Ukraine struck the headquarters of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet in a missile attack that left the main building in flames and a serviceman missing, according to military officials.

Ukrainian missile hits Russian Navy headquarters in Crimea

Ukraine is struggling to counter russian air and artillery superiority. With depleted strength and dated aircraft, the Ukrainian Air Force is suffering. The Ukrainians fly Soviet-era jets like Sukhois and Migs. The country's current fleet of warplanes is older than modern Ukraine itself. President Zelensky has been pressing Western allies to provide it with modern jets to help defend itself against Russia. Will Kyiv get the Gripen fighter?

Russian Air Superiority: Kyiv's Current Fleet of fighters older than modern Ukraine itself

The Pentagon on Wednesday announced a new security assistance package worth up to $175 million for Ukraine, including depleted uranium ammunition for Abrams tanks, the first time the U.S. is sending the controversial armor-piercing munitions to Kyiv.

US to provide depleted uranium rounds to Ukraine

<p>The Nobel Foundation said on Thursday (August 31) that invitations have been sent to the ambassadors from Russia and Belarus for Stockholm's Nobel Prize awards ceremony this year, after they were excluded last year because of the ongoing war in Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The institution has also invited Iran to the event, scheduled to take place in December in the Swedish capital of Stockholm. The foundation wants to involve even those who do not share the values of the Nobel Prize.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Vidar Helgesen, who is the executive director of the Nobel Foundation, said in a statement on Thursday, "It is clear that the world is increasingly divided into spheres, where dialogue between those with differing views is being reduced".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"To counter this tendency, we are now broadening our invitations to celebrate and understand the Nobel Prize and the importance of free science, free culture and free, peaceful societies," Helgesen added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-says-nuke-capable-satan-2-sarmat-missile-system-enters-combat-duty-631252">Russia says nuke capable 'Satan 2' Sarmat missile system enters combat duty</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>The leader of the anti-immigration Sweden Democrats has also revived an invite to the ceremony and separate banquet for the first time. Previously, the institution has repeatedly snubbed the long-time Sweden Democrats leader Jimmie Akesson, including in 2022 when the party came second in parliamentary elections.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This year's laureates will be announced in early October. Meanwhile, the festive awards ceremonies and subsequent banquets are scheduled to take place on December 10 — on the anniversary of Alfred Nobel's death.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On the same date, the Nobel Prizes have been presented to Nobel Prize laureates since 1901. The Nobel Prizes in Physics, Chemistry, Physiology or Medicine and Literature are awarded in Stockholm, Sweden, meanwhile, the Nobel Peace Prize is awarded in Oslo, Norway as stipulated in Nobel's will.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/moscow-holds-local-elections-in-occupied-parts-of-ukraine-631195">Moscow holds local elections in occupied parts of Ukraine</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Pope Francis becomes first pontiff to visit Mongolia&nbsp;</strong></p>

<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/pope-francis-becomes-first-pontiff-to-visit-mongolia-631306/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>An additional prize has been awarded since 1969 at the ceremony in Stockholm – the Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel.&nbsp;</p>

<p>From music, art, sports and more, Russians and Belarusians have been barred from countless events in the aftermath of Russia's "special military operation" in Ukraine, which was launched on February 24, 2022.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But according to the foundation, the decision is aimed at preventing further "polarisation". It said in a statement: "The achievements recognised by the Nobel Prize require openness, exchange and dialogue between people and nations. The Nobel Foundation would like to reach out with this message to everyone."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Swedish lawmakers will boycott the Nobel ceremony after Russia received the invitation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sweden Democrats leader Akesson swiftly said he would not attend.&nbsp;"Unfortunately I'm busy that day," he wrote in a Facebook post commenting on the invitation.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


The Nobel Foundation said on Thursday (August 31) that invitations have been sent to the ambassadors from Russia and Belarus for Stockholm's Nobel Prize awards ceremony this year, after they were excluded last year because of the ongoing war in Ukraine.

The Nobel Foundation said on Thursday (August 31) that invitations have been sent to the ambassadors from Russia and Belarus for Stockholm's Nobel Prize awards ceremony this year, after they were excluded last year because of the ongoing war in Ukraine. The institution has also invited Iran to the event, scheduled to take place in December in the Swedish capital of Stockholm. The foundation wants to involve even those who do not share the values of the Nobel Prize. Vidar Helgesen, who is the executive director of the Nobel Foundation, said in a statement on Thursday, "It is clear that the world is increasingly divided into spheres, where dialogue between those with differing views is being reduced". "To counter this tendency, we are now broadening our invitations to celebrate and understand the Nobel Prize and the importance of free science, free culture and free, peaceful societies," Helgesen added. Also read: Russia says nuke capable 'Satan 2' Sarmat missile system enters combat duty The leader of the anti-immigration Sweden Democrats has also revived an invite to the ceremony and separate banquet for the first time. Previously, the institution has repeatedly snubbed the long-time Sweden Democrats leader Jimmie Akesson, including in 2022 when the party came second in parliamentary elections. This year's laureates will be announced in early October. Meanwhile, the festive awards ceremonies and subsequent banquets are scheduled to take place on December 10 — on the anniversary of Alfred Nobel's death. On the same date, the Nobel Prizes have been presented to Nobel Prize laureates since 1901. The Nobel Prizes in Physics, Chemistry, Physiology or Medicine and Literature are awarded in Stockholm, Sweden, meanwhile, the Nobel Peace Prize is awarded in Oslo, Norway as stipulated in Nobel's will. Also read: Moscow holds local elections in occupied parts of Ukraine Watch: Pope Francis becomes first pontiff to visit Mongolia × An additional prize has been awarded since 1969 at the ceremony in Stockholm – the Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel. From music, art, sports and more, Russians and Belarusians have been barred from countless events in the aftermath of Russia's "special military operation" in Ukraine, which was launched on February 24, 2022. But according to the foundation, the decision is aimed at preventing further "polarisation". It said in a statement: "The achievements recognised by the Nobel Prize require openness, exchange and dialogue between people and nations. The Nobel Foundation would like to reach out with this message to everyone." Swedish lawmakers will boycott the Nobel ceremony after Russia received the invitation. Sweden Democrats leader Akesson swiftly said he would not attend. "Unfortunately I'm busy that day," he wrote in a Facebook post commenting on the invitation. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Russian and Belarus ambassadors again invited to Nobel Prize ceremony

The United States has approved the transfer of F-16 fighter jets for Ukraine from the NATO allies Netherlands and Denmark. As per a report on the AP, officials in Washington and Europe approved the transfer of the advanced fighter jet on Friday, a major gain for Kyiv.

