The Russian cargo ship that capsized in the Mediterranean Sea after an explosion was a “terrorist attack”, the vessel’s state-owned company said on Wednesday.

Russian company claims 'terrorist attack' sank cargo ship

Russia has accused the United States of expanding biological warfare activities in Africa. The accusations were made by Russia's Deputy Chief of Radiation, Chemical, and Biological Protection Troops, Major General Aleksey Rtishchev. Watch in for more details!

Russia: US Expanding Biological Warfare Presence In Africa

A potential ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine war is aging closer with Donald Trump returning to the White House and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky indicating a willingness to cede the Donbas region in exchange for security guarantees. However, the question looms: will Europe step up to enforce peace on Ukrainian soil? Watch in for more details!

Russia Ukraine War: Europe Wants Guarantee Of Long-Term Security Against Russia

Russia-Ukraine War: Will European Troops Enforce A Ceasefire In Ukraine?

Russia has accused the United States of expanding biological warfare activities in Africa. The accusations were made by Russia's Deputy Chief of Radiation, Chemical, and Biological Protection Troops, Major General Aleksey Rtishchev. Watch in for more details!



Washington, US
Former US national security adviser John Bolton said on Tuesday (Dec 24) that a major international crisis is "much more likely" in US President-elect Donald Trump's upcoming term given his "inability to focus" on foreign policy. 
Bolton, who was also a US ambassador to the United Nations, slammed Trump for his lack of knowledge, interest in facts, or coherent strategy. 
John Bolton was also Trump's longest-serving national security adviser and served from April 2018 to September 2019.
He further described the president-elect's decision-making as driven by personal relationships and "neuron flashes" rather than a deep understanding of national interests. 
He also dismissed Trump's claims he made during this year's presidential campaign, in which he said that only he could prevent a third world war while bringing a swift end to the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine. 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/makes-no-sense-trump-hits-out-at-biden-for-death-sentence-commutations-786553">Also read: 'Makes no sense': Trump hits out at Biden for death sentence commutations</a>
“It’s typical Trump: it’s all braggadocio,” Bolton told the Guardian. “The world is more dangerous than when he was president before. The only real crisis we had was Covid, which is a long-term crisis and not against a particular foreign power but against a pandemic."
“But the risk of an international crisis of the 19th-century variety is much more likely in a second Trump term. Given Trump’s inability to focus on coherent decision-making, I’m very worried about how that might look," he added. 
He further recalled that earlier he believed that like other US presidents, the weight of the responsibilities, certainly in national security, the gravity of the issues that he was confronting, the consequences of his decisions, would discipline his thinking in a way that would produce serious outcomes.
“It turned out I was wrong. By the time I got there, a lot of patterns of behaviour had already been set that were never changed, and it could well be, even if I had been there earlier, I couldn’t have affected it. But it was clear pretty soon after I got there that intellectual discipline wasn’t in the Trump vocabulary," he continued.
Watch | Trump Is Teasing US Expansion Into Panama, Greenland &amp; Canada
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On Trump's relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Bolton said that he believed that he had a friendship with Putin. 
“I don’t know what Putin thinks his relationship is with Trump but he believes he knows how to play Trump, that Trump’s an easy mark. Trump doesn’t see that at all," he said. 
“If you put everything on the basis of personal relations and you don’t understand how the person you’re talking about on the other side views you, that’s a real lack of situational awareness that can only cause trouble," Bolton added. 
(With inputs from agencies)

Bolton, who was also a US ambassador to the United Nations, slammed Trump for his lack of knowledge, interest in facts or coherent strategy. 



