A massive rocket strike that targeted the Russian border city of Belgorod on Saturday (Dec 30) was allegedly launched on the direct orders of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, according to a Moscow security source cited by Russian state media.

The Ukrainian attack killed 14 people&nbsp;and left over 100 people injured.

The source cited by Russia Today&nbsp;claimed that&nbsp;President Zelensky ordered&nbsp;the head of Ukrainian military intelligence (GUR), Kirill Budanov, to launch attack on Belgorod on December 30.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukrainian-strike-kills-at-least-14-in-city-of-belgorod-says-russia-675107">Ukrainian strike kills at least 14 in city of Belgorod, says Russia</a>

In December, a Moscow district court ordered Budanov's&nbsp;arrest on terrorism charges. He was accused by&nbsp;Russia's Investigative Committee in October as one of the suspected masterminds behind over 100 "terrorist attacks" on Russian civilian infrastructure.

Budanov&nbsp;is said to be the commander in charge of the notorious Kraken Regimen, which reportedly carried out that rocket strike on Belgorod.

<h2>Russia's response to Belgorod attack</h2>

In response to the Belgorod attack, the Russian military targeted Ukrainian military facilities and officials on Sunday.

The Russian defence ministry claimed that some individuals involved in planning the attack were eliminated, and there were casualties among the Kraken Regiment fighters.&nbsp;In Russia's reprisal attacks, several missiles struck the city of Kharkiv with two children among those injured, the Ukrainian military said.

Also watch |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine war: Russia accuses Kyiv of 'terrorist' attack on Belgorod civilians

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-war-russia-accuses-kyiv-of-terrorist-attack-on-belgorod-civilians-675143/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The Russian defence ministry had vowed the bombardment 'would not go unpunished'.

In his speech emphasising national unity, Putin called his military 'heroes'.

"We have proven more than once that we can solve the most difficult problems and will never back down."

"In the past year we have worked hard and accomplished a lot. We were proud of our common achievements, rejoiced at our successes and were firm in defending national interests," Putin said.

Tensions between Russia and Ukraine have now reached a critical point, with the international community closely monitoring the situation as both nations exchange military actions and accusations.

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

 
(With inputs from agencies)

A massive rocket strike that targeted the Russian border city of Belgorod on Saturday (Dec 30) was allegedly launched on the direct orders of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, according to a Moscow security source cited by Russian state media.

A massive rocket strike that targeted the Russian border city of Belgorod on Saturday (Dec 30) was allegedly launched on the direct orders of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, according to a Moscow security source cited by Russian state media. The Ukrainian attack killed 14 people and left over 100 people injured. The source cited by Russia Today claimed that President Zelensky ordered the head of Ukrainian military intelligence (GUR), Kirill Budanov, to launch attack on Belgorod on December 30. Also read | Ukrainian strike kills at least 14 in city of Belgorod, says Russia In December, a Moscow district court ordered Budanov's arrest on terrorism charges. He was accused by Russia's Investigative Committee in October as one of the suspected masterminds behind over 100 "terrorist attacks" on Russian civilian infrastructure. Budanov is said to be the commander in charge of the notorious Kraken Regimen, which reportedly carried out that rocket strike on Belgorod. Russia's response to Belgorod attack In response to the Belgorod attack, the Russian military targeted Ukrainian military facilities and officials on Sunday. The Russian defence ministry claimed that some individuals involved in planning the attack were eliminated, and there were casualties among the Kraken Regiment fighters. In Russia's reprisal attacks, several missiles struck the city of Kharkiv with two children among those injured, the Ukrainian military said. Also watch | Russia-Ukraine war: Russia accuses Kyiv of 'terrorist' attack on Belgorod civilians × The Russian defence ministry had vowed the bombardment 'would not go unpunished'. In his speech emphasising national unity, Putin called his military 'heroes'. "We have proven more than once that we can solve the most difficult problems and will never back down." "In the past year we have worked hard and accomplished a lot. We were proud of our common achievements, rejoiced at our successes and were firm in defending national interests," Putin said. Tensions between Russia and Ukraine have now reached a critical point, with the international community closely monitoring the situation as both nations exchange military actions and accusations. Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

Zelensky personally ordered Belgorod attack, claims Russian state media

Russian media on Monday (Nov 13) reported that the Russian military was withdrawing its troops from the eastern bank of the Dnipro River to “more favourable positions,” only to withdraw the information minutes later.

