If a recent study is to be believed, European countries are making oil payments amounting to $285 million (£217 million) every day to Russia, which is then helping Putin to fund&nbsp;his war against Ukraine.

New analysis by the Transport &amp; Environment (T&amp;E) thinktank estimates that Russia received $104bn from its crude, petrol and diesel exports to Europe and UK last year, more than twice the $43bn it took from gas shipments.

“Europe is sending over a quarter of a billion to Putin every day, even as he wages war in its own backyard. This has to end. But we should not simply swap Russian oil for Saudi oil. It’s time to greatly improve transport efficiency and turbocharge the electrification of transport to drive down our oil consumption,” William Todts, executive director of T&amp;E, said.

European countries are reliant on Russian oil for over a quarter of their crude oil.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-xi-calls-for-maximum-restraint-offers-to-mediate-between-ukraine-and-russia-460498" hreflang="en">Xi calls for ‘restraint’, offers to mediate between Ukraine and Russia</a>

While some European countries like Slovakia are dependent on Russia for over 90 per cent of their oil, the continent’s dependence as a whole, while significant, is not significant, the analysis shows.

The report was released just days ahead of the announcement made by the&nbsp;US to ban Russian oil imports. Shell also said that it would shut down its Russian petrol stations and oil spot purchases.

UK prime minister Boris Johnson is also expected to make a statement later this week on reducing British imports of Russian gas. Apart from that, several European countries are working out alternatives to end reliance on Russian oil.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-demands-us-explain-biological-programme-in-ukraine-460552">Russia demands explanation from US for 'biological programme' in Ukraine</a>

Reacting to the US measures, Russia’s deputy prime minister Alexander Novak, said that any rejection of Russian oil would have “catastrophic consequences” and could send prices as high as $300 a barrel.

Europe imported more than 200m tonnes of oil from&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;each year between 2004 and 2017, even increasing its purchases in the two years after Russia seized Crimea in 2014.

(With inputs from agencies)

If a recent study is to be believed, European countries are making oil payments amounting to $285 million (£217 million) every day to Russia, which is then helping Putin to fund his war against Ukraine.

If a recent study is to be believed, European countries are making oil payments amounting to $285 million (£217 million) every day to Russia, which is then helping Putin to fund his war against Ukraine. New analysis by the Transport & Environment (T&E) thinktank estimates that Russia received $104bn from its crude, petrol and diesel exports to Europe and UK last year, more than twice the $43bn it took from gas shipments. “Europe is sending over a quarter of a billion to Putin every day, even as he wages war in its own backyard. This has to end. But we should not simply swap Russian oil for Saudi oil. It’s time to greatly improve transport efficiency and turbocharge the electrification of transport to drive down our oil consumption,” William Todts, executive director of T&E, said. European countries are reliant on Russian oil for over a quarter of their crude oil. Also read | Xi calls for ‘restraint’, offers to mediate between Ukraine and Russia While some European countries like Slovakia are dependent on Russia for over 90 per cent of their oil, the continent’s dependence as a whole, while significant, is not significant, the analysis shows. The report was released just days ahead of the announcement made by the US to ban Russian oil imports. Shell also said that it would shut down its Russian petrol stations and oil spot purchases. UK prime minister Boris Johnson is also expected to make a statement later this week on reducing British imports of Russian gas. Apart from that, several European countries are working out alternatives to end reliance on Russian oil. Also read | Russia demands explanation from US for 'biological programme' in Ukraine Reacting to the US measures, Russia’s deputy prime minister Alexander Novak, said that any rejection of Russian oil would have “catastrophic consequences” and could send prices as high as $300 a barrel. Europe imported more than 200m tonnes of oil from Russia each year between 2004 and 2017, even increasing its purchases in the two years after Russia seized Crimea in 2014. (With inputs from agencies)

Putin's war on Ukraine being bolstered by oil payments from Europe: Report

As the Biden administration clamours on the imminent Russian invasion of Ukraine, the United States has said that it expects India to side with the West if Kremlin goes ahead it with its alleged insurrection plan.

Even though Russia has said that it is drawing down troops near its neighbour’s borders, US has viewed the claims with scepticism.

America claimed that Russia has added 7,000 more troops near the Ukraine borders in recent days, with Biden saying that the possibility of Russian invasion remains “very high”.

While speaking to reporters on Wednesday, US State Department spokesperson Ned Price said that there was a discussion on Russia and Ukraine during the recently concluded Quad ministerial in Melbourne that saw the participation of foreign ministers from Australia, India, Japan and the US.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-west-must-not-be-fooled-by-russias-claims-uk-foreign-secretary-liz-truss-454005">The West must not be fooled by Russia's claims: UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss</a>

He said there was a “strong consensus” on for a peaceful resolution to the Ukraine crisis.

“One of the core tenants of the Quad is to reinforce the rules-based international order. And that is a rules-based order that applies equally in the Indo-Pacific as it does in Europe, as it does anywhere else. We know that our Indian partners are committed to that rules-based international order. There are any number of tenets in that order. One of them is that borders cannot be redrawn by force,” Price said in response to a question.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-pulling-back-more-troops-but-us-says-moscow-could-launch-false-pretext-to-invade-ukraine-454028" hreflang="en">Russia pulling back troops; US says Moscow could use 'false' pretext to invade</a>

“That, large countries cannot bully small countries. That only the people of a particular country can be in a position to choose their foreign policy, their partnerships, their alliances, their associations. Those are principles that apply equally in the Indo-Pacific as they do in Europe,” he said in an apparent reference to the aggressive behaviour by China against its neighbours, including India.

Earlier in the day, Secretary of State Blinken said that the US was doing everything it possibly can to seek a peaceful resolution to the crisis Moscow has “needlessly precipitated”.

(With inputs from agencies)

As the Biden administration clamours on the imminent Russian invasion of Ukraine, the United States has said that it expects India to side with the West if Kremlin goes ahead it with its alleged insurrection plan.

As the Biden administration clamours on the imminent Russian invasion of Ukraine, the United States has said that it expects India to side with the West if Kremlin goes ahead it with its alleged insurrection plan. Even though Russia has said that it is drawing down troops near its neighbour’s borders, US has viewed the claims with scepticism. America claimed that Russia has added 7,000 more troops near the Ukraine borders in recent days, with Biden saying that the possibility of Russian invasion remains “very high”. While speaking to reporters on Wednesday, US State Department spokesperson Ned Price said that there was a discussion on Russia and Ukraine during the recently concluded Quad ministerial in Melbourne that saw the participation of foreign ministers from Australia, India, Japan and the US. Also read | The West must not be fooled by Russia's claims: UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss He said there was a “strong consensus” on for a peaceful resolution to the Ukraine crisis. “One of the core tenants of the Quad is to reinforce the rules-based international order. And that is a rules-based order that applies equally in the Indo-Pacific as it does in Europe, as it does anywhere else. We know that our Indian partners are committed to that rules-based international order. There are any number of tenets in that order. One of them is that borders cannot be redrawn by force,” Price said in response to a question. Also read | Russia pulling back troops; US says Moscow could use 'false' pretext to invade “That, large countries cannot bully small countries. That only the people of a particular country can be in a position to choose their foreign policy, their partnerships, their alliances, their associations. Those are principles that apply equally in the Indo-Pacific as they do in Europe,” he said in an apparent reference to the aggressive behaviour by China against its neighbours, including India. Earlier in the day, Secretary of State Blinken said that the US was doing everything it possibly can to seek a peaceful resolution to the crisis Moscow has “needlessly precipitated”. (With inputs from agencies)

Hope India sides with America if Russia invades Ukraine, says US

Several European leaders continued to maintain caution as Russia announced that it is withdrawing some of its troops from the Ukrainian border.

United Kingdon Prime Minister Boris Johnson welcomed the announcement saying that talks between Russia and Western powers have shown “signs of a diplomatic opening” to avert a conflict.

But he said that Russia was “sending mixed signals” on the de-escalation process, as he claimed to have intelligence reports that Russian forces were “being brought closer to the border” with Ukraine.

Intelligence suggests Russia is also constructing field hospitals near the border, he added, in what could only be interpreted as “as preparation for an invasion”.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-pulls-back-some-troops-from-ukraine-border-kyiv-says-we-will-see-then-believe-453452" hreflang="en">Russia pulls back some troops from Ukraine border</a>

Germany’s foreign minister Annalena Baerbock said that Russia must back the announcements with “action”.