Ukraine to get F-16 fighter jets from Netherlands, Denmark; US approves transfer

A Russian warship fires warning shots at a cargo ship in the southwestern black, the first time Russia has fired on merchant shipping beyond Ukraine since exiting a landmark brokered grain deal last month.

Russian warship fires warning shots at cargo ship | Live Discussion

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidcy2odQanwXUh" /><meta charset="utf-8" /></p>

<p>Russia will launch an e-visa for Indian passport holders from August 1, 2023. An individual with a Russian e-visa can enter the Russian Federation as a guest, businessperson, or tourist. The move will enhance bilateral ties and promote tourism between the two nations. The e-visa will have 60-day validity, and travellers can stay up to 16 days in Russia.&nbsp;According to the government portal, E-visa holders can get a tourist visa for up to six months if they have a hotel reservation.</p>

<p>In February, Russian Prime Minister, Mikhail Mishustin, signed a decree approving a facilitated visa regime for citizens of 19 countries, including India, the Economic Times reported. The countries include India, Bahrain, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mexico, Myanmar, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, and the Philippines.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per a report from the Border Guard Service of the Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation, the tourist flow to the nation plunged by 96.1 per cent in 2022. However, the tourist traffic from India to Moscow grew from 61,000 annual visitors to over a lakh between 2016 to 2019. Furthermore, traffic recovered to 40 per cent of the pre-pandemic level in 2021. Interestingly, 48 per cent of the Indians who visited Moscow in 2021 went again in the same year.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="www.wionews.com/world/banks-in-uk-are-closing-more-than-1000-accounts-per-day-report-621051">Banks in UK are closing more than 1000 accounts per day: Report</a></strong></p>

<p>The e-visa will take a maximum of four days to process, and the facility will charge a consular fee of $40. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Consular Department, the e-visa will launch on August 1 at 10:00 am Moscow Time (12:30 PM IST). Indian passport holders can visit the official website to avail the e-visa. More details about the e-visa application process will be available once the portal goes live.&nbsp;</p>

<p>An e-visa is an electronic and biometric visa that gives a passport holder the same rights as a regular visa. People who wish to visit Russia won't have to stand in long queues. They will be able to receive the tourist e-visa online with a few clicks. However, here are a few things to remember before applying for the e-visa on August 1.&nbsp;</p>

<ul>
	<li>All travellers have to complete their travel application through an online process.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Travellers have to submit their application 72 hours before their intended trip.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>The cost of applying is $40 (₹3,290).</li>
	<li>After applying online, the applicant will receive a response email within four days regarding the e-visa status.</li>
</ul>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>


Russia will launch an e-visa for Indian passport holders from August 1, 2023. An individual with a Russian e-visa can enter the Russian Federation as a guest, businessperson, or tourist.

Russia will launch an e-visa for Indian passport holders from August 1, 2023. An individual with a Russian e-visa can enter the Russian Federation as a guest, businessperson, or tourist. The move will enhance bilateral ties and promote tourism between the two nations. The e-visa will have 60-day validity, and travellers can stay up to 16 days in Russia. According to the government portal, E-visa holders can get a tourist visa for up to six months if they have a hotel reservation. In February, Russian Prime Minister, Mikhail Mishustin, signed a decree approving a facilitated visa regime for citizens of 19 countries, including India, the Economic Times reported. The countries include India, Bahrain, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mexico, Myanmar, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, and the Philippines. As per a report from the Border Guard Service of the Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation, the tourist flow to the nation plunged by 96.1 per cent in 2022. However, the tourist traffic from India to Moscow grew from 61,000 annual visitors to over a lakh between 2016 to 2019. Furthermore, traffic recovered to 40 per cent of the pre-pandemic level in 2021. Interestingly, 48 per cent of the Indians who visited Moscow in 2021 went again in the same year. ALSO READ | Banks in UK are closing more than 1000 accounts per day: Report The e-visa will take a maximum of four days to process, and the facility will charge a consular fee of $40. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Consular Department, the e-visa will launch on August 1 at 10:00 am Moscow Time (12:30 PM IST). Indian passport holders can visit the official website to avail the e-visa. More details about the e-visa application process will be available once the portal goes live. An e-visa is an electronic and biometric visa that gives a passport holder the same rights as a regular visa. People who wish to visit Russia won't have to stand in long queues. They will be able to receive the tourist e-visa online with a few clicks. However, here are a few things to remember before applying for the e-visa on August 1. All travellers have to complete their travel application through an online process. Travellers have to submit their application 72 hours before their intended trip. The cost of applying is $40 (₹3,290). After applying online, the applicant will receive a response email within four days regarding the e-visa status. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Indian passport holders can apply for Russian e-visa from August 1: Check launch time, how to apply & benefit

The Biden administration is holding firm, for now at least, on its refusal to send long-range Army missiles to Ukraine despite mounting pressure from U.S. lawmakers and pleas from the government in Kyiv, according to U.S. officials.

US in no hurry to provide Ukraine with long-range missiles

<p>Ukrainian forces have started the use of US-provided cluster munitions in an attempt to dismantle the positions of the Russian troops, a&nbsp;roadblock to Ukraine's summer offensive, reported The Washington Post citing unnamed Ukrainian officials familiar with the matter.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ukraine's use of US-supplied cluster munitions against Russian forces has sparked controversy due to the weapons' risks to civilians and their widely banned status. The decision to supply these munitions was made by US President Joe Biden bypassing certain arms export restrictions. US&nbsp;justified the move as a means to support Ukraine's military efforts until more weaponry becomes available.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/fed-fines-deutsche-bank-186-million-for-inefficient-action-to-restrain-money-laundering-617784">Fed fines Deutsche Bank $186 million for inefficient action to restrain money laundering</a></p>

<p>While speaking with the media portal on the condition of anonymity, Ukrainian officials said that these cluster bombs are being used to combat the heavily-fortified Russian trenches which have been trying to slow down Ukrainian advances in the territories it is seeking to retake.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It added that officials reportedly said that these cluster munitions will be used to counteract their significant disadvantages in artillery and the number of troops.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/ai-powered-sex-robots-may-eliminate-need-for-human-partners-claims-former-google-executive-617766">Robots for sex? Expert warns AI can 'eliminate' the need for human partners</a></p>