Two prominent Russian news agencies reported and later retracted the reports.

State news agencies Tass and RIA-Novosti said Russia had repositioned troops to positions east of the Dnipro River, in order to "free up some of its forces, which will be used for offensive operations in other areas".

While Moscow blamed the highly unusual incident on Ukraine, Kyiv claimed it was a Russian disinformation campaign.

The ‘false report’ came exactly a year after Russia withdrew its forces from the right bank of the river, including from the city of Kherson. It must be noted that the Dnipro River continues to separate Russian and Ukrainian forces on the battleground.

<h2>Escalation by Ukrainian forces</h2>

Under its so-called counter-offensive, Ukraine has of late escalated its attacks on Russian forces across the Dnipro River.&nbsp;

The prime objective of this mission is to dismantle Russia’s ‘land bridge’ to the Crimean Peninsula, which has been under Russia’s control since 2014.

Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas | Russia turns Avdiivka into another Bakhmut | 40,000 troops encircle Ukrainian town

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-russia-turns-avdiivka-into-another-bakhmut-40000-troops-encircle-ukrainian-town-658174/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Russia earlier on Friday (Nov 10) claimed it foiled an attack by Ukraine that attempted to build a makeshift landing position in the region, which the Ukrainian military could have used to bring in heavy equipment and additional personnel.

<h2>Zelensky warns of winter assault by Russia</h2>

Ukraine's President, Volodymyr Zelensky, warned that the country should prepare for more attacks on its infrastructure this winter.&nbsp;

Last winter, Russia targeted Ukraine's energy infrastructure, causing significant damage and leaving many people without heating and power. The damage to Ukraine's energy sector was estimated at $6.8 billion.&nbsp;

“We are almost halfway through November and we must be prepared for the possibility that the enemy may increase the number of drone or missile strikes against our infrastructure,” Zelensky&nbsp;said in his nightly address Sunday (Nov 12).

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/did-zelensky-lie-all-this-while-new-report-claims-ukrainian-military-officer-coordinated-nord-stream-sabotage-657729">Also read:&nbsp;Did Zelensky lie all this while? New report claims Ukrainian military officer coordinated Nord Stream sabotage</a>

In response to these threats, Ukraine's Foreign Minister has called for increased military aid, faster implementation of sanctions against Russia, and a decision on starting negotiations for Ukraine's accession to the European Union.&nbsp;

While the European Commission recommended talks with Ukraine about joining the EU, the Foreign Minister criticised the bloc for not discussing new sanctions against Russia as planned.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russian media on Monday (Nov 13) reported that the Russian military was withdrawing its troops from the eastern bank of the Dnipro River to “more favourable positions,” only to withdraw the information minutes later.

Russian media on Monday (Nov 13) reported that the Russian military was withdrawing its troops from the eastern bank of the Dnipro River to “more favourable positions,” only to withdraw the information minutes later. Two prominent Russian news agencies reported and later retracted the reports. State news agencies Tass and RIA-Novosti said Russia had repositioned troops to positions east of the Dnipro River, in order to "free up some of its forces, which will be used for offensive operations in other areas". While Moscow blamed the highly unusual incident on Ukraine, Kyiv claimed it was a Russian disinformation campaign. The ‘false report’ came exactly a year after Russia withdrew its forces from the right bank of the river, including from the city of Kherson. It must be noted that the Dnipro River continues to separate Russian and Ukrainian forces on the battleground. Escalation by Ukrainian forces Under its so-called counter-offensive, Ukraine has of late escalated its attacks on Russian forces across the Dnipro River. The prime objective of this mission is to dismantle Russia’s ‘land bridge’ to the Crimean Peninsula, which has been under Russia’s control since 2014. Watch: Gravitas | Russia turns Avdiivka into another Bakhmut | 40,000 troops encircle Ukrainian town × Russia earlier on Friday (Nov 10) claimed it foiled an attack by Ukraine that attempted to build a makeshift landing position in the region, which the Ukrainian military could have used to bring in heavy equipment and additional personnel. Zelensky warns of winter assault by Russia Ukraine's President, Volodymyr Zelensky, warned that the country should prepare for more attacks on its infrastructure this winter. Last winter, Russia targeted Ukraine's energy infrastructure, causing significant damage and leaving many people without heating and power. The damage to Ukraine's energy sector was estimated at $6.8 billion. “We are almost halfway through November and we must be prepared for the possibility that the enemy may increase the number of drone or missile strikes against our infrastructure,” Zelensky said in his nightly address Sunday (Nov 12). Also read: Did Zelensky lie all this while? New report claims Ukrainian military officer coordinated Nord Stream sabotage In response to these threats, Ukraine's Foreign Minister has called for increased military aid, faster implementation of sanctions against Russia, and a decision on starting negotiations for Ukraine's accession to the European Union. While the European Commission recommended talks with Ukraine about joining the EU, the Foreign Minister criticised the bloc for not discussing new sanctions against Russia as planned. (With inputs from agencies)

