Amid heightened tensions in Europe over the Ukraine crisis, a Russian submarine passed through Turkey's Bosphorus strait on Sunday (February 13) to sail to Black Sea. Six Russian naval landing ships have already sailed through the strait to Black Sea last week.

The submarine on Sunday was a Kilo-class submarine Rosotv-on-Don.

More than 30 ships from the Russian Black Sea fleet have started training exercises near the Crimea peninsula as part of wider navy drills, RIA news agency reported citing the fleet.

The naval movements have been taking place even as more than 100,000 Russian troops remain stationed along Russia-Ukraine border. US President Joe Biden has already said that the invasion may take place on February 16.

Many countries have begun asking their diplomats in Ukraine to return home in light of the rising tensions. Russia faces immense pressure from the Western countries who have warned of sanctions as well as military action if Russia chooses to invade Ukraine.

Russia announced last month its navy would stage a sweeping set of exercises involving all its fleets this month and next, from the Pacific to the Atlantic, the latest show of strength in a surge of military activity during the standoff with the West.

(With inputs from agencies)

Amid heightened tensions in Europe over the Ukraine crisis, a Russian submarine passed through Turkey's Bosphorus strait on Sunday (February 13) to sail to Black Sea.

Amid heightened tensions in Europe over the Ukraine crisis, a Russian submarine passed through Turkey's Bosphorus strait on Sunday (February 13) to sail to Black Sea. Six Russian naval landing ships have already sailed through the strait to Black Sea last week. The submarine on Sunday was a Kilo-class submarine Rosotv-on-Don. More than 30 ships from the Russian Black Sea fleet have started training exercises near the Crimea peninsula as part of wider navy drills, RIA news agency reported citing the fleet. The naval movements have been taking place even as more than 100,000 Russian troops remain stationed along Russia-Ukraine border. US President Joe Biden has already said that the invasion may take place on February 16. Many countries have begun asking their diplomats in Ukraine to return home in light of the rising tensions. Russia faces immense pressure from the Western countries who have warned of sanctions as well as military action if Russia chooses to invade Ukraine. Russia announced last month its navy would stage a sweeping set of exercises involving all its fleets this month and next, from the Pacific to the Atlantic, the latest show of strength in a surge of military activity during the standoff with the West. (With inputs from agencies)

Amid Ukraine crisis, Russian submarine sails to Black Sea

The Kremlin on Friday cited a geographical gaffe by British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss as an example of how poorly informed Western leaders were about the subject matter in the East-West standoff over Ukraine.

Britain dismissed the comments as propaganda and said Truss had simply misheard Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov during a meeting.

"This is the reality in which we have to defend our position," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told a briefing.

Russia's Kommersant newspaper quoted two diplomatic sources as saying that during their closed-door meeting on Thursday Lavrov had asked Truss if she recognised Russian sovereignty over Rostov and Voronezh - two regions in the south of the country where Russia has been building up its forces.

Kommersant said Truss replied that Britain would never recognise them as Russian, and had to be corrected by her ambassador.

Britain does not dispute the sovereignty of the regions in question. A British source said Truss had misheard during the meeting, and rejected Peskov's characterisation of the West's understanding of the conflict.

"It's total rubbish and classic Russian propaganda," the source said.

The Kremlin on Friday cited a geographical gaffe by British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss as an example of how poorly informed Western leaders were about the subject matter in the East-West standoff over Ukraine.

The Kremlin on Friday cited a geographical gaffe by British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss as an example of how poorly informed Western leaders were about the subject matter in the East-West standoff over Ukraine. Britain dismissed the comments as propaganda and said Truss had simply misheard Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov during a meeting. "This is the reality in which we have to defend our position," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told a briefing. Russia's Kommersant newspaper quoted two diplomatic sources as saying that during their closed-door meeting on Thursday Lavrov had asked Truss if she recognised Russian sovereignty over Rostov and Voronezh - two regions in the south of the country where Russia has been building up its forces. Kommersant said Truss replied that Britain would never recognise them as Russian, and had to be corrected by her ambassador. Britain does not dispute the sovereignty of the regions in question. A British source said Truss had misheard during the meeting, and rejected Peskov's characterisation of the West's understanding of the conflict. "It's total rubbish and classic Russian propaganda," the source said.

Kremlin mocks Truss' geography 'gaffe', says West doesn't understand Ukraine crisis

On the first day of his job, a security guard working at a Russian gallery was fired after he doodled eyes on a faceless portrait worth 74.9 million Russian Rubles (7,40,000 pounds or roughly US $1 million).

According to reports, the guard, who is in his 60s, was “bored” and ended up drawing eyes with a ballpoint pen on two of the three faceless figures.

The defacement occurred at Boris Yeltsin Presidential Center in the Yekaterinburg city, Russia, where the painting by artist Anna Leporskaya, called Three Figures, was on display.

It is said that two visitors had spotted the extra details on the figures and reported it to a gallery employee on December 7, 2021.

But the guard was sacked this week after he was identified to be the main perpetrator.

The Yeltsin Centre said in a statement that they had identified the private security organisation employee “who painted the eyes on the figures” but did not disclose his name. “The damage was done with a ballpoint pen,” the art centre added.

The estimated cost of the restoration work is £2470, the Daily Mail reports, with the painting itself insured for £740,000.

According to the Art Newspaper Russia website, the guard didn’t apply too much pressure so the relief of the strokes as a whole was not disturbed.

The site claimed that the police weren’t interested in prosecuting the case as the cost of the damage was “insignificant”.

The original artist had passed away in 1982 at the age&nbsp;of 82, and worked with a number of avant-garde artists in her lifetime, according to The Independent.

The gallery issued a statement earlier this week, saying, “We inform you that during the investigation, the person who painted the eyes on the figures in the painting by Anna Leporskaya was identified - this is an employee of a private security organization that carries out security activities of the Yeltsin Center.”

“The damage was done with a ballpoint pen. The work was inspected by the restorer of the State Tretyakov Gallery the very next day and sent to Moscow. The painting is being restored, the damage, according to the expert, can be eliminated without consequences for the work of art,” it said.

(With inputs from agencies)

On the first day of his job, a security guard working at a Russian gallery was fired after he doodled eyes on a faceless portrait worth 74.9 million Russian Rubles (7,40,000 pounds or roughly US $1 million).

On the first day of his job, a security guard working at a Russian gallery was fired after he doodled eyes on a faceless portrait worth 74.9 million Russian Rubles (7,40,000 pounds or roughly US $1 million). According to reports, the guard, who is in his 60s, was “bored” and ended up drawing eyes with a ballpoint pen on two of the three faceless figures. The defacement occurred at Boris Yeltsin Presidential Center in the Yekaterinburg city, Russia, where the painting by artist Anna Leporskaya, called Three Figures, was on display. It is said that two visitors had spotted the extra details on the figures and reported it to a gallery employee on December 7, 2021. But the guard was sacked this week after he was identified to be the main perpetrator. The Yeltsin Centre said in a statement that they had identified the private security organisation employee “who painted the eyes on the figures” but did not disclose his name. “The damage was done with a ballpoint pen,” the art centre added. The estimated cost of the restoration work is £2470, the Daily Mail reports, with the painting itself insured for £740,000. According to the Art Newspaper Russia website, the guard didn’t apply too much pressure so the relief of the strokes as a whole was not disturbed. The site claimed that the police weren’t interested in prosecuting the case as the cost of the damage was “insignificant”. The original artist had passed away in 1982 at the age of 82, and worked with a number of avant-garde artists in her lifetime, according to The Independent. The gallery issued a statement earlier this week, saying, “We inform you that during the investigation, the person who painted the eyes on the figures in the painting by Anna Leporskaya was identified - this is an employee of a private security organization that carries out security activities of the Yeltsin Center.” “The damage was done with a ballpoint pen. The work was inspected by the restorer of the State Tretyakov Gallery the very next day and sent to Moscow. The painting is being restored, the damage, according to the expert, can be eliminated without consequences for the work of art,” it said. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Bored’ Russian security guard fired on first day for doodling on painting worth $1million

Russian&nbsp;skating sensation Kamila Valieva tested positive for a banned substance, Games testers confirmed Friday, and the IOC is now appealing against Russia's decision to allow her to continue competing in Beijing.

The case will be decided by the Court of Arbitration for Sport before February 15, when the 15-year-old is scheduled to take part in the individual event at the Olympics, the International Testing Agency (ITA) said in a statement.

It is just the latest doping scandal surrounding&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;athletes in recent years at Olympic Games.

Valieva tested positive for trimetazidine, a metabolic agent that is prescribed for the treatment of angina and vertigo.&nbsp;

It is banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency because it can increase blood flow efficiency and help endurance.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/inflation-in-us-worsens-becomes-highest-in-40-years-452274">Inflation in US worsens, becomes highest in 40 years</a>

The ITA said Valieva submitted a sample during the&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;championships on December 25 but the positive test was not confirmed by an internationally accredited laboratory until February 8

By that time she had already taken part in the team skating competition at the Beijing Games and helped Russia to win after becoming the first woman in history to produce a quadruple jump at an Olympics.

Once the&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;anti-doping agency (RUSADA) received the result, it provisionally suspended the teenager, a decision which would have ruled her out of the rest of the Olympics.

Valieva successfully challenged that decision and the ban was lifted on February 9. She was seen training in the Chinese capital on Friday.

Now the International Olympic Committee says it will challenge the decision to lift her suspension.

"Under the World Anti-Doping Code, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), the International Skating Union (ISU), RUSADA and the IOC have a right to appeal the decision to lift the provisional suspension before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). The IOC will exercise its right to appeal," the ITA said in a statement.

The confirmation that she failed a doping test explains why the medals ceremony for the figure skating team event has not taken place.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/things-could-go-crazy-ukraine-accuses-russia-of-hybrid-war-amid-naval-drill-452265">'Things could go crazy': Ukraine accuses Russia of 'hybrid war' amid naval drill</a>

Russian&nbsp;competitors are taking part in Beijing as the&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;Olympic Committee (ROC) after the nation was banned because of a massive state-sponsored doping scheme at the 2014 Sochi Olympics.

IOC spokesman Mark Adams said in Beijing: "We want to expedite this as quickly as possible.

"It's very important for everyone involved, not least the 15-year-old athlete that is concerned, that we have due process, that it's seen to be done properly and that people can have confidence in the decisions that are taken.

"We are working as fast as we can under the circumstances to get that.

"Such cases are not helpful to the Games."

Russian skating sensation Kamila Valieva tested positive for a banned substance, Games testers confirmed Friday, and the IOC is now appealing against Russia's decision to allow her to continue competing in Beijing.

Russian skating sensation Kamila Valieva tested positive for a banned substance, Games testers confirmed Friday, and the IOC is now appealing against Russia's decision to allow her to continue competing in Beijing. The case will be decided by the Court of Arbitration for Sport before February 15, when the 15-year-old is scheduled to take part in the individual event at the Olympics, the International Testing Agency (ITA) said in a statement. It is just the latest doping scandal surrounding Russian athletes in recent years at Olympic Games. Valieva tested positive for trimetazidine, a metabolic agent that is prescribed for the treatment of angina and vertigo. It is banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency because it can increase blood flow efficiency and help endurance. Also read | Inflation in US worsens, becomes highest in 40 years The ITA said Valieva submitted a sample during the Russian championships on December 25 but the positive test was not confirmed by an internationally accredited laboratory until February 8 By that time she had already taken part in the team skating competition at the Beijing Games and helped Russia to win after becoming the first woman in history to produce a quadruple jump at an Olympics. Once the Russian anti-doping agency (RUSADA) received the result, it provisionally suspended the teenager, a decision which would have ruled her out of the rest of the Olympics. Valieva successfully challenged that decision and the ban was lifted on February 9. She was seen training in the Chinese capital on Friday. Now the International Olympic Committee says it will challenge the decision to lift her suspension. "Under the World Anti-Doping Code, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), the International Skating Union (ISU), RUSADA and the IOC have a right to appeal the decision to lift the provisional suspension before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). The IOC will exercise its right to appeal," the ITA said in a statement. The confirmation that she failed a doping test explains why the medals ceremony for the figure skating team event has not taken place. Also read | 'Things could go crazy': Ukraine accuses Russia of 'hybrid war' amid naval drill Russian competitors are taking part in Beijing as the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) after the nation was banned because of a massive state-sponsored doping scheme at the 2014 Sochi Olympics. IOC spokesman Mark Adams said in Beijing: "We want to expedite this as quickly as possible. "It's very important for everyone involved, not least the 15-year-old athlete that is concerned, that we have due process, that it's seen to be done properly and that people can have confidence in the decisions that are taken. "We are working as fast as we can under the circumstances to get that. "Such cases are not helpful to the Games."

Russian skater Valieva tested positive for banned drug: Olympic testers

As tensions continue to mount over the Ukraine crisis, a new report has claimed that Kyiv is crowdfunding donations in Bitcoin to fund a possible war against Moscow.

According to a report by blockchain analytics company Elliptic, donations worth thousands of dollars have seeped into non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and volunteer groups— increasing by over 900 per cent in 2021.

The report states that NGOs and volunteer groups, who are peeved with government corruption, have taken upon themselves to fund weapons and medical supplies to Ukrainian soldiers, as well for the development of a facial recognition app that identifies if someone is a Russian mercenary or spy.

Elliptic says that donors are using Bitcoin to funnel money to such NGOs, bypassing any banks and financial institutions that might block payments.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
New Elliptic research shows how war in the Ukraine is being crowdfunded with <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/crypto?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#crypto</a>. Crypto funds are used to equip the Ukrainian army and fund cyberattacks against Russia. Crypto donations to these groups increased by over 900% in 2021. <a href="https://t.co/7clIA9hZYz">https://t.co/7clIA9hZYz</a> <a href="https://t.co/1PXcyqfDKG">pic.twitter.com/1PXcyqfDKG</a>
— elliptic (@elliptic) <a href="https://twitter.com/elliptic/status/1491034134160056321?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2022</a></blockquote>
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“Elliptic has identified several cryptocurrency wallets used by these volunteer groups and NGOs, which have collectively received funds totalling just over $570,000 – much of it over the past year,” states the report.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ultimatums-threats-from-west-on-ukraine-wont-work-against-russia-says-foreign-minister-452104">Ultimatums, threats from West on Ukraine won’t work against Russia, says foreign minister</a>

According to the report, groups receiving Bitcoin donations include Come Back Alive, which provides training, military, and medical equipment, and the Myrotvorets Center, which has ties to the Ukrainian government.

As Russia and US continue to exchange threats over the Ukraine crisis, several European leaders are trying to broker peace in order to stave off a war in the eastern European region.

France’s Emmanuel Macron, top ministers from Britain have arrived in Moscow to defuse the tense situation.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-crisis-russia-continues-to-deploy-more-forces-adding-tactical-groups-says-us-451895">Ukraine crisis: Russia continues to deploy more forces, adding tactical groups, says US</a>

According to reports and claims made by the West, Russia has amassed over 100,000 troops near the Ukrainian border, stoking fears of invasion.

On Thursday Russia began the 10-day joint military drills in Belarus, Ukraine's northern neighbour and a close ally of Russia. Some 30,000 Russian troops are expected to take part.

A Kremlin spokesman said the joint drills were serious, but he pointed out the nature of threats was higher than before.

(With inputs from agencies)

As tensions continue to mount over the Ukraine crisis, a new report has claimed that Kyiv is crowdfunding donations in Bitcoin to fund a possible war against Moscow.

