A Western official on Thursday (Nov 21) denied a claim by Ukraine that Russia had launched an&nbsp;intercontinental ballistic missile from its southern Astrakhan region, saying it was a ballistic missile.

“It was instead a ballistic missile, which was aimed at Dnipro, in Ukraine’s southeast," the western official was quoted as saying by ABC News.

The reported strike&nbsp;comes&nbsp;in a possible retaliation to Ukraine's use of US and British missiles to strike targets inside Russia this week. Moscow had, for months, warned that the use of American missiles to strike inside its borders would be seen as a major escalation.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-us-embassy-in-kyiv-shuts-down-amid-looming-airstrike-threat-777618">Russia-Ukraine war: US embassy in Kyiv shuts down amid looming airstrike threat</a>

<h2>What did the Russian ICBM target?</h2>

As per a statement by the Ukraine Air Force, the latest Russian attack targeted enterprises and critical infrastructure in Ukraine's central-eastern city of Dnipro.&nbsp;

"In particular, an intercontinental ballistic missile was launched from the Astrakhan region of the Russian Federation," the statement said, without mentioning what kind of ICMB was used in the attack.

The air force said that it had downed six Russian Kh-101 cruise missiles, but did not elaborate on whether the ICMB was downed.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/an-analysis-of-putins-potential-choices-will-russia-resort-to-nuke-weapons-777647">Will Russia resort&nbsp;to using Nuclear weapons?&nbsp;An analysis of Putin's potential choices</a>

A rehabilitation centre, homes, and an industrial enterprise were damaged by Russian airstrikes in Dnipro, according to the regional head.

"Two people were wounded — a 57-year-old man was treated on the scene and a 42-year-old woman was hospitalised," said the official, Sergiy Lysak, as reported by AFP.

A rehab centre for disabled people was damaged in the attack, but no injuries were reported. Nine garages and an industrial facility were also damaged, said Lysak. He added that strikes on Kryvyi Rih, west of Dnipro, injured two other people, who were transported to a hospital, an administrative building was destroyed, and two residential buildings were damaged.

<h2>What are ICMBs?</h2>

Intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) are missiles that can travel a long range of over 5,500 km (3,418 miles), which means they can strike targets virtually anywhere in the world. These missiles can carry conventional weapons as well as nuclear warheads.

(With inputs from agencies)

A Western official on Thursday (Nov 21) denied a claim by Ukraine that Russia had launched an intercontinental ballistic missile from its southern Astrakhan region, saying it was a ballistic missile.

A Western official on Thursday (Nov 21) denied a claim by Ukraine that Russia had launched an intercontinental ballistic missile from its southern Astrakhan region, saying it was a ballistic missile. “It was instead a ballistic missile, which was aimed at Dnipro, in Ukraine’s southeast," the western official was quoted as saying by ABC News. The reported strike comes in a possible retaliation to Ukraine's use of US and British missiles to strike targets inside Russia this week. Moscow had, for months, warned that the use of American missiles to strike inside its borders would be seen as a major escalation. Also read | Russia-Ukraine war: US embassy in Kyiv shuts down amid looming airstrike threat What did the Russian ICBM target? As per a statement by the Ukraine Air Force, the latest Russian attack targeted enterprises and critical infrastructure in Ukraine's central-eastern city of Dnipro. "In particular, an intercontinental ballistic missile was launched from the Astrakhan region of the Russian Federation," the statement said, without mentioning what kind of ICMB was used in the attack. The air force said that it had downed six Russian Kh-101 cruise missiles, but did not elaborate on whether the ICMB was downed. Also read | Will Russia resort to using Nuclear weapons? An analysis of Putin's potential choices A rehabilitation centre, homes, and an industrial enterprise were damaged by Russian airstrikes in Dnipro, according to the regional head. "Two people were wounded — a 57-year-old man was treated on the scene and a 42-year-old woman was hospitalised," said the official, Sergiy Lysak, as reported by AFP. A rehab centre for disabled people was damaged in the attack, but no injuries were reported. Nine garages and an industrial facility were also damaged, said Lysak. He added that strikes on Kryvyi Rih, west of Dnipro, injured two other people, who were transported to a hospital, an administrative building was destroyed, and two residential buildings were damaged. What are ICMBs? Intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) are missiles that can travel a long range of over 5,500 km (3,418 miles), which means they can strike targets virtually anywhere in the world. These missiles can carry conventional weapons as well as nuclear warheads. (With inputs from agencies)

'It was a ballistic missile,' Western official rejects Ukraine's ICBM claim against Russia

US President Joe Biden has reportedly authorised the transfer of anti-personnel landmines to Ukraine. This comes after Biden, recently, allowed Ukraine to use long-range US missiles for strikes within Russian territory.

<h2>'Nonpersistent' landmines</h2>

As per a Washington Post report citing unnamed US officials, the newly authorised land mines are described as "nonpersistent," which means they are designed to self-destruct or deactivate within a set timeframe to minimise risks to civilians.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-amid-shifting-political-winds-zelensky-warns-ukraine-will-lose-without-us-aid-777517">Russia-Ukraine war:&nbsp;Amid shifting political winds Zelensky warns Ukraine 'will lose' without US aid</a>

Ukrainian officials have reportedly pledged to restrict their use to non-populated areas, focusing on the embattled eastern front where Russian forces have gained significant ground. &nbsp;

"Russia is attacking Ukrainian lines in the east with waves of troops, regardless of the casualties that they're suffering," one of the officials told WP adding "So the Ukrainians are obviously taking losses, and more towns and cities are at risk of falling. These mines were made specifically to combat exactly this."

"When they're used in concert with the other munitions that we already are providing Ukraine, the intent is that they will contribute to a more effective defense," they explained.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-putin-approves-nuclear-strikes-on-non-nuclear-states-777334" target="_blank">Russia-Ukraine war: Putin signs decree allowing nuclear strikes on non-nuclear states</a>

<h2>Ethical and diplomatic backlash &nbsp;</h2>

The decision has reignited global debate over the use of anti-personnel landmines. While neither the United States nor Russia is one of the 164 signatories of the Ottawa Convention, aka the Mine Ban Treaty, that prohibits the deployment and transfer of antipersonnel mines, Ukraine is.

Human Rights Watch denounced the decision, calling it "shocking and devastating," and Deputy Director Mary Wareham cautioned that even "nonpersistent" mines endanger civilians, hinder cleanup, and cannot always be safely deactivated.

Furthermore,&nbsp;the deployment of US-supplied anti-personnel mines could influence other nations to reconsider their stances on the Ottawa Convention. Earlier this year, the Baltic States like Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia debated leaving the treaty to strengthen their defences against Russian aggression, but ultimately opted to reinforce antitank measures instead.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

US President Joe Biden has reportedly authorised the transfer of anti-personnel landmines to Ukraine. This comes after Biden, recently, allowed Ukraine to use long-range US missiles for strikes within Russian territory.

US President Joe Biden has reportedly authorised the transfer of anti-personnel landmines to Ukraine. This comes after Biden, recently, allowed Ukraine to use long-range US missiles for strikes within Russian territory. 'Nonpersistent' landmines As per a Washington Post report citing unnamed US officials, the newly authorised land mines are described as "nonpersistent," which means they are designed to self-destruct or deactivate within a set timeframe to minimise risks to civilians. Also read | Russia-Ukraine war: Amid shifting political winds Zelensky warns Ukraine 'will lose' without US aid Ukrainian officials have reportedly pledged to restrict their use to non-populated areas, focusing on the embattled eastern front where Russian forces have gained significant ground. "Russia is attacking Ukrainian lines in the east with waves of troops, regardless of the casualties that they're suffering," one of the officials told WP adding "So the Ukrainians are obviously taking losses, and more towns and cities are at risk of falling. These mines were made specifically to combat exactly this." "When they're used in concert with the other munitions that we already are providing Ukraine, the intent is that they will contribute to a more effective defense," they explained. Also read | Russia-Ukraine war: Putin signs decree allowing nuclear strikes on non-nuclear states Ethical and diplomatic backlash The decision has reignited global debate over the use of anti-personnel landmines. While neither the United States nor Russia is one of the 164 signatories of the Ottawa Convention, aka the Mine Ban Treaty, that prohibits the deployment and transfer of antipersonnel mines, Ukraine is. Human Rights Watch denounced the decision, calling it "shocking and devastating," and Deputy Director Mary Wareham cautioned that even "nonpersistent" mines endanger civilians, hinder cleanup, and cannot always be safely deactivated. Furthermore, the deployment of US-supplied anti-personnel mines could influence other nations to reconsider their stances on the Ottawa Convention. Earlier this year, the Baltic States like Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia debated leaving the treaty to strengthen their defences against Russian aggression, but ultimately opted to reinforce antitank measures instead. (With inputs from agencies)

Biden approves anti-personnel land mines for Ukraine amid escalating conflict with Russia: Report

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday (Nov 19) signed a decree allowing Moscow to use nuclear weapons against a non-nuclear state, receiving backing from nuclear powers.

This contentious decree comes as the Russia-Ukraine conflict reaches the grim milestone of 1000 days of war and as the United States allows&nbsp;Kyiv to use long-range missiles to strike military targets inside Russia.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/if-war-comes-sweden-finland-issue-survival-guides-as-threat-of-ww3-looms-777185">‘If War Comes’: Sweden, Finland issue survival guides as threat of WW3 looms</a>

<h2>Kremlin defends decision</h2>

In a statement, the Kremlin defended the decree, labelling it as "necessary".

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov in a statement&nbsp;said that Russia&nbsp;broadening its rules for the use of nuclear weapons was a "necessary" response to what the country considers&nbsp;Western threats to its security.

"It was necessary to bring our principles in line with the current situation," he told reporters shortly after the Russian President&nbsp;signed the decree easing the conditions under which Moscow would consider launching a nuclear attack.

He also warned&nbsp;that the use of western non-nuclear missiles by the Ukrainian armed forces against the Russian Federation under the new doctrine could lead to a nuclear response.

<h2>Zelensky asks allies to 'push harder'</h2>

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has urged Europe to "push Russia harder" as the Ukraine war marks its, 1000th day.&nbsp;

Vowing that Ukraine will never give in to Russia's aggression, Zelensky&nbsp;told a special session of the European Parliament "The more time he (Russian President Vladimir Putin) has, the worse the conditions become".&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-amid-shifting-political-winds-zelensky-warns-ukraine-will-lose-without-us-aid-777517">Russia-Ukraine war: Zelensky warns Ukraine 'will lose' without US aid</a>

Tuesday marks the 1,000 days since the Russian invasion of Ukraine began on 24 February 2022. Zelensky warned that Putin "[would] not stop on his own" and urged that Russia be pushed towards a "just peace".

He added that the deployment of North Korean troops was a significant sign that Russia wanted to escalate the conflict.&nbsp;

"While some European leaders think about some elections, or something like this, at Ukraine's expense, Putin is focused on winning this war," he warned.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday (Nov 19) signed a decree allowing Moscow to use nuclear weapons against a non-nuclear state, receiving backing from nuclear powers.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday (Nov 19) signed a decree allowing Moscow to use nuclear weapons against a non-nuclear state, receiving backing from nuclear powers. This contentious decree comes as the Russia-Ukraine conflict reaches the grim milestone of 1000 days of war and as the United States allows Kyiv to use long-range missiles to strike military targets inside Russia. Also read | ‘If War Comes’: Sweden, Finland issue survival guides as threat of WW3 looms Kremlin defends decision In a statement, the Kremlin defended the decree, labelling it as "necessary". Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov in a statement said that Russia broadening its rules for the use of nuclear weapons was a "necessary" response to what the country considers Western threats to its security. "It was necessary to bring our principles in line with the current situation," he told reporters shortly after the Russian President signed the decree easing the conditions under which Moscow would consider launching a nuclear attack. He also warned that the use of western non-nuclear missiles by the Ukrainian armed forces against the Russian Federation under the new doctrine could lead to a nuclear response. Zelensky asks allies to 'push harder' Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has urged Europe to "push Russia harder" as the Ukraine war marks its, 1000th day. Vowing that Ukraine will never give in to Russia's aggression, Zelensky told a special session of the European Parliament "The more time he (Russian President Vladimir Putin) has, the worse the conditions become". Also read | Russia-Ukraine war: Zelensky warns Ukraine 'will lose' without US aid Tuesday marks the 1,000 days since the Russian invasion of Ukraine began on 24 February 2022. Zelensky warned that Putin "[would] not stop on his own" and urged that Russia be pushed towards a "just peace". He added that the deployment of North Korean troops was a significant sign that Russia wanted to escalate the conflict. "While some European leaders think about some elections, or something like this, at Ukraine's expense, Putin is focused on winning this war," he warned. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia-Ukraine war: Putin signs decree allowing nuke strikes on nuclear power backed states

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has issued a stark warning: without continued US military aid, Ukraine's ability to withstand Russia's ongoing invasion is at grave risk. In an interview with Fox News on Tuesday (Nov 19), Zelensky admitted, "If they cut (the aid), we will — I think we will lose".&nbsp;

"We will fight. We have our production, but it's not enough to prevail. And I think it's not enough to survive," he added.&nbsp;

The President of the war-torn nation also highlighted the critical importance of US-Ukraine unity, describing it as the foundation of Ukraine's resilience.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-putin-approves-nuclear-strikes-on-non-nuclear-states-777334">Russia-Ukraine war: Putin signs decree allowing nuclear strikes on non-nuclear states</a>

Describing the "unity" between Ukraine and the United States as "most important," he once again praised Trump. Zelensky said that the incoming US president could influence Russian President Vladimir Putin "because he is much more stronger than Putin."

He said that the Russian president "can be willing and end this war, but it also depends on the United States of America much more. Putin is weaker than the United States of America."

Previously, he said that Russia's war against his country would "end sooner" once Donald Trump assumes office as the President of the United States.

<h2>US-Ukraine alliance faces uncertainty &nbsp;</h2>

Since the beginning of Russia's "special military operation" in February 2022, the US has been an important ally for Kyiv, with the current Biden administration channelling billions in military and humanitarian aid to bolster Ukraine's defences. However, the impending inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump has introduced an element of uncertainty into the mix.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zelensky-urges-allies-to-push-russia-harder-as-war-crosses-1000th-day-warns-putin-will-not-stop-on-his-own-777438">Zelensky urges allies to 'push Russia harder' as war crosses 1000th day, warns Putin will not stop on his own</a>

Trump has been vocal throughout his campaign and before about his scepticism of&nbsp;US funnelling billions into supporting Kyiv. The Republican leader has repeatedly referred to the assistance as a drain on American resources and has pledged to end the war swiftly—but has provided few details about his plan to do so. &nbsp;

The debate over US involvement in the Ukraine War has recently&nbsp;intensified with President Joe Biden's approval for Ukraine to use long-range US missiles for strikes within Russian territory. The move, while celebrated by Kyiv, has been criticised by Trump's allies, who accused the incumbent president of a dangerous escalation.

Meanwhile, after Biden's approval, Russia has&nbsp;upped the stakes by allowing the use of nuclear weapons against a non-nuclear state&nbsp;receiving backing from nuclear powers.

(With inputs from agencies)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has issued a stark warning: without continued US military aid, Ukraine's ability to withstand Russia's ongoing invasion is at grave risk.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has issued a stark warning: without continued US military aid, Ukraine's ability to withstand Russia's ongoing invasion is at grave risk. In an interview with Fox News on Tuesday (Nov 19), Zelensky admitted, "If they cut (the aid), we will — I think we will lose". "We will fight. We have our production, but it's not enough to prevail. And I think it's not enough to survive," he added. The President of the war-torn nation also highlighted the critical importance of US-Ukraine unity, describing it as the foundation of Ukraine's resilience. Also read | Russia-Ukraine war: Putin signs decree allowing nuclear strikes on non-nuclear states Describing the "unity" between Ukraine and the United States as "most important," he once again praised Trump. Zelensky said that the incoming US president could influence Russian President Vladimir Putin "because he is much more stronger than Putin." He said that the Russian president "can be willing and end this war, but it also depends on the United States of America much more. Putin is weaker than the United States of America." Previously, he said that Russia's war against his country would "end sooner" once Donald Trump assumes office as the President of the United States. US-Ukraine alliance faces uncertainty Since the beginning of Russia's "special military operation" in February 2022, the US has been an important ally for Kyiv, with the current Biden administration channelling billions in military and humanitarian aid to bolster Ukraine's defences. However, the impending inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump has introduced an element of uncertainty into the mix. Also read | Zelensky urges allies to 'push Russia harder' as war crosses 1000th day, warns Putin will not stop on his own Trump has been vocal throughout his campaign and before about his scepticism of US funnelling billions into supporting Kyiv. The Republican leader has repeatedly referred to the assistance as a drain on American resources and has pledged to end the war swiftly—but has provided few details about his plan to do so. The debate over US involvement in the Ukraine War has recently intensified with President Joe Biden's approval for Ukraine to use long-range US missiles for strikes within Russian territory. The move, while celebrated by Kyiv, has been criticised by Trump's allies, who accused the incumbent president of a dangerous escalation. Meanwhile, after Biden's approval, Russia has upped the stakes by allowing the use of nuclear weapons against a non-nuclear state receiving backing from nuclear powers. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia-Ukraine war | Amid shifting political winds Zelensky warns Ukraine 'will lose' without US aid

Russia’s nuclear doctrine is a set of guidelines that the country follows regarding when and how it might use nuclear weapons. These rules help outline the circumstances under which Moscow would consider using its nuclear arsenal. The doctrine says Russia can use its large nuclear weapons stockpile if it faces any aggression that seriously threatens the country’s sovereignty or territorial integrity.&nbsp;

On November 19, a new open-ended guideline—a rule or guideline without a fixed end date or clear limitations on its scope—was introduced, following an update approved by President Vladimir Putin just two days after the United States declared it would ease restrictions on Ukraine’s use of long-range weapons. The earlier version of the doctrine set much stricter conditions for nuclear retaliation, allowing it only if Russia’s survival was at risk.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-approves-antipersonnel-land-mines-for-ukraine-amid-escalating-conflict-with-russia-report-777545">Biden approves anti-personnel land mines for Ukraine amid escalating conflict with Russia: Report</a>

The revision, clearly referring to Ukraine and its Western allies, stated that an attack using conventional missiles, drones, or aircraft by a non-nuclear country, backed by a nuclear-armed nation, could justify a nuclear response. The update also extends Russia’s nuclear protection to Belarus, meaning Belarus will now be defended under Russia’s nuclear policies.&nbsp;

For quite some time, hardliners in Moscow have been pushing President Putin to consider lowering the threshold for using nuclear weapons. Their argument is that Russia should respond more aggressively to the military and financial assistance Ukraine is receiving from the West. This support includes advanced weapons, such as Storm Shadow missiles from Britain and France, which Ukraine has used to strike important Russian targets, such as the Black Sea fleet’s headquarters in Crimea, an area Russia currently occupies.&nbsp;

The situation seemed to escalate when President Joe Biden, after months of hesitation, finally approved the use of American ATACMS missiles by Ukraine. These missiles allow Ukraine to target areas deep inside Russian territory. In response, Putin warned that this decision would mean NATO is essentially ‘at war’ with Russia.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-us-embassy-in-kyiv-shuts-down-amid-looming-airstrike-threat-777618">Russia-Ukraine war: US embassy in Kyiv shuts down amid looming airstrike threat</a>

After many months of warnings that were not backed up with real action, Russia’s new strategy could be seen as another empty threat by Western leaders. Over time, the West has pushed the limits set by Putin and found they could cross these ‘red lines’ without facing serious repercussions. This makes it seem Russia’s threats may not be as strong as they first appeared.&nbsp;

On the first day of the war, Putin warned that any interference would bring consequences “like nothing you’ve ever seen before”. However, since then, the West has provided Ukraine with over $100 billion in aid and significantly boosted its military support.&nbsp;

Despite this, the move marks a major change in Russia’s nuclear policy. It now leaves more room for interpretation when deciding what counts as a threat to the country’s ‘sovereignty or territorial integrity’. Putin did not see Ukraine’s attack on the Kursk region as a serious threat to Russia’s survival or his leadership. However, he seems to view the ATACMS missile strikes on Russian territory as a much bigger concern that could pose a significant risk to the country or his rule.&nbsp;

<h2>Higher Risk of Russia Using N-Weapons?&nbsp;</h2>

Russia has announced that it has moved some of its nuclear missiles to Belarus and strengthened its already large military forces in Kaliningrad, a small Russian region located between Poland and Lithuania in the Baltic area. In response, neighbouring Poland said it was ready to host NATO nuclear weapons. Putin also stated that Russia’s updated nuclear policy would now cover Belarus, its closest ally, under its nuclear protection.&nbsp;

Putin has claimed that Russia’s nuclear weapons are more advanced than those of the US and stressed that ‘weapons are made to be used’. Putin has also warned that, if NATO troops are sent to Ukraine, it could lead to a nuclear war. But, so far, this situation has not arisen.&nbsp;

In September, Russia’s nuclear forces faced a setback when an intercontinental ballistic missile, which Putin had once described as unstoppable, exploded in its silo during a test launch, creating a crater about 60 metres wide at the missile’s launch silo at the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in northern Russia. The RS-28 Sarmat, called Satan II in the West, was one of the ‘super-weapons’ Putin had introduced in 2018.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-amid-shifting-political-winds-zelensky-warns-ukraine-will-lose-without-us-aid-777517">Russia-Ukraine war | Amid shifting political winds Zelensky warns Ukraine 'will lose' without US aid</a>

Although President Biden had previously stated that Russia’s nuclear threats were serious, Putin’s repeated warnings without any follow-through have lessened the impact of his words. NATO has consistently stated that there is no evidence showing Russia is getting ready to use its nuclear weapons. Warnings of a nuclear war from Moscow officials, especially from Dmitry Medvedev—Russia’s former prime minister and president, now deputy head of the national security council—are mostly seen by the West as attempts to discourage NATO from supporting Ukraine, rather than actual serious threats.&nbsp;

Still, Washington remains cautious about the risk of escalation. In August, John Kirby, the White House National Security Adviser, reportedly said they were always concerned about the possibility that the conflict in Ukraine could escalate and spread across Europe.&nbsp;

In November, reports revealed that former British prime minister Liz Truss was deeply worried in October 2022 that Putin may launch a nuclear attack. In the final days of her time as prime minister, officials were even checking weather maps and preparing for potential radiation cases in the UK. One of the toughest challenges for Western governments is trying to figure out what Putin is thinking.&nbsp;

In recent years, talk about nuclear weapons has become so common in Russia that it may make it easier, mentally, for them to consider actually using them. There are also worries about Putin’s mental state. Gleb Pavlovsky, a former Kremlin adviser who passed away last year, said after the Ukraine war began that Putin’s mindset had worsened during his time in power. Pavlovsky said Putin was now “reacting to the pictures in his own head”.&nbsp;

