Ukraine poses a great risk of its front lines collapsing on the battleground. Ukrainian troops are trying to buy time, they are hunkering down in the trenches and trying to dodge Russia's high value artillery weapons. Watch in for more details!

Russia-Ukraine War: Russian drones pound Ukrainian village in Donetsk region

Russian missiles and drones targeted roughly a dozen Ukrainian energy infrastructure assets on Wednesday, causing major damage to three Soviet-era thermal power plants and widespread blackouts, according to officials. Watch to know more.

Russia-Ukraine war: Russia's massive airstrike in weeks hits Ukraine's power grid

India's Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested four people, including a contractual translator in the Russian Defence Ministry, for allegedly trafficking Indians into the Russia-Ukraine war zone, officials said late on Tuesday (May 7).&nbsp;

The top probe agency arrested two recruiters, Arun and Yesudas Junior alias Priyan, from Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala on Tuesday, while two other accused, Nijil Jobi Bensam, a contractual employee in the Russian Defence Ministry, and Anthony Michael Elangovan, a resident of Mumbai, were arrested on April 24.

Bensam and Elangovan are in judicial custody, the CBI said in a late-night statement.

"Accused Nijil Jobi Bensam was working in the Russian defence ministry on a contract basis as a translator and was one of the key members of the network operating in Russia for facilitating recruitment of Indian nationals in Russian Army," an official in the know of development was quoted as saying by the Press Trust of India.&nbsp;

More arrests could also be made in the case, PTI reported.&nbsp;

Earlier, the CBI had busted a major racket of travel agents who were luring Indian youngsters with purported opportunities in Russia. Instead, they were pushed into the war zone between Russia and Ukraine after confiscating their passports.

The CBI's FIR has listed 17 visa consultancy companies with their owners and agents spread across India for the way many Indians were pushed into the war zone.&nbsp;The top probe agency has booked them under the Indian Penal Code sections related to criminal conspiracy, cheating, and human trafficking.

Also watch |&nbsp;Gravitas | Killer agents trafficking Indians to Russia

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The CBI has alleged that the accused through their agents trafficked Indian nationals to Russia on the pretext of getting them jobs related to the Russian army, security guards and helpers,&nbsp;and they were charged a huge amount.

The agents are also accused of duping students by facilitating their admissions to dubious private universities in Russia, instead of government or public universities, by offering discounted fees, and visa extensions.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-national-dies-in-russia-he-was-forced-to-fight-during-ukraine-war-697326">Russia-Ukraine war: 23-year-old Indian killed in drone strike, was employed by Russia</a>

The students were ultimately left "at the mercy" of the local agents, it said.

The CBI has found 35 instances where youngsters were taken to Russia after being lured with false promises.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-national-dies-in-russia-he-was-forced-to-fight-during-ukraine-war-697326">Indian national dies in Russia after being forced to fight in Ukraine war</a>

"The trafficked Indian nationals were trained in combat roles and deployed at front bases in the Russia - Ukraine War Zone against their wishes, thus, putting their lives in grave danger. It has been ascertained that some of the victims also got grievously injured in the war zone," a spokesperson said, according to Press Trust of India.&nbsp; 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

India's Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested four people, including a contractual translator in the Russian Defence Ministry, for allegedly trafficking Indians into the Russia-Ukraine war zone, officials said late on Tuesday (May 7).

