There was no Bilawal Bhutto, it was left for his deputy, Hina Rabbani Khar, to meet Russian Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov. But Khar was unprepared and appears nervous. She came with only one official while Lavrov was waiting with a full team of diplomats. Pakistanis are livid, calling out the Pakistani government. Netizens are even asking for the resignation of Hina Rabbani Khar.

Islamabad's embarrassing diplomatic gaffe | World News | WION

<p>Moscow is "interested" to end the ongoing war with Ukraine "as soon as possible", Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Monday (April 17) during a news conference with Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira in Brasilia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Lavrov met with President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and thanked Brazil for its efforts to resolve the conflict. The meeting took place amid the West criticising Lula's recent remarks on the defence support for Ukraine from the United States.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During his China visit, Lula had said that the US needs to stop "encouraging" the war and said that the West needs to start talking about peace.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Lavrov praised Lula's efforts in attempting to end the war by urging to promote of diplomatic channels to de-escalate the conflict. Before starting his visit, Lula had proposed creating a group of countries to mediate in the war. He had even said that he would discuss it with Beijing, but there was no update on the same.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;Russian strikes kill father and daughter in Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>While mentioning the interest to end the war and the conflict, Lavrov reiterated Russia's stance that any diplomatic solution must acknowledge the realities&nbsp;of its unilateral annexation of four Ukrainian provinces.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Lavrov said, "We are interested in the Ukrainian conflict ending as soon as possible. We have already announced in detail the reasons for what is happening and the very goals that we are pursuing in this regard."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"They consist primarily in guaranteeing the absence of any threats to the military security of the Russian Federation on the territory of Ukraine, and the West has been implementing such plans for many years. And the second task, of course, is to protect the lives and legal rights of the Russian-speaking population of the east and south of Ukraine," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Ukraine has often said that for it, the true meaning of peace would include Kyiv taking back Crimea and Russia giving up the occupied regions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said last week: "Real peace means restoring the internationally recognized borders of Ukraine. Real peace means a safe homeland for the targeted people in the Ukrainian Crimea."&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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Moscow is "interested" to end the ongoing war with Ukraine "as soon as possible", Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Monday (April 17) during a news conference with Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira in Brasilia.

Moscow is "interested" to end the ongoing war with Ukraine "as soon as possible", Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Monday (April 17) during a news conference with Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira in Brasilia. Lavrov met with President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and thanked Brazil for its efforts to resolve the conflict. The meeting took place amid the West criticising Lula's recent remarks on the defence support for Ukraine from the United States. During his China visit, Lula had said that the US needs to stop "encouraging" the war and said that the West needs to start talking about peace. Lavrov praised Lula's efforts in attempting to end the war by urging to promote of diplomatic channels to de-escalate the conflict. Before starting his visit, Lula had proposed creating a group of countries to mediate in the war. He had even said that he would discuss it with Beijing, but there was no update on the same. ALSO READ | Russian strikes kill father and daughter in Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia × While mentioning the interest to end the war and the conflict, Lavrov reiterated Russia's stance that any diplomatic solution must acknowledge the realities of its unilateral annexation of four Ukrainian provinces. Lavrov said, "We are interested in the Ukrainian conflict ending as soon as possible. We have already announced in detail the reasons for what is happening and the very goals that we are pursuing in this regard." "They consist primarily in guaranteeing the absence of any threats to the military security of the Russian Federation on the territory of Ukraine, and the West has been implementing such plans for many years. And the second task, of course, is to protect the lives and legal rights of the Russian-speaking population of the east and south of Ukraine," he added. Meanwhile, Ukraine has often said that for it, the true meaning of peace would include Kyiv taking back Crimea and Russia giving up the occupied regions. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said last week: "Real peace means restoring the internationally recognized borders of Ukraine. Real peace means a safe homeland for the targeted people in the Ukrainian Crimea." (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.

Lavrov says Russia is 'interested' in ending Ukraine conflict 'as soon as possible'

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<p>US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called up his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov and discussed the arrest of Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reporter Evan Gershkovich who was arrested by Russia‘s FSB security service last week in the Urals city of Yekaterinburg.</p>

<p>Blinken took to his Twitter account to share the update. He informed that alongside Gershkovich, Washington also batted for the release of US citizen Paul Whelan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I spoke with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov today to convey our grave concern over Russia’s unacceptable detention of a U.S. citizen journalist. I called for his release and for the release of wrongfully detained U.S. citizen Paul Whelan," tweeted Blinken.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I spoke with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov today to convey our grave concern over Russia’s unacceptable detention of a U.S. citizen journalist. I called for his release and for the release of wrongfully detained U.S. citizen Paul Whelan.</p>
— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecBlinken/status/1642536147166412800?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 2, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>The Russian foreign ministry also confirmed the phone call stating the American side initiated the dialogue, according to a Telegram post.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The ministry later released a statement saying Lavron told Washington&nbsp;it was&nbsp;'unacceptable' that the issue was being politicised.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Blinken’s attention was drawn to the need to respect the decisions of the Russian authorities, taken in accordance with the law and international obligations of the Russian Federation. It was emphasised that it is unacceptable for officials in Washington and the Western media to whip up a stir with the clear intention of giving this case a political coloring.”</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/biden-asks-russia-to-let-evan-gershkovich-go-577830"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Biden asks Russia to let Evan Gershkovich go</strong></a></p>

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<p>Gershkovich's arrest on espionage charges has sparked another row between Washington and Moscow. According to Moscow, the journalist&nbsp;was arrested for allegedly acting at the behest of the US to collect “information constituting a state secret about the activities of an enterprise of the Russian military-industrial complex".&nbsp;</p>

<p>US officials claimed Gershkovich's driver had dropped him off at a restaurant and two hours later his phone had been turned off. According to reports,&nbsp;Gershkovich was covering a story in&nbsp;Yekaterinburg when&nbsp;Russia's Federal Security Service, the FSB, successor to the Soviet KGB, picked&nbsp;and detained him.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Brittney Griner, the US basketball player who was freed from Russia last year also urged President Joe Biden to use every measure possible to bring back Gershkovich.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Griner, alongside her wife Cherelle took to Instagram to share the message, saying their hearts were filled with 'great concern' for the enslaved journalist.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Our hearts are filled with great concern for Evan Gershkovitch and his family since Evan's detainment in Russia. We must do everything in our power to bring him and all Americans home," read the message.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Every American who is taken is ours to fight for and every American returned is a win for us all. That is why we call on all of our supporters to both celebrate the wins and encourage the administration to continue to use every tool possible to bring Evan and all wrongfully detained Americans home."&nbsp;</p>

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<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-live-massive-shelling-kills-six-in-ukrainian-city-injures-eight-578264"><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine LIVE | 'Massive shelling' kills six in Ukrainian city, injures eight</strong></a></p>