<h2>Why Putin May Consider Using N-Weapons&nbsp;</h2>

Faced with the possibility of a long, drawn-out war, Putin, who has full control over Russia’s large stockpile of tactical nuclear weapons, may decide that only a powerful strike using the most dangerous weapon he has could prevent Russia from facing defeat and disgrace. Tactical nuclear weapons are smaller nuclear bombs designed for use on battlefields to target specific military objectives, rather than destroying large areas, such as cities, or causing widespread devastation.&nbsp;

In Putin’s view, a serious threat to his rule, rather than to Russia as a whole, could be enough for him to consider using nuclear weapons against Ukraine or the West. Putin will celebrate 25 years in power on New Year’s Eve, and his supporters have depicted him as the symbol of Russia, itself. According to media reports, Vyacheslav Volodin, speaker of the Russian parliament, went on record to say that, if Putin exists, Russia exists. No Putin, no Russia!&nbsp;

From a Western perspective, it would not make much sense for Russia to use nuclear weapons. Tactical nuclear weapons, which have a shorter range and less power, would cause massive destruction but would not necessarily give Putin a quick victory. Using strategic nuclear weapons, which can completely destroy entire cities, would almost definitely trigger a huge response from the West and could even lead to a Third World War.&nbsp;

Putin may not care about the lives of Ukrainian civilians, but would he really be willing to doom his own young children—whose existence was revealed this month—to spending years in a nuclear bunker deep in Siberia? For Putin, using nuclear weapons could be his way of challenging the West. His message would, possibly, be: “Because you keep supplying Kyiv with more advanced weapons to attack Russian forces, I have no other option.”&nbsp;

Leaked military documents obtained by the Financial Times in February showed Russia had prepared plans to use tactical nuclear weapons early in a conflict with a major power. This is part of a strategy aimed at creating fear and pressure. The documents described possible situations where Russia would use nuclear strikes in response to an invasion. They also mentioned other goals, such as preventing other countries from using force, stopping military conflicts from getting worse, and making Russia’s navy stronger.&nbsp;

The collection of 29 secret documents, created between 2008 and 2014, when Putin was either president or prime minister, is still believed to be relevant to Russia’s current military strategy. These files suggest a much lower threshold for using tactical nuclear weapons than Russian officials have publicly acknowledged.&nbsp;

<h2>What Prevents the Use of Tactical N-Weapons?&nbsp;</h2>

There are two main reasons: the first is China. President Xi has publicly declared and, possibly, privately warned Putin that nuclear weapons should never be used. China is a key strategic partner for Russia and their alliance has strengthened significantly since the start of the war in Ukraine. The Chinese leader has never criticized his Russian counterpart for the invasion of Ukraine. However, despite their growing partnership, China has not provided military assistance to Russia so far.&nbsp;

He is also working to present himself as a peacemaker, aiming to negotiate a solution that could end the war through diplomacy. This effort not only seeks to resolve the conflict, but also helps him enhance his image and influence on the international stage. Putin understands that, if he decides to launch a nuclear attack—even a small one—it could seriously harm, or even completely ruin, his partnership with China.&nbsp;

Interestingly, the secret documents mentioned earlier show that Moscow harbours a strong mistrust of China. They even outline possible scenarios where Russia may use nuclear weapons if China were to invade. Although the two countries have grown into strong allies since those plans were made, with China’s financial backing helping Russia cope with Western sanctions after the Ukraine war, Russia has still been strengthening its defences in the east.&nbsp;

In a military simulation, Russia planned how it might respond to a potential attack by China. In this scenario, Russia was referred to as the ‘Northern Federation’, while China was called ‘the South’. The exercise imagined a situation where China launched an invasion and prepared to send a second wave of troops. To stop this, Russia considered the use of a small, tactical nuclear strike.&nbsp;

It is important to note that this was purely a theoretical exercise and not an actual event. However, it highlights how nations, even allies, sometimes prepare for worst-case scenarios to safeguard their interests. The document states the commander-in-chief has ordered the use of nuclear weapons if the enemy sends in additional troops and ‘the South’ poses a serious threat of advancing further towards the main target.&nbsp;

The second reason is how the US and NATO may react. Putin may convince himself that using nuclear weapons in Ukraine will not trigger a nuclear or military response from the West. This is because Ukraine is not a NATO member and is not protected under Article 5 of NATO’s founding treaty, which guarantees mutual defence for its members. This means that, if any member of NATO is attacked, it is treated as an attack on the entire alliance.&nbsp;

The US has warned that, if Putin uses nuclear weapons in Ukraine, it would lead to ‘catastrophic consequences’ for Russia. The exact nature of these consequences has not been clearly explained. However, it raises the question of whether it could result in a direct conflict between NATO and Russia. Before considering the use of nuclear weapons, Putin must carefully think about this potential risk.&nbsp;

<h2>Has there been any change?&nbsp;</h2>

Easing restrictions on the use of ATACMS is the latest step in a series of increasing military support from Western countries. The weapons supplied by the US-led coalition of 50 countries have significantly boosted Ukraine’s military strength and firepower. American F-16 fighter jets are already in action, and Ukraine has used advanced American missiles to target Putin’s forces, including Russian troops gathered near border areas.&nbsp;

Donald Trump’s election in the US may have marked the end of the seemingly endless supply of weapons. He has promised to end the war within 24 hours of assuming office. Some believe he may pressure Zelensky into negotiations by threatening to stop all US aid. Trump has often criticized NATO, stating he would allow Russia to act freely against member-countries that fail to meet their spending commitments.&nbsp;

Last year, Putin took a significant step that seemed to be preparation for a possible nuclear attack by sending the first set of tactical nuclear systems to Belarus, a neighbouring country allied with Russia. This marked the first time since the Soviet Union’s collapse in 1991 that Moscow had stationed nuclear missiles outside its borders.&nbsp;

<h2>Could Russia Deploy N-Weapons in Space?&nbsp;</h2>

As attention moves away from the immediate threat of using nuclear weapons on the battlefield, there are rising concerns that Putin may already be thinking about placing a nuclear device in Earth’s orbit. Putin has a strong fascination with advanced weapons, which is clear from his open support for hypersonic missiles, as well as nuclear-powered cruise missiles and torpedoes that are said to have unlimited range.&nbsp;

Putting nuclear devices into orbit—in clear violation of the 1967 Outer Space Treaty which Russia has signed—possibly to target America’s satellite systems, would showcase Russia’s increasing military aggression and turn space into a new area of conflict. This would push the US to create and deploy new defence systems in space, further escalating the arms race between the major powers and making it even more dangerous.&nbsp;

Countries, such as Russia, China, India, North Korea and Iran, are investing heavily in space technology, particularly in weapons that can target satellites. This poses a serious risk to America’s global satellite communication network, which is essential for the US military’s navigation, precision attacks and overall command and control systems.&nbsp;

<h2>What Are Russia’s Current N-Capabilities?&nbsp;</h2>

Russia still has a powerful nuclear arsenal, even though it has signed several arms control treaties since the Cold War ended. The Federation of American Scientists says Russia’s N-weapons stockpile, the world’s largest, comprises 5,580 warheads. Some of these are tactical nuclear weapons meant for use on the battlefield, while others are built to wipe out entire cities.&nbsp;

In 2023, Putin announced that Russia would withdraw from its last nuclear arms control agreement with the US, the New Start treaty, which was the last arms control agreement between Moscow and Washington. It was designed to limit the number of long-range nuclear missiles, warheads and launch systems that both countries could have, aiming to reduce the risk of a nuclear arms race. Earlier, President Trump had withdrawn from a treaty on intermediate-range weapons, claiming Russia had violated its terms.&nbsp;

By stepping away from this agreement, Russia is no longer obligated to follow these restrictions. This decision could lead to an increase in nuclear weapons and heighten tensions between the two nations, raising concerns about global security and stability. The move marks a significant shift in efforts to control nuclear arms and maintain balance between the world’s two largest nuclear powers.&nbsp;

Putin’s decision to suspend Russia’s participation in the treaty does not mean Russia cannot rejoin it before it expires in 2026. However, the Kremlin has made it clear that it will not discuss a new nuclear agreement as long as NATO continues to supply weapons to Ukraine.&nbsp;

Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.

Russia’s nuclear doctrine is a set of guidelines that the country follows regarding when and how it might use nuclear weapons. These rules help outline the circumstances under which Moscow would consider using its nuclear arsenal.

Russia’s nuclear doctrine is a set of guidelines that the country follows regarding when and how it might use nuclear weapons. These rules help outline the circumstances under which Moscow would consider using its nuclear arsenal. The doctrine says Russia can use its large nuclear weapons stockpile if it faces any aggression that seriously threatens the country’s sovereignty or territorial integrity. On November 19, a new open-ended guideline—a rule or guideline without a fixed end date or clear limitations on its scope—was introduced, following an update approved by President Vladimir Putin just two days after the United States declared it would ease restrictions on Ukraine’s use of long-range weapons. The earlier version of the doctrine set much stricter conditions for nuclear retaliation, allowing it only if Russia’s survival was at risk. Also read | Biden approves anti-personnel land mines for Ukraine amid escalating conflict with Russia: Report The revision, clearly referring to Ukraine and its Western allies, stated that an attack using conventional missiles, drones, or aircraft by a non-nuclear country, backed by a nuclear-armed nation, could justify a nuclear response. The update also extends Russia’s nuclear protection to Belarus, meaning Belarus will now be defended under Russia’s nuclear policies. For quite some time, hardliners in Moscow have been pushing President Putin to consider lowering the threshold for using nuclear weapons. Their argument is that Russia should respond more aggressively to the military and financial assistance Ukraine is receiving from the West. This support includes advanced weapons, such as Storm Shadow missiles from Britain and France, which Ukraine has used to strike important Russian targets, such as the Black Sea fleet’s headquarters in Crimea, an area Russia currently occupies. The situation seemed to escalate when President Joe Biden, after months of hesitation, finally approved the use of American ATACMS missiles by Ukraine. These missiles allow Ukraine to target areas deep inside Russian territory. In response, Putin warned that this decision would mean NATO is essentially ‘at war’ with Russia. Also read | Russia-Ukraine war: US embassy in Kyiv shuts down amid looming airstrike threat After many months of warnings that were not backed up with real action, Russia’s new strategy could be seen as another empty threat by Western leaders. Over time, the West has pushed the limits set by Putin and found they could cross these ‘red lines’ without facing serious repercussions. This makes it seem Russia’s threats may not be as strong as they first appeared. On the first day of the war, Putin warned that any interference would bring consequences “like nothing you’ve ever seen before”. However, since then, the West has provided Ukraine with over $100 billion in aid and significantly boosted its military support. Despite this, the move marks a major change in Russia’s nuclear policy. It now leaves more room for interpretation when deciding what counts as a threat to the country’s ‘sovereignty or territorial integrity’. Putin did not see Ukraine’s attack on the Kursk region as a serious threat to Russia’s survival or his leadership. However, he seems to view the ATACMS missile strikes on Russian territory as a much bigger concern that could pose a significant risk to the country or his rule. Higher Risk of Russia Using N-Weapons? Russia has announced that it has moved some of its nuclear missiles to Belarus and strengthened its already large military forces in Kaliningrad, a small Russian region located between Poland and Lithuania in the Baltic area. In response, neighbouring Poland said it was ready to host NATO nuclear weapons. Putin also stated that Russia’s updated nuclear policy would now cover Belarus, its closest ally, under its nuclear protection. Putin has claimed that Russia’s nuclear weapons are more advanced than those of the US and stressed that ‘weapons are made to be used’. Putin has also warned that, if NATO troops are sent to Ukraine, it could lead to a nuclear war. But, so far, this situation has not arisen. In September, Russia’s nuclear forces faced a setback when an intercontinental ballistic missile, which Putin had once described as unstoppable, exploded in its silo during a test launch, creating a crater about 60 metres wide at the missile’s launch silo at the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in northern Russia. The RS-28 Sarmat, called Satan II in the West, was one of the ‘super-weapons’ Putin had introduced in 2018. Also read | Russia-Ukraine war | Amid shifting political winds Zelensky warns Ukraine 'will lose' without US aid Although President Biden had previously stated that Russia’s nuclear threats were serious, Putin’s repeated warnings without any follow-through have lessened the impact of his words. NATO has consistently stated that there is no evidence showing Russia is getting ready to use its nuclear weapons. Warnings of a nuclear war from Moscow officials, especially from Dmitry Medvedev—Russia’s former prime minister and president, now deputy head of the national security council—are mostly seen by the West as attempts to discourage NATO from supporting Ukraine, rather than actual serious threats. Still, Washington remains cautious about the risk of escalation. In August, John Kirby, the White House National Security Adviser, reportedly said they were always concerned about the possibility that the conflict in Ukraine could escalate and spread across Europe. In November, reports revealed that former British prime minister Liz Truss was deeply worried in October 2022 that Putin may launch a nuclear attack. In the final days of her time as prime minister, officials were even checking weather maps and preparing for potential radiation cases in the UK. One of the toughest challenges for Western governments is trying to figure out what Putin is thinking. In recent years, talk about nuclear weapons has become so common in Russia that it may make it easier, mentally, for them to consider actually using them. There are also worries about Putin’s mental state. Gleb Pavlovsky, a former Kremlin adviser who passed away last year, said after the Ukraine war began that Putin’s mindset had worsened during his time in power. Pavlovsky said Putin was now “reacting to the pictures in his own head”. Why Putin May Consider Using N-Weapons Faced with the possibility of a long, drawn-out war, Putin, who has full control over Russia’s large stockpile of tactical nuclear weapons, may decide that only a powerful strike using the most dangerous weapon he has could prevent Russia from facing defeat and disgrace. Tactical nuclear weapons are smaller nuclear bombs designed for use on battlefields to target specific military objectives, rather than destroying large areas, such as cities, or causing widespread devastation. In Putin’s view, a serious threat to his rule, rather than to Russia as a whole, could be enough for him to consider using nuclear weapons against Ukraine or the West. Putin will celebrate 25 years in power on New Year’s Eve, and his supporters have depicted him as the symbol of Russia, itself. According to media reports, Vyacheslav Volodin, speaker of the Russian parliament, went on record to say that, if Putin exists, Russia exists. No Putin, no Russia! From a Western perspective, it would not make much sense for Russia to use nuclear weapons. Tactical nuclear weapons, which have a shorter range and less power, would cause massive destruction but would not necessarily give Putin a quick victory. Using strategic nuclear weapons, which can completely destroy entire cities, would almost definitely trigger a huge response from the West and could even lead to a Third World War. Putin may not care about the lives of Ukrainian civilians, but would he really be willing to doom his own young children—whose existence was revealed this month—to spending years in a nuclear bunker deep in Siberia? For Putin, using nuclear weapons could be his way of challenging the West. His message would, possibly, be: “Because you keep supplying Kyiv with more advanced weapons to attack Russian forces, I have no other option.” Leaked military documents obtained by the Financial Times in February showed Russia had prepared plans to use tactical nuclear weapons early in a conflict with a major power. This is part of a strategy aimed at creating fear and pressure. The documents described possible situations where Russia would use nuclear strikes in response to an invasion. They also mentioned other goals, such as preventing other countries from using force, stopping military conflicts from getting worse, and making Russia’s navy stronger. The collection of 29 secret documents, created between 2008 and 2014, when Putin was either president or prime minister, is still believed to be relevant to Russia’s current military strategy. These files suggest a much lower threshold for using tactical nuclear weapons than Russian officials have publicly acknowledged. What Prevents the Use of Tactical N-Weapons? There are two main reasons: the first is China. President Xi has publicly declared and, possibly, privately warned Putin that nuclear weapons should never be used. China is a key strategic partner for Russia and their alliance has strengthened significantly since the start of the war in Ukraine. The Chinese leader has never criticized his Russian counterpart for the invasion of Ukraine. However, despite their growing partnership, China has not provided military assistance to Russia so far. He is also working to present himself as a peacemaker, aiming to negotiate a solution that could end the war through diplomacy. This effort not only seeks to resolve the conflict, but also helps him enhance his image and influence on the international stage. Putin understands that, if he decides to launch a nuclear attack—even a small one—it could seriously harm, or even completely ruin, his partnership with China. Interestingly, the secret documents mentioned earlier show that Moscow harbours a strong mistrust of China. They even outline possible scenarios where Russia may use nuclear weapons if China were to invade. Although the two countries have grown into strong allies since those plans were made, with China’s financial backing helping Russia cope with Western sanctions after the Ukraine war, Russia has still been strengthening its defences in the east. In a military simulation, Russia planned how it might respond to a potential attack by China. In this scenario, Russia was referred to as the ‘Northern Federation’, while China was called ‘the South’. The exercise imagined a situation where China launched an invasion and prepared to send a second wave of troops. To stop this, Russia considered the use of a small, tactical nuclear strike. It is important to note that this was purely a theoretical exercise and not an actual event. However, it highlights how nations, even allies, sometimes prepare for worst-case scenarios to safeguard their interests. The document states the commander-in-chief has ordered the use of nuclear weapons if the enemy sends in additional troops and ‘the South’ poses a serious threat of advancing further towards the main target. The second reason is how the US and NATO may react. Putin may convince himself that using nuclear weapons in Ukraine will not trigger a nuclear or military response from the West. This is because Ukraine is not a NATO member and is not protected under Article 5 of NATO’s founding treaty, which guarantees mutual defence for its members. This means that, if any member of NATO is attacked, it is treated as an attack on the entire alliance. The US has warned that, if Putin uses nuclear weapons in Ukraine, it would lead to ‘catastrophic consequences’ for Russia. The exact nature of these consequences has not been clearly explained. However, it raises the question of whether it could result in a direct conflict between NATO and Russia. Before considering the use of nuclear weapons, Putin must carefully think about this potential risk. Has there been any change? Easing restrictions on the use of ATACMS is the latest step in a series of increasing military support from Western countries. The weapons supplied by the US-led coalition of 50 countries have significantly boosted Ukraine’s military strength and firepower. American F-16 fighter jets are already in action, and Ukraine has used advanced American missiles to target Putin’s forces, including Russian troops gathered near border areas. Donald Trump’s election in the US may have marked the end of the seemingly endless supply of weapons. He has promised to end the war within 24 hours of assuming office. Some believe he may pressure Zelensky into negotiations by threatening to stop all US aid. Trump has often criticized NATO, stating he would allow Russia to act freely against member-countries that fail to meet their spending commitments. Last year, Putin took a significant step that seemed to be preparation for a possible nuclear attack by sending the first set of tactical nuclear systems to Belarus, a neighbouring country allied with Russia. This marked the first time since the Soviet Union’s collapse in 1991 that Moscow had stationed nuclear missiles outside its borders. Could Russia Deploy N-Weapons in Space? As attention moves away from the immediate threat of using nuclear weapons on the battlefield, there are rising concerns that Putin may already be thinking about placing a nuclear device in Earth’s orbit. Putin has a strong fascination with advanced weapons, which is clear from his open support for hypersonic missiles, as well as nuclear-powered cruise missiles and torpedoes that are said to have unlimited range. Putting nuclear devices into orbit—in clear violation of the 1967 Outer Space Treaty which Russia has signed—possibly to target America’s satellite systems, would showcase Russia’s increasing military aggression and turn space into a new area of conflict. This would push the US to create and deploy new defence systems in space, further escalating the arms race between the major powers and making it even more dangerous. Countries, such as Russia, China, India, North Korea and Iran, are investing heavily in space technology, particularly in weapons that can target satellites. This poses a serious risk to America’s global satellite communication network, which is essential for the US military’s navigation, precision attacks and overall command and control systems. What Are Russia’s Current N-Capabilities? Russia still has a powerful nuclear arsenal, even though it has signed several arms control treaties since the Cold War ended. The Federation of American Scientists says Russia’s N-weapons stockpile, the world’s largest, comprises 5,580 warheads. Some of these are tactical nuclear weapons meant for use on the battlefield, while others are built to wipe out entire cities. In 2023, Putin announced that Russia would withdraw from its last nuclear arms control agreement with the US, the New Start treaty, which was the last arms control agreement between Moscow and Washington. It was designed to limit the number of long-range nuclear missiles, warheads and launch systems that both countries could have, aiming to reduce the risk of a nuclear arms race. Earlier, President Trump had withdrawn from a treaty on intermediate-range weapons, claiming Russia had violated its terms. By stepping away from this agreement, Russia is no longer obligated to follow these restrictions. This decision could lead to an increase in nuclear weapons and heighten tensions between the two nations, raising concerns about global security and stability. The move marks a significant shift in efforts to control nuclear arms and maintain balance between the world’s two largest nuclear powers. Putin’s decision to suspend Russia’s participation in the treaty does not mean Russia cannot rejoin it before it expires in 2026. However, the Kremlin has made it clear that it will not discuss a new nuclear agreement as long as NATO continues to supply weapons to Ukraine. Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.

Will Russia resort to using Nuclear weapons? An analysis of Putin's potential choices

The US Embassy in Kyiv on Wednesday (Nov 20) announced its closure, citing intelligence about a significant and imminent airstrike. In a statement, the embassy instructed staff to shelter in place and urged US citizens to prepare for immediate action if air raid alarms sound.&nbsp;

"The U.S. Embassy in Kyiv has received specific information of a potential significant air attack on November 20," said the US&nbsp;Embassy in Kyiv on its website.

"Out of an abundance of caution, the embassy will be closed, and embassy employees are being instructed to shelter in place."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-approves-antipersonnel-land-mines-for-ukraine-amid-escalating-conflict-with-russia-report-777545">Biden approves anti-personnel land mines for Ukraine amid escalating conflict with Russia: Report</a>

"The US Embassy recommends US citizens be prepared to immediately shelter in the event an air alert is announced," it added.

This warning comes after Ukraine deployed US-supplied ATACMS missiles, targeting Russian territory. In an announcement that coincided with&nbsp;the 1000th day of the Ukraine war,&nbsp;Washington this week said it had cleared a long-standing Ukrainian request — for Ukraine to use ATACMS against military targets inside Russia.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-amid-shifting-political-winds-zelensky-warns-ukraine-will-lose-without-us-aid-777517" target="_blank">Russia-Ukraine war:&nbsp;Amid shifting political winds Zelensky warns Ukraine 'will lose' without US aid</a>

<h2>Russia warns it will respond</h2>

After Ukraine fired longer-range US missiles — a first in the nearly three-year war&nbsp;—&nbsp;Russia on Tuesday (Nov 19) had warned&nbsp;that it would respond.

Speaking at a&nbsp;press conference at the G20 summit in Brazil,&nbsp;Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated that Ukraine's strike on Russia's Bryansk region, which used ATACMS missiles (a reference to the US-supplied Army Tactical Missile System)&nbsp;showed Western countries wanted to "escalate" the conflict.

"We will be taking this as a qualitatively new phase of the Western war against Russia. And we will react accordingly," warned Lavrov.

Washington this week said it had cleared Ukraine to use ATACMS against military targets inside Russia -- a long-standing Ukrainian request.