Washington, US Former US national security adviser John Bolton said on Tuesday (Dec 24) that a major international crisis is "much more likely" in US President-elect Donald Trump's upcoming term given his "inability to focus" on foreign policy. Bolton, who was also a US ambassador to the United Nations, slammed Trump for his lack of knowledge, interest in facts, or coherent strategy. John Bolton was also Trump's longest-serving national security adviser and served from April 2018 to September 2019. He further described the president-elect's decision-making as driven by personal relationships and "neuron flashes" rather than a deep understanding of national interests. He also dismissed Trump's claims he made during this year's presidential campaign, in which he said that only he could prevent a third world war while bringing a swift end to the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine. Also read: 'Makes no sense': Trump hits out at Biden for death sentence commutations “It’s typical Trump: it’s all braggadocio,” Bolton told the Guardian. “The world is more dangerous than when he was president before. The only real crisis we had was Covid, which is a long-term crisis and not against a particular foreign power but against a pandemic." “But the risk of an international crisis of the 19th-century variety is much more likely in a second Trump term. Given Trump’s inability to focus on coherent decision-making, I’m very worried about how that might look," he added. He further recalled that earlier he believed that like other US presidents, the weight of the responsibilities, certainly in national security, the gravity of the issues that he was confronting, the consequences of his decisions, would discipline his thinking in a way that would produce serious outcomes. “It turned out I was wrong. By the time I got there, a lot of patterns of behaviour had already been set that were never changed, and it could well be, even if I had been there earlier, I couldn’t have affected it. But it was clear pretty soon after I got there that intellectual discipline wasn’t in the Trump vocabulary," he continued. Watch | Trump Is Teasing US Expansion Into Panama, Greenland & Canada × On Trump's relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Bolton said that he believed that he had a friendship with Putin. “I don’t know what Putin thinks his relationship is with Trump but he believes he knows how to play Trump, that Trump’s an easy mark. Trump doesn’t see that at all," he said. “If you put everything on the basis of personal relations and you don’t understand how the person you’re talking about on the other side views you, that’s a real lack of situational awareness that can only cause trouble," Bolton added. (With inputs from agencies)

Major global crisis 'much more likely' in Trump's second term due to..., says his ex-NSA

Moscow, Russia
Russia on Monday (Dec 23) confirmed that several countries have agreed to join BRICS as partner states, with the official status set to take effect on January 1, 2025.
A TASS report citing Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov reported that nine countries have said yes to becoming members of the intergovernmental organisation.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-story/khalistani-terrorists-killed-in-up-were-led-by-uk-army-officer-claims-top-indian-cop-786369">Khalistani terrorists killed in UP were led by UK army officer, claims top Indian cop</a>
<h2>BRICS partners</h2>
At a recent summit in Kazan, a new category for BRICS partner countries was established, and invitations were sent to 13 nations. So far, Belarus, Bolivia, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Malaysia, Thailand, Uganda, and Uzbekistan have confirmed their readiness to join, Ushakov told reporters.
"One of the important results of the summit [in Kazan] was the establishment of the category of BRICS partner countries and coming to terms on a list of 13 states. Invitations were sent to these states. As of this time, confirmations of readiness to become a BRICS partner country have been received from Belarus, Bolivia, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Malaysia, Thailand, Uganda and Uzbekistan."
"From January 1, 2025, they will officially acquire the status of BRICS partner states," he said.
Ushakov noted that further responses from four additional countries are expected soon. He also mentioned that Eritrea has expressed interest in cooperating with BRICS.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/eam-jaishankar-to-visit-us-from-december-24-29-first-high-level-visit-after-trumps-election-win-786223">Indian Foreign Minister Jaishankar to visit US from Dec 24-29 to discuss bilateral and global issues</a>
"We expect that in the near future responses will come from four more countries, to which invitations were also sent."
Partner states will be invited to participate in specific BRICS summits, foreign ministers' meetings, and other forums, including security discussions and parliamentary events, he said.
"We also believe it is right to involve partners in meetings of high representatives in charge of security issues, parliamentary forum and other events," the Kremlin aide said.
(With inputs from agencies)

Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov said that nine countries have said yes to becoming members of the intergovernmental organisation



