Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused China of working hard to stop countries from going to a peace summit, which Beijing has publicly criticised because Russia is not invited. Watch in for more details!

Russia-Ukraine War: Zelensky says China pressuring countries to not attend peace summit

<p>Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Sunday (June 2) chided China for 'supporting' Russia, which he says will expand the ongoing war. Zelensky was speaking at a meeting of defence chiefs from across the Asia-Pacific, including China and the US, in Singapore. The gathering came ahead of the June 15-16 Ukraine peace summit slated to be held in Switzerland.</p>

<p>“With China’s support to Russia the war will last longer. That is bad for the whole world, and the policy of China – who declares that it supports territorial integrity and sovereignty and declares it officially. For them it is not good,” Zelensky said while talking to the media.</p>

<p>Officially, China claims to have taken a neutral stance in the Russia-Ukraine war; however, its tacit military and economic support to Moscow is an open secret.</p>

<p><strong>Watch: Russia slams US for allowing Ukraine to use weapons</strong></p>

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<p>The US has previously accused China of supplying Russia with dual-use goods that empower its defence industrial base, a claim that Beijing vehemently disputes.</p>

<h2><strong>'Russia trying to thwart Ukraine peace summit'</strong></h2>

<p>Zelensky also took the opportunity to criticise Russia for allegedly trying to thwart the Ukraine peace summit.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiorrr-p72GAxUf2DgGHV_dCe8QxfQBKAB6BAgOEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-says-will-not-not-attend-ukraine-peace-conference-in-switzerland-727700" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/china-says-will-not-not-attend-ukraine-peace-conference-in-switzerland-727700&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiorrr-p72GAxUf2DgGHV_dCe8QxfQBKAB6BAgOEAE">China says will not attend Ukraine peace conference in Switzerland</a></strong></p>

<p>“Russia is trying to disrupt the peace summit and that is true … (Russia) is now traveling around many countries in the world threatening them with the blockade of the agricultural goods, of the food products, of chemical products … it is simply pushing the other countries of the world so that they’re not present on the summit,” Zelensky said.</p>

<h2><strong>Trump risks being a 'loser president'</strong></h2>

<p>Meanwhile, in an interview with the Guardian in Kyiv, Zelensky warned that Donald Trump risked being a “loser president” if he wins November’s election and imposes a bad peace deal on Ukraine.</p>

<p>Many fear that Trump, who has claimed to end the war in "24 hours", will drastically cut aid to Ukraine, making it more vulnerable to Russia's offensive.</p>

<p>“Ukraine, barehanded, without weapons, will not be able to fight a multimillion [Russian] army,” Zelensky was quoted as saying.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Sunday (June 2) chided China for 'supporting' Russia, which he says will expand the ongoing war. Zelensky was speaking at a meeting of defence chiefs from across the Asia-Pacific, including China and the US, in Singapore.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Sunday (June 2) chided China for 'supporting' Russia, which he says will expand the ongoing war. Zelensky was speaking at a meeting of defence chiefs from across the Asia-Pacific, including China and the US, in Singapore. The gathering came ahead of the June 15-16 Ukraine peace summit slated to be held in Switzerland. “With China’s support to Russia the war will last longer. That is bad for the whole world, and the policy of China – who declares that it supports territorial integrity and sovereignty and declares it officially. For them it is not good,” Zelensky said while talking to the media. Officially, China claims to have taken a neutral stance in the Russia-Ukraine war; however, its tacit military and economic support to Moscow is an open secret. Watch: Russia slams US for allowing Ukraine to use weapons × The US has previously accused China of supplying Russia with dual-use goods that empower its defence industrial base, a claim that Beijing vehemently disputes. 'Russia trying to thwart Ukraine peace summit' Zelensky also took the opportunity to criticise Russia for allegedly trying to thwart the Ukraine peace summit. Also read: China says will not attend Ukraine peace conference in Switzerland “Russia is trying to disrupt the peace summit and that is true … (Russia) is now traveling around many countries in the world threatening them with the blockade of the agricultural goods, of the food products, of chemical products … it is simply pushing the other countries of the world so that they’re not present on the summit,” Zelensky said. Trump risks being a 'loser president' Meanwhile, in an interview with the Guardian in Kyiv, Zelensky warned that Donald Trump risked being a “loser president” if he wins November’s election and imposes a bad peace deal on Ukraine. Many fear that Trump, who has claimed to end the war in "24 hours", will drastically cut aid to Ukraine, making it more vulnerable to Russia's offensive. “Ukraine, barehanded, without weapons, will not be able to fight a multimillion [Russian] army,” Zelensky was quoted as saying. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Bad for world’: Zelensky chides China for ‘supporting’ Russia’s war machinery in Ukraine

President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine is requesting further armament supply from the West as Russia attacks his country nonstop. Watch to know more.