<p>Griner was arrested last year, one week before the Russia-Ukraine war broke out. She was caught with vape cartridges containing cannabis oil and sentenced to nine years in a penal colony.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After a sustained movement, her freedom was secured but Washington had to exchange&nbsp;Viktor Bout, a notorious Russian arms dealer who was behind the bars for 14 years in cases related to&nbsp;arms trafficking, money laundering and conspiracy&nbsp;to kill Americans.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/us-basketball-star-brittney-griner-on-her-way-home-confirms-joe-biden-541338"><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;Brittany Griner freed for Russian arms dealer in mediation led by UAE president, Saudi crown prince</strong></a></p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called up his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov and discussed the arrest of Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reporter Evan Gershkovich who was arrested by Russia‘s FSB security service last week in the Urals city of Yekaterinburg.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called up his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov and discussed the arrest of Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reporter Evan Gershkovich who was arrested by Russia‘s FSB security service last week in the Urals city of Yekaterinburg. Blinken took to his Twitter account to share the update. He informed that alongside Gershkovich, Washington also batted for the release of US citizen Paul Whelan. "I spoke with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov today to convey our grave concern over Russia’s unacceptable detention of a U.S. citizen journalist. I called for his release and for the release of wrongfully detained U.S. citizen Paul Whelan," tweeted Blinken. I spoke with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov today to convey our grave concern over Russia’s unacceptable detention of a U.S. citizen journalist. I called for his release and for the release of wrongfully detained U.S. citizen Paul Whelan. — Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) April 2, 2023 × The Russian foreign ministry also confirmed the phone call stating the American side initiated the dialogue, according to a Telegram post. The ministry later released a statement saying Lavron told Washington it was 'unacceptable' that the issue was being politicised. “Blinken’s attention was drawn to the need to respect the decisions of the Russian authorities, taken in accordance with the law and international obligations of the Russian Federation. It was emphasised that it is unacceptable for officials in Washington and the Western media to whip up a stir with the clear intention of giving this case a political coloring.” WATCH | Biden asks Russia to let Evan Gershkovich go × Gershkovich's arrest on espionage charges has sparked another row between Washington and Moscow. According to Moscow, the journalist was arrested for allegedly acting at the behest of the US to collect “information constituting a state secret about the activities of an enterprise of the Russian military-industrial complex". US officials claimed Gershkovich's driver had dropped him off at a restaurant and two hours later his phone had been turned off. According to reports, Gershkovich was covering a story in Yekaterinburg when Russia's Federal Security Service, the FSB, successor to the Soviet KGB, picked and detained him. Meanwhile, Brittney Griner, the US basketball player who was freed from Russia last year also urged President Joe Biden to use every measure possible to bring back Gershkovich. Griner, alongside her wife Cherelle took to Instagram to share the message, saying their hearts were filled with 'great concern' for the enslaved journalist. "Our hearts are filled with great concern for Evan Gershkovitch and his family since Evan's detainment in Russia. We must do everything in our power to bring him and all Americans home," read the message. "Every American who is taken is ours to fight for and every American returned is a win for us all. That is why we call on all of our supporters to both celebrate the wins and encourage the administration to continue to use every tool possible to bring Evan and all wrongfully detained Americans home." View this post on Instagram A post shared by BG (@brittneyyevettegriner) × ALSO READ | Russia-Ukraine LIVE | 'Massive shelling' kills six in Ukrainian city, injures eight Griner was arrested last year, one week before the Russia-Ukraine war broke out. She was caught with vape cartridges containing cannabis oil and sentenced to nine years in a penal colony. After a sustained movement, her freedom was secured but Washington had to exchange Viktor Bout, a notorious Russian arms dealer who was behind the bars for 14 years in cases related to arms trafficking, money laundering and conspiracy to kill Americans. ALSO READ | Brittany Griner freed for Russian arms dealer in mediation led by UAE president, Saudi crown prince (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Blinken speaks with Lavrov, demands ‘immediate’ release of US journalist Gershkovich

<p>Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that talks with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on the sidelines of G20 meet were "constructive" but that the US said nothing new. Both leaders met during the G20 foreign ministers' meeting in India last week. Russia and US are at two opposite ends of political manoeuvres especially after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February last year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Lavrov was speaking during an interview on Russian state TV. He said that he spoke with Blinken for 10 minutes and both of them discussed nuclear arms issues and the conflict in Ukraine. This was the first meeting between the two leaders since the Russian invasion.</p>

<p>"We spoke constructively, without emotions, we shook hands," Lavrov said.</p>

<p>"Everything I heard was a position that has already been expressed and underlined in public many times before. I gave my honest, detailed assessment about the New START treaty, and why we saw it necessary to suspend it," he said.</p>

<p>Last month, Russian President Vladimir Putin suspended Russian participation in the new START nuclear arms treaty. He accused the US of trying to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia in the Ukraine conflict.<br />
<br />
Russia said on Friday it was still in contact with Washington over the treaty, but held out little prospect of returning to it.</p>

<p>Russia attacked Ukraine on February 24 last year. After sustained gains in the first months of the conflict, Russian forces had to retreat in face of Ukrainian counter-offensive. Russian&nbsp;forces are currently trying very hard to capture the Ukrainian city of Bakhmut.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
<br />
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<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that talks with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on the sidelines of G20 meet were "constructive" but that the US said nothing new.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that talks with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on the sidelines of G20 meet were "constructive" but that the US said nothing new. Both leaders met during the G20 foreign ministers' meeting in India last week. Russia and US are at two opposite ends of political manoeuvres especially after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February last year. Lavrov was speaking during an interview on Russian state TV. He said that he spoke with Blinken for 10 minutes and both of them discussed nuclear arms issues and the conflict in Ukraine. This was the first meeting between the two leaders since the Russian invasion. "We spoke constructively, without emotions, we shook hands," Lavrov said. "Everything I heard was a position that has already been expressed and underlined in public many times before. I gave my honest, detailed assessment about the New START treaty, and why we saw it necessary to suspend it," he said. Last month, Russian President Vladimir Putin suspended Russian participation in the new START nuclear arms treaty. He accused the US of trying to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia in the Ukraine conflict. Russia said on Friday it was still in contact with Washington over the treaty, but held out little prospect of returning to it. Russia attacked Ukraine on February 24 last year. After sustained gains in the first months of the conflict, Russian forces had to retreat in face of Ukrainian counter-offensive. Russian forces are currently trying very hard to capture the Ukrainian city of Bakhmut. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Talks with Blinken at G20 ‘constructive’ but US said nothing new: Lavrov

<p>The US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met briefly with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Thursday (March 2) in New Delhi on the sidelines of the Group of 20 foreign ministers meeting, sources told WION. It was their first such encounter since the start of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Blinken reportedly told the Russian foreign minister that the US will support Ukraine "for as long as it takes". He also&nbsp;urged&nbsp;Russia to rejoin the New START nuclear arms control treaty that Russian President Vladimir Putin recently withdrew from.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Reports have mentioned that Washington pressed Moscow on Ukraine's situation in the brief meeting which lasted less than 10 minutes and urged Russia to engage with Ukraine based on demands put forward by President Volodymyr Zelensky.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The meeting happened a day after Blinken said that he had no plans to meet his Russian or Chinese counterparts. It was also of huge significance as it happened amid several Western nations urged for peace initiatives. As quoted by news agencies, a senior US official said that Blinken wanted to "disabuse the Russians of any notion that our support might be wavering" on Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/g20-russia-does-not-feel-isolated-west-isolating-itself-now-says-lavrov-567674">G20: Russia does not feel isolated, West isolating itself now, says Lavrov</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Breaking: Sergey Lavrov &amp; Blinken meet in Delhi. First break here⤵️ <a href="https://t.co/765lpzLuUS">https://t.co/765lpzLuUS</a></p>
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<p>Blinken wanted to "send that message directly", the official said, further adding that we "always remain hopeful that the Russians will reverse their decision and be prepared to engage in a diplomatic process that can lead to a just and durable peace."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"But I wouldn't say that coming out of this encounter there was any expectation that things would change in the near term," the official added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The meet will be seen as a significant diplomatic victory for Delhi since no such meeting took place at last year's G20 FMs meet.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India has been calling for dialogue and&nbsp;diplomacy to resolve the conflict. Last year, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Russian President Vladimir Putin and&nbsp;told him that this is "not an era of war", a phrase that has since then been reiterated by several western world leaders.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"PM Modi was not just speaking about some isolated individual situation because the West is trying to divide the geopolitical picture. Mr Modi gave an assessment of the situation across the globe," Lavrov said while referring to PM Modi's opening remarks at G20 foreign ministers' meet.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Lavrov also lauded India's "responsible stand" on key global issues. He said, "Russia's relationship with India is described as a 'privileged strategic partnership'. This reflects the special character of the relationship. We appreciate the responsible stand India is taking on key global agendas."&nbsp;</p>

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The US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met briefly with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Thursday (March 2) in New Delhi on the sidelines of the Group of 20 foreign ministers meeting, sources told WION.