India's Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested four people, including a contractual translator in the Russian Defence Ministry, for allegedly trafficking Indians into the Russia-Ukraine war zone, officials said late on Tuesday (May 7). The top probe agency arrested two recruiters, Arun and Yesudas Junior alias Priyan, from Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala on Tuesday, while two other accused, Nijil Jobi Bensam, a contractual employee in the Russian Defence Ministry, and Anthony Michael Elangovan, a resident of Mumbai, were arrested on April 24. Bensam and Elangovan are in judicial custody, the CBI said in a late-night statement. "Accused Nijil Jobi Bensam was working in the Russian defence ministry on a contract basis as a translator and was one of the key members of the network operating in Russia for facilitating recruitment of Indian nationals in Russian Army," an official in the know of development was quoted as saying by the Press Trust of India. More arrests could also be made in the case, PTI reported. Earlier, the CBI had busted a major racket of travel agents who were luring Indian youngsters with purported opportunities in Russia. Instead, they were pushed into the war zone between Russia and Ukraine after confiscating their passports. The CBI's FIR has listed 17 visa consultancy companies with their owners and agents spread across India for the way many Indians were pushed into the war zone. The top probe agency has booked them under the Indian Penal Code sections related to criminal conspiracy, cheating, and human trafficking. Also watch | Gravitas | Killer agents trafficking Indians to Russia × The CBI has alleged that the accused through their agents trafficked Indian nationals to Russia on the pretext of getting them jobs related to the Russian army, security guards and helpers, and they were charged a huge amount. The agents are also accused of duping students by facilitating their admissions to dubious private universities in Russia, instead of government or public universities, by offering discounted fees, and visa extensions. Also read | Russia-Ukraine war: 23-year-old Indian killed in drone strike, was employed by Russia The students were ultimately left "at the mercy" of the local agents, it said. The CBI has found 35 instances where youngsters were taken to Russia after being lured with false promises. Also read | Indian national dies in Russia after being forced to fight in Ukraine war "The trafficked Indian nationals were trained in combat roles and deployed at front bases in the Russia - Ukraine War Zone against their wishes, thus, putting their lives in grave danger. It has been ascertained that some of the victims also got grievously injured in the war zone," a spokesperson said, according to Press Trust of India. (With inputs from agencies)

CBI arrests four, including Russian defence ministry employee, for pushing Indians into Ukraine war

Russia has been flaunting tanks and armoured vehicles seized from Ukraine. These are American and German advanced weaponry. Among them are US Abrams tanks & German leopard tanks. These are among the latest weaponry from West's arsenal. But now US is worried that Russia could use these military hardware to learn about them and can also reverse engineer them.

Russia-Ukraine War: Russia showcases captured Western weapons in Moscow

Ever since Russia launched its fullscale invasion of Ukrainian ties between Moscow and London have continued to plunge to new low points. Moscow has warned of launching strikes at UK military military targets inside Ukraine an beyond.

Russia warns of strikes on UK Military bases in Ukraine & beyond

Russia has intensified strikes on Ukraine's energy facilities in recent months, knocking out a significant chunk of production, and triggering blackouts and energy rationing across the country. Watch in for more details!

Russia-Ukraine War: Russian strikes cut power for half a million homes in Ukraine

Russia says that its troops stationed near Ukraine would run nuclear weapons drills and threatened to strike UK military targets outside the embattled country, citing what it said was an escalation in western Sabre-rattling.

Russia-Ukraine War: Russia flexes nuclear muscle, warns West, US calls it rhetoric

Russia's oil and gas industry has been a critical source of revenue throughout the war in Ukraine. While sanctions have targeted the sector, oil production has remained steady, funding the Russian war machine. However, a hidden threat is emerging: A significant worker shortage.

Shortage of 40,000 workers grips Russian energy sector

Russia on Friday (May 3) reacted to UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron's statement about providing British weapons to Ukraine for the military offensive, calling it "dangerous".

Cameron on Thursday&nbsp;pledged over 3 billion pounds ($3.7 billion) of annual military aid for Ukraine, stating that the UK had no objection if Kyiv wanted to use British weapons against its targets in Russia.

"Ukraine has that right. Just as Russia is striking inside Ukraine, you can quite understand why Ukraine feels the need to make sure it's defending itself," Cameron told news agency Reuters during a visit to Kyiv.

Cameron's remarks are quite contrary to that of the United States which has specified that any weapons that it supplies to Ukraine should only be used in its internationally recognised borders than against the targets inside Russia.

Ukraine has said that it uses its own weapons and drones at the time it launches targeted attacks against Russia, aiming at its oil refineries or railway infrastructure.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-troops-take-over-airbase-in-niger-where-1000-us-troops-are-deployed-717816">Russian troops take over airbase in Niger where 1,000 US troops&nbsp;are&nbsp;deployed</a>

<h2>Kremlin calls Cameron's comments&nbsp;dangerous</h2>

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dubbed Cameron's remarks as dangerous.

"This is a direct escalation of tension around the Ukrainian conflict, which could potentially pose a danger to European security, to the entire European security architecture," he said.

"This is where we see such a dangerous trend of escalating tension in official statements. This is a cause for our concern."

