received 160.

Forty-seven members of the Human Rights Council are allocated by region. Usually, each regional group pre-selects its own candidates which are typically approved by the General Assembly.

But this year, there were more candidates than there were seats in two such groups.

In Latin America, Brazil, Cuba, the Dominican Republic and Peru were vying for three seats, and in Eastern Europe, Albania, Bulgaria and Russia sought two seats.

The vote takes place by secret ballot.

Russia was ousted from UNHRC in April last year. At the time 93 countries had voted to suspend Russia while 24 had opposed the move.

The vote defending the territorial integrity of Ukraine drew approval from about 140 countries.

The United States has on number of occasions criticised the UNHRC and has alleged slant against Israel. However, under President Joe Biden, the USA rejoined the group &nbsp;after pullout by former president Donald Trump.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-president-vladimir-putin-says-israel-gaza-conflict-an-example-of-us-failure-in-middle-east-645030">Russian President Vladimir Putin says Israel-Gaza conflict 'an example' of US failure in Middle East</a>

"Russia's reelection to that body, while it openly continues to commit war crimes and other atrocities, would be an ugly stain that would undermine the credibility of the institution and the United Nations," senior US diplomat Robert Wood said.

However, Vassily Nebenzia, the Russian Ambassador to the UN, asserted that there "are no beacons of democracy or rogue states, as is sometimes being portrayed."&nbsp;

"No member-state can claim to be immune from human rights violations. But the solution is to strengthen international regulation," he said.

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Russia was unable to regain its seat on the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) as the UN General Assembly (UNGA) rejected its bid. Russia was ousted from UNHRC after it invaded Ukraine last year.

Russia was unable to regain its seat on the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) as the UN General Assembly (UNGA) rejected its bid. Russia was ousted from UNHRC after it invaded Ukraine last year. Russia was competing with Bulgaria and Albania for two open spots for Eastern Europe regional group. It nonetheless received 83 votes in its favour from UNGA's 193 members. The election for the body's 2024-2026 term had been viewed as a test of what Moscow contended was quiet support despite fierce Western-led criticism over its brutal assault on its neighbor. The vote was held just days after a Russian missile attack targeted a Ukrainian village of Groza. More than 50 people died in the attack when global attention had shifted to Israel-Hamas war. Watch | Israel-Palestine war: Who is Russia supporting? × "UN member states sent a strong signal to Russia's leadership that a government responsible for countless war crimes and crimes against humanity doesn’t belong on the Human Rights Council," said Louis Charbonneau of international NGO Human Rights Watch. He was quoted by AFP. Albanian ambassador Ferit Hoxha said earlier that UN General Assembly faced an important choice" to "demonstrate that it is not ready to take an arsonist for a firefighter." Albania received 123 votes while Bulgaria received 160. Forty-seven members of the Human Rights Council are allocated by region. Usually, each regional group pre-selects its own candidates which are typically approved by the General Assembly. But this year, there were more candidates than there were seats in two such groups. In Latin America, Brazil, Cuba, the Dominican Republic and Peru were vying for three seats, and in Eastern Europe, Albania, Bulgaria and Russia sought two seats. The vote takes place by secret ballot. Russia was ousted from UNHRC in April last year. At the time 93 countries had voted to suspend Russia while 24 had opposed the move. The vote defending the territorial integrity of Ukraine drew approval from about 140 countries. The United States has on number of occasions criticised the UNHRC and has alleged slant against Israel. However, under President Joe Biden, the USA rejoined the group after pullout by former president Donald Trump. Also Read | Russian President Vladimir Putin says Israel-Gaza conflict 'an example' of US failure in Middle East "Russia's reelection to that body, while it openly continues to commit war crimes and other atrocities, would be an ugly stain that would undermine the credibility of the institution and the United Nations," senior US diplomat Robert Wood said. However, Vassily Nebenzia, the Russian Ambassador to the UN, asserted that there "are no beacons of democracy or rogue states, as is sometimes being portrayed." "No member-state can claim to be immune from human rights violations. But the solution is to strengthen international regulation," he said. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

UN General Assembly rejects Russian bid to rejoin human rights body

Local officials in Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia region said two people were killed on Saturday (Oct 7) in a village after shelling by Russian forces. Meanwhile, the governor of Russia’s border Belgorod region, said that one civilian had been killed in the village of Urazovo as a result of Ukrainian shelling.&nbsp;