Russian media announces retreat of forces from Dnipro River, only to retract within minutes

Amid the escalating Russia-Ukraine conflict, hopes are hanging over peace talks. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke to several Russian media publications to share his points.&nbsp;

However, the Russian communications watchdog Roskomnadzor told Russian media on Sunday (March 27) to refrain from reporting an interview, which was done.&nbsp;

The media regulator further warned that the outlets could be subject to investigation and action could be taken against them if they broadcast the chat.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukrainian-president-zelensky-says-ukraine-ready-to-discuss-adopting-neutral-status-466182">President Zelensky says Ukraine ready to discuss adopting neutral status</a>

Roskomnadzor released a short statement on social media and also posted it on its website. The statement mentioned that a host of Russian outlets had done an interview with Zelensky.&nbsp;

"Roskomnadzor warns the Russian media about the necessity of refraining from publishing this interview," it said. It did not give a reason for its warning or didn't reveal any details.&nbsp;&nbsp;

During the interaction, Ukraine Zelensky said that Russian demand for Ukrainian neutrality was being closely looked at by Kyiv's negotiators.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wary-of-escalation-france-calls-for-restraint-after-bidens-butcher-jibe-466052">Wary of escalation, France calls for restraint after Biden's 'butcher' jibe</a>

While speaking with Russian journalists, Zelensky accused Russian leader Vladimir Putin of dragging out negotiations and prolonging the conflict.&nbsp;

Zelensky said, "We have to come to an agreement with the President of the Russian Federation. But to reach an agreement, he has to get up from where he is and come and meet me."&nbsp;

Negotiations to end more than a month of fighting in Ukraine have focused on Ukraine staying out of NATO, disarmament and security guarantees. The two sides are due to meet for the second round of face-to-face talks next week in Turkey.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas Plus: The story of Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-plus-the-story-of-ukraines-president-volodymyr-zelensky-466054/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

(With inputs from agencies)

Amid the escalating Russia-Ukraine conflict, hopes are hanging over peace talks. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke to several Russian media publications to share his points.

Amid the escalating Russia-Ukraine conflict, hopes are hanging over peace talks. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke to several Russian media publications to share his points. However, the Russian communications watchdog Roskomnadzor told Russian media on Sunday (March 27) to refrain from reporting an interview, which was done. The media regulator further warned that the outlets could be subject to investigation and action could be taken against them if they broadcast the chat. ALSO READ | President Zelensky says Ukraine ready to discuss adopting neutral status Roskomnadzor released a short statement on social media and also posted it on its website. The statement mentioned that a host of Russian outlets had done an interview with Zelensky. "Roskomnadzor warns the Russian media about the necessity of refraining from publishing this interview," it said. It did not give a reason for its warning or didn't reveal any details. During the interaction, Ukraine Zelensky said that Russian demand for Ukrainian neutrality was being closely looked at by Kyiv's negotiators. ALSO READ | Wary of escalation, France calls for restraint after Biden's 'butcher' jibe While speaking with Russian journalists, Zelensky accused Russian leader Vladimir Putin of dragging out negotiations and prolonging the conflict. Zelensky said, "We have to come to an agreement with the President of the Russian Federation. But to reach an agreement, he has to get up from where he is and come and meet me." Negotiations to end more than a month of fighting in Ukraine have focused on Ukraine staying out of NATO, disarmament and security guarantees. The two sides are due to meet for the second round of face-to-face talks next week in Turkey. WATCH | Gravitas Plus: The story of Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky × (With inputs from agencies)

'Refrain from publishing': Russia warns media, says don't report interview with Zelensky

Novaya Gazeta, one of Russia’s leading independent newspapers and whose editor Dmitry Muratov was a co-awarded last year’s Nobel Peace Prize, has suspended its operations until the end of Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.