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova added: "This is the first time that a Western politician has so frankly acknowledged what has long been a well-known secret for a majority of the world's countries: That the West is waging a covert war against Russia with the hands of Ukrainians."

She said that Moscow would retaliate if Ukraine launched strikes against Russia using British weapons.

"How irresponsible and callous do you have to be not to realise what such statements lead to, especially with regard to countries with nuclear weapons," Zakharova told a briefing.

"We always respond, but how can you not think about the feelings of British subjects and EU citizens."

(With inputs from agencies)

Russia on Friday (May 3) reacted to UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron's statement about providing British weapons to Ukraine for the military offensive, calling it "dangerous".

Russia on Friday (May 3) reacted to UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron's statement about providing British weapons to Ukraine for the military offensive, calling it "dangerous". Cameron on Thursday pledged over 3 billion pounds ($3.7 billion) of annual military aid for Ukraine, stating that the UK had no objection if Kyiv wanted to use British weapons against its targets in Russia. "Ukraine has that right. Just as Russia is striking inside Ukraine, you can quite understand why Ukraine feels the need to make sure it's defending itself," Cameron told news agency Reuters during a visit to Kyiv. Cameron's remarks are quite contrary to that of the United States which has specified that any weapons that it supplies to Ukraine should only be used in its internationally recognised borders than against the targets inside Russia. Ukraine has said that it uses its own weapons and drones at the time it launches targeted attacks against Russia, aiming at its oil refineries or railway infrastructure. Also read: Russian troops take over airbase in Niger where 1,000 US troops are deployed Kremlin calls Cameron's comments dangerous Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dubbed Cameron's remarks as dangerous. "This is a direct escalation of tension around the Ukrainian conflict, which could potentially pose a danger to European security, to the entire European security architecture," he said. "This is where we see such a dangerous trend of escalating tension in official statements. This is a cause for our concern." Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova added: "This is the first time that a Western politician has so frankly acknowledged what has long been a well-known secret for a majority of the world's countries: That the West is waging a covert war against Russia with the hands of Ukrainians." She said that Moscow would retaliate if Ukraine launched strikes against Russia using British weapons. "How irresponsible and callous do you have to be not to realise what such statements lead to, especially with regard to countries with nuclear weapons," Zakharova told a briefing. "We always respond, but how can you not think about the feelings of British subjects and EU citizens." (With inputs from agencies)

Russia accuses UK Foreign Secy David Cameron of 'direct escalation' over arms for Ukraine

Russia-Ukraine War: Ukraine's artillery pinned down by Russian drones

Ukraine is defenceless and Moscow is in the making most of it. The Russian forces have increased its intensity of its aerial attacks. The latest target of its assault was Kharkiv, where Russia launched an overnight attack.

Ukraine's power plants at the mercy of Russian missiles | Russia sharpens strikes on Kharkiv

Russia flexes nuclear muscle amid Ukraine conflict, warns 'Moscow is ready for nuclear war'

Russia's unstppable aerial barrage, Moscow exploits Kyiv's vulnerabilities

Russia on Monday said it that it could launch strikes at British military targets inside Ukraine and elsewhere if Kyiv's forces used British-supplied long-range missiles to strike Russia. The statement came after British Foreign Secretary David Cameron said during a visit to Ukraine that Kyiv "absolutely has the right to strike back at Russia". Watch in for more details!

Russia-Ukraine War: Russia threatens to strike British military facilities in Ukraine and beyond

Russia announced Monday it has started preparing for nuclear weapons exercises near Ukraine, accusing Western officials of making “provocative statements and threats" by deepening their support for Ukraine. Last week, French President Macron hinted at deploying French troops in Ukraine, while UK's David Cameron said that Ukraine had the right to use British weapons for strikes within Russia. WION's Shivan Chanana discusses with Ben Aris, Founder and Editor-in-chief of BNE IntelliNews and also former Moscow bureau chief for the Daily Telegraph.