<p>Media reports citing officials continued to say that the cluster munitions are being used not only on front-line positions in southeastern Ukraine but also near the Russian-controlled city of Bakhmut. It is to be noted that the battle of Bakhmut has been the site of a prolonged and intense battle during the Russia-Ukraine war since it started in February last year.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Biden's approval followed by criticism</strong></h2>

<p>US President Joe Biden made a "difficult" decision to authorise the delivery of the controversial cluster munitions to Ukraine. However, this decision has faced opposition from human rights groups, European allies, and some Democrats, who worry about the dangers posed to civilians by these weapons.</p>

<p>Cluster bombs are banned in more than 120 countries. These bombs disperse smaller bomblets over a wide area and therefore pose a significant risk to civilians, especially children. It is because these submunitions can remain unexploded for years after conflicts end.</p>

<p>President Biden circumvented US law that prohibits the transfer of cluster munitions with a "dud rate" exceeding 1 percent. The US president employed a rare provision of the Foreign Assistance Act, citing vital US national security interests.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Comments by Russia and Ukraine&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin warned Ukraine about using cluster munitions, threatening retaliation if they are deployed against Russian forces. It is worth noting that Russia has already employed cluster munitions in populated areas of Ukraine multiple times since the invasion began in 2022, media reports said citing United Nations.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Israel: Protesters demand complete withdrawal of judicial bill</strong></p>

<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/israel-protesters-demand-complete-withdrawal-of-judicial-bill-617793/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>On the other hand, Ukraine has provided assurances that they will not use these weapons against population centers, and added that efforts will be made to clear the deployed areas after their use.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Ukrainian forces have started the use of US-provided cluster munitions in an attempt to dismantle the positions of the Russian troops, a roadblock to Ukraine's summer offensive, reported The Washington Post citing unnamed Ukrainian officials familiar with the matter.

Ukrainian forces have started the use of US-provided cluster munitions in an attempt to dismantle the positions of the Russian troops, a roadblock to Ukraine's summer offensive, reported The Washington Post citing unnamed Ukrainian officials familiar with the matter. Ukraine's use of US-supplied cluster munitions against Russian forces has sparked controversy due to the weapons' risks to civilians and their widely banned status. The decision to supply these munitions was made by US President Joe Biden bypassing certain arms export restrictions. US justified the move as a means to support Ukraine's military efforts until more weaponry becomes available. Also Read | Fed fines Deutsche Bank $186 million for inefficient action to restrain money laundering While speaking with the media portal on the condition of anonymity, Ukrainian officials said that these cluster bombs are being used to combat the heavily-fortified Russian trenches which have been trying to slow down Ukrainian advances in the territories it is seeking to retake. It added that officials reportedly said that these cluster munitions will be used to counteract their significant disadvantages in artillery and the number of troops. Also Read | Robots for sex? Expert warns AI can 'eliminate' the need for human partners Media reports citing officials continued to say that the cluster munitions are being used not only on front-line positions in southeastern Ukraine but also near the Russian-controlled city of Bakhmut. It is to be noted that the battle of Bakhmut has been the site of a prolonged and intense battle during the Russia-Ukraine war since it started in February last year. Biden's approval followed by criticism US President Joe Biden made a "difficult" decision to authorise the delivery of the controversial cluster munitions to Ukraine. However, this decision has faced opposition from human rights groups, European allies, and some Democrats, who worry about the dangers posed to civilians by these weapons. Cluster bombs are banned in more than 120 countries. These bombs disperse smaller bomblets over a wide area and therefore pose a significant risk to civilians, especially children. It is because these submunitions can remain unexploded for years after conflicts end. President Biden circumvented US law that prohibits the transfer of cluster munitions with a "dud rate" exceeding 1 percent. The US president employed a rare provision of the Foreign Assistance Act, citing vital US national security interests. Comments by Russia and Ukraine Russian President Vladimir Putin warned Ukraine about using cluster munitions, threatening retaliation if they are deployed against Russian forces. It is worth noting that Russia has already employed cluster munitions in populated areas of Ukraine multiple times since the invasion began in 2022, media reports said citing United Nations. Watch | Israel: Protesters demand complete withdrawal of judicial bill × On the other hand, Ukraine has provided assurances that they will not use these weapons against population centers, and added that efforts will be made to clear the deployed areas after their use. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Ukraine starts using cluster munitions against Russian forces amid criticism

British Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said on Wednesday he had warned Ukraine that its international allies were "not Amazon" and Kyiv needed to show gratitude for weapons donations to persuade Western politicians to give more.

'We're not Amazon': Britain's Defence Minister says Ukrainian officials should show more gratitude

<p>At least six people were killed and two injured after a blast ripped through an explosives factory in Russia’s central Samara region.</p>

<p>The explosion occurred on Friday at the Promsintez plant in Chapayevsk city. "Eight people were injured, six of whom died," the state-run RIA Novosti news agency cited emergency services as saying.</p>

<p>The blast happened "as a result of the dismantling of equipment during repair work,” the emergency services were quoted as saying.</p>

<p>The Promsintez plant manufactures industrial explosives and chemicals that specialise in ammonal, nitric acid, technical sulfuric acid, explosive cartridge detonators and other products, Moscow Times newspaper reported.</p>

<h2><strong>1300 people work at factory&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Around 1,300 people work in the company’s mining and oil and gas sectors, according to its website.</p>

<p>The company that owns the factory was created in 1997, but the plant dates back to pre-revolutionary Russia, founded by the country's last tsar, Nicholas II, in 1911.</p>

<p>According to reports, Friday’s deadly blast is just one of several to have recently taken place at Russian explosives factories.</p>

<h2>Gravitas: Indian soldiers to march in Paris on Bastille Day</h2>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-indian-soldiers-to-march-in-paris-on-bastille-day-613226/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<h2><strong>Factory explosion a common occurrence</strong></h2>

<p>In June, five people lost their lives due to a blast at an explosives factory in Russia’s central Tambov region. Tambov Governor Maxim Yegorov claimed that the explosion was caused by “human error” and “definitely not [the result of] a terrorist attack.”&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read </strong>|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wagner-boss-prigozhin-never-went-to-belarus-used-body-double-to-appear-as-if-he-fled-us-official-613222">Prigozhin never went to Belarus, used body double, US official claims</a></p>

