Chinese President Xi Jinping described China and Russia as "true friends" after a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, highlighting their commitment to mutual support, Xinhua news agency reported on Monday (Feb 24).
Xi highlighted the strong bond between Beijing and Moscow, emphasising their "neighbourly" relationship and shared pursuit of mutual development, despite facing common challenges and difficulties.
Xi said "history and reality" show the two countries "are good neighbours that cannot be moved away, and true friends who share weal and woe, support each other, and achieve common development", Xinhua reported.
<h2>Xi lauds Russia's 'positive efforts to defuse Ukraine crisis'</h2>
During a call with his Russian counterpart, Xi lauded Russia's efforts to ease tensions in the Ukraine conflict.
"China is happy to see Russia and relevant parties make positive efforts to defuse" the crisis in Ukraine, Xi was quoted as saying by the Xinhua news agency.
The Kremlin later released a statement saying that Putin briefed Xi on the recent talks between Russian and US officials in Saudi Arabia, marking their first high-level meeting since Russia's invasion of Ukraine three years ago.&nbsp;
China also expressed its support for dialogue between Russia and the US, as well as its "readiness to assist the search for a peaceful settlement of the Ukraine conflict", said the statement.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explosives-thrown-at-russian-consulate-in-marseille-on-ukraine-war-anniversary-8752019">Also read: Explosives thrown at Russian consulate in Marseille on Ukraine war anniversary</a>
<h2>Zelensky proposes &lsquo;all for all&rsquo; POW swap with Russia as &lsquo;start&rsquo; of ending war</h2>
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged for "real, lasting peace" this year as European leaders came together for a summit in Kyiv, marking the third anniversary of Russia's invasion, in support of Ukraine.
"This year should be the year of the beginning of real, lasting peace," Zelensky told Kyiv's backers.
"Putin will not give us peace or give it to us in exchange for something. We have to win peace through strength and wisdom and unity," he added.
(With inputs from agencies)

World: The Kremlin later released a statement saying that Putin briefed Xi on the recent talks between Russian and US officials in Saudi Arabia, marking their first high-level meeting since Russia's invasion of Ukraine three years ago.

Chinese President Xi Jinping described China and Russia as "true friends" after a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, highlighting their commitment to mutual support, Xinhua news agency reported on Monday (Feb 24). Xi highlighted the strong bond between Beijing and Moscow, emphasising their "neighbourly" relationship and shared pursuit of mutual development, despite facing common challenges and difficulties. Xi said "history and reality" show the two countries "are good neighbours that cannot be moved away, and true friends who share weal and woe, support each other, and achieve common development", Xinhua reported. Xi lauds Russia's 'positive efforts to defuse Ukraine crisis' During a call with his Russian counterpart, Xi lauded Russia's efforts to ease tensions in the Ukraine conflict. "China is happy to see Russia and relevant parties make positive efforts to defuse" the crisis in Ukraine, Xi was quoted as saying by the Xinhua news agency. The Kremlin later released a statement saying that Putin briefed Xi on the recent talks between Russian and US officials in Saudi Arabia, marking their first high-level meeting since Russia's invasion of Ukraine three years ago. China also expressed its support for dialogue between Russia and the US, as well as its "readiness to assist the search for a peaceful settlement of the Ukraine conflict", said the statement. Also read: Explosives thrown at Russian consulate in Marseille on Ukraine war anniversary Zelensky proposes ‘all for all’ POW swap with Russia as ‘start’ of ending war Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged for "real, lasting peace" this year as European leaders came together for a summit in Kyiv, marking the third anniversary of Russia's invasion, in support of Ukraine. "This year should be the year of the beginning of real, lasting peace," Zelensky told Kyiv's backers. "Putin will not give us peace or give it to us in exchange for something. We have to win peace through strength and wisdom and unity," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

China's Xi affirms ‘no limits’ partnership with Russia’s Putin on Ukraine war anniversary; ‘true friends who share weal and woe’