Russia-Ukraine War: Putin orders nuclear drills in response to western escalations

Watch the top headlines of the hour: - Israeli tanks seen on Gazan side of Rafah - China not aiding Russia in Ukraine: Xi - India's top court hears Kejriwal's bail plea - S. Korea records hottest April in 50 years - Israel delegation to discuss Hamas proposal - India votes in Phase 3 today

China not aiding Russia in Ukraine: Xi | S. Korea records hottest April in 50 years

Russia-Ukraine war: Russian strikes cut power for half a million homes in Ukraine

Russia-Ukraine war: Russia warns UK it could strike back after Cameron remark on Ukraine

Ukraine war: Russia flexes nuclear muscle amid conflict, Putin warns 'Russia ready for nuclear war'

Chinese President Xi Jinping is on a keenly watched trip to Europe for his first stop Xi has arrived in Paris. This is the Chinese President's first visit to the region after the COVID pandemic as Beijing looks for greater trade and strategic ties with the region.

Xi Jinping in Paris on a two-day visit; Ukraine, trade & investment top agenda

Russia-Ukraine War: Russia to practice tactical nuclear weapon scenario

In response to perceived provocations from NATO, Russia has announced plans to conduct drills involving tactical nuclear weapons. This has raised concerns about escalating tensions amid the Ukraine war.

Gravitas | Did NATO Provoke Russia to Stage Tactical Nuclear Weapons Drills?

Ukraine's Central Bank has implemented its most significant currency market liberalisation since the war began. This move follows the approval of a $61 billion aid package from the US, with $7.8 billion designated for immediate budget support.

Ukraine eases business currency controls after US aid package

Xi Jinping in France: Xi Jinping in Paris on a two-day visit, Ukraine, tade & investment top agenda

The Russian Federation has developed the Malik acoustic detector for the first time in history, as drones take over the front lines of modern warfare. Watch in for more details!

Russia-Ukraine war: Russia deploys sound-spotter drone detectors in Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered the Russian military to hold nuclear weapons drills involving the navy and troops based near Ukraine. Watch in for more details!

Russia-Ukraine War: Putin orders troops to conduct drills near Ukraine base

Watch the top headlines of the hour: - Putin orders nuke drills near Ukraine - Evacuating 100,000 from East Rafah - Xi Jinping arrives in France - Saudi Prince likely to visit Pakistan - Sunak calls losses 'bitterly disappointing' - Brazil flooding kills at least 28

Sunak calls losses 'bitterly disappointing' | Putin orders nuke drills near Ukraine

Hundreds of Cubans have been hired by the Russian military to fight in its war against Ukraine, a BBC report has claimed. Russia’s lucrative army contracts are what is forcing nationals of the low-income country to join the army, for which they get about $2,000 a month.

Hundreds of Cubans have been hired by the Russian military to fight in its war against Ukraine, a BBC report has claimed. Russia’s lucrative army contracts are what is forcing nationals of the low-income country to join the army, for which they get about $2,000 a month. Some are also driven by the higher chances of getting a permanent residency or citizenship in Russia. The passport details of such 200 Cuban nationals were leaked online by a Ukraine-based group called InformNapalm last year. A basic Facebook search shows at least 31 of them currently residing in Russia, often posting pictures of themselves wearing Russian military uniform, or in locations that bear Russian street signs or Russian number plates. Why Cubans? For Russia, bringing Cubans into the country is easier and straightforward. Both nations have been allies since the Cold War days and Cubans don’t need a travel visa to enter Russia. Since Cuba is hit by a massive economic crisis, some may find Russia’s lucrative offer worthy of taking a shot. Watch: Russia-Ukraine War: Russia displays Western tanks captured in Ukraine war × It also helps Russia recruit more people into the army that has reportedly suffered causalities in thousands since the start of the war in Ukraine. The drive to enlist foreign nationals has also helped the Kremlin to avoid the mobilisation of Russian men, which carries certain political risks for President Vladimir Putin. However, it’s not clear how many Cuban nationals have joined the Russian army so far. According to a Cuban officer in Russia, some Cuban fighters have been deployed in Russia-occupied parts of Ukraine. Also read: West is waging hybrid war...: Russia reacts to Cameron`s statement on UK arms for Ukraine "As the Russian army occupies areas in Ukraine, what we Cubans do is support the army in those cities and in those areas that are occupied, that's all," the officer was quoted as saying. Most of them have joined the Russian army through recruiters on social media. Cuban authorities not pleased Last September, Cuban authorities said they had arrested 17 people in connection with the recruitment drive. Later, Cuba's ambassador to Russia, Julio Antonio Garmendía Peña, said in a statement Havana had nothing against people who wanted to "simply sign a contract and legally take part in this operation alongside the Russian army". Soon after, Cuba’s Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla clarified Havana was against "the participation of Cuban citizens in conflicts of any sort". (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine war | Russian Army recruiting hundreds of Cubans, several deployed in occupied areas: Report