(With inputs from agencies)

The US Embassy in Kyiv on Wednesday (Nov 20) announced its closure, citing intelligence about a significant and imminent airstrike. In a statement, the embassy instructed staff to shelter in place and urged US citizens to prepare for immediate action if air raid alarms sound.

The US Embassy in Kyiv on Wednesday (Nov 20) announced its closure, citing intelligence about a significant and imminent airstrike. In a statement, the embassy instructed staff to shelter in place and urged US citizens to prepare for immediate action if air raid alarms sound. "The U.S. Embassy in Kyiv has received specific information of a potential significant air attack on November 20," said the US Embassy in Kyiv on its website. "Out of an abundance of caution, the embassy will be closed, and embassy employees are being instructed to shelter in place." Also read | Biden approves anti-personnel land mines for Ukraine amid escalating conflict with Russia: Report "The US Embassy recommends US citizens be prepared to immediately shelter in the event an air alert is announced," it added. This warning comes after Ukraine deployed US-supplied ATACMS missiles, targeting Russian territory. In an announcement that coincided with the 1000th day of the Ukraine war, Washington this week said it had cleared a long-standing Ukrainian request — for Ukraine to use ATACMS against military targets inside Russia. Also read | Russia-Ukraine war: Amid shifting political winds Zelensky warns Ukraine 'will lose' without US aid Russia warns it will respond After Ukraine fired longer-range US missiles — a first in the nearly three-year war — Russia on Tuesday (Nov 19) had warned that it would respond. Speaking at a press conference at the G20 summit in Brazil, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated that Ukraine's strike on Russia's Bryansk region, which used ATACMS missiles (a reference to the US-supplied Army Tactical Missile System) showed Western countries wanted to "escalate" the conflict. "We will be taking this as a qualitatively new phase of the Western war against Russia. And we will react accordingly," warned Lavrov. Washington this week said it had cleared Ukraine to use ATACMS against military targets inside Russia -- a long-standing Ukrainian request. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia-Ukraine war: US embassy in Kyiv shuts down amid looming airstrike threat

The war in Ukraine after 1000 days is edging ever closer to a potentially catastrophic escalation as recent decisions from both the United States and Russia highlight the increasing risks of a broader conflict. US&nbsp;President Joe Biden has reportedly approved the use of US-supplied long-range missiles to Ukraine, despite significant concerns that this could provoke a harsh reaction from Russia. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree updating Russia's nuclear doctrine, signalling a more aggressive posture in the event of a conventional attack by non-nuclear nation supported by nuclear country. Ukraine was quick to encash Biden’s nod by targeting the Bryans (Russia) by firing six ATACM missiles, Russia is yet to respond, which brings the war to a crucial moment that could reshape the course of international geopolitical tensions in the coming months.&nbsp;

<h2>Biden’s Decision: A Risky Gamble &nbsp;</h2>

President Biden’s authorisation to supply Ukraine with long-range missiles, such as the ATACMS, to target Russian infrastructure has sparked heated debates among military analysts. While the official word from the White House and Pentagon remains unconfirmed, U.S. media reports suggest that Biden has given the green light for these weapons to be used in the ongoing conflict. The logic being given is the involvement of North Korean troops to support Russia was an escalation, which demanded US to concede to Ukrainian demand of such permission to boost its firepower and sagging morale. It is believed that firing these weapons requires expertise and guidance system of USA, which Russians presume as direct involvement of NATO in kinetic, contact war demanding appropriate response.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-approves-antipersonnel-land-mines-for-ukraine-amid-escalating-conflict-with-russia-report-777545">Biden approves antipersonnel land mines for Ukraine amid escalating conflict with Russia: Report</a>

Some analysts highlighted the potential for this move to escalate the conflict, warning that "Biden has lost the election and has nothing more to lose from the decision, which only furthers the cause of fighting Russia till the last Ukrainian standing" to help out its deep state/arms lobby and hoping to save an embarrassment for Democrats if Ukrainian defences crumble before Trumps Presidency. With Ukraine’s use of these missiles to strike Russian territory now, a significant Russian military response can be expected, which can create conditions of involving the U.S. directly in hostilities with Russia. &nbsp;

Politically, domestically, Biden's decision could also be viewed as an effort to entangle future U.S. administration under President elect Donald Trump in war, derailing his election promise of ending it. Interestingly neither White House nor Pentagon, nor President Zelensky have openly declared the decision, perhaps to maintain deniability to tone down Russian retaliation.&nbsp;

Since Ukraine is likely to bear the brunt of any Russian retaliation resulting from such decisions, some NATO nations that support Ukraine believe they have little to lose militarily if Ukraine escalates its conflict with Russia as long as their soldiers are not engaged in combat and do not receive body bags. They believe that in order to keep Zelensky's defences from collapsing until early 2025 or to put him in a position where he can engage in meaningful discussions, it is crucial to provide him with continuous military and financial support as well as to raise his morale. &nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-putin-approves-nuclear-strikes-on-non-nuclear-states-777334" target="_blank">Russia-Ukraine war: Putin signs decree allowing nuclear strikes on non-nuclear states</a>

<h2>Miscalculations and Battlefield Realities&nbsp;</h2>

The Biden administration's decision to send long-range weapons to Ukraine seems to have been driven by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's persistent demands for more advanced weaponry to push back Russian forces, however, it might be a calculated risk/miscalculation on two counts depending on Russian response.&nbsp;

First, by supplying long-range missiles with potential NATO guidance, the U.S. is effectively defying President Putin’s warnings. Earlier in ongoing war there were occasions when Putin did not follow up his threats of escalation when battle tanks and F-16 aircrafts were supplied to Ukraine; hence, Biden’s advisers feel that Putin may not follow up with nuclear options or striking some NATO target. &nbsp;

Second, the use of long-range missiles may not be a game-changer on the battlefield. While these missiles could damage Russian infrastructure, they are unlikely to alter the fundamental dynamics of the war, where Russian forces have been making steady territorial gains in the east and south of Ukraine. The use of advanced weapons, while symbolically important for Ukraine, may not be enough to reverse Russia's momentum or lead to a decisive shift in the conflict's trajectory; hence, may not provoke a violent response of the magnitude that NATO can’t handle. Ukraine is short of trained manpower to hold on to its frontline and standoff strike weapons can’t compensate for this weakness. &nbsp;

<h2>Putin’s Nuclear Doctrine: A Dangerous New Path&nbsp;</h2>

As tensions rise, President Putin has also taken steps to reinforce Russia's military posture. In a move that signals an increasing willingness to use nuclear weapons in response to conventional aggression, Putin signed a decree updating Russia's nuclear doctrine. The decree includes several key provisions that could fundamentally alter the strategic calculus in the region.&nbsp;

Under the new doctrine, nuclear deterrence is explicitly aimed not only at individual adversary states but also at military coalitions—especially those that possess nuclear weapons. Crucially, the doctrine now considers the participation of nuclear states in supporting a non-nuclear state's aggression against Russia as grounds for considering the conflict a "joint attack." This update marks a significant shift in Russia's stance, emphasizing that any attack on Russia by a non-nuclear state—if supported by a nuclear power—could trigger a nuclear response.&nbsp;

Furthermore, the updated doctrine asserts that nuclear deterrence will be in effect at all times: in peacetime, during periods of immediate threat, and in wartime, right up until the potential use of nuclear weapons. These revisions suggest that Putin's government is willing to escalate the conflict further, with nuclear retaliation now seen as a legitimate response to conventional attacks supported by nuclear powers, such as NATO. Maintaining a strong, battle-ready nuclear arsenal has been a part of Russian strategy and it has invested heavily in it. &nbsp;

<h2>The Impending Escalation&nbsp;</h2>

The risk of escalation is now clearer than ever. In the coming months, both Russia and Ukraine are likely to continue jockeying for advantage before the new year. Ukrainian forces are focused on resisting further Russian territorial advances, particularly in areas like Kursk and Donbas, where Russia has made notable gains. On the other hand, Russia is aiming to solidify its control over critical areas and create conditions that make Ukraine's NATO membership virtually impossible.&nbsp;

Russia continues to ramp up its offensive, launching missile and drone barrages targeting Ukrainian energy infrastructure, cracking Ukrainian defences in intense attrition warfare. Ukraine is boosting its firepower by using U.S.-supplied long-range missiles, the most recent incident saw Ukraine firing six ATACMS missiles at the Russian Bryansk region. While five of the missiles were intercepted by Russia’s advanced S-400 and Pantsir air-defence systems, one missile was damaged and its fragments caused a fire at a military facility. This attack, while not decisive, underscores the growing risks of a broader conflict as both sides trade blows on the battlefield. &nbsp;

<h2>NATO’s Strategic Blind Spot?&nbsp;</h2>

The broader question remains: Has NATO truly thought through the long-term implications of its support for Ukraine? Apparently the alliance may not have adequately considered the ultimate goals of the conflict, particularly in terms of conflict termination and avoiding direct confrontation with Russia. The prospect of a prolonged, protracted war could endanger Europe’s stability and security in ways that have not been fully accounted for.&nbsp;

For Russia, the objectives are relatively clearer: solidifying territorial gains in eastern Ukraine, securing the Donbass region, and preventing Ukraine's NATO accession. For the West, the stakes are higher, as NATO’s involvement risks a direct clash with Russia. As both sides continue to escalate, the international community must be prepared for the possibility of even intensified war—and the potential for a nuclear confrontation that could impact the world in a catastrophic manner, that no one would like imagine.&nbsp;

As the war completes thousand days to get into the final months of 2024, the risk of escalation remains ever-present. Ukraine’s use of U.S. long-range missiles can trigger a strong Russian response, while Putin’s nuclear doctrine update has created a dangerous new path toward the potential use of nuclear weapons, reminding of Cuban missile crisis. How deeply these decisions will plunge the opposing sides further into war risking humanity, remains to be seen, but the clock is ticking, with peace remaining a distant dream.&nbsp;

Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.

The war in Ukraine after 1000 days is edging ever closer to a potentially catastrophic escalation as recent decisions from both the United States and Russia highlight the increasing risks of a broader conflict.

The war in Ukraine after 1000 days is edging ever closer to a potentially catastrophic escalation as recent decisions from both the United States and Russia highlight the increasing risks of a broader conflict. US President Joe Biden has reportedly approved the use of US-supplied long-range missiles to Ukraine, despite significant concerns that this could provoke a harsh reaction from Russia. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree updating Russia's nuclear doctrine, signalling a more aggressive posture in the event of a conventional attack by non-nuclear nation supported by nuclear country. Ukraine was quick to encash Biden’s nod by targeting the Bryans (Russia) by firing six ATACM missiles, Russia is yet to respond, which brings the war to a crucial moment that could reshape the course of international geopolitical tensions in the coming months. Biden’s Decision: A Risky Gamble President Biden’s authorisation to supply Ukraine with long-range missiles, such as the ATACMS, to target Russian infrastructure has sparked heated debates among military analysts. While the official word from the White House and Pentagon remains unconfirmed, U.S. media reports suggest that Biden has given the green light for these weapons to be used in the ongoing conflict. The logic being given is the involvement of North Korean troops to support Russia was an escalation, which demanded US to concede to Ukrainian demand of such permission to boost its firepower and sagging morale. It is believed that firing these weapons requires expertise and guidance system of USA, which Russians presume as direct involvement of NATO in kinetic, contact war demanding appropriate response. Also read | Biden approves antipersonnel land mines for Ukraine amid escalating conflict with Russia: Report Some analysts highlighted the potential for this move to escalate the conflict, warning that "Biden has lost the election and has nothing more to lose from the decision, which only furthers the cause of fighting Russia till the last Ukrainian standing" to help out its deep state/arms lobby and hoping to save an embarrassment for Democrats if Ukrainian defences crumble before Trumps Presidency. With Ukraine’s use of these missiles to strike Russian territory now, a significant Russian military response can be expected, which can create conditions of involving the U.S. directly in hostilities with Russia. Politically, domestically, Biden's decision could also be viewed as an effort to entangle future U.S. administration under President elect Donald Trump in war, derailing his election promise of ending it. Interestingly neither White House nor Pentagon, nor President Zelensky have openly declared the decision, perhaps to maintain deniability to tone down Russian retaliation. Since Ukraine is likely to bear the brunt of any Russian retaliation resulting from such decisions, some NATO nations that support Ukraine believe they have little to lose militarily if Ukraine escalates its conflict with Russia as long as their soldiers are not engaged in combat and do not receive body bags. They believe that in order to keep Zelensky's defences from collapsing until early 2025 or to put him in a position where he can engage in meaningful discussions, it is crucial to provide him with continuous military and financial support as well as to raise his morale. Also read | Russia-Ukraine war: Putin signs decree allowing nuclear strikes on non-nuclear states Miscalculations and Battlefield Realities The Biden administration's decision to send long-range weapons to Ukraine seems to have been driven by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's persistent demands for more advanced weaponry to push back Russian forces, however, it might be a calculated risk/miscalculation on two counts depending on Russian response. First, by supplying long-range missiles with potential NATO guidance, the U.S. is effectively defying President Putin’s warnings. Earlier in ongoing war there were occasions when Putin did not follow up his threats of escalation when battle tanks and F-16 aircrafts were supplied to Ukraine; hence, Biden’s advisers feel that Putin may not follow up with nuclear options or striking some NATO target. Second, the use of long-range missiles may not be a game-changer on the battlefield. While these missiles could damage Russian infrastructure, they are unlikely to alter the fundamental dynamics of the war, where Russian forces have been making steady territorial gains in the east and south of Ukraine. The use of advanced weapons, while symbolically important for Ukraine, may not be enough to reverse Russia's momentum or lead to a decisive shift in the conflict's trajectory; hence, may not provoke a violent response of the magnitude that NATO can’t handle. Ukraine is short of trained manpower to hold on to its frontline and standoff strike weapons can’t compensate for this weakness. Putin’s Nuclear Doctrine: A Dangerous New Path As tensions rise, President Putin has also taken steps to reinforce Russia's military posture. In a move that signals an increasing willingness to use nuclear weapons in response to conventional aggression, Putin signed a decree updating Russia's nuclear doctrine. The decree includes several key provisions that could fundamentally alter the strategic calculus in the region. Under the new doctrine, nuclear deterrence is explicitly aimed not only at individual adversary states but also at military coalitions—especially those that possess nuclear weapons. Crucially, the doctrine now considers the participation of nuclear states in supporting a non-nuclear state's aggression against Russia as grounds for considering the conflict a "joint attack." This update marks a significant shift in Russia's stance, emphasizing that any attack on Russia by a non-nuclear state—if supported by a nuclear power—could trigger a nuclear response. Furthermore, the updated doctrine asserts that nuclear deterrence will be in effect at all times: in peacetime, during periods of immediate threat, and in wartime, right up until the potential use of nuclear weapons. These revisions suggest that Putin's government is willing to escalate the conflict further, with nuclear retaliation now seen as a legitimate response to conventional attacks supported by nuclear powers, such as NATO. Maintaining a strong, battle-ready nuclear arsenal has been a part of Russian strategy and it has invested heavily in it. The Impending Escalation The risk of escalation is now clearer than ever. In the coming months, both Russia and Ukraine are likely to continue jockeying for advantage before the new year. Ukrainian forces are focused on resisting further Russian territorial advances, particularly in areas like Kursk and Donbas, where Russia has made notable gains. On the other hand, Russia is aiming to solidify its control over critical areas and create conditions that make Ukraine's NATO membership virtually impossible. Russia continues to ramp up its offensive, launching missile and drone barrages targeting Ukrainian energy infrastructure, cracking Ukrainian defences in intense attrition warfare. Ukraine is boosting its firepower by using U.S.-supplied long-range missiles, the most recent incident saw Ukraine firing six ATACMS missiles at the Russian Bryansk region. While five of the missiles were intercepted by Russia’s advanced S-400 and Pantsir air-defence systems, one missile was damaged and its fragments caused a fire at a military facility. This attack, while not decisive, underscores the growing risks of a broader conflict as both sides trade blows on the battlefield. NATO’s Strategic Blind Spot? The broader question remains: Has NATO truly thought through the long-term implications of its support for Ukraine? Apparently the alliance may not have adequately considered the ultimate goals of the conflict, particularly in terms of conflict termination and avoiding direct confrontation with Russia. The prospect of a prolonged, protracted war could endanger Europe’s stability and security in ways that have not been fully accounted for. For Russia, the objectives are relatively clearer: solidifying territorial gains in eastern Ukraine, securing the Donbass region, and preventing Ukraine's NATO accession. For the West, the stakes are higher, as NATO’s involvement risks a direct clash with Russia. As both sides continue to escalate, the international community must be prepared for the possibility of even intensified war—and the potential for a nuclear confrontation that could impact the world in a catastrophic manner, that no one would like imagine. As the war completes thousand days to get into the final months of 2024, the risk of escalation remains ever-present. Ukraine’s use of U.S. long-range missiles can trigger a strong Russian response, while Putin’s nuclear doctrine update has created a dangerous new path toward the potential use of nuclear weapons, reminding of Cuban missile crisis. How deeply these decisions will plunge the opposing sides further into war risking humanity, remains to be seen, but the clock is ticking, with peace remaining a distant dream. Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.

Rising Tensions: Biden’s Long-Range Missiles for Ukraine and Putin’s Nuclear Doctrine Update 

Russia warned that the use of US long-range missiles by Ukraine would result in "an appropriate and tangible" response from Moscow.&nbsp;

In an official statement on Monday (Nov 18), Russia's foreign ministry said that an attack inside Russian territory using US missiles "would represent the direct involvement of the United States and its satellites in hostilities against Russia," BBC reported.&nbsp;

The Guardian reported that the decision to allow Ukraine to use US-made missiles to strike Russia was first reported on November 18 but has not been formally announced by the White House.&nbsp;

“It is clear that the outgoing administration in Washington intends to take steps to continue to add fuel to the fire and to inflame tensions around this conflict further," &nbsp;The Guardian reported Vladimir Putin’s spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, saying.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/g20-summit-ends-in-rio-with-no-progress-on-climate-777199">G20 summit ends in Rio with no progress on climate</a>

Peskov added, "This decision is reckless, dangerous, aimed at a qualitative change, a qualitative increase in the level of involvement of the United States.”

US President Joe Biden, who is currently in Rio de Janeiro for his final G20 Summit, is yet to comment on the decision.&nbsp;

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky had long pushed for the authorisation to use the 190-mile-range Army Tactical Missile System against Russia.&nbsp;

In September Putin clarified that the move to let Kyiv use longer-range weapons against Russia would mean Nato would be "directly at war with Moscow."

Other than warning of taking "appropriate" action based on the threats Moscow will face, Putin further said in June that Moscow could supply its long-range weapons to other countries to attack Western targets.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/g20-leaders-gather-to-address-wars-climate-and-trumps-return-777197">G20 leaders gather to address wars, climate and Trump’s return</a>

“If someone thinks it is possible to supply such weapons to a war zone to attack our territory and create problems for us, why don’t we have the right to supply our weapons,” Putin said in June, The Guardian reported.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Russia warned that the use of US long-range missiles by Ukraine would result in "an appropriate and tangible" response from Moscow. In an official statement on Monday (Nov 18), Russia's foreign ministry said that an attack inside Russian territory using US missiles "would represent the direct involvement of the United States and its satellites in hostilities against Russia," BBC reported.

Russia warned that the use of US long-range missiles by Ukraine would result in "an appropriate and tangible" response from Moscow. In an official statement on Monday (Nov 18), Russia's foreign ministry said that an attack inside Russian territory using US missiles "would represent the direct involvement of the United States and its satellites in hostilities against Russia," BBC reported. The Guardian reported that the decision to allow Ukraine to use US-made missiles to strike Russia was first reported on November 18 but has not been formally announced by the White House. “It is clear that the outgoing administration in Washington intends to take steps to continue to add fuel to the fire and to inflame tensions around this conflict further," The Guardian reported Vladimir Putin’s spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, saying. Also read | G20 summit ends in Rio with no progress on climate Peskov added, "This decision is reckless, dangerous, aimed at a qualitative change, a qualitative increase in the level of involvement of the United States.” US President Joe Biden, who is currently in Rio de Janeiro for his final G20 Summit, is yet to comment on the decision. Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky had long pushed for the authorisation to use the 190-mile-range Army Tactical Missile System against Russia. In September Putin clarified that the move to let Kyiv use longer-range weapons against Russia would mean Nato would be "directly at war with Moscow." Other than warning of taking "appropriate" action based on the threats Moscow will face, Putin further said in June that Moscow could supply its long-range weapons to other countries to attack Western targets. Also read | G20 leaders gather to address wars, climate and Trump’s return “If someone thinks it is possible to supply such weapons to a war zone to attack our territory and create problems for us, why don’t we have the right to supply our weapons,” Putin said in June, The Guardian reported. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia says Biden 'fuelling fire' to Ukraine war, will face 'appropriate' response

Ukraine struck&nbsp;Russia with US-made long-range missiles for the first time even as Russian President Vladimir Putin talked&nbsp;of 'nuclear response'.&nbsp;

The Ukrainian armed forces carried out their first strike in a border region within Russian territory with an Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) missile, the Russian Defence Ministry said on Tuesday.&nbsp;

The ministry said that Kyiv fired six US-made ATACMS at Russia’s Bryansk region. This comes a day after US President Joe Biden permitted Ukraine to use the US-supplied long-range missiles to attack inside Russia.

Ukrainian forces fired six "ballistic missiles," the ministry said on its official Telegram page, adding that five of these missiles were downed and the sixth was damaged.&nbsp;

"According to confirmed data, American-made ATACMS operational-tactical missiles were used," it added.

"Tonight, at 3:25, the enemy launched a strike on a facility in the Bryansk region with six ballistic missiles. According to confirmed data, American-made ATACMS operational-tactical missiles were used," the department said, as reported by state media RIA Novosti. 
 
It claimed that the S-400 and Pantsir air defence missile systems shot down five missiles and damaged sixth one, fragments of which fell on a&nbsp;military facility, causing a fire. 
 
The ministry stressed the debris fell on the territory of an unspecified military facility.&nbsp;

The fallen debris led to a fire, but no causalities have been reported, the ministry added.&nbsp;

Earlier in the day, Russian President Vladimir Putin&nbsp;signed a decree allowing Moscow to use nuclear weapons against a non-nuclear state&nbsp;receiving backing from nuclear powers.

Kremlin further defended the decree, labelling it as "necessary".

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov&nbsp;said that Russia broadening its rules for the use of nuclear weapons was a "necessary" response to what the country considers Western threats to its security.