Russia-Ukraine war: Zelensky urges the West for more weapons

A Russian strike in the eastern city of Kharkiv has injured thirteen people after continuous missile strikes by Russia.

Russia-Ukraine war: 13 injured after Russian missiles struck residential areas in Kharkiv

Kharkiv: 13 injured after Russian missiles struck residential areas in Ukraine's Kharkiv

<p>Russia released 75 Ukrainian detainees that included four civilians, according to an official statement from Kyiv. In return, Ukraine released 75 Russian detainees, it was confirmed.</p>

<p>This is the first prisoner exchange in four months between the sides at a formal state of war with one another since February 2022.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Russian Defence Ministry announced that Ukraine gave up 75 individuals as part of an agreement mediated by the United Arab Emirates.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"After a long pause, another prisoner swap took place: 75 defenders and civilians were released from the enemy’s captivity," Ukraine’s Coordinating Committee on Dealing with Prisoners of War said.</p>

<p>Handout photos released on international news agencies showed servicemen wearing blue and yellow national flags that were issued along with a statement from the committee.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine War: West allows Kyiv to strike Russia</strong></p>

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<p>Nineteen defenders of Snake Island, a small rocky outcrop in the Black Sea that became a symbol of Ukrainian resistance in the early days of the conflict when Ukrainian guards refused to surrender to Russian forces, were reportedly brought back by Ukrainian officials.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-pm-modi-affirms-support-for-peace-dialogue-diplomacy-in-talks-with-putin-zelensky-702317">Indian PM Modi affirms support for peace efforts, dialogue and diplomacy in talks with Putin and Zelensky</a></strong></p>

<p>Russia has turned over the bodies of 212 Ukrainian defenders as part of the deal.</p>

<p>On the Russian side, the freed Russian soldiers will be taken to Moscow by military transport aircraft of the Russian aerospace forces, and would receive medical treatment and rehabilitation in the defense ministry's medical facilities, the ministry added.</p>

<h2><strong>Russia accuses US, NATO of provocation</strong></h2>

<p>Meanwhile, Russia accused NATO and the United States of "provoking" tensions after Washington and Berlin became the latest allies to let Kyiv's military use Western-supplied weapons to strike targets inside Russia.</p>

<p>A Berlin spokesperson said Germany was convinced Ukraine had the right to defend itself from Russia, especially from cross-border attacks on its second largest city Kharkiv.</p>

<p>Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky said the decision would help protect civilians living in villages close to the Russian border.</p>

<p>Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said NATO countries, especially the US and several European countries, had "entered a new round of escalating tension and they are doing this deliberately", TASS news agency reported.</p>

<p>"They are in every possible way provoking Ukraine to continue this senseless war."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Russia released 75 Ukrainian detainees that included four civilians, according to an official statement from Kyiv. In return, Ukraine released 75 Russian detainees, it was confirmed.

Russia released 75 Ukrainian detainees that included four civilians, according to an official statement from Kyiv. In return, Ukraine released 75 Russian detainees, it was confirmed. This is the first prisoner exchange in four months between the sides at a formal state of war with one another since February 2022. The Russian Defence Ministry announced that Ukraine gave up 75 individuals as part of an agreement mediated by the United Arab Emirates. "After a long pause, another prisoner swap took place: 75 defenders and civilians were released from the enemy’s captivity," Ukraine’s Coordinating Committee on Dealing with Prisoners of War said. Handout photos released on international news agencies showed servicemen wearing blue and yellow national flags that were issued along with a statement from the committee. Also watch | Russia-Ukraine War: West allows Kyiv to strike Russia × Nineteen defenders of Snake Island, a small rocky outcrop in the Black Sea that became a symbol of Ukrainian resistance in the early days of the conflict when Ukrainian guards refused to surrender to Russian forces, were reportedly brought back by Ukrainian officials. Also read | Indian PM Modi affirms support for peace efforts, dialogue and diplomacy in talks with Putin and Zelensky Russia has turned over the bodies of 212 Ukrainian defenders as part of the deal. On the Russian side, the freed Russian soldiers will be taken to Moscow by military transport aircraft of the Russian aerospace forces, and would receive medical treatment and rehabilitation in the defense ministry's medical facilities, the ministry added. Russia accuses US, NATO of provocation Meanwhile, Russia accused NATO and the United States of "provoking" tensions after Washington and Berlin became the latest allies to let Kyiv's military use Western-supplied weapons to strike targets inside Russia. A Berlin spokesperson said Germany was convinced Ukraine had the right to defend itself from Russia, especially from cross-border attacks on its second largest city Kharkiv. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky said the decision would help protect civilians living in villages close to the Russian border. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said NATO countries, especially the US and several European countries, had "entered a new round of escalating tension and they are doing this deliberately", TASS news agency reported. "They are in every possible way provoking Ukraine to continue this senseless war." (With inputs from agencies)