In a separate attack, a party official in the Russian-held town of Nova Kakhovka in the Ukrainian Kherson region was killed by a car bomb, said the provincial governor.&nbsp;

<h2>Russian shelling kills two in Zaporizhzhia</h2>

Local officials in the village of Bilenke, in Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia region, said that two people were killed after Russian forces shelled the area, according to a report by Reuters.&nbsp;

They also reported the destruction and damage of at least 10 houses, in the village which is 25 kilometres away from the Russian-controlled left bank of the Dnipro River.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-three-injured-after-russian-regions-hit-by-ukrainian-shelling-drones-moscow-641489">At least three injured in Russian regions hit by Ukrainian shelling, drones: Moscow</a>

A local resident also told the news agency that this was the first time that the village was shelled with artillery.&nbsp;

<h2>What happened in Belgorod?</h2>

Governor of Russia’s Belgorod region, Vyacheslav Gladkov, reported that a civilian was killed in the village of Urazovo, near the Ukrainian border following shelling by Ukrainian forces.&nbsp;

This comes after he had earlier said that Russian air defence systems downed three Ukrainian missiles over the region.&nbsp;

The Russian region which borders Ukraine has recently reported a rise in attacks becoming an almost daily occurrence in the last few months since Kyiv began its counteroffensive against Moscow.&nbsp;

<h2>Official killed by car bomb in Russian-held town</h2>

A party official, identified as Vladimir Malov, executive secretary of the town branch of Russia’s governing United Russia party, died in hospital, provincial governor Vladimir Saldo said in a post on his Telegram channel.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-develops-invisibility-cloaks-for-its-snipers-heres-how-they-work-643201">Ukraine develops 'invisibility cloaks' for its snipers. Here's how they work</a>

The incident is said to have occurred in the Russian-held town of Nova Kakhovka in Ukraine’s Kherson. Saldo said that it had been a “terrorist attack,” which means indirectly blaming Kyiv for it. Ukraine is yet to respond to the attack or the allegation.&nbsp;

This comes months after Russia claimed to have thwarted a Ukrainian attempt to kill Sergei Aksyonov, the Russian-backed head of annexed Crimea and arrested an agent before he could blow up the Russian official’s car.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.&nbsp;

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Local officials in Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia region said two people were killed on Saturday (Oct 7) in a village after shelling by Russian forces. Meanwhile, the governor of Russia’s border Belgorod region, said that one civilian had been killed in the village of Urazovo as a result of Ukrainian shelling.

Local officials in Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia region said two people were killed on Saturday (Oct 7) in a village after shelling by Russian forces. Meanwhile, the governor of Russia’s border Belgorod region, said that one civilian had been killed in the village of Urazovo as a result of Ukrainian shelling. In a separate attack, a party official in the Russian-held town of Nova Kakhovka in the Ukrainian Kherson region was killed by a car bomb, said the provincial governor. Russian shelling kills two in Zaporizhzhia Local officials in the village of Bilenke, in Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia region, said that two people were killed after Russian forces shelled the area, according to a report by Reuters. They also reported the destruction and damage of at least 10 houses, in the village which is 25 kilometres away from the Russian-controlled left bank of the Dnipro River. ALSO READ | At least three injured in Russian regions hit by Ukrainian shelling, drones: Moscow A local resident also told the news agency that this was the first time that the village was shelled with artillery. What happened in Belgorod? Governor of Russia’s Belgorod region, Vyacheslav Gladkov, reported that a civilian was killed in the village of Urazovo, near the Ukrainian border following shelling by Ukrainian forces. This comes after he had earlier said that Russian air defence systems downed three Ukrainian missiles over the region. The Russian region which borders Ukraine has recently reported a rise in attacks becoming an almost daily occurrence in the last few months since Kyiv began its counteroffensive against Moscow. Official killed by car bomb in Russian-held town A party official, identified as Vladimir Malov, executive secretary of the town branch of Russia’s governing United Russia party, died in hospital, provincial governor Vladimir Saldo said in a post on his Telegram channel. ALSO READ | Ukraine develops 'invisibility cloaks' for its snipers. Here's how they work The incident is said to have occurred in the Russian-held town of Nova Kakhovka in Ukraine’s Kherson. Saldo said that it had been a “terrorist attack,” which means indirectly blaming Kyiv for it. Ukraine is yet to respond to the attack or the allegation. This comes months after Russia claimed to have thwarted a Ukrainian attempt to kill Sergei Aksyonov, the Russian-backed head of annexed Crimea and arrested an agent before he could blow up the Russian official’s car. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. 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.