Russian President Vladimir Putin was presented with a sword and a shield on the third anniversary of the Ukraine conflict. The weapons were brought by Grand Mufti Talgat Tadzhuddin on Monday (Feb 24).
The president met Tadzhuddin on Monday and expressed gratitude to him and all Muslims. He is also the Chairman of the Central Spiritual Administration of the Muslims of Russia.
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<h2>&lsquo;Full support&rsquo; of Russian Muslims</h2>
Tadzhuddin said that the gift was ordered on February 24, 2022, after Russian Muslims showed &ldquo;full support&rdquo; to what Russia calls a &ldquo;special military operation&rdquo; in Ukraine, reported Reuters.
According to a statement by the Kremlin, Putin expressed his gratitude to Tadzhuddin, saying, &ldquo;First of all, I am very glad to see you. Secondly, I would like to thank you personally and all Muslims&mdash;all people who profess Islam are an organic, natural part of Russia and Russian society&mdash;for the contribution that you and other spiritual leaders make to the interfaith unity and harmony among the peoples of the Russian Federation.&rdquo;
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&ldquo;At first sight, we may appear to be a very complicated country, but in fact, it is our diversity that makes us stronger, especially when Russia is facing difficulties, particularly external ones. Muslims have always made a significant contribution to this cause&mdash;to our unity and common strength that effectively counteract all challenges and threats and ensure Russia&rsquo;s progress. Thank you very much,&rdquo; he said.
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&ldquo;We have not just agreed; we have been together from the very first day when you announced the special military operation. It is very difficult for a head of state to make such a decision. On his shoulders lies the responsibility before God, the Lord of the worlds, and before the peoples of his country, and in the eyes of all mankind. It was not easy,&rdquo; Tadzhuddin said, as cited by Kremlin.
On February 24, 2022, Putin announced a &ldquo;special military operation&rdquo; in Ukraine, ordering tens of thousands of Russian troops into Ukraine and declaring war. This marked Europe&rsquo;s largest land war since World War II.
(With inputs from agencies)

World | The president met Tadzhuddin on Monday and expressed gratitude to him and all Muslims. He is also the chairman of the Central Spiritual Administration of the Muslims of Russia.

Russian President Vladimir Putin was presented with a sword and a shield on the third anniversary of the Ukraine conflict. The weapons were brought by Grand Mufti Talgat Tadzhuddin on Monday (Feb 24). The president met Tadzhuddin on Monday and expressed gratitude to him and all Muslims. He is also the Chairman of the Central Spiritual Administration of the Muslims of Russia. Also read | Explosives thrown at Russian consulate in Marseille on Ukraine war anniversary ‘Full support’ of Russian Muslims Tadzhuddin said that the gift was ordered on February 24, 2022, after Russian Muslims showed “full support” to what Russia calls a “special military operation” in Ukraine, reported Reuters. According to a statement by the Kremlin, Putin expressed his gratitude to Tadzhuddin, saying, “First of all, I am very glad to see you. Secondly, I would like to thank you personally and all Muslims—all people who profess Islam are an organic, natural part of Russia and Russian society—for the contribution that you and other spiritual leaders make to the interfaith unity and harmony among the peoples of the Russian Federation.” Also read | 'Big announcement on war anniversary': Russia to declare 'victory' over Ukraine on Feb 24, claims Kyiv intel “At first sight, we may appear to be a very complicated country, but in fact, it is our diversity that makes us stronger, especially when Russia is facing difficulties, particularly external ones. Muslims have always made a significant contribution to this cause—to our unity and common strength that effectively counteract all challenges and threats and ensure Russia’s progress. Thank you very much,” he said. Also read | Zelensky proposes ‘all for all’ POW swap with Russia as ‘start’ of ending war “We have not just agreed; we have been together from the very first day when you announced the special military operation. It is very difficult for a head of state to make such a decision. On his shoulders lies the responsibility before God, the Lord of the worlds, and before the peoples of his country, and in the eyes of all mankind. It was not easy,” Tadzhuddin said, as cited by Kremlin. On February 24, 2022, Putin announced a “special military operation” in Ukraine, ordering tens of thousands of Russian troops into Ukraine and declaring war. This marked Europe’s largest land war since World War II. (With inputs from agencies)

Russian President Putin presented with sword, shield on third anniversary of Ukraine war