As Biden is set to leave the administration in January, the move marks a significant change in the policy of the US in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Meanwhile, President-elect Donald Trump has pledged to limit US support for Ukraine and bring an end to the ongoing war.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-permits-ukraine-to-use-us-supplied-long-range-missiles-to-strike-inside-russia-776920">Also read:&nbsp;Biden permits Ukraine to use US-supplied long-range missiles to strike inside Russia</a>

Biden administration's decision comes months after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky requested permission to use American weapons to strike inside Russia.&nbsp;

<h2>What is the Army Tactical Missile System?</h2>

The Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) is a surface-to-surface ballistic missile that can hit targets at up to 300 km. The range of the missile makes it particularly significant for Ukraine.&nbsp;

ATACMS was built by the defence manufacturer Lockheed Martin. They are fuelled by solid rocket propellant and follow a ballistic path into the atmosphere before coming back down at a high speed and high angle, which makes them difficult to intercept.&nbsp;

Kyiv has been using these missiles on Russian targets in occupied Ukrainian territory for more than a year now.&nbsp;

Till now, the US has never permitted Ukraine to use the ATACMS inside Russian territory. However, Ukraine kept on asking America to allow them to use it.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine War: Biden Allows Ukraine To Use U.S. Arms To Strike Inside Russia

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However, the Ukrainian president has not confirmed anything about these attacks inside Russia. But, on Sunday, he said, "Strikes are not made with words ... The missiles will speak for themselves."

A Western diplomat stressed that it might raise the war cost for Russia.

"I don't think it will be decisive," a Western diplomat in Kyiv told the BBC, requesting anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter. However, it’s an overdue symbolic decision to raise the stakes and demonstrate military support to Ukraine."

"It can raise the war cost for Russia," the diplomat added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine struck Russia with US-made long-range missiles for the first time even as Russian President Vladimir Putin talked of 'nuclear response'. The Ukrainian armed forces carried out their first strike in a border region within Russian territory with an Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) missile, the Russian Defence Ministry said on Tuesday.

Ukraine struck Russia with US-made long-range missiles for the first time even as Russian President Vladimir Putin talked of 'nuclear response'. The Ukrainian armed forces carried out their first strike in a border region within Russian territory with an Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) missile, the Russian Defence Ministry said on Tuesday. The ministry said that Kyiv fired six US-made ATACMS at Russia’s Bryansk region. This comes a day after US President Joe Biden permitted Ukraine to use the US-supplied long-range missiles to attack inside Russia. Ukrainian forces fired six "ballistic missiles," the ministry said on its official Telegram page, adding that five of these missiles were downed and the sixth was damaged. "According to confirmed data, American-made ATACMS operational-tactical missiles were used," it added. "Tonight, at 3:25, the enemy launched a strike on a facility in the Bryansk region with six ballistic missiles. According to confirmed data, American-made ATACMS operational-tactical missiles were used," the department said, as reported by state media RIA Novosti. It claimed that the S-400 and Pantsir air defence missile systems shot down five missiles and damaged sixth one, fragments of which fell on a military facility, causing a fire. The ministry stressed the debris fell on the territory of an unspecified military facility. The fallen debris led to a fire, but no causalities have been reported, the ministry added. Earlier in the day, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree allowing Moscow to use nuclear weapons against a non-nuclear state receiving backing from nuclear powers. Kremlin further defended the decree, labelling it as "necessary". Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that Russia broadening its rules for the use of nuclear weapons was a "necessary" response to what the country considers Western threats to its security. As Biden is set to leave the administration in January, the move marks a significant change in the policy of the US in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Meanwhile, President-elect Donald Trump has pledged to limit US support for Ukraine and bring an end to the ongoing war. Also read: Biden permits Ukraine to use US-supplied long-range missiles to strike inside Russia Biden administration's decision comes months after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky requested permission to use American weapons to strike inside Russia. What is the Army Tactical Missile System? The Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) is a surface-to-surface ballistic missile that can hit targets at up to 300 km. The range of the missile makes it particularly significant for Ukraine. ATACMS was built by the defence manufacturer Lockheed Martin. They are fuelled by solid rocket propellant and follow a ballistic path into the atmosphere before coming back down at a high speed and high angle, which makes them difficult to intercept. Kyiv has been using these missiles on Russian targets in occupied Ukrainian territory for more than a year now. Till now, the US has never permitted Ukraine to use the ATACMS inside Russian territory. However, Ukraine kept on asking America to allow them to use it. Watch | Russia-Ukraine War: Biden Allows Ukraine To Use U.S. Arms To Strike Inside Russia × However, the Ukrainian president has not confirmed anything about these attacks inside Russia. But, on Sunday, he said, "Strikes are not made with words ... The missiles will speak for themselves." A Western diplomat stressed that it might raise the war cost for Russia. "I don't think it will be decisive," a Western diplomat in Kyiv told the BBC, requesting anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter. However, it’s an overdue symbolic decision to raise the stakes and demonstrate military support to Ukraine." "It can raise the war cost for Russia," the diplomat added. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia claims Ukraine fired six US-made long range missiles after Biden admin gave nod for use

Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to visit India soon, Indian news agency ANI reported citing Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin's press secretary, on Tuesday (Nov 19).

The dates are yet to be confirmed.&nbsp;

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"Russian President Vladimir Putin to visit India soon. We are working on the dates," says Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin's press secretary. <a href="https://t.co/2TTy6A9UUO">pic.twitter.com/2TTy6A9UUO</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1858814466277994832?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov, speaking at the Sputnik India event said, "we hope that soon we will figure out the dates of President Putin's visit to India."

Last month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi invited Putin to visit India next year for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indian-pm-modi-invites-russian-president-putin-to-visit-india-for-india-russia-annual-summit-next-year-770054">Also read:&nbsp;PM Modi invites Russian President Putin to Delhi for India-Russia Annual Summit next year</a>

The two leaders met on the sidelines of the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan, marking their second meeting this year. They had earlier met in Moscow for the 22nd India-Russia Annual Summit in July 2024.

The two leaders reviewed bilateral cooperation in various sectors, including political, economic, defence, energy, and people-to-people ties, the Indian prime minister's office said in a press release.

Modi and Putin exchanged views on India-Russia engagement in multilateral fora, in particular in BRICS, according to the press release.&nbsp;

They also shared views on key regional and global issues of mutual interest, including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. PM Modi reiterated that dialogue and diplomacy was the way forward in resolving conflicts.

While reflecting on close ties between India and Russia and his personal rapport with PM Modi, the Russian president quipped that they have such a relationship that the Indian PM will not need a translator.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to visit India soon, Indian news agency ANI reported citing Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin's press secretary, on Tuesday (Nov 19).

Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to visit India soon, Indian news agency ANI reported citing Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin's press secretary, on Tuesday (Nov 19). The dates are yet to be confirmed. "Russian President Vladimir Putin to visit India soon. We are working on the dates," says Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin's press secretary. pic.twitter.com/2TTy6A9UUO — ANI (@ANI) November 19, 2024 × Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov, speaking at the Sputnik India event said, "we hope that soon we will figure out the dates of President Putin's visit to India." Last month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi invited Putin to visit India next year for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit. Also read: PM Modi invites Russian President Putin to Delhi for India-Russia Annual Summit next year The two leaders met on the sidelines of the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan, marking their second meeting this year. They had earlier met in Moscow for the 22nd India-Russia Annual Summit in July 2024. The two leaders reviewed bilateral cooperation in various sectors, including political, economic, defence, energy, and people-to-people ties, the Indian prime minister's office said in a press release. Modi and Putin exchanged views on India-Russia engagement in multilateral fora, in particular in BRICS, according to the press release. They also shared views on key regional and global issues of mutual interest, including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. PM Modi reiterated that dialogue and diplomacy was the way forward in resolving conflicts. While reflecting on close ties between India and Russia and his personal rapport with PM Modi, the Russian president quipped that they have such a relationship that the Indian PM will not need a translator. (With inputs from agencies)

Russian President Putin expected to visit India soon, says Kremlin spokesperson

Russia on Sunday (Nov 17) launched one of the largest air strikes on Ukraine, which as per Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky consisted of 210 missiles and drones, all allegedly targeting civilian infrastructure.

Taking to X, Zelensky said,&nbsp;"This morning began with one of the largest Russian strikes on Ukraine. 210 missiles and drones, including aeroballistic and hypersonic missiles, as well as dozens of Shahed drones, were launched. All of them targeted civilian infrastructure—critical facilities like power plants and transformers."

Ukrainian officials have described the attack as one of the largest since the war began. The attack consisted of 120 missiles and 90 drones, including advanced aeroballistic and hypersonic missiles, reports AFP. The assault forced power cuts in Kyiv and two eastern regions.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-war-russia-targets-ukraine-with-one-of-the-largest-aerial-attacks-says-kyiv-776828">Ukraine war: Russia targets Ukraine with one of the largest aerial attacks, says Kyiv</a>

Slamming Russian President Vladimir Putin, Zelensky added that he "drowns the world in his rhetoric, but his only true message is written in destruction and death, delivered through every missile and drone Russia sends."

<h2>Civilian tragedy in Sumy &nbsp;</h2>

In Ukraine's northeastern region of Sumy, on Sunday, a Russian missile strike on a multi-story residential building killed 10 people, including two children, and injured 52 others.

Calling attention to the attack, Zelensky in his X post said: "This evening, a Russian missile hit a nine-story residential building. There are confirmed fatalities, including children. Many people are wounded."

The president of the war-torn nation added that while emergency services are on the scene and are doing everything to save lives, "what is still missing—and desperately needed—is the principled reaction of the world to this evil."

He urged global leaders meeting at the G20 Summit to act decisively and said: "These days, leaders of the G20 are meeting. The entire world needs them not to turn a blind eye to Russia’s continued terror. Only when the world reacts decisively can the situation change. Russia has involved North Korea in its war—and the reaction has been weak."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-war-zelensky-says-conflict-will-end-sooner-once-trump-becomes-us-president-776658">Ukraine war: Zelensky says conflict will 'end sooner' once Trump becomes US president</a>

With the Ukraine war about to complete 1,000 days, Zelensky noted: "Russia has continued its terror for nearly 1,000 days—and the world’s decisions are still delayed." &nbsp;

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This morning began with one of the largest Russian strikes on Ukraine. 210 missiles and drones, including aeroballistic and hypersonic missiles, as well as dozens of Shahed drones, were launched. All of them targeted civilian infrastructure—critical facilities like power plants… <a href="https://t.co/PriNcqjJ8C">pic.twitter.com/PriNcqjJ8C</a>
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1858247147537199168?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 17, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2>Global outcry &nbsp;</h2>

The international community swiftly condemned the attacks. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, arriving in Brazil for the G20 Summit, called the assault "horrible" and reaffirmed the bloc’s unwavering support for Ukraine, especially in energy recovery efforts. &nbsp;

"We have seen the horrible, horrible attacks this night of Russia against Ukraine, destroying civil energy infrastructure and costing an incredible amount of human lives," she told Brazil's Globo News in an interview.

Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, called the attack on "energy and critical civilian infrastructure" a violation of international humanitarian law.

"Directing attacks against civilians and civilian objects is prohibited by international humanitarian law. Any such attacks are unacceptable and must end immediately."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Russia on Sunday (Nov 17) launched one of the largest air strikes on Ukraine, which as per Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky consisted of 210 missiles and drones, all allegedly targeting civilian infrastructure.

Russia on Sunday (Nov 17) launched one of the largest air strikes on Ukraine, which as per Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky consisted of 210 missiles and drones, all allegedly targeting civilian infrastructure. Taking to X, Zelensky said, "This morning began with one of the largest Russian strikes on Ukraine. 210 missiles and drones, including aeroballistic and hypersonic missiles, as well as dozens of Shahed drones, were launched. All of them targeted civilian infrastructure—critical facilities like power plants and transformers." Ukrainian officials have described the attack as one of the largest since the war began. The attack consisted of 120 missiles and 90 drones, including advanced aeroballistic and hypersonic missiles, reports AFP. The assault forced power cuts in Kyiv and two eastern regions. Also read | Ukraine war: Russia targets Ukraine with one of the largest aerial attacks, says Kyiv Slamming Russian President Vladimir Putin, Zelensky added that he "drowns the world in his rhetoric, but his only true message is written in destruction and death, delivered through every missile and drone Russia sends." Civilian tragedy in Sumy In Ukraine's northeastern region of Sumy, on Sunday, a Russian missile strike on a multi-story residential building killed 10 people, including two children, and injured 52 others. Calling attention to the attack, Zelensky in his X post said: "This evening, a Russian missile hit a nine-story residential building. There are confirmed fatalities, including children. Many people are wounded." The president of the war-torn nation added that while emergency services are on the scene and are doing everything to save lives, "what is still missing—and desperately needed—is the principled reaction of the world to this evil." He urged global leaders meeting at the G20 Summit to act decisively and said: "These days, leaders of the G20 are meeting. The entire world needs them not to turn a blind eye to Russia’s continued terror. Only when the world reacts decisively can the situation change. Russia has involved North Korea in its war—and the reaction has been weak." Also read | Ukraine war: Zelensky says conflict will 'end sooner' once Trump becomes US president With the Ukraine war about to complete 1,000 days, Zelensky noted: "Russia has continued its terror for nearly 1,000 days—and the world’s decisions are still delayed." This morning began with one of the largest Russian strikes on Ukraine. 210 missiles and drones, including aeroballistic and hypersonic missiles, as well as dozens of Shahed drones, were launched. All of them targeted civilian infrastructure—critical facilities like power plants… pic.twitter.com/PriNcqjJ8C — Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) November 17, 2024 × Global outcry The international community swiftly condemned the attacks. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, arriving in Brazil for the G20 Summit, called the assault "horrible" and reaffirmed the bloc’s unwavering support for Ukraine, especially in energy recovery efforts. "We have seen the horrible, horrible attacks this night of Russia against Ukraine, destroying civil energy infrastructure and costing an incredible amount of human lives," she told Brazil's Globo News in an interview. Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, called the attack on "energy and critical civilian infrastructure" a violation of international humanitarian law. "Directing attacks against civilians and civilian objects is prohibited by international humanitarian law. Any such attacks are unacceptable and must end immediately." (With inputs from agencies)

Zelensky slams Russia's 'destruction and death' after largest air strike on Ukraine

When Yuriy Shelmuk co-founded a company last year making drone signal jammers, he said there was little interest in the devices. The company now produces 2,500 jammers a month and has a six-week waiting list.

Demand shifted after the failure of a major Ukrainian counteroffensive in the summer of 2023 that was meant to put invading Russian forces on the back foot. Kyiv cited Russia’s extensive use of unmanned aerial vehicles to spot and strike targets, as well as vast numbers of landmines and troops.

”Concentrated, cheap aerial drones stopped all our assaults,” Shelmuk said. ”There was an understanding that a new game changer had appeared.”

The vast majority of more than 800 companies in Ukraine’s burgeoning defence production sector were founded after Russia’s 2022 full-scale invasion that enters its 1,000th day on Tuesday.

Many were set up in response to rapidly evolving battlefield conditions, including drones – first in the skies and then also on land and at sea – as well as anti-drone technology and, increasingly, artificial intelligence.

”The Ukrainian military-industrial sector is the fastest innovating sector in the entire world right now,” said Halyna Yanchenko, a Ukrainian lawmaker who has advocated for local arms manufacturers in parliament.

Both Ukraine and Russia are on track to make around 1.5 million drones this year, mostly small ”first-person view” vehicles that cost a few hundred dollars apiece and can be piloted remotely to identify and attack enemy targets.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zelensky-slams-russias-destruction-and-death-after-largest-air-strike-on-ukraine-776935">'World’s decisions are delayed,' says Zelensky after Russia's massive strike</a>

In February, Ukrainian troops were already telling Reuters that the preponderance of Russian drones made it harder for them to move around freely and build fortifications.

Shelmuk’s company, Unwave, is one of some 30 firms manufacturing such systems, which block signals and use various means to disrupt computer systems inside drones.

Most anti-drone EW systems jam one, or at best a small handful of radio frequencies, meaning Russian drone pilots can sidestep jamming by hopping on to a new frequency.

EW makers thus monitor Russian drone-related online chats to understand which frequencies their drones will use.

<h2>'War of robots’</h2>

As losses mount and exhaustion sets in, both sides in the war are trying to replace humans with machines.

Ukraine has struggled to replenish units depleted over time by fighting; Russia has reportedly turned to North Korea.

Seven officials and industry figures told Reuters automation would be the main focus of battlefield innovation in the coming year.

”The number of infantrymen deployed in trenches has decreased significantly, and combat command is possible to do online from a remote point, which reduces the risk of personnel being killed,” said Ostap Flyunt, an officer in the 67th mechanised brigade.

Ukraine now has more than 160 companies building unmanned ground vehicles, according to state-backed defence accelerator Brave1. They can be used to deliver supplies, evacuate wounded or carry remotely operated machine guns.

An army colonel, callsign Hephaestus, recently left the military to start building automated machine gun systems. He said six of his products were already substituting human gunners on the front, allowing them to operate the weapons on a screen far away from danger.

Flyunt said this was increasingly common.&nbsp;”Modern war is a confrontation of technologies for detection, jamming, and destruction at a distance, leaving to the operator only the ability to make decisions about strikes,” he said.

Arms minister Herman Smetanin also said remote warfare, including using artificial intelligence, was on the increase.

”In the near future, this will be the main direction of development, the war of robots,” he told Reuters. ”It’s about people’s lives, we need to protect them.”

Ukraine hopes an innovative defence sector will provide a new foundation for an economy devastated by the invasion.

The country has poured $1.5 billion into upgrading defence manufacturing which had stagnated since Soviet times, arms minister Smetanin said, although it still relies on Western allies for shells, missiles and air defences.

Defence production capacity has grown from $1 billion in 2022 to $20 billion in 2024, but Ukraine can only afford to buy about half of that, the minister said, leaving the extra manufacturing capacity unused.

Some manufacturers complain of strict limits on profit margins and a lack of long-term state procurement contracts – an issue President Volodymyr Zelensky has said he intends to address.

Four companies Reuters spoke to also said they struggled to find enough qualified staff.

Kateryna Mykhalko, director of Tech Force in UA, an association of private defence manufacturers, said 85% of 38 firms surveyed by her organisation were either considering relocating operations abroad or had already done so.

The thorniest issue for many is a wartime ban on arms exports that companies want repealed in order to generate capital for expansion. Officials are concerned about public disapproval of an aid-dependent country at war exporting arms.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

When Yuriy Shelmuk co-founded a company last year making drone signal jammers, he said there was little interest in the devices. The company now produces 2,500 jammers a month and has a six-week waiting list.

When Yuriy Shelmuk co-founded a company last year making drone signal jammers, he said there was little interest in the devices. The company now produces 2,500 jammers a month and has a six-week waiting list. Demand shifted after the failure of a major Ukrainian counteroffensive in the summer of 2023 that was meant to put invading Russian forces on the back foot. Kyiv cited Russia’s extensive use of unmanned aerial vehicles to spot and strike targets, as well as vast numbers of landmines and troops. ”Concentrated, cheap aerial drones stopped all our assaults,” Shelmuk said. ”There was an understanding that a new game changer had appeared.” The vast majority of more than 800 companies in Ukraine’s burgeoning defence production sector were founded after Russia’s 2022 full-scale invasion that enters its 1,000th day on Tuesday. Many were set up in response to rapidly evolving battlefield conditions, including drones – first in the skies and then also on land and at sea – as well as anti-drone technology and, increasingly, artificial intelligence. ”The Ukrainian military-industrial sector is the fastest innovating sector in the entire world right now,” said Halyna Yanchenko, a Ukrainian lawmaker who has advocated for local arms manufacturers in parliament. Both Ukraine and Russia are on track to make around 1.5 million drones this year, mostly small ”first-person view” vehicles that cost a few hundred dollars apiece and can be piloted remotely to identify and attack enemy targets. Also read: 'World’s decisions are delayed,' says Zelensky after Russia's massive strike In February, Ukrainian troops were already telling Reuters that the preponderance of Russian drones made it harder for them to move around freely and build fortifications. Shelmuk’s company, Unwave, is one of some 30 firms manufacturing such systems, which block signals and use various means to disrupt computer systems inside drones. Most anti-drone EW systems jam one, or at best a small handful of radio frequencies, meaning Russian drone pilots can sidestep jamming by hopping on to a new frequency. EW makers thus monitor Russian drone-related online chats to understand which frequencies their drones will use. 'War of robots’ As losses mount and exhaustion sets in, both sides in the war are trying to replace humans with machines. Ukraine has struggled to replenish units depleted over time by fighting; Russia has reportedly turned to North Korea. Seven officials and industry figures told Reuters automation would be the main focus of battlefield innovation in the coming year. ”The number of infantrymen deployed in trenches has decreased significantly, and combat command is possible to do online from a remote point, which reduces the risk of personnel being killed,” said Ostap Flyunt, an officer in the 67th mechanised brigade. Ukraine now has more than 160 companies building unmanned ground vehicles, according to state-backed defence accelerator Brave1. They can be used to deliver supplies, evacuate wounded or carry remotely operated machine guns. An army colonel, callsign Hephaestus, recently left the military to start building automated machine gun systems. He said six of his products were already substituting human gunners on the front, allowing them to operate the weapons on a screen far away from danger. Flyunt said this was increasingly common. ”Modern war is a confrontation of technologies for detection, jamming, and destruction at a distance, leaving to the operator only the ability to make decisions about strikes,” he said. Arms minister Herman Smetanin also said remote warfare, including using artificial intelligence, was on the increase. ”In the near future, this will be the main direction of development, the war of robots,” he told Reuters. ”It’s about people’s lives, we need to protect them.” Ukraine hopes an innovative defence sector will provide a new foundation for an economy devastated by the invasion. The country has poured $1.5 billion into upgrading defence manufacturing which had stagnated since Soviet times, arms minister Smetanin said, although it still relies on Western allies for shells, missiles and air defences. Defence production capacity has grown from $1 billion in 2022 to $20 billion in 2024, but Ukraine can only afford to buy about half of that, the minister said, leaving the extra manufacturing capacity unused. Some manufacturers complain of strict limits on profit margins and a lack of long-term state procurement contracts – an issue President Volodymyr Zelensky has said he intends to address. Four companies Reuters spoke to also said they struggled to find enough qualified staff. Kateryna Mykhalko, director of Tech Force in UA, an association of private defence manufacturers, said 85% of 38 firms surveyed by her organisation were either considering relocating operations abroad or had already done so. The thorniest issue for many is a wartime ban on arms exports that companies want repealed in order to generate capital for expansion. Officials are concerned about public disapproval of an aid-dependent country at war exporting arms. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

1,000 days of Russia and Ukraine war: Inside defence revolution as drones take over the battlefield

Around 1,500 supporters of Russia's opposition, who are now in exile, marched through central Berlin on Sunday. The protest, led by Yulia Navalnaya, was organised to condemn Moscow's invasion of Ukraine. Protesters chanted slogans like "No to war!" and "No to Putin!" as they made their way through the German capital.

The event was organised to denounce the ongoing war in Ukraine as well as to express solidarity with political prisoners still in Russia. Since protests in Russia are not possible due to government repression, opposition leaders are working to rally the large number of Russians who have left the country since the invasion began in 2022.