Moscow, Russia Russia on Monday (Dec 23) confirmed that several countries have agreed to join BRICS as partner states, with the official status set to take effect on January 1, 2025. A TASS report citing Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov reported that nine countries have said yes to becoming members of the intergovernmental organisation. Also read | Khalistani terrorists killed in UP were led by UK army officer, claims top Indian cop BRICS partners At a recent summit in Kazan, a new category for BRICS partner countries was established, and invitations were sent to 13 nations. So far, Belarus, Bolivia, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Malaysia, Thailand, Uganda, and Uzbekistan have confirmed their readiness to join, Ushakov told reporters. "One of the important results of the summit [in Kazan] was the establishment of the category of BRICS partner countries and coming to terms on a list of 13 states. Invitations were sent to these states. As of this time, confirmations of readiness to become a BRICS partner country have been received from Belarus, Bolivia, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Malaysia, Thailand, Uganda and Uzbekistan." "From January 1, 2025, they will officially acquire the status of BRICS partner states," he said. Ushakov noted that further responses from four additional countries are expected soon. He also mentioned that Eritrea has expressed interest in cooperating with BRICS. Also read | Indian Foreign Minister Jaishankar to visit US from Dec 24-29 to discuss bilateral and global issues "We expect that in the near future responses will come from four more countries, to which invitations were also sent." Partner states will be invited to participate in specific BRICS summits, foreign ministers' meetings, and other forums, including security discussions and parliamentary events, he said. "We also believe it is right to involve partners in meetings of high representatives in charge of security issues, parliamentary forum and other events," the Kremlin aide said. (With inputs from agencies)

BRICS expands: Russia confirms nine nations to join as partner states from January 2025

Moscow
Russia’s top Islamic body has reversed a ruling allowing Muslim men to have multiple wives. The move came after the move by the Council of Scholars of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Russia triggered a backlash on social media, as officials pointed out how the ruling didn’t conform to Russian laws.
Polygamy is outlawed in Russia and goes against “our core morals and traditional values,” said Nina Ostanina, the head of the parliamentary family affairs committee.
The Islamic body earlier on Dec 17 issued a fatwa, or religious ruling, outlining conditions and circumstances under which Muslim men can have more than one wife. The document said a Muslim man could have four wives if “equal material support” is guaranteed to all, along with separate living space. One of the conditions was that the husband will have to give “an equal amount of time” to each of them.
Watch: Russia-Ukraine War: Ukraine Launches Aerial Attack On Ukraine
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The main condition for allowing polygamy is a fair and equal treatment of all wives by their husband,” the document said. It acknowledged that “religious Islamic marriage is not recognized by the state and creates no legal consequences,” stressing that the fatwa “does not replace the norms of Russian marital law.”
Soon after the document became public, it was severely condemned by officials as well as Russian commoners. Russian state-backed outlet RT quoted Kirill Kabanov, a member of the presidential Human Rights Council, as accusing the Islamic body of brazenly violating Russia’s constitution.
Also read: <a data-ved="2ahUKEwistuic17-KAxWysFYBHZufD4UQxfQBKAB6BAgMEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/create-more-passionate-content-putin-pitches-for-alternatives-to-porn-785435" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/create-more-passionate-content-putin-pitches-for-alternatives-to-porn-785435&amp;ved=2ahUKEwistuic17-KAxWysFYBHZufD4UQxfQBKAB6BAgMEAE">‘Create more passionate content,’ Putin pitches for alternatives to porn</a>
On Monday (Dec 23), the Islamic body was notified by the Prosecutor General’s Office that the ruling was essentially unlawful and it went against “the state family policies.” Soon after, the body said it was withdrawing its document allowing polygamy, citing backlash from the public and the official order.
“It is God’s will. The Council of Scholars sees no sense in joining a debate on the matter,” the council’s chairman, Shamil Alyautdinov, wrote on Telegram.
It is to be noted that Muslims make up for around 10 per cent of Russia’s total population, with the highest concentration in regions like Chechnya, Dagestan and Ingushetia in the North Caucasus, and Tatarstan and Bashkortostan in western Russia.
(With inputs from agencies)

The Islamic body issued a fatwa, or religious ruling, earlier on Dec 17 outlining circumstances under which Muslim men can have more than one wife. The document said a Muslim man could have four wives if “equal material support” and separate living spaces were guaranteed to all.



