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<p>The sanctions imposed by the Western world on Russia may not have deterred President Vladimir Putin from stopping his Ukraine invasion but the voices that are challenging him are certainly facing the heat. TV channel Dozhd, also known as TV Rain, widely recognised as one of the very few remaining Russian channels critical of Putin is facing heavy losses due to sanctions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Vera Krichevskaya, one of the co-founders said the channel was losing anywhere between $1 million to $1.5 million per year in potential revenue due to sanctions on its YouTube channel.</p>

<p>Notably, after the Russian invasion, Google-owned YouTube suspended all monetisation programmes for users in Russia. The decision was taken after advertisements were already suspended in the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>About 65 per cent&nbsp;of TV Rain’s audience is in Russia but with no revenue coming from them, the channel has to rely on&nbsp;non-Russia-based audience for advertising income.</p>

<p>Krichevskaya said she had been in touch with executives from Google and YouTube to persuade them to relax the rules but so far, no progress had been made.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I found it very strange that when the west goes on about the importance of freedom of speech and western European values, a company like Google has no flexibility,"&nbsp;Krichevskaya was quoted as saying by<em> The Guardian.&nbsp;</em></p>

<p>“They give us zero income and zero profit on Russian audiences, making it near impossible to operate.”</p>

<p>The channel was forced to leave Russia after the Putin administration accused it of broadcasting false information about the war. Since then, it had been operating from Lativa until the authorisation was revoked by the country's media watchdog.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, in&nbsp;January this year,&nbsp;the Netherlands granted a five-year broadcasting licence to the channel.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-releases-new-russia-sanctions-list-top-energy-telecom-firm-prime-target-in-list-582007" target="_blank"><strong>WATCH | US releases new Russia sanctions list, top energy, telecom firm prime target in list</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>The game of sanctions</strong></h2>

<p>The US Treasury and State Departments sanctioned nearly 120 targets, including Russian, Chinese, UAE and Turkish firms to squeeze Moscow for its ongoing war with Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While the likes of TV Rain face economic hardships, the US is also inflicting self-harm due to the sanctions. Earlier this week, US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, without naming Russia said economic sanctions imposed on countries had put the dollar's dominance at stake.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-dollar-may-lose-its-dominance-if-nations-are-sanctioned-warns-treasury-secretary-janet-yellen-583125" target="_blank"><strong>ALSO READ | US dollar may lose its dominance if nations are sanctioned, warns Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen</strong></a></p>

<p>As the US continues to plaster sanctions willy-nilly, targeted nations are seeking alternatives which puts the USD in jeopardy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"There is a risk when we use financial sanctions that are linked to the role of the dollar that over time it could undermine the hegemony of the dollar," Yellen was quoted as saying by CNN.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The sanctions imposed by the Western world on Russia may not have deterred President Vladimir Putin from stopping his Ukraine invasion but the voices that are challenging him are certainly facing the heat.

The sanctions imposed by the Western world on Russia may not have deterred President Vladimir Putin from stopping his Ukraine invasion but the voices that are challenging him are certainly facing the heat. TV channel Dozhd, also known as TV Rain, widely recognised as one of the very few remaining Russian channels critical of Putin is facing heavy losses due to sanctions. Vera Krichevskaya, one of the co-founders said the channel was losing anywhere between $1 million to $1.5 million per year in potential revenue due to sanctions on its YouTube channel. Notably, after the Russian invasion, Google-owned YouTube suspended all monetisation programmes for users in Russia. The decision was taken after advertisements were already suspended in the country. About 65 per cent of TV Rain’s audience is in Russia but with no revenue coming from them, the channel has to rely on non-Russia-based audience for advertising income. Krichevskaya said she had been in touch with executives from Google and YouTube to persuade them to relax the rules but so far, no progress had been made. “I found it very strange that when the west goes on about the importance of freedom of speech and western European values, a company like Google has no flexibility," Krichevskaya was quoted as saying by The Guardian. “They give us zero income and zero profit on Russian audiences, making it near impossible to operate.” The channel was forced to leave Russia after the Putin administration accused it of broadcasting false information about the war. Since then, it had been operating from Lativa until the authorisation was revoked by the country's media watchdog. However, in January this year, the Netherlands granted a five-year broadcasting licence to the channel. WATCH | US releases new Russia sanctions list, top energy, telecom firm prime target in list × The game of sanctions The US Treasury and State Departments sanctioned nearly 120 targets, including Russian, Chinese, UAE and Turkish firms to squeeze Moscow for its ongoing war with Ukraine. While the likes of TV Rain face economic hardships, the US is also inflicting self-harm due to the sanctions. Earlier this week, US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, without naming Russia said economic sanctions imposed on countries had put the dollar's dominance at stake. ALSO READ | US dollar may lose its dominance if nations are sanctioned, warns Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen As the US continues to plaster sanctions willy-nilly, targeted nations are seeking alternatives which puts the USD in jeopardy. "There is a risk when we use financial sanctions that are linked to the role of the dollar that over time it could undermine the hegemony of the dollar," Yellen was quoted as saying by CNN. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Russian channel critical of Putin facing financial crunch due to Western sanctions

<p>A Russian warplane accidentally fired a weapon into its own city of Belgorod near Ukraine late Thursday (April 20), causing a blast which resulted in damage to nearby buildings, reported the TASS news agency citing the country’s defence ministry. The incident has injured at least two people.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“At around 22:15 (10:15 pm) Moscow time on April 20, when a Su-34 plane of the Russian Aerospace Forces was performing a flight above the city of Belgorod, an emergency release of an air ordnance occurred,” the Russian Defence Ministry was quoted as saying by TASS. An investigation into the incident is underway.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO&nbsp;WATCH | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-russian-recruitment-ad-calling-for-real-men-to-fight-in-ukraine-584624">Russian recruitment ad calling for 'real men' to fight in Ukraine</a></strong></p>

<p>According to the report, the defence ministry confirmed that an unspecified number of buildings were damaged following the accidental discharge of aviation ammunition and confirmed that there were no casualties. The Su-34 is a supersonic fighter-bomber jet.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The defence ministry did not say which weapon was involved. Belgorod region governor Vyacheslav Gladkov announced a state of emergency on Thursday, confirming the blast on the messaging app Telegram and said that there was a crater measuring 20 metres across one of the main streets in the Russian city.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-spy-ships-disguised-as-fishing-vessels-in-north-sea-probe-says-584530">Russian spy ships disguised as fishing vessels in North Sea, probe says</a></strong></p>

<p>The governor said four cars and four apartment buildings were damaged, adding two women were injured, Reuters reported. Footage of the site shows piles of concrete on the street, several damaged cars and a building with broken windows, reported the news agency, adding that one video also showed what appeared to be a car upside down on the roof of a store.</p>

<p>The Belgorod region is one of the several parts of southern Russia which has reportedly witnessed explosions, with targets being the fuel and ammunition stores, since the beginning of what Moscow calls its “special military operation” in Ukraine which began in February last year.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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A Russian warplane accidentally fired a weapon into its own city of Belgorod near Ukraine late Thursday (April 20), causing a blast which resulted in damage to nearby buildings, reported the TASS news agency citing the country’s defence ministry.

A Russian warplane accidentally fired a weapon into its own city of Belgorod near Ukraine late Thursday (April 20), causing a blast which resulted in damage to nearby buildings, reported the TASS news agency citing the country’s defence ministry. The incident has injured at least two people. “At around 22:15 (10:15 pm) Moscow time on April 20, when a Su-34 plane of the Russian Aerospace Forces was performing a flight above the city of Belgorod, an emergency release of an air ordnance occurred,” the Russian Defence Ministry was quoted as saying by TASS. An investigation into the incident is underway. ALSO WATCH | Russian recruitment ad calling for 'real men' to fight in Ukraine According to the report, the defence ministry confirmed that an unspecified number of buildings were damaged following the accidental discharge of aviation ammunition and confirmed that there were no casualties. The Su-34 is a supersonic fighter-bomber jet. The defence ministry did not say which weapon was involved. Belgorod region governor Vyacheslav Gladkov announced a state of emergency on Thursday, confirming the blast on the messaging app Telegram and said that there was a crater measuring 20 metres across one of the main streets in the Russian city. ALSO READ | Russian spy ships disguised as fishing vessels in North Sea, probe says The governor said four cars and four apartment buildings were damaged, adding two women were injured, Reuters reported. Footage of the site shows piles of concrete on the street, several damaged cars and a building with broken windows, reported the news agency, adding that one video also showed what appeared to be a car upside down on the roof of a store. The Belgorod region is one of the several parts of southern Russia which has reportedly witnessed explosions, with targets being the fuel and ammunition stores, since the beginning of what Moscow calls its “special military operation” in Ukraine which began in February last year. (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.

Russian jet accidentally fires weapon in its own city Belgorod near Ukraine

<p>A recently published study by the scientists at China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA), said big tech companies like TikTok, Google, Twitter, and so on, are involved in propaganda campaigns against Russia amid its invasion of Ukraine, reported the South China Morning Post (SCMP), on Friday (April 21). Notably, TikTok which has recently come under scrutiny is the only Chinese-owned entity on the list.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>What did the report find?</strong></p>

<p>The report was published in the Chinese-language journal Modern Defence Technology, earlier this month, which alleges that TikTok has joined Facebook, Twitter, Google and other Western tech giants to offer a “cognitive war” on Russia. This so-called war has “greatly undermined” Russian troops’ morale and eroded Moscow’s international image, said the SCMP citing the study.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the study which was led by Ling Haifeng, a professor at the Army Engineering University of the PLA in Nanjing, Jiangsu province listed nearly 40 private entities from the internet, space, finance and artificial intelligence sectors.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ling and her colleagues have defined cognitive warfare as an organised campaign aimed at manipulating the perceptions of targeted audiences and changing their decisions or behaviour. The study stated, “Combat in the cognitive domain is a new, advanced form of warfare. It is also the highest level of human (war) games,” reported the SCMP.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The study also noted how this is the first time that the so-called “cognitive warfare” is being used by civilian hi-tech companies during a large-scale war and that media-driven, particularly based on mobile internet “has had huge repercussions in this conflict.”</p>

<p>The report also alleged that the United States and its allies have used social media platforms to highlight content showing Russia’s cruelty and acts while Ukrainian politicians and forces have more friendly exposure, said the report by SCMP, citing the study.</p>

<p>Ling’s team also said how these companies are being offered a platform for government agents to employ AI to create fake texts, images and videos which “pushed the Russian army up against the gunpoint of public opinion.”&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>TikTok faces criticism</strong></p>

<p>TikTok, which is owned by the Beijing-based parent company ByteDance, has faced intense scrutiny and criticism by the US and its allies since the beginning of conflict in Ukraine began, last year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This comes as critics have reportedly said that the short video platform is not taking enough measures to counter Russian influence. Last month, a report by a US-based organisation called Alliance for Securing Democracy noted that Russia’s state-run broadcaster RT had more TikTok followers than The New York Times.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The national security advocacy group also found how the Russian news agency RIA Novosti’s top TikTok post, this year, gained more than 5.6 million views as opposed to its top Twitter post which had fewer than 20,000 views, reported SCMP.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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A recently published study by the scientists at China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA), said big tech companies like TikTok, Google, Twitter, and so on, are involved in propaganda campaigns against Russia amid its invasion of Ukraine, reported the South China Morning Post (SCMP), on Friday (April 21).

A recently published study by the scientists at China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA), said big tech companies like TikTok, Google, Twitter, and so on, are involved in propaganda campaigns against Russia amid its invasion of Ukraine, reported the South China Morning Post (SCMP), on Friday (April 21). Notably, TikTok which has recently come under scrutiny is the only Chinese-owned entity on the list. What did the report find? The report was published in the Chinese-language journal Modern Defence Technology, earlier this month, which alleges that TikTok has joined Facebook, Twitter, Google and other Western tech giants to offer a “cognitive war” on Russia. This so-called war has “greatly undermined” Russian troops’ morale and eroded Moscow’s international image, said the SCMP citing the study. Meanwhile, the study which was led by Ling Haifeng, a professor at the Army Engineering University of the PLA in Nanjing, Jiangsu province listed nearly 40 private entities from the internet, space, finance and artificial intelligence sectors. Ling and her colleagues have defined cognitive warfare as an organised campaign aimed at manipulating the perceptions of targeted audiences and changing their decisions or behaviour. The study stated, “Combat in the cognitive domain is a new, advanced form of warfare. It is also the highest level of human (war) games,” reported the SCMP. The study also noted how this is the first time that the so-called “cognitive warfare” is being used by civilian hi-tech companies during a large-scale war and that media-driven, particularly based on mobile internet “has had huge repercussions in this conflict.” The report also alleged that the United States and its allies have used social media platforms to highlight content showing Russia’s cruelty and acts while Ukrainian politicians and forces have more friendly exposure, said the report by SCMP, citing the study. Ling’s team also said how these companies are being offered a platform for government agents to employ AI to create fake texts, images and videos which “pushed the Russian army up against the gunpoint of public opinion.” TikTok faces criticism TikTok, which is owned by the Beijing-based parent company ByteDance, has faced intense scrutiny and criticism by the US and its allies since the beginning of conflict in Ukraine began, last year. This comes as critics have reportedly said that the short video platform is not taking enough measures to counter Russian influence. Last month, a report by a US-based organisation called Alliance for Securing Democracy noted that Russia’s state-run broadcaster RT had more TikTok followers than The New York Times. The national security advocacy group also found how the Russian news agency RIA Novosti’s top TikTok post, this year, gained more than 5.6 million views as opposed to its top Twitter post which had fewer than 20,000 views, reported SCMP. 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.

TikTok, Google are involved in ‘cognitive war’ on Russia: Chinese military study

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<p>The Eastern European country of Moldova on Wednesday summoned the Russian ambassador to expel a member of embassy staff. The envoy was called to declare the embassy member persona non grata.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to Daniel Vode, the government press secretary, the decision was related to actions of the Russian embassy staff towards the Moldovan border guards who denied entry to a delegation led by Russian politician Rustam Minnikhanov earlier this week at the Chisinau airport&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, Minnikhanov, governor of Russia's Tatarstan region was scheduled to attend a forum in the semi-autonomous Gagauzia region, which holds elections on April 30 to name the head of its government. However, Moldova perceived Minnikhanov's visit as an attempt to interfere with the internal politics of the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Supporting a candidate at local elections in Moldova is not a valid reason and the authorities ask Russian bureaucrats to refrain from interfering in the internal affairs of our country," the border guard service said in a statement released.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Moldova is wary of Moscow attempting to destabilise the country, especially in the backdrop of the Russia-Ukraine war. It is perhaps one of the reasons why Moldova applied to join the European Union last year alongside Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/leaked-document-reveals-russias-secret-plans-to-destabilise-neighbour-moldova-over-10-years-572807" target="_blank"><strong>ALSO READ | Clandestine document reveals Russia's secret plans to destabilise neighbour Moldova over a 10 year period</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>Russia plans to destabilise Moldova: Report</strong></h2>

<p>Recently, a 'clandestine' document accessed by CNN showed Russia's secret plan to destabilise Moldova over a 10-year period.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The document titled "Strategic objectives of the Russian Federation in the Republic of Moldova" was written in 2021 by the Russian security service FSB. It lays out a 10-year strategy to bring the former Soviet republic nation to its knees.</p>

<p>Five pages long and divided into short, medium and long-term aims, the secret document goes into detail about how to bring Moldova into the Russian sphere of influence.</p>

<p>The report states that Moscow will support pro-Russian groups in Moldova, make use of the orthodox church and eventually threaten to cut off supplies of natural gas after making the nation dependent on Russian supplies.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/secret-kremlin-document-how-russia-plans-to-overturn-moldova-573089"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Secret Kremlin Document: How Russia PLANS to overturn Moldova</strong></a></p>

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<p>When quizzed about the report, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said they [Moscow] knew nothing about the existence of such a report.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I do not rule out that this is another fake. Russia has always been and remains open to building good-neighbourly, mutually beneficial relations, including with Moldova," said Peskov.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Prior to the release of the report, USA's National Security Council coordinator for strategic communications John Kirby said that Moscow is wary of the pro-western government in Moldova and hence deployed individuals connected to Russian intelligence in order to foment insurrection.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The Eastern European country of Moldova on Wednesday summoned the Russian ambassador to expel a member of embassy staff. The envoy was called to declare the embassy member persona non grata.