Chief editor Dmitry Muratov in a statement said they have taken the decision after receiving two warnings of legal action from the government’s Roskomnadzor censorship agency.

A third warning would result in the newspaper's media license being revoked.

Muratov said it was a “difficult” decision, indicating it was an effort to “save” the respected publication and avoid a total shutdown.

“For us and, I know, for you, this is a terrible and difficult decision. But we need to save us for each other,” he said in a statement.

In the last several years, Kremlin had been tightening&nbsp;its noose around the media, prohibiting them from reporting that falls in contradiction with the official government sources. The crackdown increased further in the wake of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/retaliatory-visa-measures-russia-set-to-restrict-entry-of-nationals-from-unfriendly-countries-466435" hreflang="en">Russia set to restrict entry of nationals from 'unfriendly' countries</a>

Under a new law, editors and outlets are potentially are liable for up to 15 years in prison for breaking the new rule.

According to The Moscow Times, another independent newspaper which partly functions out of Amsterdam, most Russian outlets have been forced into exile.

Novaya Gazeta is one of Russia’s oldest and most respected independent media outlets.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-cites-russian-provocations-for-pausing-evacuations-of-civilians-466311">Ukraine cites Russian 'provocations' for pausing evacuations of civilians</a>

It was co-founded by former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev in 1993. It is the only main newspaper left voicing criticism of President Vladimir Putin and his tactics in and outside the country.

Last year, Muratov was awarded the Nobel Peace prize alongside Maria Ressa of the Philippines for their efforts “to safeguard freedom of expression.”

Last week, Muratov&nbsp;said&nbsp;the newspaper had decided to donate the gold medal to a fund to help Ukrainian refugees.

(With inputs from agencies)

Novaya Gazeta, one of Russia’s leading independent newspapers and whose editor Dmitry Muratov was a co-awarded last year’s Nobel Peace Prize, has suspended its operations until the end of Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.

Novaya Gazeta, one of Russia’s leading independent newspapers and whose editor Dmitry Muratov was a co-awarded last year’s Nobel Peace Prize, has suspended its operations until the end of Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine. Chief editor Dmitry Muratov in a statement said they have taken the decision after receiving two warnings of legal action from the government’s Roskomnadzor censorship agency. A third warning would result in the newspaper's media license being revoked. Muratov said it was a “difficult” decision, indicating it was an effort to “save” the respected publication and avoid a total shutdown. “For us and, I know, for you, this is a terrible and difficult decision. But we need to save us for each other,” he said in a statement. In the last several years, Kremlin had been tightening its noose around the media, prohibiting them from reporting that falls in contradiction with the official government sources. The crackdown increased further in the wake of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Also read | Russia set to restrict entry of nationals from 'unfriendly' countries Under a new law, editors and outlets are potentially are liable for up to 15 years in prison for breaking the new rule. According to The Moscow Times, another independent newspaper which partly functions out of Amsterdam, most Russian outlets have been forced into exile. Novaya Gazeta is one of Russia’s oldest and most respected independent media outlets. Also read | Ukraine cites Russian 'provocations' for pausing evacuations of civilians It was co-founded by former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev in 1993. It is the only main newspaper left voicing criticism of President Vladimir Putin and his tactics in and outside the country. Last year, Muratov was awarded the Nobel Peace prize alongside Maria Ressa of the Philippines for their efforts “to safeguard freedom of expression.” Last week, Muratov said the newspaper had decided to donate the gold medal to a fund to help Ukrainian refugees. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia’s top independent newspaper, co-founded by Gorbachev, ceases operations after warnings

Microsoft&nbsp;Corp said on Monday it would&nbsp;remove&nbsp;Russian state-owned media outlet RT's mobile apps from the Windows App store and ban advertisements on&nbsp;Russian state-sponsored media, as global tech firms respond to Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.