"Putin is a murderer," said Yulia Navalnaya, who has become a prominent leader of the opposition since her husband Alexei Navalny’s death. She led the demonstration alongside Ilya Yashin, a long-time critic of Putin and former Moscow city councillor, and Vladimir Kara-Murza, another activist. Both Yashin and Kara-Murza were recently released from prison.

In a statement, protesters made their demands clear, calling for "the immediate withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine, the trial of Vladimir Putin as a war criminal, and the release of all political prisoners in Russia."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-war-russia-targets-ukraine-with-one-of-the-largest-aerial-attacks-says-kyiv-776828">Russia targets Ukraine with one of the largest aerial attacks, says Kyiv</a>

Before the march, Yashin emphasised the importance of the protest, saying that they were "using the freedom we have here in Berlin to show the world: A peaceful, free, and civilised Russia exists." Organisers also wanted to send a message that not all Russians support the Kremlin’s actions. They estimated around 2,000 people participated in the demonstration.

The Kremlin has dismissed the protest. Its spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, called the organisers "monstrously detached from their country” and said “their opinion has no importance."

In a separate development, Russia launched a massive airstrike targeting Ukraine's energy infrastructure early Sunday morning, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Reports indicate that Russian forces fired about 120 missiles and 90 drones in the attack.

(With inputs from agencies)

Around 1,500 supporters of Russia's opposition, who are now in exile, marched through central Berlin on Sunday. The protest, led by Yulia Navalnaya, was organised to condemn Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.

Around 1,500 supporters of Russia's opposition, who are now in exile, marched through central Berlin on Sunday. The protest, led by Yulia Navalnaya, was organised to condemn Moscow's invasion of Ukraine. Protesters chanted slogans like "No to war!" and "No to Putin!" as they made their way through the German capital. The event was organised to denounce the ongoing war in Ukraine as well as to express solidarity with political prisoners still in Russia. Since protests in Russia are not possible due to government repression, opposition leaders are working to rally the large number of Russians who have left the country since the invasion began in 2022. "Putin is a murderer," said Yulia Navalnaya, who has become a prominent leader of the opposition since her husband Alexei Navalny’s death. She led the demonstration alongside Ilya Yashin, a long-time critic of Putin and former Moscow city councillor, and Vladimir Kara-Murza, another activist. Both Yashin and Kara-Murza were recently released from prison. In a statement, protesters made their demands clear, calling for "the immediate withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine, the trial of Vladimir Putin as a war criminal, and the release of all political prisoners in Russia." Also read: Russia targets Ukraine with one of the largest aerial attacks, says Kyiv Before the march, Yashin emphasised the importance of the protest, saying that they were "using the freedom we have here in Berlin to show the world: A peaceful, free, and civilised Russia exists." Organisers also wanted to send a message that not all Russians support the Kremlin’s actions. They estimated around 2,000 people participated in the demonstration. The Kremlin has dismissed the protest. Its spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, called the organisers "monstrously detached from their country” and said “their opinion has no importance." In a separate development, Russia launched a massive airstrike targeting Ukraine's energy infrastructure early Sunday morning, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Reports indicate that Russian forces fired about 120 missiles and 90 drones in the attack. (With inputs from agencies)

Yulia Navalnaya, exiled Russians in Berlin chant ‘No to Putin!’ in anti-war protest

The United States on Tuesday (Nov 12) expressed concern over North Korea's decision to supply troops to Russia “to continue their brutal war against Ukraine”.

During a daily press briefing, State Department spokesperson Vedant Patel confirmed that thousands of North Korean troops in Russia have started “engaging in combat operations” alongside Russian forces on the Ukraine border.

This comes as Russia and North Korea both ratified a historic defence pact, deepening their mutual support and military cooperation. This treaty would see the two nations provide each other military support “without delay” if either nation comes under attack.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-ratifies-historic-defence-pact-with-russia-strengthening-military-ties-775499">North Korea ratifies historic defence pact with Russia, strengthening military ties</a>

<h2>US concerned by Russia-North Korea's deepening ties</h2>

When asked about Russian President Vladimir Putin's rationalisation of the dispatch of North Korean troops by signing a military treaty, Patel said, “We are incredibly concerned by Russia’s decision to turn to the DPRK (Democratic People's Republic of Korea — North Korea's official name) to supply soldiers to continue their brutal war against Ukraine”.

“Today I can confirm that over 10,000 DPRK soldiers have been sent to eastern Russia, and most of them have moved to the far western Kursk Oblast, where they have begun engaging in combat operations with Russian forces,” he said.

The State Department spokesperson further revealed that the Russian forces have trained their North Korean counterparts in “UAV and basic infantry operations, including trench clearing, which are critical skills for frontline operations”.

“The United States is consulting closely with our allies and partners and other countries in the region on the implications of this, on these developments,” he added.

<div>
Also read | <a class="WlydOe" data-sb="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-and-north-korea-deeen-ties-with-mutual-defence-treaty-774921&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj1jqmItNaJAxXlTGwGHUqSM0EQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE&amp;usg=AOvVaw13wvDdiP9nGdXBKhF9Vrzk" data-ved="2ahUKEwj1jqmItNaJAxXlTGwGHUqSM0EQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-and-north-korea-deeen-ties-with-mutual-defence-treaty-774921" jsname="YKoRaf">Russia and North Korea deepen ties with mutual defence treaty</a>
</div>

<h2>Denuclearisation of North Korea</h2>

When asked about Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov's statement that the concept of North Korea’s denuclearisation is already a closed issue, Patel said “complete denuclearisation” of the Korean Peninsula remains the “cornerstone” of the US approach to the DPRK.

(With inputs from agencies)

The United States on Tuesday (Nov 12) expressed concern over North Korea's decision to supply troops to Russia “to continue their brutal war against Ukraine”. During a daily press briefing, State Department spokesperson Vedant Patel confirmed that thousands of North Korean troops in Russia have started “engaging in combat operations” alongside Russian forces on the Ukraine border.

The United States on Tuesday (Nov 12) expressed concern over North Korea's decision to supply troops to Russia “to continue their brutal war against Ukraine”. During a daily press briefing, State Department spokesperson Vedant Patel confirmed that thousands of North Korean troops in Russia have started “engaging in combat operations” alongside Russian forces on the Ukraine border. This comes as Russia and North Korea both ratified a historic defence pact, deepening their mutual support and military cooperation. This treaty would see the two nations provide each other military support “without delay” if either nation comes under attack. Also read | North Korea ratifies historic defence pact with Russia, strengthening military ties US concerned by Russia-North Korea's deepening ties When asked about Russian President Vladimir Putin's rationalisation of the dispatch of North Korean troops by signing a military treaty, Patel said, “We are incredibly concerned by Russia’s decision to turn to the DPRK (Democratic People's Republic of Korea — North Korea's official name) to supply soldiers to continue their brutal war against Ukraine”. “Today I can confirm that over 10,000 DPRK soldiers have been sent to eastern Russia, and most of them have moved to the far western Kursk Oblast, where they have begun engaging in combat operations with Russian forces,” he said. The State Department spokesperson further revealed that the Russian forces have trained their North Korean counterparts in “UAV and basic infantry operations, including trench clearing, which are critical skills for frontline operations”. “The United States is consulting closely with our allies and partners and other countries in the region on the implications of this, on these developments,” he added. Also read | Russia and North Korea deepen ties with mutual defence treaty Denuclearisation of North Korea When asked about Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov's statement that the concept of North Korea’s denuclearisation is already a closed issue, Patel said “complete denuclearisation” of the Korean Peninsula remains the “cornerstone” of the US approach to the DPRK. (With inputs from agencies)

US 'incredibly concerned' by North Korea troops in Russia, confirms 10,000 soldiers have joined Ukraine war

Russia on Wednesday (Nov 13) escalated its assault on Ukraine, launching a barrage of drones and missiles, marking its first combined aerial attack on the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv in over two months.

This escalation comes amid critical developments on the battlefield, with Russian forces advancing in eastern Ukraine and fresh concerns about the future of American aid to Kyiv following Republican candidate Donald Trump’s election victory.

<h2>Moscow's attack</h2>

The pre-dawn barrage sent explosions echoing across Kyiv and saw residents seeking shelter in an underground metro station.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-incredibly-concerned-by-north-korea-troops-in-russia-confirms-10000-soldiers-have-joined-ukraine-war-775668">US 'incredibly concerned' by North Korea troops in Russia, confirms 10,000 soldiers have joined Ukraine war</a>

Kyiv officials reported one injury in the suburb of Brovary, where debris from a downed drone struck a man. Emergency crews released images of firefighters extinguishing flames at various impact sites.

Simultaneously, the southern Ukrainian region of Kherson, which Russia claims as part of its territory, faced a separate drone attack, resulting in the death of a 52-year-old woman, according to the region's governor. Air raid alarms in Kyiv began sounding around 04:30 GMT, warning of an impending missile strike.

“As missiles were approaching Kyiv, the enemy simultaneously launched a ballistic missile attack on the capital. The enemy attack ended with another drone strike,” said the city authorities.

Just a day earlier, a Russian strike on President Volodymyr Zelensky’s hometown claimed the lives of a young mother and her three children.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/top-un-official-describes-gaza-as-wasteland-of-rubble-says-civilians-face-daily-cruelty-at-israels-hands-775770">Top UN official describes Gaza as 'wasteland of rubble' says civilians face 'daily cruelty' at Israel's hands</a>

Before that, last week, both Russia and Ukraine launched record overnight drone strikes against each other.

Ukraine, for months, has been urgently calling for more air defence systems from Western allies to counter these increasingly aggressive attacks by Russia. However, now with Trump's win in the United States the aid which Kyiv has been receiving from the US is in peril, as the president-elect has been known to call the assistance a drain on American resources.

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos&nbsp;and&nbsp;videos.

Russia on Wednesday (Nov 13) escalated its assault on Ukraine, launching a barrage of drones and missiles, marking its first combined aerial attack on the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv in over two months.

Russia on Wednesday (Nov 13) escalated its assault on Ukraine, launching a barrage of drones and missiles, marking its first combined aerial attack on the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv in over two months. This escalation comes amid critical developments on the battlefield, with Russian forces advancing in eastern Ukraine and fresh concerns about the future of American aid to Kyiv following Republican candidate Donald Trump’s election victory. Moscow's attack The pre-dawn barrage sent explosions echoing across Kyiv and saw residents seeking shelter in an underground metro station. Also read | US 'incredibly concerned' by North Korea troops in Russia, confirms 10,000 soldiers have joined Ukraine war Kyiv officials reported one injury in the suburb of Brovary, where debris from a downed drone struck a man. Emergency crews released images of firefighters extinguishing flames at various impact sites. Simultaneously, the southern Ukrainian region of Kherson, which Russia claims as part of its territory, faced a separate drone attack, resulting in the death of a 52-year-old woman, according to the region's governor. Air raid alarms in Kyiv began sounding around 04:30 GMT, warning of an impending missile strike. “As missiles were approaching Kyiv, the enemy simultaneously launched a ballistic missile attack on the capital. The enemy attack ended with another drone strike,” said the city authorities. Just a day earlier, a Russian strike on President Volodymyr Zelensky’s hometown claimed the lives of a young mother and her three children. Also read | Top UN official describes Gaza as 'wasteland of rubble' says civilians face 'daily cruelty' at Israel's hands Before that, last week, both Russia and Ukraine launched record overnight drone strikes against each other. Ukraine, for months, has been urgently calling for more air defence systems from Western allies to counter these increasingly aggressive attacks by Russia. However, now with Trump's win in the United States the aid which Kyiv has been receiving from the US is in peril, as the president-elect has been known to call the assistance a drain on American resources. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Russia escalates attack on Ukraine, hits Kyiv with major drone and missile strikes

North Korea has officially ratified a historic defence pact with Russia, deepening their mutual support and military cooperation. This comes as Pyongyang reportedly sent thousands of troops to bolster Moscow’s forces in Ukraine.

<h2>Ratified as a decree</h2>

North Korean state media Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on Tuesday (Nov 12) reported that the deal “was ratified as a decree” of leader Kim Jong Un.

Russia unanimously approved the pact last week, with President Vladimir Putin adding his signature soon after.

“The treaty will take effect from the day when both sides exchanged the ratification instruments,” it added.

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Kim and Putin initially forged the treaty during Putin's June visit to North Korea, aiming to secure each other’s military support “without delay” if either nation comes under attack, and promising resistance to Western sanctions. Putin called the deal a “breakthrough document.”

This bilateral ratification, as per Hong Min, a senior analyst at the Korea Institute for National Unification means that “Pyongyang and Moscow will claim legitimacy for North Korea's military deployment to Russia, arguing that this action is justified by the ratified treaty between the two”.

“While their treaty does not override UN resolutions prohibiting such cooperation, they will assert its legitimacy based on their agreement,” Hong added.

The treaty, some experts warn, could pave the way for even greater deployments of North Korean soldiers to Russia in the future.

“This raises the prospect of additional, potentially larger deployments of North Korean manpower to Russia in the future.”

Also read | <a class="WlydOe" data-sb="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korean-soldiers-have-become-porn-addicts-amid-russia-ukraine-war-report-773890&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj1jqmItNaJAxXlTGwGHUqSM0EQxfQBKAB6BAgQEAE&amp;usg=AOvVaw242K_AE_eAyGJXl6xBDuKJ" data-ved="2ahUKEwj1jqmItNaJAxXlTGwGHUqSM0EQxfQBKAB6BAgQEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korean-soldiers-have-become-porn-addicts-amid-russia-ukraine-war-report-773890" jsname="YKoRaf">North Korean soldiers have become porn addicts amid Russia-Ukraine war: Report</a>

<h2>Deepening Russia-North Korea ties</h2>

The pact marks a deepening of Russia-North Korea relations, especially since Moscow’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

It comes as Western and South Korean sources allege North Korea has supplied Russia with weaponry, with Ukrainian forensic teams claiming to have found North Korean arms at Russian attack sites. Additionally, reports suggest that North Korea has sent thousands of its troops to Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has alleged that a few of the around 11,000 personnel have been involved in combat in Russia's Kursk region. However, Russia has not verified these reports.

Recent reports citing Western intelligence officers also back Zelensky's claims that a small number of North Korean troops are already “in action” inside Ukraine.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

North Korea has officially ratified a historic defence pact with Russia, deepening their mutual support and military cooperation. This comes as Pyongyang reportedly sent thousands of troops to bolster Moscow’s forces in Ukraine.

North Korea has officially ratified a historic defence pact with Russia, deepening their mutual support and military cooperation. This comes as Pyongyang reportedly sent thousands of troops to bolster Moscow’s forces in Ukraine. Ratified as a decree North Korean state media Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on Tuesday (Nov 12) reported that the deal “was ratified as a decree” of leader Kim Jong Un. Russia unanimously approved the pact last week, with President Vladimir Putin adding his signature soon after. “The treaty will take effect from the day when both sides exchanged the ratification instruments,” it added. Also read | Russia and North Korea deepen ties with mutual defence treaty Kim and Putin initially forged the treaty during Putin's June visit to North Korea, aiming to secure each other’s military support “without delay” if either nation comes under attack, and promising resistance to Western sanctions. Putin called the deal a “breakthrough document.” This bilateral ratification, as per Hong Min, a senior analyst at the Korea Institute for National Unification means that “Pyongyang and Moscow will claim legitimacy for North Korea's military deployment to Russia, arguing that this action is justified by the ratified treaty between the two”. “While their treaty does not override UN resolutions prohibiting such cooperation, they will assert its legitimacy based on their agreement,” Hong added. The treaty, some experts warn, could pave the way for even greater deployments of North Korean soldiers to Russia in the future. “This raises the prospect of additional, potentially larger deployments of North Korean manpower to Russia in the future.” Also read | North Korean soldiers have become porn addicts amid Russia-Ukraine war: Report Deepening Russia-North Korea ties The pact marks a deepening of Russia-North Korea relations, especially since Moscow’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. It comes as Western and South Korean sources allege North Korea has supplied Russia with weaponry, with Ukrainian forensic teams claiming to have found North Korean arms at Russian attack sites. Additionally, reports suggest that North Korea has sent thousands of its troops to Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has alleged that a few of the around 11,000 personnel have been involved in combat in Russia's Kursk region. However, Russia has not verified these reports. Recent reports citing Western intelligence officers also back Zelensky's claims that a small number of North Korean troops are already “in action” inside Ukraine. (With inputs from agencies)

North Korea ratifies historic defence pact with Russia, strengthening military ties

Russia and Ukraine both launched an unprecedented exchange of drone attacks overnight — despite a recent call between US president-elect Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin over de-escalation.

Trump’s call with Russian President Vladimir Putin happened on Thursday (Nov 7) but was not reported till now. According to The Washington Post, the call had the president-elect warn Putin of “Washington's sizeable military presence in Europe”.

However, on Sunday (Nov 10) and overnight, both Russia and Ukraine launched record drone assaults.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sizeable-military-presence-in-europe-trump-warns-putin-against-escalating-ukraine-war-775063">Trump warns Putin against escalating Ukraine war in post-election call</a>

<h2>Record drone strikes</h2>

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported that Russia unleashed 145 drones in a single night, a historic high for a single night in the war, so far.

“Last night, Russia launched a record 145 Shaheds and other strike drones against Ukraine,” said Zelensky on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter).

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This week, our air defense forces have been working day and night to protect Ukraine’s skies from Russian terror. Last night, Russia launched a record 145 Shaheds and other strike drones against Ukraine. Throughout the week, Russia has used more than 800 guided aerial bombs,… <a href="https://t.co/ENhfkUZISX">pic.twitter.com/ENhfkUZISX</a>
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1855557102028161405?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 10, 2024</a></blockquote>
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“Throughout the week, Russia has used more than 800 guided aerial bombs, around 600 strike drones, and nearly 20 missiles of various types,” he added.

Urging allies to do more to help his country's defence, the Ukrainian president said, “Such&nbsp;terror cannot be stopped with words, and the killing of children and the loss of loved ones cannot simply be forgotten.”

“Without justice, there is no lasting peace, and it is quite realistic for Ukraine to achieve it,” he remarked.

Moscow also claimed to have intercepted 34 Ukrainian drones targeting the Russian capital on Sunday. This marks Kyiv's largest attempted strike on Moscow since Russia’s offensive began in 2022.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russia and Ukraine both launched an unprecedented exchange of drone attacks overnight — despite a recent call between US president-elect Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin over de-escalation.

Russia and Ukraine both launched an unprecedented exchange of drone attacks overnight — despite a recent call between US president-elect Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin over de-escalation. Trump’s call with Russian President Vladimir Putin happened on Thursday (Nov 7) but was not reported till now. According to The Washington Post, the call had the president-elect warn Putin of “Washington's sizeable military presence in Europe”. However, on Sunday (Nov 10) and overnight, both Russia and Ukraine launched record drone assaults. Also read: Trump warns Putin against escalating Ukraine war in post-election call Record drone strikes Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported that Russia unleashed 145 drones in a single night, a historic high for a single night in the war, so far. “Last night, Russia launched a record 145 Shaheds and other strike drones against Ukraine,” said Zelensky on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter). This week, our air defense forces have been working day and night to protect Ukraine’s skies from Russian terror. Last night, Russia launched a record 145 Shaheds and other strike drones against Ukraine. Throughout the week, Russia has used more than 800 guided aerial bombs,… pic.twitter.com/ENhfkUZISX — Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) November 10, 2024 × “Throughout the week, Russia has used more than 800 guided aerial bombs, around 600 strike drones, and nearly 20 missiles of various types,” he added. Urging allies to do more to help his country's defence, the Ukrainian president said, “Such terror cannot be stopped with words, and the killing of children and the loss of loved ones cannot simply be forgotten.” “Without justice, there is no lasting peace, and it is quite realistic for Ukraine to achieve it,” he remarked. Moscow also claimed to have intercepted 34 Ukrainian drones targeting the Russian capital on Sunday. This marks Kyiv's largest attempted strike on Moscow since Russia’s offensive began in 2022. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia and Ukraine exchange record drone strikes despite Trump-Putin call

Russia is now likely to get a 'ministry of sex' to solve the issue of the dropped birth rate in the country.&nbsp;

Russian President Vladimir Putin-loyalist Nina Ostanina - who is the chairperson of the Russian parliament’s committee on Family Protection, Paternity, Maternity and Childhood - has been looking into a petition demanding such a ministry.&nbsp;

The petition came in the wake of Russian officials coming up with different ideas to put a stop to the demographic slide in the country as has been asked by Putin, as reported by Western media outlets.

<h2>Bizarre proposals of Russian officials to increase population</h2>

Russian officials have come up with different kinds of proposals to increase the population of the country. In one of the proposals, people were encouraged to switch off the internet as well as the lights in their houses between 10 pm and 2 am and have sex to create babies.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korean-soldiers-have-become-porn-addicts-amid-russia-ukraine-war-report-773890">North Korean soldiers have become porn addicts amid Russia-Ukraine war: Report</a>

In another proposal, the state was asked to pay stay-at-home women, who are raising their children, for the housework they do and also include it in their pension calculations.

Another proposal says that the couple should be paid up to 5,000 roubles ($51.06) for their first dates by the state.

In one proposal, it was stated that wedding night couples should be booked in hotels using public cash with a limit of 26,300 roubles ($268.60) with the hope of future pregnancies.

According to a report published in Moskvich magazine, the Ministry of Sex will take charge of initiatives which are aimed at boosting the birthrate and have been proposed in a petition filed by GlavPR agency.

A lot of Russian regions have also made their own plans for encouraging people to have children. In a new initiative, the female students in the Khabarovsk region - who are between the ages of 18 to 23 - are being given £900 ($1,162) on the birth of a child under the new initiative.

Watch:&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine War: Zelensky Says 'Unacceptable to Offer Russia Concessions on Ukraine'

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Chelyabinsk has been paying £8,500 ($10,979) to students on the birth of their first child.&nbsp;

Regional health minister Dr Yevgeny Shestopalov has asked Russians to introduce the sex-at-work scheme in their lives which suggested creating babies during lunch and coffee breaks.&nbsp;

“You can engage in procreation during breaks because life flies by too quickly,” Shestopalov said.

However, in Moscow, the state has been intruding into the sex lives of women and forcing them to have more babies.

The female public sector workers are being asked intimate questions regarding sex and menstruation and if they are refusing to answer them, they are being asked to go to doctors.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russia is now likely to get a 'ministry of sex' to solve the issue of the dropped birth rate in the country. Russian President Vladimir Putin-loyalist Nina Ostanina - who is the chairperson of the Russian parliament’s committee on Family Protection, Paternity, Maternity and Childhood - has been looking into a petition demanding such a ministry.