At least two people killed in Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia after Russian shelling, say officials

India is calling for "sensitivity" from oil producers as crude oil prices hover near $90 a barrel. This appeal comes as Indian oil minister Hardeep Singh Puri met with OPEC Secretary General Haitham Al Ghais in Abu Dhabi during an industry conference.

According to a report by Reuters, Puri emphasised the need for oil producers to consider the impact of their policies on oil-consuming countries, especially as the global economy teeters on the brink of recession.

Puri stated on social media platform X, "During the pandemic, when crude oil prices crashed, the world came together to stabilise the prices to make it sustainable for the producers. Now, as the world is at the cusp of economic recession and slowdown, oil producers need to show the same sensitivity towards the consuming countries."

The United States and Western allies have also been urging OPEC+ to increase oil output to alleviate the pressure on energy costs and support the global economy. OPEC+ producers, however, argue that they are acting preemptively to maintain market stability.

Puri later confirmed in an interview with Reuters that he had discussed oil prices with Ghais, saying, "If the petroleum and natural gas minister of one of the largest consuming countries meets the OPEC secretary-general, who has an inside track into the OPEC+, surely we discussed prices."

India, which relies on imports for approximately 85 per cent of its crude oil needs, has been closely monitoring the situation. Puri acknowledged that while India could manage if oil prices rose above $100 per barrel, such a scenario would not be "in anyone's interest." As per a Reuters report, he expressed concern for other developing nations, stating, "I hope it (oil price) doesn't go above $100 ... India will manage ... I would worry about what happens to other parts of the developing world."

In recent months, India has sought alternative sources of oil due to geopolitical tensions. After Western countries imposed sanctions on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine, Indian refiners turned to&nbsp;discounted Russian oil. Puri clarified that India would continue to purchase Russian oil as long as it remained within the Western countries' price cap of $60 a barrel. He also mentioned that if the prices were to exceed the cap, it was clear that they would not proceed with the purchases.&nbsp;

Russian oil exports to India surge in September&nbsp;

Meanwhile, on a different note, Russian oil exports to India experienced a significant rebound in September. Shipments of Russian oil to India surged by 15 per cent from a seven-month low in August, driven by ample supply and attractive price discounts, Bloomberg reported.

&nbsp;These shipments amounted to 1.78 million barrels a day last month. Experts suggest that this trend is likely to continue, as Russia's ban on diesel exports will lead domestic refiners to reduce production, freeing up more crude for overseas markets. India predominantly purchases the Urals grade of Russian crude, which is delivered at a discount of around $4 per barrel compared to Brent, making it a more appealing option than term supplies from the Middle East.

Bloomberg cited Viktor Katona, the lead crude analyst at Kpler, who highlighted that there is "plentiful room" for Russian oil imports to increase further, especially with the potential for even greater discounts in the future as the availability of Russian crude grows. In contrast, imports from Iraq, India's second-largest supplier, rose by 9.4 per cent in September, while cargoes from Saudi Arabia, the third-largest supplier, fell by 41 per cent.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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India is calling for "sensitivity" from oil producers as crude oil prices hover near $90 a barrel. This appeal comes as Indian oil minister Hardeep Singh Puri met with OPEC Secretary General Haitham Al Ghais in Abu Dhabi during an industry conference.