As tensions continue to mount over the Ukraine crisis, a new report has claimed that Kyiv is crowdfunding donations in Bitcoin to fund a possible war against Moscow. According to a report by blockchain analytics company Elliptic, donations worth thousands of dollars have seeped into non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and volunteer groups— increasing by over 900 per cent in 2021. The report states that NGOs and volunteer groups, who are peeved with government corruption, have taken upon themselves to fund weapons and medical supplies to Ukrainian soldiers, as well for the development of a facial recognition app that identifies if someone is a Russian mercenary or spy. Elliptic says that donors are using Bitcoin to funnel money to such NGOs, bypassing any banks and financial institutions that might block payments. New Elliptic research shows how war in the Ukraine is being crowdfunded with #crypto. Crypto funds are used to equip the Ukrainian army and fund cyberattacks against Russia. Crypto donations to these groups increased by over 900% in 2021. https://t.co/7clIA9hZYz pic.twitter.com/1PXcyqfDKG — elliptic (@elliptic) February 8, 2022 × “Elliptic has identified several cryptocurrency wallets used by these volunteer groups and NGOs, which have collectively received funds totalling just over $570,000 – much of it over the past year,” states the report. Also read | Ultimatums, threats from West on Ukraine won’t work against Russia, says foreign minister According to the report, groups receiving Bitcoin donations include Come Back Alive, which provides training, military, and medical equipment, and the Myrotvorets Center, which has ties to the Ukrainian government. As Russia and US continue to exchange threats over the Ukraine crisis, several European leaders are trying to broker peace in order to stave off a war in the eastern European region. France’s Emmanuel Macron, top ministers from Britain have arrived in Moscow to defuse the tense situation. Also read | Ukraine crisis: Russia continues to deploy more forces, adding tactical groups, says US According to reports and claims made by the West, Russia has amassed over 100,000 troops near the Ukrainian border, stoking fears of invasion. On Thursday Russia began the 10-day joint military drills in Belarus, Ukraine's northern neighbour and a close ally of Russia. Some 30,000 Russian troops are expected to take part. A Kremlin spokesman said the joint drills were serious, but he pointed out the nature of threats was higher than before. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine using Bitcoin to crowdfund possible war against Russia: Report

The figure skating competition at the 2022 Beijing Olympics was thrown into turmoil Friday with the revelation that Kamila Valieva, the 15-year-old star of the Russian team and a favorite to win two golds, had tested positive for a banned substance during a competition before the Games.

Valieva helped Russia’s team win the gold medal in the figure skating team event Monday. But Tuesday’s medal ceremony was postponed shortly before it was to begin after skating officials learned that Valieva had tested positive Dec. 25 for trimetazidine, a heart medication that is on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s list of banned substances.

The United States finished second in the team event, and Japan was third. But those teams, and the Russians, now may have to wait for an appeals process — which may not be resolved until long after the Games — to determine the final order of finish and to receive their medals. An arbitration court in Switzerland will decide which country should be named the winner of the event and whether Valieva will be allowed to continue competing.

In the meantime, the revelations are raising familiar questions about Russia’s presence and participation at these Olympics. The country is technically banned from the Games and other global sports competitions as a result of an earlier doping scandal, but individual athletes have been allowed to compete under the banner of the Russian Olympic Committee.

Why is Russia banned?

In December 2019, the World Anti-Doping Agency barred Russia from international sports competitions after concluding that it had orchestrated and run a sprawling and state-sponsored doping scheme at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics.

The scheme had been active for years heading into the 2014 Olympics before one of its masterminds, Grigory Rodchenkov, the former head of a Moscow doping laboratory, came forward in 2016 to disclose the details.

The global ban came on the heels of new revelations that year of Russia’s failed attempts to cover up the earlier scandal, including through the manipulation of test samples and efforts to block access to testing its data.

What was Russia’s punishment?

The punishment, initially for four years, barred Russia from entering teams in international competitions and from bidding for or hosting them. The Russian flag and national anthem were no longer allowed at events, and some Russian sports officials were barred from attending them.

A little over a year after the original four-year punishment was handed down, however, the ban was reduced to two years by the Court of Arbitration in Sport, in Switzerland, the arbiter of global sports disputes. The ban now expires in December.

So why have Russian athletes continued to compete?

A provision in Russia’s ban allowed its athletes to compete, with special permission and as so-called neutral athletes.

In practice, then, and to the dismay of rivals and others who had called for a blanket ban on athletes from Russia, the country’s athletes can continue to compete in major international events as long as they are confirmed to be clean by the federations that govern their individual sports and as long as they do not do so under the banner of Russia.

In Beijing, as at the Tokyo Summer Olympics last year, that means that hundreds of Russian athletes, teams and coaches are taking part. This month, it is as the Russian Olympic Committee — a technical distinction that some criticize as meaningless.

Similarly, while Russian officials are technically barred from attending the Olympics, the punishment included a provision that allows the head of state of a host nation to extend a special invitation to another head of state or government official. That allowed Russia’s president, Vladimir Putin, to attend the opening ceremony of the 2022 Games as a guest of his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping.

Will the IOC reconsider its decision to let Russian athletes compete?

Such a change of heart, at least officially, seems unlikely. The IOC, led by its president, Thomas Bach, has adopted the often unpopular stance that individual athletes should not be punished for the actions of others, even if the action was a systematic doping scheme created and run by their national sports federations — or even their government — in search of Olympic glory.

Olympic spokesperson Mark Adams summed up the organization’s approach during a news conference Friday in Beijing.

“Individuals are allowed to be tried individually,” he said. “We wouldn’t try a whole class of people and chuck them out on the basis of that. We give people the right to be innocent until proven guilty.”

The figure skating competition at the 2022 Beijing Olympics was thrown into turmoil Friday with the revelation that Kamila Valieva, the 15-year-old star of the Russian team and a favorite to win two golds, had tested positive for a banned substance during a competition before the Games.

The figure skating competition at the 2022 Beijing Olympics was thrown into turmoil Friday with the revelation that Kamila Valieva, the 15-year-old star of the Russian team and a favorite to win two golds, had tested positive for a banned substance during a competition before the Games. Valieva helped Russia’s team win the gold medal in the figure skating team event Monday. But Tuesday’s medal ceremony was postponed shortly before it was to begin after skating officials learned that Valieva had tested positive Dec. 25 for trimetazidine, a heart medication that is on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s list of banned substances. The United States finished second in the team event, and Japan was third. But those teams, and the Russians, now may have to wait for an appeals process — which may not be resolved until long after the Games — to determine the final order of finish and to receive their medals. An arbitration court in Switzerland will decide which country should be named the winner of the event and whether Valieva will be allowed to continue competing. In the meantime, the revelations are raising familiar questions about Russia’s presence and participation at these Olympics. The country is technically banned from the Games and other global sports competitions as a result of an earlier doping scandal, but individual athletes have been allowed to compete under the banner of the Russian Olympic Committee. Why is Russia banned? In December 2019, the World Anti-Doping Agency barred Russia from international sports competitions after concluding that it had orchestrated and run a sprawling and state-sponsored doping scheme at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics. The scheme had been active for years heading into the 2014 Olympics before one of its masterminds, Grigory Rodchenkov, the former head of a Moscow doping laboratory, came forward in 2016 to disclose the details. The global ban came on the heels of new revelations that year of Russia’s failed attempts to cover up the earlier scandal, including through the manipulation of test samples and efforts to block access to testing its data. What was Russia’s punishment? The punishment, initially for four years, barred Russia from entering teams in international competitions and from bidding for or hosting them. The Russian flag and national anthem were no longer allowed at events, and some Russian sports officials were barred from attending them. A little over a year after the original four-year punishment was handed down, however, the ban was reduced to two years by the Court of Arbitration in Sport, in Switzerland, the arbiter of global sports disputes. The ban now expires in December. So why have Russian athletes continued to compete? A provision in Russia’s ban allowed its athletes to compete, with special permission and as so-called neutral athletes. In practice, then, and to the dismay of rivals and others who had called for a blanket ban on athletes from Russia, the country’s athletes can continue to compete in major international events as long as they are confirmed to be clean by the federations that govern their individual sports and as long as they do not do so under the banner of Russia. In Beijing, as at the Tokyo Summer Olympics last year, that means that hundreds of Russian athletes, teams and coaches are taking part. This month, it is as the Russian Olympic Committee — a technical distinction that some criticize as meaningless. Similarly, while Russian officials are technically barred from attending the Olympics, the punishment included a provision that allows the head of state of a host nation to extend a special invitation to another head of state or government official. That allowed Russia’s president, Vladimir Putin, to attend the opening ceremony of the 2022 Games as a guest of his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping. Will the IOC reconsider its decision to let Russian athletes compete? Such a change of heart, at least officially, seems unlikely. The IOC, led by its president, Thomas Bach, has adopted the often unpopular stance that individual athletes should not be punished for the actions of others, even if the action was a systematic doping scheme created and run by their national sports federations — or even their government — in search of Olympic glory. Olympic spokesperson Mark Adams summed up the organization’s approach during a news conference Friday in Beijing. “Individuals are allowed to be tried individually,” he said. “We wouldn’t try a whole class of people and chuck them out on the basis of that. We give people the right to be innocent until proven guilty.”

Why are Russians in Beijing if Russia is banned for doping?

Russia reported a record daily high of coronavirus cases. On Thursday (February 10), the country reported 197,076 Covid infections. Out of the total cases reported, 70 per cent were caused by Omicron variant. The variant continues to spread across the country.&nbsp;

In past 24 hours, Russia recorded 701 deaths, as per numbers with government's coronavirus task force.

On Wednesday, Russia had confirmed 183,103 new Covid cases. The number was up by about 20,000 than the previous day. Russia's federal response centre reported that 659 deaths had taken place.

In addition, the response centre said that 20,178 people infected with COVID-19 have been hospitalized over the past 24 hours, a 0.03% decrease from the day before.

At the same time, 97,163 COVID-19 patients have been discharged from hospitals across the country, according to the response centre.

 
Moscow logged 11,521 new COVID-19 cases and 82 deaths in the same period.

On Thursday, Reuters reported reason behind French President Emmanuel Macron having been seated at a great distance from Russian President Vladimir Putin. Two sources in Macron's entourage told Reuters that Macron was asked to take a Russian Covid test before meeting Putin in Moscow. As Macron refused, he was seated at the opposite end of a 13-foot long table.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Russia reported a record daily high of coronavirus cases. On Thursday (February 10), the country reported 197,076 Covid infections. Out of the total cases reported, 70 per cent were caused by Omicron variant.

Russia reported a record daily high of coronavirus cases. On Thursday (February 10), the country reported 197,076 Covid infections. Out of the total cases reported, 70 per cent were caused by Omicron variant. The variant continues to spread across the country. In past 24 hours, Russia recorded 701 deaths, as per numbers with government's coronavirus task force. On Wednesday, Russia had confirmed 183,103 new Covid cases. The number was up by about 20,000 than the previous day. Russia's federal response centre reported that 659 deaths had taken place. In addition, the response centre said that 20,178 people infected with COVID-19 have been hospitalized over the past 24 hours, a 0.03% decrease from the day before. At the same time, 97,163 COVID-19 patients have been discharged from hospitals across the country, according to the response centre. Moscow logged 11,521 new COVID-19 cases and 82 deaths in the same period. On Thursday, Reuters reported reason behind French President Emmanuel Macron having been seated at a great distance from Russian President Vladimir Putin. Two sources in Macron's entourage told Reuters that Macron was asked to take a Russian Covid test before meeting Putin in Moscow. As Macron refused, he was seated at the opposite end of a 13-foot long table. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia reports record high in daily Covid cases

The United States could prosecute the Russians involved in figure skater Kamila Valieva’s doping case under the American Rodchenkov Act (RADA), the head of the U.S. Anti Doping Agency (USADA), Travis Tygart, told Reuters on Friday.

The RADA bill was signed into U.S. law in 2020 and empowers American prosecutors to seek fines of up to $1 million and jail terms of up to 10 years, even for non-Americans, if actions have affected American athletes’ results.

Russian Valieva won gold in the team event on Monday but the International Testing Agency (ITA) said on Friday the 15-year-old had earlier failed a drug test. The United States won silver and Japan bronze. read more

Olympic officials are now contesting Russia's decision to let her compete at the Beijing Winter Games.

"The act has been used to protect one Olympic Games," Tygart said, referring to last year's Tokyo Games. "It is going to be used to protect other Olympic Games when people continue to dope.

"You cannot make it up. We are living in the twilight zone. Clean athletes deserve better, and this poor young woman deserves better. She's getting chewed up (for doping) on top of being abused by the Russian state system."

The RADA gives U.S. authorities the power to prosecute individuals for doping schemes at international events involving American athletes, sponsors or broadcasters.

It was named after Grigory Rodchenkov, a former Russia anti-doping laboratory head who turned whistleblower and helped expose Russia's state-sponsored doping following the 2014 Sochi Winter Games.

Russia has acknowledged some shortcomings in its implementation of anti-doping rules but denies running a state-sponsored doping programme.

Valieva delivered one of the highlights of the Beijing Games so far when she landed the first quadruple jumps by a woman in Olympic competition on Monday.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-russia-doping-row-to-inedible-food-controversies-galore-at-beijing-winter-olympics-2022-452360">From Russia doping row to 'inedible' food: Controversies galore at Beijing Winter Olympics 2022</a>

Her Olympic dream, however, turned into a nightmare on Friday when the ITA revealed publicly that she had tested positive for banned angina drug Trimetazidine in a urine sample collected by Russian authorities at the national championships in St Petersburg on Dec 25.

The testing lab in Stockholm, Sweden, reported on Tuesday that her sample was positive, the day after she wowed the world and helped win the gold for her team, who are competing as the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) due to doping sanctions.

It was not immediately clear why there was such a delay between her test and the result, which allowed her to travel to Beijing and take part in the first of her two events.

"Whoever was dealing with it simply, absolutely should have expedited it," Tygart said. "It is not that difficult to do. A five-week delay for a substance like this should not have happened.

"It is a catastrophic failure of the system to allow the star of the Games to have her sample not reported back close to five weeks, and then it gets reported the day after they won the team event.

"You shouldn’t be in a government or sport and (be) able to dope athletes and there be no consequence. It was exactly what happened in state-sponsored doping, and this is why the Rodchenkov Act was passed. It's the only way to address this behaviour.

"Many of us were disappointed in the initial state-sponsored doping (in Russia) that was exposed back in 2015, that those who orchestrated and conspired to abuse young athletes ... were not held accountable by their sport or their own governments."

Russian athletes at the Games are not competing under their flag, and their anthem is not played at any ceremonies following sanctions imposed for the widespread doping across many sports exposed after the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics.

The sanctions are due to be lifted at the end of the year, but the head of the World Anti-Doping Agency cautioned earlier this month that Russia should not assume this would happen automatically.

The United States could prosecute the Russians involved in figure skater Kamila Valieva’s doping case under the American Rodchenkov Act (RADA), the head of the U.