The US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met briefly with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Thursday (March 2) in New Delhi on the sidelines of the Group of 20 foreign ministers meeting, sources told WION. It was their first such encounter since the start of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. Blinken reportedly told the Russian foreign minister that the US will support Ukraine "for as long as it takes". He also urged Russia to rejoin the New START nuclear arms control treaty that Russian President Vladimir Putin recently withdrew from. Reports have mentioned that Washington pressed Moscow on Ukraine's situation in the brief meeting which lasted less than 10 minutes and urged Russia to engage with Ukraine based on demands put forward by President Volodymyr Zelensky. The meeting happened a day after Blinken said that he had no plans to meet his Russian or Chinese counterparts. It was also of huge significance as it happened amid several Western nations urged for peace initiatives. As quoted by news agencies, a senior US official said that Blinken wanted to "disabuse the Russians of any notion that our support might be wavering" on Ukraine. ALSO READ | G20: Russia does not feel isolated, West isolating itself now, says Lavrov Breaking: Sergey Lavrov & Blinken meet in Delhi. First break here⤵️ https://t.co/765lpzLuUS — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) March 2, 2023 × Blinken wanted to "send that message directly", the official said, further adding that we "always remain hopeful that the Russians will reverse their decision and be prepared to engage in a diplomatic process that can lead to a just and durable peace." "But I wouldn't say that coming out of this encounter there was any expectation that things would change in the near term," the official added. The meet will be seen as a significant diplomatic victory for Delhi since no such meeting took place at last year's G20 FMs meet. India has been calling for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the conflict. Last year, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Russian President Vladimir Putin and told him that this is "not an era of war", a phrase that has since then been reiterated by several western world leaders. "PM Modi was not just speaking about some isolated individual situation because the West is trying to divide the geopolitical picture. Mr Modi gave an assessment of the situation across the globe," Lavrov said while referring to PM Modi's opening remarks at G20 foreign ministers' meet. Lavrov also lauded India's "responsible stand" on key global issues. He said, "Russia's relationship with India is described as a 'privileged strategic partnership'. This reflects the special character of the relationship. We appreciate the responsible stand India is taking on key global agendas." 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.

Blinken and Lavrov hold 'brief' meeting, first in-person since start of Ukraine war

<p>Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that Moscow and New Delhi have stood strong against "colonial practices like unilateral sanctions" as he held wide-ranging talks with his Indian counterpart S Jaishankar on Wednesday (March 1).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Russian foreign minister said that Moscow and New Delhi are consistent opponents of neo-colonial practices such as illegal unilateral sanctions, threats, blackmail and other forms of pressure on sovereign states.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Lavrov spoke at the opening ceremony of the Tolstoy-Gandhi exhibition in New Delhi a day before attending the G20 foreign ministers' meeting in the Indian national capital.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uk-raises-issue-of-bbc-tax-searches-heres-what-india-said-5-points-567247">UK raises issue of BBC tax searches. Here's what India said - 5 points</a></strong></p>

<p>The two ministers discussed the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and other issues of mutual interest. They also talked about the G20 foreign ministers' meeting.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Lavrov said that this year India and Russia will mark two events of significance to both Russia and India, which is the 195th birth anniversary of the great Russian writer Leo Tolstoy and the 75th anniversary of the tragic death of Mahatma Gandhi.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;G20 challenge: Reaching a consensus on Ukraine&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>Lavrov said, "It is becoming increasingly important now to study the rich legacy of our countries' public figures and moral leaders. We appreciate the substantial creative potential of India's G20 Presidency and its theme on the unity of nations and common future for humanity, which resonates with the philosophy of Leo Tolstoy and Mahatma Gandhi."&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added that India and Russia&nbsp;have been consistently advocating "respect for the cultural and civilisational diversity of the modern world and the inalienable right of nations to independently choose their development paths".&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that Moscow and New Delhi have stood strong against "colonial practices like unilateral sanctions" as he held wide-ranging talks with his Indian counterpart S Jaishankar on Wednesday (March 1).

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that Moscow and New Delhi have stood strong against "colonial practices like unilateral sanctions" as he held wide-ranging talks with his Indian counterpart S Jaishankar on Wednesday (March 1). The Russian foreign minister said that Moscow and New Delhi are consistent opponents of neo-colonial practices such as illegal unilateral sanctions, threats, blackmail and other forms of pressure on sovereign states. Lavrov spoke at the opening ceremony of the Tolstoy-Gandhi exhibition in New Delhi a day before attending the G20 foreign ministers' meeting in the Indian national capital. ALSO READ | UK raises issue of BBC tax searches. Here's what India said - 5 points The two ministers discussed the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and other issues of mutual interest. They also talked about the G20 foreign ministers' meeting. Lavrov said that this year India and Russia will mark two events of significance to both Russia and India, which is the 195th birth anniversary of the great Russian writer Leo Tolstoy and the 75th anniversary of the tragic death of Mahatma Gandhi. WATCH | G20 challenge: Reaching a consensus on Ukraine × Lavrov said, "It is becoming increasingly important now to study the rich legacy of our countries' public figures and moral leaders. We appreciate the substantial creative potential of India's G20 Presidency and its theme on the unity of nations and common future for humanity, which resonates with the philosophy of Leo Tolstoy and Mahatma Gandhi." He added that India and Russia have been consistently advocating "respect for the cultural and civilisational diversity of the modern world and the inalienable right of nations to independently choose their development paths". (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.

Lavrov says India and Russia stand strong against 'colonial practices like unilateral sanctions'

Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov described Russia's relationship with India as a privileged strategic partnership and lauded the latter’s responsible stand on key global agendas. Lavrov accused the West of trying to divide geopolitical picture. His remarks came in the backdrop of the West increasing sanctions against Russia as the war in Ukraine entered its second year in February.

West not dropping neo- colonial habits : Sergei Lavrov

<p>Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko told reporters on Monday (January 30) that Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is all set to participate in the meeting of G20 foreign ministers in the Indian capital of New Delhi on March 1-2.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As quoted by the Russian news agency TASS, Rudenko said, "Our foreign minister will take part in in the meeting of G20 foreign ministers in New Delhi on March 1-2."&nbsp;</p>

<p>On December 1, India officially assumed the G20 presidency and Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the South Asian nation's G20 presidency will be inclusive, ambitious, decisive and action-oriented.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-says-quite-possible-to-end-nuclear-arms-treaty-with-us-after-2026-557356">Russia says ‘quite possible’ to end nuclear arms treaty with US after 2026</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>The authorities have stated that as part of the group's activities, the nation intends to hold more than 200 meetings in 55 different locations across the country. India aims to showcase its rich cultural heritage, culminating in the annual G20 summit scheduled for September 9-10 in New Delhi.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Antony Blinken to visit Jerusalem and Ramallah amid soaring tension&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>For the unversed, the G20 (or Group of 20) is an intergovernmental forum of the world's major developed and developing economies. It comprises Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, the UK, the US, and the European Union (EU).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The G20 has emerged as a premier forum for international economic cooperation as collectively the bloc accounts for 85 per cent of the global GDP. It also accounts for 75 per cent of international trade and two-thirds of the world population.&nbsp;</p>