Russia unleashes North Korean missiles to strike at Western weapons in Ukraine Pro-peace & anti-war demonstrators arrested at US universities Protests erupt in Armenia over the transfer of 4 villages to Azerbaijan Mohammed Saleh gets you an in-depth analysis of the world's biggest warzones of the week in World At War

Russia unleashes North Korean missiles to strike at Western weapons in Ukraine

Russia has reportedly opened a criminal case against Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and put him on its list of wanted criminals, the state news agency TASS reported on Saturday (May 4).

Ukraine, however, dismissed the reports calling it a sign of Russia's "desperation".

Zelensky's name was added to the Russian interior ministry's "wanted" list, which is an online database of suspected criminals that the government is looking for.

As per TASS reports, the Ukrainian president is wanted by Moscow "under an article of the criminal code", however, there is no further details given.

Ukraine's foreign ministry, in a befitting reply, said that Russian President Vladimir Putin himself was subject to arrest under an International Criminal Court warrant.

"We would like to remind you that, unlike the worthless Russian announcements, an International Criminal Court warrant for the arrest of Russian dictator Vladimir Putin on suspicion of war crimes is quite real and subject to implementation in 123 countries," the foreign ministry said in a statement.

It further said that the announcement made by Moscow was "evidence of the desperation of the Russian state machine and propaganda, which can think of no other way to attract attention".

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/poland-joins-germany-in-accusing-russia-of-cyberattacks-says-was-targeted-too-718043">Poland joins Germany, Czech Republic in accusing Russia of cyberattacks, says ‘was targeted too’</a>

Moscow has repeatedly targeted Zelensky since the start of Russian aggression against Ukraine in February 2022.

The Ukrainian leader, in 2023 said that there were at least "five or six" assassination attempts against him that he was aware of which had been foiled.

Russia has issued arrest warrants against several Ukrainian and European politicians since the start of its offensive against Ukraine in Feb 2022.

In Feb, Russia added Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, Lithuania's culture minister and members of the previous Latvian parliament to its wanted list over "desecration of historical memory" for destroying Soviet-era monuments.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russia has reportedly opened a criminal case against Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and put him on its list of wanted criminals, the state news agency TASS reported on Saturday (May 4).

Russia has reportedly opened a criminal case against Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and put him on its list of wanted criminals, the state news agency TASS reported on Saturday (May 4). Ukraine, however, dismissed the reports calling it a sign of Russia's "desperation". Zelensky's name was added to the Russian interior ministry's "wanted" list, which is an online database of suspected criminals that the government is looking for. As per TASS reports, the Ukrainian president is wanted by Moscow "under an article of the criminal code", however, there is no further details given. Ukraine's foreign ministry, in a befitting reply, said that Russian President Vladimir Putin himself was subject to arrest under an International Criminal Court warrant. "We would like to remind you that, unlike the worthless Russian announcements, an International Criminal Court warrant for the arrest of Russian dictator Vladimir Putin on suspicion of war crimes is quite real and subject to implementation in 123 countries," the foreign ministry said in a statement. It further said that the announcement made by Moscow was "evidence of the desperation of the Russian state machine and propaganda, which can think of no other way to attract attention". Also read: Poland joins Germany, Czech Republic in accusing Russia of cyberattacks, says ‘was targeted too’ Moscow has repeatedly targeted Zelensky since the start of Russian aggression against Ukraine in February 2022. The Ukrainian leader, in 2023 said that there were at least "five or six" assassination attempts against him that he was aware of which had been foiled. Russia has issued arrest warrants against several Ukrainian and European politicians since the start of its offensive against Ukraine in Feb 2022. In Feb, Russia added Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, Lithuania's culture minister and members of the previous Latvian parliament to its wanted list over "desecration of historical memory" for destroying Soviet-era monuments. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia adds Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to its 'wanted' list

Russia's defense minister says the country needs to increase manufacturing volume and speed as the United States supplies military aid to Ukraine. Watch to know more.

Russia-Ukraine war: Russia ramps up attacks on Ukraine

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