<p>Britain's spy chief made rare comments on Wednesday (July 19) on the ongoing Ukraine war and Russian President Vladimir Putin in a speech and interview in the Czech capital Prague.&nbsp;</p>

<p>MI6 head Richard Moore claimed that Russians are "appalled" by their country's invasion and even urged them to "join hands" with the West.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He also made an unusual public appeal for new agents as he used the crushing of the 1968 Prague Spring movement by Soviet-led armies as a call for Russian recruits.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Moore said, "There are many Russians today who are silently appalled by the sight of their armed forces pulverising Ukrainian cities, expelling innocent families from their homes and kidnapping thousands of children."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"As they witness the venality, infighting and sheer callous incompetence of their leaders... many Russians are wrestling with the same dilemmas and the same tugs of conscience as their predecessors did in 1968," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I invite them to do what others have already done these past 18 months and join hands with us. Our door is always open," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While elaborating his unusual call of recruits, Moore said that the British Foreign Intelligence Service would handle any such moves "with discretion and professionalism."</p>

<p>"Their secrets will always be safe with us" and that "our loyalty to our agents is lifelong."&nbsp;</p>

<p>During a question-and-answer session hosted by the Politico website following his speech, Moore insisted protecting such assets is "sacred" as he insinuated that the spy service was already successfully harnessing Russian agents.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"If we could not do that, we would go out of business, and I can assure you we are very much in business," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Moore on Putin and Wagner</strong></h2>

<p>A report by CNN mentioned in detail how the MI6 head, in a way, confirmed that during the failed coup attempt of June 24, the leader of the private military organisation Wagner, Yevgeny Prigozhin, did strike a deal with Putin to cease his assault on Moscow.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Moore said, "If you look at Putin's behaviours on that day. Prigozhin started off I think, as a traitor at breakfast. He had been pardoned by supper and then a few days later, he was invited for tea. So, there are some things and even the chief of MI6 finds that a little bit difficult to try and interpret, in terms of who's in and who's out."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"He [Putin] really didn't fight back against Prigozhin. He cut a deal to save his skin, using the good offices of the leader of Belarus.</p>

<p>"So even I can't see inside Putin's head, He has to have realised, I am sure that something that is deeply rotten in the state of Denmark - to quote Hamlet - and he had to cut this deal," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Moore also said he was positive about Ukraine will come victorious and be able to regain territory taken by Russia since it launched its invasion in February last year.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Britain's spy chief made rare comments on Wednesday (July 19) on the ongoing Ukraine war and Russian President Vladimir Putin in a speech and interview in the Czech capital Prague.

Britain's spy chief made rare comments on Wednesday (July 19) on the ongoing Ukraine war and Russian President Vladimir Putin in a speech and interview in the Czech capital Prague. MI6 head Richard Moore claimed that Russians are "appalled" by their country's invasion and even urged them to "join hands" with the West. He also made an unusual public appeal for new agents as he used the crushing of the 1968 Prague Spring movement by Soviet-led armies as a call for Russian recruits. Moore said, "There are many Russians today who are silently appalled by the sight of their armed forces pulverising Ukrainian cities, expelling innocent families from their homes and kidnapping thousands of children." "As they witness the venality, infighting and sheer callous incompetence of their leaders... many Russians are wrestling with the same dilemmas and the same tugs of conscience as their predecessors did in 1968," he said. "I invite them to do what others have already done these past 18 months and join hands with us. Our door is always open," he added. While elaborating his unusual call of recruits, Moore said that the British Foreign Intelligence Service would handle any such moves "with discretion and professionalism." "Their secrets will always be safe with us" and that "our loyalty to our agents is lifelong." During a question-and-answer session hosted by the Politico website following his speech, Moore insisted protecting such assets is "sacred" as he insinuated that the spy service was already successfully harnessing Russian agents. "If we could not do that, we would go out of business, and I can assure you we are very much in business," he said. Moore on Putin and Wagner A report by CNN mentioned in detail how the MI6 head, in a way, confirmed that during the failed coup attempt of June 24, the leader of the private military organisation Wagner, Yevgeny Prigozhin, did strike a deal with Putin to cease his assault on Moscow. Moore said, "If you look at Putin's behaviours on that day. Prigozhin started off I think, as a traitor at breakfast. He had been pardoned by supper and then a few days later, he was invited for tea. So, there are some things and even the chief of MI6 finds that a little bit difficult to try and interpret, in terms of who's in and who's out." "He [Putin] really didn't fight back against Prigozhin. He cut a deal to save his skin, using the good offices of the leader of Belarus. "So even I can't see inside Putin's head, He has to have realised, I am sure that something that is deeply rotten in the state of Denmark - to quote Hamlet - and he had to cut this deal," he added. Moore also said he was positive about Ukraine will come victorious and be able to regain territory taken by Russia since it launched its invasion in February last year. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

MI6 chief urges Russians 'appalled' by war to 'join hands with us'

<p>Talks to bring home thousands of Ukraine children that have been "abducted" by Russia have reportedly been underway since April.</p>

<p>On Wednesday, talking to Reuters, a source with knowledge of the discussions, confirmed a previous Finance Times report that Saudi Arabia and Turkey are trying to mediate the repatriation efforts and bring home Ukrainian children that have been taken to Russia, and placed in children's homes or even adopted by Russian families.</p>

<h2><strong>Talks going on for months</strong></h2>

<p>"The Turks and the Saudis especially have been showing an interest in bringing Ukrainian children back," the source told Reuters on the condition of anonymity.</p>

<p>As per the Reuters source, talks had been going on since April, but they could've started earlier.</p>

<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/31-children-that-russia-stole-return-home-to-ukraine-580540">31 children that Russia 'stole' return home to Ukraine</a></strong></p>

<p>The individual reportedly failed to disclose the status of the talks. They, however, expressed doubt that a deal would be reached and said it would depend on Russian President Vladimir Putin accepting he's a "war criminal".</p>

<p>"For him to give (the children) back would mean that he agrees that he's a war criminal."</p>

<p>The source did not indicate to Reuters how the talks were going but expressed doubt that a deal would be reached because it would depend on Russian President Vladimir Putin.</p>

<p>"For him to give (the children) back would mean that he agrees that he's a war criminal," the source said.</p>

<p>On Tuesday, quoting four people, a Financial Times report said that the discussions have been underway for several months.</p>

<h2><strong>Abduction of Ukrainian children</strong></h2>

<p>Ukraine has accused Russia of illegally carrying out the forced deportation of thousands of Ukrainian&nbsp;children. Russia has, however, denied the "abduction" allegation and says they were transported for their own safety, and to save the children from the horrors of the war.</p>

<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-to-consider-ukraine-bound-ships-to-be-carrying-military-cargo-617577">Russia to consider Ukraine-bound ships to be carrying 'military cargo'</a></strong></p>

<p>In March, the International Criminal Court announced an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin over the war crime of unlawfully deporting Ukrainian children.&nbsp; At the time, another warrant on similar charges was also issued for Maria Lvova-Belova, Russia's presidential commissioner for children's rights.</p>

<p>As per Kyiv's estimates, nearly 19,500 children have been taken to Russia or Russian-occupied Crimea since the beginning of the invasion. Of these only 385 children have been repatriated, show Ukrainian official figures.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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Talks to bring home thousands of Ukraine children that have been "abducted" by Russia have reportedly been underway since April. On Wednesday, talking to Reuters, a source with knowledge of the discussions, confirmed a previous Finance Times report that Saudi Arabia and Turkey are trying to mediate the repatriation efforts and bring home Ukrainian children that have been taken to Russia, and placed in children's homes or even adopted by Russian families.