"Every real step of de-escalation would be a reason for hope. For now, there are only announcements, and these must now be followed by action," she said at a press conference following talks with her Spanish counterpart in Madrid.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-nationals-including-students-should-leave-ukraine-says-government-advisory-453383" hreflang="en">Indians including students may consider leaving Ukraine, says govt advisory</a>

NATO secretary general Jens Stoltenberg said Russia’s announcement of a troop withdrawal gives grounds for optimism, but the alliance has yet to see real de-escalation.

“This gives the grounds for cautious optimism, but so far we have not seen any sign of de-escalation on the ground,” Stoltenberg briefed reporters ahead of a meeting of NATO defence ministers on Wednesday.

“So far, we have not seen any de-escalation on the ground, not seen any signs of reduced Russian military presence on the borders of Ukraine, but we will continue to monitor,” he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Several European leaders continued to maintain caution as Russia announced that it is withdrawing some of its troops from the Ukrainian border. United Kingdon Prime Minister Boris Johnson welcomed the announcement saying that talks between Russia and Western powers have shown “signs of a diplomatic opening” to avert a conflict.

Several European leaders continued to maintain caution as Russia announced that it is withdrawing some of its troops from the Ukrainian border. United Kingdon Prime Minister Boris Johnson welcomed the announcement saying that talks between Russia and Western powers have shown “signs of a diplomatic opening” to avert a conflict. But he said that Russia was “sending mixed signals” on the de-escalation process, as he claimed to have intelligence reports that Russian forces were “being brought closer to the border” with Ukraine. Intelligence suggests Russia is also constructing field hospitals near the border, he added, in what could only be interpreted as “as preparation for an invasion”. Also read | Russia pulls back some troops from Ukraine border Germany’s foreign minister Annalena Baerbock said that Russia must back the announcements with “action”. "Every real step of de-escalation would be a reason for hope. For now, there are only announcements, and these must now be followed by action," she said at a press conference following talks with her Spanish counterpart in Madrid. Also read | Indians including students may consider leaving Ukraine, says govt advisory NATO secretary general Jens Stoltenberg said Russia’s announcement of a troop withdrawal gives grounds for optimism, but the alliance has yet to see real de-escalation. “This gives the grounds for cautious optimism, but so far we have not seen any sign of de-escalation on the ground,” Stoltenberg briefed reporters ahead of a meeting of NATO defence ministers on Wednesday. “So far, we have not seen any de-escalation on the ground, not seen any signs of reduced Russian military presence on the borders of Ukraine, but we will continue to monitor,” he said. (With inputs from agencies)

'Cautious optimism': Europe wary of Russia’s drawdown from Ukraine

Amid worsening situation in eastern Europe over Ukraine, Belarus envoy to India Andrei Rzheussky asserted his country’s position on Tuesday saying that they will “never create war to neighbours".

The remark from the ambassador comes as tensions have been rising between the US and its ally Russia over the latter’s troop build-up near Ukrainian borders.

The security talks between the US, NATO allies and Russia have failed even as the possibility of war looms large over Europe.

In response to a WION question, if war could happen in Europe over the current crisis, Rzheussky said, "We never create war to our neighbours. If we detect threat on our territory, we will respond. But as our president reiterated, only if somebody enters our territory with not so peaceful purposes."

Rzheussky was referring to Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko’s statement in parliament on Friday that if “war breaks out, everyone will lose.”

The envoy said, "As for Belarus, as our president mentioned a couple of days ago during his address to the Parliament that we are a peaceful nation, peaceful people, but if you would like to have peace, you should be prepared for war. That is why we are conducting joint military exercises with our close ally Russia. We should be prepared for challenges which exist around the world, even on our borders".

Russian troops are currently in Belarus, which shares borders with Ukraine, undertaking military exercises.

Belarus was recently in news over the migrant crisis with neighbours Poland, Lithuania and Latvia.&nbsp;

Talking about the crisis, the envoy said, "We still have between 500-1,000 people who are on our territory. Because of the winters, we allow them to live in a special warehouse facility.”

The number of migrants from West Asian countries had amassed near the border with Poland, even as the cold temperatures had led to massive humanitarian crisis.

The western countries accused Belarus of trying to weaponise migrants due to the sanctions on the country.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Envoy highlighted that people are stuck on the border "not because they want to stay in Belarus, but because they wanted to enter Europe”.

“They escaped from a difficult condition in their own countries and want to go to Europe for a better life. But unfortunately, European countries closed their borders and harshly stopped them from entering,” he said.

The envoy was speaking to WION during an event in Delhi. Belarus has opened a tourism information centre in the national capital.

The envoy said, "It is a proper time to promote Belarus in India. Belarus is a perfect place for Indian people to visit and to see how beautiful my country is. Our country is called blue eye because of thousands of lakes. and rivers. It is also called the lung of Europe, because of forest cover that spans over 1/3rd of the territory.”

Amid worsening situation in eastern Europe over Ukraine, Belarus envoy to India Andrei Rzheussky asserted his country’s position on Tuesday saying that they will “never create war to neighbours".

Amid worsening situation in eastern Europe over Ukraine, Belarus envoy to India Andrei Rzheussky asserted his country’s position on Tuesday saying that they will “never create war to neighbours". The remark from the ambassador comes as tensions have been rising between the US and its ally Russia over the latter’s troop build-up near Ukrainian borders. The security talks between the US, NATO allies and Russia have failed even as the possibility of war looms large over Europe. In response to a WION question, if war could happen in Europe over the current crisis, Rzheussky said, "We never create war to our neighbours. If we detect threat on our territory, we will respond. But as our president reiterated, only if somebody enters our territory with not so peaceful purposes." Rzheussky was referring to Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko’s statement in parliament on Friday that if “war breaks out, everyone will lose.” The envoy said, "As for Belarus, as our president mentioned a couple of days ago during his address to the Parliament that we are a peaceful nation, peaceful people, but if you would like to have peace, you should be prepared for war. That is why we are conducting joint military exercises with our close ally Russia. We should be prepared for challenges which exist around the world, even on our borders". Russian troops are currently in Belarus, which shares borders with Ukraine, undertaking military exercises. Belarus was recently in news over the migrant crisis with neighbours Poland, Lithuania and Latvia. Talking about the crisis, the envoy said, "We still have between 500-1,000 people who are on our territory. Because of the winters, we allow them to live in a special warehouse facility.” The number of migrants from West Asian countries had amassed near the border with Poland, even as the cold temperatures had led to massive humanitarian crisis. The western countries accused Belarus of trying to weaponise migrants due to the sanctions on the country. Envoy highlighted that people are stuck on the border "not because they want to stay in Belarus, but because they wanted to enter Europe”. “They escaped from a difficult condition in their own countries and want to go to Europe for a better life. But unfortunately, European countries closed their borders and harshly stopped them from entering,” he said. The envoy was speaking to WION during an event in Delhi. Belarus has opened a tourism information centre in the national capital. The envoy said, "It is a proper time to promote Belarus in India. Belarus is a perfect place for Indian people to visit and to see how beautiful my country is. Our country is called blue eye because of thousands of lakes. and rivers. It is also called the lung of Europe, because of forest cover that spans over 1/3rd of the territory.”

Ukraine crisis: Belarus envoy asserts country's position, says don’t want war in eastern Europe

The United States has acquired intelligence about a Russian plan to fabricate a pretext for an invasion of Ukraine using a faked video that would build on recent disinformation campaigns, according to senior administration officials and others briefed on the material.

The plan — which the United States hopes to spoil by making public — involved staging and filming a fabricated attack by the Ukrainian military either on Russian territory or against Russian-speaking people in eastern Ukraine.

Russia, the officials said, intended to use the video to accuse Ukraine of “genocide” against Russian-speaking people. It would then use the report to justify an attack or have separatist leaders in the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine invite a Russian intervention.

Officials would not release any direct evidence of the Russian plan or how they learned of it, saying to do so would compromise their sources and methods. But both a recent Russian disinformation campaign focused on false accusations of genocide and the recent political actions being taken in the Russian parliament to recognize breakaway governments in Ukraine lent credence to the intelligence.

If carried out, the Russian operation would be an expansion of a propaganda theme that U.S. intelligence officials and outside experts have said Moscow has been pushing on social media, conspiracy sites and with state-controlled media since November.

The planned video was elaborate, officials said, with graphic images of the staged, corpse-strewn aftermath of an explosion, film of destroyed locations, faked Ukrainian military equipment, Turkish-made drones and actors playing Russian-speaking mourners.

American officials would not say who in Russia precisely was planning the operation, but a senior administration official said that “Russian intelligence is intimately involved in this effort.”