The Eastern European country of Moldova on Wednesday summoned the Russian ambassador to expel a member of embassy staff. The envoy was called to declare the embassy member persona non grata. According to Daniel Vode, the government press secretary, the decision was related to actions of the Russian embassy staff towards the Moldovan border guards who denied entry to a delegation led by Russian politician Rustam Minnikhanov earlier this week at the Chisinau airport Notably, Minnikhanov, governor of Russia's Tatarstan region was scheduled to attend a forum in the semi-autonomous Gagauzia region, which holds elections on April 30 to name the head of its government. However, Moldova perceived Minnikhanov's visit as an attempt to interfere with the internal politics of the country. "Supporting a candidate at local elections in Moldova is not a valid reason and the authorities ask Russian bureaucrats to refrain from interfering in the internal affairs of our country," the border guard service said in a statement released. Moldova is wary of Moscow attempting to destabilise the country, especially in the backdrop of the Russia-Ukraine war. It is perhaps one of the reasons why Moldova applied to join the European Union last year alongside Ukraine. ALSO READ | Clandestine document reveals Russia's secret plans to destabilise neighbour Moldova over a 10 year period Russia plans to destabilise Moldova: Report Recently, a 'clandestine' document accessed by CNN showed Russia's secret plan to destabilise Moldova over a 10-year period. The document titled "Strategic objectives of the Russian Federation in the Republic of Moldova" was written in 2021 by the Russian security service FSB. It lays out a 10-year strategy to bring the former Soviet republic nation to its knees. Five pages long and divided into short, medium and long-term aims, the secret document goes into detail about how to bring Moldova into the Russian sphere of influence. The report states that Moscow will support pro-Russian groups in Moldova, make use of the orthodox church and eventually threaten to cut off supplies of natural gas after making the nation dependent on Russian supplies. WATCH | Secret Kremlin Document: How Russia PLANS to overturn Moldova × When quizzed about the report, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said they [Moscow] knew nothing about the existence of such a report. "I do not rule out that this is another fake. Russia has always been and remains open to building good-neighbourly, mutually beneficial relations, including with Moldova," said Peskov. Prior to the release of the report, USA's National Security Council coordinator for strategic communications John Kirby said that Moscow is wary of the pro-western government in Moldova and hence deployed individuals connected to Russian intelligence in order to foment insurrection. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Moldova summons Russian ambassador to fire embassy staffer after altercation with border guards

<p>A Russian court, on Tuesday (April 18) denied bail for the United States’ Wall Street Journal reporter, Evan Gershkovich who has been arrested and faces up to 20 years in prison. The journalist has since denied accusations that he is a spy and appeared in a court in Moscow to appeal a decision to keep him in pre-trial detention in a former KGB prison until at least May 29.</p>

<p><strong>What happened during the hearing?</strong></p>

<p>Gershkovich was arrested, on March 29, by the Russian FSB security service in the Urals city of Yekaterinburg, on espionage charges and might face up to decades in prison.&nbsp;The partly open hearing began, on Tuesday, where Gershkovich stood behind a glass wall of an enclosure for defendants wearing jeans and a blue checkered shirt.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The US ambassador to Russia Lynne Tracy was also in the courtroom and was ushered along with the press during the hearing and was only allowed back for the decision at the end of the hearing.</p>

<p>A judge read out the ruling and said his detention “should remain in place.” Subsequently, Gershkovich responded in Russian, “All understood. Thank you very much,” reported AFP.<br />
<br />
The court documents showed nothing more than some details about the case while the Moscow court said that it was forbidden to publish some documents, as per Reuters.<br />
<br />
After the hearing,&nbsp;one of his lawyers,&nbsp;Maria Korchagina told AFP that&nbsp;Gershkovich has retained his "fighting spirit" and "working out and he knows that people are supporting him".&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>US reiterates calls for Gershkovich’s release</strong></p>

<p>In a statement, on Monday, Tracy said that the WSJ reporter, “feels well and is holding up. We reiterate our call for Evan’s immediate release,” after visiting him.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Speaking about the US ambassador’s visit White House national security spokesperson John Kirby said, “It was good to get to see him today and again we want to make sure we can continue to do that.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>Last week the US also said that Gershkovich has been “wrongfully detained” and that the spy charges against him are bogus including President Joe Biden who has called his imprisonment “totally illegal”.</p>

<p><strong>Spy charges against Gershkovich</strong></p>

<p>Notably, the WSJ reporter is the first foreign journalist arrested on spying allegations since the collapse of the Soviet Union while Moscow said that he was caught “red-handed” for allegedly collecting what Moscow has said were state secrets about the military-industrial complex.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Gershkovich is currently being held at the Lefortovo prison along with others accused of treason and espionage in Moscow which in Soviet times was run by the KGB but is now operated by the Federal Penitentiary Service.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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A Russian court, on Tuesday (April 18) denied bail for the United States’ Wall Street Journal reporter, Evan Gershkovich who has been arrested and faces up to 20 years in prison.

A Russian court, on Tuesday (April 18) denied bail for the United States’ Wall Street Journal reporter, Evan Gershkovich who has been arrested and faces up to 20 years in prison. The journalist has since denied accusations that he is a spy and appeared in a court in Moscow to appeal a decision to keep him in pre-trial detention in a former KGB prison until at least May 29. What happened during the hearing? Gershkovich was arrested, on March 29, by the Russian FSB security service in the Urals city of Yekaterinburg, on espionage charges and might face up to decades in prison. The partly open hearing began, on Tuesday, where Gershkovich stood behind a glass wall of an enclosure for defendants wearing jeans and a blue checkered shirt. The US ambassador to Russia Lynne Tracy was also in the courtroom and was ushered along with the press during the hearing and was only allowed back for the decision at the end of the hearing. A judge read out the ruling and said his detention “should remain in place.” Subsequently, Gershkovich responded in Russian, “All understood. Thank you very much,” reported AFP. The court documents showed nothing more than some details about the case while the Moscow court said that it was forbidden to publish some documents, as per Reuters. After the hearing, one of his lawyers, Maria Korchagina told AFP that Gershkovich has retained his "fighting spirit" and "working out and he knows that people are supporting him". US reiterates calls for Gershkovich’s release In a statement, on Monday, Tracy said that the WSJ reporter, “feels well and is holding up. We reiterate our call for Evan’s immediate release,” after visiting him. Speaking about the US ambassador’s visit White House national security spokesperson John Kirby said, “It was good to get to see him today and again we want to make sure we can continue to do that.” Last week the US also said that Gershkovich has been “wrongfully detained” and that the spy charges against him are bogus including President Joe Biden who has called his imprisonment “totally illegal”. Spy charges against Gershkovich Notably, the WSJ reporter is the first foreign journalist arrested on spying allegations since the collapse of the Soviet Union while Moscow said that he was caught “red-handed” for allegedly collecting what Moscow has said were state secrets about the military-industrial complex. Gershkovich is currently being held at the Lefortovo prison along with others accused of treason and espionage in Moscow which in Soviet times was run by the KGB but is now operated by the Federal Penitentiary Service. (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: US journalist arrested in Russia on charges of espionage denied bail

<p>The Russian defence ministry, on Saturday (April 15), said that the fighters of Moscow’s Wagner mercenary group have captured two more areas of the eastern Ukrainian city of Bakhmut. The city on the frontlines has witnessed some of the deadliest battles amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine and has recently taken on huge symbolic importance even though analysts say it has little strategic value, as per media reports.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Russia claims parts of Bakhmut</strong></p>

<p>In a statement, the Russian defence ministry said, “On the Donetsk direction, the fiercest fighting has been continuing in the city of Artyomovsk,” referring to the Ukrainian city of Bakhmut by its Soviet-era name. It added, “Wagner assault units successfully advanced, capturing two areas on the northern and southern outskirts of the city.”</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-strike-on-ukraines-sloviansk-kills-eight-moscow-puts-naval-forces-on-high-alert-for-drills-582612">Russian strike on Ukraine’s Sloviansk residential area kills 8; Moscow puts naval forces on high alert</a></strong></p>

<p>The Russian defence ministry also accused Ukrainian troops of “deliberately destroying city infrastructure and residential buildings in order to slow the advance” of Moscow’s forces, as they were supposedly retreating. Additionally, the statement also said that the Russian army paratroop units were supporting the claimed advance by holding back Ukrainian forces on the flanks.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This also comes after Moscow claimed to have cut off Ukrainian forces in Bakhmut, on Thursday. However, Ukraine has since denied these claims and said its troops had access and were able to send in munitions.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Who is fighting in the Ukrainian city and why?</strong></p>

<p>Russia’s Wagner mercenary group which is headed by the Kremlin-linked businessman Yevgeny Prigozhin has reportedly led several fights and spearheaded Russia’s attempt to take the Ukrainian city since last summer. Meanwhile, Kyiv has said that Bakhmut&nbsp;is key to holding Russian forces away from the entire eastern front.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-mercenary-group-wagner-chief-admits-facing-resistance-in-capturing-ukrainian-city-bakhmut-560926">Mercenary group Wagner chief says Moscow could take two years to capture eastern Ukrainian regions</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>UK defence ministry update</strong></p>

<p>In its intelligence updates, the United Kingdom, on Friday (April 14) said that the Ukrainian troops have been pushed back from some territory in Bakhmut as Russia mounted a renewed assault with intense artillery fire over the past two days or so. However, the Ukrainian defence still holds the western districts of the town, said the British Ministry of Defence.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It added, “Ukrainian forces face significant resupply issues but have made orderly withdrawals from the positions they have been forced to concede.” This also comes as Russia, on Friday, had said that it would push to take the western districts of the salt mining town which before the conflict had a population of 70,000 people.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<strong>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.</strong></em><br />
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The Russian defence ministry, on Saturday (April 15), said that the fighters of Moscow’s Wagner mercenary group have captured two more areas of the eastern Ukrainian city of Bakhmut.

The Russian defence ministry, on Saturday (April 15), said that the fighters of Moscow’s Wagner mercenary group have captured two more areas of the eastern Ukrainian city of Bakhmut. The city on the frontlines has witnessed some of the deadliest battles amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine and has recently taken on huge symbolic importance even though analysts say it has little strategic value, as per media reports. Russia claims parts of Bakhmut In a statement, the Russian defence ministry said, “On the Donetsk direction, the fiercest fighting has been continuing in the city of Artyomovsk,” referring to the Ukrainian city of Bakhmut by its Soviet-era name. It added, “Wagner assault units successfully advanced, capturing two areas on the northern and southern outskirts of the city.” ALSO READ | Russian strike on Ukraine’s Sloviansk residential area kills 8; Moscow puts naval forces on high alert The Russian defence ministry also accused Ukrainian troops of “deliberately destroying city infrastructure and residential buildings in order to slow the advance” of Moscow’s forces, as they were supposedly retreating. Additionally, the statement also said that the Russian army paratroop units were supporting the claimed advance by holding back Ukrainian forces on the flanks. This also comes after Moscow claimed to have cut off Ukrainian forces in Bakhmut, on Thursday. However, Ukraine has since denied these claims and said its troops had access and were able to send in munitions. Who is fighting in the Ukrainian city and why? Russia’s Wagner mercenary group which is headed by the Kremlin-linked businessman Yevgeny Prigozhin has reportedly led several fights and spearheaded Russia’s attempt to take the Ukrainian city since last summer. Meanwhile, Kyiv has said that Bakhmut is key to holding Russian forces away from the entire eastern front. ALSO READ | Mercenary group Wagner chief says Moscow could take two years to capture eastern Ukrainian regions UK defence ministry update In its intelligence updates, the United Kingdom, on Friday (April 14) said that the Ukrainian troops have been pushed back from some territory in Bakhmut as Russia mounted a renewed assault with intense artillery fire over the past two days or so. However, the Ukrainian defence still holds the western districts of the town, said the British Ministry of Defence. It added, “Ukrainian forces face significant resupply issues but have made orderly withdrawals from the positions they have been forced to concede.” This also comes as Russia, on Friday, had said that it would push to take the western districts of the salt mining town which before the conflict had a population of 70,000 people. (With inputs from agencies) 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. 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 parts of Bakhmut have been seized by Wagner fighters

<p>Norway on Thursday (April 13) said that it was expelling 15 Russian embassy officials from the country&nbsp;saying it&nbsp;suspected them of spying while working at the embassy in Oslo. Norway's foreign ministry said that these Russian officials were intelligence officers who were working under the cover of diplomatic positions and the decision was taken to ‘secure national interests’. Russia has said that it would respond to this move by Norway.</p>

<p>The expulsions amount to a quarter of Russian diplomats currently accredited in Oslo, according to the Norwegian government.</p>

<p>"This is an important step in countering, and reducing the level of, Russian intelligence activity in Norway, and thus in safeguarding our national interests," Norway's Foreign Minister Anniken Huitfeldt said in a statement.</p>

<p>"Russia currently poses the greatest intelligence threat to Norway...We will not allow Russian intelligence officers to operate under diplomatic cover," she added.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Kyiv denies Wagner Bakhmut claim, Russia says forces advancing</strong></p>

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<p>The Russians declared persona non grata must leave Norway within a short time,&nbsp;Huitfeldt said.</p>

<p>The ministry said that the activities of the expelled diplomats were “incompatible with their diplomatic status.”</p>

<p>Norwegian ministry said that the officials concerned must leave Norway shortly.</p>

<p>Russian foreign ministry said Moscow would respond to this development, as reported by state-owned news agency TASS.</p>

<p>Norway, a member of the NATO military alliance, shares border with Russia in the Arctic.</p>

<p>It also expelled three Russians in April 2022.</p>

<p>The Nordic country still seeks to maintain normal diplomatic relations with Russia, and Russian diplomats are welcome in Norway, Huitfeldt said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Norway on Thursday (April 13) said that it was expelling 15 Russian embassy officials from the country saying it suspected them of spying while working at the embassy in Oslo.

Norway on Thursday (April 13) said that it was expelling 15 Russian embassy officials from the country saying it suspected them of spying while working at the embassy in Oslo. Norway's foreign ministry said that these Russian officials were intelligence officers who were working under the cover of diplomatic positions and the decision was taken to ‘secure national interests’. Russia has said that it would respond to this move by Norway. The expulsions amount to a quarter of Russian diplomats currently accredited in Oslo, according to the Norwegian government. "This is an important step in countering, and reducing the level of, Russian intelligence activity in Norway, and thus in safeguarding our national interests," Norway's Foreign Minister Anniken Huitfeldt said in a statement. "Russia currently poses the greatest intelligence threat to Norway...We will not allow Russian intelligence officers to operate under diplomatic cover," she added. Watch | Kyiv denies Wagner Bakhmut claim, Russia says forces advancing × The Russians declared persona non grata must leave Norway within a short time, Huitfeldt said. The ministry said that the activities of the expelled diplomats were “incompatible with their diplomatic status.” Norwegian ministry said that the officials concerned must leave Norway shortly. Russian foreign ministry said Moscow would respond to this development, as reported by state-owned news agency TASS. Norway, a member of the NATO military alliance, shares border with Russia in the Arctic. It also expelled three Russians in April 2022. The Nordic country still seeks to maintain normal diplomatic relations with Russia, and Russian diplomats are welcome in Norway, Huitfeldt 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 ×

Norway expels 15 Russian officials at embassy in Oslo on suspicion of spying

<p>Russian oil exports reached their highest level in nearly three years, despite sanctions from the West, said the International Energy Agency (IEA), on Friday (April 14). However, Moscow's oil revenues have dropped sharply from last year, it added. Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine over a year ago, there have been thousands of sanctions against Russia including price caps on its exports and EU embargoes.</p>

<p>According to the IEA’s monthly oil market report, total shipments from Russia rose by 600,000 barrels per day to 8.1 million bpd last month, which is the highest since April 2020. However, while Moscow’s oil revenues rebounded by $1 billion to $12.7 billion, they were&nbsp;still nearly 43 per cent lower when compared to a year ago, said the Paris-based agency.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In March, Russian crude oil exports rose by 100,000 bpd to 5 million bpd with India effectively replacing China as Moscow’s main market in Asia, last month. Additionally, the IEA also said that the oil product shipments destined for the EU almost doubled between February and March to 300,000 bpd.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/opec-agrees-to-cut-production-for-first-time-in-a-year-after-oil-price-slump-513187">OPEC to cut production by 100,000 barrels per day after oil price slump</a></strong></p>

<p>Months after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the EU imposed an embargo on seaborne oil deliveries from Moscow in December along with a $60 per barrel price cap for exports across the world, the move which was agreed to by the Group of Seven (G7) nations and Australia.</p>

<p>Earlier this year, the EU expanded its ban on Russian oil and agreed with the G7 to the price ceilings of $100 per barrel for more expensive fuel like diesel and $45 on lower-quality products such as fuel oil.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Seemingly, in retaliation, Russia announced that it would be reducing its production by 500,000 bpd along with other OPEC+ member nations which sent shockwaves across the market.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/saudi-arabia-opec-members-announce-oil-production-cuts-by-over-a-million-bpd-578386">Saudi Arabia, OPEC+ members announce oil production cuts by over a million bpd</a></strong></p>

<p>According to the IEA, Russia missed its target in March as production fell by 290,000 bpd. “Consumers currently under siege from inflation will suffer even more from higher prices, especially in emerging and developing economies,” said the Paris-based agency. It added, “This augurs badly for the economic recovery and growth.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>The announcement, which cuts a total of 1.7 million bpd was also months after the group had agreed to a reduction of two million bpd back in November. The exports by Russia also returned pre-Covid levels as they have risen by 450,000 bpd to 3.1 million bpd.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
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Russian oil exports reached their highest level in nearly three years, despite sanctions from the West, said the International Energy Agency (IEA), on Friday (April 14).