Talks to bring home thousands of Ukraine children that have been "abducted" by Russia have reportedly been underway since April. On Wednesday, talking to Reuters, a source with knowledge of the discussions, confirmed a previous Finance Times report that Saudi Arabia and Turkey are trying to mediate the repatriation efforts and bring home Ukrainian children that have been taken to Russia, and placed in children's homes or even adopted by Russian families. Talks going on for months "The Turks and the Saudis especially have been showing an interest in bringing Ukrainian children back," the source told Reuters on the condition of anonymity. As per the Reuters source, talks had been going on since April, but they could've started earlier. Also read | 31 children that Russia 'stole' return home to Ukraine The individual reportedly failed to disclose the status of the talks. They, however, expressed doubt that a deal would be reached and said it would depend on Russian President Vladimir Putin accepting he's a "war criminal". "For him to give (the children) back would mean that he agrees that he's a war criminal." The source did not indicate to Reuters how the talks were going but expressed doubt that a deal would be reached because it would depend on Russian President Vladimir Putin. "For him to give (the children) back would mean that he agrees that he's a war criminal," the source said. On Tuesday, quoting four people, a Financial Times report said that the discussions have been underway for several months. Abduction of Ukrainian children Ukraine has accused Russia of illegally carrying out the forced deportation of thousands of Ukrainian children. Russia has, however, denied the "abduction" allegation and says they were transported for their own safety, and to save the children from the horrors of the war. Also read | Russia to consider Ukraine-bound ships to be carrying 'military cargo' In March, the International Criminal Court announced an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin over the war crime of unlawfully deporting Ukrainian children. At the time, another warrant on similar charges was also issued for Maria Lvova-Belova, Russia's presidential commissioner for children's rights. As per Kyiv's estimates, nearly 19,500 children have been taken to Russia or Russian-occupied Crimea since the beginning of the invasion. Of these only 385 children have been repatriated, show Ukrainian official figures. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Talks to bring back Ukrainian children 'abducted' by Russia on since April: Report

<p>An American think tank has claimed that insubordination is&nbsp;on the rise in the Russian military after top commanders were fired over questioning Kremlin's war strategy.&nbsp;The Institute for the Study of War said the disobeying of orders by the Russian troops was creating a problem for President Vladimir Putin.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The report claimed that incidences of insubordination rose after the dismissal of Maj. Gen. Ivan Popov, the commander of the 58th army in the Zaporizhzhia region - a focal point in Ukraine's counteroffensive. After&nbsp;Popov's firing, several military bloggers across the country criticised the Putin administration for taking unilateral calls that may harm morale.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In an audio statement released for his troops, Popov could be heard saying he was inflicted a&nbsp;"treacherous" stab after meeting the top military brass of the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The top officers apparently saw me as a source of threat and rapidly issued an order to get rid of me, which was signed by the defence minister in just one day," he said. "The Ukrainian military has failed to break through our army's defences, but the top commander hit us in the rear, treacherously and cowardly beheading the army at this most difficult moment."</p>

<p>"It was necessary either to keep quiet and be a coward or to say it the way it is.&nbsp;I had no right to lie in the name of you, in the name of my fallen comrades in arms, so I outlined all the problems which exist," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-top-general-sacked-for-questioning-defence-ministrys-tactics-in-southern-ukraine-615131"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Russian top general sacked for questioning defence ministry’s tactics in southern Ukraine</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>Threat issued by troops&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Apart from Popov, the dismissals of&nbsp;106th Guards Airborne (VDV) Division Commander Major General Vladimir Seliverstov,&nbsp;7th VDV Division Commander Major General Alexander Kornev&nbsp;and&nbsp;Major General Ramil Ibatullin,&nbsp;90th Tank Division Commander have sullied the morale of troops fighting on the frontlines.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"A prominent Kremlin-affiliated blogger claimed that Seliverstov’s dismissal was a result of similar insubordination, and Russian sources claimed that Seliverstov had a reputation for speaking up on behalf of his soldiers," the think tank noted.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Russian President Putin may visit China to attend Belt &amp; Road Summit in October&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>With reports claiming that the Russian defence ministry was planning to arrest VDV Commander Colonel General Mikhail Teplinsky, troops in the division have threatened they would&nbsp;withdraw from their positions in occupied Kherson Oblast.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The VDV servicemen are blackmailing the Russian MoD to ensure that Teplinsky continues to command troops in Ukraine, despite Teplinsky’s previous affiliation with Wagner Group financier Yevgeny Prigozhin.</p>

<h2><strong>Russia's struggles&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Despite making decent headways in the war, Russia has struggled to maintain an effective command structure, experts argue. It is perhaps one of the reasons why Ukraine has managed to put up a defiant defence which has not been breached completely so far.</p>

<p>Several big names have been purged while others have been quietly removed from public duty. The think tank said if the current situation persists, the morale of troops is likely to be hurt which will "degrade Russian capabilities to conduct tactical offensive operations that are critical to the Russian elastic defence in southern Ukraine".&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>(<em>Disclaimer:</em></strong><em> <strong>A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.)</strong></em></p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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An American think tank has claimed that insubordination is on the rise in the Russian military after top commanders were fired over questioning Kremlin's war strategy.

An American think tank has claimed that insubordination is on the rise in the Russian military after top commanders were fired over questioning Kremlin's war strategy. The Institute for the Study of War said the disobeying of orders by the Russian troops was creating a problem for President Vladimir Putin. The report claimed that incidences of insubordination rose after the dismissal of Maj. Gen. Ivan Popov, the commander of the 58th army in the Zaporizhzhia region - a focal point in Ukraine's counteroffensive. After Popov's firing, several military bloggers across the country criticised the Putin administration for taking unilateral calls that may harm morale. In an audio statement released for his troops, Popov could be heard saying he was inflicted a "treacherous" stab after meeting the top military brass of the country. "The top officers apparently saw me as a source of threat and rapidly issued an order to get rid of me, which was signed by the defence minister in just one day," he said. "The Ukrainian military has failed to break through our army's defences, but the top commander hit us in the rear, treacherously and cowardly beheading the army at this most difficult moment." "It was necessary either to keep quiet and be a coward or to say it the way it is. I had no right to lie in the name of you, in the name of my fallen comrades in arms, so I outlined all the problems which exist," he added. Also read | Russian top general sacked for questioning defence ministry’s tactics in southern Ukraine Threat issued by troops Apart from Popov, the dismissals of 106th Guards Airborne (VDV) Division Commander Major General Vladimir Seliverstov, 7th VDV Division Commander Major General Alexander Kornev and Major General Ramil Ibatullin, 90th Tank Division Commander have sullied the morale of troops fighting on the frontlines. "A prominent Kremlin-affiliated blogger claimed that Seliverstov’s dismissal was a result of similar insubordination, and Russian sources claimed that Seliverstov had a reputation for speaking up on behalf of his soldiers," the think tank noted. Watch | Russian President Putin may visit China to attend Belt & Road Summit in October With reports claiming that the Russian defence ministry was planning to arrest VDV Commander Colonel General Mikhail Teplinsky, troops in the division have threatened they would withdraw from their positions in occupied Kherson Oblast. The VDV servicemen are blackmailing the Russian MoD to ensure that Teplinsky continues to command troops in Ukraine, despite Teplinsky’s previous affiliation with Wagner Group financier Yevgeny Prigozhin. Russia's struggles Despite making decent headways in the war, Russia has struggled to maintain an effective command structure, experts argue. It is perhaps one of the reasons why Ukraine has managed to put up a defiant defence which has not been breached completely so far. Several big names have been purged while others have been quietly removed from public duty. The think tank said if the current situation persists, the morale of troops is likely to be hurt which will "degrade Russian capabilities to conduct tactical offensive operations that are critical to the Russian elastic defence in southern Ukraine". (Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.) (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Putin facing increasing insubordination from troops amid chain of command crisis in military

<p>Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Friday that Russian President Vladimir Putin has agreed to extend the Black Sea grain deal. The deal is going to expire next week.</p>

<p>Erdogan told reporters that he had spoken with Putin about the crucial deal.</p>

<p>Russian invasion of Ukraine had stopped Ukraine's grain exports. This had raised the spectre of a global food crisis. The Black Sea grain deal was signed after five months into the Ukraine war and has been extended several times but is again&nbsp;set to expire on Monday. Putin has repeatedly threatened that Russia would not renew it.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | US President Joe Biden: Putin has lost the war in Ukraine | Russia-Ukraine War</strong></p>

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<p>"We are preparing to welcome Putin in August and we agree on the extension of the Black Sea grain corridor," Erdogan told reporters.</p>

<p>United Nations General Secretary Antonio Guterres sent a letter to Putin this week about extension of the deal. The secretary general has supported removing hurdles to Russia exporting its fertilisers. Moscow has complained that obstacles to Russia's own exports have not been removed.</p>

<p>Erdogan said he hopes "that with this letter we will ensure the extension of the grain corridor with our joint efforts and those of Russia."</p>

<h2><strong>Not one&nbsp;condition met: Putin</strong></h2>

<p>President Putin complained on Thursday that "not one" of Moscow's conditions for the deal to function had been met.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I want to emphasise that nothing was done, nothing at all. It's all one-sided," Putin said in a televised interview, adding: "We will think about what to do, we have a few more days."</p>

<p>The deal between Russia and Ukraine was brokered by the United Nations and Turkey. The deal has till now, allowed Ukraine to ship more than 32 million tonnes of grain past Russian warships stationed in the Black Sea.</p>

<p>A large part of the grain has gone to feed people in developing countries in the African continent, West Asia and elsewhere. If the deal is not extended and the exports are blocked again, food prices can soar.</p>

<h2><strong>Advanced 2 km along front, says Ukraine</strong></h2>

<p>Meanwhile, Ukraine said on Friday that its troops advanced nearly two kilometres along the southern front over the past week.</p>

<p>Mykola Urshalovych, a senior representative of the National Guard, told reporters that the force's 15th Karadag brigade and regular troops had moved towards the occupied southern city of Melitopol during the ongoing offensive.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-receives-delivery-of-cluster-munitions-pledges-its-constrained-use-615323">Ukraine receives delivery of cluster munitions, pledges its limited use</a></strong></p>