A British government official said that they had done their own analysis on the intelligence and had high confidence that Russia was planning to engineer a pretext to blame Ukraine for an attack. The specific reporting details, the official said, are “credible and extremely concerning.”

While it is not clear that senior Russian officials approved the operation, it was far along in the planning, and the United States had high confidence that it was under serious consideration, officials said. Russian officials had found corpses to use in the video, discussed actors to play mourners and plotted how to make military equipment in the video appear Ukrainian or NATO-supplied.

While the plan sounded far-fetched, American officials said they believed it could have worked to provide a spark for a Russian military operation — an outcome they said they hoped would be made less likely by exposing the effort publicly.

The highlights of the intelligence have been declassified in hopes of both derailing the plan and convincing allies and officials of the seriousness of the Russian planning. The officials interviewed for this article requested anonymity to discuss declassified but sensitive intelligence before it was released publicly.

Avril Haines, the director of national intelligence, and other top administration officials briefed members of Congress on the material Thursday. Details of the information have also been shared with allies as the United States and Britain push a kind of intelligence diplomacy.

In recent weeks both Washington and London have outlined elements of Moscow’s war planning, highlighting planned troop buildups, exposing false-flag sabotage plots and revealing Russian plans to install a friendly government in Kyiv, Ukraine.

The strategy aims to persuade allies and partners over that Russia is not posturing and has real war plans that it could put into effect. The releases also aim to force Russia to drop and redraft plans, further delaying any invasion plan.

The longer the international community can delay a decision by Russian President Vladimir Putin about whether to approve a military operation against Ukraine, the more of a chance there is that he will reconsider his plans, according to diplomats.

Some officials in the U.S. and Britain think Putin has underestimated how many casualties his military would suffer in any direct invasion of Ukraine.

The intelligence diplomacy push is modelled in part on Britain’s efforts to rally a strong response to the Russian nerve agent attack in England in 2018. The British government released information on Russian involvement publicly and shared other intelligence privately as it pushed allies to expel Russian diplomats in response.

The move to publicize the plan comes as the Duma, the Russian parliament, begins to consider legislation to recognize eastern Ukraine as an independent territory, much as they have recognized Russian-occupied areas of Georgia.

If the Russian parliament were to recognize the Donbas region of Ukraine as an independent state, a Moscow-appointed leader of that breakaway state could then request help from Putin. Putin has argued many times that in such a case, an intervention would be in keeping with international law and precedents set by the United States.

American officials believe the plans for the video included Turkish-made Bayraktar TB2 drones that have been used by the Ukrainian army.

In November, the Ukrainian army used one of the drones to launch a counterattack on a howitzer used by Russian-led separatist forces to kill a Ukrainian soldier. Russia scrambled jets, and the situation escalated.

Russian disinformation in recent weeks has accused NATO of planning an invasion or intervention into Ukraine, a false claim. Highlighting the presence of weapons made by Turkey, a NATO ally, would allow the Russians to accuse the alliance of helping raise tensions in the conflict and being culpable in the death of Russian speakers.

The draft law under consideration in Russia would recognize what Moscow calls the Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics. Russia considered recognizing governments in the separatists-controlled region in 2014 but ultimately backed down.

The proposal was revived by members of the Communist Party, the second-largest faction in the Russian Duma, in recent days. The Russian parliamentarians pushing the law have argued that Ukraine is planning an offensive to reassert control of the area. If that happens, the Russian lawmakers argue, Russian-speaking residents will be denied basic rights.

Ukrainian oppression of Russian speakers in Eastern Ukraine is a common theme of Russian state media and websites controlled by Russian intelligence services. But the reality is that language is not the hard dividing line in Ukraine that Moscow suggests.

The United States has acquired intelligence about a Russian plan to fabricate a pretext for an invasion of Ukraine using a faked video that would build on recent disinformation campaigns, according to senior administration officials and others briefed on the material.

The United States has acquired intelligence about a Russian plan to fabricate a pretext for an invasion of Ukraine using a faked video that would build on recent disinformation campaigns, according to senior administration officials and others briefed on the material. The plan — which the United States hopes to spoil by making public — involved staging and filming a fabricated attack by the Ukrainian military either on Russian territory or against Russian-speaking people in eastern Ukraine. Russia, the officials said, intended to use the video to accuse Ukraine of “genocide” against Russian-speaking people. It would then use the report to justify an attack or have separatist leaders in the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine invite a Russian intervention. Officials would not release any direct evidence of the Russian plan or how they learned of it, saying to do so would compromise their sources and methods. But both a recent Russian disinformation campaign focused on false accusations of genocide and the recent political actions being taken in the Russian parliament to recognize breakaway governments in Ukraine lent credence to the intelligence. If carried out, the Russian operation would be an expansion of a propaganda theme that U.S. intelligence officials and outside experts have said Moscow has been pushing on social media, conspiracy sites and with state-controlled media since November. The planned video was elaborate, officials said, with graphic images of the staged, corpse-strewn aftermath of an explosion, film of destroyed locations, faked Ukrainian military equipment, Turkish-made drones and actors playing Russian-speaking mourners. American officials would not say who in Russia precisely was planning the operation, but a senior administration official said that “Russian intelligence is intimately involved in this effort.” A British government official said that they had done their own analysis on the intelligence and had high confidence that Russia was planning to engineer a pretext to blame Ukraine for an attack. The specific reporting details, the official said, are “credible and extremely concerning.” While it is not clear that senior Russian officials approved the operation, it was far along in the planning, and the United States had high confidence that it was under serious consideration, officials said. Russian officials had found corpses to use in the video, discussed actors to play mourners and plotted how to make military equipment in the video appear Ukrainian or NATO-supplied. While the plan sounded far-fetched, American officials said they believed it could have worked to provide a spark for a Russian military operation — an outcome they said they hoped would be made less likely by exposing the effort publicly. The highlights of the intelligence have been declassified in hopes of both derailing the plan and convincing allies and officials of the seriousness of the Russian planning. The officials interviewed for this article requested anonymity to discuss declassified but sensitive intelligence before it was released publicly. Avril Haines, the director of national intelligence, and other top administration officials briefed members of Congress on the material Thursday. Details of the information have also been shared with allies as the United States and Britain push a kind of intelligence diplomacy. In recent weeks both Washington and London have outlined elements of Moscow’s war planning, highlighting planned troop buildups, exposing false-flag sabotage plots and revealing Russian plans to install a friendly government in Kyiv, Ukraine. The strategy aims to persuade allies and partners over that Russia is not posturing and has real war plans that it could put into effect. The releases also aim to force Russia to drop and redraft plans, further delaying any invasion plan. The longer the international community can delay a decision by Russian President Vladimir Putin about whether to approve a military operation against Ukraine, the more of a chance there is that he will reconsider his plans, according to diplomats. Some officials in the U.S. and Britain think Putin has underestimated how many casualties his military would suffer in any direct invasion of Ukraine. The intelligence diplomacy push is modelled in part on Britain’s efforts to rally a strong response to the Russian nerve agent attack in England in 2018. The British government released information on Russian involvement publicly and shared other intelligence privately as it pushed allies to expel Russian diplomats in response. The move to publicize the plan comes as the Duma, the Russian parliament, begins to consider legislation to recognize eastern Ukraine as an independent territory, much as they have recognized Russian-occupied areas of Georgia. If the Russian parliament were to recognize the Donbas region of Ukraine as an independent state, a Moscow-appointed leader of that breakaway state could then request help from Putin. Putin has argued many times that in such a case, an intervention would be in keeping with international law and precedents set by the United States. American officials believe the plans for the video included Turkish-made Bayraktar TB2 drones that have been used by the Ukrainian army. In November, the Ukrainian army used one of the drones to launch a counterattack on a howitzer used by Russian-led separatist forces to kill a Ukrainian soldier. Russia scrambled jets, and the situation escalated. Russian disinformation in recent weeks has accused NATO of planning an invasion or intervention into Ukraine, a false claim. Highlighting the presence of weapons made by Turkey, a NATO ally, would allow the Russians to accuse the alliance of helping raise tensions in the conflict and being culpable in the death of Russian speakers. The draft law under consideration in Russia would recognize what Moscow calls the Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics. Russia considered recognizing governments in the separatists-controlled region in 2014 but ultimately backed down. The proposal was revived by members of the Communist Party, the second-largest faction in the Russian Duma, in recent days. The Russian parliamentarians pushing the law have argued that Ukraine is planning an offensive to reassert control of the area. If that happens, the Russian lawmakers argue, Russian-speaking residents will be denied basic rights. Ukrainian oppression of Russian speakers in Eastern Ukraine is a common theme of Russian state media and websites controlled by Russian intelligence services. But the reality is that language is not the hard dividing line in Ukraine that Moscow suggests.