Russian oil exports reached their highest level in nearly three years, despite sanctions from the West, said the International Energy Agency (IEA), on Friday (April 14). However, Moscow's oil revenues have dropped sharply from last year, it added. Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine over a year ago, there have been thousands of sanctions against Russia including price caps on its exports and EU embargoes. According to the IEA’s monthly oil market report, total shipments from Russia rose by 600,000 barrels per day to 8.1 million bpd last month, which is the highest since April 2020. However, while Moscow’s oil revenues rebounded by $1 billion to $12.7 billion, they were still nearly 43 per cent lower when compared to a year ago, said the Paris-based agency. In March, Russian crude oil exports rose by 100,000 bpd to 5 million bpd with India effectively replacing China as Moscow’s main market in Asia, last month. Additionally, the IEA also said that the oil product shipments destined for the EU almost doubled between February and March to 300,000 bpd. ALSO READ | OPEC to cut production by 100,000 barrels per day after oil price slump Months after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the EU imposed an embargo on seaborne oil deliveries from Moscow in December along with a $60 per barrel price cap for exports across the world, the move which was agreed to by the Group of Seven (G7) nations and Australia. Earlier this year, the EU expanded its ban on Russian oil and agreed with the G7 to the price ceilings of $100 per barrel for more expensive fuel like diesel and $45 on lower-quality products such as fuel oil. Seemingly, in retaliation, Russia announced that it would be reducing its production by 500,000 bpd along with other OPEC+ member nations which sent shockwaves across the market. ALSO READ | Saudi Arabia, OPEC+ members announce oil production cuts by over a million bpd According to the IEA, Russia missed its target in March as production fell by 290,000 bpd. “Consumers currently under siege from inflation will suffer even more from higher prices, especially in emerging and developing economies,” said the Paris-based agency. It added, “This augurs badly for the economic recovery and growth.” The announcement, which cuts a total of 1.7 million bpd was also months after the group had agreed to a reduction of two million bpd back in November. The exports by Russia also returned pre-Covid levels as they have risen by 450,000 bpd to 3.1 million bpd. (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’s oil exports hit a three-year high in March despite Western sanctions

<p>Russian opposition leader and President Vladimir Putin critic, Alexei Navalny who is currently in prison, is in failing health and “critical” condition over suspected poisoning, a close ally told the United Kingdom-based newspaper The Guardian, on Friday (April 14). This comes after a spokeswoman for Navalny told the Associated Press that the 46-year-old fell sick last week when he was let out of the punishment cell and put in a conventional cell.</p>

<p><strong>Navalny in ‘critical’ situation</strong></p>

<p>Ruslan Shaveddinov, an ally of the Russian opposition leader, in a telephonic interview with Guardian, said, “His situation is critical, we are all very concerned.” This comes after he told the media outlet that Navalny had been grappling with severe stomach pain and an ambulance was called last week to the maximum security IK-6 penal colony at Melekhovo where he is currently imprisoned.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We understand that the situation must have been very bad if an ambulance was called,” said Shaveddinov, adding that the prison authorities refused to have Navalny admitted to the hospital and there has been no update on his health since the ambulance arrived, as per the British daily newspaper. He also spoke about how “the prison authorities are doing everything possible to isolate him”.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>What happened before he was taken to the hospital?</strong></p>

<p>In a separate interview, Anna Veduta, a Washington-based vice president of Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation, told&nbsp;AP,&nbsp;that the 46-year-old fell ill when he was released from the punishment cell. Veduta also claimed that he had lost around 18 pounds (eight kilograms) over the past 15 days.&nbsp;</p>

<p>She added, “We believe he is slowly being administered low doses of poison” in pills he is given without identification, as per AP. This also came after Navalny had taken to Twitter, on Monday and said that he is being put back in solitary confinement&nbsp;for 15 days and forced to endure “extremely hellish” conditions. The ambulance arrived early Saturday because of acute stomach pains.&nbsp;However, Navalny received no diagnosis, said his lawyer, Vadim Kobzev, on Twitter after visiting him in the prison.</p>

<p>“He doesn’t eat anything because he is prohibited from receiving parcels with food or to buy food in the prison store and the food that is provided by the prison to him actually worsens his stomach pain,” Kira Yarmysh, his spokeswoman, told Reuters, on Thursday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Navalny is currently serving combined sentences of 11 and a half years, for fraud and contempt of court, charges he has previously said were trumped up to silence him.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
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Russian opposition leader and President Vladimir Putin critic, Alexei Navalny who is currently in prison, is in failing health and “critical” condition over suspected poisoning, a close ally told the United Kingdom-based newspaper The Guardian, on Friday (April 14).

Russian opposition leader and President Vladimir Putin critic, Alexei Navalny who is currently in prison, is in failing health and “critical” condition over suspected poisoning, a close ally told the United Kingdom-based newspaper The Guardian, on Friday (April 14). This comes after a spokeswoman for Navalny told the Associated Press that the 46-year-old fell sick last week when he was let out of the punishment cell and put in a conventional cell. Navalny in ‘critical’ situation Ruslan Shaveddinov, an ally of the Russian opposition leader, in a telephonic interview with Guardian, said, “His situation is critical, we are all very concerned.” This comes after he told the media outlet that Navalny had been grappling with severe stomach pain and an ambulance was called last week to the maximum security IK-6 penal colony at Melekhovo where he is currently imprisoned. “We understand that the situation must have been very bad if an ambulance was called,” said Shaveddinov, adding that the prison authorities refused to have Navalny admitted to the hospital and there has been no update on his health since the ambulance arrived, as per the British daily newspaper. He also spoke about how “the prison authorities are doing everything possible to isolate him”. What happened before he was taken to the hospital? In a separate interview, Anna Veduta, a Washington-based vice president of Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation, told AP, that the 46-year-old fell ill when he was released from the punishment cell. Veduta also claimed that he had lost around 18 pounds (eight kilograms) over the past 15 days. She added, “We believe he is slowly being administered low doses of poison” in pills he is given without identification, as per AP. This also came after Navalny had taken to Twitter, on Monday and said that he is being put back in solitary confinement for 15 days and forced to endure “extremely hellish” conditions. The ambulance arrived early Saturday because of acute stomach pains. However, Navalny received no diagnosis, said his lawyer, Vadim Kobzev, on Twitter after visiting him in the prison. “He doesn’t eat anything because he is prohibited from receiving parcels with food or to buy food in the prison store and the food that is provided by the prison to him actually worsens his stomach pain,” Kira Yarmysh, his spokeswoman, told Reuters, on Thursday. Navalny is currently serving combined sentences of 11 and a half years, for fraud and contempt of court, charges he has previously said were trumped up to silence him. (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.

Jailed Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny possibly poisoned, in ‘critical’ situation: Spokespeople

<p>Russia is taking steps towards introducing electronic military draft papers for the first time in its history with an aim to make it harder for people to dodge being drafted into the military. On Tuesday (April 11), the lower house of Russian parliament backed the legislation.</p>

<p>Though Russian officials maintain that there were currently no plans to compel more men to fight in Ukraine, Putin-led government is perfecting a system it has used to boost numbers of its military personnel in Ukraine. According to Western officials, Russian armed forces have suffered tens of thousands of casualties in the Ukraine conflict till now.</p>

<p>The new draft regime will close numerous loopholes exploited by draft dodgers and give Russia the organisational infrastructure to carry out a much more thorough and wider mobilisation campaign if and when it decides to do so.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Kyiv accuses Russia of war crimes after video appears to show Ukrainian POW's beheading</strong></p>

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<p>Russia's regular conscription campaigns would come under the new rules as well. These campaigns take place twice a year for men aged 18 to 27.</p>

<p>The State Duma, the lower chamber, approved the necessary legislation in two separate votes at lightning speed on Tuesday with near unanimity.</p>

<p>There were complaints from some lawmakers that changes in the rules were rushed through without enough time for scrutiny.</p>

<p>The changes still need to be approved by the upper house of parliament - which is also expected to vote in its favour by a large margin - and by President Vladimir Putin, before they take effect. Both steps are expected in the coming days.</p>

<p>Russia says it mobilised just over 300,000 men last year to help it prosecute what it calls its "special military operation" in Ukraine, but is now focused on trying to recruit professional volunteer soldiers via an advertising campaign.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Russia is taking steps towards introducing electronic military draft papers for the first time in its history with an aim to make it harder for people to dodge being drafted into the military.

Russia is taking steps towards introducing electronic military draft papers for the first time in its history with an aim to make it harder for people to dodge being drafted into the military. On Tuesday (April 11), the lower house of Russian parliament backed the legislation. Though Russian officials maintain that there were currently no plans to compel more men to fight in Ukraine, Putin-led government is perfecting a system it has used to boost numbers of its military personnel in Ukraine. According to Western officials, Russian armed forces have suffered tens of thousands of casualties in the Ukraine conflict till now. The new draft regime will close numerous loopholes exploited by draft dodgers and give Russia the organisational infrastructure to carry out a much more thorough and wider mobilisation campaign if and when it decides to do so. Watch | Kyiv accuses Russia of war crimes after video appears to show Ukrainian POW's beheading × Russia's regular conscription campaigns would come under the new rules as well. These campaigns take place twice a year for men aged 18 to 27. The State Duma, the lower chamber, approved the necessary legislation in two separate votes at lightning speed on Tuesday with near unanimity. There were complaints from some lawmakers that changes in the rules were rushed through without enough time for scrutiny. The changes still need to be approved by the upper house of parliament - which is also expected to vote in its favour by a large margin - and by President Vladimir Putin, before they take effect. Both steps are expected in the coming days. Russia says it mobilised just over 300,000 men last year to help it prosecute what it calls its "special military operation" in Ukraine, but is now focused on trying to recruit professional volunteer soldiers via an advertising campaign. (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 moves towards electronic system to crack down on conscription dodgers

<p>Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov claimed on Wednesday (April 12) that leaked US intelligence documents may be part of a deliberate attempt to mislead Moscow. The documents that have surfaced online reportedly contain US assessment of Ukraine war and information on other countries.</p>

<p>Ryabkov told Russian news agencies on Wednesday that, for now, the leak threw up many questions.</p>

<p>"It's probably interesting for someone to look at these documents, if they are documents at all, or maybe they are fake, maybe this is a deliberate information dump," Ryabkov was cited as saying.</p>

<p>"Since the United States is a party to the (Ukraine) conflict and is in essence waging a hybrid war against us, it's possible such things are being done to mislead the enemy - that is the Russian Federation," he said.</p>

<p>The Kremlin said earlier on Wednesday that it did not know "like everyone else" how authentic the documents were.</p>

<p>Authorities in the US have launched investigation into the leaks. It is being suspected that the leaker may be an American but a Russian angle has not been completely ruled out.</p>

<p>Reuters reported that a former CIA officer said it is highly likely that Moscow orchestrated the leak in order to sow confusion and potential divisions between Washington and its allies.</p>

<p>When asked about such allegations, the Kremlin has said there's a tendency to always blame everything on Russia.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov claimed on Wednesday (April 12) that leaked US intelligence documents may be part of a deliberate attempt to mislead Moscow.

Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov claimed on Wednesday (April 12) that leaked US intelligence documents may be part of a deliberate attempt to mislead Moscow. The documents that have surfaced online reportedly contain US assessment of Ukraine war and information on other countries. Ryabkov told Russian news agencies on Wednesday that, for now, the leak threw up many questions. "It's probably interesting for someone to look at these documents, if they are documents at all, or maybe they are fake, maybe this is a deliberate information dump," Ryabkov was cited as saying. "Since the United States is a party to the (Ukraine) conflict and is in essence waging a hybrid war against us, it's possible such things are being done to mislead the enemy - that is the Russian Federation," he said. The Kremlin said earlier on Wednesday that it did not know "like everyone else" how authentic the documents were. Authorities in the US have launched investigation into the leaks. It is being suspected that the leaker may be an American but a Russian angle has not been completely ruled out. Reuters reported that a former CIA officer said it is highly likely that Moscow orchestrated the leak in order to sow confusion and potential divisions between Washington and its allies. When asked about such allegations, the Kremlin has said there's a tendency to always blame everything on Russia. (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 intelligence leak can be fake, meant to mislead Moscow: Russian minister

<p><strong><em>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.</em></strong></p>

<p>Head of Russia's Wagner mercenary group Yevgeny Prigozhin on Tuesday said that the forces have captured more than 80 per cent of Bakhmut, the war-torn eastern city of Ukraine, after some of the bloodiest fighting.</p>

<p>The claims were not addressed directly by some senior Ukrainian military officials, however, they said that their forces have been holding firm against Russia's fierce attacks on the city, which once was populated by 70,000 people, and keeping the Russian forces in check.</p>

<p>For months, Russia's Wagner fighters have been making efforts to capture Bakhmut. The constant artillery barrages and grinding trench warfare have been compared to World War 1 because of the huge casualties inflicted on the two sides.</p>

<p>Prigozhin said that the Wagner's forces, who had a major role to play in Russian advances in the east, were constantly pressing on their forces' encirclement of Bakhmut.</p>

<p>"In Bakhmut, the larger part, more than 80% is now under our control, including the whole administrative centre, factories, warehouses, the administration of the city," he stated in a video shared by a Russian military blogger.</p>

<p>The Russian-installed head of the Donetsk region Denis Pushilin said that Ukrainian defenders were backed by the Russian forces into a corner.</p>

<p>Donetsk was among the four areas which Russia had declared to have annexed last September.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/conflicting-accounts-emerge-from-bakhmut-battleground-ukraine-says-russia-using-scorched-earth-tactic-580999">Conflicting accounts emerge from Bakhmut battleground; Ukraine says Russia using 'scorched-earth' tactic</a></p>

<p>"In the western areas where their units are dug in, they have no choice other than coming forward and giving themselves up," Denis Pushilin was quoted as telling state television by the Russian news agencies.</p>

<p>Ukraine's Eastern Military Command spokesperson Serhiy Cherevatyi said that the situation in Bakhmut has remained under control, adding that Kyiv won't allow the Russian army to encircle its troops.</p>

<p>Deputy Ukrainian Defence Minister Hanna Malyar accepted that Bakhmut "took the main hit" in intense fighting. However, Russian forces, she stated, "are generally losing to us in street battles so they are simply destroying all buildings and structures".</p>

<p><strong>WATCH | Russia Ukraine War: Ukrainian troops to withdraw from Bakhmut? | World News | WION</strong></p>

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<p>Kyiv said that it requires more and better quality Western weapons to defeat Russia, as the senior Ukrainian officials emphasised on persuading the allies to open up stockpiles.</p>

<p>On Tuesday, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba tweeted that US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has already given assurance of "ironclad" US support.</p>

<p>Prigozhin has previously claimed about Russia gaining control over the mining city which turned out to be premature, but Ukraine accepts that the situation in "fortress Bakhmut" is now very difficult.&nbsp;</p>

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<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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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.

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. Head of Russia's Wagner mercenary group Yevgeny Prigozhin on Tuesday said that the forces have captured more than 80 per cent of Bakhmut, the war-torn eastern city of Ukraine, after some of the bloodiest fighting. The claims were not addressed directly by some senior Ukrainian military officials, however, they said that their forces have been holding firm against Russia's fierce attacks on the city, which once was populated by 70,000 people, and keeping the Russian forces in check. For months, Russia's Wagner fighters have been making efforts to capture Bakhmut. The constant artillery barrages and grinding trench warfare have been compared to World War 1 because of the huge casualties inflicted on the two sides. Prigozhin said that the Wagner's forces, who had a major role to play in Russian advances in the east, were constantly pressing on their forces' encirclement of Bakhmut. "In Bakhmut, the larger part, more than 80% is now under our control, including the whole administrative centre, factories, warehouses, the administration of the city," he stated in a video shared by a Russian military blogger. The Russian-installed head of the Donetsk region Denis Pushilin said that Ukrainian defenders were backed by the Russian forces into a corner. Donetsk was among the four areas which Russia had declared to have annexed last September. ALSO READ | Conflicting accounts emerge from Bakhmut battleground; Ukraine says Russia using 'scorched-earth' tactic "In the western areas where their units are dug in, they have no choice other than coming forward and giving themselves up," Denis Pushilin was quoted as telling state television by the Russian news agencies. Ukraine's Eastern Military Command spokesperson Serhiy Cherevatyi said that the situation in Bakhmut has remained under control, adding that Kyiv won't allow the Russian army to encircle its troops. Deputy Ukrainian Defence Minister Hanna Malyar accepted that Bakhmut "took the main hit" in intense fighting. However, Russian forces, she stated, "are generally losing to us in street battles so they are simply destroying all buildings and structures". WATCH | Russia Ukraine War: Ukrainian troops to withdraw from Bakhmut? | World News | WION Kyiv said that it requires more and better quality Western weapons to defeat Russia, as the senior Ukrainian officials emphasised on persuading the allies to open up stockpiles. On Tuesday, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba tweeted that US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has already given assurance of "ironclad" US support. Prigozhin has previously claimed about Russia gaining control over the mining city which turned out to be premature, but Ukraine accepts that the situation in "fortress Bakhmut" is now very difficult. (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's Wagner says most of Bakhmut captured; Kyiv retaliates forces holding firm

<p>Does the US have another WikiLeaks-like situation at hand? Well if not in terms of&nbsp;size, the latest problem is definitely comparable, in security implications, to havoc caused in 2013 when Julian Assange's WikiLeaks made more than 700,000 classified documents public. The latest leaked document count is just above 100. But it has come at a time when US and the world is facing challeges on multiple fronts.</p>

<p>In recent weeks, these documents surfaced on the internet after reportedly appearing for the first time on 4Chan and Discord.</p>

<h2><strong>What are these leaked documents about?</strong></h2>

<p>These documents, many of which are marked 'secret' or even 'top secret' have details and plans about Ukraine war, Middle East, China, South Korea and more. Unlike WikiLeaks, the document leak this time has come when a former global superpower (Russia) has done what was previously unthinkable in modern times and has invaded its neighbour stoking a full-scale conflict. China is much stronger than it was a decade ago. American influence in the Middle East/ West Asia is seen by many to be waning. And the country is compelled to do a balancing act in order to firefight situations in several countries across the world.</p>