The United States could prosecute the Russians involved in figure skater Kamila Valieva’s doping case under the American Rodchenkov Act (RADA), the head of the U.S. Anti Doping Agency (USADA), Travis Tygart, told Reuters on Friday. The RADA bill was signed into U.S. law in 2020 and empowers American prosecutors to seek fines of up to $1 million and jail terms of up to 10 years, even for non-Americans, if actions have affected American athletes’ results. Russian Valieva won gold in the team event on Monday but the International Testing Agency (ITA) said on Friday the 15-year-old had earlier failed a drug test. The United States won silver and Japan bronze. read more Olympic officials are now contesting Russia's decision to let her compete at the Beijing Winter Games. "The act has been used to protect one Olympic Games," Tygart said, referring to last year's Tokyo Games. "It is going to be used to protect other Olympic Games when people continue to dope. "You cannot make it up. We are living in the twilight zone. Clean athletes deserve better, and this poor young woman deserves better. She's getting chewed up (for doping) on top of being abused by the Russian state system." The RADA gives U.S. authorities the power to prosecute individuals for doping schemes at international events involving American athletes, sponsors or broadcasters. It was named after Grigory Rodchenkov, a former Russia anti-doping laboratory head who turned whistleblower and helped expose Russia's state-sponsored doping following the 2014 Sochi Winter Games. Russia has acknowledged some shortcomings in its implementation of anti-doping rules but denies running a state-sponsored doping programme. Valieva delivered one of the highlights of the Beijing Games so far when she landed the first quadruple jumps by a woman in Olympic competition on Monday. Also Read: From Russia doping row to 'inedible' food: Controversies galore at Beijing Winter Olympics 2022 Her Olympic dream, however, turned into a nightmare on Friday when the ITA revealed publicly that she had tested positive for banned angina drug Trimetazidine in a urine sample collected by Russian authorities at the national championships in St Petersburg on Dec 25. The testing lab in Stockholm, Sweden, reported on Tuesday that her sample was positive, the day after she wowed the world and helped win the gold for her team, who are competing as the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) due to doping sanctions. It was not immediately clear why there was such a delay between her test and the result, which allowed her to travel to Beijing and take part in the first of her two events. "Whoever was dealing with it simply, absolutely should have expedited it," Tygart said. "It is not that difficult to do. A five-week delay for a substance like this should not have happened. "It is a catastrophic failure of the system to allow the star of the Games to have her sample not reported back close to five weeks, and then it gets reported the day after they won the team event. "You shouldn’t be in a government or sport and (be) able to dope athletes and there be no consequence. It was exactly what happened in state-sponsored doping, and this is why the Rodchenkov Act was passed. It's the only way to address this behaviour. "Many of us were disappointed in the initial state-sponsored doping (in Russia) that was exposed back in 2015, that those who orchestrated and conspired to abuse young athletes ... were not held accountable by their sport or their own governments." Russian athletes at the Games are not competing under their flag, and their anthem is not played at any ceremonies following sanctions imposed for the widespread doping across many sports exposed after the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics. The sanctions are due to be lifted at the end of the year, but the head of the World Anti-Doping Agency cautioned earlier this month that Russia should not assume this would happen automatically.

Beijing Winter Olympics: US Could Prosecute Russians in Kamila Valieva doping case, says USADA Chief

A 15-year-old Russian skating star Kamila Valieva has been tested positive for a banned substance, the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics testers have confirmed on Friday (February 11).&nbsp;

Raising 'serious' questions, the chief of Russia's Olympic Committee Stanislav Pozdnyakov told local media: "The timings of sample processing raise serious questions: between December 25, when it was collected in Saint Petersburg, and February 8, when it was processed."&nbsp;

Pozdnyakov told the RIA Novosti news agency, "It seems like someone held the sample until the end of the team skating tournament."&nbsp;

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-russia-doping-row-to-inedible-food-controversies-galore-at-beijing-winter-olympics-2022-452360">From Russia doping row to 'inedible' food: Controversies galore at Beijing Winter Olympics 2022</a>

He also added that according to international standards of WADA laboratories, the processing time is 20 days from the date of receiving the sample.&nbsp;

He told reporters that it was "strange that the sample travelled from Saint Petersburg to Stockholm for almost a month," added that he wanted "specific answers as to why this happened."&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the head of the U.S. Anti Doping Agency (USADA), Travis Tygart, told Reuters on Friday that the United States could prosecute the Russians involved in Valieva's doping case under the American Rodchenkov Act (RADA).&nbsp;

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/doping-controversy-comes-back-to-haunt-russia-at-beijing-2022-winter-olympics-heres-what-we-know-so-far-452130">Doping controversy comes back to haunt Russia at Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics: Here's what we know so far</a>

The Russian skater was tested positive for trimetazidine - a metabolic agent that is prescribed for the treatment of angina and vertigo.&nbsp;

However, it is banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) because it can increase blood flow efficiency and help endurance.&nbsp;

The IOC and the International Skating Union are appealing against Russia's decision to allow Valieva to continue competing in Beijing.&nbsp;

A 15-year-old Russian skating star Kamila Valieva has been tested positive for a banned substance, the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics testers have confirmed on Friday (February 11).

A 15-year-old Russian skating star Kamila Valieva has been tested positive for a banned substance, the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics testers have confirmed on Friday (February 11). Raising 'serious' questions, the chief of Russia's Olympic Committee Stanislav Pozdnyakov told local media: "The timings of sample processing raise serious questions: between December 25, when it was collected in Saint Petersburg, and February 8, when it was processed." Pozdnyakov told the RIA Novosti news agency, "It seems like someone held the sample until the end of the team skating tournament." IN PICS | From Russia doping row to 'inedible' food: Controversies galore at Beijing Winter Olympics 2022 He also added that according to international standards of WADA laboratories, the processing time is 20 days from the date of receiving the sample. He told reporters that it was "strange that the sample travelled from Saint Petersburg to Stockholm for almost a month," added that he wanted "specific answers as to why this happened." Meanwhile, the head of the U.S. Anti Doping Agency (USADA), Travis Tygart, told Reuters on Friday that the United States could prosecute the Russians involved in Valieva's doping case under the American Rodchenkov Act (RADA). IN PICS | Doping controversy comes back to haunt Russia at Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics: Here's what we know so far The Russian skater was tested positive for trimetazidine - a metabolic agent that is prescribed for the treatment of angina and vertigo. However, it is banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) because it can increase blood flow efficiency and help endurance. The IOC and the International Skating Union are appealing against Russia's decision to allow Valieva to continue competing in Beijing.

Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics: Russia raises 'serious questions' over Kamila Valieva doping scandal

Last week, Ukrainian legislators held up the flags of countries providing military and diplomatic assistance to Ukraine as it faces the threat of a Russian invasion. The flags of the United States, Britain, Canada, Denmark, Poland and Turkey all jostled for space. One, however, was conspicuous by its absence: the black, red and gold of Germany.

It was a fitting rebuke. Over the past few weeks, as Europe has seemingly approached the brink of war, Germany has been the odd man out. While the United States, Britain and Poland delivered weapons to Ukraine, the German government stoutly refused to do the same — and even seemed to block a transfer of weapons previously sold to Estonia. Across the continent, criticism has been fierce.

For Germany’s Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who on Monday met with President Biden in Washington, it’s been a trial by fire. In office since December and at the head of a new coalition government, he has struggled to gain control of a situation that threatens to torpedo his authority. It’s a stark contrast to the way Angela Merkel stepped up after Russia annexed Crimea in 2014. Through active and energetic diplomacy, Ms. Merkel was able to bring about a cease-fire and something approaching a settlement. Under similar pressure, her successor has gone missing.

But the problem goes beyond Mr. Scholz to Germany itself. The crisis in Ukraine puts to the sword many of the country’s central assumptions about its role in the world. Wedded to the past and conflicted in the present, Germany — at least when it comes to foreign policy — looks stuck. But now is not the time to be indecisive. It needs to assert itself as a power broker and unify Europe’s response to Russian aggression.

The first difficulty, of course, is historical. Determined not to repeat the horrors of the past, the country is extremely wary about military engagement. That caution extends to weapons, which are generally not sold to conflict zones or when they could become instruments of human rights violations. In practice, economic interests often overrule principles: Saudi Arabia and Egypt receive German weaponry. Yet with Russia, the issue is particularly fraught. Never again, goes the catechism, shall German weapons be used to kill Russian citizens.

These historical arguments are not particularly useful in the 21st century. But Germany just can’t get over them: Pacifism and history are deeply ingrained in our public debate and particularly in the political culture of two of the three parties currently governing the country, the Greens and the Social Democrats.

For Mr. Scholz’s Social Democratic Party, relations with Russia are an especially emotional and contested issue. The party prides itself on its change-through-rapprochement approach during the Cold War, and many members defend the notion that Germany’s role is to be a buffer between the United States and Russia rather than to clearly side with the West. It’s a narrative rooted in nostalgia and idealism, but it has a cynical side: The party’s defense for Nord Stream 2, the controversial pipeline built to deliver more Russian gas to Europe, often clads straightforward economic interests in the gown of historical dignity.

For the Green Party, the second largest in Germany’s so-called Traffic Light coalition, the situation is no less sensitive. Founded out of the peace and ecological movements in 1980, it opposed the deployment of American nuclear weapons to Germany and rearmament generally. The party’s position has since evolved, but Russia’s threat to Ukraine has caught the Greens at a difficult moment. After a slightly disappointing election result in September, tensions within the party — over cabinet positions, internal reforms and political priorities — are high. It is, in short, a bad moment to take an ax to a central pillar of party identity.

Then there’s the coalition itself, formed two months ago and keen to show it can provide stable rule. With domestic problems mounting — rising prices, pandemic restrictions and ambitious decarbonization plans threaten the country’s uneasy equilibrium — the government may have decided not to risk its unity over a foreign policy issue. Its caution, after all, is in step with national opinion at large: A recent survey showed that 59 percent of Germans oppose delivering weapons to Ukraine, while only 20 percent approve.

Taken together, it amounts to a difficult brief for Mr. Scholz. And it’s clear that, so far, he’s struggled to meet the moment. Criticism abroad — Latvia’s defense minister called Germany’s reluctance to arm Ukraine “immoral” and “hypocritical” — has been more sharply expressed but no more pointed than at home, where Mr. Scholz has been derided as almost invisible. (On Twitter, #WoIstScholz — “Where is Scholz?” — became something between a lament and a joke.) His personal approval ratings have sunk 17 percentage points, according to a recent poll, and his party’s standing has also taken a hit. After Ms. Merkel’s long tenure, Mr. Scholz is discovering just how hard the job can be. It’s not just Germany he’s struggling to lead; it’s Europe, too.

Yet Mr. Scholz maintains that the country is taking the right path. In a television interview last week, he stressed that Germany has invested $2 billion in Ukraine in recent years. Building a country’s resilience, a senior government official told me, means helping it to defend itself. The chancellery appears to deem weapon deliveries to Ukraine purely symbolic — a costly exercise politically, with little actual impact. And officials were quick to underline Germany’s leading presence in NATO’s deployment, since 2017, of troops to Poland and the Baltic States. On Monday, the country announced it would send 350 more soldiers to defend NATO’s eastern flank.

Is this just the usual German delusion? Is the country just making excuses for pursuing business as usual? Yes and no. Germany is certainly reluctant to leave its comfort zone, as its hesitancy — nowhere better captured than in its offer to send Ukraine helmets rather than missiles — clearly betrays. But some things have changed.

For one thing, some Social Democrats appear willing to leave behind the idea of a special relationship with Russia. “We don’t want a special role for Germany,” Michael Roth, a Social Democrat who heads the Foreign Affairs Committee, told me. This is a significant development and means that Nord Stream 2 is, for the first time, genuinely on the line. As Annalena Baerbock, the foreign minister (and a co-leader of the Green Party), made clear to her Russian counterpart in January: Germany is prepared to act, even if “such measures hurt us economically.”

In the context of the past, it’s a bold statement. But these nuances are not as easy to grasp as boots on the ground. On Monday, Mr. Scholz, addressing Mr. Biden by his first name, sought to bolster the trans-Atlantic alliance. “We are absolutely united,” he said. There’s no reason, really, to doubt it. But it may still take some convincing.

Last week, Ukrainian legislators held up the flags of countries providing military and diplomatic assistance to Ukraine as it faces the threat of a Russian invasion.

Last week, Ukrainian legislators held up the flags of countries providing military and diplomatic assistance to Ukraine as it faces the threat of a Russian invasion. The flags of the United States, Britain, Canada, Denmark, Poland and Turkey all jostled for space. One, however, was conspicuous by its absence: the black, red and gold of Germany. It was a fitting rebuke. Over the past few weeks, as Europe has seemingly approached the brink of war, Germany has been the odd man out. While the United States, Britain and Poland delivered weapons to Ukraine, the German government stoutly refused to do the same — and even seemed to block a transfer of weapons previously sold to Estonia. Across the continent, criticism has been fierce. For Germany’s Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who on Monday met with President Biden in Washington, it’s been a trial by fire. In office since December and at the head of a new coalition government, he has struggled to gain control of a situation that threatens to torpedo his authority. It’s a stark contrast to the way Angela Merkel stepped up after Russia annexed Crimea in 2014. Through active and energetic diplomacy, Ms. Merkel was able to bring about a cease-fire and something approaching a settlement. Under similar pressure, her successor has gone missing. But the problem goes beyond Mr. Scholz to Germany itself. The crisis in Ukraine puts to the sword many of the country’s central assumptions about its role in the world. Wedded to the past and conflicted in the present, Germany — at least when it comes to foreign policy — looks stuck. But now is not the time to be indecisive. It needs to assert itself as a power broker and unify Europe’s response to Russian aggression. The first difficulty, of course, is historical. Determined not to repeat the horrors of the past, the country is extremely wary about military engagement. That caution extends to weapons, which are generally not sold to conflict zones or when they could become instruments of human rights violations. In practice, economic interests often overrule principles: Saudi Arabia and Egypt receive German weaponry. Yet with Russia, the issue is particularly fraught. Never again, goes the catechism, shall German weapons be used to kill Russian citizens. These historical arguments are not particularly useful in the 21st century. But Germany just can’t get over them: Pacifism and history are deeply ingrained in our public debate and particularly in the political culture of two of the three parties currently governing the country, the Greens and the Social Democrats. For Mr. Scholz’s Social Democratic Party, relations with Russia are an especially emotional and contested issue. The party prides itself on its change-through-rapprochement approach during the Cold War, and many members defend the notion that Germany’s role is to be a buffer between the United States and Russia rather than to clearly side with the West. It’s a narrative rooted in nostalgia and idealism, but it has a cynical side: The party’s defense for Nord Stream 2, the controversial pipeline built to deliver more Russian gas to Europe, often clads straightforward economic interests in the gown of historical dignity. For the Green Party, the second largest in Germany’s so-called Traffic Light coalition, the situation is no less sensitive. Founded out of the peace and ecological movements in 1980, it opposed the deployment of American nuclear weapons to Germany and rearmament generally. The party’s position has since evolved, but Russia’s threat to Ukraine has caught the Greens at a difficult moment. After a slightly disappointing election result in September, tensions within the party — over cabinet positions, internal reforms and political priorities — are high. It is, in short, a bad moment to take an ax to a central pillar of party identity. Then there’s the coalition itself, formed two months ago and keen to show it can provide stable rule. With domestic problems mounting — rising prices, pandemic restrictions and ambitious decarbonization plans threaten the country’s uneasy equilibrium — the government may have decided not to risk its unity over a foreign policy issue. Its caution, after all, is in step with national opinion at large: A recent survey showed that 59 percent of Germans oppose delivering weapons to Ukraine, while only 20 percent approve. Taken together, it amounts to a difficult brief for Mr. Scholz. And it’s clear that, so far, he’s struggled to meet the moment. Criticism abroad — Latvia’s defense minister called Germany’s reluctance to arm Ukraine “immoral” and “hypocritical” — has been more sharply expressed but no more pointed than at home, where Mr. Scholz has been derided as almost invisible. (On Twitter, #WoIstScholz — “Where is Scholz?” — became something between a lament and a joke.) His personal approval ratings have sunk 17 percentage points, according to a recent poll, and his party’s standing has also taken a hit. After Ms. Merkel’s long tenure, Mr. Scholz is discovering just how hard the job can be. It’s not just Germany he’s struggling to lead; it’s Europe, too. Yet Mr. Scholz maintains that the country is taking the right path. In a television interview last week, he stressed that Germany has invested $2 billion in Ukraine in recent years. Building a country’s resilience, a senior government official told me, means helping it to defend itself. The chancellery appears to deem weapon deliveries to Ukraine purely symbolic — a costly exercise politically, with little actual impact. And officials were quick to underline Germany’s leading presence in NATO’s deployment, since 2017, of troops to Poland and the Baltic States. On Monday, the country announced it would send 350 more soldiers to defend NATO’s eastern flank. Is this just the usual German delusion? Is the country just making excuses for pursuing business as usual? Yes and no. Germany is certainly reluctant to leave its comfort zone, as its hesitancy — nowhere better captured than in its offer to send Ukraine helmets rather than missiles — clearly betrays. But some things have changed. For one thing, some Social Democrats appear willing to leave behind the idea of a special relationship with Russia. “We don’t want a special role for Germany,” Michael Roth, a Social Democrat who heads the Foreign Affairs Committee, told me. This is a significant development and means that Nord Stream 2 is, for the first time, genuinely on the line. As Annalena Baerbock, the foreign minister (and a co-leader of the Green Party), made clear to her Russian counterpart in January: Germany is prepared to act, even if “such measures hurt us economically.” In the context of the past, it’s a bold statement. But these nuances are not as easy to grasp as boots on the ground. On Monday, Mr. Scholz, addressing Mr. Biden by his first name, sought to bolster the trans-Atlantic alliance. “We are absolutely united,” he said. There’s no reason, really, to doubt it. But it may still take some convincing.