<p>He said that the soldiers, "supported by tanks have advanced 1700 metres to theh south and southwest"</p>

<p>He added that Ukrainian troops are moving ahead in spite of "dense" minefields and shelling.</p>

<p><strong>Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on issues surrounding&nbsp;Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. </strong>&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form"><strong>here</strong></a>.</p>

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Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Friday that Russian President Vladimir Putin has agreed to extend the Black Sea grain deal. The deal is going to expire next week.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Friday that Russian President Vladimir Putin has agreed to extend the Black Sea grain deal. The deal is going to expire next week. Erdogan told reporters that he had spoken with Putin about the crucial deal. Russian invasion of Ukraine had stopped Ukraine's grain exports. This had raised the spectre of a global food crisis. The Black Sea grain deal was signed after five months into the Ukraine war and has been extended several times but is again set to expire on Monday. Putin has repeatedly threatened that Russia would not renew it. Watch | US President Joe Biden: Putin has lost the war in Ukraine | Russia-Ukraine War × "We are preparing to welcome Putin in August and we agree on the extension of the Black Sea grain corridor," Erdogan told reporters. United Nations General Secretary Antonio Guterres sent a letter to Putin this week about extension of the deal. The secretary general has supported removing hurdles to Russia exporting its fertilisers. Moscow has complained that obstacles to Russia's own exports have not been removed. Erdogan said he hopes "that with this letter we will ensure the extension of the grain corridor with our joint efforts and those of Russia." Not one condition met: Putin President Putin complained on Thursday that "not one" of Moscow's conditions for the deal to function had been met. "I want to emphasise that nothing was done, nothing at all. It's all one-sided," Putin said in a televised interview, adding: "We will think about what to do, we have a few more days." The deal between Russia and Ukraine was brokered by the United Nations and Turkey. The deal has till now, allowed Ukraine to ship more than 32 million tonnes of grain past Russian warships stationed in the Black Sea. A large part of the grain has gone to feed people in developing countries in the African continent, West Asia and elsewhere. If the deal is not extended and the exports are blocked again, food prices can soar. Advanced 2 km along front, says Ukraine Meanwhile, Ukraine said on Friday that its troops advanced nearly two kilometres along the southern front over the past week. Mykola Urshalovych, a senior representative of the National Guard, told reporters that the force's 15th Karadag brigade and regular troops had moved towards the occupied southern city of Melitopol during the ongoing offensive. Also Read | Ukraine receives delivery of cluster munitions, pledges its limited use He said that the soldiers, "supported by tanks have advanced 1700 metres to theh south and southwest" He added that Ukrainian troops are moving ahead in spite of "dense" minefields and shelling. Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on issues surrounding Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Putin has agreed to extend Black Sea grain deal, says Erdogan

<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Moscow has sufficient stockpiles of cluster munition to respond to Kyiv's use of internationally sanctioned lethal weapons. The Biden administration last week approved the export of cluster munitions that the White House itself once flagged for purported 'war crimes' during the initial days of war in Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The use of cluster munitions was called a crime by the US itself," Putin <a href="https://twitter.com/SpriterTeam/status/1680522405251371010?s=20">said</a> in an interview published on Sunday, in an indirect reference to an international treaty signed by Washington's allies against the use of cluster munitions.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;US sends cluster munitions to Ukraine despite global opposition</strong></p>

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<p>The international treaty – United Nations Convention on Cluster Munitions – signed in 2008 prohibits the use, stockpiling, or transfer of such weapons.&nbsp;United Kingdom, Germany and France are its signatories among NATO countries. Russia, United States and China did not sign this treaty.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-mulls-giving-ukraine-lethal-weapons-that-white-house-once-described-as-aiding-war-crimes-612905">White House to give lethal weapons to Ukraine that it once flagged for ‘war crimes’</a></strong></p>

<p>"I think this is how it should be treated," Putin added, while referring to Washington's earlier assertion of use of cluster munitions as constituting war crimes.</p>

<p>"Until now, we have not used it," claimed the Russian president against West's accusations that Moscow used cluster munitions in Kharkiv early on during the war.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>"If they are used against us, we reserve ourselves the right to tit-for-tat actions," Putin warned, adding that Russia has a sufficient stockpile of various kinds of cluster munitions.</p>

<h2><b>What makes cluster munition lethal?</b></h2>

<article data-io-article-url="https://guardian.ng/news/putin-says-russia-has-sufficient-cluster-munitions-for-tit-for-tat/" data-post-id="2152106" data-post-type="post">
<p>Cluster munitions, which are also known as cluster bombs, are canisters that contain tens to hundreds of smaller bomblets, also called&nbsp;submunitions.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-what-are-cluster-bombs-which-us-is-set-to-provide-to-ukraine-why-it-is-facing-opposition-613067">Explained | What are cluster bombs which US is set to provide to Ukraine? Why is it facing opposition?</a></strong><br />
<br />
The bomblets,&nbsp;engineered in a way that they detonate when they hit the ground, have a high chance of killing or seriously injuring anyone in the area. Apart from the initial damage which the munitions cause upon impact, many bomblets do not detonate at all. So after the conflict dies down, they pose a threat to the civilian population.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Humanitarian groups have strongly condemned the US decision to supply cluster munitions to Ukraine.</p>

<p>US President Joe Biden said the decision was "very difficult" but stressed Ukraine needed extra ammunition to refill its depleted stocks.</p>

<p>Putin on Sunday also claimed that the Ukrainian stockpile of ammunition is depleting.</p>

<p>"The Ukrainian army uses up to 15 to 16 thousand shells of 155-calibre per day of hostilities and in the USA they produce 15 thousand per month."</p>

<p>"They don't have enough (ammunition)&nbsp;and Europe doesn't have enough. They did not find anything better than to suggest the use of cluster munitions."</p>
</article>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Moscow has sufficient stockpiles of cluster munition to respond to Kyiv's use of internationally sanctioned lethal weapons.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Moscow has sufficient stockpiles of cluster munition to respond to Kyiv's use of internationally sanctioned lethal weapons. The Biden administration last week approved the export of cluster munitions that the White House itself once flagged for purported 'war crimes' during the initial days of war in Ukraine. "The use of cluster munitions was called a crime by the US itself," Putin said in an interview published on Sunday, in an indirect reference to an international treaty signed by Washington's allies against the use of cluster munitions. Also watch | US sends cluster munitions to Ukraine despite global opposition × The international treaty – United Nations Convention on Cluster Munitions – signed in 2008 prohibits the use, stockpiling, or transfer of such weapons. United Kingdom, Germany and France are its signatories among NATO countries. Russia, United States and China did not sign this treaty. Also read | White House to give lethal weapons to Ukraine that it once flagged for ‘war crimes’ "I think this is how it should be treated," Putin added, while referring to Washington's earlier assertion of use of cluster munitions as constituting war crimes. "Until now, we have not used it," claimed the Russian president against West's accusations that Moscow used cluster munitions in Kharkiv early on during the war. "If they are used against us, we reserve ourselves the right to tit-for-tat actions," Putin warned, adding that Russia has a sufficient stockpile of various kinds of cluster munitions. What makes cluster munition lethal? Cluster munitions, which are also known as cluster bombs, are canisters that contain tens to hundreds of smaller bomblets, also called submunitions. Also read | Explained | What are cluster bombs which US is set to provide to Ukraine? Why is it facing opposition? The bomblets, engineered in a way that they detonate when they hit the ground, have a high chance of killing or seriously injuring anyone in the area. Apart from the initial damage which the munitions cause upon impact, many bomblets do not detonate at all. So after the conflict dies down, they pose a threat to the civilian population. Humanitarian groups have strongly condemned the US decision to supply cluster munitions to Ukraine. US President Joe Biden said the decision was "very difficult" but stressed Ukraine needed extra ammunition to refill its depleted stocks. Putin on Sunday also claimed that the Ukrainian stockpile of ammunition is depleting. "The Ukrainian army uses up to 15 to 16 thousand shells of 155-calibre per day of hostilities and in the USA they produce 15 thousand per month." "They don't have enough (ammunition) and Europe doesn't have enough. They did not find anything better than to suggest the use of cluster munitions." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Putin threatens 'tit-for-tat' use of cluster munitions against Ukraine

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<p>US President Joe Biden on Thursday (July 13) suggested Wagner Group chief Yevgeny Prigozhin could be in danger after he attempted a coup against Russian President Vladimir Putin last month. Speaking to reporters in Helsinki, Biden even gave cautionary advice, disguised as a joke to Prigozhin: Beware of poisoning.</p>

<p>“If I were he, I’d be careful what I ate. I would keep an eye on my menu," said Biden. He was possibly referring to countless instances of Russian security services using nerve agents and polonium to poison and kill enemies of Putin.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Biden added that during the NATO Summit in Vilnius, Lithuania, the world leaders discussed uncertainty around the impact on Russian operations in Ukraine, following the mutiny.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Putin on Wagner Group's future</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Wagner PMC was formally non-existent now, following the coup attempt.</p>