<p>Given all this, when the US gameplan is leaked in such a blatant manner, it is sure to upset its delicate manoeuvring in global politics.</p>

<p>The New York Times (NYT) reported that some of the leaked documents contain details about Ukrainian air defences, something Russia would be eager to learn about. The documents also reportedly mention South Korea's secret plan to provide 330,000 rounds of ammunition to Ukraine. NYT has said that documents reveal how the US is deeply connected with day-to-day conduct of the Ukraine war.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/conflicting-accounts-emerge-from-bakhmut-battleground-ukraine-says-russia-using-scorched-earth-tactic-580999">Conflicting accounts emerge from Bakhmut battleground; Ukraine says Russia using 'scorched-earth' tactic</a></strong></p>

<p>Reuters said that it had reviewed more than 50 leaked documents with 'secret' and 'top secret' written on it. On of these documents reportedly reveals how Ukrainian S-300 missile systems will be depleted by May 2 at current usage rate.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | US scrambles to find source of leaked Ukraine intel</strong></p>

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<p>Another document reportedly says that Israeli spy agency Mossad is encouraging people to protest against Prime Minister Bejamin Netanyahu as he attempts to assert control on the country's judiciary.</p>

<p>The leak has also brought to the fore US pressure on South Korea to provide ammunition to Ukraine.</p>

<h2><strong>Why the leak worries the US?</strong></h2>

<p>US currently has fingers in many pies around the world. Besides war in Ukraine, America is entangled militarily or diplomatically in other conflict zones like Syria, Yemen, Iraq, Libya etc. Iran and Saudi Arabia are increasingly being seen to be exiting US orbit as it was evident from China-brokered peace between the two regional powers. The North Korea and Taiwan issues are&nbsp;ever-present.</p>

<p>Given all this, the leak of American game-plan has a potential to limit its ability to navigate issues aroud the world. This might give America's adversaries opportunity to fine-tune their strategy.</p>

<h2><strong>Who is behind the latest leak?</strong></h2>

<p>There are only speculations at this point. Whenever it comes to hack or leak in America, the two countries that find immediate mention are Russia and China.</p>

<p>However, this time, American agencies and ministries are considering the possibility that the leak may have caused from inside the country.</p>

<p>"The focus now is on this being a U.S. leak, as many of the documents were only in U.S. hands," Michael Mulroy, a former senior Pentagon official, told Reuters in an interview.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Pentagon leak says Kyiv's air defence could run out of missiles</strong></p>

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<p>However, Reuters said that US officials aren't yet fully eliminating the possibility of a Russian angle to the saga.</p>

<p>In a statement on Sunday, the Pentagon said it was reviewing the validity of the photographed documents that "appear to contain sensitive and highly classified material."</p>

<p>The Pentagon has referred the issue to the Department of Justice, which has opened a criminal investigation.</p>

<h2><strong>How different is the leak from WikiLeaks in 2013?</strong></h2>

<p>Any leak of secret diplomatic talk or secret documents has ramifications. US and the world hasn't forgotten the shockwaves WikiLeaks created in 2013. Leak of more than 700,000 documents certainly has the potential to completely destroy the strategies of a nation.</p>

<p>After WikiLeaks, then US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton had expressed fears that world will now be scared of talking to US diplomats for the fear of conversation being leaked. Similar opinions were expressed about United States' ability to gather intelligence in the future.</p>

<p>Leaks caused by Bradley Manning and Edward Snowden were borne out of ideological motives. Both of them had said that they wanted to bring to light what they thought were transgressions by the United States.</p>

<p>“This time it doesn’t look ideological,” said Dmitri Alperovitch, the Russia-born chairman of Silverado Policy Accelerator, best known for pioneering work in cybersecurity. Alperovitch was quoted by The New York Times.</p>

<p>NYT said that the first appearance of some of the leaked documents was on some gaming platforms.</p>

<p>So did a few gamers, wanting to&nbsp;correct each other, stoke the entire thing while fiercely debating the Ukraine war? At this point in time at least, we do not know for sure.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form"><strong>here</strong></a>.</p>

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Does the US have another WikiLeaks-like situation at hand? Well if not in terms of size, the latest problem is definitely comparable, in security implications, to havoc caused in 2013 when Julian Assange's WikiLeaks made more than 700,000 classified documents public.

Does the US have another WikiLeaks-like situation at hand? Well if not in terms of size, the latest problem is definitely comparable, in security implications, to havoc caused in 2013 when Julian Assange's WikiLeaks made more than 700,000 classified documents public. The latest leaked document count is just above 100. But it has come at a time when US and the world is facing challeges on multiple fronts. In recent weeks, these documents surfaced on the internet after reportedly appearing for the first time on 4Chan and Discord. What are these leaked documents about? These documents, many of which are marked 'secret' or even 'top secret' have details and plans about Ukraine war, Middle East, China, South Korea and more. Unlike WikiLeaks, the document leak this time has come when a former global superpower (Russia) has done what was previously unthinkable in modern times and has invaded its neighbour stoking a full-scale conflict. China is much stronger than it was a decade ago. American influence in the Middle East/ West Asia is seen by many to be waning. And the country is compelled to do a balancing act in order to firefight situations in several countries across the world. Given all this, when the US gameplan is leaked in such a blatant manner, it is sure to upset its delicate manoeuvring in global politics. The New York Times (NYT) reported that some of the leaked documents contain details about Ukrainian air defences, something Russia would be eager to learn about. The documents also reportedly mention South Korea's secret plan to provide 330,000 rounds of ammunition to Ukraine. NYT has said that documents reveal how the US is deeply connected with day-to-day conduct of the Ukraine war. Also Read | Conflicting accounts emerge from Bakhmut battleground; Ukraine says Russia using 'scorched-earth' tactic Reuters said that it had reviewed more than 50 leaked documents with 'secret' and 'top secret' written on it. On of these documents reportedly reveals how Ukrainian S-300 missile systems will be depleted by May 2 at current usage rate. Watch | US scrambles to find source of leaked Ukraine intel × Another document reportedly says that Israeli spy agency Mossad is encouraging people to protest against Prime Minister Bejamin Netanyahu as he attempts to assert control on the country's judiciary. The leak has also brought to the fore US pressure on South Korea to provide ammunition to Ukraine. Why the leak worries the US? US currently has fingers in many pies around the world. Besides war in Ukraine, America is entangled militarily or diplomatically in other conflict zones like Syria, Yemen, Iraq, Libya etc. Iran and Saudi Arabia are increasingly being seen to be exiting US orbit as it was evident from China-brokered peace between the two regional powers. The North Korea and Taiwan issues are ever-present. Given all this, the leak of American game-plan has a potential to limit its ability to navigate issues aroud the world. This might give America's adversaries opportunity to fine-tune their strategy. Who is behind the latest leak? There are only speculations at this point. Whenever it comes to hack or leak in America, the two countries that find immediate mention are Russia and China. However, this time, American agencies and ministries are considering the possibility that the leak may have caused from inside the country. "The focus now is on this being a U.S. leak, as many of the documents were only in U.S. hands," Michael Mulroy, a former senior Pentagon official, told Reuters in an interview. Watch | Pentagon leak says Kyiv's air defence could run out of missiles × However, Reuters said that US officials aren't yet fully eliminating the possibility of a Russian angle to the saga. In a statement on Sunday, the Pentagon said it was reviewing the validity of the photographed documents that "appear to contain sensitive and highly classified material." The Pentagon has referred the issue to the Department of Justice, which has opened a criminal investigation. How different is the leak from WikiLeaks in 2013? Any leak of secret diplomatic talk or secret documents has ramifications. US and the world hasn't forgotten the shockwaves WikiLeaks created in 2013. Leak of more than 700,000 documents certainly has the potential to completely destroy the strategies of a nation. After WikiLeaks, then US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton had expressed fears that world will now be scared of talking to US diplomats for the fear of conversation being leaked. Similar opinions were expressed about United States' ability to gather intelligence in the future. Leaks caused by Bradley Manning and Edward Snowden were borne out of ideological motives. Both of them had said that they wanted to bring to light what they thought were transgressions by the United States. “This time it doesn’t look ideological,” said Dmitri Alperovitch, the Russia-born chairman of Silverado Policy Accelerator, best known for pioneering work in cybersecurity. Alperovitch was quoted by The New York Times. NYT said that the first appearance of some of the leaked documents was on some gaming platforms. So did a few gamers, wanting to correct each other, stoke the entire thing while fiercely debating the Ukraine war? At this point in time at least, we do not know for sure. (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 ×

Explained: Why the US is worried about latest leak of secret documents

<p>Russian arms dealer, Viktor Bout who was freed from a United States prison last year, on Friday, urged the former US President Donald trump to seek refuge in Russia saying that his life was “in peril” and he would find a “safe haven” in Moscow. The series of messages by the Russian arms dealer were sent to the former president via Telegram and shown to the press in Moscow.&nbsp;</p>

<p>These messages by Bout, who was called “Merchant of Death”, come months after he was released in a swap for US basketball star Britney Griner in a high-profile prisoner exchange between Moscow and Washington in December 2022.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I believe your life is in peril,” said Bout to the former US president. He added, “The Biden administration will not stop just by dragging you through the court/prison industrial complex,” in reference to Trump’s successor and incumbent US President Joe Biden, as per AFP.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This also comes days after Trump became the first former or current US president to be indicted on criminal charges by a jury for allegedly paying hush money to adult film star Stormy Daniels in return for her silence on a brief affair.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Bout told Trump that he has long admired him and that he would find a “safe haven in Russia and from here you can lead the fight for the American people.” He also said that “they would sooner end your life than let you stand in their way,” referring to the Biden administration.<br />
<br />
The Russian arms dealer who has been accused of arming rebels in some of the world's bloodiest conflicts was arrested in Thailand in a US sting operation in 2008.&nbsp;Subsequently, Bout was extradited to the United States and sentenced to 25 years in prison over a decade ago. However, since the prisoner swap, he has joined a Russian nationalist party, reported AFP.<br />
<br />
While Moscow and Washington have held several prisoner exchanges in recent years, several Americans are reportedly still held in Russia.&nbsp;A US journalist Evan Gershkovich was arrested last week by Russia leading to widespread&nbsp;outrage. The Wall Street Journal reporter has been charged with espionage which Washington has called “ridiculous”.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>

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Russian arms dealer, Viktor Bout who was freed from a United States prison last year, on Friday, urged the former US President Donald trump to seek refuge in Russia saying that his life was “in peril” and he would find a “safe haven” in Moscow.

Russian arms dealer, Viktor Bout who was freed from a United States prison last year, on Friday, urged the former US President Donald trump to seek refuge in Russia saying that his life was “in peril” and he would find a “safe haven” in Moscow. The series of messages by the Russian arms dealer were sent to the former president via Telegram and shown to the press in Moscow. These messages by Bout, who was called “Merchant of Death”, come months after he was released in a swap for US basketball star Britney Griner in a high-profile prisoner exchange between Moscow and Washington in December 2022. “I believe your life is in peril,” said Bout to the former US president. He added, “The Biden administration will not stop just by dragging you through the court/prison industrial complex,” in reference to Trump’s successor and incumbent US President Joe Biden, as per AFP. This also comes days after Trump became the first former or current US president to be indicted on criminal charges by a jury for allegedly paying hush money to adult film star Stormy Daniels in return for her silence on a brief affair. Bout told Trump that he has long admired him and that he would find a “safe haven in Russia and from here you can lead the fight for the American people.” He also said that “they would sooner end your life than let you stand in their way,” referring to the Biden administration. The Russian arms dealer who has been accused of arming rebels in some of the world's bloodiest conflicts was arrested in Thailand in a US sting operation in 2008. Subsequently, Bout was extradited to the United States and sentenced to 25 years in prison over a decade ago. However, since the prisoner swap, he has joined a Russian nationalist party, reported AFP. While Moscow and Washington have held several prisoner exchanges in recent years, several Americans are reportedly still held in Russia. A US journalist Evan Gershkovich was arrested last week by Russia leading to widespread outrage. The Wall Street Journal reporter has been charged with espionage which Washington has called “ridiculous”. (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.

‘Merchant of death’ Viktor Bout urges former US prez Trump to seek refuge in Russia

<p>Moscow on Friday formally charged jailed Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reporter Evan Gershkovich with espionage, informed Russian state news agency TASS. The filing of formal charges means that a criminal probe is underway in the case, according to the Russian legal system</p>

<p>The publication said it was informed about the charges by&nbsp;Russia's Federal Security Service, the FSB, successor to the Soviet KGB, but it was unclear if the action was taken during a court hearing.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The FSB investigation charged Gershkovich with espionage in the interests of his country. He categorically denied all accusations and stated that he was engaged in journalistic activities in Russia," TASS quoted sources as saying.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Gershkovich's arrest</strong></h2>

<p>Gershkovich was arrested by FSB last month in the Urals city of Yekaterinburg. Reportedly, the journalist's driver had dropped him off at a restaurant and two hours later his phone was found switched off. According to reports,&nbsp;Gershkovich was covering a story in&nbsp;Yekaterinburg when FSB picked up and detained him.</p>

<p>The initial version stated that he was arrested for acting at the behest of the US to collect “information constituting a state secret about the activities of an enterprise of the Russian military-industrial complex".&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/evan-gershkovich-us-journalist-arrested-by-russia-appeals-against-detention-578738"><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;Evan Gershkovich, US journalist arrested by Russia, appeals against detention</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>Blinken calls up Lavrov</strong></h2>

<p>After the controversy snowballed, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called up his Russian counterpart&nbsp;Sergei Lavrov and demanded the immediate release of&nbsp;Gershkovich.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Blinken took to his Twitter account to share the update. He informed that alongside Gershkovich, Washington also batted for the release of US citizen Paul Whelan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I spoke with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov today to convey our grave concern over Russia’s unacceptable detention of a U.S. citizen journalist. I called for his release and for the release of wrongfully detained U.S. citizen Paul Whelan," tweeted Blinken.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/biden-asks-russia-to-let-evan-gershkovich-go-577830"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Biden asks Russia to let Evan Gershkovich go</strong></a></p>

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<p>Later, the Russian side released a statement and said the US was trying to politicise the issue.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Blinken’s attention was drawn to the need to respect the decisions of the Russian authorities, taken in accordance with the law and international obligations of the Russian Federation," read the statement by the Russian foreign ministry.</p>

<p>"It was emphasised that it is unacceptable for officials in Washington and the Western media to whip up a stir with the clear intention of giving this case a political colouring.”</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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Moscow on Friday formally charged jailed Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reporter Evan Gershkovich with espionage, informed Russian state news agency TASS. The filing of formal charges means that a criminal probe is underway in the case, according to the Russian legal system The publication said it was informed about the charges by Russia's Federal Security Service, the FSB, successor to the Soviet KGB, but it was unclear if the action was taken during a court hearing.

Moscow on Friday formally charged jailed Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reporter Evan Gershkovich with espionage, informed Russian state news agency TASS. The filing of formal charges means that a criminal probe is underway in the case, according to the Russian legal system The publication said it was informed about the charges by Russia's Federal Security Service, the FSB, successor to the Soviet KGB, but it was unclear if the action was taken during a court hearing. “The FSB investigation charged Gershkovich with espionage in the interests of his country. He categorically denied all accusations and stated that he was engaged in journalistic activities in Russia," TASS quoted sources as saying. Gershkovich's arrest Gershkovich was arrested by FSB last month in the Urals city of Yekaterinburg. Reportedly, the journalist's driver had dropped him off at a restaurant and two hours later his phone was found switched off. According to reports, Gershkovich was covering a story in Yekaterinburg when FSB picked up and detained him. The initial version stated that he was arrested for acting at the behest of the US to collect “information constituting a state secret about the activities of an enterprise of the Russian military-industrial complex". ALSO READ | Evan Gershkovich, US journalist arrested by Russia, appeals against detention Blinken calls up Lavrov After the controversy snowballed, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called up his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov and demanded the immediate release of Gershkovich. Blinken took to his Twitter account to share the update. He informed that alongside Gershkovich, Washington also batted for the release of US citizen Paul Whelan. "I spoke with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov today to convey our grave concern over Russia’s unacceptable detention of a U.S. citizen journalist. I called for his release and for the release of wrongfully detained U.S. citizen Paul Whelan," tweeted Blinken. WATCH | Biden asks Russia to let Evan Gershkovich go × Later, the Russian side released a statement and said the US was trying to politicise the issue. “Blinken’s attention was drawn to the need to respect the decisions of the Russian authorities, taken in accordance with the law and international obligations of the Russian Federation," read the statement by the Russian foreign ministry. "It was emphasised that it is unacceptable for officials in Washington and the Western media to whip up a stir with the clear intention of giving this case a political colouring.” (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Moscow formally charges US journalist Evan Gershkovich with espionage

<p>Last week, Russian authorities arrested a Chinese LGBTQ blogger, for allegedly violating the country’s law which bans the so-called gay “propaganda,” said their lawyer, Adel Khaydarshin. According to media reports, Chinese citizen&nbsp;Haoyang Xu and his partner Gela Gogishvili, a Russian citizen, document their life as a same-sex couple living in Russia on social media platforms like TikTok, YouTube and Telegram.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Khaydarshin has since told CNN that after a hearing on Thursday, Haoyang was found guilty and is now being held in a temporary detention centre for foreigners and faces deportation from Russia. Whereas, his partner who was also charged in connection with the law faces fines of up to 200,000 Rubles ($2,463) but has not been arrested yet, said the couple’s lawyer.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Citing court documents, the media report said that Haoyang was arrested for allegedly posting videos depicting “non-traditional sexual relations” with Gogishvili. It added, “Namely, being males, they kiss each other, hug, touch each other on various parts of the body, including in the genital area, while the description of the videos contains the following, How does a gay couple sleep? Kiss me all night.”</p>

<p>Khaydarshin has also told CNN that the Chinese national has not been deported yet and will be given the chance to appeal the court’s decision. An image and video of Haoyang’s arrest were also posted on the couple’s Telegram account.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The law in question came into effect months ago after a bill expanding the existing ban on so-called LGBTQ “propaganda” in Russia was signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin. The recently amended law was first adopted in 2013 and also banned the dissemination of LGBTQ-related information to minors.</p>

<p>The footage was found by the police during an inspection of the couple’s YouTube account, said the court documents, adding that nearly 1,800 of the account’s 64,900 subscribers were under 18 years of age, reported CNN. However, these claims could not be independently verified.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In 2022, the country’s upper house of parliament unanimously voted to make the controversial law more stringent as it now applies to Russians of all ages. Additionally, in the same year, the government also made it illegal for anyone to promote same-sex relationships or suggest that non-heterosexual orientations are “normal,” reported CNN.<br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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Last week, Russian authorities arrested a Chinese LGBTQ blogger, for allegedly violating the country’s law which bans the so-called gay “propaganda,” said their lawyer, Adel Khaydarshin.