Europe is on the brink of war, and Germany has gone missing

French President Emanuel Macron has embarked on his shuttle diplomacy in an attempt to broker a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine as a threat of war looms large in eastern Europe.

After holding a marathon talk with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, Macron arrived in Kyiv to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

With more than 100,000 Russian troops amassed near the Ukraine borders, there have been claims of the Russian invasion.

After meeting Putin, Macron claimed that he received assurances from Kremlin that they would reduce escalations against Ukraine—which Moscow has denied.

Even though conflicting views were aired, Dr Vera Michlin-Shapir, a visiting research fellow at King’s College London, claims that there might be something to gain out of the talks.

Michlin-Shapir had previously worked at Israel’s National Security Council and in the Prime Minister’s Office. She is an expert on Russia-Israel-Ukraine relations.

Excerpts:

WION: As French President Macron conducts shuttle diplomacy, we’re seeing somewhat conflicting messages coming from Russia and Ukraine. What’s the latest on this?

<a name="_Hlk95338149">Michlin-Shapir</a>: We are still in the midst of the process, obviously there will be conflicting messages, as each actor (state) wants to position. At the end of the day what matters is what comes out of Kremlin.

It seems that they have something to gain out of the talks being pivoted by President Macron.

WION: The Ukrainian FM has indicated that there is a deep cooperation between Israel and Ukraine, and that Ukraine is interested in helping with air defences from Israel. Now Israel, like many countries, has relations with Ukraine and Russia...but it’s also in a tricky situation because of the large Jewish communities in both countries…Do you think Israel will share, perhaps its Iron Dome technology, to help Ukraine defend itself from any missile attack?

Michlin-Shapir: In this kind of relationship (i.e. Israel-Ukraine and Israel-Russia) one of the things not being mentioned is the relationship Israel has with the US. And in many ways, it decides Israel's direction. Now, Israel also has Russia at its Northern flank with Syria, with whom it has a very strategic relationship.

Now, Russia has bilateral relations with Syria and is also eager to help Israel with its security.&nbsp;Israel has communities in Russia and also in Ukraine.&nbsp;

In sensitive issues like sharing its advanced weapons systems, Israel works in coordination with the US.&nbsp;

WION: Israeli Foreign Minister, Yair Lapid, has reportedly been speaking with both Ukraine and Russia. Last week he said that he does not believe there will soon be a violent conflict between the two countries. What’s your assessment?

Michlin-Shapir: In both Russia and Ukraine, you can see a diminished sense of conflict. The imminence of conflict is actually coming from the US.

Their intelligence community is assessing the conflict to be imminent, which is different from what we are hearing from Ukraine and Russia.

The US intelligence is apparently basing its assessment on what's happening at the border. And what is being observed at the borders is amassing of troops.

WION: Are there any meeting grounds between Russia and Ukraine, with Moscow underlining the Minsk agreement &amp; Ukraine consenting as well? Or there are sticking points within still?

Michlin-Shapir: One of the biggest sticking points is that both sides may have something to gain.

The cost to Russia is lesser as it's richer, bigger and stronger. For Ukraine, it would be devastating, similar to the one they underwent eight years ago, when Crimea was annexed in 2014.

Now, Macron is trying to create a common ground,&nbsp;since&nbsp;there is nothing to gain out of the conflict.&nbsp; And this is what makes it so difficult to reach an agreement

So, maybe a lack of political will at this point can be blamed.

French President Emanuel Macron has embarked on his shuttle diplomacy in an attempt to broker a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine as a threat of war looms large in eastern Europe.

French President Emanuel Macron has embarked on his shuttle diplomacy in an attempt to broker a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine as a threat of war looms large in eastern Europe. After holding a marathon talk with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, Macron arrived in Kyiv to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. With more than 100,000 Russian troops amassed near the Ukraine borders, there have been claims of the Russian invasion. After meeting Putin, Macron claimed that he received assurances from Kremlin that they would reduce escalations against Ukraine—which Moscow has denied. Even though conflicting views were aired, Dr Vera Michlin-Shapir, a visiting research fellow at King’s College London, claims that there might be something to gain out of the talks. Michlin-Shapir had previously worked at Israel’s National Security Council and in the Prime Minister’s Office. She is an expert on Russia-Israel-Ukraine relations. Excerpts: WION: As French President Macron conducts shuttle diplomacy, we’re seeing somewhat conflicting messages coming from Russia and Ukraine. What’s the latest on this? Michlin-Shapir: We are still in the midst of the process, obviously there will be conflicting messages, as each actor (state) wants to position. At the end of the day what matters is what comes out of Kremlin. It seems that they have something to gain out of the talks being pivoted by President Macron. WION: The Ukrainian FM has indicated that there is a deep cooperation between Israel and Ukraine, and that Ukraine is interested in helping with air defences from Israel. Now Israel, like many countries, has relations with Ukraine and Russia...but it’s also in a tricky situation because of the large Jewish communities in both countries…Do you think Israel will share, perhaps its Iron Dome technology, to help Ukraine defend itself from any missile attack? Michlin-Shapir: In this kind of relationship (i.e. Israel-Ukraine and Israel-Russia) one of the things not being mentioned is the relationship Israel has with the US. And in many ways, it decides Israel's direction. Now, Israel also has Russia at its Northern flank with Syria, with whom it has a very strategic relationship. Now, Russia has bilateral relations with Syria and is also eager to help Israel with its security. Israel has communities in Russia and also in Ukraine. In sensitive issues like sharing its advanced weapons systems, Israel works in coordination with the US. WION: Israeli Foreign Minister, Yair Lapid, has reportedly been speaking with both Ukraine and Russia. Last week he said that he does not believe there will soon be a violent conflict between the two countries. What’s your assessment? Michlin-Shapir: In both Russia and Ukraine, you can see a diminished sense of conflict. The imminence of conflict is actually coming from the US. Their intelligence community is assessing the conflict to be imminent, which is different from what we are hearing from Ukraine and Russia. The US intelligence is apparently basing its assessment on what's happening at the border. And what is being observed at the borders is amassing of troops. WION: Are there any meeting grounds between Russia and Ukraine, with Moscow underlining the Minsk agreement & Ukraine consenting as well? Or there are sticking points within still? Michlin-Shapir: One of the biggest sticking points is that both sides may have something to gain. The cost to Russia is lesser as it's richer, bigger and stronger. For Ukraine, it would be devastating, similar to the one they underwent eight years ago, when Crimea was annexed in 2014. Now, Macron is trying to create a common ground, since there is nothing to gain out of the conflict. And this is what makes it so difficult to reach an agreement So, maybe a lack of political will at this point can be blamed.

Something might be gained out of Macron’s meeting with Ukraine: Expert to WION

Amid tensions with Russia, French President Macron called for "firm" dialogue with Putin's even as Russian warships made their way to the Black Sea for naval drills.

"We must find ways and means together to engage in a firm dialogue with Russia," Macron said, adding that it is the "only path to peace in Ukraine". The French president shuttled between Russia and Ukraine in an attempt to broker peace.

Meanwhile, Russian warships made their way towards the Black Sea on Tuesday, passing through Turkey's Bosphorus strait in a pre-planned military drill announced earlier.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/target-ukraine-us-f-35-vs-russian-air-force-su-57-jets-who-wins-450431">Also Read in Pics |&nbsp;Target Ukraine: US F-35 vs Russian Air Force SU-57 jets, who wins?</a>

President Tayyip Erdogan has also offered to mediate between Russia and Ukraine with Turkey being a NATO member. Russian warships &nbsp;Korolev, the Minsk and the Kaliningrad passed through the Bosphorus on Tuesday with another three warships - Olenegorsky Gornyak, Georgy Pobedonosets and Pyotr Morgunov set to pass on Wednesday.

The United States has warned for the past few months that Russia is ready to invade Ukraine as it has massed over 100,000 troops along Ukraine's border, President Putin in recent days however has categorically dismissed the report but has insisted that NATO should not extend its border to the eastern front.

Watch |&nbsp;Russia vs Ukraine: Can diplomacy deliver?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-ukraine-direct-russia-vs-ukraine-can-diplomacy-deliver-451571/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In a security document submitted to NATO and the United States last month, the Kremlin had insisted that NATO should not induct former Soviet countries into its fold referring to Ukraine. The European alliance however dismissed the suggestion.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ukraine-crisis-us-thaad-vs-russian-s-400-missile-defence-system-451457">Also Read in Pics:&nbsp;&nbsp;US THAAD vs Russian S-400 missile defence system</a>

Last week, at least 2,000 US troops had arrived in Europe as part of President Biden's push to deploy troops in Romania and Poland to bolster Ukraine and to keep Russia at bay amid hectic diplomatic activity.

After President Macron's visit to the crisis centres, EU's diplomatic chief Josep Borrell pointed out that there is &nbsp;an "element of detente" while adding that "as far as people are willing to sit at the table and talk I think that there is a hope for not going into military confrontation." &nbsp;

(With inputs from Agencies)

Amid tensions with Russia, French President Macron called for "firm" dialogue with Putin's even as Russian warships made their way to the Black Sea for naval drills.

Amid tensions with Russia, French President Macron called for "firm" dialogue with Putin's even as Russian warships made their way to the Black Sea for naval drills. "We must find ways and means together to engage in a firm dialogue with Russia," Macron said, adding that it is the "only path to peace in Ukraine". The French president shuttled between Russia and Ukraine in an attempt to broker peace. Meanwhile, Russian warships made their way towards the Black Sea on Tuesday, passing through Turkey's Bosphorus strait in a pre-planned military drill announced earlier. Also Read in Pics | Target Ukraine: US F-35 vs Russian Air Force SU-57 jets, who wins? President Tayyip Erdogan has also offered to mediate between Russia and Ukraine with Turkey being a NATO member. Russian warships Korolev, the Minsk and the Kaliningrad passed through the Bosphorus on Tuesday with another three warships - Olenegorsky Gornyak, Georgy Pobedonosets and Pyotr Morgunov set to pass on Wednesday. The United States has warned for the past few months that Russia is ready to invade Ukraine as it has massed over 100,000 troops along Ukraine's border, President Putin in recent days however has categorically dismissed the report but has insisted that NATO should not extend its border to the eastern front. Watch | Russia vs Ukraine: Can diplomacy deliver? In a security document submitted to NATO and the United States last month, the Kremlin had insisted that NATO should not induct former Soviet countries into its fold referring to Ukraine. The European alliance however dismissed the suggestion. Also Read in Pics: US THAAD vs Russian S-400 missile defence system Last week, at least 2,000 US troops had arrived in Europe as part of President Biden's push to deploy troops in Romania and Poland to bolster Ukraine and to keep Russia at bay amid hectic diplomatic activity. After President Macron's visit to the crisis centres, EU's diplomatic chief Josep Borrell pointed out that there is an "element of detente" while adding that "as far as people are willing to sit at the table and talk I think that there is a hope for not going into military confrontation." (With inputs from Agencies)

Ukraine crisis: Macron pushes for peace as Russian warships head to the Black Sea for drills

Reports in local Russian media said on Wednesday that Russia may become latest country to recognise and regulate cryptocurrency.&nbsp;

“The government and the Bank of Russia have agreed on a future regime for the circulation of cryptocurrencies in Russia. Before February 18, they will prepare a draft law on the circulation of digital currencies in the Russian Federation, in which cryptocurrencies are recognised as an analogue of currencies, and not digital financial assets,” said Russia paper Kommersant as reported by CNBC.

If true, this will be a marked departure from stance taken Russia's central bank which called for blanket ban on cryptocurrencies as late as last month.&nbsp;

If the law reported in Russian media is passed, reports say that only owning cryptocurrencies will be legalised in the country and not other activities.

Cryptocurrencies have had legal status in Russia since 2020. But payments using cryptocurrencies have not yet been authorised. Authorities in the country have in past expressed fears that cryptocurrencies may be used to fund illegal activities. Kommersant says that if a law is passed, it may come into force in latter half of 2022 or first half of 2023

However, the report suggests that transactions made using cryptocurrencies that amount to more than 600,000 rubles (about $8,000) may get declared illegal.

Reports in local Russian media said on Wednesday that Russia may become latest country to recognise and regulate cryptocurrency. “The government and the Bank of Russia have agreed on a future regime for the circulation of cryptocurrencies in Russia.

Reports in local Russian media said on Wednesday that Russia may become latest country to recognise and regulate cryptocurrency. “The government and the Bank of Russia have agreed on a future regime for the circulation of cryptocurrencies in Russia. Before February 18, they will prepare a draft law on the circulation of digital currencies in the Russian Federation, in which cryptocurrencies are recognised as an analogue of currencies, and not digital financial assets,” said Russia paper Kommersant as reported by CNBC. If true, this will be a marked departure from stance taken Russia's central bank which called for blanket ban on cryptocurrencies as late as last month. If the law reported in Russian media is passed, reports say that only owning cryptocurrencies will be legalised in the country and not other activities. Cryptocurrencies have had legal status in Russia since 2020. But payments using cryptocurrencies have not yet been authorised. Authorities in the country have in past expressed fears that cryptocurrencies may be used to fund illegal activities. Kommersant says that if a law is passed, it may come into force in latter half of 2022 or first half of 2023 However, the report suggests that transactions made using cryptocurrencies that amount to more than 600,000 rubles (about $8,000) may get declared illegal.

Russia may recognise cryptocurrency, likely to pass a law: Report

A court in Moscow said on Tuesday that it will begin hearing of two cases against Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny next week. If convicted in these cases, Navalny could see his prison sentence extended by more than 10 years. Navalany is currently in jail.

He was jailed last year. Navalny, most vocal domestic critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin has survived a poisoning attempt last year. He blames Russian government for the attack.

The Moscow Lefortovsky district court said it will hold preliminary hearings on charges of fraud and contempt of court against Navalny on February 15.&nbsp;

The fraud case was launched in December 2020, while Navalny, 45, was recovering in Germany after narrowly surviving a nerve agent poisoning.&nbsp;

Investigators accuse Navalny of stealing for personal use more than $4.7 million (4.1 million euros) of donations that were given to his organisations. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.&nbsp;

Navalny also faces up to six months in prison for contempt of court during one of his hearings last year when he was jailed for more than two years on old fraud charges.&nbsp;

He is currently serving his sentence in a penal colony outside Moscow.&nbsp;

Navalny will not be brought to the Moscow court and the hearings will be head in his prison, Navalny's lawyer Olga Mikhailova told the TASS news agency. &nbsp;

Navalny's poisoning and arrest sparked widespread condemnation abroad as well as sanctions from Western capitals.