India is calling for "sensitivity" from oil producers as crude oil prices hover near $90 a barrel. This appeal comes as Indian oil minister Hardeep Singh Puri met with OPEC Secretary General Haitham Al Ghais in Abu Dhabi during an industry conference. According to a report by Reuters, Puri emphasised the need for oil producers to consider the impact of their policies on oil-consuming countries, especially as the global economy teeters on the brink of recession. Puri stated on social media platform X, "During the pandemic, when crude oil prices crashed, the world came together to stabilise the prices to make it sustainable for the producers. Now, as the world is at the cusp of economic recession and slowdown, oil producers need to show the same sensitivity towards the consuming countries." The United States and Western allies have also been urging OPEC+ to increase oil output to alleviate the pressure on energy costs and support the global economy. OPEC+ producers, however, argue that they are acting preemptively to maintain market stability. Puri later confirmed in an interview with Reuters that he had discussed oil prices with Ghais, saying, "If the petroleum and natural gas minister of one of the largest consuming countries meets the OPEC secretary-general, who has an inside track into the OPEC+, surely we discussed prices." India, which relies on imports for approximately 85 per cent of its crude oil needs, has been closely monitoring the situation. Puri acknowledged that while India could manage if oil prices rose above $100 per barrel, such a scenario would not be "in anyone's interest." As per a Reuters report, he expressed concern for other developing nations, stating, "I hope it (oil price) doesn't go above $100 ... India will manage ... I would worry about what happens to other parts of the developing world." In recent months, India has sought alternative sources of oil due to geopolitical tensions. After Western countries imposed sanctions on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine, Indian refiners turned to discounted Russian oil. Puri clarified that India would continue to purchase Russian oil as long as it remained within the Western countries' price cap of $60 a barrel. He also mentioned that if the prices were to exceed the cap, it was clear that they would not proceed with the purchases. Russian oil exports to India surge in September Meanwhile, on a different note, Russian oil exports to India experienced a significant rebound in September. Shipments of Russian oil to India surged by 15 per cent from a seven-month low in August, driven by ample supply and attractive price discounts, Bloomberg reported. These shipments amounted to 1.78 million barrels a day last month. Experts suggest that this trend is likely to continue, as Russia's ban on diesel exports will lead domestic refiners to reduce production, freeing up more crude for overseas markets. India predominantly purchases the Urals grade of Russian crude, which is delivered at a discount of around $4 per barrel compared to Brent, making it a more appealing option than term supplies from the Middle East. Bloomberg cited Viktor Katona, the lead crude analyst at Kpler, who highlighted that there is "plentiful room" for Russian oil imports to increase further, especially with the potential for even greater discounts in the future as the availability of Russian crude grows. In contrast, imports from Iraq, India's second-largest supplier, rose by 9.4 per cent in September, while cargoes from Saudi Arabia, the third-largest supplier, fell by 41 per cent. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

India urges oil producers for 'sensitivity' as prices near $90: Report  

European Union foreign ministers convened in Kyiv on Monday (Oct 2) for the first-ever meeting outside the 27-nation bloc and reiterated its long-term support for the war-torn country. The move is being seen as a show of support after Slovakia recently elected a pro-Russian candidate and the United States Congress passed a temporary spending bill with no aid for the Ukraine war.&nbsp;

<h2>‘Historic’ gathering in Kyiv</h2>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-defenders-of-ukraine-day-nothing-will-weaken-kyivs-resolve-against-russia-says-zelensky-641594/#defenders-day-of-ukraine-in-lviv-641595">EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell</a>&nbsp;described the gathering in Kyiv as “historic” but also said no concrete announcements would be made.&nbsp;

“It is the first time that we met in a candidate country. And, unfortunately, it was also the first time that the foreign ministers of the European Union met in a country at war,” said Borrell.&nbsp;

The meeting also comes amid growing disagreements among EU members over support for Ukraine and Kyiv’s high-stakes counteroffensive against the Russian forces with no major success so far. &nbsp;

“I am sure that Ukraine and the entire free world are capable of winning this confrontation. But our victory depends directly on our cooperation with you,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told the ministers.&nbsp;

<h2>Kyiv brushes off US and Slovakia issues</h2>

The US Congress recently passed an emergency bill, to stop the government from shutting down, which excluded aid to Ukraine. However, Kyiv has said that they have been assured by the US officials that their support for Ukraine will continue.&nbsp;

“We don’t feel that the US support has been shattered...because the United States understands that what is at stake in Ukraine is much bigger than just Ukraine,” Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba told reporters.&nbsp;

US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-will-not-walk-away-biden-pledges-support-to-ukraine-after-congress-pauses-war-time-aid-641627">Joe Biden </a>said Republicans had pledged to provide Ukraine aid through a separate vote and assured that American support could not be interrupted “under any circumstances.”

Speaking about the election victory of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-robert-ficos-win-in-slovakia-is-good-news-for-vladimir-putin-during-ukraine-war-641770">pro-Russian Robert Fico</a> in Slovakia, Kuleba said that it was “too early to judge” the impact of politics there.

This comes a day after Fico, following his win, said that the EU and NATO member nation is ready to help Ukraine in a “humanitarian way” but has rejected the prospect of providing any further military aid to Kyiv.