US exposes what it says is Russian effort to fabricate pretext for invasion

Here are some of the top stories to start your day:&nbsp;Amid tensions with Russia, US President Joe Biden said he would be moving a small number of troops to eastern Europe even as top US general Mark Miley said the consequences of going to war with Russia would be "horrific" for both sides. Meanwhile, the Biden administration has cancelled US $130 million military aid to Egypt raising concerns over human rights violations.&nbsp;

Click on headlines to read the full report:

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-biden-to-move-troops-to-eastern-europe-amid-russia-tensions-448630" hreflang="en">US President Biden to move troops to eastern Europe amid Russia tensions</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/01/29/236973-rus1.jpg" />US Joint chiefs chairman General Mark Milley, however, warned of consequences adding that a conflict over Ukraine would lead to a "significant amount of casualties" and it would be "horrific" and "terrible". US defence secretary Lloyd Austin said there was still "space for diplomacy" while adding that "conflict is not inevitable".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/over-human-rights-concerns-us-cancels-usd-130-million-military-aid-to-egypt-after-arms-sale-448642">Over human rights concerns, US cancels USD 130 million military aid to Egypt</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/01/29/236993-us-2.jpg" />On Friday, the State Department of the US said that Egypt had not met the conditions to receive the USD 130 million in foreign military financing, which has been on hold since September. The money would be shifted to other programmes, it said, without elaborating. &nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/ba2-subvariant-more-transmissible-than-original-omicron-scientists-448644">BA.2 subvariant more transmissible than original Omicron: Scientists</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/12/18/227412-omi.jpg" />The Omicron variant BA.2 also known as a "stealth Omicron" has surged in UK and Denmark. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the &nbsp;BA.2 has increased in "proportion" to the original Omicron strain even as the US reported 127 new BA.2 cases.

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Here are some of the top stories to start your day: Amid tensions with Russia, US President Joe Biden said he would be moving a small number of troops to eastern Europe even as top US general Mark Miley said the consequences of going to war with Russia would be "horrific" for both sides.

Here are some of the top stories to start your day: Amid tensions with Russia, US President Joe Biden said he would be moving a small number of troops to eastern Europe even as top US general Mark Miley said the consequences of going to war with Russia would be "horrific" for both sides. Meanwhile, the Biden administration has cancelled US $130 million military aid to Egypt raising concerns over human rights violations. Click on headlines to read the full report: US President Biden to move troops to eastern Europe amid Russia tensions US Joint chiefs chairman General Mark Milley, however, warned of consequences adding that a conflict over Ukraine would lead to a "significant amount of casualties" and it would be "horrific" and "terrible". US defence secretary Lloyd Austin said there was still "space for diplomacy" while adding that "conflict is not inevitable". Over human rights concerns, US cancels USD 130 million military aid to Egypt On Friday, the State Department of the US said that Egypt had not met the conditions to receive the USD 130 million in foreign military financing, which has been on hold since September. The money would be shifted to other programmes, it said, without elaborating. BA.2 subvariant more transmissible than original Omicron: Scientists The Omicron variant BA.2 also known as a "stealth Omicron" has surged in UK and Denmark. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the BA.2 has increased in "proportion" to the original Omicron strain even as the US reported 127 new BA.2 cases. Watch | Six Germans to go on trial for a $126 million Green Vault jewellery heist Watch | Why NATO is putting its forces on standby? Will it come for Ukraine's defence?

Morning news brief: US to send troops to eastern Europe, Omicron subvariant more transmissible & more

US President Joe Biden and Russian counterpart will be holding talks via video call on Tuesday, according to media reports, as tensions escalate between the two nuclear-powered countries over reports of Russia troops build-up near the Ukrainian border.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed plans on Saturday to Russia's state news agency RIA Novosti and said it will take place in the evening. Peskov added that “the presidents will decide themselves” how long the conversation will last.

The leaders will reportedly discuss the implementation of agreements reached during their previous meeting in Geneva, Switzerland, the situations in Afghanistan, Iran, Libya and Syria, as well as the Ukrainian crisis.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-prepares-plan-to-protect-ukraine-putin-slams-drone-deployment-at-border-433950">Biden prepares plan to protect Ukraine; Putin slams drone deployment at border</a>

Putin and Biden are also expected to cover strategic stability issues, and the Russian side will ask for guarantees against the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's eastward expansion, Ushakov said.

The Russian official said that the oil market, climate change, and the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic could also be on the agenda.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/what-will-happen-if-russian-troops-invade-ukraine-431684">Also Read in Pics:&nbsp;What will happen if Russian troops invade Ukraine?&nbsp;</a>

The United States, its NATO allies and Ukraine are accusing Moscow of amassing troops near the Ukrainian border, and Kyiv says it fears Russia is planning an attack.

However, Moscow denies plans to invade Ukraine, and accuses Kyiv of building up its own forces to attack territory held by pro-Russian separatists.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/why-russia-tested-s-400-missiles-in-crimea-amid-operation-sea-breeze-in-ukraine-395351">Also Read:&nbsp;Why Russia tested S-400 missiles in Crimea amid operation Sea Breeze in Ukraine</a>

Russia has been pushing for top-level talks with the US for weeks and has floated the idea of seeking legally-binding security guarantees from the West.

Earlier, Ukraine's defence minister declared that Russia was ready for escalation in January raising fears of an invasion while informing that the Putin regime had launched exercises along the border and had started "winter training".

The Biden administration had declared earlier that it had evidence that Russia was set to attack Ukraine despite Kremlin's denial.

(With inputs from agencies)

US President Joe Biden and Russian counterpart will be holding talks via video call on Tuesday, according to media reports, as tensions escalate between the two nuclear-powered countries over reports of Russia troops build-up near the Ukrainian border.

US President Joe Biden and Russian counterpart will be holding talks via video call on Tuesday, according to media reports, as tensions escalate between the two nuclear-powered countries over reports of Russia troops build-up near the Ukrainian border. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed plans on Saturday to Russia's state news agency RIA Novosti and said it will take place in the evening. Peskov added that “the presidents will decide themselves” how long the conversation will last. The leaders will reportedly discuss the implementation of agreements reached during their previous meeting in Geneva, Switzerland, the situations in Afghanistan, Iran, Libya and Syria, as well as the Ukrainian crisis. Also read | Biden prepares plan to protect Ukraine; Putin slams drone deployment at border Putin and Biden are also expected to cover strategic stability issues, and the Russian side will ask for guarantees against the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's eastward expansion, Ushakov said. The Russian official said that the oil market, climate change, and the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic could also be on the agenda. Also Read in Pics: What will happen if Russian troops invade Ukraine? The United States, its NATO allies and Ukraine are accusing Moscow of amassing troops near the Ukrainian border, and Kyiv says it fears Russia is planning an attack. However, Moscow denies plans to invade Ukraine, and accuses Kyiv of building up its own forces to attack territory held by pro-Russian separatists. Also Read: Why Russia tested S-400 missiles in Crimea amid operation Sea Breeze in Ukraine Russia has been pushing for top-level talks with the US for weeks and has floated the idea of seeking legally-binding security guarantees from the West. Earlier, Ukraine's defence minister declared that Russia was ready for escalation in January raising fears of an invasion while informing that the Putin regime had launched exercises along the border and had started "winter training". The Biden administration had declared earlier that it had evidence that Russia was set to attack Ukraine despite Kremlin's denial. (With inputs from agencies)

Biden, Putin all set for video meet on Tuesday amid Ukraine crisis

As fresh tensions build up between the US and Russia over reported military build-up near Ukraine border, Moscow on Saturday clarified that President Vladimir Putin has no plans to launch an offensive against the neighbouring country,&nbsp;news agency ANI reported.

Speaking to Greek TV channel ANT1, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that purported military build-up near its borders was in response to US military’s presence in Ukraine.

When asked whether Putin was planning to carry out an attack on Ukraine Peskov was quoted as saying, "No, the problem is very simple".