After his arrest, Navalny's organisations were declared "extremist" and shuttered, while many key aides fled Russia fearing prosecution.&nbsp;

Last year, investigators launched a new extremism probe against Navalny that could see the opposition leader face up to 10 more years in jail.

(With inputs from agencies)

A court in Moscow said on Tuesday that it will begin hearing of two cases against Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny next week. If convicted in these cases, Navalny could see his prison sentence extended by more than 10 years.

A court in Moscow said on Tuesday that it will begin hearing of two cases against Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny next week. If convicted in these cases, Navalny could see his prison sentence extended by more than 10 years. Navalany is currently in jail. He was jailed last year. Navalny, most vocal domestic critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin has survived a poisoning attempt last year. He blames Russian government for the attack. The Moscow Lefortovsky district court said it will hold preliminary hearings on charges of fraud and contempt of court against Navalny on February 15. The fraud case was launched in December 2020, while Navalny, 45, was recovering in Germany after narrowly surviving a nerve agent poisoning. Investigators accuse Navalny of stealing for personal use more than $4.7 million (4.1 million euros) of donations that were given to his organisations. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. Navalny also faces up to six months in prison for contempt of court during one of his hearings last year when he was jailed for more than two years on old fraud charges. He is currently serving his sentence in a penal colony outside Moscow. Navalny will not be brought to the Moscow court and the hearings will be head in his prison, Navalny's lawyer Olga Mikhailova told the TASS news agency. Navalny's poisoning and arrest sparked widespread condemnation abroad as well as sanctions from Western capitals. After his arrest, Navalny's organisations were declared "extremist" and shuttered, while many key aides fled Russia fearing prosecution. Last year, investigators launched a new extremism probe against Navalny that could see the opposition leader face up to 10 more years in jail. (With inputs from agencies)

Hearing on fresh criminal charges against Alexei Navalny to start next week

The Kremlin said on Monday (February 7) that it did not expect any major breakthrough from talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron. But the Kremlin expected that Macron would propose ways to ease tensions in Europe.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Pescov said in a briefing that the Ukraine Crisis was expected to dominate the talks between two leaders.

Moscow denies planning an invasion of Ukraine but is seeking security guarantees including a pledge that Ukraine must never allowed to join NATO.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/before-crucial-trip-to-russia-french-president-emmanuel-macron-talks-to-us-president-joe-biden-451105">Before crucial trip to Russia, French President Emmanuel Macron talks to US President Joe Biden</a>

The West has rejected that, but said it is willing to discuss other issues such as arms control.

Macron is expected to seek commitments from Putin to dial down the tensions.

"The situation is too complex to expect decisive breakthroughs in the course of one meeting," Peskov said.

But he said Russia was aware of certain ideas for lowering tensions that Macron had spoken about before and planned to share with Putin.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ex-ukraine-defence-chief-says-russia-could-seize-any-city-in-ukraine-but-will-it-plan-full-scale-invasion-451199">Ex-Ukraine defence chief says Russia could seize any city in Ukraine. But will it plan full-scale invasion?</a>

Peskov said it was not possible to speak of a lull in tensions while Western governments continued to talk about a looming Russian attack on Ukraine.

He said Moscow had heard nothing new in recent days on the security guarantees it is requesting, and "our Western interlocutors prefer not to mention this topic."

(With inputs from agencies)

The Kremlin said on Monday (February 7) that it did not expect any major breakthrough from talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron.

The Kremlin said on Monday (February 7) that it did not expect any major breakthrough from talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron. But the Kremlin expected that Macron would propose ways to ease tensions in Europe. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Pescov said in a briefing that the Ukraine Crisis was expected to dominate the talks between two leaders. Moscow denies planning an invasion of Ukraine but is seeking security guarantees including a pledge that Ukraine must never allowed to join NATO. Also Read | Before crucial trip to Russia, French President Emmanuel Macron talks to US President Joe Biden The West has rejected that, but said it is willing to discuss other issues such as arms control. Macron is expected to seek commitments from Putin to dial down the tensions. "The situation is too complex to expect decisive breakthroughs in the course of one meeting," Peskov said. But he said Russia was aware of certain ideas for lowering tensions that Macron had spoken about before and planned to share with Putin. Also Read | Ex-Ukraine defence chief says Russia could seize any city in Ukraine. But will it plan full-scale invasion? Peskov said it was not possible to speak of a lull in tensions while Western governments continued to talk about a looming Russian attack on Ukraine. He said Moscow had heard nothing new in recent days on the security guarantees it is requesting, and "our Western interlocutors prefer not to mention this topic." (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine Crisis: Expecting no decisive breakthrough from Putin-Macron talks, says Kremlin

Imran Khan will be the first Pakistani prime&nbsp;minister in 23 years to embark on a bilateral visit to Russia, diplomatic sources in Pakistan have revealed. Khan's visit to Russia this month is taking place&nbsp;on the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The visit, which is being looked at as a game changer owing to regional geo-strategic realignments, has greater optical significance. On the agenda of the visit would be bilateral ties, Afghanistan situation, including talks of defence cooperation and commitments to take forward the north-south gas pipeline of length of over 1100 kilometers. Setting up of the pipeline is aimed at facilitating transfer of imported gas from the port city of Karachi to the load center in Pakistani Punjab province.

The visit, which will be held in the second half of February 2022, will be closely watched out by other countries in the region. US President Joe Biden has not held a telephonic discussion with Pakistan PM Imran Khan after the former assumed office. In this light, Imran Khan's Russia visit will be looked at in a possible context of regional re-alignment on the part of the Pakistani government.

Last time an elected Pakistani prime minister visited Russia on a bilateral visit was in March 1999 during the tenure of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. In 2003, Pakistani military dictator Pervez Musharraf had visited Russia. In 2011, then Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari paid a visit to Russia.

In 2017, Pakistani Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan visited Sochi in Russia to attend a multilateral conference, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit (SCO). The last formal bilateral meeting between a Pakistani prime minister and Russian president was held between former Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the SCO summit in Astana, Kazakhstan in June 2017.

Since then, there have been multiple informal pull-aside meetings between Russian president and Pakistani prime minister at different forums. The two were scheduled to meet on the sidelines of the SCO summit last year in Tajikistan but the meeting was called off due to Covid-19 outbreak in President Putin’s inner circle.&nbsp;

The two have exchanged multiple telephone calls in recent times as well. The Pakistani prime minister will be accompanied by a high-level delegation of senior ministers from his cabinet. Sources say that details of this visit will be released in due course of time by the Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Relations between Pakistan and Russia in the past had not been at an ideal level following the country’s involvement in collapse of the USSR.&nbsp;However,&nbsp;a new dimension of the relationship was seen when the former Pakistani Army chief General Raheel Sharif visited Russia in 2015 and laid another foundation of military diplomacy that eventually lead to be being converted in exchanges of formal diplomatic contacts and high-level visits, including one by the Pakistani National Security Advisor Moeed Yusuf in December last year. The Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov too visited Pakistan in April 2021.

Imran Khan will be the first Pakistani prime minister in 23 years to embark on a bilateral visit to Russia, diplomatic sources in Pakistan have revealed. Khan's visit to Russia this month is taking place on the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Imran Khan will be the first Pakistani prime minister in 23 years to embark on a bilateral visit to Russia, diplomatic sources in Pakistan have revealed. Khan's visit to Russia this month is taking place on the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin. The visit, which is being looked at as a game changer owing to regional geo-strategic realignments, has greater optical significance. On the agenda of the visit would be bilateral ties, Afghanistan situation, including talks of defence cooperation and commitments to take forward the north-south gas pipeline of length of over 1100 kilometers. Setting up of the pipeline is aimed at facilitating transfer of imported gas from the port city of Karachi to the load center in Pakistani Punjab province. The visit, which will be held in the second half of February 2022, will be closely watched out by other countries in the region. US President Joe Biden has not held a telephonic discussion with Pakistan PM Imran Khan after the former assumed office. In this light, Imran Khan's Russia visit will be looked at in a possible context of regional re-alignment on the part of the Pakistani government. Last time an elected Pakistani prime minister visited Russia on a bilateral visit was in March 1999 during the tenure of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. In 2003, Pakistani military dictator Pervez Musharraf had visited Russia. In 2011, then Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari paid a visit to Russia. In 2017, Pakistani Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan visited Sochi in Russia to attend a multilateral conference, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit (SCO). The last formal bilateral meeting between a Pakistani prime minister and Russian president was held between former Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the SCO summit in Astana, Kazakhstan in June 2017. Since then, there have been multiple informal pull-aside meetings between Russian president and Pakistani prime minister at different forums. The two were scheduled to meet on the sidelines of the SCO summit last year in Tajikistan but the meeting was called off due to Covid-19 outbreak in President Putin’s inner circle. The two have exchanged multiple telephone calls in recent times as well. The Pakistani prime minister will be accompanied by a high-level delegation of senior ministers from his cabinet. Sources say that details of this visit will be released in due course of time by the Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Relations between Pakistan and Russia in the past had not been at an ideal level following the country’s involvement in collapse of the USSR. However, a new dimension of the relationship was seen when the former Pakistani Army chief General Raheel Sharif visited Russia in 2015 and laid another foundation of military diplomacy that eventually lead to be being converted in exchanges of formal diplomatic contacts and high-level visits, including one by the Pakistani National Security Advisor Moeed Yusuf in December last year. The Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov too visited Pakistan in April 2021.

In first bilateral visit by a Pak PM, Imran Khan to go to Russia this month

Russia has in place about 70% of the combat power it believes it would need for a full-scale invasion of Ukraine and is sending more battalion tactical groups to the border with its neighbour, two US officials said on Saturday.

In the last two weeks, the number of battalion tactical groups (BTG) in the border region has risen to 83 from 60 as of Friday and 14 more are in transit, the officials told Reuters on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the information.&nbsp;

As to the timing of an invasion, the ground is expected to reach peak freeze around Feb. 15, the officials said, allowing for off-road mechanized transit by Russian military units. Such conditions would continue until the end of March.&nbsp;

That timeline and the growing number and capability of Russian forces close to Ukraine could suggest the window for diplomacy is shutting.&nbsp;

The US officials did not provide evidence to back up their estimates of Russia's forces. &nbsp;

As Russia masses more than 100,000 troops near the border, it has said it is not planning an invasion but could take unspecified military action if its security demands are not met. Those include a promise that NATO will never admit Ukraine, a demand Washington and NATO have said is unacceptable. &nbsp;

Washington believes Russia may choose other options than a full-scale invasion, including a limited incursion, and does not believe President Vladimir Putin had made a final decision, the officials said. 
But they said Putin is putting in place a force that can execute all scenarios.&nbsp;

If Russia were to invade the capital of Kyiv, it could fall within a couple of days, the U.S. officials said.&nbsp;

A full-scale invasion would cause major casualties, one of the officials said.&nbsp;

Ukraine could suffer 5,000 to 25,000 troop casualties, while Russia's troop casualties could be between 3,000 and 10,000, and civilian casualties could range from 25,000 to 50,000, according to US estimates, the official said.&nbsp;

A full invasion would also prompt the flight of millions of refugees and internally displaced persons in Europe, Washington believes.

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Russia has in place about 70% of the combat power it believes it would need for a full-scale invasion of Ukraine and is sending more battalion tactical groups to the border with its neighbour, two US officials said on Saturday.

Russia has in place about 70% of the combat power it believes it would need for a full-scale invasion of Ukraine and is sending more battalion tactical groups to the border with its neighbour, two US officials said on Saturday. In the last two weeks, the number of battalion tactical groups (BTG) in the border region has risen to 83 from 60 as of Friday and 14 more are in transit, the officials told Reuters on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the information. As to the timing of an invasion, the ground is expected to reach peak freeze around Feb. 15, the officials said, allowing for off-road mechanized transit by Russian military units. Such conditions would continue until the end of March. That timeline and the growing number and capability of Russian forces close to Ukraine could suggest the window for diplomacy is shutting. The US officials did not provide evidence to back up their estimates of Russia's forces. As Russia masses more than 100,000 troops near the border, it has said it is not planning an invasion but could take unspecified military action if its security demands are not met. Those include a promise that NATO will never admit Ukraine, a demand Washington and NATO have said is unacceptable. Washington believes Russia may choose other options than a full-scale invasion, including a limited incursion, and does not believe President Vladimir Putin had made a final decision, the officials said. But they said Putin is putting in place a force that can execute all scenarios. If Russia were to invade the capital of Kyiv, it could fall within a couple of days, the U.S. officials said. A full-scale invasion would cause major casualties, one of the officials said. Ukraine could suffer 5,000 to 25,000 troop casualties, while Russia's troop casualties could be between 3,000 and 10,000, and civilian casualties could range from 25,000 to 50,000, according to US estimates, the official said. A full invasion would also prompt the flight of millions of refugees and internally displaced persons in Europe, Washington believes. ×

US officials say Russian forces at 70% of level needed for full Ukraine invasion

Russia recognises Taiwan as an inalienable part of China and rejects the island's independence in any form, according to a joint Russian-Chinese declaration released on Friday.&nbsp;

"The Russian side reaffirms its support for the One-China principle, confirms that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China, and opposes any forms of independence of Taiwan," the statement read.

The parties also reiterate their strong mutual support for the safeguarding of their key interests, including state sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as their opposition to foreign involvement in their domestic affairs.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/example-of-dignified-relationship-ahead-of-winter-olympic-ceremony-putin-meets-xi-in-beijing-450383">Also read | 'Example of dignified relationship': Ahead of Winter Olympic ceremony, Putin meets Xi in Beijing</a>

In a lengthy joint statement, China blamed the US of inciting riots in Hong Kong and pushing Taiwanese independence, while Russia accused the US of destabilising Ukraine in the same way.

“Russia and China stand against attempts by external forces to undermine security and stability in their common adjacent regions,” according to the 5,300-word joint statement released by the Kremlin.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Kamalturk Yalqun-Once a torchbearer now calls for boycott of Beijing Winter Olympics 2022

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It said both nations “intend to counter interference by outside forces in the internal affairs of sovereign countries under any pretext, oppose color revolutions and will increase cooperation in the aforementioned areas.”

China has said that the world should not be divided into the kind of power blocs that defined the era when the Soviet Union and United States were the two dominant superpowers.

Earlier in the day, Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing ahead of the Winter Olympics opening ceremony.

The Russian president praised the two countries' ties, calling them "unprecedented in nature and an example of respectful cooperation."

Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/eye-on-pacific-why-china-is-testing-anti-ship-ballistic-missiles-in-xinjiang-desert-443100">Eye on Pacific: Why China is testing anti-ship ballistic missiles in Xinjiang desert</a>

Putin is on his first overseas trip of the year, despite rising tensions with the West over Ukraine.

In their first face-to-face meeting in nearly two years, Russian President Vladimir Putin met with his Chinese counterpart. 
 
Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-union-accuses-china-of-economically-punishing-lithuania-over-its-stance-on-taiwan-448153" hreflang="en">European Union accuses China of economically punishing Lithuania over its stance on Taiwan</a>

President Xi, on the other hand, hasn't left China since the coronavirus spread over the country in January 2020.

Later today, both leaders will attend the Olympic opening ceremony.&nbsp;

Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/war-scenario-taiwan-conducts-air-drills-urban-warfare-simulation-amid-china-tensions-442589">War scenario: Taiwan conducts air drills, urban warfare simulation amid China tensions</a>

(With inputs from agencies)

Russia recognises Taiwan as an inalienable part of China and rejects the island's independence in any form, according to a joint Russian-Chinese declaration released on Friday.