Last week, Russian authorities arrested a Chinese LGBTQ blogger, for allegedly violating the country’s law which bans the so-called gay “propaganda,” said their lawyer, Adel Khaydarshin. According to media reports, Chinese citizen Haoyang Xu and his partner Gela Gogishvili, a Russian citizen, document their life as a same-sex couple living in Russia on social media platforms like TikTok, YouTube and Telegram. Khaydarshin has since told CNN that after a hearing on Thursday, Haoyang was found guilty and is now being held in a temporary detention centre for foreigners and faces deportation from Russia. Whereas, his partner who was also charged in connection with the law faces fines of up to 200,000 Rubles ($2,463) but has not been arrested yet, said the couple’s lawyer. Citing court documents, the media report said that Haoyang was arrested for allegedly posting videos depicting “non-traditional sexual relations” with Gogishvili. It added, “Namely, being males, they kiss each other, hug, touch each other on various parts of the body, including in the genital area, while the description of the videos contains the following, How does a gay couple sleep? Kiss me all night.” Khaydarshin has also told CNN that the Chinese national has not been deported yet and will be given the chance to appeal the court’s decision. An image and video of Haoyang’s arrest were also posted on the couple’s Telegram account. The law in question came into effect months ago after a bill expanding the existing ban on so-called LGBTQ “propaganda” in Russia was signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin. The recently amended law was first adopted in 2013 and also banned the dissemination of LGBTQ-related information to minors. The footage was found by the police during an inspection of the couple’s YouTube account, said the court documents, adding that nearly 1,800 of the account’s 64,900 subscribers were under 18 years of age, reported CNN. However, these claims could not be independently verified. In 2022, the country’s upper house of parliament unanimously voted to make the controversial law more stringent as it now applies to Russians of all ages. Additionally, in the same year, the government also made it illegal for anyone to promote same-sex relationships or suggest that non-heterosexual orientations are “normal,” reported CNN. (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 arrests Chinese LGBTQ blogger for violating same-sex ‘propaganda’ law

<p>Amid the ongoing Russian invasion, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday (April 7), hosted the first “official” iftar with Muslim servicemen, representatives of the diplomatic corps, and the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar people outside a mosque in the centre of Kyiv, reported Kyiv Independent, an online Ukrainian newspaper. Zelensky&nbsp;addressed the gathering and&nbsp;criticised Russia’s treatment of the Muslim-minority Tatar community in Kremlin-controlled Crimea and vowed to recapture the peninsula.</p>

<p>“Russia’s attempt to enslave Ukraine...began exactly with the occupation of Crimea, exactly with repressions against Crimean, Ukrainian and Crimean Tatar freedom and of Crimean Muslims,” said Zelensky, reported AFP. Russia captured the Black Sea territory from Ukraine in 2014, a move which had garnered significant criticism from Kyiv and its allies in the West.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Tatar community accounted for at least 12 to 15 per cent of the two million Crimea residents. Reports suggest that after Moscow took over Crimea, it banned the traditional assembly of the Tatar Muslim minority also known as Mejlis. Additionally, Russia has also declared it an extremist organisation and has jailed members of the community since, citing security concerns.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“There is no alternative for Ukraine, or for the world, other than the de-occupation of Crimea. We will return to Crimea,” said the Ukrainian president.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Zelensky also conferred awards to several Muslim Ukrainian servicemen and thanked the Muslim community for defending Ukraine, during the gathering for ‘iftar’ the meal breaking the daily fast during the holy month of Ramadan. He also said that Kyiv “values ​​every person, values every community,” adding that diversity is a part of the country’s character.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Ukraine is grateful to the Muslims of our country and to everyone in the Muslim community of the world who, like us, longs for peace and protection from evil,” said the Ukrainian president. He also later took to Twitter and wrote, “Despite the sadness and pain of war, may the holy Ramadan be bright for you! May iftar bring consolation to everyone in the world, in the Muslim community, wherever you happen to be now.”<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Despite the sadness and pain of war, may the holy Ramadan be bright for you! May Iftar bring consolation to everyone in the world, in the Muslim community, wherever you happen to be now. The big world Muslim community can always rely on Ukraine, on our respect and solidarity. <a href="https://t.co/BCWfZORBP2">pic.twitter.com/BCWfZORBP2</a></p>
— Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1644426860086849549?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 7, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Zelensky added, “The big world Muslim community can always rely on Ukraine, on our respect and solidarity.” Notably, Russia is home to a large Muslim minority from southern regions, including Chechnya and Dagestan, many of whom are said to be fighting for Moscow in Ukraine, reported AFP.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
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&nbsp;</p>

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Amid the ongoing Russian invasion, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday (April 7), hosted the first “official” iftar with Muslim servicemen, representatives of the diplomatic corps, and the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar people outside a mosque in the centre of Kyiv, reported Kyiv Independent, an online Ukrainian newspaper.

Amid the ongoing Russian invasion, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday (April 7), hosted the first “official” iftar with Muslim servicemen, representatives of the diplomatic corps, and the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar people outside a mosque in the centre of Kyiv, reported Kyiv Independent, an online Ukrainian newspaper. Zelensky addressed the gathering and criticised Russia’s treatment of the Muslim-minority Tatar community in Kremlin-controlled Crimea and vowed to recapture the peninsula. “Russia’s attempt to enslave Ukraine...began exactly with the occupation of Crimea, exactly with repressions against Crimean, Ukrainian and Crimean Tatar freedom and of Crimean Muslims,” said Zelensky, reported AFP. Russia captured the Black Sea territory from Ukraine in 2014, a move which had garnered significant criticism from Kyiv and its allies in the West. The Tatar community accounted for at least 12 to 15 per cent of the two million Crimea residents. Reports suggest that after Moscow took over Crimea, it banned the traditional assembly of the Tatar Muslim minority also known as Mejlis. Additionally, Russia has also declared it an extremist organisation and has jailed members of the community since, citing security concerns. “There is no alternative for Ukraine, or for the world, other than the de-occupation of Crimea. We will return to Crimea,” said the Ukrainian president. Zelensky also conferred awards to several Muslim Ukrainian servicemen and thanked the Muslim community for defending Ukraine, during the gathering for ‘iftar’ the meal breaking the daily fast during the holy month of Ramadan. He also said that Kyiv “values every person, values every community,” adding that diversity is a part of the country’s character. “Ukraine is grateful to the Muslims of our country and to everyone in the Muslim community of the world who, like us, longs for peace and protection from evil,” said the Ukrainian president. He also later took to Twitter and wrote, “Despite the sadness and pain of war, may the holy Ramadan be bright for you! May iftar bring consolation to everyone in the world, in the Muslim community, wherever you happen to be now.” Despite the sadness and pain of war, may the holy Ramadan be bright for you! May Iftar bring consolation to everyone in the world, in the Muslim community, wherever you happen to be now. The big world Muslim community can always rely on Ukraine, on our respect and solidarity. pic.twitter.com/BCWfZORBP2 — Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) April 7, 2023 × Zelensky added, “The big world Muslim community can always rely on Ukraine, on our respect and solidarity.” Notably, Russia is home to a large Muslim minority from southern regions, including Chechnya and Dagestan, many of whom are said to be fighting for Moscow in Ukraine, reported AFP. (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.

Ukrainian president Zelensky hosts first ‘official’ iftar to honour Muslims in Kyiv

<p>US officials said on Friday (April 7) that Russia or pro-Russian elements were likely to be behind the leak of several secret documents posted on social media. These documents appeared to have been altered to lower the number of casualties suffered by Russian troops. The unnamed officials were quoted by Reuters.</p>

<p>There was no immediate comment from Kremlin and Russian embassy in Washington.</p>

<p>Reuters said that The Pentagon has declined to comment on the authenticity of the documents circulating on sites including Twitter and Telegram, which are dated March 1 and bear markings showing them classified as "Secret" and "Top Secret."</p>

<p>A leak of such sensitive documents is highly unusual and would automatically trigger an investigation.</p>

<p>"We are aware of the reports of social media posts and the Department (of Defense) is reviewing the matter," Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh said.</p>

<p>One document posted on social media said 16,000 to 17,500 Russian forces had been killed since Russia's Feb. 24, 2022, invasion of Ukraine.</p>

<p>The United States believes that actual figure is much higher, at around 200,000 Russians killed and wounded, officials say.</p>

<p>The Pentagon's review of the apparent leak was first reported by the New York Times.</p>

<p>Russia attacked Ukraine in February last year. After initial gains, the Russian forces were forced to retreat in the face of Ukrainian counterattack.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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US officials said on Friday (April 7) that Russia or pro-Russian elements were likely to be behind the leak of several secret documents posted on social media. These documents appeared to have been altered to lower the number of casualties suffered by Russian troops.

US officials said on Friday (April 7) that Russia or pro-Russian elements were likely to be behind the leak of several secret documents posted on social media. These documents appeared to have been altered to lower the number of casualties suffered by Russian troops. The unnamed officials were quoted by Reuters. There was no immediate comment from Kremlin and Russian embassy in Washington. Reuters said that The Pentagon has declined to comment on the authenticity of the documents circulating on sites including Twitter and Telegram, which are dated March 1 and bear markings showing them classified as "Secret" and "Top Secret." A leak of such sensitive documents is highly unusual and would automatically trigger an investigation. "We are aware of the reports of social media posts and the Department (of Defense) is reviewing the matter," Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh said. One document posted on social media said 16,000 to 17,500 Russian forces had been killed since Russia's Feb. 24, 2022, invasion of Ukraine. The United States believes that actual figure is much higher, at around 200,000 Russians killed and wounded, officials say. The Pentagon's review of the apparent leak was first reported by the New York Times. Russia attacked Ukraine in February last year. After initial gains, the Russian forces were forced to retreat in the face of Ukrainian counterattack. (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 officials think Russia is behind military documents leak: Report

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<p>Moscow could pull the trigger and suspend its participation in the Black Sea grain deal if sanctions and other obstacles to Russian exports remain the way they have been. Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov issued the threat during his visit to Turkey, which had helped broker the agreement last year&nbsp;along with the United Nations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"If there is no further progress in removing barriers to the export of Russian fertilisers and grain, we will think about whether this deal is necessary," Lavrov was quoted as saying by AFP.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Any negotiation needs to be based on taking into account Russian interests, Russian concerns. It should be about the principles on which the new world order will be based."</p>

<p>He added that Moscow rejected a unipolar world order led by 'one hegemon', referring to the USA which it alleges has been&nbsp;using Kyiv to push its agenda.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Erdogan announced deal extension last month</strong></h2>

<p>The development comes a couple of weeks after Turkish President&nbsp;Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced the extension of the deal. Hours before the agreement was set to expire on March 19, Erdogan in a televised address announced that the two parties sat across the table and agreed on the extension.</p>

<p>"Following talks with the two parties, we have assured the extension of the deal that was due to expire on March 19," said the Turkish president.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-war-ukrainian-troops-to-withdraw-from-bakhmut-world-news-wion-579614" target="_blank"><strong>WATCH | Russia Ukraine War: Ukrainian troops to withdraw from Bakhmut? | World News | WION</strong></a></p>

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<p>It wasn't specified for how long the deal had been extended but Ankara earlier said it was in favour of a 120-day extension compared to Moscow's 60-day extension.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This deal is of vital importance for the global food supply. I thank Russia and Ukraine, who didn't spare their efforts for a new extension, as well as the United Nations secretary general."&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Russia scrapping the deal</strong></h2>

<p>Notably, this is not the first instance when Russia has issued a threat for&nbsp;scrapping the deal. Last year in October, Moscow pulled out of the deal citing alleged drone attacks on Russian ships in the Crimea Bay as the reason.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"In light of the terrorist act carried out by the Kyiv regime with the participation of British experts against ships of the Black Sea fleet and civilian vessels involved in the security of grain corridors, Russia suspends its participation in the implementation of the agreement on the export of agricultural products from Ukrainian ports," read the statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wheat-prices-climb-nearly-six-percent-after-russia-pulls-out-of-black-sea-deal-529975" target="_blank"><strong>ALSO READ | Wheat prices climb nearly six percent after Russia pulls out of Black Sea deal</strong></a></p>

<p>Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the supply of grain shipments&nbsp;through the region was halted which nearly triggered a global food crisis before Turkey and the UN brokered the deal.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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Moscow could pull the trigger and suspend its participation in the Black Sea grain deal if sanctions and other obstacles to Russian exports remain the way they have been.

Moscow could pull the trigger and suspend its participation in the Black Sea grain deal if sanctions and other obstacles to Russian exports remain the way they have been. Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov issued the threat during his visit to Turkey, which had helped broker the agreement last year along with the United Nations. "If there is no further progress in removing barriers to the export of Russian fertilisers and grain, we will think about whether this deal is necessary," Lavrov was quoted as saying by AFP. "Any negotiation needs to be based on taking into account Russian interests, Russian concerns. It should be about the principles on which the new world order will be based." He added that Moscow rejected a unipolar world order led by 'one hegemon', referring to the USA which it alleges has been using Kyiv to push its agenda. Erdogan announced deal extension last month The development comes a couple of weeks after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced the extension of the deal. Hours before the agreement was set to expire on March 19, Erdogan in a televised address announced that the two parties sat across the table and agreed on the extension. "Following talks with the two parties, we have assured the extension of the deal that was due to expire on March 19," said the Turkish president. WATCH | Russia Ukraine War: Ukrainian troops to withdraw from Bakhmut? | World News | WION × It wasn't specified for how long the deal had been extended but Ankara earlier said it was in favour of a 120-day extension compared to Moscow's 60-day extension. "This deal is of vital importance for the global food supply. I thank Russia and Ukraine, who didn't spare their efforts for a new extension, as well as the United Nations secretary general." Russia scrapping the deal Notably, this is not the first instance when Russia has issued a threat for scrapping the deal. Last year in October, Moscow pulled out of the deal citing alleged drone attacks on Russian ships in the Crimea Bay as the reason. "In light of the terrorist act carried out by the Kyiv regime with the participation of British experts against ships of the Black Sea fleet and civilian vessels involved in the security of grain corridors, Russia suspends its participation in the implementation of the agreement on the export of agricultural products from Ukrainian ports," read the statement. ALSO READ | Wheat prices climb nearly six percent after Russia pulls out of Black Sea deal Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the supply of grain shipments through the region was halted which nearly triggered a global food crisis before Turkey and the UN brokered the deal. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

‘We will think...’: Moscow again threatens to pull out of Black Sea grain deal

<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday said that Moscow has no desire to isolate itself and is open to constructive co-operation with all the nations.</p>

<p>"I would like to stress Russia is open to constructive partnership with all countries; we do not intend to isolate ourselves from anyone, we have no preconceived or what's more hostile intentions towards anyone," said Putin.</p>

<p>"We hope that our partners will adhere to the principles of equality and mutual benefit in their relations with us," the Russian president stated.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/you-are-responsible-for-strained-relations-putin-tells-us-and-eu-579481">You are responsible for strained relations, Putin tells US and EU</a></p>

<p>According to the president, the government's approaches were elaborately explained in the Russian Foreign Policy Concept which was adopted on March 31.</p>

<p>Putin said that the document envisions the national interests of Russia in the context of the dynamic and complex changing world, and includes the government's basic objectives and aims as well as the important areas for Russian diplomacy.</p>

<p>"The most important thing is that Russia, as a sovereign and self-sufficient state, will be actively pursuing a balanced, multi-course foreign policy prioritising our domestic development and with particular awareness to the responsibility to maintain stability and security at the global and regional levels," the Russian president stated.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH | Gravitas: Xi Jinping's China unilaterally appoints Bishop in Shanghai</strong></p>

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<p>The statement comes in the wake of French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to China where he is expected to pressurise Chinese President Xi Jinping to play a more active role in establishing peace between Russia and Ukraine, along with European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen.</p>