The company said it would not display any state-sponsored RT and Sputnik content, de-rank their search results on Bing and not place any ads from its ad network on those sites.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/node/454148">Here's what Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist Bill Gates doing in Pakistan</a>

Western tech companies, including Facebook-owner Meta Platforms Inc and Alphabet Inc's Google, have placed restrictions on&nbsp;Russia's state-controlled media outlets in Ukraine and around the world.

Google has banned downloads of RT's mobile app on Ukrainian territory after barring&nbsp;Russia's state-owned media outlet RT and other channels from receiving money for ads on their websites, apps and YouTube videos.

Facebook is barring&nbsp;Russian state media from running ads or monetizing on its platform anywhere in the world.

Watch |&nbsp;World Bank Prez David Malpass criticized Microsoft's $69 billion deal as poor countries struggle

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/world-bank-prez-david-malpass-criticized-microsofts-69-billion-deal-as-poor-countries-struggle-446131/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"(We) will make ongoing adjustments to strengthen our detection and disruption mechanisms to avoid the spread of disinformation and promote instead independent and trusted content,"&nbsp;Microsoft&nbsp;said in a blog.

A growing list of companies are also looking to exit&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;as sanctions from Western countries tighten.

Microsoft Corp said on Monday it would remove Russian state-owned media outlet RT's mobile apps from the Windows App store and ban advertisements on Russian state-sponsored media, as global tech firms respond to Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.

Microsoft Corp said on Monday it would remove Russian state-owned media outlet RT's mobile apps from the Windows App store and ban advertisements on Russian state-sponsored media, as global tech firms respond to Moscow's invasion of Ukraine. The company said it would not display any state-sponsored RT and Sputnik content, de-rank their search results on Bing and not place any ads from its ad network on those sites. Also read | Here's what Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist Bill Gates doing in Pakistan Western tech companies, including Facebook-owner Meta Platforms Inc and Alphabet Inc's Google, have placed restrictions on Russia's state-controlled media outlets in Ukraine and around the world. Google has banned downloads of RT's mobile app on Ukrainian territory after barring Russia's state-owned media outlet RT and other channels from receiving money for ads on their websites, apps and YouTube videos. Facebook is barring Russian state media from running ads or monetizing on its platform anywhere in the world. Watch | World Bank Prez David Malpass criticized Microsoft's $69 billion deal as poor countries struggle "(We) will make ongoing adjustments to strengthen our detection and disruption mechanisms to avoid the spread of disinformation and promote instead independent and trusted content," Microsoft said in a blog. A growing list of companies are also looking to exit Russia as sanctions from Western countries tighten.

Microsoft to remove RT apps, ban Russian state-owned media ads

Fuel Crisis in the United Kingdom has hit headlines everywhere in the world. And the country is being trolled, maybe on social media but definitely on Russian media. The presenters and reporters have, sometimes smiling, have likened it to Soviet Russia where scarcity of everyday items or even foodstuffs was almost a norm

“The queues for petrol pumps are like those for sausage that was in short supply in the Soviet Union,” said a presenter on NTV. The new channel is known to be pro-Kremlin and is owned by Gazprom, the Russian gas giant.

An NTV correspondent from London smiled as she held up The Times newspaper and showed headlines on fuel crisis

“There is no petrol, there are only newspapers, which say that the petrol is all gone. Last week they wrote that the food had run out,” she said. “I wonder what will run out next here?”

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/truckers-shortage-forces-uk-to-mull-army-deployment-to-ease-gas-crunch-at-pumps-416462">Truckers' shortage forces UK to mull army deployment to ease gas crunch at pumps &nbsp;</a>

On Wednesday (September 29), long queues were seen again at gas stations all over London. Strain on fuel supply continues in spite of UK PM Boris Johnson saying that the situation was improving. Many petrol stations had run out of fuel.

<img alt="UK fuel crisis" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7c122324-8aaf-4e42-872f-88354e5a802b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/2021-09-28T124146Z_1_LYNXMPEH8R0NY_RTROPTP_4_BRITAIN-TRUCKERS.JPG" />

Panic buying has left petrol stations across major cities in Britain dry. Oil companies have said that they did not have enough truck drivers to move fuel from refineries to filling stations.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-royal-mint-launches-gold-bar-featuring-lakshmi-hindu-goddess-of-wealth-416553">UK Royal Mint launches gold bar featuring Lakshmi, Hindu Goddess of wealth</a>

The government has put 150 British army tanker drivers on standby, and media reports suggested they could be deployed in the next few days.