Russia recognises Taiwan as an inalienable part of China and rejects the island's independence in any form, according to a joint Russian-Chinese declaration released on Friday. "The Russian side reaffirms its support for the One-China principle, confirms that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China, and opposes any forms of independence of Taiwan," the statement read. The parties also reiterate their strong mutual support for the safeguarding of their key interests, including state sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as their opposition to foreign involvement in their domestic affairs. Also read | 'Example of dignified relationship': Ahead of Winter Olympic ceremony, Putin meets Xi in Beijing In a lengthy joint statement, China blamed the US of inciting riots in Hong Kong and pushing Taiwanese independence, while Russia accused the US of destabilising Ukraine in the same way. “Russia and China stand against attempts by external forces to undermine security and stability in their common adjacent regions,” according to the 5,300-word joint statement released by the Kremlin. Watch: Kamalturk Yalqun-Once a torchbearer now calls for boycott of Beijing Winter Olympics 2022 It said both nations “intend to counter interference by outside forces in the internal affairs of sovereign countries under any pretext, oppose color revolutions and will increase cooperation in the aforementioned areas.” China has said that the world should not be divided into the kind of power blocs that defined the era when the Soviet Union and United States were the two dominant superpowers. Earlier in the day, Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing ahead of the Winter Olympics opening ceremony. The Russian president praised the two countries' ties, calling them "unprecedented in nature and an example of respectful cooperation." Also see | Eye on Pacific: Why China is testing anti-ship ballistic missiles in Xinjiang desert Putin is on his first overseas trip of the year, despite rising tensions with the West over Ukraine. In their first face-to-face meeting in nearly two years, Russian President Vladimir Putin met with his Chinese counterpart. Also read | European Union accuses China of economically punishing Lithuania over its stance on Taiwan President Xi, on the other hand, hasn't left China since the coronavirus spread over the country in January 2020. Later today, both leaders will attend the Olympic opening ceremony. Also see | War scenario: Taiwan conducts air drills, urban warfare simulation amid China tensions (With inputs from agencies)

Russia recognises Taiwan as part of China, opposes island's independence

Russia shut down German broadcaster Deutsche Welle (DW) in Moscow as a retaliatory move to Berlin's decision to ban Russian broadcaster RT DE. Russia said it was stripping DW's staff of their accreditation.

Moscow said it would stop the German channel being broadcast in Russia and start proceedings that would see it declared a "foreign agent," a designation that carries a negative Soviet-era connotation.

Russian foreign ministry said that it would bar entry in Russia for German officials involved in banning of RT DE.

The row between Russia and Germany has erupted amid tensions between Russia and the West over Ukraine Crisis. The strain between Germany and Russia can be first political test for news elected German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

Germany's MABB media watchdog and Commission for Licensing and Supervision (ZAK) of media institutions said this week that RT DE could not broadcast in Germany using a Serbian licence, a decision that angered Russia.

In a statement on its website detailing its retaliatory measures, Russia's foreign ministry described the German move to ban Russian broadcaster "unfriendly".

No immediate comment from DW was forthcoming.

The announcement comes amid a crackdown on media outlets Russia considers "foreign agents". It uses the term to designate foreign-funded organisations it says are engaged in political activity.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russia shut down German broadcaster Deutsche Welle (DW) in Moscow as a retaliatory move to Berlin's decision to ban Russian broadcaster RT DE. Russia said it was stripping DW's staff of their accreditation.

Russia shut down German broadcaster Deutsche Welle (DW) in Moscow as a retaliatory move to Berlin's decision to ban Russian broadcaster RT DE. Russia said it was stripping DW's staff of their accreditation. Moscow said it would stop the German channel being broadcast in Russia and start proceedings that would see it declared a "foreign agent," a designation that carries a negative Soviet-era connotation. Russian foreign ministry said that it would bar entry in Russia for German officials involved in banning of RT DE. The row between Russia and Germany has erupted amid tensions between Russia and the West over Ukraine Crisis. The strain between Germany and Russia can be first political test for news elected German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Germany's MABB media watchdog and Commission for Licensing and Supervision (ZAK) of media institutions said this week that RT DE could not broadcast in Germany using a Serbian licence, a decision that angered Russia. In a statement on its website detailing its retaliatory measures, Russia's foreign ministry described the German move to ban Russian broadcaster "unfriendly". No immediate comment from DW was forthcoming. The announcement comes amid a crackdown on media outlets Russia considers "foreign agents". It uses the term to designate foreign-funded organisations it says are engaged in political activity. (With inputs from agencies)

In retaliatory move, Russia shuts down German broadcaster DW in Moscow

Ukrainian foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba has said Ukraine saw space for the Indian role to defuse&nbsp;the ongoing crisis in Eastern Europe. He said that "it will make an impact". India has a close relationship with Russia and US and both countries have kept New Delhi in loop amid the unfolding situation in Eastern Europe.

At a virtual press conference on Wednesday, foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba, in response to WION's question, said India can tell in "a very clear manner to Russia, the following, that Ukraine is a friend and a partner of India and India will find any attempt of Russia to solve the current crisis by military means or to continue to destabilize Ukraine from inside unacceptable. If Russia hears that from Indian govt, it will be a very strong message of support and it will make an impact"

The comments came even as India called for peaceful resolution of the situation through sustained diplomatic efforts. India, along with Gabon and Kenya had abstained from a UNSC procedural vote calling for discussion on the issue on Monday. US had led the initiative on the issue at the UNSC, which Moscow called as "megaphone diplomacy". Russia wants "security guarantees" from the West that Ukraine doesn't join NATO.

Asked about the Indian students in Ukraine in light of the escalating situation, FM Kuleba said, "When it comes to Indian students in Ukraine, firstly happy to receive all your compatriots they are great people and they study all across the country."

"We really appreciate their presence and contribution to life in Ukraine".

He pointed out, "I can tell them one thing, there are many many much more complicated and dangerous places across the world compared to Ukraine. They can feel safe, continue their studies and enjoy their life and be confident in the future. "

There are about 20,000 Indian students studying in Ukraine, mainly in the field of medicine. Indian business professionals work predominantly in the fields of pharmaceuticals, IT, engineering, medicine, education, etc.

‘India Club’ founded by Indian expats in 2001, actively engages the Indian diaspora in Ukraine.

The Indian mission recently started collecting data and details of Indians in the country in view of the ongoing situation and prepare for any eventuality.

Ukrainian foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba has said Ukraine saw space for the Indian role to defuse the ongoing crisis in Eastern Europe. He said that "it will make an impact".

Ukrainian foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba has said Ukraine saw space for the Indian role to defuse the ongoing crisis in Eastern Europe. He said that "it will make an impact". India has a close relationship with Russia and US and both countries have kept New Delhi in loop amid the unfolding situation in Eastern Europe. At a virtual press conference on Wednesday, foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba, in response to WION's question, said India can tell in "a very clear manner to Russia, the following, that Ukraine is a friend and a partner of India and India will find any attempt of Russia to solve the current crisis by military means or to continue to destabilize Ukraine from inside unacceptable. If Russia hears that from Indian govt, it will be a very strong message of support and it will make an impact" The comments came even as India called for peaceful resolution of the situation through sustained diplomatic efforts. India, along with Gabon and Kenya had abstained from a UNSC procedural vote calling for discussion on the issue on Monday. US had led the initiative on the issue at the UNSC, which Moscow called as "megaphone diplomacy". Russia wants "security guarantees" from the West that Ukraine doesn't join NATO. Asked about the Indian students in Ukraine in light of the escalating situation, FM Kuleba said, "When it comes to Indian students in Ukraine, firstly happy to receive all your compatriots they are great people and they study all across the country." "We really appreciate their presence and contribution to life in Ukraine". He pointed out, "I can tell them one thing, there are many many much more complicated and dangerous places across the world compared to Ukraine. They can feel safe, continue their studies and enjoy their life and be confident in the future. " There are about 20,000 Indian students studying in Ukraine, mainly in the field of medicine. Indian business professionals work predominantly in the fields of pharmaceuticals, IT, engineering, medicine, education, etc. ‘India Club’ founded by Indian expats in 2001, actively engages the Indian diaspora in Ukraine. The Indian mission recently started collecting data and details of Indians in the country in view of the ongoing situation and prepare for any eventuality.

India's message to Russia will make impact, says Ukraine foreign minister

Russia and the United States faced off against each other in United Nations Security Council's (UNSC) session on Russia's troop buildup on Ukrainian border.&nbsp;

The US-requested meeting, which began around 1530 GMT, came with fears growing of an imminent incursion into Ukraine, despite Kremlin denials.

Russia has more than 100,000 of its troops stationed on Ukrainian border. On Monday, Russia contested the claim. Asking basis for reporting of such figure, Russia said that it had not cited any figure about the troop buildup.

Russia tried to block the 15-member Council from holding the meeting at all -- with its envoy to the UN Vasily Nebenzya accusing the United States of trying to "whip up hysteria" by pushing a Security Council debate.

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But Washington's UN envoy Linda Thomas-Greenfield said Moscow's troop buildup justified the move, and Russia's blocking move was rejected with 10 out of 15 members backing Washington.

"This is the largest... mobilization of troops in Europe in decades," the ambassador said. "And as we speak, Russia is sending even more forces and arms to join them."

She told the Council Russia's military buildup had been paired with "aggressive rhetoric" as part of an escalation often seen from Russia when it seized Crimea in 2014.

US also alleged that Russia planned to raise 30,000 troops in Belarus, a Russian ally. Russian soldiers, a fraction of the number, have already reached Belarus. Both Russia and Belarus are saying that Russian troops withhold military drills with Belarus forces.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Russia and the United States faced off against each other in United Nations Security Council's (UNSC) session on Russia's troop buildup on Ukrainian border. The US-requested meeting, which began around 1530 GMT, came with fears growing of an imminent incursion into Ukraine, despite Kremlin denials.

Russia and the United States faced off against each other in United Nations Security Council's (UNSC) session on Russia's troop buildup on Ukrainian border. The US-requested meeting, which began around 1530 GMT, came with fears growing of an imminent incursion into Ukraine, despite Kremlin denials. Russia has more than 100,000 of its troops stationed on Ukrainian border. On Monday, Russia contested the claim. Asking basis for reporting of such figure, Russia said that it had not cited any figure about the troop buildup. Russia tried to block the 15-member Council from holding the meeting at all -- with its envoy to the UN Vasily Nebenzya accusing the United States of trying to "whip up hysteria" by pushing a Security Council debate. × But Washington's UN envoy Linda Thomas-Greenfield said Moscow's troop buildup justified the move, and Russia's blocking move was rejected with 10 out of 15 members backing Washington. "This is the largest... mobilization of troops in Europe in decades," the ambassador said. "And as we speak, Russia is sending even more forces and arms to join them." She told the Council Russia's military buildup had been paired with "aggressive rhetoric" as part of an escalation often seen from Russia when it seized Crimea in 2014. US also alleged that Russia planned to raise 30,000 troops in Belarus, a Russian ally. Russian soldiers, a fraction of the number, have already reached Belarus. Both Russia and Belarus are saying that Russian troops withhold military drills with Belarus forces. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine crisis: Who says we have 100,000 troops at border? Russia asks in UNSC

Kyiv has urged Russia to pull back its troops from Ukraine's border and must continue diplomatic engagement with the West if Moscow is serious when it says it doesn't want a new war.&nbsp;

Moscow has deployed tens of thousands of troops, weapons, tanks, ammunition on the border of Ukraine, causing fears of invasion and resulting Russia-West relations at the lowest point since the Cold War.&nbsp;

However, pushing forward the efforts to de-escalate the heightened tensions between the two countries, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba re-affirmed the continuation of diplomatic engagement between Russia and the West countries. &nbsp;

Kuleba tweeted: "If Russian officials are serious when they say they don't want a new war, Russia must continue diplomatic engagement and pull back military forces it amassed along Ukraine's borders and in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine." "Diplomacy is the only responsible way," he said.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-want-mutually-respectful-ties-with-us-says-russian-foreign-minister-448989">We want 'mutually respectful' ties with US, says Russian foreign minister&nbsp;</a>

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If Russian officials are serious when they say they don’t want a new war, Russia must continue diplomatic engagement and pull back military forces it amassed along Ukraine’s borders and in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine. Diplomacy is the only responsible way.
— Dmytro Kuleba (@DmytroKuleba) <a href="https://twitter.com/DmytroKuleba/status/1487824698964680704?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 30, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Moscow has denied fears for an invasion and said it does not want war but is seeking security guarantees from Washington and NATO to curb the eastwards expansion of the alliance.

These include a guarantee that NATO will not admit new members, in particular Ukraine, and the United States will not establish new military bases in ex-Soviet countries.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-crisis-uk-to-offer-nato-military-deployment-in-europe-kyiv-urges-west-to-be-firm-in-talks-448866">Russia-Ukraine crisis: UK to offer NATO military deployment in Europe; Kyiv urges West to be 'firm' in talks</a>

On one side Ukraine is advocating for diplomatic ways to diffuse the situation, on the other hand, Kyiv is also urging the West to remain "vigilant and firm" in its talks with Russia.&nbsp;

On Saturday, in a phone conversation with French counterpart Yves Le Drian, Kuleba weighed in on de-escalation efforts. Kuleba urged the West to remain "vigilant and firm in contacts with the Russian side"&nbsp;

As per the statement, the talks between the two highlighted the need to "refrain from steps that could fuel anxiety" in Ukrainian society. Also, the need to "undermine the financial stability".&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;US officials threaten to impose sanction on Russia if latter invades Ukraine

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&nbsp;

Kyiv has urged Russia to pull back its troops from Ukraine's border and must continue diplomatic engagement with the West if Moscow is serious when it says it doesn't want a new war.

Kyiv has urged Russia to pull back its troops from Ukraine's border and must continue diplomatic engagement with the West if Moscow is serious when it says it doesn't want a new war. Moscow has deployed tens of thousands of troops, weapons, tanks, ammunition on the border of Ukraine, causing fears of invasion and resulting Russia-West relations at the lowest point since the Cold War. However, pushing forward the efforts to de-escalate the heightened tensions between the two countries, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba re-affirmed the continuation of diplomatic engagement between Russia and the West countries. Kuleba tweeted: "If Russian officials are serious when they say they don't want a new war, Russia must continue diplomatic engagement and pull back military forces it amassed along Ukraine's borders and in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine." "Diplomacy is the only responsible way," he said. ALSO READ | We want 'mutually respectful' ties with US, says Russian foreign minister If Russian officials are serious when they say they don’t want a new war, Russia must continue diplomatic engagement and pull back military forces it amassed along Ukraine’s borders and in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine. Diplomacy is the only responsible way. — Dmytro Kuleba (@DmytroKuleba) January 30, 2022 × Moscow has denied fears for an invasion and said it does not want war but is seeking security guarantees from Washington and NATO to curb the eastwards expansion of the alliance. These include a guarantee that NATO will not admit new members, in particular Ukraine, and the United States will not establish new military bases in ex-Soviet countries. ALSO READ | Russia-Ukraine crisis: UK to offer NATO military deployment in Europe; Kyiv urges West to be 'firm' in talks On one side Ukraine is advocating for diplomatic ways to diffuse the situation, on the other hand, Kyiv is also urging the West to remain "vigilant and firm" in its talks with Russia. On Saturday, in a phone conversation with French counterpart Yves Le Drian, Kuleba weighed in on de-escalation efforts. Kuleba urged the West to remain "vigilant and firm in contacts with the Russian side" As per the statement, the talks between the two highlighted the need to "refrain from steps that could fuel anxiety" in Ukrainian society. Also, the need to "undermine the financial stability". ALSO READ | US officials threaten to impose sanction on Russia if latter invades Ukraine ×

Amid war-like situation, Ukraine asks Russia to pull back troops: 'Diplomacy is the only responsible way'

Russia has accused the US of instigating 'hysteria' over Ukraine crisis. Russian President Vladimir Putin's spokesperson said that US media was spreading a lot of false information. In other news, a US Congressman has asked President Biden not letting Pakistan install a 'jihadist' envoy. Read this and more in Top 10 World News.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-instigating-hysteria-people-in-ukraine-packing-frontline-bags-russia-449263">US instigating hysteria, people in Ukraine packing frontline bags: Russia</a> 
 
Reports said civilians in Ukraine's Lviv city took part in military training amid Russia's continued build-up at the border.