Russia is now likely to get a 'ministry of sex' to solve the issue of the dropped birth rate in the country. Russian President Vladimir Putin-loyalist Nina Ostanina - who is the chairperson of the Russian parliament’s committee on Family Protection, Paternity, Maternity and Childhood - has been looking into a petition demanding such a ministry. The petition came in the wake of Russian officials coming up with different ideas to put a stop to the demographic slide in the country as has been asked by Putin, as reported by Western media outlets. Bizarre proposals of Russian officials to increase population Russian officials have come up with different kinds of proposals to increase the population of the country. In one of the proposals, people were encouraged to switch off the internet as well as the lights in their houses between 10 pm and 2 am and have sex to create babies. Also Read: North Korean soldiers have become porn addicts amid Russia-Ukraine war: Report In another proposal, the state was asked to pay stay-at-home women, who are raising their children, for the housework they do and also include it in their pension calculations. Another proposal says that the couple should be paid up to 5,000 roubles ($51.06) for their first dates by the state. In one proposal, it was stated that wedding night couples should be booked in hotels using public cash with a limit of 26,300 roubles ($268.60) with the hope of future pregnancies. According to a report published in Moskvich magazine, the Ministry of Sex will take charge of initiatives which are aimed at boosting the birthrate and have been proposed in a petition filed by GlavPR agency. A lot of Russian regions have also made their own plans for encouraging people to have children. In a new initiative, the female students in the Khabarovsk region - who are between the ages of 18 to 23 - are being given £900 ($1,162) on the birth of a child under the new initiative. Watch: Russia-Ukraine War: Zelensky Says 'Unacceptable to Offer Russia Concessions on Ukraine' Chelyabinsk has been paying £8,500 ($10,979) to students on the birth of their first child. Regional health minister Dr Yevgeny Shestopalov has asked Russians to introduce the sex-at-work scheme in their lives which suggested creating babies during lunch and coffee breaks. “You can engage in procreation during breaks because life flies by too quickly,” Shestopalov said. However, in Moscow, the state has been intruding into the sex lives of women and forcing them to have more babies. The female public sector workers are being asked intimate questions regarding sex and menstruation and if they are refusing to answer them, they are being asked to go to doctors. (With inputs from agencies)

Putin plans to introduce 'ministry of sex' in Russia amid drooping birth rate

Ukraine early on Sunday (Nov 9) launched a major drone assault on Moscow targeting the Russian capital with at least 25 drones, in what has been described as one of the largest Ukrainian attacks on the city since the conflict began.

Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin confirmed the drone assault and said that all the drones were downed.

These strikes come as Russia hosted diplomats and officials from approximately 50 African nations at a ministerial conference in Sochi on the Black Sea.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-and-north-korea-deeen-ties-with-mutual-defence-treaty-774921">Russia and North Korea deepen ties with mutual defence treaty</a>

<h2>Russia destroys Ukrainian drones</h2>

Mayor Sobyanin, in a post on Telegram, said,&nbsp;“In all, 25 drones were destroyed”. These drones, he said, were heading for Moscow’s Ramenskoye and Kolomensky districts and Domodedovo city to the southwest — a region with a population of more than 21 million, as per AFP.

Officially, no casualties or damage have been reported. However, reports on social media suggest some structural damage in places.

“According to preliminary information, there is no damage or casualties at the site of the fall of the debris,” Sobyanin added on the Telegram messaging app. “Emergency services are on the sites.”

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-plans-to-introduce-ministry-of-sex-in-russia-amid-drooping-birth-rate-774906">Putin plans to introduce 'ministry of sex' in Russia amid drooping birth rate</a>

The drone attack temporarily halted operations at Moscow’s Domodedovo and Zhukovsky airports.

Russia’s federal air transport agency, Rosaviatsia, in a statement, said that “to ensure the safety of civil aircraft flights, temporary restrictions have been introduced on the operation of the Domodedovo and Zhukovo airports,” starting at 0530 GMT. However, it did not specify how long the restrictions would remain in place.

Ukrainian officials have previously indicated these strikes that often target Russian energy production sites are retaliatory responses to Moscow's bombardments on Ukrainian energy and infrastructure sites since the war’s onset.

Elsewhere, Ukrainian drones reportedly set fire to several non-residential buildings in Russia’s Kaluga and Bryansk regions. Local authorities claim to have neutralised 17 drones over Bryansk.

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos

Ukraine early on Sunday (Nov 9) launched a major drone assault on Moscow targeting the Russian capital with at least 25 drones, in what has been described as one of the largest Ukrainian attacks on the city since the conflict began.

Ukraine early on Sunday (Nov 9) launched a major drone assault on Moscow targeting the Russian capital with at least 25 drones, in what has been described as one of the largest Ukrainian attacks on the city since the conflict began. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin confirmed the drone assault and said that all the drones were downed. These strikes come as Russia hosted diplomats and officials from approximately 50 African nations at a ministerial conference in Sochi on the Black Sea. Also read | Russia and North Korea deepen ties with mutual defence treaty Russia destroys Ukrainian drones Mayor Sobyanin, in a post on Telegram, said, “In all, 25 drones were destroyed”. These drones, he said, were heading for Moscow’s Ramenskoye and Kolomensky districts and Domodedovo city to the southwest — a region with a population of more than 21 million, as per AFP. Officially, no casualties or damage have been reported. However, reports on social media suggest some structural damage in places. “According to preliminary information, there is no damage or casualties at the site of the fall of the debris,” Sobyanin added on the Telegram messaging app. “Emergency services are on the sites.” Also read | Putin plans to introduce 'ministry of sex' in Russia amid drooping birth rate The drone attack temporarily halted operations at Moscow’s Domodedovo and Zhukovsky airports. Russia’s federal air transport agency, Rosaviatsia, in a statement, said that “to ensure the safety of civil aircraft flights, temporary restrictions have been introduced on the operation of the Domodedovo and Zhukovo airports,” starting at 0530 GMT. However, it did not specify how long the restrictions would remain in place. Ukrainian officials have previously indicated these strikes that often target Russian energy production sites are retaliatory responses to Moscow's bombardments on Ukrainian energy and infrastructure sites since the war’s onset. Elsewhere, Ukrainian drones reportedly set fire to several non-residential buildings in Russia’s Kaluga and Bryansk regions. Local authorities claim to have neutralised 17 drones over Bryansk. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos

Moscow hit by largest Ukrainian drone assault since the start of war; Russia says all 25 downed

Russian President Vladimir Putin has officially approved a strategic partnership treaty with North Korea, according to a decree published on Saturday (Nov 9).

The accord, as per a Reuters report, includes a mutual defence clause, which obligates each nation to provide military support to the other in case of an armed attack.

<h2>From treaty to law</h2>

The agreement, signed by Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in June during a summit in Pyongyang, was ratified by both chambers of the Russian parliament and formalised by Putin's decree on Saturday. The treaty was ratified by the upper house of The Knesset this week, while the lower house endorsed it last month.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/forget-crimea-trump-advisor-tells-zelensky-ceding-territory-is-vital-for-peace-in-ukraine-774870">‘Forget Crimea,’ Trump advisor tells Zelensky ceding territory is vital for peace in Ukraine</a>

<h2>Deepening Russia-North Korea ties</h2>

The pact marks a deepening of Russia-North Korea relations, especially since Moscow’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

It comes as Western and South Korean sources allege North Korea has supplied Russia with weaponry, with Ukrainian forensic teams claiming to have found North Korean arms at Russian attack sites. Additionally, reports suggest that North Korea has sent thousands of its troops to Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has alleged that a few of the around 11,000 personnel have been involved in combat in Russia's Kursk region. However, Russia has not verified these reports.

Recent reports citing Western intelligence officers also back Zelensky's claims that a small number of North Korean troops are already “in action” inside Ukraine.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-disrupted-gps-signals-from-border-areas-for-second-consecutive-day-seoul-774810">North Korea disrupted GPS signals from border areas for second consecutive day: Seoul</a>

According to the United States, North Korea has sent approximately 10,000 troops to Russia to train and likely fight against Ukraine. Last month, Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh in a statement said the troops are likely being stationed in eastern Russia, potentially reinforcing Russian forces.

“We believe that the DPRK has sent around 10,000 soldiers in total to train in eastern Russia that will probably augment Russian forces near Ukraine over the next several weeks,” Singh told reporters, using the abbreviation for North Korea's official name.

At the time, President Joe Biden slammed the move as “very dangerous,” a sentiment echoed by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, who called it a “dangerous expansion of Russia's war”.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russian President Vladimir Putin has officially approved a strategic partnership treaty with North Korea, according to a decree published on Saturday (Nov 9). The accord, as per a Reuters report, includes a mutual defence clause, which obligates each nation to provide military support to the other in case of an armed attack.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has officially approved a strategic partnership treaty with North Korea, according to a decree published on Saturday (Nov 9). The accord, as per a Reuters report, includes a mutual defence clause, which obligates each nation to provide military support to the other in case of an armed attack. From treaty to law The agreement, signed by Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in June during a summit in Pyongyang, was ratified by both chambers of the Russian parliament and formalised by Putin's decree on Saturday. The treaty was ratified by the upper house of The Knesset this week, while the lower house endorsed it last month. Also read | ‘Forget Crimea,’ Trump advisor tells Zelensky ceding territory is vital for peace in Ukraine Deepening Russia-North Korea ties The pact marks a deepening of Russia-North Korea relations, especially since Moscow’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. It comes as Western and South Korean sources allege North Korea has supplied Russia with weaponry, with Ukrainian forensic teams claiming to have found North Korean arms at Russian attack sites. Additionally, reports suggest that North Korea has sent thousands of its troops to Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has alleged that a few of the around 11,000 personnel have been involved in combat in Russia's Kursk region. However, Russia has not verified these reports. Recent reports citing Western intelligence officers also back Zelensky's claims that a small number of North Korean troops are already “in action” inside Ukraine. Also read | North Korea disrupted GPS signals from border areas for second consecutive day: Seoul According to the United States, North Korea has sent approximately 10,000 troops to Russia to train and likely fight against Ukraine. Last month, Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh in a statement said the troops are likely being stationed in eastern Russia, potentially reinforcing Russian forces. “We believe that the DPRK has sent around 10,000 soldiers in total to train in eastern Russia that will probably augment Russian forces near Ukraine over the next several weeks,” Singh told reporters, using the abbreviation for North Korea's official name. At the time, President Joe Biden slammed the move as “very dangerous,” a sentiment echoed by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, who called it a “dangerous expansion of Russia's war”. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia and North Korea deepen ties with mutual defence treaty

United States presidential election&nbsp;winner&nbsp;Donald Trump is likely to call Russian President Vladimir Putin and ask him to stop the war in Ukraine as soon as possible, stressing the need for peace, a former American diplomat said.&nbsp;

This comes after Republican nominee Donald Trump clinched victory in the US presidential elections on Thursday (Nov 6).&nbsp;

The incoming American&nbsp;president is “going to make a phone call to Putin as quickly as possible and tell Putin that he needs to stop the war, that the fighting has to stop, and that there has to be peace,” Kurt Volker, former US special representative for Ukraine negotiations, said.&nbsp;

He added that Trump does not want to see the Ukraine war continue once he is in office, emphasising that Putin would inevitably have “demands” and that this would only be the start of the conversation.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/unfriendly-country-kremlin-spokesperson-says-not-aware-of-putins-plans-to-congratulate-trump-774046">Also read:&nbsp;‘Unfriendly country,’ Kremlin spokesperson says ‘not aware’ of Putin’s plans to congratulate Trump</a>

<h2>Trump-Russia call expected in January: Kremlin&nbsp;</h2>

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Thursday (Nov 6) pointed out that Putin might speak with Trump before his inauguration in January, however adding that the Russian president&nbsp;will not initiate contact, reported The Moscow Times.&nbsp;

“It’s not ruled out,” Peskov told reporters when asked about possible contact between Putin and Trump before the January 20 inauguration.&nbsp;

“(Trump) has said he’d call Putin before the inauguration. These are his words, we have nothing else to say here yet,” Peskov said.&nbsp;

Earlier on Wednesday, the Kremlin spokesperson said that Putin remains “open” to contact with Trump, further indicating that Russia would not initiate re-establishing the communication between the two.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;US Elections 2024: Trump's Actions Will Shape Future Relations, Says Kremlin

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<h2>Trump's advisors propose to freeze Russia-Ukraine war</h2>

Former US president's&nbsp;advisors have put forward several proposals that would effectively freeze the war in Ukraine, strengthening Russia’s territorial gains, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing anonymous sources close to Trump.&nbsp;

One proposal from within Trump’s transition team involves allowing Moscow to maintain control over 20 per cent of Ukrainian territory, establishing a 1,399-kilometre “demilitarised zone” and blocking Ukraine’s NATO membership for 20 years, and all this would be in exchange for continued military aid to deter future Russian aggression, according to WSJ.&nbsp;

However, the plan does not include US troops policing the demilitarised&nbsp;zone. It further does not include funding from the US or international bodies like the United Nations, a Trump transition team member reportedly said.&nbsp;

“We are not sending American men and women to uphold peace in Ukraine. And we are not paying for it. Get the Poles, Germans, British, and French to do it,” the person was quoted as saying. “We can do training and other support but the barrel of the gun is going to be European.”

Trump has been criticising US President Joe Biden’s way of handling the Russia-Ukraine war, and vowed multiple times during his campaign, that if elected, he would end the war before taking office in January.&nbsp;

Earlier, he also that his “good relationship” with both Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky would be central to his ability to end the war quickly.

(With inputs from agencies)

United States presidential election winner Donald Trump is likely to call Russian President Vladimir Putin and ask him to stop the war in Ukraine as soon as possible, stressing the need for peace, a former American diplomat said.

United States presidential election winner Donald Trump is likely to call Russian President Vladimir Putin and ask him to stop the war in Ukraine as soon as possible, stressing the need for peace, a former American diplomat said. This comes after Republican nominee Donald Trump clinched victory in the US presidential elections on Thursday (Nov 6). The incoming American president is “going to make a phone call to Putin as quickly as possible and tell Putin that he needs to stop the war, that the fighting has to stop, and that there has to be peace,” Kurt Volker, former US special representative for Ukraine negotiations, said. He added that Trump does not want to see the Ukraine war continue once he is in office, emphasising that Putin would inevitably have “demands” and that this would only be the start of the conversation. Also read: ‘Unfriendly country,’ Kremlin spokesperson says ‘not aware’ of Putin’s plans to congratulate Trump Trump-Russia call expected in January: Kremlin Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Thursday (Nov 6) pointed out that Putin might speak with Trump before his inauguration in January, however adding that the Russian president will not initiate contact, reported The Moscow Times. “It’s not ruled out,” Peskov told reporters when asked about possible contact between Putin and Trump before the January 20 inauguration. “(Trump) has said he’d call Putin before the inauguration. These are his words, we have nothing else to say here yet,” Peskov said. Earlier on Wednesday, the Kremlin spokesperson said that Putin remains “open” to contact with Trump, further indicating that Russia would not initiate re-establishing the communication between the two. Watch | US Elections 2024: Trump's Actions Will Shape Future Relations, Says Kremlin × Trump's advisors propose to freeze Russia-Ukraine war Former US president's advisors have put forward several proposals that would effectively freeze the war in Ukraine, strengthening Russia’s territorial gains, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing anonymous sources close to Trump. One proposal from within Trump’s transition team involves allowing Moscow to maintain control over 20 per cent of Ukrainian territory, establishing a 1,399-kilometre “demilitarised zone” and blocking Ukraine’s NATO membership for 20 years, and all this would be in exchange for continued military aid to deter future Russian aggression, according to WSJ. However, the plan does not include US troops policing the demilitarised zone. It further does not include funding from the US or international bodies like the United Nations, a Trump transition team member reportedly said. “We are not sending American men and women to uphold peace in Ukraine. And we are not paying for it. Get the Poles, Germans, British, and French to do it,” the person was quoted as saying. “We can do training and other support but the barrel of the gun is going to be European.” Trump has been criticising US President Joe Biden’s way of handling the Russia-Ukraine war, and vowed multiple times during his campaign, that if elected, he would end the war before taking office in January. Earlier, he also that his “good relationship” with both Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky would be central to his ability to end the war quickly. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump-Putin phone call expected before January inauguration, Kremlin says ‘it’s not ruled out’

Russian President Vladimir Putin met North Korea's foreign minister in the Kremlin on Monday at a time of mounting concern in the West that North Korean soldiers are about to enter the Ukraine war on Moscow's side.

Video of the meeting showed the pair shaking hands for a full minute as Putin greeted Choe Son Hui. Putin noted that they were meeting on Russia's National Unity Day, a public holiday, and Choe conveyed "sincere, warm, comradely greetings" from North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/barcelona-on-flooding-red-alert-as-airports-inundated-50-flights-cancelled-watch-773282">Barcelona on 'flooding red alert' as airports inundated, 50 flights cancelled: Watch</a>

The United States says North Korea has sent some 10,000 troops to Russia, including 8,000 to the western Kursk region where Russia is still battling to expel Ukrainian troops who broke across the border in August.

Putin, who signed a treaty with Kim in June that includes a mutual defence clause, has neither confirmed nor denied the North Korean troop presence. He has said that Russia is free to implement the pact as it sees fit.

The Russian leader briefly alluded to the military situation in Kursk when he met youth volunteers earlier on Monday, telling them: "When the enemy is cleaned out from the region, there will be lots of work for you to do."

In Kyiv, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said he had discussed with his German counterpart Annalena Baerbock the "need for decisive action" in response to North Korean involvement in the war in Ukraine.

He said North Korean troops were waging "an aggressive war in Europe against a sovereign European state".

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy last week urged Kyiv's allies to stop just "watching" and start taking action to tackle the presence of the North Koreans.

The United States accused Russia and China at the U.N. Security Council on Monday of "shamelessly protecting" and emboldening North Korea to further violate United Nations sanctions.

In Seoul, South Korea and the European Union jointly condemned North Korea's "unlawful arms transfers to the Russian Federation for its use in attacking Ukraine" and demanded that it withdraw its troops.

'INVINCIBLE COMRADESHIP'

North Korea's Choe has been in Russia for almost a week, having arrived in the far eastern port of Vladivostok last Tuesday on her second trip to the country in six weeks.

Last Friday Choe told Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov that their countries enjoyed relations of "invincible military comradeship" and that North Korea would stand alongside Russia "until the day of victory" in Ukraine.

The Kremlin had said last week there were no plans for Putin to meet Choe.

The U.S. and South Korea say North Korea has shipped ballistic missiles, anti-tank rockets and millions of rounds of ammunition for Russia to use against Ukraine. Moscow and Pyongyang have denied weapons transfers.

Putin earlier marked Russia's national holiday by placing red roses at a monument on Red Square to Kuzma Minin and Dmitry Pozharsky, revered as national heroes for raising an army to liberate Moscow from a brief period of Polish and Lithuanian occupation in the early 17th century.

He met the children of Russian soldiers killed in Ukraine and embraced one girl who had lost her father, telling her: "Russia relies on people like your dad."

Disclaimer:&nbsp;This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Russian President Vladimir Putin met North Korea's foreign minister in the Kremlin on Monday at a time of mounting concern in the West that North Korean soldiers are about to enter the Ukraine war on Moscow's side.

Russian President Vladimir Putin met North Korea's foreign minister in the Kremlin on Monday at a time of mounting concern in the West that North Korean soldiers are about to enter the Ukraine war on Moscow's side. Video of the meeting showed the pair shaking hands for a full minute as Putin greeted Choe Son Hui. Putin noted that they were meeting on Russia's National Unity Day, a public holiday, and Choe conveyed "sincere, warm, comradely greetings" from North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Also Read: Barcelona on 'flooding red alert' as airports inundated, 50 flights cancelled: Watch The United States says North Korea has sent some 10,000 troops to Russia, including 8,000 to the western Kursk region where Russia is still battling to expel Ukrainian troops who broke across the border in August. Putin, who signed a treaty with Kim in June that includes a mutual defence clause, has neither confirmed nor denied the North Korean troop presence. He has said that Russia is free to implement the pact as it sees fit. The Russian leader briefly alluded to the military situation in Kursk when he met youth volunteers earlier on Monday, telling them: "When the enemy is cleaned out from the region, there will be lots of work for you to do." In Kyiv, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said he had discussed with his German counterpart Annalena Baerbock the "need for decisive action" in response to North Korean involvement in the war in Ukraine. He said North Korean troops were waging "an aggressive war in Europe against a sovereign European state". Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy last week urged Kyiv's allies to stop just "watching" and start taking action to tackle the presence of the North Koreans. The United States accused Russia and China at the U.N. Security Council on Monday of "shamelessly protecting" and emboldening North Korea to further violate United Nations sanctions. In Seoul, South Korea and the European Union jointly condemned North Korea's "unlawful arms transfers to the Russian Federation for its use in attacking Ukraine" and demanded that it withdraw its troops. 'INVINCIBLE COMRADESHIP' North Korea's Choe has been in Russia for almost a week, having arrived in the far eastern port of Vladivostok last Tuesday on her second trip to the country in six weeks. Last Friday Choe told Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov that their countries enjoyed relations of "invincible military comradeship" and that North Korea would stand alongside Russia "until the day of victory" in Ukraine. The Kremlin had said last week there were no plans for Putin to meet Choe. The U.S. and South Korea say North Korea has shipped ballistic missiles, anti-tank rockets and millions of rounds of ammunition for Russia to use against Ukraine. Moscow and Pyongyang have denied weapons transfers. Putin earlier marked Russia's national holiday by placing red roses at a monument on Red Square to Kuzma Minin and Dmitry Pozharsky, revered as national heroes for raising an army to liberate Moscow from a brief period of Polish and Lithuanian occupation in the early 17th century. He met the children of Russian soldiers killed in Ukraine and embraced one girl who had lost her father, telling her: "Russia relies on people like your dad." Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

President Vladimir Putin hosts North Korean foreign minister on Russia's Unity Day

Kyiv on Sunday urged Moscow to provide a list of Ukrainian prisoners of war (POWs) who are ready for exchange after Russia claimed Ukraine was obstructing the swap process.&nbsp;

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:67,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1757}">Ukraine spokesperson's statement on Telegram</h2>

Responding to Russia's accusation on Telegram, Ukrainian human rights commissioner Dmytro Lubinets said, "We are always ready to exchange prisoners of war!".

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Reiterating Kyiv's openness to resuming exchanges, he said that Ukraine was always ready to accept its citizens and instead accused Russia of slowing down the process.

The statement follows recent claims from Russia's Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, Maria Zakharova, who on Saturday (Nov 2) accused Ukraine of essentially sabotaging the process by refusing to take back its detained citizens.&nbsp;

According to Zakharova, Russia had offered to release 935 Ukrainian POWs but said that Ukraine had accepted only 279.

Also on Saturday, Russian Commissioner for Human Rights Tatyana Moskalkova expressed concern that Ukraine had "politicised" the issue and urged both sides to return to constructive dialogue to expedite the exchanges.&nbsp;

"We consider it necessary to return to a constructive dialogue and speed up the exchange of prisoners," the Russian Human Rights Commissioner wrote on Telegram.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-eyes-new-peace-summit-by-year-end-and-wants-russia-to-attend-it-envoy-to-turkey-says-766056">Ukraine eyes new peace summit by year-end and wants Russia to attend it, envoy to Turkey says</a>

POW exchanges between the two warring nations have happened frequently and have been ongoing since Russia's 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The last exchange took place in mid-October, with each side successfully returning 95 prisoners.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Kyiv on Sunday urged Moscow to provide a list of Ukrainian prisoners of war (POWs) who are ready for exchange after Russia claimed Ukraine was obstructing the swap process.