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Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko told reporters on Monday (January 30) that Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is all set to participate in the meeting of G20 foreign ministers in the Indian capital of New Delhi on March 1-2.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko told reporters on Monday (January 30) that Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is all set to participate in the meeting of G20 foreign ministers in the Indian capital of New Delhi on March 1-2. As quoted by the Russian news agency TASS, Rudenko said, "Our foreign minister will take part in in the meeting of G20 foreign ministers in New Delhi on March 1-2." On December 1, India officially assumed the G20 presidency and Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the South Asian nation's G20 presidency will be inclusive, ambitious, decisive and action-oriented. ALSO READ | Russia says ‘quite possible’ to end nuclear arms treaty with US after 2026 The authorities have stated that as part of the group's activities, the nation intends to hold more than 200 meetings in 55 different locations across the country. India aims to showcase its rich cultural heritage, culminating in the annual G20 summit scheduled for September 9-10 in New Delhi. WATCH | Antony Blinken to visit Jerusalem and Ramallah amid soaring tension × ALSO READ | Russian teen to face 10 years in prison, placed on terror list over anti-war posts: What we know so far For the unversed, the G20 (or Group of 20) is an intergovernmental forum of the world's major developed and developing economies. It comprises Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, the UK, the US, and the European Union (EU). The G20 has emerged as a premier forum for international economic cooperation as collectively the bloc accounts for 85 per cent of the global GDP. It also accounts for 75 per cent of international trade and two-thirds of the world population. 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 FM Sergei Lavrov to participate in G20 foreign ministers meeting in New Delhi in March

<p>Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has warned Ukraine to demilitarise immediately, adding that failure to do so would invite further military action.</p>

<p>Ukraine must remove any military threat to Russia — otherwise “the Russian army (will) solve the issue”, Lavrov said, according to Tass news agency.</p>

<p>He reiterated Russia’s claim that the West and Ukraine were responsible for the current conflict that began in February this year and claimed thousands of lives.</p>

<p>Lavrov said that the West was waging the war in Ukraine to destabilise Russia, and added that the duration of the conflict depends on how soon Kyiv and Washington were willing to hold talks.</p>

<p>“As for the duration of the conflict, the ball is on the side of the (Kyiv) regime and Washington that stands behind its back,” Lavrov told the state Tass news agency. “They may stop senseless resistance at any moment.”</p>

<p>The remarks invited a sharp retort from Ukrainian presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak who tweeted that “Russia needs to face the reality.”</p>

<h2><strong>President Putin says Russia wants to end Ukraine war, "The Sooner, The Better"</strong></h2>

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<p>“Neither total mobilization, nor panicky search for ammo, nor secret contracts with Iran, nor Lavrov’s threats will help,” he said.</p>

<p>“Ukraine will demilitarize the RF (Russian Federation) to the end, oust the invaders from all occupied territories. Wait for the finale silently…”</p>

<p>It comes a day after Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba told the AP news agency that his government wants a “peace” summit to discuss about the possibilities of ending the war, but remained sceptic of Russia’s participation.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-to-bans-russian-oil-exports-to-countries-that-imposed-price-cap-starting-february-decree-547160">&nbsp;Putin issues decree banning Russian crude oil exports to countries that imposed price cap</a></p>

<p>He said that Ukraine wants the summit within two months with UN Secretary-General António Guterres acting as mediator.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, fierce fighting continued on Tuesday in the Russia-claimed Donetsk and Luhansk regions that recently have been the scene of the most intense clashes.</p>

<p>Ukraine’s Deputy Defence Minister Hanna Maliar said that Ukrainian forces have been succursal in thwarting Russian soldiers’ attempts to encircle Bakhmut city in the Donetsk region.</p>

<p>Heavy battles are also underway around the city of Kreminna in the Luhansk region.</p>

<p>(With inputs from agencies)</p>

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Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has warned Ukraine to demilitarise immediately, adding that failure to do so would invite further military action. Ukraine must remove any military threat to Russia — otherwise “the Russian army (will) solve the issue”, Lavrov said, according to Tass news agency.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has warned Ukraine to demilitarise immediately, adding that failure to do so would invite further military action. Ukraine must remove any military threat to Russia — otherwise “the Russian army (will) solve the issue”, Lavrov said, according to Tass news agency. He reiterated Russia’s claim that the West and Ukraine were responsible for the current conflict that began in February this year and claimed thousands of lives. Lavrov said that the West was waging the war in Ukraine to destabilise Russia, and added that the duration of the conflict depends on how soon Kyiv and Washington were willing to hold talks. “As for the duration of the conflict, the ball is on the side of the (Kyiv) regime and Washington that stands behind its back,” Lavrov told the state Tass news agency. “They may stop senseless resistance at any moment.” The remarks invited a sharp retort from Ukrainian presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak who tweeted that “Russia needs to face the reality.” President Putin says Russia wants to end Ukraine war, "The Sooner, The Better" “Neither total mobilization, nor panicky search for ammo, nor secret contracts with Iran, nor Lavrov’s threats will help,” he said. “Ukraine will demilitarize the RF (Russian Federation) to the end, oust the invaders from all occupied territories. Wait for the finale silently…” It comes a day after Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba told the AP news agency that his government wants a “peace” summit to discuss about the possibilities of ending the war, but remained sceptic of Russia’s participation. Also read | Putin issues decree banning Russian crude oil exports to countries that imposed price cap He said that Ukraine wants the summit within two months with UN Secretary-General António Guterres acting as mediator. Meanwhile, fierce fighting continued on Tuesday in the Russia-claimed Donetsk and Luhansk regions that recently have been the scene of the most intense clashes. Ukraine’s Deputy Defence Minister Hanna Maliar said that Ukrainian forces have been succursal in thwarting Russian soldiers’ attempts to encircle Bakhmut city in the Donetsk region. Heavy battles are also underway around the city of Kreminna in the Luhansk region. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Ukraine must demilitarise, or else...: Russian foreign minister Lavrov threatens

<p>Russian Foreign minister Sergei Lavrov on Monday issued an ultimatum to Ukraine and said that "the enemy" knows Moscow's proposals for settlement and that if Kyiv fails to fulfil them for good the Russian army will take the matter into their own hands and decide the issue.</p>

<p>"Our proposals for the demilitarisation and denazification of the territories controlled by the regime, the elimination of threats to Russia's security emanating from there, including our new lands, are well known to the enemy," said Lavrov as per a TASS agency report.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Putin hosts traditional CIS summit; leaders to discuss cooperation plans</strong></p>

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<p>"The point is simple: Fulfil them for your own good. Otherwise, the issue will be decided by the Russian army," he added.</p>

<p>This comes as Russian president Vladimir Putin on Sunday said that his country is open to talks blaming neighbour Ukraine and its allies for the lack thereof.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ukraines-president-speaks-to-indian-pm-modi-over-phone-seeks-help-with-peace-formula-546821">Ukraine's president speaks to Indian PM Modi over phone, seeks help with 'peace formula'</a></strong></p>

<p>It has been 11 months since Putin ordered the so-called special military operation and in this time thousands have died, millions have been displaced, and infrastructure worth millions demolished, Lavrov also remarked that how long the conflict will stretch depends on Ukraine, "the ball is in the regime's court and Washington behind it."</p>

<p>Moscow has since the beginning of the offensive called it a "special military operation" to "demilitarise" and "denazify" Ukraine. However, Kyiv and its western allies call it a war and an imperial-style aggression to grab land.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russias-wealthy-lawmaker-and-critic-of-putins-ukraine-war-found-dead-in-india-546866">Russia’s wealthy lawmaker and critic of Putin's Ukraine war found dead in India</a></strong></p>

<p>Ukraine has ruled out ascending land to Moscow in return for peace and has for months demanded that its aggressor&nbsp;relinquish all territory. In September Russia also held four referendums the results of which were termed bogus, and illegal by Kyiv and its allies.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Russian Foreign minister Sergei Lavrov on Monday issued an ultimatum to Ukraine and said that "the enemy" knows Moscow's proposals for settlement and that if Kyiv fails to fulfil them for good the Russian army will take the matter into their own hands and decide the issue.