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Masood Khan had joined Pakistan foreign service in 1980s and has served as Pak envoy to the UN and China. Khan's Twitter account was suspended earlier due to violation of Twitter policies.

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The temperature has plummeted well below zero degree Celsius in Canadian capital Ottawa but truckers protest is showing no sign of stopping. Many Twitter users have taken potshots at Canada PM Justin Trudeau for commenting on farmer's protests in India.

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/charles-dickens-classic-oliver-twist-could-cause-anxiety-and-distress-students-warned-449240">Charles Dickens classic 'Oliver Twist' could cause anxiety and distress, students warned</a> 
 
The university added that these topics could cause them "anxiety or distress, perhaps as a consequence of past experience".

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/schools-cannot-use-contracts-to-avoid-responsibilities-under-anti-discrimination-law-says-australian-official-449228">Schools cannot use contracts to avoid responsibilities under anti-discrimination law, says Australian official</a> 
 
Citipointe’s contract or the “statement of faith”, which is required for enrolment, lists “homosexual acts” alongside bestiality, incest and paedophilia as "immoral" and "offensive to God". It also said that each person should identify “with the gender that God bestowed”.

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UK is working on new sanctions legislation which British foreign secretary has said may be used against "any company of interest to the Kremlin and the regime in Russia". Tensions between Russia and the West remain high over Ukraine crisis.

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/international-journalists-in-china-say-they-face-serious-threats-449223">International journalists in China say they face serious threats</a> 
 
Threats of legal action, online troll campaigns and dwindling numbers after the expulsion of colleagues -- foreign journalists in China are facing "unprecedented hurdles" from efforts to discredit independent reporting, a press group said Monday.

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The prospective H-1B cap-subject petitioners or their representatives are required to use a myUSCIS online account to register each beneficiary electronically for the selection process and pay the required $10 registration fee.

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China has introduced sweeping regulations to clean up the internet even as foreign companies including LinkedIn have pulled out of the country.

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Reports have mentioned that people in Okinawa enjoy the longest life expectancy of anyone on Earth, but what are their secrets? Here's a report.

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&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Russia has accused the US of instigating 'hysteria' over Ukraine crisis. Russian President Vladimir Putin's spokesperson said that US media was spreading a lot of false information.

Russia has accused the US of instigating 'hysteria' over Ukraine crisis. Russian President Vladimir Putin's spokesperson said that US media was spreading a lot of false information. In other news, a US Congressman has asked President Biden not letting Pakistan install a 'jihadist' envoy. Read this and more in Top 10 World News. US instigating hysteria, people in Ukraine packing frontline bags: Russia Reports said civilians in Ukraine's Lviv city took part in military training amid Russia's continued build-up at the border. US Congressman asks President Biden to reject Pak's effort to install 'jihadist' envoy Masood Khan had joined Pakistan foreign service in 1980s and has served as Pak envoy to the UN and China. Khan's Twitter account was suspended earlier due to violation of Twitter policies. Taste of own medicine or Karma? Indian Twitter trolls Trudeau over truckers protests The temperature has plummeted well below zero degree Celsius in Canadian capital Ottawa but truckers protest is showing no sign of stopping. Many Twitter users have taken potshots at Canada PM Justin Trudeau for commenting on farmer's protests in India. Charles Dickens classic 'Oliver Twist' could cause anxiety and distress, students warned The university added that these topics could cause them "anxiety or distress, perhaps as a consequence of past experience". Schools cannot use contracts to avoid responsibilities under anti-discrimination law, says Australian official Citipointe’s contract or the “statement of faith”, which is required for enrolment, lists “homosexual acts” alongside bestiality, incest and paedophilia as "immoral" and "offensive to God". It also said that each person should identify “with the gender that God bestowed”. Kremlin expresses displeasure over UK plans of new sanctions UK is working on new sanctions legislation which British foreign secretary has said may be used against "any company of interest to the Kremlin and the regime in Russia". Tensions between Russia and the West remain high over Ukraine crisis. International journalists in China say they face serious threats Threats of legal action, online troll campaigns and dwindling numbers after the expulsion of colleagues -- foreign journalists in China are facing "unprecedented hurdles" from efforts to discredit independent reporting, a press group said Monday. US H1-B visas’ registration for FY2023 to be held from March 1 to 18 The prospective H-1B cap-subject petitioners or their representatives are required to use a myUSCIS online account to register each beneficiary electronically for the selection process and pay the required $10 registration fee. Gay dating app Grindr disappears from China's app stores China has introduced sweeping regulations to clean up the internet even as foreign companies including LinkedIn have pulled out of the country. Hara Hachi Bu: The Japanese way of healthy living, weight loss and long life Reports have mentioned that people in Okinawa enjoy the longest life expectancy of anyone on Earth, but what are their secrets? Here's a report.

Top 10 world news: Russia on US 'hysteria', Twitter trolls Trudeau, more

Kremlin on Monday expressed its displeasure over Britain's plan to target Russian companies to deter Russia from invading Ukraine. The Kremlin vowed that it will retaliate if need be.

"This is a very worrying statement from London, &nbsp;not only for our companies. This demonstrates a fair amount of unpredictability on the part of London and is a cause for serious concern for international financial structures," said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov.

He called it an "undisguised attack on business."

"Essentially, the British cabinet is threatening its big businesses, among other things. The Anglo-Saxons are massively ramping up tensions on the European continent."

Moscow will respond with "retaliatory measures" if Russian companies are targeted, Peskov added.

"These measures will be based on our own interests," he said without providing further details.

British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said on Sunday that UK was going to unveil new sanctions legislation. She said that doing so would widen country's toolbox so &nbsp;"any company of interest to the Kremlin and the regime in Russia" could be targeted.&nbsp;

Russia curently has more than 100,000 of its troops stationed at its border with Ukraine. Though Russia claims that it does not have invasion in mind, various statement from the Russian side have been taken to be suggesting otherwise.

Russia is fiercely against Ukraine joining the NATO. It wants assurance from the West that Ukraine, a former Soviet state, would never be included in the alliance.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Kremlin on Monday expressed its displeasure over Britain's plan to target Russian companies to deter Russia from invading Ukraine. The Kremlin vowed that it will retaliate if need be.

Kremlin on Monday expressed its displeasure over Britain's plan to target Russian companies to deter Russia from invading Ukraine. The Kremlin vowed that it will retaliate if need be. "This is a very worrying statement from London, not only for our companies. This demonstrates a fair amount of unpredictability on the part of London and is a cause for serious concern for international financial structures," said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. He called it an "undisguised attack on business." "Essentially, the British cabinet is threatening its big businesses, among other things. The Anglo-Saxons are massively ramping up tensions on the European continent." Moscow will respond with "retaliatory measures" if Russian companies are targeted, Peskov added. "These measures will be based on our own interests," he said without providing further details. British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said on Sunday that UK was going to unveil new sanctions legislation. She said that doing so would widen country's toolbox so "any company of interest to the Kremlin and the regime in Russia" could be targeted. Russia curently has more than 100,000 of its troops stationed at its border with Ukraine. Though Russia claims that it does not have invasion in mind, various statement from the Russian side have been taken to be suggesting otherwise. Russia is fiercely against Ukraine joining the NATO. It wants assurance from the West that Ukraine, a former Soviet state, would never be included in the alliance. (With inputs from agencies)

Kremlin expresses displeasure over UK plans of new sanctions

Russian deputy foreign minister Sergey Vershinin held talks with secretary west Reenat Sandhu on Monday in Delhi. The talks come even as Russia is set to take over the Presidency of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) from February 1 for a period of one month.&nbsp;

India is also a non-permanent member of the council since January last year. MEA readout said, "Both sides agreed to deepen cooperation on issues on the UNSC agenda, keeping in view their special and privileged strategic partnership."

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Secretary (West) <a href="https://twitter.com/reenat_sandhu?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@reenat_sandhu</a> welcomed Sergey Vershinin, Deputy Foreign Minister of Russia, for India-Russia UN consultations today in New Delhi. <a href="https://t.co/yUMtELOUDR">pic.twitter.com/yUMtELOUDR</a>
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Last week, Russian deputy foreign minister Vershinin had spoken to Indian envoy to Russia Pavan Kapoor with focus on Russian Presidency of the UNSC. The visit assumes significance even as Moscow has kept India in the loop over the situation in Ukraine and eastern Europe&nbsp;and Russia-West talks on the security guarantees.

Russia has drawn red lines that Ukraine should not become a NATO member and called on West&nbsp;especially the United States to give security guarantees over its worries.

Last week in response to a WION question at the weekly presser of the Russian foreign ministry, deputy director of the information and press department Alexey Zaytsev said," we are informing our Indian partners on the relevant security situation in Europe and corresponding negotiations."

Russian Deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov had a meeting with the Indian envoy to Russia Pavan Kapoor earlier this month.

During the meet, they "exchanged views and&nbsp;assessments on the events in Geneva, Brussels and&nbsp;Vienna on security guarantees for Russia" according to a Russian readout of the meet.

Deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov had led the talks from the Russian side in Geneva&nbsp;where US was represented by US Deputy secretary of state Wendy Sherman. Earlier, Sherman made a telephonic call to India's foreign secretary Harsh Shringla to brief him on the situation.

New Delhi has close ties with both US and Russia and has called for "peaceful resolution" of the crisis. Last week at the weekly presser, ministry of external affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said, "We call for a peaceful resolution of the situation through sustained diplomatic efforts for long term peace and stability in the region and beyond."

While New Delhi closely follows the development in eastern Europe, the Indian mission in Ukraine has started to collect data on Indian nationals in the country. Around 18,000 Indian students are in the country, according to government estimates.

Russian deputy foreign minister Sergey Vershinin held talks with secretary west Reenat Sandhu on Monday in Delhi. The talks come even as Russia is set to take over the Presidency of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) from February 1 for a period of one month.

Russian deputy foreign minister Sergey Vershinin held talks with secretary west Reenat Sandhu on Monday in Delhi. The talks come even as Russia is set to take over the Presidency of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) from February 1 for a period of one month. India is also a non-permanent member of the council since January last year. MEA readout said, "Both sides agreed to deepen cooperation on issues on the UNSC agenda, keeping in view their special and privileged strategic partnership." Secretary (West) @reenat_sandhu welcomed Sergey Vershinin, Deputy Foreign Minister of Russia, for India-Russia UN consultations today in New Delhi. pic.twitter.com/yUMtELOUDR — Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) January 31, 2022 × Last week, Russian deputy foreign minister Vershinin had spoken to Indian envoy to Russia Pavan Kapoor with focus on Russian Presidency of the UNSC. The visit assumes significance even as Moscow has kept India in the loop over the situation in Ukraine and eastern Europe and Russia-West talks on the security guarantees. Russia has drawn red lines that Ukraine should not become a NATO member and called on West especially the United States to give security guarantees over its worries. Last week in response to a WION question at the weekly presser of the Russian foreign ministry, deputy director of the information and press department Alexey Zaytsev said," we are informing our Indian partners on the relevant security situation in Europe and corresponding negotiations." Russian Deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov had a meeting with the Indian envoy to Russia Pavan Kapoor earlier this month. During the meet, they "exchanged views and assessments on the events in Geneva, Brussels and Vienna on security guarantees for Russia" according to a Russian readout of the meet. Deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov had led the talks from the Russian side in Geneva where US was represented by US Deputy secretary of state Wendy Sherman. Earlier, Sherman made a telephonic call to India's foreign secretary Harsh Shringla to brief him on the situation. New Delhi has close ties with both US and Russia and has called for "peaceful resolution" of the crisis. Last week at the weekly presser, ministry of external affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said, "We call for a peaceful resolution of the situation through sustained diplomatic efforts for long term peace and stability in the region and beyond." While New Delhi closely follows the development in eastern Europe, the Indian mission in Ukraine has started to collect data on Indian nationals in the country. Around 18,000 Indian students are in the country, according to government estimates.

With Ukraine crisis in backdrop, Russian deputy foreign minister in Delhi for talks

A third of Ukrainians (33.3%) are willing to take up guns to defend their nation against a Russian invasion, while another 21.7 percent are willing to fight back by joining a civic resistance movement.

According to Ukrinform, the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS) conducted a survey from December 3-11, 2021.

In December 2021, the KIIS, as part of the Omnibus, questioned respondents: "Would you take any action, and if so, what exactly?" if Russia invaded their town or hamlet.The poll's findings demonstrate that Ukrainians will reject Russian invaders in general, " the statement continues.&nbsp;

According to the survey, every third responder (33.3%) is prepared to engage in armed resistance.

Another 21.7 per cent are willing to take part in civil disobedience actions.

In general, 50.2 per cent of Ukrainians say they are prepared to repel some form of aggression.

14.8 percent said they'd relocate to a safer location, 9.3 percent said they'd flee the country, and 18.6 percent said they'd do nothing.

Another 12.1% had not made up their mind on the issue, and 1.1% refused to answer.

People's propensity to oppose attack varies by location, ranging from 60.5 percent in the west to 37.2 percent in the east.

People in 39.7% of the west and 25.6 percent of the east are willing to offer armed opposition.

(With inputs from agencies)

A third of Ukrainians (33.3%) are willing to take up guns to defend their nation against a Russian invasion, while another 21.7 percent are willing to fight back by joining a civic resistance movement.

A third of Ukrainians (33.3%) are willing to take up guns to defend their nation against a Russian invasion, while another 21.7 percent are willing to fight back by joining a civic resistance movement. According to Ukrinform, the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS) conducted a survey from December 3-11, 2021. In December 2021, the KIIS, as part of the Omnibus, questioned respondents: "Would you take any action, and if so, what exactly?" if Russia invaded their town or hamlet.The poll's findings demonstrate that Ukrainians will reject Russian invaders in general, " the statement continues. According to the survey, every third responder (33.3%) is prepared to engage in armed resistance. Another 21.7 per cent are willing to take part in civil disobedience actions. In general, 50.2 per cent of Ukrainians say they are prepared to repel some form of aggression. 14.8 percent said they'd relocate to a safer location, 9.3 percent said they'd flee the country, and 18.6 percent said they'd do nothing. Another 12.1% had not made up their mind on the issue, and 1.1% refused to answer. People's propensity to oppose attack varies by location, ranging from 60.5 percent in the west to 37.2 percent in the east. People in 39.7% of the west and 25.6 percent of the east are willing to offer armed opposition. (With inputs from agencies)

Every third Ukrainian ready to put up armed resistance to Russians: Study

Belarus president Alexander Lukashenko on Friday (as per local time) said that Belarus did not have interest in war and claimed conflict would only erupt if the country or its ally Russia were directly attacked. Lukashenko's words have come just when both countries are preparing to hold military drills.

He said, however, that "there will be no winners in this war" and "everything will be lost".

Lukashenko made his remarks in a televised speech which was an address to the nation. Belarus and Russia will soon hold military drills in Belarus to the north of Ukraine. This has put the West on edge. The military drills have come even as tens of thousands of Russian troops remain stationed along its border with Ukraine. The threat of Russian invasion remains high.

Though Russia has said that it does not want to invade Ukraine, statements from the Russian camps about Ukraine creating security threats for Russia are seen as a prelude to invasion.