<p>When questioned about the organisation's future, from the point of view of the Russian legislation, Putin said, "Wagner PMC does not exist".&nbsp;</p>

<p>The president explained that Moscow had&nbsp;no law on private military companies and, therefore, "there is no such legal entity".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The [Wagner] Group exists, but it is judicially non-existent," Kommersant’s special correspondent Andrey Kolesnikov quoted Putin as saying.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The formal legalisation is a separate issue that should be addressed by the State Duma [the lower chamber of the Russian parliament] and the government. It’s a complicated issue."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putins-claims-of-funding-wagner-group-likely-to-make-it-easier-to-try-him-for-war-crimes-experts-611014" target="_blank"><strong>Also read | Putin's claims of funding Wagner group likely makes it easier to try him for war crimes: Experts</strong></a></p>

<p>He added that the controversy surrounding the mercenary group was "very simple and clear" for members of Russian society.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Wagner’s ordinary members were fighting with dignity… so it is very regrettable that they became embroiled into these events," said the president.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, after the mutiny, Prigozhin initially moved to Belarus to avoid the wrath of Putin. But Moscow this week informed that the president held a three-hour meeting with the Wagner Group head and other commanders.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-is-russias-wagner-group-setting-up-a-secret-training-base-in-belarus-610683"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: Is Russia's Wagner group setting up a secret training base in Belarus?</strong></a></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Why the coup?</strong></h2>

<p>The mercenary group had remained on the fringes since its inception in 2014. However, after the war with Ukraine&nbsp;dragged on, Putin turned towards Prigozhin for support. Initially, Wagner Group made concise inroads, hurting the Ukrainian side heavily.</p>

<p>But soon, Prigozhin started to lambast the Russian military and higher authorities for failing to provide his forces with enough resources.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While&nbsp;Prigozhin refrained from directly criticising Putin for the major part, he went for the jugular last month when his troops nearly marched upon Moscow within hours. Before the coup could grow,&nbsp;Prigozhin realised his mistake and chickened out.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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US President Joe Biden on Thursday (July 13) suggested Wagner Group chief Yevgeny Prigozhin could be in danger after he attempted a coup against Russian President Vladimir Putin last month.

US President Joe Biden on Thursday (July 13) suggested Wagner Group chief Yevgeny Prigozhin could be in danger after he attempted a coup against Russian President Vladimir Putin last month. Speaking to reporters in Helsinki, Biden even gave cautionary advice, disguised as a joke to Prigozhin: Beware of poisoning. “If I were he, I’d be careful what I ate. I would keep an eye on my menu," said Biden. He was possibly referring to countless instances of Russian security services using nerve agents and polonium to poison and kill enemies of Putin. Biden added that during the NATO Summit in Vilnius, Lithuania, the world leaders discussed uncertainty around the impact on Russian operations in Ukraine, following the mutiny. Putin on Wagner Group's future Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Wagner PMC was formally non-existent now, following the coup attempt. When questioned about the organisation's future, from the point of view of the Russian legislation, Putin said, "Wagner PMC does not exist". The president explained that Moscow had no law on private military companies and, therefore, "there is no such legal entity". "The [Wagner] Group exists, but it is judicially non-existent," Kommersant’s special correspondent Andrey Kolesnikov quoted Putin as saying. "The formal legalisation is a separate issue that should be addressed by the State Duma [the lower chamber of the Russian parliament] and the government. It’s a complicated issue." Also read | Putin's claims of funding Wagner group likely makes it easier to try him for war crimes: Experts He added that the controversy surrounding the mercenary group was "very simple and clear" for members of Russian society. "Wagner’s ordinary members were fighting with dignity… so it is very regrettable that they became embroiled into these events," said the president. Notably, after the mutiny, Prigozhin initially moved to Belarus to avoid the wrath of Putin. But Moscow this week informed that the president held a three-hour meeting with the Wagner Group head and other commanders. WATCH | Gravitas: Is Russia's Wagner group setting up a secret training base in Belarus? × Why the coup? The mercenary group had remained on the fringes since its inception in 2014. However, after the war with Ukraine dragged on, Putin turned towards Prigozhin for support. Initially, Wagner Group made concise inroads, hurting the Ukrainian side heavily. But soon, Prigozhin started to lambast the Russian military and higher authorities for failing to provide his forces with enough resources. While Prigozhin refrained from directly criticising Putin for the major part, he went for the jugular last month when his troops nearly marched upon Moscow within hours. Before the coup could grow, Prigozhin realised his mistake and chickened out. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Biden suggests Wagner chief be 'careful' of poisoning as Putin formally disbands mercenary outfit

<p>The Russian lawmakers on Friday (July 14) voted in favour of new legislation that makes gender&nbsp;reassignment illegal. The bill was passed in the lower house of parliament, further strengthening Moscow's credentials as an ultra-conservative society.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Under the provisions of the law, any&nbsp;"medical interventions aimed at changing the sex of a person," as well as changing one’s gender in official documents and public records, will be prohibited. Meanwhile, those who have already changed their gender will be prohibited from adopting children and their marriages will be annulled.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The State Duma banned gender reassignment in Russia. The relevant changes to the legislation, initiated by the Chairman of the State Duma Vyacheslav Volodin and deputies of all factions, were adopted in the final version unanimously," read a statement on the Duma's website.</p>

<p>To become law, the bill has to be approved in the upper house of the parliament as well as by President Vladimir Putin. However, given the loyalty of most Kremlin lawmakers to Putin, it appears a mere formality that the bill will be passed without any major disruption.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Bill intended to protect Russian culture, family values: Lawmakers</strong></h2>

<p>The passing of the bill comes a little more than a month after the draft was introduced. According to senior Russian lawmaker Pyotr Tolstoy who introduced the draft,&nbsp;the legislation is intended to protect Russia's&nbsp;cultural, family values and traditions as well as&nbsp;stop the infiltration of the Western anti-family ideology.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The passing of the bill comes as a blow to the LGBTQ+ community in the country which has been under extreme duress, especially after the beginning of the Russia-Ukraine crisis. Since the start of the offensive in Ukraine, Moscow has adopted a series of measures that aim to clamp down on pro-LGBTQ+ behaviour, considered deviant and Western-influenced.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Putin against LGBTQ+ community&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>President Putin has been staunchly against gender identity politics. On numerous instances, he has called out the gender equality advocates and resisted any change to the conservative society in Russia.</p>

<p>"(It is a) simply monstrous moment when children are pushed to believe from early on that a boy can easily become a girl, and vice versa,"&nbsp;Putin said during one of his addresses.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/life-as-an-lgbtq-in-turkiye-611419"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Life as an LGBTQ in Turkey&nbsp;</strong></a></p>

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<p>"They are pushed to believe they have a choice, imposed while parents are swept aside. And a child is forced to make a decision that can break their life," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Russian president accused 'liberals' of teaching gender ideology to children without consulting psychologists, and called it a crime.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"No-one even consults child psychologists on whether a child of a certain age is able to make these kind of decisions. Calling a spade a spade, this is close to a crime against humanity dressed up in the name and under the flag of progress."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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The Russian lawmakers on Friday (July 14) voted in favour of new legislation that makes gender reassignment illegal. The bill was passed in the lower house of parliament, further strengthening Moscow's credentials as an ultra-conservative society.

The Russian lawmakers on Friday (July 14) voted in favour of new legislation that makes gender reassignment illegal. The bill was passed in the lower house of parliament, further strengthening Moscow's credentials as an ultra-conservative society. Under the provisions of the law, any "medical interventions aimed at changing the sex of a person," as well as changing one’s gender in official documents and public records, will be prohibited. Meanwhile, those who have already changed their gender will be prohibited from adopting children and their marriages will be annulled. "The State Duma banned gender reassignment in Russia. The relevant changes to the legislation, initiated by the Chairman of the State Duma Vyacheslav Volodin and deputies of all factions, were adopted in the final version unanimously," read a statement on the Duma's website. To become law, the bill has to be approved in the upper house of the parliament as well as by President Vladimir Putin. However, given the loyalty of most Kremlin lawmakers to Putin, it appears a mere formality that the bill will be passed without any major disruption. Bill intended to protect Russian culture, family values: Lawmakers The passing of the bill comes a little more than a month after the draft was introduced. According to senior Russian lawmaker Pyotr Tolstoy who introduced the draft, the legislation is intended to protect Russia's cultural, family values and traditions as well as stop the infiltration of the Western anti-family ideology. The passing of the bill comes as a blow to the LGBTQ+ community in the country which has been under extreme duress, especially after the beginning of the Russia-Ukraine crisis. Since the start of the offensive in Ukraine, Moscow has adopted a series of measures that aim to clamp down on pro-LGBTQ+ behaviour, considered deviant and Western-influenced. Putin against LGBTQ+ community President Putin has been staunchly against gender identity politics. On numerous instances, he has called out the gender equality advocates and resisted any change to the conservative society in Russia. "(It is a) simply monstrous moment when children are pushed to believe from early on that a boy can easily become a girl, and vice versa," Putin said during one of his addresses. WATCH | Life as an LGBTQ in Turkey × "They are pushed to believe they have a choice, imposed while parents are swept aside. And a child is forced to make a decision that can break their life," he added. The Russian president accused 'liberals' of teaching gender ideology to children without consulting psychologists, and called it a crime. "No-one even consults child psychologists on whether a child of a certain age is able to make these kind of decisions. Calling a spade a spade, this is close to a crime against humanity dressed up in the name and under the flag of progress." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Russian lawmakers approve bill against gender reassignment, ostracising LGBTQ+ community