Russia, Ukraine exchange 150 prisoners after UAE-brokered deal

Russia and Ukraine have announced a major prisoner swap, 150 people have been freed after negotiations mediated by United Arab Emirates. Th prisoner swap has taken place after a gap of four months.

Russia-Ukraine war: First exchange of prisoners after four months, 150 people freed

Ukraine has resorted to enlisting inmates to fight against Russia in an effort to replenish its troops, with over 4,000 applications received thus far. Watch to know more.

Russia-Ukraine war: Thousands of Ukrainian prisoners apply to join army in return for parole

US President Joe Biden has given Ukraine permission to use American-supplied weapons to strike targets in Russia, but only near the Kharkiv region, US officials said. Watch in for more details!

Russia slams US for allowing Ukraine to use weapons

<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday (May 29) appointed Alexei Dyumin as secretary of the advisory State Council. The appointment has brought Dyumin closer to the core of power and now, people are speculating that he might become the next president.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Putin was re-elected for another six-year term in March and appointed Dyumin as an adviser supervising the weapons industry in May.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kremlin's website announced a decree signed by Putin that appointed Dyumin to the State Council. It provided no further information about his new employment.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sergei Markov, who is a former Kremlin adviser and Putin supporter, said on Telegram: "Russia's elite is abuzz with the appointment of Dyumin as secretary of the State Council."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also&nbsp;read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-spain-ireland-and-norway-formally-recognise-palestinian-statehood-heres-why-it-matters-727107">Explained: Spain, Ireland and Norway formally recognise Palestinian statehood. Here’s why it matters</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<h2><strong>Who is Alexei Dyumin?</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Dyumin worked as the president's bodyguard for Putin's first and second terms from August 1999. He is one of his closest allies. He was born on August 28, 1972, in Kursk and his father was a military medic and his mother a teacher.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He entered the Federal Guards Service (FSO) in 1995 and guarded both President Boris Yeltsin and Prime Minister Viktor Chernomyrdin.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 51-year-old has played ice hockey with Putin. He was deputy head of the GRU military intelligence service when Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Dyumin later served as a deputy defence minister and then as governor of Tula, a region which plays a big role in Russia's military-industrial complex.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-war-israel-uncovers-15-kilometre-long-terrorist-tunnel-route-in-eastern-rafah-727109">Gaza war: Israel uncovers 1.5-kilometre-long 'terrorist' tunnel route in eastern Rafah</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<h2><strong>Dyumin saved Putin from bear attack</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>While speaking to the Kommersant newspaper in 2016, Dyumin explained how he once used his pistol to scare off a bear from one of the president's mountain residences. He is a recipient of Russia's highest Hero of Russia state award.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I was part of a group of officers which ensured the security of the president everywhere – in Russia and abroad. Every morning began with a report to the president on operational reports. You must have information on the regions, on emergency situations. Sometimes I had to give instructions to a minister, set a task for the head of a region," Dyumin said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Ukraine fires 'storm shadow' missile</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Will Dyumin become next president?</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>So far, there's nothing certain over who will succeed Putin, however, experts are taking note of his appointments which suggest that he is preparing a prospective successor.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This is seen as confirmation that Dyumin is the future president of Russia, Putin's choice," Markov said. He also added that this was something that had long been rumoured.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday (May 29) appointed Alexei Dyumin as secretary of the advisory State Council. The appointment has brought Dyumin closer to the core of power and now, people are speculating that he might become the next president.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday (May 29) appointed Alexei Dyumin as secretary of the advisory State Council. The appointment has brought Dyumin closer to the core of power and now, people are speculating that he might become the next president. Putin was re-elected for another six-year term in March and appointed Dyumin as an adviser supervising the weapons industry in May. Kremlin's website announced a decree signed by Putin that appointed Dyumin to the State Council. It provided no further information about his new employment. Sergei Markov, who is a former Kremlin adviser and Putin supporter, said on Telegram: "Russia's elite is abuzz with the appointment of Dyumin as secretary of the State Council." Also read: Explained: Spain, Ireland and Norway formally recognise Palestinian statehood. Here’s why it matters Who is Alexei Dyumin? Dyumin worked as the president's bodyguard for Putin's first and second terms from August 1999. He is one of his closest allies. He was born on August 28, 1972, in Kursk and his father was a military medic and his mother a teacher. He entered the Federal Guards Service (FSO) in 1995 and guarded both President Boris Yeltsin and Prime Minister Viktor Chernomyrdin. The 51-year-old has played ice hockey with Putin. He was deputy head of the GRU military intelligence service when Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014. Dyumin later served as a deputy defence minister and then as governor of Tula, a region which plays a big role in Russia's military-industrial complex. Also read: Gaza war: Israel uncovers 1.5-kilometre-long 'terrorist' tunnel route in eastern Rafah Dyumin saved Putin from bear attack While speaking to the Kommersant newspaper in 2016, Dyumin explained how he once used his pistol to scare off a bear from one of the president's mountain residences. He is a recipient of Russia's highest Hero of Russia state award. "I was part of a group of officers which ensured the security of the president everywhere – in Russia and abroad. Every morning began with a report to the president on operational reports. You must have information on the regions, on emergency situations. Sometimes I had to give instructions to a minister, set a task for the head of a region," Dyumin said. Watch: Ukraine fires 'storm shadow' missile × Will Dyumin become next president? So far, there's nothing certain over who will succeed Putin, however, experts are taking note of his appointments which suggest that he is preparing a prospective successor. "This is seen as confirmation that Dyumin is the future president of Russia, Putin's choice," Markov said. He also added that this was something that had long been rumoured. (With inputs from agencies)