Moscow Russia’s top Islamic body has reversed a ruling allowing Muslim men to have multiple wives. The move came after the move by the Council of Scholars of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Russia triggered a backlash on social media, as officials pointed out how the ruling didn’t conform to Russian laws. Polygamy is outlawed in Russia and goes against “our core morals and traditional values,” said Nina Ostanina, the head of the parliamentary family affairs committee. The Islamic body earlier on Dec 17 issued a fatwa, or religious ruling, outlining conditions and circumstances under which Muslim men can have more than one wife. The document said a Muslim man could have four wives if “equal material support” is guaranteed to all, along with separate living space. One of the conditions was that the husband will have to give “an equal amount of time” to each of them. Watch: Russia-Ukraine War: Ukraine Launches Aerial Attack On Ukraine × The main condition for allowing polygamy is a fair and equal treatment of all wives by their husband,” the document said. It acknowledged that “religious Islamic marriage is not recognized by the state and creates no legal consequences,” stressing that the fatwa “does not replace the norms of Russian marital law.” Soon after the document became public, it was severely condemned by officials as well as Russian commoners. Russian state-backed outlet RT quoted Kirill Kabanov, a member of the presidential Human Rights Council, as accusing the Islamic body of brazenly violating Russia’s constitution. Also read: ‘Create more passionate content,’ Putin pitches for alternatives to porn On Monday (Dec 23), the Islamic body was notified by the Prosecutor General’s Office that the ruling was essentially unlawful and it went against “the state family policies.” Soon after, the body said it was withdrawing its document allowing polygamy, citing backlash from the public and the official order. “It is God’s will. The Council of Scholars sees no sense in joining a debate on the matter,” the council’s chairman, Shamil Alyautdinov, wrote on Telegram. It is to be noted that Muslims make up for around 10 per cent of Russia’s total population, with the highest concentration in regions like Chechnya, Dagestan and Ingushetia in the North Caucasus, and Tatarstan and Bashkortostan in western Russia. (With inputs from agencies)

‘It’s God’s will,’ Russia’s top Islamic body withdraws ruling that allowed men to have four wives

As Ukrainian forces struggle to hold off Russia's army on the battlefield and Trump pushing for a ceasefire, there's now growing unease in Europe. NATO chief has publicly pulled up Zelensky for criticizing Olaf Scholz. This is at a time when another NATO member, Slovakia, is reaffirming its ties with Russia. So what's going on? Here's a report. Watch in for more details!

Russia-Ukraine War: Is Kyiv Losing Its Grip On The Donetsk Frontlines?

Russia-Ukraine War: Russia Advances, Ukraine Struggles: What's Next?

Former US national security adviser John Bolton said on Tuesday (Dec 24) that a major international crisis is "much more likely" in US President-elect Donald Trump's upcoming term given his "inability to focus" on foreign policy.&nbsp;

Bolton, who was also a US ambassador to the United Nations, slammed Trump for his lack of knowledge, interest in facts, or coherent strategy.&nbsp;

John Bolton was also Trump's longest-serving national security adviser and served from April 2018 to September 2019.

He further described the president-elect's decision-making as driven by personal relationships and "neuron flashes" rather than a deep understanding of national interests.&nbsp;

He also dismissed Trump's claims&nbsp;he made during this year's presidential campaign, in which he said that only he could prevent a third world war while bringing a swift end to the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/makes-no-sense-trump-hits-out-at-biden-for-death-sentence-commutations-786553">Also read:&nbsp;'Makes no sense': Trump hits out at Biden for death sentence commutations</a>

“It’s typical Trump: it’s all braggadocio,” Bolton told the Guardian. “The world is more dangerous than when he was president before. The only real crisis we had was Covid, which is a long-term crisis and not against a particular foreign power but against a pandemic."

“But the risk of an international crisis of the 19th-century variety is much more likely in a second Trump term. Given Trump’s inability to focus on coherent decision-making, I’m very worried about how that might look," he added.&nbsp;

He further recalled that earlier he believed that like other US presidents, the weight of the responsibilities, certainly in national security, the gravity of the issues that he was confronting, the consequences of his decisions, would discipline his thinking in a way that would produce serious outcomes.

“It turned out I was wrong. By the time I got there, a lot of patterns of behaviour had already been set that were never changed, and it could well be, even if I had been there earlier, I couldn’t have affected it. But it was clear pretty soon after I got there that intellectual discipline wasn’t in the Trump vocabulary," he continued.