Kyiv on Sunday urged Moscow to provide a list of Ukrainian prisoners of war (POWs) who are ready for exchange after Russia claimed Ukraine was obstructing the swap process. Ukraine spokesperson's statement on Telegram Responding to Russia's accusation on Telegram, Ukrainian human rights commissioner Dmytro Lubinets said, "We are always ready to exchange prisoners of war!". Also read | Ukraine’s parliament approves first wartime tax hikes to shore up finances amid ongoing conflict with Russia Reiterating Kyiv's openness to resuming exchanges, he said that Ukraine was always ready to accept its citizens and instead accused Russia of slowing down the process. The statement follows recent claims from Russia's Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, Maria Zakharova, who on Saturday (Nov 2) accused Ukraine of essentially sabotaging the process by refusing to take back its detained citizens. According to Zakharova, Russia had offered to release 935 Ukrainian POWs but said that Ukraine had accepted only 279. Also on Saturday, Russian Commissioner for Human Rights Tatyana Moskalkova expressed concern that Ukraine had "politicised" the issue and urged both sides to return to constructive dialogue to expedite the exchanges. "We consider it necessary to return to a constructive dialogue and speed up the exchange of prisoners," the Russian Human Rights Commissioner wrote on Telegram. Also read | Ukraine eyes new peace summit by year-end and wants Russia to attend it, envoy to Turkey says POW exchanges between the two warring nations have happened frequently and have been ongoing since Russia's 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The last exchange took place in mid-October, with each side successfully returning 95 prisoners. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine calls on Russia to provide POW list, accuses Moscow of slowing down the process

Ukraine on Tuesday (Oct 29) announced a new mobilisation push as reports surfaced of North Korean troops stationed in Russia's Kursk area, with the Pentagon indicating that thousands more Pyongyang soldiers are expected to arrive soon.&nbsp;

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:85,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1771}">North Koreans in Ukraine</h2>

Reports citing Western intelligence officers claim that a small number of North Korean troops are already "in action" inside Ukraine.

According to a CNN report citing two officials, "It seems that a good many of them (North Korean troops) are already in action."

Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:83,&quot;y&quot;:229,&quot;w&quot;:609,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:116,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1915}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-pentagon-says-north-korea-has-sent-10000-troops-to-back-russia-in-ukraine-war-771516">US ups earlier estimates, claims 10,000 North Korean troops backing Russia in Ukraine war</a>

Talking to South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol on Tuesday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also highlighted the concerning "internationalisation" of the conflict and the strategic risk posed by North Korean involvement.

"The conclusion is clear: this war is becoming internationalised, extending beyond two countries," said the leader of the war-torn Ukraine.

Yoon, meanwhile, expressed concern about North Korean troops' "unprecedented and dangerous" involvement in the Ukraine war and expressed fears that Pyongyang may gain advanced military technology and combat experience from its alignment with Russia.&nbsp;

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:449,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2135}">Ukraine's massive mobilisation</h2>

At home, Ukraine's the Secretary of Ukraine's National Security Council Oleksandr Lytvynenko told Parliament about Kyiv's plans to recruit an additional 160,000 soldiers amid manpower shortages. The recruitment, as per AFP, would unfold over three months.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiSh7inqLWJAxVnRmcHHTsyKqAQxfQBKAB6BAgQEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-says-deployment-of-troops-in-russia-wont-breach-international-law-770768" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-says-deployment-of-troops-in-russia-wont-breach-international-law-770768&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiSh7inqLWJAxVnRmcHHTsyKqAQxfQBKAB6BAgQEAE">North Korea says deployment of troops in Russia won’t breach international law</a>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:564,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2250}">Russia's latest gains</h2>

Russia forces, as per reports, have seized the mining hub of Selydove in the Donetsk region, where Moscow claims to have taken control of additional villages, including Bogoyavlenka, Girnyk, and Katerynivka. Moscow has reportedly gained over 478 square kilometres in October alone, its largest advance since the early stages of the war. This surge follows the collapse of Ukrainian defences in Avdiivka, a stronghold town, earlier this year.&nbsp;

Ukraine on Tuesday (Oct 29) announced a new mobilisation push as reports surfaced of North Korean troops stationed in Russia's Kursk area, with the Pentagon indicating that thousands more Pyongyang soldiers are expected to arrive soon.

Ukraine on Tuesday (Oct 29) announced a new mobilisation push as reports surfaced of North Korean troops stationed in Russia's Kursk area, with the Pentagon indicating that thousands more Pyongyang soldiers are expected to arrive soon. North Koreans in Ukraine Reports citing Western intelligence officers claim that a small number of North Korean troops are already "in action" inside Ukraine. According to a CNN report citing two officials, "It seems that a good many of them (North Korean troops) are already in action." Also read | US ups earlier estimates, claims 10,000 North Korean troops backing Russia in Ukraine war Talking to South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol on Tuesday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also highlighted the concerning "internationalisation" of the conflict and the strategic risk posed by North Korean involvement. "The conclusion is clear: this war is becoming internationalised, extending beyond two countries," said the leader of the war-torn Ukraine. Yoon, meanwhile, expressed concern about North Korean troops' "unprecedented and dangerous" involvement in the Ukraine war and expressed fears that Pyongyang may gain advanced military technology and combat experience from its alignment with Russia. Ukraine's massive mobilisation At home, Ukraine's the Secretary of Ukraine's National Security Council Oleksandr Lytvynenko told Parliament about Kyiv's plans to recruit an additional 160,000 soldiers amid manpower shortages. The recruitment, as per AFP, would unfold over three months. Also read | North Korea says deployment of troops in Russia won’t breach international law Russia's latest gains Russia forces, as per reports, have seized the mining hub of Selydove in the Donetsk region, where Moscow claims to have taken control of additional villages, including Bogoyavlenka, Girnyk, and Katerynivka. Moscow has reportedly gained over 478 square kilometres in October alone, its largest advance since the early stages of the war. This surge follows the collapse of Ukrainian defences in Avdiivka, a stronghold town, earlier this year.

Kyiv launches new mobilisation drive amid reports of North Korean troops 'in action' in Ukraine

The United States on Monday (Oct 28) said that North Korea has sent approximately 10,000 troops to Russia to train. Pentagon's latest assessment triples its previous estimate of 3,000&nbsp;North Korean personnel in Russia.

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:85,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1922}">North Korean troops to augment Russia in Ukraine War: US</h2>

According to Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh, the troops are likely being stationed in eastern Russia, potentially reinforcing Russian forces.&nbsp;

"We believe that the DPRK has sent around 10,000 soldiers in total to train in eastern Russia that will probably augment Russian forces near Ukraine over the next several weeks," Singh told reporters, using the abbreviation for North Korea's official name.

Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:88,&quot;y&quot;:247,&quot;w&quot;:571,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:121,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2084}" data-ved="2ahUKEwi969-60LKJAxW3TWwGHRRbA_QQxfQBKAB6BAgNEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-says-deployment-of-troops-in-russia-wont-breach-international-law-770768" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-says-deployment-of-troops-in-russia-wont-breach-international-law-770768&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi969-60LKJAxW3TWwGHRRbA_QQxfQBKAB6BAgNEAE">North Korea says deployment of troops in Russia won’t breach international law</a>

President Joe Biden slammed the move as "very dangerous," a sentiment echoed by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, who called it a "dangerous expansion of Russia's war".

Rutte said that it was evidence of Russian President Vladimir Putin's "growing desperation." He said that Russia's mounting losses, with over 600,000 casualties reported since 2022, have increased the Kremlin's reliance on foreign allies for support.

Speaking in Brussels, following a briefing with South Korean officials, Rutte also confirmed that North Korea troops have been deployed in Russia's western Kursk region, where Ukrainian forces launched offensives this year.

"The deepening military cooperation between Russia and North Korea is a threat to both the Indo-Pacific and Euro-Atlantic security," he said.

Meanwhile, EU President Ursula von der Leyen said that North Korea's involvement represents "a significant escalation of the war against Ukraine and threatens global peace."

In a phone call with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, she said: "The EU's response to this development will centre on cooperation with the Republic of Korea and other like-minded partners."

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:615,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2452}">Why is North Korea sending troops to Russia?</h2>

Experts suggest that North Korea is looking to acquire advanced Russian military technology—ranging from surveillance satellites to submarines—and security assurances from Moscow in exchange.

Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:710,&quot;w&quot;:678,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2547}" data-ved="2ahUKEwi969-60LKJAxW3TWwGHRRbA_QQxfQBKAB6BAgPEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-koreans-deployed-alongside-russian-troops-to-fight-with-ukraine-kremlin-rejects-fake-claims-766328" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/north-koreans-deployed-alongside-russian-troops-to-fight-with-ukraine-kremlin-rejects-fake-claims-766328&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi969-60LKJAxW3TWwGHRRbA_QQxfQBKAB6BAgPEAE">North Koreans deployed alongside Russian troops to fight against Ukraine; Kremlin rejects claims as ‘fake’</a>

This comes as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday warned that North Korea could soon expand its personnel in Russia to around 12,000 soldiers.

Taking to X, Zelensky's chief of staff Andriy Yermak said: "This is an escalation. Sanctions alone are not enough. We need weapons and a clear plan to prevent North Korea's expanded involvement in the war in Europe."

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Today, Russia brings in North Korea; next, it could broaden their engagement, and then other autocratic regimes may see that they can get away with this and come to fight against NATO. 
 
The enemy understands strength. Our allies have this strength.
— Andriy Yermak (@AndriyYermak) <a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:448,&quot;y&quot;:1015,&quot;w&quot;:100,&quot;h&quot;:14,&quot;abs_x&quot;:481,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2852}" href="https://twitter.com/AndriyYermak/status/1850875706097512610?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 28, 2024</a></blockquote>
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"Today, Russia brings in North Korea; next, it could broaden their engagement, and then other autocratic regimes may see that they can get away with this and come to fight against NATO," he warned, adding&nbsp;"The enemy understands strength. Our allies have this strength."

(With inputs from agencies)

The United States on Monday (Oct 28) said that North Korea has sent approximately 10,000 troops to Russia to train. Pentagon's latest assessment triples its previous estimate of 3,000 North Korean personnel in Russia.

The United States on Monday (Oct 28) said that North Korea has sent approximately 10,000 troops to Russia to train. Pentagon's latest assessment triples its previous estimate of 3,000 North Korean personnel in Russia. North Korean troops to augment Russia in Ukraine War: US According to Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh, the troops are likely being stationed in eastern Russia, potentially reinforcing Russian forces. "We believe that the DPRK has sent around 10,000 soldiers in total to train in eastern Russia that will probably augment Russian forces near Ukraine over the next several weeks," Singh told reporters, using the abbreviation for North Korea's official name. Also read | North Korea says deployment of troops in Russia won’t breach international law President Joe Biden slammed the move as "very dangerous," a sentiment echoed by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, who called it a "dangerous expansion of Russia's war". Rutte said that it was evidence of Russian President Vladimir Putin's "growing desperation." He said that Russia's mounting losses, with over 600,000 casualties reported since 2022, have increased the Kremlin's reliance on foreign allies for support. Speaking in Brussels, following a briefing with South Korean officials, Rutte also confirmed that North Korea troops have been deployed in Russia's western Kursk region, where Ukrainian forces launched offensives this year. "The deepening military cooperation between Russia and North Korea is a threat to both the Indo-Pacific and Euro-Atlantic security," he said. Meanwhile, EU President Ursula von der Leyen said that North Korea's involvement represents "a significant escalation of the war against Ukraine and threatens global peace." In a phone call with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, she said: "The EU's response to this development will centre on cooperation with the Republic of Korea and other like-minded partners." Why is North Korea sending troops to Russia? Experts suggest that North Korea is looking to acquire advanced Russian military technology—ranging from surveillance satellites to submarines—and security assurances from Moscow in exchange. Also read | North Koreans deployed alongside Russian troops to fight against Ukraine; Kremlin rejects claims as ‘fake’ This comes as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday warned that North Korea could soon expand its personnel in Russia to around 12,000 soldiers. Taking to X, Zelensky's chief of staff Andriy Yermak said: "This is an escalation. Sanctions alone are not enough. We need weapons and a clear plan to prevent North Korea's expanded involvement in the war in Europe." Today, Russia brings in North Korea; next, it could broaden their engagement, and then other autocratic regimes may see that they can get away with this and come to fight against NATO. The enemy understands strength. Our allies have this strength. — Andriy Yermak (@AndriyYermak) October 28, 2024 × "Today, Russia brings in North Korea; next, it could broaden their engagement, and then other autocratic regimes may see that they can get away with this and come to fight against NATO," he warned, adding "The enemy understands strength. Our allies have this strength." (With inputs from agencies)

US ups earlier estimates, claims 10,000 North Korean troops backing Russia in Ukraine war

X owner Elon Musk has been in regular contact with Russian President Vladimir Putin since late 2022, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal.&nbsp;

Musk and Putin continued to hold talks into this year, even as the Tesla CEO&nbsp;began to criticise the United States military support for Ukraine and became actively involved in the election campaign of Republican candidate and former US&nbsp;president Donald Trump, according to the Journal's intelligence sources.&nbsp;

The media report&nbsp;came less than two weeks&nbsp;ahead of the&nbsp;US presidential&nbsp;election.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-musks-america-pac-under-fire-for-1-million-giveaway-doj-warns-of-potential-federal-law-violation-770218">Also read:&nbsp;Elon Musk's America PAC under fire for $1 million giveaway; DOJ warns of potential federal law violation</a>

However, Musk's influence extends far beyond politics, through his social media platform X and his tech firm SpaceX. With the help of these platforms, he has megabucks government contracts and high-level security clearance to classified US information.

The Russian president once asked Musk to avoid activating his Starlink satellite internet service over Taiwan as a favour to Chinese President Xi Jinping, report WSJ citing&nbsp;two people who were briefed on the request.&nbsp;

His Starlink satellite internet service highlights a major aspect of Musk's influence. Notably, he gave Ukraine free access to his system after Putin launched his full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Watch |&nbsp;US Election 2024: Musk Makes Controversial Announcement

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Musk's move was lauded as an important tool in Ukraine's ability to fight back against the Russian invasion.&nbsp;However, relations between Musk and Ukrainian authorities cooled down as the&nbsp;war progressed.&nbsp;

The X owner, later, stopped funding the terminals for Ukraine and also prohibited its military's use of Starlink to control drones.&nbsp;

In October 2022, Musk began posting a trail of Kremlin talking points about the war on social media platform X, which he presented as a plan for peace. However, his posts triggered major pushback from top officials in Kyiv and&nbsp;Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

<h2>Kremlin denies report</h2>

Kremlin on Friday (Oct 25)&nbsp;denied the reports of Musk in talks with Putin.&nbsp;"It's all untrue, absolutely false information published in the newspaper," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

X owner Elon Musk has been in regular contact with Russian President Vladimir Putin since late 2022, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal. Musk and Putin continued to hold talks into this year, even as the Tesla CEO began to criticise the United States military support for Ukraine and became actively involved in the election campaign of Republican candidate and former US president Donald Trump, according to the Journal's intelligence sources.

X owner Elon Musk has been in regular contact with Russian President Vladimir Putin since late 2022, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal. Musk and Putin continued to hold talks into this year, even as the Tesla CEO began to criticise the United States military support for Ukraine and became actively involved in the election campaign of Republican candidate and former US president Donald Trump, according to the Journal's intelligence sources. The media report came less than two weeks ahead of the US presidential election. Also read: Elon Musk's America PAC under fire for $1 million giveaway; DOJ warns of potential federal law violation However, Musk's influence extends far beyond politics, through his social media platform X and his tech firm SpaceX. With the help of these platforms, he has megabucks government contracts and high-level security clearance to classified US information. The Russian president once asked Musk to avoid activating his Starlink satellite internet service over Taiwan as a favour to Chinese President Xi Jinping, report WSJ citing two people who were briefed on the request. His Starlink satellite internet service highlights a major aspect of Musk's influence. Notably, he gave Ukraine free access to his system after Putin launched his full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Watch | US Election 2024: Musk Makes Controversial Announcement × Musk's move was lauded as an important tool in Ukraine's ability to fight back against the Russian invasion. However, relations between Musk and Ukrainian authorities cooled down as the war progressed. The X owner, later, stopped funding the terminals for Ukraine and also prohibited its military's use of Starlink to control drones. In October 2022, Musk began posting a trail of Kremlin talking points about the war on social media platform X, which he presented as a plan for peace. However, his posts triggered major pushback from top officials in Kyiv and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Kremlin denies report Kremlin on Friday (Oct 25) denied the reports of Musk in talks with Putin. "It's all untrue, absolutely false information published in the newspaper," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists. (With inputs from agencies)

Elon Musk in 'regular contact' with Russian President Putin since late 2022: Report

Ukraine on Thursday (Oct 24) claimed that Russian forces have executed four Ukrainian PoWs (Prisoner of War) captured in the eastern Donetsk region. This is the latest war crime allegation against Moscow since the start of the Russia-Ukraine war over two years ago.

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:85,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1771}">Four Ukrainian servicemen executed, claims Kyiv</h2>

The Ukrainian prosecutor general's office in a statement, posted on its website, said that four Ukrainian servicemen fighting in the national guard had been captured by Russia on October 6 near the Donetsk region town of Selydove.

Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:197,&quot;w&quot;:691,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1883}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-confirms-north-korea-has-troops-in-russia-says-they-legitimate-targets-if-fight-in-ukraine-770244">US confirms North Korea has troops in Russia, says they 'legitimate' targets if fight in Ukraine</a>

"According to operational data, on October 6, 2024, four soldiers of the National Guard of Ukraine performed service and combat tasks at positions in the Selydove area. Around 1:00 p.m., the occupying forces launched an assault on the fortifications, during which they captured our defenders. Later, representatives of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation recorded the interrogation of the wounded, unarmed National Guardsmen on video."

"The next day, the Defence Forces regained their lost positions and found the bodies of the killed Ukrainian servicemen during a search operation," added the prosecutor's statement.

Kyiv said that a war crime probe had been launched into the incident and said it was a "gross violation" of the Geneva Conventions.

"The killing of prisoners of war is a gross violation of the Geneva Conventions and is classified as a serious international crime," added the statement.

Moscow is yet to respond to the claims by Kyiv.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/putin-calls-for-alternative-international-payment-system-to-combat-dollar-dominance-at-brics-meeting-770280">Putin calls for alternative international payment system to combat dollar dominance at Brics meeting</a>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:566,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2252}">Russia-Ukraine war and war crimes</h2>

Previously, in March 2023, a video of Moscow executing a PoW had gone viral.

In it, a captured Ukrainian soldier could be seen shouting "Glory to Ukraine" moments before being executed by a Russian shooting squad.

Since the start of the war, both Russia and Ukraine have charged each other with committing war crimes. The United Nations, as per&nbsp;AFP, has also stated that it has documented several incidents of violations of international humanitarian law against prisoners of war on both sides. This includes cases of summary execution of both Russian and Ukrainian prisoners.

(With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine on Thursday (Oct 24) claimed that Russian forces have executed four Ukrainian PoWs (Prisoner of War) captured in the eastern Donetsk region. This is the latest war crime allegation against Moscow since the start of the Russia-Ukraine war over two years ago.

Ukraine on Thursday (Oct 24) claimed that Russian forces have executed four Ukrainian PoWs (Prisoner of War) captured in the eastern Donetsk region. This is the latest war crime allegation against Moscow since the start of the Russia-Ukraine war over two years ago. Four Ukrainian servicemen executed, claims Kyiv The Ukrainian prosecutor general's office in a statement, posted on its website, said that four Ukrainian servicemen fighting in the national guard had been captured by Russia on October 6 near the Donetsk region town of Selydove. Also read | US confirms North Korea has troops in Russia, says they 'legitimate' targets if fight in Ukraine "According to operational data, on October 6, 2024, four soldiers of the National Guard of Ukraine performed service and combat tasks at positions in the Selydove area. Around 1:00 p.m., the occupying forces launched an assault on the fortifications, during which they captured our defenders. Later, representatives of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation recorded the interrogation of the wounded, unarmed National Guardsmen on video." "The next day, the Defence Forces regained their lost positions and found the bodies of the killed Ukrainian servicemen during a search operation," added the prosecutor's statement. Kyiv said that a war crime probe had been launched into the incident and said it was a "gross violation" of the Geneva Conventions. "The killing of prisoners of war is a gross violation of the Geneva Conventions and is classified as a serious international crime," added the statement. Moscow is yet to respond to the claims by Kyiv. Also read | Putin calls for alternative international payment system to combat dollar dominance at Brics meeting Russia-Ukraine war and war crimes Previously, in March 2023, a video of Moscow executing a PoW had gone viral. In it, a captured Ukrainian soldier could be seen shouting "Glory to Ukraine" moments before being executed by a Russian shooting squad. Since the start of the war, both Russia and Ukraine have charged each other with committing war crimes. The United Nations, as per AFP, has also stated that it has documented several incidents of violations of international humanitarian law against prisoners of war on both sides. This includes cases of summary execution of both Russian and Ukrainian prisoners. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia-Ukraine war: Kyiv accuses Moscow of executing four prisoners of war in Donetsk; alleges war crime

On the second day of the BRICS summit, global leaders are coming together to discuss pressing issues affecting the world, focusing on collaboration to tackle challenges such as economic stability, climate change, and security concerns. Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that there's multi-polar World Order forming at the BRICS Summit. Addressing the plenary summit of the 16th Summit Putin said that he was looking forward to a constructive meeting at BRICS. Watch in for more details!

BRICS Summit Day 2: President Putin Addresses World Leaders, Discuss Global Challenges

Underlining the strong ties between India and Russia, Russian President Vladimir Putin told Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi that their relationship is so strong that they do not need any translation.

The two leaders had met in Kazan, Russia on the sidelines of the 16th BRICS Summit. PM Modi and Putin shared a handshake and a hug after which they held talks.

"Our relationship is so strong that you will understand me without any translation," said President Putin, as laughter broke out in the room at the Governor's Palace.&nbsp;

He further said, "In Kazan we must make a number of important decisions aimed at further improving the activities of the association and strengthening multifaceted co-operation within its framework. And we greatly value our co-operation in this area, I mean that our states stood at the origins of the association's creation."

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🇷🇺🇮🇳 "Our Relations are So Good, You Understand Without a Translator" - Putin Jokes with Modi 
 
A friendship between nations not lost in translation?<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BRICS2024?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BRICS2024</a> <a href="https://t.co/bQ92M1yZHB">pic.twitter.com/bQ92M1yZHB</a>
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President Putin appreciated Russia and India's "privileged strategic partnership" and promised to further enhance ties.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brics-summit-pm-modi-shares-hug-with-russian-president-putin-holds-bilateral-meeting-769803">BRICS Summit: PM Modi shares hug with Putin, says will play 'any role' for peace between Russia-Ukraine</a>

"Interaction between legislative bodies is strengthening. Our foreign ministers are in constant contact. Trade turnover is in good condition. And the next meeting of the intergovernmental commission is scheduled for November 12 in New Delhi," the president said.