Industry groups said the worst of the fuel shortages seemed to be in London, the southeast and other English cities.

(With inputs from agencies)

Fuel Crisis in the United Kingdom has hit headlines everywhere in the world. And the country is being trolled, maybe on social media but definitely on Russian media.

Fuel Crisis in the United Kingdom has hit headlines everywhere in the world. And the country is being trolled, maybe on social media but definitely on Russian media. The presenters and reporters have, sometimes smiling, have likened it to Soviet Russia where scarcity of everyday items or even foodstuffs was almost a norm “The queues for petrol pumps are like those for sausage that was in short supply in the Soviet Union,” said a presenter on NTV. The new channel is known to be pro-Kremlin and is owned by Gazprom, the Russian gas giant. An NTV correspondent from London smiled as she held up The Times newspaper and showed headlines on fuel crisis “There is no petrol, there are only newspapers, which say that the petrol is all gone. Last week they wrote that the food had run out,” she said. “I wonder what will run out next here?” Also Read | Truckers' shortage forces UK to mull army deployment to ease gas crunch at pumps On Wednesday (September 29), long queues were seen again at gas stations all over London. Strain on fuel supply continues in spite of UK PM Boris Johnson saying that the situation was improving. Many petrol stations had run out of fuel. Panic buying has left petrol stations across major cities in Britain dry. Oil companies have said that they did not have enough truck drivers to move fuel from refineries to filling stations. Also Read | UK Royal Mint launches gold bar featuring Lakshmi, Hindu Goddess of wealth The government has put 150 British army tanker drivers on standby, and media reports suggested they could be deployed in the next few days. Industry groups said the worst of the fuel shortages seemed to be in London, the southeast and other English cities. (With inputs from agencies)

Fuel crisis: Russian media mocks UK, compares it to Soviet Russia

While Biden and Putin may have achieved a thaw, the Russian and American press are still at daggers drawn. The media scuffled in front of the Presidents in Geneva; they turned the press conference into a harangue. Palki Sharma brings you a report.

Gravitas | Geneva: American and Russian media at daggers drawn

Elton John on Friday criticised Russia`s reported censorship of gay sex scenes in the new movie musical based on his life,<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/entertainment-elton-john-biopic-titled-rocketman-to-release-in-may-2019-139568"> 'Rocketman'</a>, calling the decision "cruelly unaccepting of the love between two people."

John and the makers of 'Rocketman', which depicts the warts-and-all rise to fame of the gay British musician, issued a statement after Russian media reported that scenes involving gay sex and drug taking had been cut from screening in Russia.

"We reject in the strongest possible terms the decision to pander to local laws and censor `Rocketman` for the Russian market," John and the filmmakers said.

"That the local distributor has edited out certain scenes, denying the audience the opportunity to see the film as it was intended, is a sad reflection of the divided world we still live in and how it can still be so cruelly unaccepting of the love between two people," their statement added.

The English-language Moscow Times on Friday quoted a Russian film critic who had seen the film at its May 16 world premiere in Cannes as saying that several scenes, totalling about 5 minutes, had disappeared from the Russian version.

They include a male sex scene featuring actor Taron Egerton, who plays John, and a photograph during the closing credits in which the 'Goodbye Yellow Brick Road' singer is pictured with his real-life husband David Furnish, who was a producer on the film, film critic Yegor Moskvitin was quoted as saying.

The movie, which has won warm reviews, began its worldwide rollout earlier this week.&nbsp;

John, 72, a prominent gay rights campaigner, has previously spoken out against a 2013 law banning the dissemination of gay propaganda among young Russians.

In 2015, Russian President Vladimir Putin said he would be willing to meet with John.&nbsp;

Although the singer played a concert in Moscow in May 2016, no meeting with Putin took place.&nbsp;

Elton John on Friday criticised Russia`s reported censorship of gay sex scenes in the new movie musical based on his life, 'Rocketman', calling the decision "cruelly unaccepting of the love between two people.