Watch |&nbsp;Trump Is Teasing US Expansion Into Panama, Greenland &amp; Canada

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On Trump's relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Bolton said that he believed that he had a friendship with Putin.&nbsp;

“I don’t know what Putin thinks his relationship is with Trump but he believes he knows how to play Trump, that Trump’s an easy mark. Trump doesn’t see that at all," he said.&nbsp;

“If you put everything on the basis of personal relations and you don’t understand how the person you’re talking about on the other side views you, that’s a real lack of situational awareness that can only cause trouble," Bolton added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Former US national security adviser John Bolton said on Tuesday (Dec 24) that a major international crisis is "much more likely" in US President-elect Donald Trump's upcoming term given his "inability to focus" on foreign policy.

Former US national security adviser John Bolton said on Tuesday (Dec 24) that a major international crisis is "much more likely" in US President-elect Donald Trump's upcoming term given his "inability to focus" on foreign policy. Bolton, who was also a US ambassador to the United Nations, slammed Trump for his lack of knowledge, interest in facts, or coherent strategy. John Bolton was also Trump's longest-serving national security adviser and served from April 2018 to September 2019. He further described the president-elect's decision-making as driven by personal relationships and "neuron flashes" rather than a deep understanding of national interests. He also dismissed Trump's claims he made during this year's presidential campaign, in which he said that only he could prevent a third world war while bringing a swift end to the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine. Also read: 'Makes no sense': Trump hits out at Biden for death sentence commutations “It’s typical Trump: it’s all braggadocio,” Bolton told the Guardian. “The world is more dangerous than when he was president before. The only real crisis we had was Covid, which is a long-term crisis and not against a particular foreign power but against a pandemic." “But the risk of an international crisis of the 19th-century variety is much more likely in a second Trump term. Given Trump’s inability to focus on coherent decision-making, I’m very worried about how that might look," he added. He further recalled that earlier he believed that like other US presidents, the weight of the responsibilities, certainly in national security, the gravity of the issues that he was confronting, the consequences of his decisions, would discipline his thinking in a way that would produce serious outcomes. “It turned out I was wrong. By the time I got there, a lot of patterns of behaviour had already been set that were never changed, and it could well be, even if I had been there earlier, I couldn’t have affected it. But it was clear pretty soon after I got there that intellectual discipline wasn’t in the Trump vocabulary," he continued. Watch | Trump Is Teasing US Expansion Into Panama, Greenland & Canada × On Trump's relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Bolton said that he believed that he had a friendship with Putin. “I don’t know what Putin thinks his relationship is with Trump but he believes he knows how to play Trump, that Trump’s an easy mark. Trump doesn’t see that at all," he said. “If you put everything on the basis of personal relations and you don’t understand how the person you’re talking about on the other side views you, that’s a real lack of situational awareness that can only cause trouble," Bolton added. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that more than 3,000 North Korean soldiers have been killed or wounded fighting against Ukraine’s incursion in Russia’s Kursk region. Watch this video for more details!

Russia-Ukraine War: Zelensky Says Over 3,000 North Korean Soldiers Killed, Injured In Kursk

Russia on Monday (Dec 23) confirmed that several countries have agreed to join BRICS as partner states, with the official status set to take effect on January 1, 2025.

A TASS report citing Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov reported that nine countries have said yes to becoming members of the intergovernmental organisation.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-story/khalistani-terrorists-killed-in-up-were-led-by-uk-army-officer-claims-top-indian-cop-786369">Khalistani terrorists killed in UP were led by UK army officer, claims&nbsp;top&nbsp;Indian&nbsp;cop</a>

<h2>BRICS partners</h2>

At a recent summit in Kazan, a new category for BRICS partner countries was established, and invitations were sent to 13 nations. So far, Belarus, Bolivia, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Malaysia, Thailand, Uganda, and Uzbekistan have confirmed their readiness to join, Ushakov told reporters.

"One of the important results of the summit [in Kazan] was the establishment of the category of BRICS partner countries and coming to terms on a list of 13 states. Invitations were sent to these states. As of this time, confirmations of readiness to become a BRICS partner country have been received from Belarus, Bolivia, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Malaysia, Thailand, Uganda and Uzbekistan."

"From January 1, 2025, they will officially acquire the status of BRICS partner states," he said.