<p>In May, an explosion at another chemical plant in the Perm region, located 1,000 kilometers east of Moscow, left two workers dead.</p>

<p>In Kazan, one worker was injured in a similar incident that&nbsp;occurred&nbsp;in April at a local plant.</p>

<p><strong>Also read </strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-remains-indecisive-on-swedens-nato-bid-stoltenberg-to-bridge-gaps-between-countries-613189">Turkey remains indecisive on Sweden’s NATO bid</a></p>

<p>Local media reports state that accidents are pretty common at Russian factories, and sometimes it turns deadly. Lax approach to safety rules is often cited as the main reason behind repeated explosions.</p>

<p>Additionally, many factories have been running at full speed in Russia since the start of the offensive in Ukraine, which recently completed 500 days.</p>

<p>(With inputs from agencies)</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>


At least six people were killed and two injured after a blast ripped through an explosives factory in Russia’s central Samara region. The explosion occurred on Friday at the Promsintez plant in Chapayevsk city.

At least six people were killed and two injured after a blast ripped through an explosives factory in Russia’s central Samara region. The explosion occurred on Friday at the Promsintez plant in Chapayevsk city. "Eight people were injured, six of whom died," the state-run RIA Novosti news agency cited emergency services as saying. The blast happened "as a result of the dismantling of equipment during repair work,” the emergency services were quoted as saying. The Promsintez plant manufactures industrial explosives and chemicals that specialise in ammonal, nitric acid, technical sulfuric acid, explosive cartridge detonators and other products, Moscow Times newspaper reported. 1300 people work at factory Around 1,300 people work in the company’s mining and oil and gas sectors, according to its website. The company that owns the factory was created in 1997, but the plant dates back to pre-revolutionary Russia, founded by the country's last tsar, Nicholas II, in 1911. According to reports, Friday’s deadly blast is just one of several to have recently taken place at Russian explosives factories. Gravitas: Indian soldiers to march in Paris on Bastille Day Factory explosion a common occurrence In June, five people lost their lives due to a blast at an explosives factory in Russia’s central Tambov region. Tambov Governor Maxim Yegorov claimed that the explosion was caused by “human error” and “definitely not [the result of] a terrorist attack.” Also read | Prigozhin never went to Belarus, used body double, US official claims In May, an explosion at another chemical plant in the Perm region, located 1,000 kilometers east of Moscow, left two workers dead. In Kazan, one worker was injured in a similar incident that occurred in April at a local plant. Also read Turkey remains indecisive on Sweden’s NATO bid Local media reports state that accidents are pretty common at Russian factories, and sometimes it turns deadly. Lax approach to safety rules is often cited as the main reason behind repeated explosions. Additionally, many factories have been running at full speed in Russia since the start of the offensive in Ukraine, which recently completed 500 days. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Six killed, two injured after factory explosion in central Russia

Ukraine's capital city of Kyiv is the hotbed of the Russia-Ukraine war. The city is back in the news but not for the usual reasons. Debris from eight British Hurricane Fighter Jets has been found in there, take a look.

Remains of eight British WWII-era Hurricane aircraft found near Kyiv

The United States military believes that cluster munitions would be useful for Ukraine in pushing back against Russian forces, a senior Pentagon official said on Thursday, but they had not been approved for Kyiv yet because of congressional restrictions and concerns from allies.

Cluster munitions would be useful for Ukraine: Pentagon

<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin found himself in the spotlight once again when a video capturing an interesting incident went viral on the internet. The footage shows Putin standing on a boat near the Lakhta Center in St. Petersburg, accompanied by Elena Ilyukhina, an official from the Russian Petroleum refineries company Gazprom Neft. As the Russian national anthem plays in the background, Elena initiates a conversation with Putin, who responds by standing silently, seemingly showing respect for the anthem.</p>

<p>Aware of the protocol, Putin subtly reminds his talkative companion not to speak during the anthem by placing his finger on his lips.</p>

<h2><strong>Awkward silence and online reactions</strong></h2>

<p>In the remaining seconds of the 22-second video, an uncomfortable silence ensues between Putin and Elena. The incident quickly gained attention on social media platforms, with a Twitter page sharing the video along with the caption, "Vladimir Putin reminds his talkative host not to speak during the Russian National Anthem." Meanwhile, another user on Twitter labelled Elena's actions as "a huge mistake."</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Vladimir Putin 😎 reminds his talkative host not to speak during the Russian National Anthem <a href="https://t.co/xMf7W8FeVH">pic.twitter.com/xMf7W8FeVH</a></p>
— Megh Updates 🚨™ (@MeghUpdates) <a href="https://twitter.com/MeghUpdates/status/1670310045282897921?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 18, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>According to reports, this incident took place during a solemn flag-raising ceremony in Saint Petersburg, held to commemorate significant milestones in Russian history. The ceremony marked 330 years of Peter I's tricolour, 100 years of the Red Banner of the USSR, and 165 years of the Russian Empire's flag. As an attendee at the event, Putin was expected to observe proper decorum during the playing of the national anthem.</p>

<h2><strong>Putin's recent encounter with Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu</strong></h2>

<p>Interestingly, this incident followed another peculiar interaction involving Putin. Just a few days back, a video went viral showing Putin seemingly giving a cold shoulder to his Defence Minister&nbsp;Sergei Shoigu.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/microsoft-outages-in-early-june-due-to-cyberattacks-605731">Microsoft outages in early June due to cyberattacks</a></p>

<p>During a visit to a Moscow military hospital to present medals to Russian soldiers, Putin engaged with some of the soldiers before returning to the centre of the room where Shoigu was present. However, instead of facing Shoigu, Putin turned his back to him, leaving the defence minister visibly confused by this unexpected gesture.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">You don't have to be a body language expert to understand what Putin currently thinks about his Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu... 😅 <a href="https://t.co/ZRfJaJDE1X">pic.twitter.com/ZRfJaJDE1X</a></p>
— Jimmy Rushton (@JimmySecUK) <a href="https://twitter.com/JimmySecUK/status/1668348344752562195?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 12, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>These instances, captured in viral videos, have sparked considerable interest and speculation among online users and observers of Russian politics. While the incident with Elena highlights Putin's commitment to upholding protocol and respect for national symbols, his encounter with Shoigu adds to the intrigue surrounding his actions and demeanour.</p>