He added, "Russia is moving its forces within its territory, and we can move our forces in any direction we want and closer to the areas that could pose a threat [and currently] we see US warplanes landing in Ukraine and US military equipment approaching our borders.”&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-warns-russia-on-strategic-mistake-over-military-action-in-ukraine-436071">UK warns Russia on 'strategic mistake' over military action in Ukraine</a>

Peskov’s response came a week after US intelligence officials claimed that Russia was planning for a possible military offensive against Ukraine “that could begin as soon as early 2022 and would include an estimated 1,75,000 personnel”.

The new intelligence finding estimates that half of the Russian personnel are already deployed along various points near Ukraine's border, news agency AP quoted a Biden administration official who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/what-will-happen-if-russian-troops-invade-ukraine-431684">Read in Pics:&nbsp;What will happen if Russian troops invade Ukraine?</a>

Earlier on Friday, US President Joe Biden said that he would make it “very, very difficult” for Russia to launch any invasion of Ukraine, which warned that a large-scale attack could be planned for next month.

The US president told reporters he was putting together “the most comprehensive and meaningful set of initiatives to make it very, very difficult for Mr Putin to go ahead and do what people are worried he may do”.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nato-chief-jens-stoltenberg-turns-down-russias-demand-to-deny-ukraine-entry-436007">Also Read:&nbsp;NATO chief&nbsp;turns down Russia's demand to deny Ukraine entry</a>

Moscow seized Crimea from Ukraine in 2014 and has since backed separatists fighting Kyiv in the east of the country. The conflict has left more than 13,000 dead.

(With inputs from agencies)

As fresh tensions build up between the US and Russia over reported military build-up near Ukraine border, Moscow on Saturday clarified that President Vladimir Putin has no plans to launch an offensive against the neighbouring country, news agency ANI reported.

As fresh tensions build up between the US and Russia over reported military build-up near Ukraine border, Moscow on Saturday clarified that President Vladimir Putin has no plans to launch an offensive against the neighbouring country, news agency ANI reported. Speaking to Greek TV channel ANT1, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that purported military build-up near its borders was in response to US military’s presence in Ukraine. When asked whether Putin was planning to carry out an attack on Ukraine Peskov was quoted as saying, "No, the problem is very simple". He added, "Russia is moving its forces within its territory, and we can move our forces in any direction we want and closer to the areas that could pose a threat [and currently] we see US warplanes landing in Ukraine and US military equipment approaching our borders.” Also read | UK warns Russia on 'strategic mistake' over military action in Ukraine Peskov’s response came a week after US intelligence officials claimed that Russia was planning for a possible military offensive against Ukraine “that could begin as soon as early 2022 and would include an estimated 1,75,000 personnel”. The new intelligence finding estimates that half of the Russian personnel are already deployed along various points near Ukraine's border, news agency AP quoted a Biden administration official who spoke on the condition of anonymity. Read in Pics: What will happen if Russian troops invade Ukraine? Earlier on Friday, US President Joe Biden said that he would make it “very, very difficult” for Russia to launch any invasion of Ukraine, which warned that a large-scale attack could be planned for next month. The US president told reporters he was putting together “the most comprehensive and meaningful set of initiatives to make it very, very difficult for Mr Putin to go ahead and do what people are worried he may do”. Also Read: NATO chief turns down Russia's demand to deny Ukraine entry Moscow seized Crimea from Ukraine in 2014 and has since backed separatists fighting Kyiv in the east of the country. The conflict has left more than 13,000 dead. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine row: US military equipment approaching our borders, says Russia while admitting own troop buildup

Even as tensions are brewing between US and Russia over the Ukraine crisis, it is being reported that President Joe Biden is in talks with natural gas suppliers around the globe should Russia cut off energy supplies to Europe as a consequence of the conflict.

US officials on Tuesday said that they had been negotiating with global suppliers for additional volumes of non-Russian fuel.

“We're in discussions with major natural gas producers around the globe, to understand their capacity and willingness to temporarily surge natural gas supply and to allocate these volumes to European buyers,” a senior administration official was quoted as saying by Reuters.

“We've been working to identify additional volumes of non-Russian natural gas from various areas of the world from North Africa and the Middle East to Asia and the United States," the official said, adding that European energy stockpiles are significantly lower due to reduced Russian supplies over the last few months.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-steps-up-propaganda-war-amid-tensions-with-ukraine-447770" hreflang="en">Russia steps up propaganda war amid tensions with Ukraine</a>

The US and Europe had threatened to impose political and economic sanctions on Russia if it attempts to invade Ukraine. But Kremlin has not overtly discussed the retaliatory measures it would take to counter the sanctions.

Hence, the European leaders feel that Russian President Vladimir Puttin may cut off energy supplies to them in response to those sanctions.

Putin has reportedly deployed around 100,000 troops near Ukraine's border for weeks, sparking a diplomatic crisis for Europe and the United States.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-sends-more-fighter-planes-for-drills-in-belarus-447763" hreflang="en">Russia sends more fighter planes for drills in Belarus</a>

The West has repeatedly claimed that Russia intends to invade Ukraine. However, Putin has called such charges as basil.

Russia has already restricted the flow of natural gas through the pipeline running through Ukraine from about 100m cubic metres a day to 50 MCM, the Guardian reported citing US officials.

Washington now estimates that almost all of that can be replaced quickly if the pipeline is cut deliberately or as a result of the conflict.

(With inputs from agencies)

Even as tensions are brewing between US and Russia over the Ukraine crisis, it is being reported that President Joe Biden is in talks with natural gas suppliers around the globe should Russia cut off energy supplies to Europe as a consequence of the conflict.

Even as tensions are brewing between US and Russia over the Ukraine crisis, it is being reported that President Joe Biden is in talks with natural gas suppliers around the globe should Russia cut off energy supplies to Europe as a consequence of the conflict. US officials on Tuesday said that they had been negotiating with global suppliers for additional volumes of non-Russian fuel. “We're in discussions with major natural gas producers around the globe, to understand their capacity and willingness to temporarily surge natural gas supply and to allocate these volumes to European buyers,” a senior administration official was quoted as saying by Reuters. “We've been working to identify additional volumes of non-Russian natural gas from various areas of the world from North Africa and the Middle East to Asia and the United States," the official said, adding that European energy stockpiles are significantly lower due to reduced Russian supplies over the last few months. Also read | Russia steps up propaganda war amid tensions with Ukraine The US and Europe had threatened to impose political and economic sanctions on Russia if it attempts to invade Ukraine. But Kremlin has not overtly discussed the retaliatory measures it would take to counter the sanctions. Hence, the European leaders feel that Russian President Vladimir Puttin may cut off energy supplies to them in response to those sanctions. Putin has reportedly deployed around 100,000 troops near Ukraine's border for weeks, sparking a diplomatic crisis for Europe and the United States. Also read | Russia sends more fighter planes for drills in Belarus The West has repeatedly claimed that Russia intends to invade Ukraine. However, Putin has called such charges as basil. Russia has already restricted the flow of natural gas through the pipeline running through Ukraine from about 100m cubic metres a day to 50 MCM, the Guardian reported citing US officials. Washington now estimates that almost all of that can be replaced quickly if the pipeline is cut deliberately or as a result of the conflict. (With inputs from agencies)

US negotiating with global suppliers to secure gas for Europe if Russia invades Ukraine: Report

Even as talks between Russia and US &amp; its NATO allies over Ukraine have hit a dead-end, Poland’s foreign minister has warned that Europe might dragged into war if the tensions are not defused soon.

Without naming Russia in his address to envoys from the 57 members of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), Zbigniew Rau said that tensions in Ukraine, Georgia, Armenia and Moldova, have active or frozen conflicts where Kremlin is alleged to be a party.

“It seems that the risk of war in the OSCE area is now greater than ever before in the last 30 years,” Poland’s foreign minister Zbigniew Rau, who currently chairs the Vienna-based intergovernmental body, said on Thursday during the latest round of talks on Russia.&nbsp;

Rau reported no breakthrough at the Vienna meeting, which followed Russia-US&nbsp;talks in Geneva on Monday and a Russia-NATO conference in Brussels on Wednesday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-ukraine-tensions-russia-unveils-white-swan-strategic-bomber-444279">Amid Ukraine tensions, Russia unveils ‘White Swan’ strategic bomber</a>

Meanwhile, the White House claimed that the threat of a Russian invasion of Ukraine remained high with some 100,000 Russian troops deployed.

Michael Carpenter, US Ambassador to the OSCE, said the United States would make public within 24 hours intelligence suggesting that Russia might launch another invasion on Ukraine.