Ushakov noted that further responses from four additional countries are expected soon. He also mentioned that Eritrea has expressed interest in cooperating with BRICS.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/eam-jaishankar-to-visit-us-from-december-24-29-first-high-level-visit-after-trumps-election-win-786223">Indian Foreign Minister Jaishankar to visit US from Dec 24-29 to discuss bilateral and global issues</a>

"We expect that in the near future responses will come from four more countries, to which invitations were also sent."

Partner states will be invited to participate in specific BRICS summits, foreign ministers' meetings, and other forums, including security discussions and parliamentary events, he said.

"We also believe it is right to involve partners in meetings of high representatives in charge of security issues, parliamentary forum and other events," the Kremlin aide said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russia on Monday (Dec 23) confirmed that several countries have agreed to join BRICS as partner states, with the official status set to take effect on January 1, 2025.

Russia on Monday (Dec 23) confirmed that several countries have agreed to join BRICS as partner states, with the official status set to take effect on January 1, 2025. A TASS report citing Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov reported that nine countries have said yes to becoming members of the intergovernmental organisation. Also read | Khalistani terrorists killed in UP were led by UK army officer, claims top Indian cop BRICS partners At a recent summit in Kazan, a new category for BRICS partner countries was established, and invitations were sent to 13 nations. So far, Belarus, Bolivia, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Malaysia, Thailand, Uganda, and Uzbekistan have confirmed their readiness to join, Ushakov told reporters. "One of the important results of the summit [in Kazan] was the establishment of the category of BRICS partner countries and coming to terms on a list of 13 states. Invitations were sent to these states. As of this time, confirmations of readiness to become a BRICS partner country have been received from Belarus, Bolivia, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Malaysia, Thailand, Uganda and Uzbekistan." "From January 1, 2025, they will officially acquire the status of BRICS partner states," he said. Ushakov noted that further responses from four additional countries are expected soon. He also mentioned that Eritrea has expressed interest in cooperating with BRICS. Also read | Indian Foreign Minister Jaishankar to visit US from Dec 24-29 to discuss bilateral and global issues "We expect that in the near future responses will come from four more countries, to which invitations were also sent." Partner states will be invited to participate in specific BRICS summits, foreign ministers' meetings, and other forums, including security discussions and parliamentary events, he said. "We also believe it is right to involve partners in meetings of high representatives in charge of security issues, parliamentary forum and other events," the Kremlin aide said. (With inputs from agencies)

Russian scientists have revealed the exceptionally well-preserved remains of a baby mammoth. The mammoth, an ancient species of elephant, was discovered in the permafrost-covered region of Yakutia. The 50,000-year-old female mammoth has been nicknamed Yana, after the river in whose basin it was found. Watch in for more details!

Mammoth Remains Found Nearly Intact In Siberian Permafrost

Russia’s top Islamic body has reversed a ruling allowing Muslim men to have multiple wives. The move came after the move by the Council of Scholars of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Russia triggered a backlash on social media, as officials pointed out how the ruling didn’t conform to Russian laws.

Polygamy is outlawed in Russia and goes against “our core morals and traditional values,” said Nina Ostanina, the head of the parliamentary family affairs committee.

The Islamic body earlier on Dec 17 issued a fatwa, or religious ruling, outlining conditions and circumstances&nbsp;under which Muslim men can have more than one wife. The document said a Muslim man could have four wives if “equal material support” is guaranteed to all, along with separate living space. One of the conditions was that the husband will have to give “an equal amount of time” to each of them.

Watch:&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine War: Ukraine Launches Aerial Attack On Ukraine

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The main condition for allowing polygamy is a fair and equal treatment of all wives by their husband,” the document said. It acknowledged that “religious Islamic marriage is not recognized by the state and creates no legal consequences,” stressing that the fatwa “does not replace the norms of Russian marital law.”