<p>As the world watches and dissects these unusual moments, the true motivations behind Putin's gestures remain a subject of speculation and interpretation.</p>

<p>The video clip capturing an interaction between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Defense Minister was shared by Ukrainian politician Volodymyr Omelyan who speculated about Shoigu's job security saying he would be out of a job soon. Throughout the war between Russia and Ukraine, such speculation has surrounded Shoigu.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-schoolgirls-poisoning-state-sanctioned-committee-tries-to-downplay-poisoning-attacks-says-report-605671">Iran schoolgirls poisoning: State-sanctioned committee tries to downplay poisoning attacks, says report</a></p>

<p>Criticism has been directed towards Shoigu due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which has escalated into a prolonged and gruelling conflict. This war has taken a toll on Russian troops and equipment, besides severely impacting Russia's economy.</p>

<p>Shoigu faces a challenge as Russia's winter offensive achieved only limited progress but came at a great cost to the Russian army. As a result, Russian forces are once again on the defensive, while Ukrainian forces, armed with Western equipment, have launched a counteroffensive to regain territory.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Russia's latest space agency mission: Raising a militia for the war in Ukraine?</strong></p>

<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/russias-latest-space-agency-mission-raising-a-militia-for-the-war-in-ukraine-605725/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Initially referred to by Russia as a "special military operation," the conflict was initially expected to conclude within days after Russia's invasion. However, it has continued for over 15 months, resulting in significant casualties and expenditures.</p>

<p>The ongoing war and its consequences have fueled debates and uncertainties surrounding Shoigu's role and the effectiveness of Russia's military strategies in Ukraine.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1  width=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Russian President Vladimir Putin found himself in the spotlight once again when a video capturing an interesting incident went viral on the internet. The footage shows Putin standing on a boat near the Lakhta Center in St.

Russian President Vladimir Putin found himself in the spotlight once again when a video capturing an interesting incident went viral on the internet. The footage shows Putin standing on a boat near the Lakhta Center in St. Petersburg, accompanied by Elena Ilyukhina, an official from the Russian Petroleum refineries company Gazprom Neft. As the Russian national anthem plays in the background, Elena initiates a conversation with Putin, who responds by standing silently, seemingly showing respect for the anthem. Aware of the protocol, Putin subtly reminds his talkative companion not to speak during the anthem by placing his finger on his lips. Awkward silence and online reactions In the remaining seconds of the 22-second video, an uncomfortable silence ensues between Putin and Elena. The incident quickly gained attention on social media platforms, with a Twitter page sharing the video along with the caption, "Vladimir Putin reminds his talkative host not to speak during the Russian National Anthem." Meanwhile, another user on Twitter labelled Elena's actions as "a huge mistake." Vladimir Putin 😎 reminds his talkative host not to speak during the Russian National Anthem pic.twitter.com/xMf7W8FeVH — Megh Updates 🚨™ (@MeghUpdates) June 18, 2023 × According to reports, this incident took place during a solemn flag-raising ceremony in Saint Petersburg, held to commemorate significant milestones in Russian history. The ceremony marked 330 years of Peter I's tricolour, 100 years of the Red Banner of the USSR, and 165 years of the Russian Empire's flag. As an attendee at the event, Putin was expected to observe proper decorum during the playing of the national anthem. Putin's recent encounter with Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu Interestingly, this incident followed another peculiar interaction involving Putin. Just a few days back, a video went viral showing Putin seemingly giving a cold shoulder to his Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu. Also Read | Microsoft outages in early June due to cyberattacks During a visit to a Moscow military hospital to present medals to Russian soldiers, Putin engaged with some of the soldiers before returning to the centre of the room where Shoigu was present. However, instead of facing Shoigu, Putin turned his back to him, leaving the defence minister visibly confused by this unexpected gesture. You don't have to be a body language expert to understand what Putin currently thinks about his Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu... 😅 pic.twitter.com/ZRfJaJDE1X — Jimmy Rushton (@JimmySecUK) June 12, 2023 × These instances, captured in viral videos, have sparked considerable interest and speculation among online users and observers of Russian politics. While the incident with Elena highlights Putin's commitment to upholding protocol and respect for national symbols, his encounter with Shoigu adds to the intrigue surrounding his actions and demeanour. As the world watches and dissects these unusual moments, the true motivations behind Putin's gestures remain a subject of speculation and interpretation. The video clip capturing an interaction between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Defense Minister was shared by Ukrainian politician Volodymyr Omelyan who speculated about Shoigu's job security saying he would be out of a job soon. Throughout the war between Russia and Ukraine, such speculation has surrounded Shoigu. Also Read | Iran schoolgirls poisoning: State-sanctioned committee tries to downplay poisoning attacks, says report Criticism has been directed towards Shoigu due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which has escalated into a prolonged and gruelling conflict. This war has taken a toll on Russian troops and equipment, besides severely impacting Russia's economy. Shoigu faces a challenge as Russia's winter offensive achieved only limited progress but came at a great cost to the Russian army. As a result, Russian forces are once again on the defensive, while Ukrainian forces, armed with Western equipment, have launched a counteroffensive to regain territory. Watch | Russia's latest space agency mission: Raising a militia for the war in Ukraine? × Initially referred to by Russia as a "special military operation," the conflict was initially expected to conclude within days after Russia's invasion. However, it has continued for over 15 months, resulting in significant casualties and expenditures. The ongoing war and its consequences have fueled debates and uncertainties surrounding Shoigu's role and the effectiveness of Russia's military strategies in Ukraine. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