“The drumbeat of war is sounding loud, and the rhetoric has gotten rather shrill,” Carpenter said after talks with Russia in Vienna.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-enlists-meteorologists-to-predict-russias-ukraine-invasion-plan-report-444048">Biden enlists meteorologists to predict Russia's Ukraine invasion plan: Report</a>

Russia, however, junked the reports that it is going to invade Ukraine.

“There is no reason to fear some kind of escalatory scenario,” Russian deputy foreign minister Sergei A Ryabkov told reporters after the meeting.

“The talks were difficult, long, very professional, deep, concrete, without attempts to gloss over some sharp edges,” Ryabkov said.

“We had the feeling that the American side took the Russian proposals very seriously and studied them deeply.”

(With inputs from agencies)

Even as talks between Russia and US & its NATO allies over Ukraine have hit a dead-end, Poland’s foreign minister has warned that Europe might dragged into war if the tensions are not defused soon.

Even as talks between Russia and US & its NATO allies over Ukraine have hit a dead-end, Poland’s foreign minister has warned that Europe might dragged into war if the tensions are not defused soon. Without naming Russia in his address to envoys from the 57 members of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), Zbigniew Rau said that tensions in Ukraine, Georgia, Armenia and Moldova, have active or frozen conflicts where Kremlin is alleged to be a party. “It seems that the risk of war in the OSCE area is now greater than ever before in the last 30 years,” Poland’s foreign minister Zbigniew Rau, who currently chairs the Vienna-based intergovernmental body, said on Thursday during the latest round of talks on Russia. Rau reported no breakthrough at the Vienna meeting, which followed Russia-US talks in Geneva on Monday and a Russia-NATO conference in Brussels on Wednesday. Also read | Amid Ukraine tensions, Russia unveils ‘White Swan’ strategic bomber Meanwhile, the White House claimed that the threat of a Russian invasion of Ukraine remained high with some 100,000 Russian troops deployed. Michael Carpenter, US Ambassador to the OSCE, said the United States would make public within 24 hours intelligence suggesting that Russia might launch another invasion on Ukraine. “The drumbeat of war is sounding loud, and the rhetoric has gotten rather shrill,” Carpenter said after talks with Russia in Vienna. Also read | Biden enlists meteorologists to predict Russia's Ukraine invasion plan: Report Russia, however, junked the reports that it is going to invade Ukraine. “There is no reason to fear some kind of escalatory scenario,” Russian deputy foreign minister Sergei A Ryabkov told reporters after the meeting. “The talks were difficult, long, very professional, deep, concrete, without attempts to gloss over some sharp edges,” Ryabkov said. “We had the feeling that the American side took the Russian proposals very seriously and studied them deeply.” (With inputs from agencies)

With no breakthrough between US and Russia over Ukraine, Poland warns of risk of war

The Biden administration is mulling to deploy several thousand troops, as well as warships and aircraft, to NATO allies in the Baltics and Eastern Europe amid fears of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, according to reports.

The US president is expected to make a decision as early as this week, the New York Times has reported citing unnamed Pentagon officials.

The reports state that the Pentagon officials met Biden on Saturday where several options were discussed to shift American military bases “much closer to Putin’s doorstep”.

Among the options discussed in the meet include sending 1,000 to 5,000 troops to Eastern European countries, with the potential to increase that number tenfold if things deteriorate.

It is being said that Biden’s latest offensive is to counter Russia’s troop build-up at Ukraine’s borders.

According to the Guardian report, Russia has amassed thousands of troops more along Ukraine’s borders.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/threat-of-war-forces-us-to-order-departure-of-ukrainian-embassy-staffs-kin-447011" hreflang="en">Threat of war forces US to order departure of Ukrainian embassy staff’s kin</a>

A large military force, including Iskander short-range ballistic missiles, elite spetsnaz troops and anti-aircraft batteries, has arrived in Belarus from Russia’s eastern military district, the report said.

Apart from that, six Russian landing ships capable of carrying main battle tanks, troops and other military vehicles travelled through the Channel en route to the Mediterranean last week in a deployment.

In a recent interview, Secretary of State Antony Blinken told CBS’s “Face the Nation” that the US is focused on building deterrence to counter against any possible Ukraine invasion.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-warns-russia-of-very-serious-consequences-if-it-installs-puppet-regime-in-ukraine-447008">UK warns Russia of 'very serious consequences' over Ukraine</a>

“Even as we’re engaged in diplomacy, we are very much focused on building up defence, building up deterrence,” he said on Sunday.

“NATO itself will continue to be reinforced in a significant way if Russia commits renewed acts of aggression. All of that is on the table,” he added.

Meanwhile, the US has warned its citizens not to travel to Russia amid “ongoing tension along the border with Ukraine”.

"Do not travel to Russia due to ongoing tension along the border with Ukraine," a statement from the US State Department said, adding that Americans could also face "harassment" and that the embassy would have "limited ability to assist US citizens."

(With inputs from agencies)

The Biden administration is mulling to deploy several thousand troops, as well as warships and aircraft, to NATO allies in the Baltics and Eastern Europe amid fears of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, according to reports.

The Biden administration is mulling to deploy several thousand troops, as well as warships and aircraft, to NATO allies in the Baltics and Eastern Europe amid fears of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, according to reports. The US president is expected to make a decision as early as this week, the New York Times has reported citing unnamed Pentagon officials. The reports state that the Pentagon officials met Biden on Saturday where several options were discussed to shift American military bases “much closer to Putin’s doorstep”. Among the options discussed in the meet include sending 1,000 to 5,000 troops to Eastern European countries, with the potential to increase that number tenfold if things deteriorate. It is being said that Biden’s latest offensive is to counter Russia’s troop build-up at Ukraine’s borders. According to the Guardian report, Russia has amassed thousands of troops more along Ukraine’s borders. Also read | Threat of war forces US to order departure of Ukrainian embassy staff’s kin A large military force, including Iskander short-range ballistic missiles, elite spetsnaz troops and anti-aircraft batteries, has arrived in Belarus from Russia’s eastern military district, the report said. Apart from that, six Russian landing ships capable of carrying main battle tanks, troops and other military vehicles travelled through the Channel en route to the Mediterranean last week in a deployment. In a recent interview, Secretary of State Antony Blinken told CBS’s “Face the Nation” that the US is focused on building deterrence to counter against any possible Ukraine invasion. Also read | UK warns Russia of 'very serious consequences' over Ukraine “Even as we’re engaged in diplomacy, we are very much focused on building up defence, building up deterrence,” he said on Sunday. “NATO itself will continue to be reinforced in a significant way if Russia commits renewed acts of aggression. All of that is on the table,” he added. Meanwhile, the US has warned its citizens not to travel to Russia amid “ongoing tension along the border with Ukraine”. "Do not travel to Russia due to ongoing tension along the border with Ukraine," a statement from the US State Department said, adding that Americans could also face "harassment" and that the embassy would have "limited ability to assist US citizens." (With inputs from agencies)

Biden mulling to deploy thousands of troops to Eastern Europe, Baltics amid Russian invasion fears: Report

The United States has ordered the family members of its embassy staff in Ukraine to leave the country. The decision comes due to the ongoing threat of Russia's military action.

United States orders kin of embassy staff in Ukraine to leave the country

The German Navy chief, Vice-Admiral Kay-Achim Schönbach, withdrew his comments&nbsp;where he called for rapprochement with Russian President Putin amid the Ukraine crisis,&nbsp;terming&nbsp;it as a “mistake”.

Speaking at a think tank in New Delhi on Friday, he said, "Does Russia really wants small and tiny strip of Ukraine soil, integrate the country. No, this is nonsense. Putin is probably putting pressure because he knows he can do it, and he splits EU opinion. What he really wants is respect. "

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Unbedacht, fehleingeschätzt in der Situation, hätte ich das so nicht tun dürfen. Da gibt es nichts zu deuteln, das war ein klarer Fehler. <a href="https://twitter.com/BMVg_Bundeswehr?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BMVg_Bundeswehr</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/deutschemarine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#deutschemarine</a> <a href="https://t.co/rJhoKqGYUy">https://t.co/rJhoKqGYUy</a>
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His comments went against the present narrative coming from Europe amid the deteriorating situation in Eastern Europe and the build-up of the Russian troops at the border with Ukraine.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-delhi-german-navy-chief-bats-for-good-ties-with-russia-to-rein-in-china-says-ukraine-cant-be-nato-member-446688">In Delhi, German Navy chief bats for good ties with Russia to rein in China, says Ukraine can't be NATO member</a>

The navy chief’s response came hours after the German Defence ministry distanced itself from his comments.