<p>Macron had stated that he wants to "be a voice that unites Europe" over Ukraine, and visiting China along with von der Leyen serves to "underline the consistency of this approach".&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday said that Moscow has no desire to isolate itself and is open to constructive co-operation with all the nations. "I would like to stress Russia is open to constructive partnership with all countries; we do not intend to isolate ourselves from anyone, we have no preconceived or what's more hostile intentions towards anyone," said Putin.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday said that Moscow has no desire to isolate itself and is open to constructive co-operation with all the nations. "I would like to stress Russia is open to constructive partnership with all countries; we do not intend to isolate ourselves from anyone, we have no preconceived or what's more hostile intentions towards anyone," said Putin. "We hope that our partners will adhere to the principles of equality and mutual benefit in their relations with us," the Russian president stated. ALSO READ | You are responsible for strained relations, Putin tells US and EU According to the president, the government's approaches were elaborately explained in the Russian Foreign Policy Concept which was adopted on March 31. Putin said that the document envisions the national interests of Russia in the context of the dynamic and complex changing world, and includes the government's basic objectives and aims as well as the important areas for Russian diplomacy. "The most important thing is that Russia, as a sovereign and self-sufficient state, will be actively pursuing a balanced, multi-course foreign policy prioritising our domestic development and with particular awareness to the responsibility to maintain stability and security at the global and regional levels," the Russian president stated. WATCH | Gravitas: Xi Jinping's China unilaterally appoints Bishop in Shanghai The statement comes in the wake of French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to China where he is expected to pressurise Chinese President Xi Jinping to play a more active role in establishing peace between Russia and Ukraine, along with European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen. Macron had stated that he wants to "be a voice that unites Europe" over Ukraine, and visiting China along with von der Leyen serves to "underline the consistency of this approach". (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 doesn't want to isolate itself, is open to global partnership, says Putin

<p>Russian government authorities released the video of the female suspect who has been detained in Sunday's blast case at a St Petersburg cafe in which a pro-war blogger Vladlen Tatarsky was killed.</p>

<p>In the released video, which has been recorded under duress, Darya Trepova can be heard admitting that she had handed the statuette that later blew up.</p>

<p>However, the 26-year-old suspect claimed that she was not aware that there would be an explosion and also did not admit to any further role.</p>

<p>Investigators stated that they had evidence which proves that Ukraine had organised the attack. However, Kyiv officials stated that this was the case of Russia infighting.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vladlen-tatarskys-death-who-is-darya-trepova-what-happened-at-the-st-petersburg-cafe-all-we-know-578547">Vladlen Tatarsky's death: Who is Darya Trepova &amp; what happened at the St Petersburg cafe? All we know</a></p>

<p>More than 30 citizens suffered injuries in the bomb blast in Russia's second city. Tatarsky (real name Maxim Fomin), aged 40, was attending a patriotic meeting along with supporters in the cafe on Sunday afternoon. He was present there as a guest speaker.</p>

<p>Another video has been circulating on social media showing a young woman, wearing a brown coat, entering the cafe before blast with a cardboard box.</p>

<p>The images show that the box was placed on a table before the woman sat down inside the cafe. In another video, a statuette is seen being handed to Tatarsky.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Purpotedly, footage of St Petersburg blast perpetrator entering the cafe where Vladlen Tatarsky’s (Maksim Fomin’s) event was being held. The woman is identified by Russian media as Darya Trepova. Despite earlier reports about her arrest, she is believed to be still at large. <a href="https://t.co/iPmkIE6j1A">pic.twitter.com/iPmkIE6j1A</a></p>
— Leonid ХВ Ragozin (@leonidragozin) <a href="https://twitter.com/leonidragozin/status/1642804059949219845?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 3, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>The Russian authorities released a brief excerpt of her interrogation in which Darya Trepova appeared under duress as she repeatedly sighed.</p>

<p>When she was asked by the interrogator if she knew why the authorities detained her, she said, "I would say for being at the scene of Vladlen Tatarsky's murder... I brought the statuette there which blew up."</p>

<p>When asked who gave the statuette to her, Trepova said, "Can I tell you later please?"</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Russia detained Darya Trepova who is a suspect in the unexplained incident that led to the death of military correspondent Vladlen Tatarsky yesterday in St. Petersburg. She allegedly delivered the figurine which contained explosives to the cafe where Vladlen was holding a meeting… <a href="https://t.co/MFZf0t8Sin">pic.twitter.com/MFZf0t8Sin</a></p>
— Dmitri (@wartranslated) <a href="https://twitter.com/wartranslated/status/1642831350351683586?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 3, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Anti-terrorism committee of Russia alleged that the Ukrainian special services organised the "terror attack with people co-operating with" opposition leader Alexei Navalny.</p>

<p>Later, the investigative committee further claimed that it had evidence that it was "planned and organised from Ukrainian territory".</p>

<p><strong>WATCH | Gravitas: Vladlen Tatarsky | The story of the dead Russian blogger</strong></p>

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<p>Once the owner of the cafe, Yevgeny Prigozhin, who now runs the Wagner mercenary group paid tribute to Tatarsky by filming himself from Bakhmut's town hall in a late-night video. In the video, he displayed a flag on which was written "in good memory of Vladlen Tatarsky", as he claimed that Russian forces have captured Bakhmut.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">🔥Russian forces have captured Artyomovsk-<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bakhmut?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bakhmut</a> in Donetsk Republic<br />
- Yevgeny Prigozhin, raising the 🇷🇺Russian flag over the city administration building &amp; paying tribute to journalist Vladlen Tatarsky, assassinated in St. Petersburg earlier by 🇬🇧UK-🇺🇲US-🇪🇺EU-armed forces. <a href="https://t.co/3HN3dR9uWX">pic.twitter.com/3HN3dR9uWX</a></p>
— Afshin Rattansi (@afshinrattansi) <a href="https://twitter.com/afshinrattansi/status/1642664300866072577?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 2, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Meanwhile, Ukrainian presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak on Sunday night alleged that the killing of the blogger was part of "an internal political fight" in Russia which he compared to spider feeding on each other inside the jar.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Russian government authorities released the video of the female suspect who has been detained in Sunday's blast case at a St Petersburg cafe in which a pro-war blogger Vladlen Tatarsky was killed.

Russian government authorities released the video of the female suspect who has been detained in Sunday's blast case at a St Petersburg cafe in which a pro-war blogger Vladlen Tatarsky was killed. In the released video, which has been recorded under duress, Darya Trepova can be heard admitting that she had handed the statuette that later blew up. However, the 26-year-old suspect claimed that she was not aware that there would be an explosion and also did not admit to any further role. Investigators stated that they had evidence which proves that Ukraine had organised the attack. However, Kyiv officials stated that this was the case of Russia infighting. ALSO READ | Vladlen Tatarsky's death: Who is Darya Trepova & what happened at the St Petersburg cafe? All we know More than 30 citizens suffered injuries in the bomb blast in Russia's second city. Tatarsky (real name Maxim Fomin), aged 40, was attending a patriotic meeting along with supporters in the cafe on Sunday afternoon. He was present there as a guest speaker. Another video has been circulating on social media showing a young woman, wearing a brown coat, entering the cafe before blast with a cardboard box. The images show that the box was placed on a table before the woman sat down inside the cafe. In another video, a statuette is seen being handed to Tatarsky. Purpotedly, footage of St Petersburg blast perpetrator entering the cafe where Vladlen Tatarsky’s (Maksim Fomin’s) event was being held. The woman is identified by Russian media as Darya Trepova. Despite earlier reports about her arrest, she is believed to be still at large. pic.twitter.com/iPmkIE6j1A — Leonid ХВ Ragozin (@leonidragozin) April 3, 2023 × The Russian authorities released a brief excerpt of her interrogation in which Darya Trepova appeared under duress as she repeatedly sighed. When she was asked by the interrogator if she knew why the authorities detained her, she said, "I would say for being at the scene of Vladlen Tatarsky's murder... I brought the statuette there which blew up." When asked who gave the statuette to her, Trepova said, "Can I tell you later please?" Russia detained Darya Trepova who is a suspect in the unexplained incident that led to the death of military correspondent Vladlen Tatarsky yesterday in St. Petersburg. She allegedly delivered the figurine which contained explosives to the cafe where Vladlen was holding a meeting… pic.twitter.com/MFZf0t8Sin — Dmitri (@wartranslated) April 3, 2023 × Anti-terrorism committee of Russia alleged that the Ukrainian special services organised the "terror attack with people co-operating with" opposition leader Alexei Navalny. Later, the investigative committee further claimed that it had evidence that it was "planned and organised from Ukrainian territory". WATCH | Gravitas: Vladlen Tatarsky | The story of the dead Russian blogger Once the owner of the cafe, Yevgeny Prigozhin, who now runs the Wagner mercenary group paid tribute to Tatarsky by filming himself from Bakhmut's town hall in a late-night video. In the video, he displayed a flag on which was written "in good memory of Vladlen Tatarsky", as he claimed that Russian forces have captured Bakhmut. 🔥Russian forces have captured Artyomovsk-#Bakhmut in Donetsk Republic - Yevgeny Prigozhin, raising the 🇷🇺Russian flag over the city administration building & paying tribute to journalist Vladlen Tatarsky, assassinated in St. Petersburg earlier by 🇬🇧UK-🇺🇲US-🇪🇺EU-armed forces. pic.twitter.com/3HN3dR9uWX — Afshin Rattansi (@afshinrattansi) April 2, 2023 × Meanwhile, Ukrainian presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak on Sunday night alleged that the killing of the blogger was part of "an internal political fight" in Russia which he compared to spider feeding on each other inside the jar. (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

Watch | Russia releases video of Darya Trepova detained for killing war-blogger

<p>Lithuania took a drastic step on Tuesday (April 4) as its parliament banned Russian nationals from purchasing real esatete in the country. The parliament said that risks to national security were behind the decision. The ban will be in place till 2024. However, the ban will not apply to Russians who are granted residency in Lithuania.</p>

<p>In addition to the ban, Lithuanian parliament also stopped issuance of new visas to Russian and Belarusian nationals. Belarus is a strong ally of Russia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Many of the citizens of those two countries who carry other travel documents, such as previously issued visas, will be subject to "individual extended checks" at the border to determine if they pose a threat to national security.</p>

<p>"The vast majority of Russian citizens support their country's aggressive military actions, and do not take actions to stop the aggression of their country's regime, so they share the responsibility," Deputy Foreign Minister Jurgita Neliupsiene told parliament in March as she introduced the bill.</p>

<p>Russia invaded Ukraine in February last year. After sustained gains in the battlefield for first few months, the Russian forces had to retreat in the face of Ukrainian counterattacks. After Russia invaded Ukraine, countries that share borders with Russia have been on alert.</p>

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Lithuania took a drastic step on Tuesday (April 4) as its parliament banned Russian nationals from purchasing real esatete in the country. The parliament said that risks to national security were behind the decision.

Lithuania took a drastic step on Tuesday (April 4) as its parliament banned Russian nationals from purchasing real esatete in the country. The parliament said that risks to national security were behind the decision. The ban will be in place till 2024. However, the ban will not apply to Russians who are granted residency in Lithuania. In addition to the ban, Lithuanian parliament also stopped issuance of new visas to Russian and Belarusian nationals. Belarus is a strong ally of Russia. Many of the citizens of those two countries who carry other travel documents, such as previously issued visas, will be subject to "individual extended checks" at the border to determine if they pose a threat to national security. "The vast majority of Russian citizens support their country's aggressive military actions, and do not take actions to stop the aggression of their country's regime, so they share the responsibility," Deputy Foreign Minister Jurgita Neliupsiene told parliament in March as she introduced the bill. Russia invaded Ukraine in February last year. After sustained gains in the battlefield for first few months, the Russian forces had to retreat in the face of Ukrainian counterattacks. After Russia invaded Ukraine, countries that share borders with Russia have been on alert. 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 ×

Lithuania bans Russian nationals from purchasing property in country

<p>In a first, two Japanese firms recently unveiled their respective laser systems which will be used to shoot down incoming unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones, reported the United States-based online newspaper The Diplomat.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This comes amid concerns about an increased presence of Chinese and Russian militaries near Japan which has seemingly prompted Tokyo to ramp up investment in such technology.<br />
<br />
The companies in question are the Japan-based Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) and Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) who displayed this technology at the DSEI Japan 2023 show, held in Chiba Prefecture.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Mitsubishi Heavy Industries’ 10-kilowatt laser system</strong></p>

<p>A video by MHI shows the 10-kilowatt (kilowatt) fibre laser shooting down drones at a distance of at least 1.2 kilometres within two to three seconds. The officials from the company also plan to deliver the prototype to the Japanese Ministry of Defense (MoD) in December, as per The Diplomat.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-japan-unveils-new-anti-drone-laser-weapons-578755">Gravitas: Japan unveils new anti-drone laser weapons</a></strong></p>

<p>Speaking about the lasers’ features, MHI also said the Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) can be fitted onto ground vehicles for mobility and also utilised by the land bases of the Maritime and Air Self-Defense Forces. “Any Self-Defense Force can use it from the ground as long as it is intended to shoot down flying objects,” said an MHI official, as quoted by the Washington-based newspaper.&nbsp;</p>

<p>When asked about the laser system’s capabilities to intercept incoming missiles an official said that while they have not conducted a “high level of research in-house”, it may be possible by increasing the output energy.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-scrambled-jets-over-1000-times-amid-chinese-russian-air-activity-471349">Japan scrambled jets over 1,000 times amid Chinese, Russian air activity</a></strong></p>

<p>In 2021, the Japan-based firm also signed a $6 million contract with the MoD’s Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics Agency (ATLA) to build a prototype of a vehicle-mounted high-power laser demonstration device.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Kawasaki Heavy Industries’ 100-kW and 2-kW laser system</strong></p>

<p>On the other hand, KHI has been developing a more powerful 100-kilowatt vehicle-mounted laser system, reported the Diplomat. According to KHI officials, their device in the two-kilowatt laser prototype can eliminate UAVs at the range of several 100 metres.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Additionally, both their two-kilowatt and 100-kilowatt laser systems use the same one-micrometre band fibre laser. The system detects a drone with an infrared (IR) camera, tracks it down and then shoots it with the laser, said the report citing officials.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-uses-scrambled-jets-to-monitor-chinese-aircraft-carrier-operations-548726">Japan scrambled jet fighters to monitor Chinese aircraft carrier operations</a></strong><br />
<br />
According to the media report one of their prototypes has already been sent to the ATLA earlier this year and will begin tests and evaluation this month. In 2021, the KHI was allocated around $21 million from the MoD budget for demonstration costs of the vehicle-mounted laser system, reported The Diplomat.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, KHI’s 100-kilowatt laser system would be mounted on a larger, trailer-type vehicle given the increased power output of the lasers which require a large power supply and cooling water circulation system.&nbsp;</p>

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In a first, two Japanese firms recently unveiled their respective laser systems which will be used to shoot down incoming unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones, reported the United States-based online newspaper The Diplomat.

In a first, two Japanese firms recently unveiled their respective laser systems which will be used to shoot down incoming unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones, reported the United States-based online newspaper The Diplomat. This comes amid concerns about an increased presence of Chinese and Russian militaries near Japan which has seemingly prompted Tokyo to ramp up investment in such technology. The companies in question are the Japan-based Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) and Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) who displayed this technology at the DSEI Japan 2023 show, held in Chiba Prefecture. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries’ 10-kilowatt laser system A video by MHI shows the 10-kilowatt (kilowatt) fibre laser shooting down drones at a distance of at least 1.2 kilometres within two to three seconds. The officials from the company also plan to deliver the prototype to the Japanese Ministry of Defense (MoD) in December, as per The Diplomat. ALSO WATCH | Gravitas: Japan unveils new anti-drone laser weapons Speaking about the lasers’ features, MHI also said the Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) can be fitted onto ground vehicles for mobility and also utilised by the land bases of the Maritime and Air Self-Defense Forces. “Any Self-Defense Force can use it from the ground as long as it is intended to shoot down flying objects,” said an MHI official, as quoted by the Washington-based newspaper. When asked about the laser system’s capabilities to intercept incoming missiles an official said that while they have not conducted a “high level of research in-house”, it may be possible by increasing the output energy. ALSO READ | Japan scrambled jets over 1,000 times amid Chinese, Russian air activity In 2021, the Japan-based firm also signed a $6 million contract with the MoD’s Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics Agency (ATLA) to build a prototype of a vehicle-mounted high-power laser demonstration device. Kawasaki Heavy Industries’ 100-kW and 2-kW laser system On the other hand, KHI has been developing a more powerful 100-kilowatt vehicle-mounted laser system, reported the Diplomat. According to KHI officials, their device in the two-kilowatt laser prototype can eliminate UAVs at the range of several 100 metres. Additionally, both their two-kilowatt and 100-kilowatt laser systems use the same one-micrometre band fibre laser. The system detects a drone with an infrared (IR) camera, tracks it down and then shoots it with the laser, said the report citing officials. ALSO READ | Japan scrambled jet fighters to monitor Chinese aircraft carrier operations According to the media report one of their prototypes has already been sent to the ATLA earlier this year and will begin tests and evaluation this month. In 2021, the KHI was allocated around $21 million from the MoD budget for demonstration costs of the vehicle-mounted laser system, reported The Diplomat. Notably, KHI’s 100-kilowatt laser system would be mounted on a larger, trailer-type vehicle given the increased power output of the lasers which require a large power supply and cooling water circulation system. 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.