Russian Foreign minister Sergei Lavrov on Monday issued an ultimatum to Ukraine and said that "the enemy" knows Moscow's proposals for settlement and that if Kyiv fails to fulfil them for good the Russian army will take the matter into their own hands and decide the issue. "Our proposals for the demilitarisation and denazification of the territories controlled by the regime, the elimination of threats to Russia's security emanating from there, including our new lands, are well known to the enemy," said Lavrov as per a TASS agency report. Watch | Putin hosts traditional CIS summit; leaders to discuss cooperation plans "The point is simple: Fulfil them for your own good. Otherwise, the issue will be decided by the Russian army," he added. This comes as Russian president Vladimir Putin on Sunday said that his country is open to talks blaming neighbour Ukraine and its allies for the lack thereof. Also read | Ukraine's president speaks to Indian PM Modi over phone, seeks help with 'peace formula' It has been 11 months since Putin ordered the so-called special military operation and in this time thousands have died, millions have been displaced, and infrastructure worth millions demolished, Lavrov also remarked that how long the conflict will stretch depends on Ukraine, "the ball is in the regime's court and Washington behind it." Moscow has since the beginning of the offensive called it a "special military operation" to "demilitarise" and "denazify" Ukraine. However, Kyiv and its western allies call it a war and an imperial-style aggression to grab land. Also read | Russia’s wealthy lawmaker and critic of Putin's Ukraine war found dead in India Ukraine has ruled out ascending land to Moscow in return for peace and has for months demanded that its aggressor relinquish all territory. In September Russia also held four referendums the results of which were termed bogus, and illegal by Kyiv and its allies. (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.

‘For your own good’: Russian FM Sergei Lavrov issues ultimatum to Ukraine

<p>Amid pressure from all quarters to end the conflict with Ukraine, Russian Foreign Minister&nbsp;Sergei Lavrov,&nbsp;speaking at the G20 summit on Tuesday said Kyiv's conditions for restarting talks with Moscow were 'unrealistic'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"All problems are with the Ukrainian side, which is categorically refusing negotiations and putting forward conditions that are obviously unrealistic," said&nbsp;Lavrov.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We want to see concrete evidence that the West is seriously interested in disciplining Zelensky and explaining to him that this cannot continue, that this is not in the interests of the Ukrainian people," added Lavrov.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As reported by WION, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has put forth a list of conditions as a precursor for negotiations with Russia. One of the most prominent demands by Zelensky is that Kyiv cannot hold negotiations as long as Putin remains in power.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-war-kyiv-open-to-diplomatic-talks-us-urging-ukraine-for-negotiations-532570"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine War: Kyiv open to diplomatic talks? US urging Ukraine for negotiations?</strong></a></p>

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<p>Other conditions include Ukraine regaining control over its territories and Moscow compensating Kyiv for the invasion whilst bringing perpetrators of war crimes to justice.</p>

<p>Earlier, Zelensky, speaking at the summit said that there will be no "Minsk 3" deal to end the fighting in Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We will not allow Russia to wait, build up its forces, and then start a new series of terror and global destabilisation. There will be no Minsk 3, which Russia will violate immediately after the agreement," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zelensky-urges-g20-leaders-to-push-for-peace-even-as-kremlin-says-kyiv-is-not-interested-in-negotiations-534331"><strong>Read more: Zelensky urges G20 leaders to 'push for peace' even as Kremlin says Kyiv is not interested in negotiations</strong></a></p>

<p>According to The Washinton Post report, the US&nbsp;has been "privately encouraging" Ukrainian leaders to show they are willing to deal with Moscow and end their stand against holding peace negotiations until Putin is removed from office.</p>

<p>However, the tussle at the global summit suggests that both parties are far from sitting across a table and hammering out a peace deal.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Amid pressure from all quarters to end the conflict with Ukraine, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, speaking at the G20 summit on Tuesday said Kyiv's conditions for restarting talks with Moscow were 'unrealistic'.

Amid pressure from all quarters to end the conflict with Ukraine, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, speaking at the G20 summit on Tuesday said Kyiv's conditions for restarting talks with Moscow were 'unrealistic'. "All problems are with the Ukrainian side, which is categorically refusing negotiations and putting forward conditions that are obviously unrealistic," said Lavrov. "We want to see concrete evidence that the West is seriously interested in disciplining Zelensky and explaining to him that this cannot continue, that this is not in the interests of the Ukrainian people," added Lavrov. As reported by WION, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has put forth a list of conditions as a precursor for negotiations with Russia. One of the most prominent demands by Zelensky is that Kyiv cannot hold negotiations as long as Putin remains in power. WATCH | Russia-Ukraine War: Kyiv open to diplomatic talks? US urging Ukraine for negotiations? × Other conditions include Ukraine regaining control over its territories and Moscow compensating Kyiv for the invasion whilst bringing perpetrators of war crimes to justice. Earlier, Zelensky, speaking at the summit said that there will be no "Minsk 3" deal to end the fighting in Ukraine. "We will not allow Russia to wait, build up its forces, and then start a new series of terror and global destabilisation. There will be no Minsk 3, which Russia will violate immediately after the agreement," he said. Read more: Zelensky urges G20 leaders to 'push for peace' even as Kremlin says Kyiv is not interested in negotiations According to The Washinton Post report, the US has been "privately encouraging" Ukrainian leaders to show they are willing to deal with Moscow and end their stand against holding peace negotiations until Putin is removed from office. However, the tussle at the global summit suggests that both parties are far from sitting across a table and hammering out a peace deal. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Russian FM terms Ukraine's conditions to restart peace negotiations 'unrealistic'

<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin will not be attending the G20 summit&nbsp;and&nbsp;the Kremlin&nbsp; also dismissed all reports of him addressing the world leaders via video conference. While answering questions about Putin’s plans regarding the summit in Indonesia, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that the Russian President will not be travelling to Bali due to his busy schedule.</p>

<p>Defence minister Sergio Lavrov will represent Russia at the summit in the absence of Putin and Yulia Tomskaya will continue to serve as the chief of protocol at Russia's embassy in Jakarta.</p>

<p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-xi-jinping-to-attend-g20-summit-meeting-with-indias-modi-unconfirmed-533233" hreflang="en">Xi Jinping to attend G20 summit, meeting with Indian PM unconfirmed</a></p>

<p>This would have been the first time that Putin would have appeared at the same event as United States President Joe Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. In the past couple of months, a lot of speculation surrounded the meeting between the two leaders but with Kremlin’s official confirmation, there will be no meeting between the top leaders of Ukraine and Russia.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Russian defence ministry confirmed on Friday that the troops have completed their evacuation from Ukraine’s Kherson region. The region was annexed by Russia following a series of referendums which were considered to be “sham” by the US and most western countries.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine War: In Kherson retreat, a chance for peace?</strong></p>

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<p>The TASS news agency reported that the army made their evacuation from the side of the Dnipro river in what was being considered to be a major setback for Russia. The Russian authorities defended their decision to evacuate as a “strategic move”.</p>

<p>The Ukrainian military has already entered Kherson with the local people welcoming them on arrival.</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>


Russian President Vladimir Putin will not be attending the G20 summit and the Kremlin also dismissed all reports of him addressing the world leaders via video conference.