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German Defence Ministry to <a href="https://twitter.com/BILD?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BILD</a>: "In terms of content and choice of words, the statements in no way correspond to the position of the <a href="https://twitter.com/BMVg_Bundeswehr?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BMVg_Bundeswehr</a>. 
Admiral Schönbach is given the opportunity to make a statement to the Inspector General." <a href="https://t.co/j8wvoVjvao">https://t.co/j8wvoVjvao</a>
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Issuing a statement to German newspaper BILD, the ministry said, “In terms of content and choice of words, the statements in no way correspond to the position of the Defence ministry. Admiral Schönbach is given the opportunity to make a statement to the Inspector General.”

The German Navy chief was delivering a talk on ‘Germany’s Indo-Pacific Strategy’ at the Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses in New Delhi.

He explained that good ties are needed with Russia to rein in China and added that Ukraine can’t be a NATO member.

“Even we India, Germany we need Russia. We need Russia against China...Having this big country, even if it's not a democracy, as a bilateral partner, gives them a chance. It's easy and keeps Russia away from China because China needs resources of Russia.”

Admiral Schönbach further said that Russia doesn't want NATO to reach its borders, with countries like Ukraine joining it.

It wants "security guarantees" from the west and the NATO that Ukraine doesn't join the security block, he said.

Numerous talks have taken place this month between Russia and US, but it hasn't yielded any results.

The comments in Delhi come even as the German Navy chief visit was aimed to show Berlin's increased engagement in the Indo-Pacific, but ended up with a diplomatic crisis in Berlin with sharp reactions seen back home in Germany.

The visit of the German Navy chief also coincides with the visit of German frigate “Bayern” making a port call in Mumbai, as part of its seven-month deployment to the Indo-Pacific region.

The German Navy chief, Vice-Admiral Kay-Achim Schönbach, withdrew his comments where he called for rapprochement with Russian President Putin amid the Ukraine crisis, terming it as a “mistake”.

The German Navy chief, Vice-Admiral Kay-Achim Schönbach, withdrew his comments where he called for rapprochement with Russian President Putin amid the Ukraine crisis, terming it as a “mistake”. Speaking at a think tank in New Delhi on Friday, he said, "Does Russia really wants small and tiny strip of Ukraine soil, integrate the country. No, this is nonsense. Putin is probably putting pressure because he knows he can do it, and he splits EU opinion. What he really wants is respect. " Unbedacht, fehleingeschätzt in der Situation, hätte ich das so nicht tun dürfen. Da gibt es nichts zu deuteln, das war ein klarer Fehler. @BMVg_Bundeswehr #deutschemarine https://t.co/rJhoKqGYUy — chiefdeunavy (@chiefdeunavy) January 22, 2022 × His comments went against the present narrative coming from Europe amid the deteriorating situation in Eastern Europe and the build-up of the Russian troops at the border with Ukraine. Also read | In Delhi, German Navy chief bats for good ties with Russia to rein in China, says Ukraine can't be NATO member The navy chief’s response came hours after the German Defence ministry distanced itself from his comments. #BREAKING German Defence Ministry to @BILD: "In terms of content and choice of words, the statements in no way correspond to the position of the @BMVg_Bundeswehr. Admiral Schönbach is given the opportunity to make a statement to the Inspector General." https://t.co/j8wvoVjvao — Julian Röpcke (@JulianRoepcke) January 22, 2022 × Issuing a statement to German newspaper BILD, the ministry said, “In terms of content and choice of words, the statements in no way correspond to the position of the Defence ministry. Admiral Schönbach is given the opportunity to make a statement to the Inspector General.” The German Navy chief was delivering a talk on ‘Germany’s Indo-Pacific Strategy’ at the Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses in New Delhi. He explained that good ties are needed with Russia to rein in China and added that Ukraine can’t be a NATO member. “Even we India, Germany we need Russia. We need Russia against China...Having this big country, even if it's not a democracy, as a bilateral partner, gives them a chance. It's easy and keeps Russia away from China because China needs resources of Russia.” Admiral Schönbach further said that Russia doesn't want NATO to reach its borders, with countries like Ukraine joining it. It wants "security guarantees" from the west and the NATO that Ukraine doesn't join the security block, he said. Numerous talks have taken place this month between Russia and US, but it hasn't yielded any results. The comments in Delhi come even as the German Navy chief visit was aimed to show Berlin's increased engagement in the Indo-Pacific, but ended up with a diplomatic crisis in Berlin with sharp reactions seen back home in Germany. The visit of the German Navy chief also coincides with the visit of German frigate “Bayern” making a port call in Mumbai, as part of its seven-month deployment to the Indo-Pacific region.

Political storm in Berlin: German Navy chief calls Delhi comments on Putin ‘mistake’

US and Russian diplomats have wrapped up their first round of high-stakes talks in Geneva with both sides showing no signs of narrowing the differences on Ukraine.

US-Russia wraps up first round of high-stakes talks in Geneva

US: Large parts of Russian proposals are non-starters

After weeks of warning and political shadow boxing, officials of the United States and Russia will sit across tables for open talks to discuss Moscow's demands for western security guarantees. All this amid Russian troop buildup near Ukraine.

High- stakes talks between Russia and the United States amid rising tensions

All eyes are currently on Geneva, where officials of the United States and Russia are currently holding talks to discuss the crisis in Ukraine.

High-stakes talks aimed to reduce west's worries of invasion

Tensions between Russia and US continues to continue to remain high and in the latest update. Russia's defense minister has now accused the US bombers of rehearsing a nuclear strike on Russia from 2 different directions.

United States accused of rehearsing nuclear strike on Russia

US President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin had agreed to resume strategic talks when they met in Geneva last month.

Amid tensions, US and Russia hold ‘substantive’ arms talks

The US side is likely to raise the situation around Russia's jailed opposition activist Alexey Navalny at the upcoming top-level summit in Geneva.

Kremlin aide claims agenda finalised with WH for Biden-Putin meeting in Geneva

A State Department report sent to Congress concluded that Nord Stream 2 AG and its CEO, Matthias Warnig, an ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, engaged in sanctionable activity.

US waives sanctions on Nord Stream 2 pipeline

US reversal on Nord Stream 2 sanctions 'constructive': Germany

The United States and European allies have already imposed sanctions on Russian targets over what they concluded was a state-backed poisoning attempt against Navalny

US urges Russia to "Immediately" allow doctors for Alexei Navalny

Sullivan and Nikolay Patrushev, the secretary of the Russian Security Council, agreed in their telephone call "to continue to stay in touch," National Security Council spokeswoman Emily Horne said.

U.S., Russia security advisors discuss presidential summit prospects

Russia said on Friday that it would ban FBI chief Christopher Wray from entering the country. The list of US officials who would be banned from entering Russia includes top officials from US President Joe Biden's administration.&nbsp;

Attorney General Merrick Garland, Biden's chief domestic policy advisor Susan Rice and FBI chief Christopher Wray would be barred, the Russian foreign ministry said.

Also on the list were Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines, Director of the Federal Bureau of Prisons Michael Carvajal, Donald Trump's National Security Advisor John Bolton and ex-head of the CIA James Woolsey.

Russian foreign ministry said that the officials had "participated in the anti-Russian push" of US politics.

The Russian move has come as a 'tit-for-tat' after US expelled 10 Russian diplomats from the country on Thursday.

"We will respond to this measure in a tit-for-tat manner. We will ask ten US diplomats in Russia to leave the country," Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told the reporters earlier on Friday.

He also said that President Vladimir Putin's top foreign policy aide, Yury Ushakov, had recommended that US envoy John Sullivan leave for Washington to conduct "serious consultations."

On Thursday, US President Joe Biden <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-slaps-sanctions-on-russia-expels-10-diplomats-377760">expelled 10 Russian diplomats</a> from the country and also slapped economic sanctions on Russia. The US said that this action was taken as a retaliation for&nbsp;Kremlin's interference in US elections and other hostile activities including a massive cyber attack.

The White House on Thursday had said that US President Joe Biden's executive order on sanctions "sends a signal that the United States will impose costs in a strategic and economically impactful manner on Russia if it continues or escalates its destabilising international action".

Russia under pressure

Russia saw itself under increasing international pressure as France, Germany and Ukraine called on it to pull back troops from the Ukrainian border to reduce tension.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-slaps-sanctions-on-russia-expels-10-diplomats-377760">US slaps sanctions on Russia, expels 10 diplomats over poll meddlling, cyber attack</a>

Chancellor Angela Merkel, President Emmanuel Macron and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky "shared concerns about the build-up of Russian troops on the border with Ukraine and in the illegally annexed Crimea. They called for the reduction of these troop reinforcements in order to bring about a deescalation of the situation," said the German leader's spokesman in a statement.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russia said on Friday that it would ban FBI chief Christopher Wray from entering the country. The list of US officials who would be banned from entering Russia includes top officials from US President Joe Biden's administration.