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<p>Gaffe-prone US President Joe Biden invited social media scrutiny yet again after he mistakenly referred to his Ukrainian counterpart as “Vladimir” during the NATO summit in Vilnius, Lithuania.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Vladimir and I...I shouldn't be so familiar," said Biden during a press conference. However, Biden quickly realised his mistake and corrected himself in the following sentence.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Mr Zelensky and I talked about the kind of guarantees we could make in the meantime when I was in Ukraine and when we met in other places," said Biden.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">🚨🌎 Biden calls ‘Zelensky’ - VLADIMIR 🤡🚨<br />
<br />
Simply unbelievable. <a href="https://t.co/Iqo2omXIrj">pic.twitter.com/Iqo2omXIrj</a></p>
— Concerned Citizen (@cotupacs) <a href="https://twitter.com/cotupacs/status/1679152227141795842?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 12, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>Not Biden's first gaffe</strong></h2>

<p>This is not the first instance when Biden has committed such an error. Last month, a confused Biden mistook Iraq for Ukraine twice in under 12 hours.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Putin is clearly losing the war in Iraq," said Biden during one of his correspondence with the reporters in the White House.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Similarly, during his State of the Union address last year, Biden referred to "Ukrainians" as "Iranians".</p>

<p>"Putin may circle Kyiv with tanks, but he will never gain the hearts and souls of the Iranian people," Biden said.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-us-president-joe-biden-falls-on-stage-599840"><strong>WATCH | Gravitas: US President Joe Biden falls on stage</strong></a></p>

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<p>Prior to attending the NATO Summit, Biden travelled to the UK where he met King Charles III for the first time since the latter's coronation. During the meeting outside Windsor Castle, Biden appeared dazed as he walked in front of the monarch, considered a breach of protocol. Later, he started talking at length with one of the soldiers much to the agitation of King Charles III.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Despite the king's insistence, Biden continued speaking to the guard. It was only after a few moments that Biden took the monarch's cue and decided to follow him, away from the lineup of soldiers.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/watch-confused-us-president-joe-biden-whisked-away-by-king-charles-iii-614136" target="_blank"><strong>WATCH | Confused US President Joe Biden whisked away by King Charles III</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>Biden refuses NATO membership for Ukraine&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>In an interview with CNN, Biden seemingly confirmed that Ukraine will not receive NATO membership unless the war with Russia was over.</p>

<p>“I don’t think there is unanimity in NATO about whether or not to bring Ukraine into the NATO family now, at this moment, in the middle of a war,” said Biden.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“For example, if you did that, then, you know – and I mean what I say – we’re determined to commit every inch of territory that is NATO territory. It’s a commitment that we’ve all made no matter what. If the war is going on, then we’re all in war. We’re at war with Russia, if that were the case.”</p>

<p>The communique released by NATO heads of state and governments participating in the meeting&nbsp;stated that Ukraine would only join the alliance "when allies agree and conditions are met".&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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Gaffe-prone US President Joe Biden invited social media scrutiny yet again after he mistakenly referred to his Ukrainian counterpart as “Vladimir” during the NATO summit in Vilnius, Lithuania.

Gaffe-prone US President Joe Biden invited social media scrutiny yet again after he mistakenly referred to his Ukrainian counterpart as “Vladimir” during the NATO summit in Vilnius, Lithuania. "Vladimir and I...I shouldn't be so familiar," said Biden during a press conference. However, Biden quickly realised his mistake and corrected himself in the following sentence. "Mr Zelensky and I talked about the kind of guarantees we could make in the meantime when I was in Ukraine and when we met in other places," said Biden. 🚨🌎 Biden calls ‘Zelensky’ - VLADIMIR 🤡🚨 Simply unbelievable. pic.twitter.com/Iqo2omXIrj — Concerned Citizen (@cotupacs) July 12, 2023 × Not Biden's first gaffe This is not the first instance when Biden has committed such an error. Last month, a confused Biden mistook Iraq for Ukraine twice in under 12 hours. "Putin is clearly losing the war in Iraq," said Biden during one of his correspondence with the reporters in the White House. Similarly, during his State of the Union address last year, Biden referred to "Ukrainians" as "Iranians". "Putin may circle Kyiv with tanks, but he will never gain the hearts and souls of the Iranian people," Biden said. WATCH | Gravitas: US President Joe Biden falls on stage × Prior to attending the NATO Summit, Biden travelled to the UK where he met King Charles III for the first time since the latter's coronation. During the meeting outside Windsor Castle, Biden appeared dazed as he walked in front of the monarch, considered a breach of protocol. Later, he started talking at length with one of the soldiers much to the agitation of King Charles III. Despite the king's insistence, Biden continued speaking to the guard. It was only after a few moments that Biden took the monarch's cue and decided to follow him, away from the lineup of soldiers. WATCH | Confused US President Joe Biden whisked away by King Charles III Biden refuses NATO membership for Ukraine In an interview with CNN, Biden seemingly confirmed that Ukraine will not receive NATO membership unless the war with Russia was over. “I don’t think there is unanimity in NATO about whether or not to bring Ukraine into the NATO family now, at this moment, in the middle of a war,” said Biden. “For example, if you did that, then, you know – and I mean what I say – we’re determined to commit every inch of territory that is NATO territory. It’s a commitment that we’ve all made no matter what. If the war is going on, then we’re all in war. We’re at war with Russia, if that were the case.” The communique released by NATO heads of state and governments participating in the meeting stated that Ukraine would only join the alliance "when allies agree and conditions are met". (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

WATCH | Biden commits another gaffe, calls Zelensky 'Vladimir' at NATO Summit

<p>Russians scrambled to banks after Wagner mercenary group's chief Yevgeny Prigozhin launched an offensive against Moscow's military leadership last month. A total of 100 billion rubles (approximately $1.1 billion) were withdrawn from the banks during the three-day period between June 23-June 25 when Wagner forces were moving towards Moscow.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Russia's Central Bank's monthly monetary policy report released earlier this week said that 100 billion rubles were taken out in the June 23-25 period, The Moscow Times reported.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wagner-rebellion-when-putins-former-chef-served-a-dish-of-treason-ten-points-608452">Wagner rebellion: When Putin’s former favourite chef served a dish of ‘treason’ | 10 points</a></strong></p>

<p>On June 25, 2023, the armed uprising by Russia's Wagner mercenary group ended as dramatically as it began after a Belarus-brokered peace deal simmered down the clash between the mercenary group and the Russian state.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the Russian business news outlet RBC, the cash withdrawal during the Wagner's mutiny hours "was the most noticeable surge in demand for cash" since September 2021, when Moscow began mobilising its forces around Ukraine before its imminent offensive in February 2023.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Wagner mutiny and war in Ukraine: How much money was withdrawn in June?</strong></h2>

<p>Russia's Central Bank's figures cited by the Newsweek reported that 500 billion rubles (about $5.5 billion) were withdrawn from the Russian banks during the entire month of June. A fifth of these withdrawals reportedly took place during the June 23-25 weekend.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Wagner's support with Putin: Kremlin</strong></h2>

<p>Last month, shortly after the Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin was seen leaving the city of Rostov-on-Don, he reportedly met Vladimir Putin.</p>

<p>Prigozhin was among 35 Wagner commanders invited to the meeting in Moscow, the Kremlin said. According to the spokesman, Prigozhin told Putin that Wagner unconditionally supported him.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Top Russian general knew about Wagner rebellion plan: Report</strong></p>

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<p>Despite a dramatic resolution to the Wagner-Russian state clash, the events of June 24-June 26 weekend have been described as the most serious challenge yet to Russian President Vladimir Putin's authority in and beyond Moscow's corridors of power.</p>

<p>It remains unclear if Prigozhin is still in Russia or not.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As part of the peace deal announced on June 26, Prigozhin was supposed to go to Belarus, and the fighters who rebelled with him were granted amnesty for their "service at the front."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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Russians scrambled to banks after Wagner mercenary group's chief Yevgeny Prigozhin launched an offensive against Moscow's military leadership last month. A total of 100 billion rubles (approximately $1.