WATCH | Putin reminds talkative host to respect Russian National Anthem

<p data-testid="paragraph-0">Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday said the first cargo of discounted Russian crude oil arranged under a&nbsp;new deal&nbsp;struck between Islamabad and Moscow had arrived in Karachi.</p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-1">"Glad to announce that the first Russian discounted crude oil cargo has arrived in Karachi and will begin oil discharge tomorrow," Sharif tweeted.</p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-2">"This is the first-ever Russian oil cargo to Pakistan and the beginning of a new relationship between Pakistan and Russian Federation," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I have fulfilled another of my promises to the nation. Glad to announce that the first Russian discounted crude oil cargo has arrived in Karachi and will begin oil discharge tomorrow.<br />
<br />
Today is a transformative day. We are moving one step at a time toward prosperity, economic…</p>
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) <a href="https://twitter.com/CMShehbaz/status/1667915539241398272?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 11, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>A port official said on Sunday evening that the oil was in the process of being unloaded.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-imran-khan-gets-bail-in-murder-case-says-lawyer-602350">Pakistan: Imran Khan gets bail from Islamabad high court in lawyer’s murder case</a></p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-4">Reuters first&nbsp;reported on the deal&nbsp;in April. The discounted crude offers a relief to Pakistan, which is facing a payments crisis and is at risk of defaulting on its debt.</p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-5">Pakistan's purchase gives Russia a new outlet, adding to Moscow's growing sales to India and China, as it redirects oil from western markets because of the Ukraine conflict.</p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-5"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Decoding Pakistan's latest budget</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/decoding-pakistans-latest-budget-602692/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p data-testid="paragraph-6">Energy imports make up the majority of Pakistan's external payments. The country's imports of crude are expected to reach 100,000 barrels per day after the first cargo arrives on Monday.</p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-7">There has been no confirmation of how payment would be made, but&nbsp;Pakistan recently announced&nbsp;a plan to allow barter trade with Russia, Afghanistan and Iran, which analysts said could reduce the need for dollars and the risk of cross-border smuggling of energy products.</p>

<main>
<section>
<p>You can&nbsp;<strong>now write for&nbsp;wionews.com</strong>&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe><img height="0" src="https://ad.doubleclick.net/ddm/trackimp/N485604.2069703TABOOLA/B29826657.365290233;dc_trk_aid=555848777;dc_trk_cid=190839687;ord=[timestamp];dc_lat=;dc_rdid=;tag_for_child_directed_treatment=;tfua=;ltd=?;dc_ref=wionews.com" width="0" /></p>
</section>
</main>


Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday said the first cargo of discounted Russian crude oil arranged under a new deal struck between Islamabad and Moscow had arrived in Karachi.

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday said the first cargo of discounted Russian crude oil arranged under a new deal struck between Islamabad and Moscow had arrived in Karachi. "Glad to announce that the first Russian discounted crude oil cargo has arrived in Karachi and will begin oil discharge tomorrow," Sharif tweeted. "This is the first-ever Russian oil cargo to Pakistan and the beginning of a new relationship between Pakistan and Russian Federation," he added. I have fulfilled another of my promises to the nation. Glad to announce that the first Russian discounted crude oil cargo has arrived in Karachi and will begin oil discharge tomorrow. Today is a transformative day. We are moving one step at a time toward prosperity, economic… — Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) June 11, 2023 × A port official said on Sunday evening that the oil was in the process of being unloaded. ALSO READ | Pakistan: Imran Khan gets bail from Islamabad high court in lawyer’s murder case Reuters first reported on the deal in April. The discounted crude offers a relief to Pakistan, which is facing a payments crisis and is at risk of defaulting on its debt. Pakistan's purchase gives Russia a new outlet, adding to Moscow's growing sales to India and China, as it redirects oil from western markets because of the Ukraine conflict. WATCH | Decoding Pakistan's latest budget Energy imports make up the majority of Pakistan's external payments. The country's imports of crude are expected to reach 100,000 barrels per day after the first cargo arrives on Monday. There has been no confirmation of how payment would be made, but Pakistan recently announced a plan to allow barter trade with Russia, Afghanistan and Iran, which analysts said could reduce the need for dollars and the risk of cross-border smuggling of energy products. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

First discounted Russian crude oil cargo arrives in Karachi, says Pakistan PM

Ukraine and Russia have accused each other of shelling people being evacuated from flood-hit Kherson. The Kremlin and the region's governor both claim that rescue workers and civilians are being targeted after Tuesday's breach of the Kakhovka dam.

Ukraine dam: Ukraine and Russia accuse each other of shelling flood evacuees

Water from the reservoir of a breached Ukrainian dam is still being pumped to the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant to cool reactors and other areas, though levels are at values earlier thought to make it impossible, the U.N. atomic watchdog said on Thursday.

Damaged reservoir can still provide water for big Ukrainian nuclear plant -IAEA

Ukrainians abandoned inundated homes as floodwaters crested across a swathe of the south on Wednesday after the destruction of a vast hydro-electric dam on the front line between Russian and Ukrainian forces that each blamed on the other.

Ukrainians face homelessness, disease as floodwaters crest from destroyed dam

<p>The director of a top Russian science institute, arrested on suspicion of treason along with two other hypersonic missile technology experts, stands accused of betraying secrets to China, two people familiar with the case told Reuters.</p>

<p>Alexander Shiplyuk, head of Siberia's Khristianovich Institute of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics (ITAM), is suspected of handing over classified material at a scientific conference in China in 2017, the sources said.</p>

<p>The 56-year-old maintains his innocence and insists the information in question wasn't classified and was freely available online, according to the people, whom Reuters has chosen not to identify to safeguard their security.</p>

<p>"He is convinced of the fact that the information was not secret, and of his own innocence," one of the people said.</p>

<p>The nature of the allegations against the ITAM director, who was arrested last August, has not been previously reported. The Chinese connection would make Shiplyuk the latest in a string of Russian scientists who have been arrested in recent years for allegedly betraying secrets to Beijing.</p>

<p>Asked about the accusations facing the ITAM experts as well as about previous treason cases linked to China, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said security services were watchful for possible cases related to "betrayal of the motherland".</p>

<p>"This is very important work," he added. "It is going on constantly and it is hardly possible to speak here about any kind of trends."</p>

<p>The FSB security service didn't immediately respond to requests for comment.</p>

<p>The Chinese foreign ministry, when asked about allegations that Beijing had targeted Russian scientists to obtain sensitive research, said Sino-Russian relations were based on "non-alignment, non-confrontation and non-targeting of third parties".</p>

<p>"This is fundamentally different from what some military and intelligence alliances have pieced together based on their Cold War mentality," it added.</p>

<p>President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly said that Russia is a world leader in hypersonic missiles, cutting-edge weapons capable of carrying payloads at up to 10 times the speed of sound to punch through air defence systems.</p>