"Major projects are being developed consistently, and we welcome your decision to open the Consulate General of India in Kazan. Expanding India's diplomatic presence in Russia will contribute to the further development of bilateral relations," said Putin.

<h2>Modi reiterates India’s stance of peaceful resolution </h2>

Speaking about the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, PM Modi reiterated the stance of the Indian government on a peaceful resolution between the two countries.&nbsp;

"We are in constant touch on the issue of ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. As I said earlier, we believe that problems should be resolved in a peaceful manner," said the prime minister.

Watch:&nbsp;BRICS Summit: BRICS Not Anti-West, Says Putin

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"We fully support the early return of peace and stability. All our efforts give priority to humanity. India is ready to provide all possible co-operation in times to come," PM Modi added.&nbsp;

The initiative taken by India to broker peace between Russia and Ukraine has received praise from several European countries as well as the United States.

(With inputs from agencies)

Underlining the strong ties between India and Russia, Russian President Vladimir Putin told Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi that their relationship is so strong that they do not need any translation.

Underlining the strong ties between India and Russia, Russian President Vladimir Putin told Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi that their relationship is so strong that they do not need any translation. The two leaders had met in Kazan, Russia on the sidelines of the 16th BRICS Summit. PM Modi and Putin shared a handshake and a hug after which they held talks. "Our relationship is so strong that you will understand me without any translation," said President Putin, as laughter broke out in the room at the Governor's Palace. He further said, "In Kazan we must make a number of important decisions aimed at further improving the activities of the association and strengthening multifaceted co-operation within its framework. And we greatly value our co-operation in this area, I mean that our states stood at the origins of the association's creation." 🇷🇺🇮🇳 "Our Relations are So Good, You Understand Without a Translator" - Putin Jokes with Modi A friendship between nations not lost in translation?#BRICS2024 pic.twitter.com/bQ92M1yZHB — RT_India (@RT_India_news) October 22, 2024 × President Putin appreciated Russia and India's "privileged strategic partnership" and promised to further enhance ties. Also Read: BRICS Summit: PM Modi shares hug with Putin, says will play 'any role' for peace between Russia-Ukraine "Interaction between legislative bodies is strengthening. Our foreign ministers are in constant contact. Trade turnover is in good condition. And the next meeting of the intergovernmental commission is scheduled for November 12 in New Delhi," the president said. "Major projects are being developed consistently, and we welcome your decision to open the Consulate General of India in Kazan. Expanding India's diplomatic presence in Russia will contribute to the further development of bilateral relations," said Putin. Modi reiterates India’s stance of peaceful resolution Speaking about the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, PM Modi reiterated the stance of the Indian government on a peaceful resolution between the two countries. "We are in constant touch on the issue of ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. As I said earlier, we believe that problems should be resolved in a peaceful manner," said the prime minister. Watch: BRICS Summit: BRICS Not Anti-West, Says Putin "We fully support the early return of peace and stability. All our efforts give priority to humanity. India is ready to provide all possible co-operation in times to come," PM Modi added. The initiative taken by India to broker peace between Russia and Ukraine has received praise from several European countries as well as the United States. (With inputs from agencies)

'You will understand me without any translation': Putin shares heartwarming joke with PM Modi

The horrific terror attack on the Crocus City Hall, Moscow in March, which killed at least 144 innocent people and injured more than 300 others, deserves global condemnation. This has been the largest terror attack inside Russia in the last two decades, which once again reminds us of the growing danger of the global menace of terrorism, the vulnerability of civil society to it and the inadequacy of synergised global response to tackle it. Terrorism must be condemned in all forms &amp; manifestations anywhere in the world.

Four terrorists of Tajikistan origin, who executed it are in custody along with other suspects/collaborators undergoing investigations and trials. All terrorists are Tajiks claiming to have done it for money. The attack seems to have been executed by Islamic radicals, which could be a possible ‘paid to kill operation’.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russians-rush-to-join-army-seeking-to-avenge-moscow-concert-hall-attack-707226">Russians rush to join army seeking to avenge Moscow concert hall attack</a>

In the context of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and the intense information warfare campaign between US-led NATO, Ukraine and Russia, conflicting narratives are emerging, which are worth decoding, along with their implications and way ahead. &nbsp;

<h2>What US-led West is propagating?</h2>

The US-led NATO, which is fighting a non-kinetic war (In Information, economic, political and diplomatic domains) against Russia would like the world to believe that this terror attack was done by the Islamic State (Khorasan Province) ISIS(KP) to punish Russia. It highlights the failure of the Russian intelligence as well as the security system. It is vigorously attempting to exonerate Ukraine from any allegation of any link with this terror attack. &nbsp;The US is also indicating the complacency of Russian leadership towards its claim of having provided on 07 March 2024, intelligence warnings given to Russians regarding a possible terror attack on a public gathering.

<h2>Russian narrative&nbsp;</h2>

Russia would like to believe that the Moscow terror attack is an extension of the Russia-Ukraine War. While it agrees that Islamic radicals have executed it, it would like to believe that in the context of the ongoing war with Ukraine, hostile powers like Ukraine could have masterminded the ‘paid to kill operation’ through ISIS(KP) cadres. Russia believes that Ukrainian nationalists have paid in cash and cryptocurrency to the perpetrators of the attack. It also claims that the terrorists were trying to flee into Ukraine and alleges that some window was open for them to get into hostile territory.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-alerted-russia-to-security-threat-before-moscow-attack-706581">Iran alerted Russia about security threat before Moscow concert hall terror attack</a>

The Russian Investigative Committee has claimed that it has evidence connecting Ukraine to the Crocus City Hall terrorist attack. &nbsp;Russia has asked Ukraine to immediately arrest and extradite all connected to terror attacks in Moscow and Kerch Bridge to Russia, including their SBU Security Service Chief. The continued&nbsp;Russian efforts to link Ukraine and the West to the terrorist attacks are being seen as a ploy to generate more domestic support for its war in Ukraine, by the West. The attempt of terrorists to skip into hostile territory, as claimed by Moscow, can also be construed as a natural reaction of any terrorist to his safe exit, whether Ukraine was involved in it or otherwise.

<h2>Validity of ISIS(KP) claims&nbsp;</h2>

Jihadist group ISIS(KP) has claimed through a released video footage that it was behind the Moscow attack and BBC claims to have verified the video footage. The ISIS(KP) narrative of punishing Moscow for intervention in Afghanistan, Chechnya, and Syria is marred by the absence of any immediate trigger. In fact, in the last few years USA has killed more ISIS commanders than Russia; hence the terror group choosing Russia as a target over Western destinations or Israel, working in favour of the US is surprising, unless it's backed by some lucrative deal.&nbsp;

Russia admits that the terror attack was committed by Islamic radicals from Tajikistan, but maintains the possibility of interested parties or agencies ordering it through them in ‘Paid to kill operations’ as ISIS, as well as the terrorists involved were amenable to financial allurement.&nbsp;

<h2>Tajikistan and Turkey connection</h2>

Tajik President Rahmon has condemned the Crocus City Hall attack as a shameful and terrible event and seems concerned with extremism in many areas of Tajikistan. At least nine people were arrested last week by Tajik authorities&nbsp;for alleged links to the Moscow attack suspects.&nbsp;Faridun Shamsiddin was one of the main attackers from Loyob, Tajikistan. Nine of the Tajik suspects are residents of Vakhdat, a town East of Dushanbe that is home to the second alleged attacker Saidakram Rajabalizoda. It is learnt that both of them met in Turkey in early March to allegedly hatch the plot.&nbsp;

Turkey is not only a convenient country for any migrant worker to renew a Russian permit, but with its radicalised credentials under President Erdogan, is also seen as a place where&nbsp;IS(KP) can recruit militants. Turkey has become a logistical hub for ISIS because both Tajiks and Russians can travel there without a visa, hence an ideal staging area for terror attacks in Russia.&nbsp;

<h2>Ukrainian narrative&nbsp;</h2>

Ukrainian narrative to suggest that it could be a false flag operation by Russians to be used as an excuse for escalation of the Ukraine war is less likely because Russia is already at war with Ukraine and does not need any additional excuse to escalate at any point of its choosing. Moreover, ensuring internal security has been a trademark of President Putin, and he would not like to risk his reputation as a strong security provider. Ukraine’s false flag claim, therefore, appears as absurd as much as Ukraine accusing Russia blew its own Nordstream pipeline and its own bridge to Crimea.

<h2>Prognosis</h2>

The narrative of ISIS(KP) is supported by arguments of it taking responsibility for it through the release of a video of the site, the presence of a large number of Tajik cadres in it, and a fair amount of the Tajik population is present in Moscow, which could have been lured to collaborate to make such a difficult mission easy. The intelligence failure of Russian agencies and the complacency of its internal security organisations would have added the vulnerability of Moscow to such an attack. ISIS (KP) also wants to increase its influence, and an attack of this kind could boost its image among Islamic radicals to draw more support and finances. &nbsp;

&nbsp;The ISIS(KP) narrative has some glaring loopholes. In case it wanted to punish Moscow for intervention in Afghanistan, Chechnya and Syria as is being propagated in media, then all these interventions happened long back and there was no worthwhile immediate trigger available to justify such a massive attack. Moreover, an attack of this magnitude was difficult, given the current capability of ISIS( KP) in a strictly controlled area of Moscow. This does not rule out any outside country planning and conducting the attack through ISIS(KP) cadres in exchange for handsome payment as the terror organisation is also in dire need of financial resources.&nbsp;

Also watch |&nbsp;Moscow terror attack: Putin says Moscow attack aimed at tampering Russia's unity

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The most important argument which goes in favour of possible Ukrainian or Western links is that an attack of this kind can divert the attention of Russia from the Ukrainian conflict towards ISIS(KP) which is beneficial for Ukraine or US-led NATO. Moreover, if al-Qaeda can be supported and funded by the US to checkmate the USSR in the past, there is no reason why ISIS(KP) cannot be lured to change the course of the Russia-Ukraine war by diverting Russian attention towards it&nbsp;through such an attack.&nbsp;

It will therefore be premature to exonerate or blame Ukraine and Western agencies for having masterminded such a terror attack in Moscow, to divert Russian focus from Ukraine or accept/reject ISIS(KP) claim of having conducted it all by itself.&nbsp;

<h2>What next</h2>

The attack was carried out by Tajik terrorists but Tajikistan has condemned it and is cooperating with an investigation; hence, it makes no sense for Russia to punish Tajikistan or divert resources to keep hunting ISIS(KP) cadres in Afghanistan or Syria. &nbsp;However, Russia will certainly be mindful of the ISIS(KP) threat and work out long-term internal and external security strategies to tackle the same. For Russia, blaming Ukraine and taking it as part of the ongoing war is a lesser embarrassment than conceding an ISIS(KP) attack on itself.

It appears that Russia would continue its full focus on the Russia-Ukraine war and will not get diverted towards attacking ISIS(KP). It will continue to propagate the Ukrainian link so that Russians can convince the domestic audience that it is part of their existential war against the West and it cannot afford to give a window of opportunity to Ukraine or US-led NATO.&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

The horrific terror attack on the Crocus City Hall, Moscow in March, which killed at least 144 innocent people and injured more than 300 others, deserves global condemnation.

The horrific terror attack on the Crocus City Hall, Moscow in March, which killed at least 144 innocent people and injured more than 300 others, deserves global condemnation. This has been the largest terror attack inside Russia in the last two decades, which once again reminds us of the growing danger of the global menace of terrorism, the vulnerability of civil society to it and the inadequacy of synergised global response to tackle it. Terrorism must be condemned in all forms & manifestations anywhere in the world. Four terrorists of Tajikistan origin, who executed it are in custody along with other suspects/collaborators undergoing investigations and trials. All terrorists are Tajiks claiming to have done it for money. The attack seems to have been executed by Islamic radicals, which could be a possible ‘paid to kill operation’. Also read | Russians rush to join army seeking to avenge Moscow concert hall attack In the context of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and the intense information warfare campaign between US-led NATO, Ukraine and Russia, conflicting narratives are emerging, which are worth decoding, along with their implications and way ahead. What US-led West is propagating? The US-led NATO, which is fighting a non-kinetic war (In Information, economic, political and diplomatic domains) against Russia would like the world to believe that this terror attack was done by the Islamic State (Khorasan Province) ISIS(KP) to punish Russia. It highlights the failure of the Russian intelligence as well as the security system. It is vigorously attempting to exonerate Ukraine from any allegation of any link with this terror attack. The US is also indicating the complacency of Russian leadership towards its claim of having provided on 07 March 2024, intelligence warnings given to Russians regarding a possible terror attack on a public gathering. Russian narrative Russia would like to believe that the Moscow terror attack is an extension of the Russia-Ukraine War. While it agrees that Islamic radicals have executed it, it would like to believe that in the context of the ongoing war with Ukraine, hostile powers like Ukraine could have masterminded the ‘paid to kill operation’ through ISIS(KP) cadres. Russia believes that Ukrainian nationalists have paid in cash and cryptocurrency to the perpetrators of the attack. It also claims that the terrorists were trying to flee into Ukraine and alleges that some window was open for them to get into hostile territory. Also read | Iran alerted Russia about security threat before Moscow concert hall terror attack The Russian Investigative Committee has claimed that it has evidence connecting Ukraine to the Crocus City Hall terrorist attack. Russia has asked Ukraine to immediately arrest and extradite all connected to terror attacks in Moscow and Kerch Bridge to Russia, including their SBU Security Service Chief. The continued Russian efforts to link Ukraine and the West to the terrorist attacks are being seen as a ploy to generate more domestic support for its war in Ukraine, by the West. The attempt of terrorists to skip into hostile territory, as claimed by Moscow, can also be construed as a natural reaction of any terrorist to his safe exit, whether Ukraine was involved in it or otherwise. Validity of ISIS(KP) claims Jihadist group ISIS(KP) has claimed through a released video footage that it was behind the Moscow attack and BBC claims to have verified the video footage. The ISIS(KP) narrative of punishing Moscow for intervention in Afghanistan, Chechnya, and Syria is marred by the absence of any immediate trigger. In fact, in the last few years USA has killed more ISIS commanders than Russia; hence the terror group choosing Russia as a target over Western destinations or Israel, working in favour of the US is surprising, unless it's backed by some lucrative deal. Russia admits that the terror attack was committed by Islamic radicals from Tajikistan, but maintains the possibility of interested parties or agencies ordering it through them in ‘Paid to kill operations’ as ISIS, as well as the terrorists involved were amenable to financial allurement. Tajikistan and Turkey connection Tajik President Rahmon has condemned the Crocus City Hall attack as a shameful and terrible event and seems concerned with extremism in many areas of Tajikistan. At least nine people were arrested last week by Tajik authorities for alleged links to the Moscow attack suspects. Faridun Shamsiddin was one of the main attackers from Loyob, Tajikistan. Nine of the Tajik suspects are residents of Vakhdat, a town East of Dushanbe that is home to the second alleged attacker Saidakram Rajabalizoda. It is learnt that both of them met in Turkey in early March to allegedly hatch the plot. Turkey is not only a convenient country for any migrant worker to renew a Russian permit, but with its radicalised credentials under President Erdogan, is also seen as a place where IS(KP) can recruit militants. Turkey has become a logistical hub for ISIS because both Tajiks and Russians can travel there without a visa, hence an ideal staging area for terror attacks in Russia. Ukrainian narrative Ukrainian narrative to suggest that it could be a false flag operation by Russians to be used as an excuse for escalation of the Ukraine war is less likely because Russia is already at war with Ukraine and does not need any additional excuse to escalate at any point of its choosing. Moreover, ensuring internal security has been a trademark of President Putin, and he would not like to risk his reputation as a strong security provider. Ukraine’s false flag claim, therefore, appears as absurd as much as Ukraine accusing Russia blew its own Nordstream pipeline and its own bridge to Crimea. Prognosis The narrative of ISIS(KP) is supported by arguments of it taking responsibility for it through the release of a video of the site, the presence of a large number of Tajik cadres in it, and a fair amount of the Tajik population is present in Moscow, which could have been lured to collaborate to make such a difficult mission easy. The intelligence failure of Russian agencies and the complacency of its internal security organisations would have added the vulnerability of Moscow to such an attack. ISIS (KP) also wants to increase its influence, and an attack of this kind could boost its image among Islamic radicals to draw more support and finances. The ISIS(KP) narrative has some glaring loopholes. In case it wanted to punish Moscow for intervention in Afghanistan, Chechnya and Syria as is being propagated in media, then all these interventions happened long back and there was no worthwhile immediate trigger available to justify such a massive attack. Moreover, an attack of this magnitude was difficult, given the current capability of ISIS( KP) in a strictly controlled area of Moscow. This does not rule out any outside country planning and conducting the attack through ISIS(KP) cadres in exchange for handsome payment as the terror organisation is also in dire need of financial resources. Also watch | Moscow terror attack: Putin says Moscow attack aimed at tampering Russia's unity × The most important argument which goes in favour of possible Ukrainian or Western links is that an attack of this kind can divert the attention of Russia from the Ukrainian conflict towards ISIS(KP) which is beneficial for Ukraine or US-led NATO. Moreover, if al-Qaeda can be supported and funded by the US to checkmate the USSR in the past, there is no reason why ISIS(KP) cannot be lured to change the course of the Russia-Ukraine war by diverting Russian attention towards it through such an attack. It will therefore be premature to exonerate or blame Ukraine and Western agencies for having masterminded such a terror attack in Moscow, to divert Russian focus from Ukraine or accept/reject ISIS(KP) claim of having conducted it all by itself. What next The attack was carried out by Tajik terrorists but Tajikistan has condemned it and is cooperating with an investigation; hence, it makes no sense for Russia to punish Tajikistan or divert resources to keep hunting ISIS(KP) cadres in Afghanistan or Syria. However, Russia will certainly be mindful of the ISIS(KP) threat and work out long-term internal and external security strategies to tackle the same. For Russia, blaming Ukraine and taking it as part of the ongoing war is a lesser embarrassment than conceding an ISIS(KP) attack on itself. It appears that Russia would continue its full focus on the Russia-Ukraine war and will not get diverted towards attacking ISIS(KP). It will continue to propagate the Ukrainian link so that Russians can convince the domestic audience that it is part of their existential war against the West and it cannot afford to give a window of opportunity to Ukraine or US-led NATO. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Decoding conflicting narratives on Moscow terror attack and way ahead

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has labelled the United States' recent statements about its readiness for nuclear talks with Russia, China, and North Korea without any preconditions a "deception".

In remarks published by the news outlet Argumenty I Fakty, Lavrov said, "The call to talk about strategic stability, about control over nuclear weapons without preconditions, is a deception."

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:118,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1803}">What 'without preconditions' means</h2>

The Russian foreign minister, as per Reuters,&nbsp;questioned, "What does 'without preconditions' mean?".

"This means that the Americans reserve the right to declare us an enemy in their doctrinal documents," he stated.&nbsp;

His comment comes as the United States in a note to Japanese organisation Nihon Hidankyo said it stood "ready to engage in talks with Russia, China, and North Korea without preconditions to reduce the nuclear threat".

Nihon Hidankyo is a grassroots movement of atomic bomb survivors from Hiroshima and Nagasaki, which won this year's Nobel Peace Prize.

Lavrov alleged that the White House statement is a front for America's broader goal of inflicting a "strategic defeat" on Russia on the battlefield.

Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:88,&quot;y&quot;:411,&quot;w&quot;:501,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:121,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2096}" data-ved="2ahUKEwiRwI3F4J6JAxXnumMGHW2KJigQxfQBKAB6BAgMEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-targets-key-russian-explosives-plant-in-overnight-drone-strike-769178" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-targets-key-russian-explosives-plant-in-overnight-drone-strike-769178&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiRwI3F4J6JAxXnumMGHW2KJigQxfQBKAB6BAgMEAE">Ukraine targets key Russian explosives plant in overnight drone strike</a>

Lavrov also mentioned that Russia is closely following the US presidential election campaigns of both candidates, Republican former president Donald Trump and Democrat Vice President Kamala Harris.&nbsp;

"We are ready to work with any administration that the American people ultimately choose, but only if such a conversation is mutually respectful and equal," he said.

Lavrov expressed doubts that such a dialogue would be restored soon.

"We are currently monitoring the election campaign in the US, and at the moment we do not see any signs that we will return to such a conversation."

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:645,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2330}">Ukraine war</h2>

The Ukraine-Russia war, now over two years old, has heightened tensions between Russia and the West. Moscow calls its incursion into Ukraine a "special military operation," and has accused the US and NATO of waging a hybrid war by supporting Kyiv. In response, Ukraine and its allies have called the invasion as an act of unprovoked imperialistic attempt to grab land.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has labelled the United States' recent statements about its readiness for nuclear talks with Russia, China, and North Korea without any preconditions a "deception".

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has labelled the United States' recent statements about its readiness for nuclear talks with Russia, China, and North Korea without any preconditions a "deception". In remarks published by the news outlet Argumenty I Fakty, Lavrov said, "The call to talk about strategic stability, about control over nuclear weapons without preconditions, is a deception." What 'without preconditions' means The Russian foreign minister, as per Reuters, questioned, "What does 'without preconditions' mean?". "This means that the Americans reserve the right to declare us an enemy in their doctrinal documents," he stated. His comment comes as the United States in a note to Japanese organisation Nihon Hidankyo said it stood "ready to engage in talks with Russia, China, and North Korea without preconditions to reduce the nuclear threat". Nihon Hidankyo is a grassroots movement of atomic bomb survivors from Hiroshima and Nagasaki, which won this year's Nobel Peace Prize. Lavrov alleged that the White House statement is a front for America's broader goal of inflicting a "strategic defeat" on Russia on the battlefield. Also read | Ukraine targets key Russian explosives plant in overnight drone strike Lavrov also mentioned that Russia is closely following the US presidential election campaigns of both candidates, Republican former president Donald Trump and Democrat Vice President Kamala Harris. "We are ready to work with any administration that the American people ultimately choose, but only if such a conversation is mutually respectful and equal," he said. Lavrov expressed doubts that such a dialogue would be restored soon. "We are currently monitoring the election campaign in the US, and at the moment we do not see any signs that we will return to such a conversation." Ukraine war The Ukraine-Russia war, now over two years old, has heightened tensions between Russia and the West. Moscow calls its incursion into Ukraine a "special military operation," and has accused the US and NATO of waging a hybrid war by supporting Kyiv. In response, Ukraine and its allies have called the invasion as an act of unprovoked imperialistic attempt to grab land. (With inputs from agencies)

Sergei Lavrov slams US nuclear talks proposal, labels it 'strategic deception'

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