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged for "real, lasting peace" this year as European leaders came together for a summit in Kyiv, marking the third anniversary of Russia's invasion, in support of Ukraine.
"This year should be the year of the beginning of real, lasting peace," Zelensky told Kyiv's backers.
"Putin will not give us peace or give it to us in exchange for something. We have to win peace through strength and wisdom and unity," he added.
Russia has made it clear that it will only consider ceasing its invasion of Ukraine if a deal is reached that aligns with Moscow's interests. Meanwhile, Russia has also accused European nations of seeking to prolong the conflict.
EU Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen also sounded a cautionary note, warning that despite initiating talks with the United States to explore ways to end the conflict, Russian President Vladimir Putin is unlikely to back down.
"Putin is trying harder than ever to win this war on the ground. His goal remains Ukraine's capitulation," she said.
She then described the war in Ukraine as "the most central and consequential crisis for Europe's future."
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also reaffirmed his support for "Ukraine's territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence" and said both sides must be represented "fairly" in talks.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explosives-thrown-at-russian-consulate-in-marseille-on-ukraine-war-anniversary-8752019">Also read: Explosives thrown at Russian consulate in Marseille on Ukraine war anniversary</a>
<h2>Zelensky proposes 'all for all' POW swap as 'start' of ending war</h2>
Zelensky also put forward the proposal for a full exchange of all prisoners of war with Russia as the "start" of a process of ending the conflict.
"Russia must release all Ukrainians. Ukraine is ready to exchange all for all, and this is a fair way to start," Zelensky said at the summit.
<h2>European leaders, Canada's PM in Kyiv</h2>
European leaders and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made a solidarity visit to Kyiv on Monday, marking the third anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Presidents and prime ministers from Baltic and Nordic countries, as well as Spain, arrived in Kyiv by train, joining a growing delegation of international leaders.&nbsp;
"Really glad to be here," Trudeau said to Andriy Yermak, President Volodymyr Zelensky's chief of staff, as he got off the train in Kyiv.
(With inputs from agencies)

World: Russia has made it clear that it will only consider ceasing its invasion of Ukraine if a deal is reached that aligns with Moscow's interests. Meanwhile, Russia has also accused European nations of seeking to prolong the conflict.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged for "real, lasting peace" this year as European leaders came together for a summit in Kyiv, marking the third anniversary of Russia's invasion, in support of Ukraine. "This year should be the year of the beginning of real, lasting peace," Zelensky told Kyiv's backers. "Putin will not give us peace or give it to us in exchange for something. We have to win peace through strength and wisdom and unity," he added. Russia has made it clear that it will only consider ceasing its invasion of Ukraine if a deal is reached that aligns with Moscow's interests. Meanwhile, Russia has also accused European nations of seeking to prolong the conflict. EU Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen also sounded a cautionary note, warning that despite initiating talks with the United States to explore ways to end the conflict, Russian President Vladimir Putin is unlikely to back down. "Putin is trying harder than ever to win this war on the ground. His goal remains Ukraine's capitulation," she said. She then described the war in Ukraine as "the most central and consequential crisis for Europe's future." Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also reaffirmed his support for "Ukraine's territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence" and said both sides must be represented "fairly" in talks. Also read: Explosives thrown at Russian consulate in Marseille on Ukraine war anniversary Zelensky proposes 'all for all' POW swap as 'start' of ending war Zelensky also put forward the proposal for a full exchange of all prisoners of war with Russia as the "start" of a process of ending the conflict. "Russia must release all Ukrainians. Ukraine is ready to exchange all for all, and this is a fair way to start," Zelensky said at the summit. European leaders, Canada's PM in Kyiv European leaders and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made a solidarity visit to Kyiv on Monday, marking the third anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Presidents and prime ministers from Baltic and Nordic countries, as well as Spain, arrived in Kyiv by train, joining a growing delegation of international leaders. "Really glad to be here," Trudeau said to Andriy Yermak, President Volodymyr Zelensky's chief of staff, as he got off the train in Kyiv. (With inputs from agencies)