<p>The ITAM cases, as well as previous arrests for treason, suggest Moscow is vigilant about losing any technological edge, including to China, an ally on which it has become increasingly reliant for political and trade support since launching its invasion of Ukraine 15 months ago.</p>

<p>Last year, laser specialist Dmitry Kolker was arrested in Siberia on treason charges but died two days later of cancer. His lawyer Alexander Fedulov told Reuters last week that Kolker was accused of passing secrets to China, an allegation that the scientist's family denied.</p>

<p>Alexander Lukanin, a scientist from the Siberian city of Tomsk, was arrested in 2020 on suspicion of passing tech secrets to Beijing, Russian state news agency TASS reported at the time. Last year, he was sentenced to seven-and-a-half years in prison.</p>

<p>Valery Mitko, a scientist heading the Arctic Academy of Sciences in St. Petersburg, was also accused in 2020 of passing secrets to China, where he had travelled regularly to give lectures, TASS said at the time. He died two years later at the age of 81 while under house arrest.</p>

<h2><strong>‘VERY SERIOUS ACCUSATIONS’</strong></h2>

<p>Against the background of the war in Ukraine, Russia's parliament voted last month to increase the maximum penalty for treason to life imprisonment from 20 years. On Tuesday, the head of the security committee of Russia's lower house of parliament backed a draft law tightening access to state secrets, saying 48 Russians had been convicted of treason between 2017 and 2022.</p>

<p>The cases facing Shiplyuk and his two ITAM colleagues — Anatoly Maslov and Valery Zvegintsev — are top secret and will be tried behind closed doors. A hearing in the case of Maslov, the first of the three to be arrested, in June last year, was due to take place in St Petersburg on Wednesday.</p>

<p>Zvegintsev was detained last month. The investigations into the three scientists hit world headlines last week when their colleagues at ITAM signed an open letter in support of them, complaining that it was impossible for scientists to do their jobs if they risked being arrested for writing articles or making presentations at international conferences.</p>

<p>The letter rejected the idea that the three could have betrayed secrets, saying all materials they had published or presented had been rigorously checked to ensure they weren't classified.</p>

<p>Kremlin spokesman Peskov, asked by reporters last week about the open letter, said: "We have indeed seen this appeal, but Russian special services are working on this. They are doing their job. These are very serious accusations."</p>

<p>ITAM, sited at the Academgorodok science campus near the city of Novosibirsk, says on its website that it is registered as a part of Russia's military-industrial complex. The institute has had extensive international links including contacts with companies, universities and research centres across the world, according to a 2020 online document that outlined its work.</p>

<p>Among the institutions listed was the China Aerodynamics Research and Development Centre (CARDC), whose website includes several posts celebrating experimental breakthroughs relating to fighter jets and hypersonic missiles.</p>

<p>The CARDC site names the centre's director as Wang Xunnian. According to two official Chinese local government websites, Wang is a major general in China's People's Liberation Army (PLA).</p>

<p>A Reuters review of publicly available Chinese academic papers shows the centre's researchers have in recent years co-authored dozens of articles with colleagues working in institutes run directly by the PLA.</p>

<p>The CARDC did not respond to emailed questions addressed to the centre and Wang, while Reuters was unable to contact Wang directly.</p>

<h2><strong>'SHOCKED AND HORRIFIED'</strong></h2>

<p>Reuters interviewed two U.S. scientists, one of whom knew Maslov and the other Shiplyuk. They said the Russians were bona fide academics, although their area of study was sensitive because of its military applications.</p>

<p>Stuart Laurence, a professor of aerospace engineering at the University of Maryland, said he met Shiplyuk on two occasions, including at a conference in Tours, France in 2012 where the Russian scientist presented a paper with Maslov.</p>

<p>"I was shocked and horrified on his arrest," said Laurence, who last exchanged emails with Shiplyuk in January 2021. "He was very well respected in his field."</p>

<p>George Nacouzi, senior aerospace engineer at RAND Corp, said China "has been playing catch-up" with the US and Russia over the last few years on hypersonic technology.</p>

<p>He stressed that the three arrested Russians were only involved in one element of the work needed to build a hypersonic missile, a process that also includes the integration of sensors, navigational systems, and propulsion.</p>

<p>"It's a long path. Just doing the basic research does not provide you with a missile," Nacouzi said.<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


The director of a top Russian science institute, arrested on suspicion of treason along with two other hypersonic missile technology experts, stands accused of betraying secrets to China, two people familiar with the case told Reuters.