Russia said on Friday that it would ban FBI chief Christopher Wray from entering the country. The list of US officials who would be banned from entering Russia includes top officials from US President Joe Biden's administration. Attorney General Merrick Garland, Biden's chief domestic policy advisor Susan Rice and FBI chief Christopher Wray would be barred, the Russian foreign ministry said. Also on the list were Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines, Director of the Federal Bureau of Prisons Michael Carvajal, Donald Trump's National Security Advisor John Bolton and ex-head of the CIA James Woolsey. Russian foreign ministry said that the officials had "participated in the anti-Russian push" of US politics. The Russian move has come as a 'tit-for-tat' after US expelled 10 Russian diplomats from the country on Thursday. "We will respond to this measure in a tit-for-tat manner. We will ask ten US diplomats in Russia to leave the country," Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told the reporters earlier on Friday. He also said that President Vladimir Putin's top foreign policy aide, Yury Ushakov, had recommended that US envoy John Sullivan leave for Washington to conduct "serious consultations." On Thursday, US President Joe Biden expelled 10 Russian diplomats from the country and also slapped economic sanctions on Russia. The US said that this action was taken as a retaliation for Kremlin's interference in US elections and other hostile activities including a massive cyber attack. The White House on Thursday had said that US President Joe Biden's executive order on sanctions "sends a signal that the United States will impose costs in a strategic and economically impactful manner on Russia if it continues or escalates its destabilising international action". Russia under pressure Russia saw itself under increasing international pressure as France, Germany and Ukraine called on it to pull back troops from the Ukrainian border to reduce tension. Also Read | US slaps sanctions on Russia, expels 10 diplomats over poll meddlling, cyber attack Chancellor Angela Merkel, President Emmanuel Macron and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky "shared concerns about the build-up of Russian troops on the border with Ukraine and in the illegally annexed Crimea. They called for the reduction of these troop reinforcements in order to bring about a deescalation of the situation," said the German leader's spokesman in a statement. (With inputs from agencies)

'Tit-for-tat': Russia bans FBI chief, threatens to expel US diplomats

Last week, it was reported that the US would send two warships to the Black Sea in response to heightened Russian military presence at the Ukrainian border.

US cancels warship deployment to Black Sea

US has now issued warning to Russia over its troop build-up. United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken has warned Russia of consequences if it escalates tensions on the Ukrainian border.

'There will be consequences', Antony Blinken warns Russia

Despite the pandemic, World Leaders are actively engaging with India. Top diplomats of two arch-rivals - The US & Russia were in New Delhi today. Sergey Lavrov and John Kerry came to India on different missions. But, their paths did cross.

Gravitas: India hosts two high profile leaders in New Delhi

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Thursday warned that anti-white racism might be building in the United States and said that political correctness "taken to the extreme" would have lamentable consequences.

In an interview with political scientists broadcast on national television, Moscow's top diplomat said Russia had long supported a worldwide trend that "everyone wants to get rid of racism".

"We were pioneers of the movement promoting equal rights of people of any skin colour," he said.

But Lavrov stressed it was important "not to switch to the other extreme which we saw during the 'BLM' (Black Lives Matter) events and the aggression against white people, white US citizens."

Founded in the United States in 2013, Black Lives Matter is a movement which became a rallying cry after the killing by US police of an unarmed Black man, George Floyd, last May.

The movement has led to a major debate about race, rights of people of colour and the toppling of statues of figures linked to slavery or colonisation in countries including the United States and the United Kingdom.

Lavrov accused the United States of seeking to spread what he called "a cultural revolution" around the world.

"They have colossal possibilities for it," he said in the interview.

"Hollywood is now also changing its rules so that everything reflects the diversity of modern society," he said, calling that "a form of censorship."

"I've seen Black people play in Shakespeare's comedies. Only I don't know when there will be a white Othello," Lavrov said.

"You see this is absurd. Political correctness taken to the point of absurdity will not end well."

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Thursday warned that anti-white racism might be building in the United States and said that political correctness "taken to the extreme" would have lamentable consequences.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Thursday warned that anti-white racism might be building in the United States and said that political correctness "taken to the extreme" would have lamentable consequences. In an interview with political scientists broadcast on national television, Moscow's top diplomat said Russia had long supported a worldwide trend that "everyone wants to get rid of racism". "We were pioneers of the movement promoting equal rights of people of any skin colour," he said. But Lavrov stressed it was important "not to switch to the other extreme which we saw during the 'BLM' (Black Lives Matter) events and the aggression against white people, white US citizens." Founded in the United States in 2013, Black Lives Matter is a movement which became a rallying cry after the killing by US police of an unarmed Black man, George Floyd, last May. The movement has led to a major debate about race, rights of people of colour and the toppling of statues of figures linked to slavery or colonisation in countries including the United States and the United Kingdom. Lavrov accused the United States of seeking to spread what he called "a cultural revolution" around the world. "They have colossal possibilities for it," he said in the interview. "Hollywood is now also changing its rules so that everything reflects the diversity of modern society," he said, calling that "a form of censorship." "I've seen Black people play in Shakespeare's comedies. Only I don't know when there will be a white Othello," Lavrov said. "You see this is absurd. Political correctness taken to the point of absurdity will not end well."

Russia warns of 'anti-white aggression' in US

Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that the country's relations with the United States and its allies have “hit the bottom” and no date has been set for sending the Russian ambassador back to Washington.

US warns Russia against intimidating Ukraine

The United States has invited the leaders of 40 countries, including that of China and Russia, to participate in a global summit on climate change in April.

US President Joe Biden's Earth Day global summit on climate is part of his effort to elevate climate change as a top priority. It will be held virtually given pandemic restrictions and will be live-streamed for public viewing.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin are invited to the April 22-23 summit, according to a White House statement.

Biden told reporters he had not yet spoken to the two leaders about it, "but they know they're invited."

At his first solo news conference since taking office, Biden on Thursday called Xi and Putin supporters of autocracy.

The White House statement said a key goal of the Earth Day summit and a separate gathering in the Scottish city of Glasgow in November will be to galvanise efforts to keep within reach a goal of limiting planetary warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

Climate was also a topic when Biden spoke to European leaders on Thursday in a virtual summit of the European Council.

The Biden administration is expected to announce what the White House called "an ambitious 2030 target" for reducing carbon emissions by the time of the summit.

The summit will bring together 17 countries responsible for 80 percent of global emissions and global GDP. The invitee list of 40 nations includes Canada and Mexico as well as allies in Europe and Asia as well as Israel, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Nigeria and South Africa.

Biden is urging world leaders to use the summit as an opportunity to outline how their countries will contribute to reduced emissions, the White House said.

The United States has invited the leaders of 40 countries, including that of China and Russia, to participate in a global summit on climate change in April. US President Joe Biden's Earth Day global summit on climate is part of his effort to elevate climate change as a top priority.

The United States has invited the leaders of 40 countries, including that of China and Russia, to participate in a global summit on climate change in April. US President Joe Biden's Earth Day global summit on climate is part of his effort to elevate climate change as a top priority. It will be held virtually given pandemic restrictions and will be live-streamed for public viewing. Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin are invited to the April 22-23 summit, according to a White House statement. Biden told reporters he had not yet spoken to the two leaders about it, "but they know they're invited." At his first solo news conference since taking office, Biden on Thursday called Xi and Putin supporters of autocracy. The White House statement said a key goal of the Earth Day summit and a separate gathering in the Scottish city of Glasgow in November will be to galvanise efforts to keep within reach a goal of limiting planetary warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. Climate was also a topic when Biden spoke to European leaders on Thursday in a virtual summit of the European Council. The Biden administration is expected to announce what the White House called "an ambitious 2030 target" for reducing carbon emissions by the time of the summit. The summit will bring together 17 countries responsible for 80 percent of global emissions and global GDP. The invitee list of 40 nations includes Canada and Mexico as well as allies in Europe and Asia as well as Israel, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Nigeria and South Africa. Biden is urging world leaders to use the summit as an opportunity to outline how their countries will contribute to reduced emissions, the White House said.

Biden invites 40 world leaders, including Xi and Putin, to virtual climate summit

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