Russians scrambled to banks after Wagner mercenary group's chief Yevgeny Prigozhin launched an offensive against Moscow's military leadership last month. A total of 100 billion rubles (approximately $1.1 billion) were withdrawn from the banks during the three-day period between June 23-June 25 when Wagner forces were moving towards Moscow. Russia's Central Bank's monthly monetary policy report released earlier this week said that 100 billion rubles were taken out in the June 23-25 period, The Moscow Times reported. Also read | Wagner rebellion: When Putin’s former favourite chef served a dish of ‘treason’ | 10 points On June 25, 2023, the armed uprising by Russia's Wagner mercenary group ended as dramatically as it began after a Belarus-brokered peace deal simmered down the clash between the mercenary group and the Russian state. According to the Russian business news outlet RBC, the cash withdrawal during the Wagner's mutiny hours "was the most noticeable surge in demand for cash" since September 2021, when Moscow began mobilising its forces around Ukraine before its imminent offensive in February 2023. Wagner mutiny and war in Ukraine: How much money was withdrawn in June? Russia's Central Bank's figures cited by the Newsweek reported that 500 billion rubles (about $5.5 billion) were withdrawn from the Russian banks during the entire month of June. A fifth of these withdrawals reportedly took place during the June 23-25 weekend. Wagner's support with Putin: Kremlin Last month, shortly after the Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin was seen leaving the city of Rostov-on-Don, he reportedly met Vladimir Putin. Prigozhin was among 35 Wagner commanders invited to the meeting in Moscow, the Kremlin said. According to the spokesman, Prigozhin told Putin that Wagner unconditionally supported him. Also watch | Top Russian general knew about Wagner rebellion plan: Report × Despite a dramatic resolution to the Wagner-Russian state clash, the events of June 24-June 26 weekend have been described as the most serious challenge yet to Russian President Vladimir Putin's authority in and beyond Moscow's corridors of power. It remains unclear if Prigozhin is still in Russia or not. As part of the peace deal announced on June 26, Prigozhin was supposed to go to Belarus, and the fighters who rebelled with him were granted amnesty for their "service at the front." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Russians scrambled to withdraw hundred billion rubles during Wagner's mutiny

<p>Not long after the NATO summit in Lithuania wrapped up, the Russian Foreign Ministry expressed its dismay at it, stating that the Western alliance was reverting to "Cold War schemes".</p>

<p>The ministry also said that Kremlin was prepared to counter any threats using "all means",&nbsp;reported Reuters on Wednesday. This comes as the summit, held in Lithuania, concluded with the United States and its allies providing Ukraine with increased security assurances against Moscow's aggression.</p>

<h2><strong>Russian ministry's response to the summit</strong></h2>

<p>In a statement issued late on Wednesday, the Russian Foreign Ministry indicated that it would carefully analyse the outcomes of the Vilnius Summit.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It also affirmed that Russia would respond by utilising all available means considering the challenges and threats.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/alarming-warning-from-who-bird-flu-poses-increased-risk-of-adapting-to-humans-614852">Alarming warning from WHO: Bird flu poses increased risk of adapting to humans</a></p>

<p>"The results of the Vilnius Summit will be carefully analysed. Taking into account the challenges and threats to Russia's security and interests that have been identified, we will respond in a timely and appropriate manner, using all means and methods at our disposal," the ministry statement read.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The ministry also criticised NATO's "inability to adapt to the new geopolitical situation",&nbsp;alleging that the alliance was progressively lowering the threshold for the use of force and exacerbating political and military tensions.</p>

<h2><strong>Russian ministry accuses NATO of escalation</strong></h2>

<p>The Russian ministry claimed that NATO's actions aimed to protract the conflict in Ukraine, alleging that the alliance had pledged to supply the Ukrainian regime with increasingly advanced and long-range weapons. This course of action, according to the ministry, was intended to prolong the conflict until exhaustion.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-backs-pakistans-resolution-at-un-condemning-quran-burning-protests-614841">India backs Pakistan’s resolution at UN condemning Quran burning protests</a></p>

<p>Additionally, the ministry stated its intent to strengthen the country's military and defence system, building upon the decisions already made.</p>

<h2><strong>Biden's remarks and NATO's support for Ukraine</strong></h2>

<p>On the same day, US President Joe Biden condemned Russian President Vladimir Putin, accusing him of having a "craven lust for land and power." Biden praised NATO's unity and its support for Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression.</p>

<h2><strong>Sweden's NATO membership bid&nbsp;</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>One of the key takeaways from the recently held NATO summit was the green light to the potential inclusion of Sweden as the newest member of the military alliance.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Kenya on the boil as protests erupt against tax hikes</strong></p>

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<p>In a major breakthrough, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan unexpectedly opened doors for Sweden's accession to NATO by approving to ratify its membership bid, a move which seemed very hard to achieve earlier. However, there is no timeline given as to when Ukraine will become part of NATO as the leaders said it is not possible as long as the war continues.&nbsp;</p>

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Not long after the NATO summit in Lithuania wrapped up, the Russian Foreign Ministry expressed its dismay at it, stating that the Western alliance was reverting to "Cold War schemes".

Not long after the NATO summit in Lithuania wrapped up, the Russian Foreign Ministry expressed its dismay at it, stating that the Western alliance was reverting to "Cold War schemes". The ministry also said that Kremlin was prepared to counter any threats using "all means", reported Reuters on Wednesday. This comes as the summit, held in Lithuania, concluded with the United States and its allies providing Ukraine with increased security assurances against Moscow's aggression. Russian ministry's response to the summit In a statement issued late on Wednesday, the Russian Foreign Ministry indicated that it would carefully analyse the outcomes of the Vilnius Summit. It also affirmed that Russia would respond by utilising all available means considering the challenges and threats. Also Read | Alarming warning from WHO: Bird flu poses increased risk of adapting to humans "The results of the Vilnius Summit will be carefully analysed. Taking into account the challenges and threats to Russia's security and interests that have been identified, we will respond in a timely and appropriate manner, using all means and methods at our disposal," the ministry statement read. The ministry also criticised NATO's "inability to adapt to the new geopolitical situation", alleging that the alliance was progressively lowering the threshold for the use of force and exacerbating political and military tensions. Russian ministry accuses NATO of escalation The Russian ministry claimed that NATO's actions aimed to protract the conflict in Ukraine, alleging that the alliance had pledged to supply the Ukrainian regime with increasingly advanced and long-range weapons. This course of action, according to the ministry, was intended to prolong the conflict until exhaustion. Also Read | India backs Pakistan’s resolution at UN condemning Quran burning protests Additionally, the ministry stated its intent to strengthen the country's military and defence system, building upon the decisions already made. Biden's remarks and NATO's support for Ukraine On the same day, US President Joe Biden condemned Russian President Vladimir Putin, accusing him of having a "craven lust for land and power." Biden praised NATO's unity and its support for Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression. Sweden's NATO membership bid One of the key takeaways from the recently held NATO summit was the green light to the potential inclusion of Sweden as the newest member of the military alliance. Watch | Kenya on the boil as protests erupt against tax hikes × In a major breakthrough, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan unexpectedly opened doors for Sweden's accession to NATO by approving to ratify its membership bid, a move which seemed very hard to achieve earlier. However, there is no timeline given as to when Ukraine will become part of NATO as the leaders said it is not possible as long as the war continues. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

NATO reviving 'Cold War schemes', Kremlin vows to employ 'all means' in response: Russia

<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin may visit China in October this year, Russian media has reported citing a top Russian envoy. Russian news agency Tass reported that Chinese President Xi Jinping brought up the issue of the proposed visit during a meeting with Valentina Matviyenko on Monday, chairwoman of the Federation Council, Russia’s upper house of parliament.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The report was based on comments made by Andrey Denisov, a former Russian envoy to China who is currently deputy chairman of the council’s foreign affairs committee.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Denisov served as Russia’s envoy to Beijing from 2013 to 2022 and helped arrange several meetings of Putin with Chinese leaders.</p>

<h2><strong>Putin may attend the BRI summit</strong></h2>

<p>China neither denied nor confirmed the report; however, a spokesperson for the Chinese foreign ministry said Beijing was maintaining communication with its partner nations on relevant issues. “The third Belt and Road Summit for International Cooperation will be held later this year. China is maintaining communication with our belt and road partners on relevant issues,” said Wang Wenbin, the spokesperson for the ministry, on Wednesday.</p>

<p>Andrey Denisov also hinted that the biggest agenda on the table for the upcoming Putin-Xi meeting is likely to be the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;UN asks Putin to extend Black Sea grain deal in return for SWIFT access</strong></p>

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<p>“During the meeting with Valentina Ivanovna Matviyenko, Chairman Xi Jinping said that the Chinese side was getting ready for a visit by the Russian president in October in order to participate in the third Belt and Road forum,” Denisov was quoted as saying by Tass.</p>

<h2><strong>Putin’s earlier visit to China</strong></h2>

<p>In February of last year, Putin visited China and participated in the opening ceremony of the Beijing Winter Olympics. Shortly after, Russia invaded Ukraine. During the visit, Putin secured significant energy agreements with China. The two countries also declared their bilateral relations to be more than just a traditional alliance, emphasising an unrestricted partnership.</p>

<p>Since March, Putin has refrained from travelling extensively due to an International Criminal Court warrant issued against him for unlawfully deporting Ukrainian children.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/be-careful-biden-warned-xi-jinping-on-wests-investment-after-putin-meeting-613311"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;`Be careful...` Biden warned Xi Jinping on West`s investments after meeting Putin</strong></a></p>

<p>Four months ago, Xi Jinping visited Moscow and extended an invitation to Putin for a future visit at his convenience later in the year. If Putin accepts and visits in October, it would mark the&nbsp;third meeting of the two leaders this year. Both are also expected to attend the BRICS group summit in Johannesburg, South Africa from August 22 to 24.&nbsp;</p>

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Russian President Vladimir Putin may visit China in October this year, Russian media has reported citing a top Russian envoy. Russian news agency Tass reported that Chinese President Xi Jinping brought up the issue of the proposed visit during a meeting with Valentina Matviyenko on Monday, chairwoman of the Federation Council, Russia’s upper house of parliament.