The director of a top Russian science institute, arrested on suspicion of treason along with two other hypersonic missile technology experts, stands accused of betraying secrets to China, two people familiar with the case told Reuters. Alexander Shiplyuk, head of Siberia's Khristianovich Institute of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics (ITAM), is suspected of handing over classified material at a scientific conference in China in 2017, the sources said. The 56-year-old maintains his innocence and insists the information in question wasn't classified and was freely available online, according to the people, whom Reuters has chosen not to identify to safeguard their security. "He is convinced of the fact that the information was not secret, and of his own innocence," one of the people said. The nature of the allegations against the ITAM director, who was arrested last August, has not been previously reported. The Chinese connection would make Shiplyuk the latest in a string of Russian scientists who have been arrested in recent years for allegedly betraying secrets to Beijing. Asked about the accusations facing the ITAM experts as well as about previous treason cases linked to China, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said security services were watchful for possible cases related to "betrayal of the motherland". "This is very important work," he added. "It is going on constantly and it is hardly possible to speak here about any kind of trends." The FSB security service didn't immediately respond to requests for comment. The Chinese foreign ministry, when asked about allegations that Beijing had targeted Russian scientists to obtain sensitive research, said Sino-Russian relations were based on "non-alignment, non-confrontation and non-targeting of third parties". "This is fundamentally different from what some military and intelligence alliances have pieced together based on their Cold War mentality," it added. President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly said that Russia is a world leader in hypersonic missiles, cutting-edge weapons capable of carrying payloads at up to 10 times the speed of sound to punch through air defence systems. The ITAM cases, as well as previous arrests for treason, suggest Moscow is vigilant about losing any technological edge, including to China, an ally on which it has become increasingly reliant for political and trade support since launching its invasion of Ukraine 15 months ago. Last year, laser specialist Dmitry Kolker was arrested in Siberia on treason charges but died two days later of cancer. His lawyer Alexander Fedulov told Reuters last week that Kolker was accused of passing secrets to China, an allegation that the scientist's family denied. Alexander Lukanin, a scientist from the Siberian city of Tomsk, was arrested in 2020 on suspicion of passing tech secrets to Beijing, Russian state news agency TASS reported at the time. Last year, he was sentenced to seven-and-a-half years in prison. Valery Mitko, a scientist heading the Arctic Academy of Sciences in St. Petersburg, was also accused in 2020 of passing secrets to China, where he had travelled regularly to give lectures, TASS said at the time. He died two years later at the age of 81 while under house arrest. ‘VERY SERIOUS ACCUSATIONS’ Against the background of the war in Ukraine, Russia's parliament voted last month to increase the maximum penalty for treason to life imprisonment from 20 years. On Tuesday, the head of the security committee of Russia's lower house of parliament backed a draft law tightening access to state secrets, saying 48 Russians had been convicted of treason between 2017 and 2022. The cases facing Shiplyuk and his two ITAM colleagues — Anatoly Maslov and Valery Zvegintsev — are top secret and will be tried behind closed doors. A hearing in the case of Maslov, the first of the three to be arrested, in June last year, was due to take place in St Petersburg on Wednesday. Zvegintsev was detained last month. The investigations into the three scientists hit world headlines last week when their colleagues at ITAM signed an open letter in support of them, complaining that it was impossible for scientists to do their jobs if they risked being arrested for writing articles or making presentations at international conferences. The letter rejected the idea that the three could have betrayed secrets, saying all materials they had published or presented had been rigorously checked to ensure they weren't classified. Kremlin spokesman Peskov, asked by reporters last week about the open letter, said: "We have indeed seen this appeal, but Russian special services are working on this. They are doing their job. These are very serious accusations." ITAM, sited at the Academgorodok science campus near the city of Novosibirsk, says on its website that it is registered as a part of Russia's military-industrial complex. The institute has had extensive international links including contacts with companies, universities and research centres across the world, according to a 2020 online document that outlined its work. Among the institutions listed was the China Aerodynamics Research and Development Centre (CARDC), whose website includes several posts celebrating experimental breakthroughs relating to fighter jets and hypersonic missiles. The CARDC site names the centre's director as Wang Xunnian. According to two official Chinese local government websites, Wang is a major general in China's People's Liberation Army (PLA). A Reuters review of publicly available Chinese academic papers shows the centre's researchers have in recent years co-authored dozens of articles with colleagues working in institutes run directly by the PLA. The CARDC did not respond to emailed questions addressed to the centre and Wang, while Reuters was unable to contact Wang directly. 'SHOCKED AND HORRIFIED' Reuters interviewed two U.S. scientists, one of whom knew Maslov and the other Shiplyuk. They said the Russians were bona fide academics, although their area of study was sensitive because of its military applications. Stuart Laurence, a professor of aerospace engineering at the University of Maryland, said he met Shiplyuk on two occasions, including at a conference in Tours, France in 2012 where the Russian scientist presented a paper with Maslov. "I was shocked and horrified on his arrest," said Laurence, who last exchanged emails with Shiplyuk in January 2021. "He was very well respected in his field." George Nacouzi, senior aerospace engineer at RAND Corp, said China "has been playing catch-up" with the US and Russia over the last few years on hypersonic technology. He stressed that the three arrested Russians were only involved in one element of the work needed to build a hypersonic missile, a process that also includes the integration of sensors, navigational systems, and propulsion. "It's a long path. Just doing the basic research does not provide you with a missile," Nacouzi said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Russian hypersonic scientist accused of betraying secrets to China: Sources

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the Group of Seven (G7) summit in Japan Saturday, the first in-person meeting between the two since Russia’s invasion began.

Ukraine’s Zelensky and India’s Modi hold first face-to-face since Russian invasion

An agreement allowing Ukraine to export millions of tonnes of grain through the Black Sea despite the ongoing conflict with Russia has been extended.

Ukraine conflict: Black Sea grain deal extended for two months

A US-made Patriot missile defence system being used by Ukrainian forces has likely suffered some damage from a Russian air attack but does not appear to have been destroyed.

Patriot missile system in Ukraine damaged but operational

The head of Ukraine's Supreme Court was dismissed from his post on Tuesday after being detained in a bribery investigation which anti-corruption authorities cast as their biggest-ever case.

Ukraine Supreme Court chief dismissed after being detained in bribery case

The Russian Ministry of Defence has said that Ukrainian aircraft struck two industrial sites in the Russian-held city of Luhansk in eastern Ukraine with Storm Shadow long-range cruise missiles supplied by the United Kingdom.

Ukraine used British missiles to attack Luhansk: Moscow

Ukraine says it downed a Russian hypersonic missile over the capital Kyiv using a newly acquired US Patriot defence system in what would be a first in its ability to intercept one of Moscow’s most modern weapons.

Ukraine downs Russian hypersonic missile with US Patriot system

The United Nations stated on Friday that it was "deeply concerned" by reports of both Russian and Ukrainian forces carrying out summary killings of prisoners of war on the battlefield.

United Nations 'deeply concerned' about summary executions of prisoners of war

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has returned to the front line near Bakhmut where fighting has raged for months. The devastated city has long been a focal point of the war as Russian forces try to revive their military campaign in the east.

Ukraine war: Zelensky visits front line near Bakhmut as Russia targets cities

Ukraine has pledged to bolster its Defences in frontline Bakhmut that has become a symbolic prize in the war with Russia. The eastern Ukrainian city has been badly damaged during the longest and the bloodiest battle since Russia invaded Ukraine more than a year ago. Meanwhile Ukrainian president Volodymr Zelensky has asked the army to find forces to strengthen the Defences of the city

Ukraine vows not to give up on Bakhmut

Russian President Vladimir Putin attends a wreath laying ceremony to mark the Defender of the Fatherland Day. Defender of the Fatherland Day is a Russian holiday celebrated on February 23 as Men's Day because most Russian men are required to serve.

James Bond-like welcome for Russian President Vladimir Putin

Days before the first anniversary of the Ukraine War, US President Joe Biden arrived in Ukrainian capital Kyiv and met President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Ukraine-Russia war reaches critical stage

Russian teenage student Olesya Krivtsova has been charged with justifying terrorism and discrediting the Russian armed forces. Watch the video to know more.

Russian student under arrest for an Instagram story

russian

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