Zelensky proposes ‘all for all’ POW swap with Russia as ‘start’ of ending war

An incident occurred at the Russian consulate in the French city of Marseille, on Monday (Feb 24), where three improvised explosive devices were thrown at the perimeter wall.
It's unclear if the projectiles cleared the consulate's wall. According to BFM TV, the projectiles were Molotov cocktails, which landed in the consulate's garden.
According to news agency AFP, no one was injured in the incident, said a police source.
Only two of the three devices detonated in the attack which took place on the third anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, AFP said, citing the police source.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zelensky-says-willing-to-give-up-presidency-if-it-means-peace-in-ukraine-8750028">Also read: Zelensky says willing to give up presidency if it brings peace in Ukraine</a>
<h2>Emergency services stationed</h2>
Police and firefighters have been reportedly stationed around the Russian consulate, and Moscow has demanded a full French investigation into the incident.
As a precautionary measure, consulate staff were instructed to remain indoors, and local authorities established a security perimeter around the Russian consulate in Marseille, France.
WATCH: February 24: Russia-Ukraine War - Has Putin become stronger 3 years later?
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<h2>'Act of terrorism'</h2>
The Russian foreign ministry denounced the incident and called it a "terrorist attack".
"The explosions on the territory of the Russian Consulate General in Marseille have all the signs of a terrorist attack," foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told Russian reporters.
"We demand that the host country undertake exhaustive and speedy investigative measures, as well as steps to strengthen the security of Russia's foreign missions," said Zakharova.
The Kremlin said on Monday that Russia was urging France to tighten security measures.
On being asked whether tighter security measures were needed to protect Russian facilities in "unfriendly" countries after a blast near the Russian consulate in Marseille, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, "Of course, it is needed, and all the adequate measures are being taken via (Russian) foreign ministry in order to attract the attention of the receiving party (French authorities) to enhance all the security arrangements."
<h2>France condemns attack&nbsp;</h2>
The French government has strongly condemned the incident emphasizing that diplomatic missions were sacrosanct and inviolable.
"France condemns any infringement of the security of diplomatic compounds," a foreign ministry spokesperson said.
(With inputs from agencies)

World: Three improvised explosive devices were thrown at the Russian consulate in the southern French port city of Marseille on Monday, but no one was injured, a police source said.

An incident occurred at the Russian consulate in the French city of Marseille, on Monday (Feb 24), where three improvised explosive devices were thrown at the perimeter wall. It's unclear if the projectiles cleared the consulate's wall. According to BFM TV, the projectiles were Molotov cocktails, which landed in the consulate's garden. According to news agency AFP, no one was injured in the incident, said a police source. Only two of the three devices detonated in the attack which took place on the third anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, AFP said, citing the police source. Also read: Zelensky says willing to give up presidency if it brings peace in Ukraine Emergency services stationed Police and firefighters have been reportedly stationed around the Russian consulate, and Moscow has demanded a full French investigation into the incident. As a precautionary measure, consulate staff were instructed to remain indoors, and local authorities established a security perimeter around the Russian consulate in Marseille, France. WATCH: February 24: Russia-Ukraine War - Has Putin become stronger 3 years later? 'Act of terrorism' The Russian foreign ministry denounced the incident and called it a "terrorist attack". "The explosions on the territory of the Russian Consulate General in Marseille have all the signs of a terrorist attack," foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told Russian reporters. "We demand that the host country undertake exhaustive and speedy investigative measures, as well as steps to strengthen the security of Russia's foreign missions," said Zakharova. The Kremlin said on Monday that Russia was urging France to tighten security measures. On being asked whether tighter security measures were needed to protect Russian facilities in "unfriendly" countries after a blast near the Russian consulate in Marseille, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, "Of course, it is needed, and all the adequate measures are being taken via (Russian) foreign ministry in order to attract the attention of the receiving party (French authorities) to enhance all the security arrangements." France condemns attack The French government has strongly condemned the incident emphasizing that diplomatic missions were sacrosanct and inviolable. "France condemns any infringement of the security of diplomatic compounds," a foreign ministry spokesperson said. (With inputs from agencies)

Explosives thrown at Russian consulate in Marseille on Ukraine war anniversary

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