Russian President Vladimir Putin will not be attending the G20 summit and the Kremlin also dismissed all reports of him addressing the world leaders via video conference. While answering questions about Putin’s plans regarding the summit in Indonesia, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that the Russian President will not be travelling to Bali due to his busy schedule. Defence minister Sergio Lavrov will represent Russia at the summit in the absence of Putin and Yulia Tomskaya will continue to serve as the chief of protocol at Russia's embassy in Jakarta. Also read | Xi Jinping to attend G20 summit, meeting with Indian PM unconfirmed This would have been the first time that Putin would have appeared at the same event as United States President Joe Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. In the past couple of months, a lot of speculation surrounded the meeting between the two leaders but with Kremlin’s official confirmation, there will be no meeting between the top leaders of Ukraine and Russia. Meanwhile, Russian defence ministry confirmed on Friday that the troops have completed their evacuation from Ukraine’s Kherson region. The region was annexed by Russia following a series of referendums which were considered to be “sham” by the US and most western countries. WATCH | Russia-Ukraine War: In Kherson retreat, a chance for peace? The TASS news agency reported that the army made their evacuation from the side of the Dnipro river in what was being considered to be a major setback for Russia. The Russian authorities defended their decision to evacuate as a “strategic move”. The Ukrainian military has already entered Kherson with the local people welcoming them on arrival.

Vladmir Putin to not attend G20 summit even through video conference

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is heading to Russia for a two-day bilateral visit. The top Indian minister is expected to hold an audience with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Trade and Industry Denis Manturov and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Tuesday.

WION Dispatch: Indian EAM Jaishankar embarks on Russia trip for bilateral talks

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<p>Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar met his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov in Moscow on Tuesday (November 8), with an aim to strengthen ties between both nations. Both leaders discussed climate, trade, the Ukraine war, and other issues of mutual interest.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After the crucial meeting, Jaishankar said during a press conference that India has "substantial" and "time-tested relations" with Russia. He noted that India is trying to find ways to expand this relationship and also make it more durable.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said that during the meeting, both ministers discussed areas where there are "natural interests" between both countries. He said: "India and Russia have grappled with how to expand our bilateral trade."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Indian foreign minister said that India is naturally concerned about trade imbalance and he has also raised this with the Russian side regarding "how to arrest impediments that stand in the way of Indian exports".&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Discussion on the Russia-Ukraine war&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Jaishankar said that they exchanged views on international issues of mutual interest. He said, "Ukraine conflict was the dominant feature. As PM conveyed to Russian pres Putin this is not an era of war." He noted that the global economy is simply too "interdependent for significant conflict" anywhere not to have major consequences elsewhere.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Jaishankar on oil and gas supply</strong></p>

<p>The Indian minister said that regarding the oil supply issue, there is stress on the energy market. However, he said that as the world's third-largest consumer of oil and gas, it is "our fundamental obligation" to ensure that Indian consumers have the best possible access on the most advantageous terms to the international market.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch this report:</strong>&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Meanwhile, Lavrov said during the meeting that with the changes the international community is going through, it's important to "compare our notes", and our "assessments integrally" on how we are going to work on the goals set by the Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the economy, trade, investments, tech sphere.&nbsp;</p>

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Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar met his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov in Moscow on Tuesday (November 8), with an aim to strengthen ties between both nations.

Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar met his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov in Moscow on Tuesday (November 8), with an aim to strengthen ties between both nations. Both leaders discussed climate, trade, the Ukraine war, and other issues of mutual interest. After the crucial meeting, Jaishankar said during a press conference that India has "substantial" and "time-tested relations" with Russia. He noted that India is trying to find ways to expand this relationship and also make it more durable. He said that during the meeting, both ministers discussed areas where there are "natural interests" between both countries. He said: "India and Russia have grappled with how to expand our bilateral trade." The Indian foreign minister said that India is naturally concerned about trade imbalance and he has also raised this with the Russian side regarding "how to arrest impediments that stand in the way of Indian exports". Discussion on the Russia-Ukraine war Jaishankar said that they exchanged views on international issues of mutual interest. He said, "Ukraine conflict was the dominant feature. As PM conveyed to Russian pres Putin this is not an era of war." He noted that the global economy is simply too "interdependent for significant conflict" anywhere not to have major consequences elsewhere. Jaishankar on oil and gas supply The Indian minister said that regarding the oil supply issue, there is stress on the energy market. However, he said that as the world's third-largest consumer of oil and gas, it is "our fundamental obligation" to ensure that Indian consumers have the best possible access on the most advantageous terms to the international market. Watch this report: × Meanwhile, Lavrov said during the meeting that with the changes the international community is going through, it's important to "compare our notes", and our "assessments integrally" on how we are going to work on the goals set by the Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the economy, trade, investments, tech sphere. 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.

Oil, trade, economy, Ukraine war on agenda as India's Jaishankar meets Russian counterpart in Moscow

From Berlin Process Summit for the Western Balkans to Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Jordan's Amman, here are some impactful images from around the world on 03 November, 2022.

World in Pictures: Berlin Process Summit for the Western Balkans; Sergei Lavrov in Jordan's Amman

After a visit to West Asia, Russian President Vladimir Putin sends his Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov to Africa, hoping to turn hunger and social strife across the continent to Moscow's advantage. And Russia, could possibly find a receptive audience.

WION Fineprint: Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov visits Africa to strengthen ties

Russian Finance Minister Sergei Lavrov is now on an ambitious tour of Africa. In Cairo, on Sunday, Lavrov offered reassurances over Russian grain supplies but his arrival came amid uncertainty over a UN brokered grain deal that was signed on Friday between Moscow and Kyiv after Russia launched an attack on the port city of Odessa.

Russian FM Sergei Lavrov offers reassurance over grain supplies

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<p><strong><em>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.&nbsp;</em></strong></p>

<p>Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Wednesday (July 20) said that Russia’s objectives in Ukraine now extend beyond the eastern Donbas region into the country’s south. His comments came as the war in Ukraine is approaching its fifth month. Lavrov told state media that now, the “geography is different”.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
During an interview with RIA Novosti, which was published on Wednesday, Lavrov said, “Denazification, demilitarisation in a sense that there are no military threats to our safety from the territory of Ukraine. This task remains.”</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukrainian-forces-badly-damage-key-bridge-in-kherson-region-amid-ongoing-conflict-499194">Ukrainian forces 'badly damage' key bridge in Kherson region amid ongoing conflict</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>“When the negotiators met in Istanbul, one sort of geography was discussed. Our willingness to accept the Ukrainian proposal was based on that geography, the geography of the end of March 2022,” he added.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
When the reporter asked off camera “Meaning DPR and LPR?”, the Russian foreign minister asserted that now the “geography is different”.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
He said: “It’s far from being just the DPR and LPR, it’s also Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions and a number of other territories. And the process is continuing.”<br />
<br />
<strong>‘Peace talks don’t make sense right now’&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Lavrov also said that it makes no sense to resume peace talks with Kyiv at the moment. He also mentioned the weapons and arms supplied by the West allies to Ukraine.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Lavrov said, “As the West pours more and more long-range weapons, such as HIMARS, into Ukraine in an impotent rage or in a desire to exacerbate the situation as much as possible, these HIMARS, (Ukraine’s Defence Minister Oleksii) Reznikov or someone else was boasting that they have already received 300 km ammo — well, that means the geographical tasks of the special operation will extend still further from the current line.”</p>

<p><strong>WATCH | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-turkish-president-erdogan-keeps-vladimir-putin-waiting-ahead-of-talks-in-iran-499178">Turkish President Erdogan keeps Vladimir Putin waiting ahead of talks in Iran</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><strong>Russia plans to annex additional Ukrainian territory: US&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Lavrov’s comments came a day after US National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said that they have “ample evidence” to claim that Russia plans to annex additional Ukrainian territory.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
As said by Kirby, the areas targeted for annexation include Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, and all of Donetsk and Luhansk.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
While speaking from the White House briefing room, Kirby had said, “Russia is laying the groundwork to annex Ukrainian territory that it controls in direct violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty. Russia is beginning to roll out a version of what you could call an annexation playbook, very similar to the one we saw in 2014.”&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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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.