Soon after the document became public, it was severely condemned by officials as well as Russian commoners. Russian state-backed outlet RT quoted Kirill Kabanov, a member of the presidential Human Rights Council, as accusing the Islamic body of brazenly violating Russia’s constitution.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwistuic17-KAxWysFYBHZufD4UQxfQBKAB6BAgMEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/create-more-passionate-content-putin-pitches-for-alternatives-to-porn-785435" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/create-more-passionate-content-putin-pitches-for-alternatives-to-porn-785435&amp;ved=2ahUKEwistuic17-KAxWysFYBHZufD4UQxfQBKAB6BAgMEAE">‘Create more passionate content,’ Putin pitches for alternatives to porn</a>

On Monday (Dec 23), the Islamic body was notified by the Prosecutor General’s Office that the ruling was essentially unlawful and it went against “the state family policies.” Soon after, the body said it was withdrawing its document allowing polygamy, citing backlash from the public and the official order.

“It is God’s will. The Council of Scholars sees no sense in joining a debate on the matter,” the council’s chairman, Shamil Alyautdinov, wrote on Telegram.

It is to be noted that Muslims make up for around 10 per cent of Russia’s total population, with the highest concentration in regions like Chechnya, Dagestan and Ingushetia in the North Caucasus, and Tatarstan and Bashkortostan in western Russia.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russia’s top Islamic body has reversed a ruling allowing Muslim men to have multiple wives. The move came after the move by the Council of Scholars of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Russia triggered a backlash on social media, as officials pointed out how the ruling didn’t conform to Russian laws.

Russia’s top Islamic body has reversed a ruling allowing Muslim men to have multiple wives. The move came after the move by the Council of Scholars of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Russia triggered a backlash on social media, as officials pointed out how the ruling didn’t conform to Russian laws. Polygamy is outlawed in Russia and goes against “our core morals and traditional values,” said Nina Ostanina, the head of the parliamentary family affairs committee. The Islamic body earlier on Dec 17 issued a fatwa, or religious ruling, outlining conditions and circumstances under which Muslim men can have more than one wife. The document said a Muslim man could have four wives if “equal material support” is guaranteed to all, along with separate living space. One of the conditions was that the husband will have to give “an equal amount of time” to each of them. Watch: Russia-Ukraine War: Ukraine Launches Aerial Attack On Ukraine × The main condition for allowing polygamy is a fair and equal treatment of all wives by their husband,” the document said. It acknowledged that “religious Islamic marriage is not recognized by the state and creates no legal consequences,” stressing that the fatwa “does not replace the norms of Russian marital law.” Soon after the document became public, it was severely condemned by officials as well as Russian commoners. Russian state-backed outlet RT quoted Kirill Kabanov, a member of the presidential Human Rights Council, as accusing the Islamic body of brazenly violating Russia’s constitution. Also read: ‘Create more passionate content,’ Putin pitches for alternatives to porn On Monday (Dec 23), the Islamic body was notified by the Prosecutor General’s Office that the ruling was essentially unlawful and it went against “the state family policies.” Soon after, the body said it was withdrawing its document allowing polygamy, citing backlash from the public and the official order. “It is God’s will. The Council of Scholars sees no sense in joining a debate on the matter,” the council’s chairman, Shamil Alyautdinov, wrote on Telegram. It is to be noted that Muslims make up for around 10 per cent of Russia’s total population, with the highest concentration in regions like Chechnya, Dagestan and Ingushetia in the North Caucasus, and Tatarstan and Bashkortostan in western Russia. (With inputs from agencies)

Russian President Vladimir Putin has vowed revenge against the Ukrainian forces after the Kazan attack.