Putin's ex-bodyguard, who saved him from bear attack, gets new role. Will he become next president?

Have America's Abrams tanks failed in Ukraine? Ukrainian crew working on the tanks have revealed a series of weaknesses and flaws.

Gravitas: Why are Abrams tanks failing in Ukraine?

Russia-Ukraine War: West allows Kyiv to strike Russia

The ongoing war in Ukraine has had a devastating impact on the country's economy. A new world bank report reveals a significant rise in poverty, with 1.8 million more Ukrainians falling below the poverty line since 2020. Watch in for more details!

Ukraine war: 1.8 million more Ukrainians in poverty since 2020 due to war

President Joe Biden has given a nod to Ukraine to use American weapons to strike targets within Russian territory, though with restrictions. Watch to know more.

Russia-Ukraine war: Ukraine can use US munitions to target specific areas in Russia

Russia-Ukraine war: US relaxes 'weapons use' policy for Ukraine

Russia-Ukraine War: West allows Ukraine to strike Russia

Russian Forces released dramatic footage of drone attack on U.S.-supplied Abrams Tank in Donetsk region of Ukraine. Watch in for more details!

Russia-Ukraine War: Russian drones target US Abrams tanks

The Russia-Ukraine war is entering the next stage. Joe Biden has allowed Ukraine to strike Russia. Ukraine is all set to use US weapons inside Russia. Is US provoking Russia for a global conflict? Watch this video for all details.

Why did Biden allow Ukraine to strike Russia using US weapons despite concerns?

President Joe Biden has given a nod to Ukraine to use American weapons to strike targets within Russian territory, though with restrictions. A Russian strike in the eastern city of Kharkiv has killed at least three people while injuring 16 others as per the regional Governor Russia used twin strikes which targeted Medics and rescue workers. Watch to know more.

Russia-Ukraine war: At least 3 killed, 16 injured in Russian strikes on Kharkiv

Russian commodities firms struggling to execute financial transactions with Chinese counterparts have started tapping a new method for settling deals - cryptocurrency or stablecoins. This shift is mainly attributed to current sanctions against Russia due to the ongoing Ukraine-Russia war.

Gravitas: Crypto, a saviour for sanctions-hit Russia?

Russian President Vladimir Putin appointed Alexi Dyumin his former bodyguard as the secretary of the advisory State Council and this step has feed speculations about Dyumin's Presidential potential. Watch in for more details!

Russia: Putin lining up a potential takeover?

Now, we turn our attention to the Russian economy. Is the Russian economy overheating? Likely, because the latest inflation surge has taken the Russian central bank by surprise.

Russia's overheating economy puts rate hike back on table

We shift our focus to how sanctions-hit Russia looks at new trade settlement options. Stablecoins have emerged as a viable alternative. Russian commodities firms having trouble settling transactions with their Chinese counterparts use this method. Take a look at this report to know more.

Russian firms turn to crypto for China commodities trade

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