Russian President Vladimir Putin may visit China in October this year, Russian media has reported citing a top Russian envoy. Russian news agency Tass reported that Chinese President Xi Jinping brought up the issue of the proposed visit during a meeting with Valentina Matviyenko on Monday, chairwoman of the Federation Council, Russia’s upper house of parliament. The report was based on comments made by Andrey Denisov, a former Russian envoy to China who is currently deputy chairman of the council’s foreign affairs committee. Denisov served as Russia’s envoy to Beijing from 2013 to 2022 and helped arrange several meetings of Putin with Chinese leaders. Putin may attend the BRI summit China neither denied nor confirmed the report; however, a spokesperson for the Chinese foreign ministry said Beijing was maintaining communication with its partner nations on relevant issues. “The third Belt and Road Summit for International Cooperation will be held later this year. China is maintaining communication with our belt and road partners on relevant issues,” said Wang Wenbin, the spokesperson for the ministry, on Wednesday. Andrey Denisov also hinted that the biggest agenda on the table for the upcoming Putin-Xi meeting is likely to be the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Watch: UN asks Putin to extend Black Sea grain deal in return for SWIFT access × “During the meeting with Valentina Ivanovna Matviyenko, Chairman Xi Jinping said that the Chinese side was getting ready for a visit by the Russian president in October in order to participate in the third Belt and Road forum,” Denisov was quoted as saying by Tass. Putin’s earlier visit to China In February of last year, Putin visited China and participated in the opening ceremony of the Beijing Winter Olympics. Shortly after, Russia invaded Ukraine. During the visit, Putin secured significant energy agreements with China. The two countries also declared their bilateral relations to be more than just a traditional alliance, emphasising an unrestricted partnership. Since March, Putin has refrained from travelling extensively due to an International Criminal Court warrant issued against him for unlawfully deporting Ukrainian children. Also read: `Be careful...` Biden warned Xi Jinping on West`s investments after meeting Putin Four months ago, Xi Jinping visited Moscow and extended an invitation to Putin for a future visit at his convenience later in the year. If Putin accepts and visits in October, it would mark the third meeting of the two leaders this year. Both are also expected to attend the BRICS group summit in Johannesburg, South Africa from August 22 to 24. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Vladimir Putin likely to visit China in October to attend BRI Summit

<p>Imprisoned Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny claimed that he was forced by prison guards to listen to President Vladimir Putin's same speech for 100 days in a row.</p>

<p>Navalny passed a message through his lawyers in which he claimed that the state-of-the-nation speech of Putin was played outside his cell on loudspeaker every night for months.</p>

<p>A letter from the prison service of Russia, which was posted on the Instagram account of Navalny, said that the speech of Putin was important to ensure the opposition leader’s “respectful attitude to society, work, and the norms and rules of human behaviour”.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/top-russian-general-not-seen-in-public-since-mutiny-lawmaker-says-hes-resting-614837">Top Russian general not seen in public since Wagner mutiny, lawmaker says 'he's resting'</a></p>

<p>47-year-old Navalny told a prison guard, “Are you not right in the head? Put on a different Putin [speech], hasn’t he given enough?” The prison guard, in reply, said that they will continue to play Putin’s address to parliament every day till he delivers the next one, which is scheduled for next year.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Putin's speech for&nbsp;'educational purposes'</strong></h2>

<p>Navalny added that when he complained about it to the officials, he was informed that the speech was being played outside his cell for “educational purposes”.</p>

<p>During a two-hour speech to parliament in February, Putin claimed how Kremlin was forced to invade Ukraine with the aim of thwarting a Western plot to “destroy” Russia. No evidence of his claim was provided by him.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Navalny, who has appealed to Russians to protest against the Russia-Ukraine war, is serving a prison sentence of 11 and a half years on fraud charges, which are seen as politically motivated by many. He is also facing an additional 30 years of imprisonment on extremism charges.</p>

<p>Navalny, a lawyer and anti-corruption activist, came to prominence after massive protests were led against Putin in 2011-12. Tens of millions of people have watched his online investigations into Kremlin corruption. In 2018, he was stopped from contesting for president's position and an assassination attempt was also made using a Soviet-era nerve agent in 2020.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Russia- Ukraine war: Vladimir Putin fired top Russian general?</strong></p>

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<p>In May, Navalny had made the first complaint about Putin’s speeches being played throughout the penal colony at top volume. He called the practice “Putin torture”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a message shared on Telegram, Navalny wrote: “Often, the fragment [of the speech] where Putin says, ‘We didn’t start this war, it was them who started it and we’re trying to end it,’ sounds at the precise moment when I have just got into bed, pulled up the blanket to my chin and closed my eyes. Every time this happens, I give in and shake my head at the brazenness of this blatant lie. And then think to myself, ‘I did the right thing. It’s better to be in prison than put up with this kind of authority.’ And I fall asleep happy.”&nbsp;</p>

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Imprisoned Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny claimed that he was forced by prison guards to listen to President Vladimir Putin's same speech for 100 days in a row.

Imprisoned Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny claimed that he was forced by prison guards to listen to President Vladimir Putin's same speech for 100 days in a row. Navalny passed a message through his lawyers in which he claimed that the state-of-the-nation speech of Putin was played outside his cell on loudspeaker every night for months. A letter from the prison service of Russia, which was posted on the Instagram account of Navalny, said that the speech of Putin was important to ensure the opposition leader’s “respectful attitude to society, work, and the norms and rules of human behaviour”. ALSO READ | Top Russian general not seen in public since Wagner mutiny, lawmaker says 'he's resting' 47-year-old Navalny told a prison guard, “Are you not right in the head? Put on a different Putin [speech], hasn’t he given enough?” The prison guard, in reply, said that they will continue to play Putin’s address to parliament every day till he delivers the next one, which is scheduled for next year. Putin's speech for 'educational purposes' Navalny added that when he complained about it to the officials, he was informed that the speech was being played outside his cell for “educational purposes”. During a two-hour speech to parliament in February, Putin claimed how Kremlin was forced to invade Ukraine with the aim of thwarting a Western plot to “destroy” Russia. No evidence of his claim was provided by him. Navalny, who has appealed to Russians to protest against the Russia-Ukraine war, is serving a prison sentence of 11 and a half years on fraud charges, which are seen as politically motivated by many. He is also facing an additional 30 years of imprisonment on extremism charges. Navalny, a lawyer and anti-corruption activist, came to prominence after massive protests were led against Putin in 2011-12. Tens of millions of people have watched his online investigations into Kremlin corruption. In 2018, he was stopped from contesting for president's position and an assassination attempt was also made using a Soviet-era nerve agent in 2020. WATCH | Russia- Ukraine war: Vladimir Putin fired top Russian general? In May, Navalny had made the first complaint about Putin’s speeches being played throughout the penal colony at top volume. He called the practice “Putin torture”. In a message shared on Telegram, Navalny wrote: “Often, the fragment [of the speech] where Putin says, ‘We didn’t start this war, it was them who started it and we’re trying to end it,’ sounds at the precise moment when I have just got into bed, pulled up the blanket to my chin and closed my eyes. Every time this happens, I give in and shake my head at the brazenness of this blatant lie. And then think to myself, ‘I did the right thing. It’s better to be in prison than put up with this kind of authority.’ And I fall asleep happy.” You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Russian authorities force Alexei Navalny to listen to Putin's same speech for 100 days

<p>Was it a Freudian slip? During a press briefing on Monday, the US State Department spokesperson made a controversial statement and claimed that the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine has been a "strategic failure" for Ukraine.</p>

<p>Matthew Miller, the department's spokesperson, mistakenly made this assertion not once, but twice, before admitting that he was out of touch due to his absence from the podium for a week.</p>

<h2><strong>The gaffe</strong></h2>

<p>While holding the press briefing on Monday, Miller was asked about the 500 days of the ongoing war in Ukraine and the role of the United Nations' "almost 200 member nations" in the conflict.</p>