Elton John on Friday criticised Russia`s reported censorship of gay sex scenes in the new movie musical based on his life, 'Rocketman', calling the decision "cruelly unaccepting of the love between two people." John and the makers of 'Rocketman', which depicts the warts-and-all rise to fame of the gay British musician, issued a statement after Russian media reported that scenes involving gay sex and drug taking had been cut from screening in Russia. "We reject in the strongest possible terms the decision to pander to local laws and censor `Rocketman` for the Russian market," John and the filmmakers said. "That the local distributor has edited out certain scenes, denying the audience the opportunity to see the film as it was intended, is a sad reflection of the divided world we still live in and how it can still be so cruelly unaccepting of the love between two people," their statement added. The English-language Moscow Times on Friday quoted a Russian film critic who had seen the film at its May 16 world premiere in Cannes as saying that several scenes, totalling about 5 minutes, had disappeared from the Russian version. They include a male sex scene featuring actor Taron Egerton, who plays John, and a photograph during the closing credits in which the 'Goodbye Yellow Brick Road' singer is pictured with his real-life husband David Furnish, who was a producer on the film, film critic Yegor Moskvitin was quoted as saying. The movie, which has won warm reviews, began its worldwide rollout earlier this week. John, 72, a prominent gay rights campaigner, has previously spoken out against a 2013 law banning the dissemination of gay propaganda among young Russians. In 2015, Russian President Vladimir Putin said he would be willing to meet with John. Although the singer played a concert in Moscow in May 2016, no meeting with Putin took place.

Elton John slams Russian cuts to 'Rocketman' gay scenes

In response to what has been&nbsp;termed as &#39;&#39;mistreatment of Russian media&#39;&#39; by US, Russia&#39;s justice ministry will start registering some foreign media as &quot;foreign agents&quot; this week, the RIA news agency reports quoting a source in the Russian upper house of parliament.&nbsp;

Nine US media outlets, including the Voice of America and Radio Liberty, are likely to enter the list of &quot;foreign agents&quot; to be approved by Russia&#39;s parliament, RIA reported quoting a source at the legislature&#39;s Federation Council chamber.&nbsp;

The Kremlin has said it fully understands why Russia&#39;s parliament plans to discuss banning representatives of US media organisations in retaliation for what it calls US mistreatment of Russian media.

Nine US media outlets, including the Voice of America and Radio Liberty, are likely to enter the list of "foreign agents" to be approved by Russia's parliament

In response to what has been termed as ''mistreatment of Russian media'' by US, Russia's justice ministry will start registering some foreign media as "foreign agents" this week, the RIA news agency reports quoting a source in the Russian upper house of parliament. Nine US media outlets, including the Voice of America and Radio Liberty, are likely to enter the list of "foreign agents" to be approved by Russia's parliament, RIA reported quoting a source at the legislature's Federation Council chamber. The Kremlin has said it fully understands why Russia's parliament plans to discuss banning representatives of US media organisations in retaliation for what it calls US mistreatment of Russian media.

Russia to register some foreign media as 'foreign agents' this week: Reports

The state-owned media was seen aggressively pushing for Trump and showed reports that Clinton had the backing of 'oligarchic' corporations

As the race for the White House is hotting up, the Russian state-owned media is devoting most of its time elaborating Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump's allegations that his rival Democract candidate Hillary Clinton is corrupt and the "rigged elections". "Clinton has a choice. Either she gets the presidency or she goes behind bars," pro-Kremlin journalist Dmitry Kiselyov said during his flagship Sunday program on the state-controlled Vesti channel, news agency PTI reported. The state media did little to hide its preference in the upcoming US election, telling viewers that Clinton had the full backing of the US security services, "oligarchic" corporations and the media. Several other reports highlighted concerns about Clinton's health, linked her to sex scandals and suggested that the Democratic Party is "panicking" over recent polls, PTI said. However, the Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly denied claims that the Kremlin would like to see Trump win the elections. But he did not fail to point out the string similarities between their positions on major foreign policy issues, including Syria and Ukraine. The Russian media is widely covering the presidential battle and is pushing for Trump's candidacy aggressively, according to a European Union official. (WION with inputs from PTI)

Russian media backs Trump, questions US democracy

russian-media

Russian Media, News on Russian Media, stories on Russian Media, articles on Russian Media, Russian Media stories at Wion, Russian Media news, Russian Media latest news

russian media