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Moscow, Russia
The Australian government has reportedly initiated a probe after Russian journalists shared a video on Telegram showing the Kremlin forces allegedly manhandling a man from Australia. There are claims that the Russian forces captured the man, who identified himself as Oscar Jenkins, from the battlefield and he was fighting for Ukraine. The video shows the man with his hands tied with tape and being questioned roughly. While answering the questions, the man says he is 32 years old and previously lived in Australia.
“I’m Australian,” Jenkins says in broken English. “Oscar Jenkins. 32 years old … I study biology.” He can be seen wearing a military uniform and has dirt on his face. The video further shows a man standing behind ‘Jenkins’ hitting him in the head twice with a stick.
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Oscar Jenkins 32 year old Australian teacher caught by the Russian army as mercenary for Ukraine. In the other video he wished to force the Chinese people to become vegans. Such derranged western psycho joining a war that he does not understand. Can you see why this is happening? <a href="https://t.co/joWCfR23Fa">pic.twitter.com/joWCfR23Fa</a>
— SynCronus (@syncronus) <a href="https://twitter.com/syncronus/status/1870813756483383496?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 22, 2024</a></blockquote>
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The video prompted a reaction from the Australian government, urging Moscow to adhere to international laws regarding prisoners of war. However, Australia PM Anthony Albanese cast doubts over the authenticity of the video, saying federal officials were working to ascertain the details and the facts.
Also read: <a data-ved="2ahUKEwjC3KCEpb2KAxVBs1YBHYxGIzgQxfQBKAB6BAgREAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/they-will-regret-putin-vows-destruction-on-ukraine-after-drone-attack-in-kazan-786010" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/they-will-regret-putin-vows-destruction-on-ukraine-after-drone-attack-in-kazan-786010&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjC3KCEpb2KAxVBs1YBHYxGIzgQxfQBKAB6BAgREAE">`They will regret,` Putin vows `destruction` on Ukraine after drone attack in Kazan</a>
“We know that the Russians often put out information that isn’t right. So our embassy in Moscow is working. But in addition to that, Foreign Affairs and Trade are working here as well," the PM told the reporters on Monday.
Meanwhile, Australia’s acting Foreign Affairs Minister Mark Dreyfus said the government was ‘making representations to Moscow about the incident.’
“We urge the Russian government to fully adhere to its obligations under international humanitarian law, including with respect to prisoners of war. Our immediate priority is understanding where Mr Jenkins is and confirming his wellbeing,” he said.
Watch: Russia-Ukraine War: Russia Devastated Ukraine's Energy Infra
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“We are providing consular support to Mr Jenkins’ family. I reiterate the government’s clear advice to all Australians - do not travel to Ukraine.”
The Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations also released a statement regarding the incident, saying it was worried about the man’s welfare.
Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.
(With inputs from agencies)

The video prompted a reaction from the Australian government, urging Moscow to adhere to international laws regarding prisoners of war.



Moscow, Russia The Australian government has reportedly initiated a probe after Russian journalists shared a video on Telegram showing the Kremlin forces allegedly manhandling a man from Australia. There are claims that the Russian forces captured the man, who identified himself as Oscar Jenkins, from the battlefield and he was fighting for Ukraine. The video shows the man with his hands tied with tape and being questioned roughly. While answering the questions, the man says he is 32 years old and previously lived in Australia. “I’m Australian,” Jenkins says in broken English. “Oscar Jenkins. 32 years old … I study biology.” He can be seen wearing a military uniform and has dirt on his face. The video further shows a man standing behind ‘Jenkins’ hitting him in the head twice with a stick. Oscar Jenkins 32 year old Australian teacher caught by the Russian army as mercenary for Ukraine. In the other video he wished to force the Chinese people to become vegans. Such derranged western psycho joining a war that he does not understand. Can you see why this is happening? pic.twitter.com/joWCfR23Fa — SynCronus (@syncronus) December 22, 2024 × The video prompted a reaction from the Australian government, urging Moscow to adhere to international laws regarding prisoners of war. However, Australia PM Anthony Albanese cast doubts over the authenticity of the video, saying federal officials were working to ascertain the details and the facts. Also read: `They will regret,` Putin vows `destruction` on Ukraine after drone attack in Kazan “We know that the Russians often put out information that isn’t right. So our embassy in Moscow is working. But in addition to that, Foreign Affairs and Trade are working here as well," the PM told the reporters on Monday. Meanwhile, Australia’s acting Foreign Affairs Minister Mark Dreyfus said the government was ‘making representations to Moscow about the incident.’ “We urge the Russian government to fully adhere to its obligations under international humanitarian law, including with respect to prisoners of war. Our immediate priority is understanding where Mr Jenkins is and confirming his wellbeing,” he said. Watch: Russia-Ukraine War: Russia Devastated Ukraine's Energy Infra × “We are providing consular support to Mr Jenkins’ family. I reiterate the government’s clear advice to all Australians - do not travel to Ukraine.” The Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations also released a statement regarding the incident, saying it was worried about the man’s welfare. Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

Video: Russia captures ‘Australian’ man fighting for Ukraine, Canberra opens probe

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