Russian troops have reached Belarus for the military drills.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-ongoing-ukraine-crisis-russian-troops-arrive-in-belarus-for-military-drills-448750">Amid ongoing Ukraine crisis, Russian troops arrive in Belarus for military drills</a>

The military drills will be closely monitored around the world especially in the West.

The drills will take place from February 10 to February 20 and aimed at "practicing coordinating allied forces," Russian defence ministry said in a statement.

Russia is fiercely against Ukraine's inclusion in North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO). Ukraine was part of erstwhile Soviet Union. NATO has been maintaining that its 'open door policy' would continue, meaning that any country could freely join the alliance if it chooses to.

Russia is the key political and financial ally of Belarus. Moscow stood by Lukashenko in the wake of massive protests against his re-election in 2020 that were violently crushed.

(With inputs from agencies)

Belarus president Alexander Lukashenko on Friday (as per local time) said that Belarus did not have interest in war and claimed conflict would only erupt if the country or its ally Russia were directly attacked.

Belarus president Alexander Lukashenko on Friday (as per local time) said that Belarus did not have interest in war and claimed conflict would only erupt if the country or its ally Russia were directly attacked. Lukashenko's words have come just when both countries are preparing to hold military drills. He said, however, that "there will be no winners in this war" and "everything will be lost". Lukashenko made his remarks in a televised speech which was an address to the nation. Belarus and Russia will soon hold military drills in Belarus to the north of Ukraine. This has put the West on edge. The military drills have come even as tens of thousands of Russian troops remain stationed along its border with Ukraine. The threat of Russian invasion remains high. Though Russia has said that it does not want to invade Ukraine, statements from the Russian camps about Ukraine creating security threats for Russia are seen as a prelude to invasion. Russian troops have reached Belarus for the military drills. Also Read | Amid ongoing Ukraine crisis, Russian troops arrive in Belarus for military drills The military drills will be closely monitored around the world especially in the West. The drills will take place from February 10 to February 20 and aimed at "practicing coordinating allied forces," Russian defence ministry said in a statement. Russia is fiercely against Ukraine's inclusion in North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO). Ukraine was part of erstwhile Soviet Union. NATO has been maintaining that its 'open door policy' would continue, meaning that any country could freely join the alliance if it chooses to. Russia is the key political and financial ally of Belarus. Moscow stood by Lukashenko in the wake of massive protests against his re-election in 2020 that were violently crushed. (With inputs from agencies)

War possible only if Belarus or Russia get attacked, says Lukashenko

Canada's foreign ministry on Sunday said that the country would temporarily withdraw non-essential Canadian employees and remaining dependents from its embassy in Ukraine. The decision has been taken amid the international standoff over Russian troops massed on Russia-Ukraine border.

"As we continue to closely monitor the situation, our highest priority remains the safety and security of Canadians. Our officials stand ready to provide consular assistance to Canadian citizens, as required," the ministry said in a statement.

The embassy in Kyiv remains open, it said.

Canada said last week it will reinforce the team at the Canadian Embassy with experts in security, conflict management, democratic reform and consular services.

"Together, they will increase our diplomatic capacity and allow us to continue to assess and respond to the evolving situation in support of Ukraine," it said.

Russia currently has more than 100,000 of its soldiers and military equipment at its border with Ukraine. Russia has been repeatedly claiming that it did not intend to invade Ukraine but claims from Russian camps suggesting security threat from Ukraine is seen as attempt to create a pretext for invasion.

Tensions are high between Russia and the West. Russia is fiercely against Ukraine joining the NATO and demanding assurances that this will never happen.

Canada's foreign ministry on Sunday said that the country would temporarily withdraw non-essential Canadian employees and remaining dependents from its embassy in Ukraine.

Canada's foreign ministry on Sunday said that the country would temporarily withdraw non-essential Canadian employees and remaining dependents from its embassy in Ukraine. The decision has been taken amid the international standoff over Russian troops massed on Russia-Ukraine border. "As we continue to closely monitor the situation, our highest priority remains the safety and security of Canadians. Our officials stand ready to provide consular assistance to Canadian citizens, as required," the ministry said in a statement. The embassy in Kyiv remains open, it said. Canada said last week it will reinforce the team at the Canadian Embassy with experts in security, conflict management, democratic reform and consular services. "Together, they will increase our diplomatic capacity and allow us to continue to assess and respond to the evolving situation in support of Ukraine," it said. Russia currently has more than 100,000 of its soldiers and military equipment at its border with Ukraine. Russia has been repeatedly claiming that it did not intend to invade Ukraine but claims from Russian camps suggesting security threat from Ukraine is seen as attempt to create a pretext for invasion. Tensions are high between Russia and the West. Russia is fiercely against Ukraine joining the NATO and demanding assurances that this will never happen.

Canada removes non-essential personnel from embassy in Ukraine

The United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced on &nbsp;Saturday (January 29) that Britain is preparing to offer NATO a "major" deployment of troops, weapons, warships and jets in Europe amid the Russia-Ukraine border crisis.&nbsp;

Johnson said that if Russian President Vladimir Putin chose "bloodshed and destruction" in Ukraine, it would be "a tragedy for Europe". He further said that "Ukraine must be free to choose its own future".&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-moves-blood-supplies-near-ukraine-adding-to-us-concern-officials-say-448801">Russia moves blood supplies near Ukraine, adding to US concern, officials say</a>

The formal announcement is set to be made to NATO military chiefs next week. The move means Britain could double approximately 1,150 UK troops, currently in eastern European countries as UK PM Johnson said the deployment would send a "clear message to the Kremlin".&nbsp;

Johnson said in a statement late Saturday, "This package would send a clear message to the Kremlin -- we will not tolerate their destabilising activity, and we will always stand with our NATO allies in the face Russian hostility."&nbsp;

"I have ordered our Armed Forces to prepare to deploy across Europe next week, ensuring we are able to support our NATO allies on land, at sea and in the air," he added.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-ongoing-ukraine-crisis-russian-troops-arrive-in-belarus-for-military-drills-448750">Amid ongoing Ukraine crisis, Russian troops arrive in Belarus for military drills</a>

On the other hand, Kyiv on Saturday has urged the West to remain "vigilant and firm" in its talks with Russia.&nbsp;

In a conversation with French counterpart Yves Le Drian, Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba on Saturday weighed in on de-escalation efforts. Kuleba urged the West to remain "vigilant and firm in contacts with the Russian side"&nbsp;

As per the statement, the talks between the two highlighted the need to "refrain from steps that could fuel anxiety" in Ukrainian society. Also, the need to "undermine the financial stability".&nbsp;

On Friday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had urged his Western partners to avoid stirring "panic" over the massive Russian troop buildup.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Sanctions imposed on Moscow as tensions on Russia-Ukraine border continue to simmer

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The United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced on Saturday (January 29) that Britain is preparing to offer NATO a "major" deployment of troops, weapons, warships and jets in Europe amid the Russia-Ukraine border crisis.

The United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced on Saturday (January 29) that Britain is preparing to offer NATO a "major" deployment of troops, weapons, warships and jets in Europe amid the Russia-Ukraine border crisis. Johnson said that if Russian President Vladimir Putin chose "bloodshed and destruction" in Ukraine, it would be "a tragedy for Europe". He further said that "Ukraine must be free to choose its own future". ALSO READ | Russia moves blood supplies near Ukraine, adding to US concern, officials say The formal announcement is set to be made to NATO military chiefs next week. The move means Britain could double approximately 1,150 UK troops, currently in eastern European countries as UK PM Johnson said the deployment would send a "clear message to the Kremlin". Johnson said in a statement late Saturday, "This package would send a clear message to the Kremlin -- we will not tolerate their destabilising activity, and we will always stand with our NATO allies in the face Russian hostility." "I have ordered our Armed Forces to prepare to deploy across Europe next week, ensuring we are able to support our NATO allies on land, at sea and in the air," he added. ALSO READ | Amid ongoing Ukraine crisis, Russian troops arrive in Belarus for military drills On the other hand, Kyiv on Saturday has urged the West to remain "vigilant and firm" in its talks with Russia. In a conversation with French counterpart Yves Le Drian, Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba on Saturday weighed in on de-escalation efforts. Kuleba urged the West to remain "vigilant and firm in contacts with the Russian side" As per the statement, the talks between the two highlighted the need to "refrain from steps that could fuel anxiety" in Ukrainian society. Also, the need to "undermine the financial stability". On Friday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had urged his Western partners to avoid stirring "panic" over the massive Russian troop buildup. ALSO WATCH | Sanctions imposed on Moscow as tensions on Russia-Ukraine border continue to simmer ×

Russia-Ukraine crisis: UK to offer NATO military deployment in Europe; Kyiv urges West to be 'firm' in talks

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg on Sunday said that Europe needed to diversify its energey supplies. Though he did not explicitly mentioned Russia in this context the hint was clear as Russia is one of the major suppliers of natural gas to Europe. Relations between Russian and the West have been strained over the Ukraine crisis.

"We are concerned about the energy situation in Europe because it demonstrates the vulnerability of being too dependent on one supplier of natural gas and that's the reason why NATO allies agree that we need to work and focus on diversification of supplies," NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenburg said.

Russia has massed some 120,000 troops near its neighbour and demanded the western defence alliance pull back troops and weapons from eastern Europe and bar Ukraine, a former Soviet state, from ever joining the Western defence alliance.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-want-mutually-respectful-ties-with-us-says-russian-foreign-minister-448989">We want 'mutually respectful' ties with US, says Russian foreign minister&nbsp;</a>

US&nbsp;officials said on Saturday Russia's military buildup had been expanded to include supplies to treat casualties of any conflict. Across the border in Ukraine, locals trained as army reservists as the government scrambled to prepare.

Moscow denies any plan to invade but said on Sunday it would ask NATO to clarify whether it intends to implement key security commitments after earlier saying the alliance's response to its demands did not go far enough.

"If they do not intend to do so, then they should explain why," Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on state television. "This will be a key question in determining our future proposals."

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-crisis-uk-to-offer-nato-military-deployment-in-europe-kyiv-urges-west-to-be-firm-in-talks-448866">Russia-Ukraine crisis: UK to offer NATO military deployment in Europe; Kyiv urges West to be 'firm' in talks</a>

The United States has said it is waiting to hear back from Russia. It says NATO will not withdraw from eastern Europe or bar Ukraine but it is prepared to discuss topics such as arms control and confidence-building measures.

Washington has spent weeks trying to build agreement with European partners on a strong sanctions package if Russia attacks Ukraine. But the issue is divisive, with Germany urging "prudence".&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg on Sunday said that Europe needed to diversify its energey supplies. Though he did not explicitly mentioned Russia in this context the hint was clear as Russia is one of the major suppliers of natural gas to Europe.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg on Sunday said that Europe needed to diversify its energey supplies. Though he did not explicitly mentioned Russia in this context the hint was clear as Russia is one of the major suppliers of natural gas to Europe. Relations between Russian and the West have been strained over the Ukraine crisis. "We are concerned about the energy situation in Europe because it demonstrates the vulnerability of being too dependent on one supplier of natural gas and that's the reason why NATO allies agree that we need to work and focus on diversification of supplies," NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenburg said. Russia has massed some 120,000 troops near its neighbour and demanded the western defence alliance pull back troops and weapons from eastern Europe and bar Ukraine, a former Soviet state, from ever joining the Western defence alliance. Also Read | We want 'mutually respectful' ties with US, says Russian foreign minister US officials said on Saturday Russia's military buildup had been expanded to include supplies to treat casualties of any conflict. Across the border in Ukraine, locals trained as army reservists as the government scrambled to prepare. Moscow denies any plan to invade but said on Sunday it would ask NATO to clarify whether it intends to implement key security commitments after earlier saying the alliance's response to its demands did not go far enough. "If they do not intend to do so, then they should explain why," Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on state television. "This will be a key question in determining our future proposals." Also Read | Russia-Ukraine crisis: UK to offer NATO military deployment in Europe; Kyiv urges West to be 'firm' in talks The United States has said it is waiting to hear back from Russia. It says NATO will not withdraw from eastern Europe or bar Ukraine but it is prepared to discuss topics such as arms control and confidence-building measures. Washington has spent weeks trying to build agreement with European partners on a strong sanctions package if Russia attacks Ukraine. But the issue is divisive, with Germany urging "prudence". (With inputs from agencies)

NATO chief calls on Europe to reduce energy dependence on Russia

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Sunday said Russia wanted "mutually respectful" relations with the US. Tensions between the two countries have been at the highest level over Ukraine crisis.

"We want good, equal, mutually respectful relations with the United States, like with every country in the world," Lavrov told Russia's Channel One.&nbsp;

"Learning from bitter experience, we do not want to remain in a position where our security is infringed daily," Lavrov added.

Russia currently has about 100,000 troops stationed at its border with Ukraine. Though Russia maintains that it has no intention of invading, such an eventually is considered to be within the realm of possibility. Russia had annexed Ukraine's Crimean peninsula in a war in 2014.&nbsp;

Russia faces immense international pressure, especially from the West to withdraw forces.

Washington has warned that Russia could invade at any moment, while Ukraine's president Volodymyr Zelensky called on his Western allies to avoid stirring "panic".&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-crisis-uk-to-offer-nato-military-deployment-in-europe-kyiv-urges-west-to-be-firm-in-talks-448866">Russia-Ukraine crisis: UK to offer NATO military deployment in Europe; Kyiv urges West to be 'firm' in talks</a>

Citing the encroachment of NATO near its eastern border, Russia has put forward security demands to Washington and the US-led military alliance.&nbsp;

These include a guarantee that NATO will not admit new members, in particular Ukraine, and the United States will not establish new miliary bases in ex-Soviet countries.&nbsp;

Lavrov said Sunday that NATO's line of defense "continues moving eastwards" and has come "very close" to Ukraine.

Lavrov added that ex-Soviet Ukraine "is not ready" to join the alliance and "would make no contribution to strengthening NATO security".&nbsp;

Following a flurry of diplomatic efforts, Washington and NATO presented Moscow with a written response to the proposals.&nbsp;

Russia said the replies, which were not made public, did not address its main concerns but did not rule out further talks.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Sunday said Russia wanted "mutually respectful" relations with the US. Tensions between the two countries have been at the highest level over Ukraine crisis.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Sunday said Russia wanted "mutually respectful" relations with the US. Tensions between the two countries have been at the highest level over Ukraine crisis. "We want good, equal, mutually respectful relations with the United States, like with every country in the world," Lavrov told Russia's Channel One. "Learning from bitter experience, we do not want to remain in a position where our security is infringed daily," Lavrov added. Russia currently has about 100,000 troops stationed at its border with Ukraine. Though Russia maintains that it has no intention of invading, such an eventually is considered to be within the realm of possibility. Russia had annexed Ukraine's Crimean peninsula in a war in 2014. Russia faces immense international pressure, especially from the West to withdraw forces. Washington has warned that Russia could invade at any moment, while Ukraine's president Volodymyr Zelensky called on his Western allies to avoid stirring "panic". Also Read | Russia-Ukraine crisis: UK to offer NATO military deployment in Europe; Kyiv urges West to be 'firm' in talks Citing the encroachment of NATO near its eastern border, Russia has put forward security demands to Washington and the US-led military alliance. These include a guarantee that NATO will not admit new members, in particular Ukraine, and the United States will not establish new miliary bases in ex-Soviet countries. Lavrov said Sunday that NATO's line of defense "continues moving eastwards" and has come "very close" to Ukraine. Lavrov added that ex-Soviet Ukraine "is not ready" to join the alliance and "would make no contribution to strengthening NATO security". Following a flurry of diplomatic efforts, Washington and NATO presented Moscow with a written response to the proposals. Russia said the replies, which were not made public, did not address its main concerns but did not rule out further talks. (With inputs from agencies)

We want 'mutually respectful' ties with US, says Russian foreign minister 

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