Japan: Defence firms unveil high energy laser wielding anti-drone weapons

<p>Russia’s east coast of Kamchatka was struck by a powerful 6.6 magnitude earthquake on Monday, according to the European Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC).</p>

<p>The tremors were recorded around 3 pm (local time) and struck at a depth of 100km (62.13 miles), EMSC said. &nbsp;No casualties or destruction of property has been reported so far. Also, no tsunami warning has been issued by the US Tsunami Warning System.</p>

<p>"Operational groups of rescuers and firefighters are inspecting buildings," the emergency ministry said, according to Reuters news agency.</p>

<p>"According to preliminary information, there are no casualties and destruction."</p>

<p>The Russian Academy of Sciences geophysical service said the earthquake hit near Avacha Bay in the southeastern coast of the Kamchatka Peninsula, reported Sputnik News.</p>

<p>Initially, the officials estimated the earthquake’s magnitude to be 5.7, however, it was later revised to 6.9.</p>

<p>Several videos shared on social media purportedly showed fans and window panes even as people run for cover.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="es"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Russia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Russia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Russian?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Russian</a><br />
Fuerte sismo magnitud 6.5 (6.7 preliminar) sacude la costa este de la Península de <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kamchatka?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kamchatka</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Rusia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Rusia</a>. El epicentro a 30 km al sur de Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, a una profundidad de 105 km, según USGS. <a href="https://t.co/eOMmdr5yIc">pic.twitter.com/eOMmdr5yIc</a></p>
— 𝔸𝕝𝕖𝕛𝕒𝕟𝕕𝕣𝕠 𝔽𝕣𝕚𝕒𝕤 ♚ (@FriasAlejandro_) <a href="https://twitter.com/FriasAlejandro_/status/1642736817072996352?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 3, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Notably, this was the second earthquake in the Kamchatka region within a month.</p>

<p>On March 8, a 6.1 magnitude of seismic activity was reported from Kamchatka Peninsula’s southern coast, which caused two subsequent aftershocks within three hours.</p>

<p>The Kamchatka Peninsula, about 6,800 kilometres east of Moscow, sits on the Ring of Fire zone on the Pacific Ocean— known to be seismically active zone, and hence earthquakes are prone in the region.</p>

<p>The peninsula is located in the Russian Far East and is 1,250-kilometre-long. The region is known to have the highest density of active volcanoes, with 19 active volcanoes in the region included in UNESCO’s World Heritage List.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Russia’s east coast of Kamchatka was struck by a powerful 6.6 magnitude earthquake on Monday, according to the European Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC).

Russia’s east coast of Kamchatka was struck by a powerful 6.6 magnitude earthquake on Monday, according to the European Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC). The tremors were recorded around 3 pm (local time) and struck at a depth of 100km (62.13 miles), EMSC said. No casualties or destruction of property has been reported so far. Also, no tsunami warning has been issued by the US Tsunami Warning System. "Operational groups of rescuers and firefighters are inspecting buildings," the emergency ministry said, according to Reuters news agency. "According to preliminary information, there are no casualties and destruction." The Russian Academy of Sciences geophysical service said the earthquake hit near Avacha Bay in the southeastern coast of the Kamchatka Peninsula, reported Sputnik News. Initially, the officials estimated the earthquake’s magnitude to be 5.7, however, it was later revised to 6.9. Several videos shared on social media purportedly showed fans and window panes even as people run for cover. #Russia #Russian Fuerte sismo magnitud 6.5 (6.7 preliminar) sacude la costa este de la Península de #Kamchatka, #Rusia. El epicentro a 30 km al sur de Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, a una profundidad de 105 km, según USGS. pic.twitter.com/eOMmdr5yIc — 𝔸𝕝𝕖𝕛𝕒𝕟𝕕𝕣𝕠 𝔽𝕣𝕚𝕒𝕤 ♚ (@FriasAlejandro_) April 3, 2023 × Notably, this was the second earthquake in the Kamchatka region within a month. On March 8, a 6.1 magnitude of seismic activity was reported from Kamchatka Peninsula’s southern coast, which caused two subsequent aftershocks within three hours. The Kamchatka Peninsula, about 6,800 kilometres east of Moscow, sits on the Ring of Fire zone on the Pacific Ocean— known to be seismically active zone, and hence earthquakes are prone in the region. The peninsula is located in the Russian Far East and is 1,250-kilometre-long. The region is known to have the highest density of active volcanoes, with 19 active volcanoes in the region included in UNESCO’s World Heritage List. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Russia’s Kamchatka east coast struck by 6.6 magnitude earthquake, no damages reported

<p>Russian envoy to Belarus said on Sunday (April 2) that Russia will place its tactical nuclear weapons close to western borders of Belarus. Such a move is likely to escalate Moscow's standoff with the West as the nukes would be stationed at NASA's threshold. Russian President Vladimir Putin has already declared (March 26) that Russia would station tactical weapons in Belarus.</p>

<p>Russia and Belarus, the two Slav neighbours, are formally part of a "union state". Talks between the two countries have gone on for years for deeper integration. The process has gained pace after Belarus allowed Russian troops to enter Ukraine's territory last year.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Russia to place nuclear weapons near Belarus' border with NATO</strong></p>

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<p>The weapons "will be moved to the western border of our union state and will increase the possibilities to ensure security," Russian ambassador to Belarus, Boris Gryzlov, told Belarusian state television.</p>

<p>"This will be done despite the noise in Europe and the United States."</p>

<p>The Russian envoy didn't fully specify where the weapons will be stationed. He, however, confirmed that a storage facility will be completed by July 1. It will then be moves to the West of Belarus.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/finland-set-to-become-31st-nato-member-on-tuesday-secretary-general-stoltenberg-says-578596">Finland set to become 31st NATO member on Tuesday, Secretary General Stoltenberg says</a></strong><br />
<br />
Belarus borders to the north with Lithuania and Latvia and to west with Poland, all part of NATO's Eastern flank that has been bolstered with additional troops and military equipment following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.</p>

<p>(With inputs from agencies)</p>

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Russian envoy to Belarus said on Sunday (April 2) that Russia will place its tactical nuclear weapons close to western borders of Belarus. Such a move is likely to escalate Moscow's standoff with the West as the nukes would be stationed at NASA's threshold.

Russian envoy to Belarus said on Sunday (April 2) that Russia will place its tactical nuclear weapons close to western borders of Belarus. Such a move is likely to escalate Moscow's standoff with the West as the nukes would be stationed at NASA's threshold. Russian President Vladimir Putin has already declared (March 26) that Russia would station tactical weapons in Belarus. Russia and Belarus, the two Slav neighbours, are formally part of a "union state". Talks between the two countries have gone on for years for deeper integration. The process has gained pace after Belarus allowed Russian troops to enter Ukraine's territory last year. Watch | Russia to place nuclear weapons near Belarus' border with NATO × The weapons "will be moved to the western border of our union state and will increase the possibilities to ensure security," Russian ambassador to Belarus, Boris Gryzlov, told Belarusian state television. "This will be done despite the noise in Europe and the United States." The Russian envoy didn't fully specify where the weapons will be stationed. He, however, confirmed that a storage facility will be completed by July 1. It will then be moves to the West of Belarus. Also Read | Finland set to become 31st NATO member on Tuesday, Secretary General Stoltenberg says Belarus borders to the north with Lithuania and Latvia and to west with Poland, all part of NATO's Eastern flank that has been bolstered with additional troops and military equipment following Russia's invasion of 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 ×

Russia to place tactical nukes near Belarus border with NATO countries: Envoy

<p>The Ukrainian army on Sunday stated that they are still "holding" the embattled city of Bakhmut, which Wagner mercenary group, fighting on behalf of Russia, claimed to have captured "in a legal sense" by occupying the city's administration building.</p>

<p>"The enemy has not stopped its assault of Bakhmut. However, Ukrainian defenders are courageously holding the city as they repel numerous enemy attacks," said the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on its Facebook page.</p>

<p>On his Telegram channel, the Head of Wagner Yevgeny Prigozhin on Monday said, "In a legal sense, Bakhmut has been captured. The enemy is concentrated in western areas."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/three-civilians-killed-in-fresh-russian-shelling-a-year-after-grisly-discovery-in-bucha-578249">Six killed, eight injured in fresh Russian shelling, a year after discovery of grisly Bucha killings</a></p>

<p>In a video which accompanied the Telegram post, Prigozhin was seen holding a Russian flag which was inscribed to honour Russian military blogger Vladlen Tatarsky who lost his life in a bomb attack in Saint Petersburg's cafe on Sunday.</p>

<p>"The commanders of the units that took city hall and the whole centre will go and put up this flag. This is the Wagner private military company, these are the guys who took Bakhmut. In a legal sense, it's ours," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Prigozhin had stated on March 20 (Monday) that the town's 70 per cent has been captured by Wagner units.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Sunday evening, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky appreciated the efforts made by the Ukrainian army to defend the city.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I am grateful to our warriors who are fighting near Avdiivka, Maryinka, near Bakhmut... Especially Bakhmut! It's especially hot there today!" said Zelensky in his own post to Telegram.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Russia to place nuclear weapons near Belarus' border with NATO</strong></p>

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<p>Near Bakhmut, around 27 kilometres (17 miles) from &nbsp;Kostyantynivka, three men and three women were killed and eleven others were wounded in a "massive attack" of Russian missiles.</p>

<p>Zelensky stated that the affected zones are "just residential areas", where "ordinary civilians of an ordinary city of Donbas" were targeted.</p>

<p>The battle for Bakhmut is the longest one to have continued after Russia invaded Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The Ukrainian army on Sunday stated that they are still "holding" the embattled city of Bakhmut, which Wagner mercenary group, fighting on behalf of Russia, claimed to have captured "in a legal sense" by occupying the city's administration building.

The Ukrainian army on Sunday stated that they are still "holding" the embattled city of Bakhmut, which Wagner mercenary group, fighting on behalf of Russia, claimed to have captured "in a legal sense" by occupying the city's administration building. "The enemy has not stopped its assault of Bakhmut. However, Ukrainian defenders are courageously holding the city as they repel numerous enemy attacks," said the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on its Facebook page. On his Telegram channel, the Head of Wagner Yevgeny Prigozhin on Monday said, "In a legal sense, Bakhmut has been captured. The enemy is concentrated in western areas." ALSO READ | Six killed, eight injured in fresh Russian shelling, a year after discovery of grisly Bucha killings In a video which accompanied the Telegram post, Prigozhin was seen holding a Russian flag which was inscribed to honour Russian military blogger Vladlen Tatarsky who lost his life in a bomb attack in Saint Petersburg's cafe on Sunday. "The commanders of the units that took city hall and the whole centre will go and put up this flag. This is the Wagner private military company, these are the guys who took Bakhmut. In a legal sense, it's ours," he said. Prigozhin had stated on March 20 (Monday) that the town's 70 per cent has been captured by Wagner units. On Sunday evening, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky appreciated the efforts made by the Ukrainian army to defend the city. "I am grateful to our warriors who are fighting near Avdiivka, Maryinka, near Bakhmut... Especially Bakhmut! It's especially hot there today!" said Zelensky in his own post to Telegram. WATCH | Russia to place nuclear weapons near Belarus' border with NATO Near Bakhmut, around 27 kilometres (17 miles) from Kostyantynivka, three men and three women were killed and eleven others were wounded in a "massive attack" of Russian missiles. Zelensky stated that the affected zones are "just residential areas", where "ordinary civilians of an ordinary city of Donbas" were targeted. The battle for Bakhmut is the longest one to have continued after Russia invaded 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

Ukraine says still 'holding' Bakhmut after Wagner claims its 'legal capture'

<p>Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to officially visit Warsaw, Poland on Wednesday, announcing one of the few trips he is planning outside the nation which is battling the invasion of Russia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>NATO member and Ukraine's neighbour Poland is a key ally in the efforts of the country to defend itself and has hosted many Ukrainians who were fleeing the war.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This is an official visit but there will also be an element of a public nature," said Marcin Przydacz, the head of the international policy office while speaking to Polish radio station RMF FM.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He noted that Zelensky will also hold talks with Ukrainians living in Poland. During his Poland visit, Zelensky is also scheduled to meet his Polish counterpart, Andrzej Duda.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-says-still-holding-bakhmut-after-wagner-claims-its-legal-capture-578399">Ukraine says still 'holding' Bakhmut after Wagner claims its 'legal capture'</a></p>

<p>Marcin Przydacz said that Zelensky will meet Poles and Ukrainians at the Royal Castle in Warsaw and that Zelensky wishes to extend thanks to Poles for helping Ukrainians.</p>

<p>Zelensky will be speaking in the historic centre of the Polish capital, "in the context of what happened last year - how the Poles are helping Ukraine, refugees at the border, or welcoming them into their homes".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Zelensky will also hold discussions with Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki. Before Warsaw, Zelensky has already visited London, Brussels, Washington and Paris.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Putin creates funds for soldiers fighting in Ukraine</strong></h2>

<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree on Monday to create a special fund which supported the soldiers and their families, who are fighting in Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The decree, which supports the "Defenders of the Fatherland", was published on the official government website.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The measures are "aimed at ensuring a decent life" for the soldiers who are involved in the Ukraine war and for their children and partners, as per the decree.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH | Russia-Ukraine War: Popular Russian military blogger killed in a cafe blast</strong></p>

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<p>The support measure was announced by Putin at the Federal Assembly on February 21, a year after the Russian troops invaded Ukraine.</p>

<p>"Our duty is to support the families that have lost their loved ones and to help them raise their children and give them an education and a job," Putin stated.</p>

<p>The fund should "bring targeted, personalised assistance to the families of fallen fighters, as well as veterans of the special military operation," he said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to officially visit Warsaw, Poland on Wednesday, announcing one of the few trips he is planning outside the nation which is battling the invasion of Russia.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to officially visit Warsaw, Poland on Wednesday, announcing one of the few trips he is planning outside the nation which is battling the invasion of Russia. NATO member and Ukraine's neighbour Poland is a key ally in the efforts of the country to defend itself and has hosted many Ukrainians who were fleeing the war. "This is an official visit but there will also be an element of a public nature," said Marcin Przydacz, the head of the international policy office while speaking to Polish radio station RMF FM. He noted that Zelensky will also hold talks with Ukrainians living in Poland. During his Poland visit, Zelensky is also scheduled to meet his Polish counterpart, Andrzej Duda. ALSO READ | Ukraine says still 'holding' Bakhmut after Wagner claims its 'legal capture' Marcin Przydacz said that Zelensky will meet Poles and Ukrainians at the Royal Castle in Warsaw and that Zelensky wishes to extend thanks to Poles for helping Ukrainians. Zelensky will be speaking in the historic centre of the Polish capital, "in the context of what happened last year - how the Poles are helping Ukraine, refugees at the border, or welcoming them into their homes". Zelensky will also hold discussions with Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki. Before Warsaw, Zelensky has already visited London, Brussels, Washington and Paris. Putin creates funds for soldiers fighting in Ukraine Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree on Monday to create a special fund which supported the soldiers and their families, who are fighting in Ukraine. The decree, which supports the "Defenders of the Fatherland", was published on the official government website. The measures are "aimed at ensuring a decent life" for the soldiers who are involved in the Ukraine war and for their children and partners, as per the decree. WATCH | Russia-Ukraine War: Popular Russian military blogger killed in a cafe blast The support measure was announced by Putin at the Federal Assembly on February 21, a year after the Russian troops invaded Ukraine. "Our duty is to support the families that have lost their loved ones and to help them raise their children and give them an education and a job," Putin stated. The fund should "bring targeted, personalised assistance to the families of fallen fighters, as well as veterans of the special military operation," 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

Russia-Ukraine war: Zelensky to visit Poland on Wednesday

<p>Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), the top security agency of the country, notified the famed Orthodox leader Metropolitan Pavel that he was suspected of justifying the aggression of Russia which is a criminal offence.</p>

<p>Pavel, the abbot of Ukraine’s most revered Orthodox site 'Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra monastery', has resisted the order of the authorities to vacate the complex.</p>

<p>Earlier this week, he cursed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and threatened him with damnation.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-orders-100-rosomak-armoured-vehicles-from-poland-578017"> Ukraine orders 100 Rosomak armoured vehicles from Poland</a></p>

<p>During a court hearing held in Kyiv, the metropolitan rejected SBU's claim that he condoned the invasion of Russia. The accusations were described by Pavel as politically driven.</p>

<p>“I have never been on the side of aggression. This is my land,” said Pavel in the courthouse.</p>

<p>The Orthodox leader's residence was raided was SBU agents and prosecutors appealed to the court to put Pavel under house arrest till the investigation is over.</p>

<p>The court hearing was adjourned on Saturday until Monday after the metropolitan stated that the leader was not feeling well.</p>

<p>The monks living in the monastery are part of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church which is facing the accusation of having links with Russia.</p>

<p>Dozens of supporters of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church protested outside the monastery on Saturday, as they sang hymns in the rain. Another group of protesters also reached, accusing the monastery of sympathising with Russia.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH | Belarus says fighting in Ukraine should stop immediately</strong></p>

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<p>“They wash the brains of people with Russian support, and they are very dangerous for Ukraine,” said a 38-year-old protester, Senia Kravchuk, from Kyiv. “They sing songs in support of Russia, and that’s horrible, here, in the centre of Kyiv,” he added.</p>

<p>“Look at me. I’m in priest’s clothes, with a Ukrainian flag and a cross around my neck. Could you say that I’m pro-Russian? The priests are currently singing a Ukrainian hymn, and they’re being called pro-Russian. Can you believe it?” said another protester David.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), the top security agency of the country, notified the famed Orthodox leader Metropolitan Pavel that he was suspected of justifying the aggression of Russia which is a criminal offence.

Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), the top security agency of the country, notified the famed Orthodox leader Metropolitan Pavel that he was suspected of justifying the aggression of Russia which is a criminal offence. Pavel, the abbot of Ukraine’s most revered Orthodox site 'Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra monastery', has resisted the order of the authorities to vacate the complex. Earlier this week, he cursed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and threatened him with damnation. ALSO READ | Ukraine orders 100 Rosomak armoured vehicles from Poland During a court hearing held in Kyiv, the metropolitan rejected SBU's claim that he condoned the invasion of Russia. The accusations were described by Pavel as politically driven. “I have never been on the side of aggression. This is my land,” said Pavel in the courthouse. The Orthodox leader's residence was raided was SBU agents and prosecutors appealed to the court to put Pavel under house arrest till the investigation is over. The court hearing was adjourned on Saturday until Monday after the metropolitan stated that the leader was not feeling well. The monks living in the monastery are part of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church which is facing the accusation of having links with Russia. Dozens of supporters of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church protested outside the monastery on Saturday, as they sang hymns in the rain. Another group of protesters also reached, accusing the monastery of sympathising with Russia. WATCH | Belarus says fighting in Ukraine should stop immediately “They wash the brains of people with Russian support, and they are very dangerous for Ukraine,” said a 38-year-old protester, Senia Kravchuk, from Kyiv. “They sing songs in support of Russia, and that’s horrible, here, in the centre of Kyiv,” he added. “Look at me. I’m in priest’s clothes, with a Ukrainian flag and a cross around my neck. Could you say that I’m pro-Russian? The priests are currently singing a Ukrainian hymn, and they’re being called pro-Russian. Can you believe it?” said another protester David. (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

Ukraine's SBU demands house arrest for famed Orthodox leader

<p>In a series of public statements, on Sunday (April 2), Saudi Arabia and other OPEC+ members announced that they would further reduce oil production amounting to around 1.16 million barrels per day. The move, according to the countries, is aimed at market stability. The announcement comes a day before a virtual meeting of an OPEC+ ministerial panel is to convene, reported Reuters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The unexpected cuts announced by Saudi Arabia, Iraq, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Algeria, and Oman will begin in May and will last till the end of the year with more than one million barrels per day it will be the biggest reduction since the last one when the oil producers slashed two million barrels per day in October.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The move also comes after oil prices dropped last month to $70 per barrel which was the lowest in 15 months and following concerns that a global banking crisis would affect demand. However, following the pledges on Sunday, the oil prices are expected to surge by at least $10 per barrel, said the head of investment firm Pickering Energy Partners, as per Reuters. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) which includes Saudi Arabia and Russia made the announcement in a series of public statements by different countries and called the move a “precautionary measure”. The statements came a day before OPEC+ is due to hold its&nbsp;Joint Ministerial Monitoring Committee meeting virtually, on Monday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Similarly, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak, said that Moscow will extend its voluntary oil production reduction by 500,000 barrels per day until the end of this year. This also comes after Moscow had previously announced production cuts unilaterally in February following Western price caps on Russian oil.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“As responsible and preemptive actions, Russia will extend its voluntary oil production reduction by 500,000 barrels a day until the end of 2023 from the average production level in February established in conformity with independent sources,” said Novak.&nbsp;The Russian minister also talked about how the global oil market is going through a period of high volatility and unpredictability due to the recent banking crisis in the United States and Europe.</p>

<p>Notably, not all OPEC+ members were joining the cuts as many are already extracting much less than the levels agreed upon due to limited production capacity.&nbsp;OPEC+ consists of 13 members of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and 11 non-OPEC allied countries.</p>

<p>Production cuts announced by OPEC+ members, as per their official statements:&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Russia:</strong> 500,000 bpd<br />
<strong>Saudi Arabia:</strong> 500,000 bpd<br />
<strong>UAE:</strong> 144,000 bpd<br />
<strong>Kuwait:</strong> 128,000 bpd<br />
<strong>Kazakhstan:</strong> 78,000 bpd<br />
<strong>Algeria:</strong> 48,000 bpd<br />
<strong>Oman:</strong> 40,000 bpd<br />
<br />
According to Reuters calculations, the total volume of cuts by the OPEC+ members would be 3.66 million bpd which amounts to 3.7 per cent of the global demand. This also comes months after OPEC+ had agreed to slash output by two million bdp from the following month, a move which was criticised by the United States as lower supply increased the price of oil.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Washington has also argued that the world needs lower prices to prevent Russian President Vladimir Putin from earning revenue and funding what Moscow calls its “special military operation” in Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
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In a series of public statements, on Sunday (April 2), Saudi Arabia and other OPEC+ members announced that they would further reduce oil production amounting to around 1.

In a series of public statements, on Sunday (April 2), Saudi Arabia and other OPEC+ members announced that they would further reduce oil production amounting to around 1.16 million barrels per day. The move, according to the countries, is aimed at market stability. The announcement comes a day before a virtual meeting of an OPEC+ ministerial panel is to convene, reported Reuters. The unexpected cuts announced by Saudi Arabia, Iraq, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Algeria, and Oman will begin in May and will last till the end of the year with more than one million barrels per day it will be the biggest reduction since the last one when the oil producers slashed two million barrels per day in October. The move also comes after oil prices dropped last month to $70 per barrel which was the lowest in 15 months and following concerns that a global banking crisis would affect demand. However, following the pledges on Sunday, the oil prices are expected to surge by at least $10 per barrel, said the head of investment firm Pickering Energy Partners, as per Reuters. The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) which includes Saudi Arabia and Russia made the announcement in a series of public statements by different countries and called the move a “precautionary measure”. The statements came a day before OPEC+ is due to hold its Joint Ministerial Monitoring Committee meeting virtually, on Monday. Similarly, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak, said that Moscow will extend its voluntary oil production reduction by 500,000 barrels per day until the end of this year. This also comes after Moscow had previously announced production cuts unilaterally in February following Western price caps on Russian oil. “As responsible and preemptive actions, Russia will extend its voluntary oil production reduction by 500,000 barrels a day until the end of 2023 from the average production level in February established in conformity with independent sources,” said Novak. The Russian minister also talked about how the global oil market is going through a period of high volatility and unpredictability due to the recent banking crisis in the United States and Europe. Notably, not all OPEC+ members were joining the cuts as many are already extracting much less than the levels agreed upon due to limited production capacity. OPEC+ consists of 13 members of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and 11 non-OPEC allied countries. Production cuts announced by OPEC+ members, as per their official statements: Russia: 500,000 bpd Saudi Arabia: 500,000 bpd UAE: 144,000 bpd Kuwait: 128,000 bpd Kazakhstan: 78,000 bpd Algeria: 48,000 bpd Oman: 40,000 bpd According to Reuters calculations, the total volume of cuts by the OPEC+ members would be 3.66 million bpd which amounts to 3.7 per cent of the global demand. This also comes months after OPEC+ had agreed to slash output by two million bdp from the following month, a move which was criticised by the United States as lower supply increased the price of oil. Washington has also argued that the world needs lower prices to prevent Russian President Vladimir Putin from earning revenue and funding what Moscow calls its “special military operation” in Ukraine. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Saudi Arabia, OPEC+ members announce oil production cuts by over a million bpd

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<p>US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called up his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov and discussed the arrest of Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reporter Evan Gershkovich who was arrested by Russia‘s FSB security service last week in the Urals city of Yekaterinburg.</p>

<p>Blinken took to his Twitter account to share the update. He informed that alongside Gershkovich, Washington also batted for the release of US citizen Paul Whelan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I spoke with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov today to convey our grave concern over Russia’s unacceptable detention of a U.S. citizen journalist. I called for his release and for the release of wrongfully detained U.S. citizen Paul Whelan," tweeted Blinken.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I spoke with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov today to convey our grave concern over Russia’s unacceptable detention of a U.S. citizen journalist. I called for his release and for the release of wrongfully detained U.S. citizen Paul Whelan.</p>
— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecBlinken/status/1642536147166412800?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 2, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>The Russian foreign ministry also confirmed the phone call stating the American side initiated the dialogue, according to a Telegram post.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The ministry later released a statement saying Lavron told Washington&nbsp;it was&nbsp;'unacceptable' that the issue was being politicised.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Blinken’s attention was drawn to the need to respect the decisions of the Russian authorities, taken in accordance with the law and international obligations of the Russian Federation. It was emphasised that it is unacceptable for officials in Washington and the Western media to whip up a stir with the clear intention of giving this case a political coloring.”</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/biden-asks-russia-to-let-evan-gershkovich-go-577830"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Biden asks Russia to let Evan Gershkovich go</strong></a></p>

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<p>Gershkovich's arrest on espionage charges has sparked another row between Washington and Moscow. According to Moscow, the journalist&nbsp;was arrested for allegedly acting at the behest of the US to collect “information constituting a state secret about the activities of an enterprise of the Russian military-industrial complex".&nbsp;</p>

<p>US officials claimed Gershkovich's driver had dropped him off at a restaurant and two hours later his phone had been turned off. According to reports,&nbsp;Gershkovich was covering a story in&nbsp;Yekaterinburg when&nbsp;Russia's Federal Security Service, the FSB, successor to the Soviet KGB, picked&nbsp;and detained him.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Brittney Griner, the US basketball player who was freed from Russia last year also urged President Joe Biden to use every measure possible to bring back Gershkovich.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Griner, alongside her wife Cherelle took to Instagram to share the message, saying their hearts were filled with 'great concern' for the enslaved journalist.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Our hearts are filled with great concern for Evan Gershkovitch and his family since Evan's detainment in Russia. We must do everything in our power to bring him and all Americans home," read the message.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Every American who is taken is ours to fight for and every American returned is a win for us all. That is why we call on all of our supporters to both celebrate the wins and encourage the administration to continue to use every tool possible to bring Evan and all wrongfully detained Americans home."&nbsp;</p>

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<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-live-massive-shelling-kills-six-in-ukrainian-city-injures-eight-578264"><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine LIVE | 'Massive shelling' kills six in Ukrainian city, injures eight</strong></a></p>

<p>Griner was arrested last year, one week before the Russia-Ukraine war broke out. She was caught with vape cartridges containing cannabis oil and sentenced to nine years in a penal colony.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After a sustained movement, her freedom was secured but Washington had to exchange&nbsp;Viktor Bout, a notorious Russian arms dealer who was behind the bars for 14 years in cases related to&nbsp;arms trafficking, money laundering and conspiracy&nbsp;to kill Americans.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/us-basketball-star-brittney-griner-on-her-way-home-confirms-joe-biden-541338"><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;Brittany Griner freed for Russian arms dealer in mediation led by UAE president, Saudi crown prince</strong></a></p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called up his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov and discussed the arrest of Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reporter Evan Gershkovich who was arrested by Russia‘s FSB security service last week in the Urals city of Yekaterinburg.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called up his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov and discussed the arrest of Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reporter Evan Gershkovich who was arrested by Russia‘s FSB security service last week in the Urals city of Yekaterinburg. Blinken took to his Twitter account to share the update. He informed that alongside Gershkovich, Washington also batted for the release of US citizen Paul Whelan. "I spoke with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov today to convey our grave concern over Russia’s unacceptable detention of a U.S. citizen journalist. I called for his release and for the release of wrongfully detained U.S. citizen Paul Whelan," tweeted Blinken. I spoke with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov today to convey our grave concern over Russia’s unacceptable detention of a U.S. citizen journalist. I called for his release and for the release of wrongfully detained U.S. citizen Paul Whelan. — Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) April 2, 2023 × The Russian foreign ministry also confirmed the phone call stating the American side initiated the dialogue, according to a Telegram post. The ministry later released a statement saying Lavron told Washington it was 'unacceptable' that the issue was being politicised. “Blinken’s attention was drawn to the need to respect the decisions of the Russian authorities, taken in accordance with the law and international obligations of the Russian Federation. It was emphasised that it is unacceptable for officials in Washington and the Western media to whip up a stir with the clear intention of giving this case a political coloring.” WATCH | Biden asks Russia to let Evan Gershkovich go × Gershkovich's arrest on espionage charges has sparked another row between Washington and Moscow. According to Moscow, the journalist was arrested for allegedly acting at the behest of the US to collect “information constituting a state secret about the activities of an enterprise of the Russian military-industrial complex". US officials claimed Gershkovich's driver had dropped him off at a restaurant and two hours later his phone had been turned off. According to reports, Gershkovich was covering a story in Yekaterinburg when Russia's Federal Security Service, the FSB, successor to the Soviet KGB, picked and detained him. Meanwhile, Brittney Griner, the US basketball player who was freed from Russia last year also urged President Joe Biden to use every measure possible to bring back Gershkovich. Griner, alongside her wife Cherelle took to Instagram to share the message, saying their hearts were filled with 'great concern' for the enslaved journalist. "Our hearts are filled with great concern for Evan Gershkovitch and his family since Evan's detainment in Russia. We must do everything in our power to bring him and all Americans home," read the message. "Every American who is taken is ours to fight for and every American returned is a win for us all. That is why we call on all of our supporters to both celebrate the wins and encourage the administration to continue to use every tool possible to bring Evan and all wrongfully detained Americans home." View this post on Instagram A post shared by BG (@brittneyyevettegriner) × ALSO READ | Russia-Ukraine LIVE | 'Massive shelling' kills six in Ukrainian city, injures eight Griner was arrested last year, one week before the Russia-Ukraine war broke out. She was caught with vape cartridges containing cannabis oil and sentenced to nine years in a penal colony. After a sustained movement, her freedom was secured but Washington had to exchange Viktor Bout, a notorious Russian arms dealer who was behind the bars for 14 years in cases related to arms trafficking, money laundering and conspiracy to kill Americans. ALSO READ | Brittany Griner freed for Russian arms dealer in mediation led by UAE president, Saudi crown prince (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Blinken speaks with Lavrov, demands ‘immediate’ release of US journalist Gershkovich

<p>Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba on Saturday said that Russia's UN Security Council presidency in the month of April is "a slap in the face to the international community", said Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba on Saturday.</p>

<p>"I urge the current UNSC members to thwart any Russian attempts to abuse its presidency," said Kuleba at the start of Russia's tenure of the presidency.</p>

<p>Taking to Twitter, Kuleba called Russia "an outlaw on the UNSC".</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-orders-100-rosomak-armoured-vehicles-from-poland-578017">Ukraine orders 100 Rosomak armoured vehicles from Poland</a></p>

<p>Moscow has stated that Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will be chairing a UN Security Council meeting on "effective multilateralism" later this month.</p>

<p>Russian foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said that Lavrov will discuss the Middle East on April 25.</p>

<p>The role of Russia was criticised by the United States and its permanent seat on the Security Council.</p>

<p>"A country that flagrantly violates the UN Charter and invades its neighbour has no place on the UN Security Council," said White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre said.</p>

<p>"Unfortunately Russia is a permanent member of the Security Council and no feasible international legal pathway exists to change that reality," she had stated, calling the presidency "a largely ceremonial position."</p>

<p>Meanwhile, a top Ukrainian official criticised the 'symbolic blow' of Russia taking over the rotating presidency on Saturday.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH | Belarus says fighting in Ukraine should stop immediately</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/belarus-says-fighting-in-ukraine-should-stop-immediately-577948/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>"It's not just a shame. It is another symbolic blow to the rules-based system of international relations," said Andriy Yermak, the Ukrainian president's chief of staff, on Twitter.</p>

<p>Russia took over UN Security Council's presidency on Saturday which rotates every month. Moscow had last time held the post in February 2022 when its army troops had launched Ukraine's full-scale invasion.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>You can&nbsp;<strong>now write for wionews.com</strong>&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>

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Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba on Saturday said that Russia's UN Security Council presidency in the month of April is "a slap in the face to the international community", said Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba on Saturday.

Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba on Saturday said that Russia's UN Security Council presidency in the month of April is "a slap in the face to the international community", said Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba on Saturday. "I urge the current UNSC members to thwart any Russian attempts to abuse its presidency," said Kuleba at the start of Russia's tenure of the presidency. Taking to Twitter, Kuleba called Russia "an outlaw on the UNSC". ALSO READ | Ukraine orders 100 Rosomak armoured vehicles from Poland Moscow has stated that Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will be chairing a UN Security Council meeting on "effective multilateralism" later this month. Russian foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said that Lavrov will discuss the Middle East on April 25. The role of Russia was criticised by the United States and its permanent seat on the Security Council. "A country that flagrantly violates the UN Charter and invades its neighbour has no place on the UN Security Council," said White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre said. "Unfortunately Russia is a permanent member of the Security Council and no feasible international legal pathway exists to change that reality," she had stated, calling the presidency "a largely ceremonial position." Meanwhile, a top Ukrainian official criticised the 'symbolic blow' of Russia taking over the rotating presidency on Saturday. WATCH | Belarus says fighting in Ukraine should stop immediately "It's not just a shame. It is another symbolic blow to the rules-based system of international relations," said Andriy Yermak, the Ukrainian president's chief of staff, on Twitter. Russia took over UN Security Council's presidency on Saturday which rotates every month. Moscow had last time held the post in February 2022 when its army troops had launched Ukraine's full-scale invasion. (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's presidency of Security Council a 'slap in the face': Ukraine FM

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