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. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Wednesday (July 20) said that Russia’s objectives in Ukraine now extend beyond the eastern Donbas region into the country’s south. His comments came as the war in Ukraine is approaching its fifth month. Lavrov told state media that now, the “geography is different”. During an interview with RIA Novosti, which was published on Wednesday, Lavrov said, “Denazification, demilitarisation in a sense that there are no military threats to our safety from the territory of Ukraine. This task remains.” ALSO READ | Ukrainian forces 'badly damage' key bridge in Kherson region amid ongoing conflict “When the negotiators met in Istanbul, one sort of geography was discussed. Our willingness to accept the Ukrainian proposal was based on that geography, the geography of the end of March 2022,” he added. When the reporter asked off camera “Meaning DPR and LPR?”, the Russian foreign minister asserted that now the “geography is different”. He said: “It’s far from being just the DPR and LPR, it’s also Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions and a number of other territories. And the process is continuing.” ‘Peace talks don’t make sense right now’ Lavrov also said that it makes no sense to resume peace talks with Kyiv at the moment. He also mentioned the weapons and arms supplied by the West allies to Ukraine. Lavrov said, “As the West pours more and more long-range weapons, such as HIMARS, into Ukraine in an impotent rage or in a desire to exacerbate the situation as much as possible, these HIMARS, (Ukraine’s Defence Minister Oleksii) Reznikov or someone else was boasting that they have already received 300 km ammo — well, that means the geographical tasks of the special operation will extend still further from the current line.” WATCH | Turkish President Erdogan keeps Vladimir Putin waiting ahead of talks in Iran Russia plans to annex additional Ukrainian territory: US Lavrov’s comments came a day after US National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said that they have “ample evidence” to claim that Russia plans to annex additional Ukrainian territory. As said by Kirby, the areas targeted for annexation include Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, and all of Donetsk and Luhansk. While speaking from the White House briefing room, Kirby had said, “Russia is laying the groundwork to annex Ukrainian territory that it controls in direct violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty. Russia is beginning to roll out a version of what you could call an annexation playbook, very similar to the one we saw in 2014.” 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.

'Geography is different now': Russia's objectives in Ukraine not limited to eastern Donbas region, says Lavrov

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that Moscow's strategy had changed after the West supplied Ukraine with longer-range weapons. He also added that Russia would now have to push Ukrainian forces further from the front line to ensure its own security.

Russia Ukraine War: Sergei Lavrov says ready to expand war aims in Ukraine

The “liberation” of Ukraine’s Donbas region is an “unconditional priority” for Moscow, while other Ukrainian territories should decide their future on their own, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said in an interview on Sunday.

Russia-Ukraine Crisis: Russian FM Lavrov calls Ukraine's Donbas an 'unconditional priority'

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says Adolf Hitler had Jewish blood but this is not a new conspiracy theory, in fact it has been doing the rounds for years now.

Adolf Hitler's ancestry in focus, Russia says Hitler had Jewish roots

Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov claimed that Adolf Hitler had Jewish origins, enraging the government of Israel. Where did this conspiracy theory come from? Why is Russia antagonising 'neutral' Israel? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Russia claims Hitler was part-Jewish

Hitler's 'Jewish' blood: An old conspiracy theory

Israel has demanded an apology and denounced Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov for saying Nazi leader Adolf Hitler “had Jewish blood” and that Jews are among the worst anti-Semites.

Israel demands apology for Russian FM claims Hitler had Jewish blood

<p>Amidst a series of threats from the Russian establishment on the possibility of a World War III if the West intervenes in the Ukraine conflict, a Russian TV host sought to comfort the viewers while discussing a potential nuclear war, saying “It’s ok…We're all going to die someday.”</p>

<p>According to Newsweek, on Tuesday night's show, 'The Evening With Vladimir Solovyov', host Vladimir Solovyov, accompanied by Margarita Simonyan, journalist and head of RT, said that&nbsp;a nuclear war is the only possibility&nbsp;in order to stop other countries from intervening in Russia's war with Ukraine.</p>

<p>"Personally, I think that the most realistic way is the way of World War III, based on knowing us and our leader, Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin," The Daily Beast quoted Simonyan as saying.</p>

<p>"Knowing how everything works around here, it's impossible — there is no chance — that we will give up,” she said while suggesting that the Russian citizens would be ok if the Russian establishment uses nuclear warheads.</p>

<p>“What is happening right now is not about Ukraine, but about the future world order, which has no room for hegemony and where Russia can’t be isolated,” she added.</p>

<p>Simonyan continued saying, “Everything will end with a nuclear strike is more probable than the other outcome. This is to my horror, on one hand, but on the other hand, with the understanding that it is what it is."</p>

<p>To which Vladimir Solovyov added, "But we will go to heaven, while they will simply croak."</p>

<p>"We're all going to die someday," Simonyan said to the audience.</p>

<p>The comments from the Russian news media seemed to the echo the threats made by the Kremlin.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-calls-russian-move-to-cut-gas-a-blackmail-474482" hreflang="en">EU calls Russian move to cut gas a 'blackmail'</a></p>

<p>Recently on Monday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov had warned against an imminent World War III looming in the forefront after Ukraine failed to comply with the peace talks.</p>

<p>Lavrov warned that the danger of World War III is as real as it sounds.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russias-response-to-outside-intervention-will-be-lightning-fast-putin-on-ukraine-war-474481" hreflang="en">Russia's response to outside intervention will be lightning fast: Putin on Ukraine war</a></p>

<p>"The danger is serious, it is real, you can't underestimate it," the Russian Foreign Minister quoted by The Moscow Times.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Russia cuts off gas supply to nations, 'Putin is trying to provoke a global price crisis'</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-cuts-off-gas-supply-to-nations-putin-is-trying-to-provoke-a-global-price-crisis-474571/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Amidst a series of threats from the Russian establishment on the possibility of a World War III if the West intervenes in the Ukraine conflict, a Russian TV host sought to comfort the viewers while discussing a potential nuclear war, saying “It’s ok…We're all going to die someday.

Amidst a series of threats from the Russian establishment on the possibility of a World War III if the West intervenes in the Ukraine conflict, a Russian TV host sought to comfort the viewers while discussing a potential nuclear war, saying “It’s ok…We're all going to die someday.” According to Newsweek, on Tuesday night's show, 'The Evening With Vladimir Solovyov', host Vladimir Solovyov, accompanied by Margarita Simonyan, journalist and head of RT, said that a nuclear war is the only possibility in order to stop other countries from intervening in Russia's war with Ukraine. "Personally, I think that the most realistic way is the way of World War III, based on knowing us and our leader, Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin," The Daily Beast quoted Simonyan as saying. "Knowing how everything works around here, it's impossible — there is no chance — that we will give up,” she said while suggesting that the Russian citizens would be ok if the Russian establishment uses nuclear warheads. “What is happening right now is not about Ukraine, but about the future world order, which has no room for hegemony and where Russia can’t be isolated,” she added. Simonyan continued saying, “Everything will end with a nuclear strike is more probable than the other outcome. This is to my horror, on one hand, but on the other hand, with the understanding that it is what it is." To which Vladimir Solovyov added, "But we will go to heaven, while they will simply croak." "We're all going to die someday," Simonyan said to the audience. The comments from the Russian news media seemed to the echo the threats made by the Kremlin. Also read | EU calls Russian move to cut gas a 'blackmail' Recently on Monday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov had warned against an imminent World War III looming in the forefront after Ukraine failed to comply with the peace talks. Lavrov warned that the danger of World War III is as real as it sounds. Also read | Russia's response to outside intervention will be lightning fast: Putin on Ukraine war "The danger is serious, it is real, you can't underestimate it," the Russian Foreign Minister quoted by The Moscow Times. Watch | Russia cuts off gas supply to nations, 'Putin is trying to provoke a global price crisis' (With inputs from agencies)

Russia-Ukraine war: Russian TV host comforts viewers on nuke attack, says ‘we all die someday'

<p>Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday (April 23) told Bloomberg that India needs Russian help to defend its borders.</p>