Kuleba also told Borrell that the Kremlin was investing “huge resources” to stir disunity among its allies and urged them to stand firm.&nbsp;

“(Russian President Vladimir) Putin’s greatest expectation is precisely that the West and the world will tire of standing on the side of Ukraine in this war,” said the Ukrainian official.&nbsp;

French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna said that their being in Kyiv is a signal to Russia indicating the bloc’s determination to support Ukraine over the long term and “until it can win. It is also a message to Russia that it should not count on our weariness.”

Meanwhile, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock called for measures like air defence and guaranteed energy supplies to prepare Ukraine for winter after Russia bombed energy infrastructure last year, saying, “We must prevent this together with everything we have, as far as possible.”

<h2>Russia on Western ‘fatigue’ over Ukraine war</h2>

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that the US congressional vote was a sign of increasing divisions in the West over the war, but expects Americans to continue support calling it a “temporary phenomenon.”

“But we have repeatedly said before that according to our forecasts fatigue from this conflict, fatigue from the completely absurd sponsorship of the Kyiv regime, will grow in various countries, including the United States,” said Peskov. 
 
He also defended Fico, saying it was “absurd” to label politicians who support their own country’s national interests as “pro-Russian”.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

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European Union foreign ministers convened in Kyiv on Monday (Oct 2) for the first-ever meeting outside the 27-nation bloc and reiterated its long-term support for the war-torn country.

European Union foreign ministers convened in Kyiv on Monday (Oct 2) for the first-ever meeting outside the 27-nation bloc and reiterated its long-term support for the war-torn country. The move is being seen as a show of support after Slovakia recently elected a pro-Russian candidate and the United States Congress passed a temporary spending bill with no aid for the Ukraine war. ‘Historic’ gathering in Kyiv EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell described the gathering in Kyiv as “historic” but also said no concrete announcements would be made. “It is the first time that we met in a candidate country. And, unfortunately, it was also the first time that the foreign ministers of the European Union met in a country at war,” said Borrell. The meeting also comes amid growing disagreements among EU members over support for Ukraine and Kyiv’s high-stakes counteroffensive against the Russian forces with no major success so far. “I am sure that Ukraine and the entire free world are capable of winning this confrontation. But our victory depends directly on our cooperation with you,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told the ministers. Kyiv brushes off US and Slovakia issues The US Congress recently passed an emergency bill, to stop the government from shutting down, which excluded aid to Ukraine. However, Kyiv has said that they have been assured by the US officials that their support for Ukraine will continue. “We don’t feel that the US support has been shattered...because the United States understands that what is at stake in Ukraine is much bigger than just Ukraine,” Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba told reporters. US President Joe Biden said Republicans had pledged to provide Ukraine aid through a separate vote and assured that American support could not be interrupted “under any circumstances.” Speaking about the election victory of pro-Russian Robert Fico in Slovakia, Kuleba said that it was “too early to judge” the impact of politics there. This comes a day after Fico, following his win, said that the EU and NATO member nation is ready to help Ukraine in a “humanitarian way” but has rejected the prospect of providing any further military aid to Kyiv. Kuleba also told Borrell that the Kremlin was investing “huge resources” to stir disunity among its allies and urged them to stand firm. “(Russian President Vladimir) Putin’s greatest expectation is precisely that the West and the world will tire of standing on the side of Ukraine in this war,” said the Ukrainian official. French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna said that their being in Kyiv is a signal to Russia indicating the bloc’s determination to support Ukraine over the long term and “until it can win. It is also a message to Russia that it should not count on our weariness.” Meanwhile, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock called for measures like air defence and guaranteed energy supplies to prepare Ukraine for winter after Russia bombed energy infrastructure last year, saying, “We must prevent this together with everything we have, as far as possible.” Russia on Western ‘fatigue’ over Ukraine war Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that the US congressional vote was a sign of increasing divisions in the West over the war, but expects Americans to continue support calling it a “temporary phenomenon.” “But we have repeatedly said before that according to our forecasts fatigue from this conflict, fatigue from the completely absurd sponsorship of the Kyiv regime, will grow in various countries, including the United States,” said Peskov. He also defended Fico, saying it was “absurd” to label politicians who support their own country’s national interests as “pro-Russian”. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. 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.

EU pledges support for Ukraine war at ‘historic’ meeting in Kyiv amid US, Slovakia issues

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