<p>India and Russia are long-time allies and New Delhi procures most of its military hardware from Moscow.</p>

<p>"You have a neighbour who joins hands with another neighbour, both of whom are against me. In the context of the Russia-Ukraine war, God forbid, if there are alliances created, India has to be strong enough to protect itself,'' Sitharaman said alluding to China and Pakistan.</p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ukraine-reels-under-russian-strikes-as-eastern-cities-remain-under-siege-473248/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>"India wants to be friends with the European Union and the Western, free, liberal world," she added, "but not as a weak friend that needs desperate help here and there."</p>

<p>Sitharaman is in Washington to attend the annual spring meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.</p>

<p>British Prime Minister Boris Johnson recently visited India and signed a "new and expanded" defence and security partnership.</p>

<p>Political experts had said it was a move by the West to reduce India's reliance on its biggest military supplier Russia.</p>

<p>Although India has abstained from voting against Russia's invasion of Ukraine, it has condemned the killing in Bucha and provided humanitarian aid to Kyiv.</p>

<p><strong>Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/can-fly-16000-miles-in-one-hour-how-deadly-is-russias-nuke-capable-satan-2-sarmat-missile-472592">Strike any target on earth at 16,000 miles/hour? How deadly is Russia's nuke-capable 'Satan 2' Sarmat missile?</a></strong></p>

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had told US President Joe Biden that he had asked Russian President Vladimir Putin to negotiate a peace deal with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky.</p>

<p>Washington has asked New Delhi to limit bilateral relations with Moscow by reducing its oil trade with Russia.</p>

<p>In response, Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said, "India's approach should be guided by our national beliefs and values, by our national interest, and by our national strategy."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Adding that European countries such as France and Germany were still buying oil from Russia, Jaishankar said, "So what should India do in these circumstances? At the time when energy costs have spiked, clearly, we need to ensure that the common person in India is not subject to an additional and unavoidable burden. Similarly, fertiliser prices have a direct implication for the livelihoods of the majority of our population."</p>

<p>According to Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, ''We will be ready to supply any goods which India wants to buy."</p>

<p>"I have no doubt that a way would be (found) to bypass the artificial impediments which illegal unilateral sanctions by the West create. This relates also to the area of military-technical cooperation," he added.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday (April 23) told Bloomberg that India needs Russian help to defend its borders. India and Russia are long-time allies and New Delhi procures most of its military hardware from Moscow.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday (April 23) told Bloomberg that India needs Russian help to defend its borders. India and Russia are long-time allies and New Delhi procures most of its military hardware from Moscow. "You have a neighbour who joins hands with another neighbour, both of whom are against me. In the context of the Russia-Ukraine war, God forbid, if there are alliances created, India has to be strong enough to protect itself,'' Sitharaman said alluding to China and Pakistan. "India wants to be friends with the European Union and the Western, free, liberal world," she added, "but not as a weak friend that needs desperate help here and there." Sitharaman is in Washington to attend the annual spring meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson recently visited India and signed a "new and expanded" defence and security partnership. Political experts had said it was a move by the West to reduce India's reliance on its biggest military supplier Russia. Although India has abstained from voting against Russia's invasion of Ukraine, it has condemned the killing in Bucha and provided humanitarian aid to Kyiv. Also see | Strike any target on earth at 16,000 miles/hour? How deadly is Russia's nuke-capable 'Satan 2' Sarmat missile? Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had told US President Joe Biden that he had asked Russian President Vladimir Putin to negotiate a peace deal with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky. Washington has asked New Delhi to limit bilateral relations with Moscow by reducing its oil trade with Russia. In response, Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said, "India's approach should be guided by our national beliefs and values, by our national interest, and by our national strategy." Adding that European countries such as France and Germany were still buying oil from Russia, Jaishankar said, "So what should India do in these circumstances? At the time when energy costs have spiked, clearly, we need to ensure that the common person in India is not subject to an additional and unavoidable burden. Similarly, fertiliser prices have a direct implication for the livelihoods of the majority of our population." According to Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, ''We will be ready to supply any goods which India wants to buy." "I have no doubt that a way would be (found) to bypass the artificial impediments which illegal unilateral sanctions by the West create. This relates also to the area of military-technical cooperation," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman says India needs Russian help to defend its borders

<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin's ally Dmitry Medvedev said on Tuesday that the killings in Bucha are fake propaganda.</p>

<p>"These are fakes that matured in the cynical imagination of Ukrainian propaganda," he said.</p>

<p>In the wake of the withdrawal of Russian troops, horrific images are tumbling out of Bucha that portray the barbarity of the invasion.</p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-ukraine-accuses-russia-of-genocide-in-bucha-468404/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Denouncing the killings as ''genocide'' and ''war crimes'' Ukrainian President said, "We know that thousands of people have been killed and tortured with extremities cut off, women raped, children killed."</p>

<p>Reports claimed there were mass graves found in Bucha, however, Russia said the accusation was "fake". The bodies of five men were reportedly found in Bucha who were unnamed civilians. The bodies were discovered with hands reportedly tied to their backs.</p>

<p>Russia’s Defence Ministry has said that “not a single civilian has faced any violent action by the Russian military.”</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/these-are-war-crimes-ukraine-president-zelensky-fights-back-tears-during-bucha-visit-468445" hreflang="en">'These are war crimes': Ukraine President Zelensky fights back tears during Bucha visit</a></strong></p>

<p>Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has described the scenes outside Kyiv as a “stage-managed anti-Russian provocation.”</p>

<p>In response, US President Joe Biden said, "What's happening to Bucha is outrageous and everyone's seen it."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We have to gather all the details to have a war crimes trial at the International Criminal Court."&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to Andreas Schüller, programme director for International Crimes and Accountability at the European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights in Berlin, “If you want to look into chains of command and perpetrators, it’s important to analyze and gather information about which unit is where.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;“You need linkage evidence from the entire military apparatus. Documents could be leaked, or witnesses could speak up and disclose internal planning operations.”</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Russian President Vladimir Putin's ally Dmitry Medvedev said on Tuesday that the killings in Bucha are fake propaganda. "These are fakes that matured in the cynical imagination of Ukrainian propaganda," he said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin's ally Dmitry Medvedev said on Tuesday that the killings in Bucha are fake propaganda. "These are fakes that matured in the cynical imagination of Ukrainian propaganda," he said. In the wake of the withdrawal of Russian troops, horrific images are tumbling out of Bucha that portray the barbarity of the invasion. Denouncing the killings as ''genocide'' and ''war crimes'' Ukrainian President said, "We know that thousands of people have been killed and tortured with extremities cut off, women raped, children killed." Reports claimed there were mass graves found in Bucha, however, Russia said the accusation was "fake". The bodies of five men were reportedly found in Bucha who were unnamed civilians. The bodies were discovered with hands reportedly tied to their backs. Russia’s Defence Ministry has said that “not a single civilian has faced any violent action by the Russian military.” Also read | 'These are war crimes': Ukraine President Zelensky fights back tears during Bucha visit Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has described the scenes outside Kyiv as a “stage-managed anti-Russian provocation.” In response, US President Joe Biden said, "What's happening to Bucha is outrageous and everyone's seen it." "We have to gather all the details to have a war crimes trial at the International Criminal Court." According to Andreas Schüller, programme director for International Crimes and Accountability at the European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights in Berlin, “If you want to look into chains of command and perpetrators, it’s important to analyze and gather information about which unit is where.” “You need linkage evidence from the entire military apparatus. Documents could be leaked, or witnesses could speak up and disclose internal planning operations.” (With inputs from agencies)

Bucha killings are fake propaganda says Putin's ally Dmitry Medvedev

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'Russian President Putin sends his regards to PM Narendra Modi,' says Sergei Lavrov

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'West linking all issues to Ukraine,' says Russian FM Sergei Lavrov

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