<p>In reply, Miller as per the transcript available on the US State Department Website said: "We believe the war has been a strategic failure for Ukraine.&nbsp;The Secretary [of State Antony Blinken] spoke to this in a speech he gave in Helsinki last month, I believe it was."</p>

<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-timeframe-for-ukraines-nato-membership-despite-zelenskys-scathing-criticism-of-absurd-delays-614458">No timeframe for Ukraine's NATO membership despite Zelensky's scathing criticism of 'absurd' delays</a></strong></p>

<p>His gaffe was immediately pointed out, with a reporter asking him "A strategic failure for Russia or for Ukraine?".</p>

<p>Thanking the reporter for the correction, the spokesperson once again said that the strategic failure lies with Ukraine.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;</p>

<p>"I'm sorry, a – excuse me, a strategic failure for Ukraine. Thank you for the correction."</p>

<p>Watch a video of the press briefing here:</p>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">STATE DEPT. SPOX MILLER: "We believe the war has been a strategic failure for Ukraine..."<br />
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PRESS: "Don't you mean 'a strategic failure for Russia?'"<br />
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MILLER: "I'm sorry — excuse me — a strategic failure for Ukraine! Thank you for the correction!" <a href="https://t.co/o7uIpTlBSq">pic.twitter.com/o7uIpTlBSq</a></p>
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) <a href="https://twitter.com/Breaking911/status/1678469603968557061?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 10, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>The slip of the tongue by the US State Department spokesperson has ignited a debate about the true nature of Ukraine's war with Russia and the US's role in it.</p>

<h2><strong>The controversy stemming from Miller's gaffe</strong></h2>

<p>Miller's blunder has quickly gained attention on Twitter. Users have begun questioning the US support for Ukraine and are suggesting that Miller's slip of the tongue revealed a deeper truth.</p>

<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-leader-praises-elon-musk-and-twitter-over-threads-for-freedom-of-speech-614440">Taliban leader praises Elon Musk and Twitter over Threads for 'freedom of speech'</a></strong></p>

<p>Some argue that despite the subsequent correction, the repeated mistake by Miller raises doubts about the US's stance on the conflict. A few Twitter users called for Miller's resignation and questioned the continued financial aid sent to Ukraine.</p>

<h2><strong>Biden administration's series of blunders</strong></h2>

<p>This incident, as per The Daily Caller, is just one in a series of blunders that have plagued the Biden administration.</p>

<p>President Joe Biden himself recently made an accidental revelation about the shortage of conventional artillery shells in the US military, which he said led to the decision to provide cluster munitions to Ukraine instead.</p>

<p>Speaking to CNN, the US president was defending his turnaround decision to provide deadly cluster munitions to Ukraine and said: "This is a war relating to munitions. And they're (Ukraine) running out of that ammunition, and we're low on it."</p>

<p>Additionally, Biden mistakenly claimed on two occasions within 24 hours that Russian President Vladimir Putin was "losing the war in Iraq" and had become "a bit of a pariah around the world."</p>


Was it a Freudian slip? During a press briefing on Monday, the US State Department spokesperson made a controversial statement and claimed that the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine has been a "strategic failure" for Ukraine.

Was it a Freudian slip? During a press briefing on Monday, the US State Department spokesperson made a controversial statement and claimed that the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine has been a "strategic failure" for Ukraine. Matthew Miller, the department's spokesperson, mistakenly made this assertion not once, but twice, before admitting that he was out of touch due to his absence from the podium for a week. The gaffe While holding the press briefing on Monday, Miller was asked about the 500 days of the ongoing war in Ukraine and the role of the United Nations' "almost 200 member nations" in the conflict. In reply, Miller as per the transcript available on the US State Department Website said: "We believe the war has been a strategic failure for Ukraine. The Secretary [of State Antony Blinken] spoke to this in a speech he gave in Helsinki last month, I believe it was." Also read | No timeframe for Ukraine's NATO membership despite Zelensky's scathing criticism of 'absurd' delays His gaffe was immediately pointed out, with a reporter asking him "A strategic failure for Russia or for Ukraine?". Thanking the reporter for the correction, the spokesperson once again said that the strategic failure lies with Ukraine. "I'm sorry, a – excuse me, a strategic failure for Ukraine. Thank you for the correction." Watch a video of the press briefing here: STATE DEPT. SPOX MILLER: "We believe the war has been a strategic failure for Ukraine..." PRESS: "Don't you mean 'a strategic failure for Russia?'" MILLER: "I'm sorry — excuse me — a strategic failure for Ukraine! Thank you for the correction!" pic.twitter.com/o7uIpTlBSq — Breaking911 (@Breaking911) July 10, 2023 × The slip of the tongue by the US State Department spokesperson has ignited a debate about the true nature of Ukraine's war with Russia and the US's role in it. The controversy stemming from Miller's gaffe Miller's blunder has quickly gained attention on Twitter. Users have begun questioning the US support for Ukraine and are suggesting that Miller's slip of the tongue revealed a deeper truth. Also read | Taliban leader praises Elon Musk and Twitter over Threads for 'freedom of speech' Some argue that despite the subsequent correction, the repeated mistake by Miller raises doubts about the US's stance on the conflict. A few Twitter users called for Miller's resignation and questioned the continued financial aid sent to Ukraine. Biden administration's series of blunders This incident, as per The Daily Caller, is just one in a series of blunders that have plagued the Biden administration. President Joe Biden himself recently made an accidental revelation about the shortage of conventional artillery shells in the US military, which he said led to the decision to provide cluster munitions to Ukraine instead. Speaking to CNN, the US president was defending his turnaround decision to provide deadly cluster munitions to Ukraine and said: "This is a war relating to munitions. And they're (Ukraine) running out of that ammunition, and we're low on it." Additionally, Biden mistakenly claimed on two occasions within 24 hours that Russian President Vladimir Putin was "losing the war in Iraq" and had become "a bit of a pariah around the world."

Freudian slip? US official says, twice, war with Russia 'strategic failure' for Ukraine

Could Wagner rejoin this war? What lies ahead for Wagner and how its relationship with Russia was? Wagner and Russia's relationship has been extremely confusing for the world at large. Wagner Chief has been back in Russia could possibly be rejoining the war.

Wagner Chief meets Russian President, will Putin consider redeploying Wagner? | World DNA

<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin met the Wagner mercenary group’s chief Yevgeny Prigozhin five days after the failed coup attempt, the Kremlin said on Monday.</p>

<p>Briefing the reporters, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that the meeting took place on June 29, in which 35 people were invited, including unit commanders. He further said that the meeting&nbsp;lasted three hours.</p>

<p>Putin “gave his assessment of the events of June 24,” Peskov said, referring to the date of the Wagner Group’s failed uprising.&nbsp;He added that Putin also "listened to accounts given by (Wagner) commanders".</p>

<p>The Wagner commanders told Putin they were his soldiers and would continue to fight for him.</p>

<p>The development comes following speculations that&nbsp;Prigozhin wasn't exiled to Belarus at all as part of the peace deal brokered by&nbsp;Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko.</p>

<p>On Thursday, Lukashenko told reporters that it was unclear if the Wagner fighters would come to Belarus after he previously offered them a desert military base.</p>

<p>“As for Prigozhin, he's in St Petersburg. He is not on the territory of Belarus," he said.</p>

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<p>Responding to Lukashenko's remarks, the Kremlin said it was "not following" Prigozhin's movements.</p>

<p>"No, we do not follow his movements, we have neither the ability nor the desire to do so," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Thursday.</p>

<h2><strong>The failed coup attempt</strong></h2>

<p>On June 24, Prigozhin announced a coup against the Kremlin after growing discontent with the top Russian defence officials.</p>

<p>The mercenary groups took control of Rostov-on-Don—one of Russia’s largest cities—but did not proceed further saying that they want to avoid “shedding Russian blood” and agreed to live in exile in Belarus.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-one-came-out-as-hero-lukashenko-disputes-russias-take-on-mutiny-612960">‘No one came out as hero’, Lukashenko disputes Russia’s take on Wagner mutiny</a></p>

<p>Initially, Putin accused the group of treason and sought to eliminate Prigozhin, once Putin’s ally, but Lukashenko claimed to have intervened in the matter and negotiated a peace deal between the two.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/where-is-wagner-chief-prigozhin-lukashenko-says-not-in-belarus-612593"><strong>Where is Wagner chief Prigozhin? Lukashenko says not in Belarus</strong></a></p>

<p>Under the deal, Prigozhin was promised security and the Russian criminal case against Wagner was dropped.</p>

<p>Its fighters were told they could either sign regular army contracts, go home or head to Belarus.</p>

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Russian President Vladimir Putin met the Wagner mercenary group’s chief Yevgeny Prigozhin five days after the failed coup attempt, the Kremlin said on Monday. Briefing the reporters, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that the meeting took place on June 29, in which 35 people were invited, including unit commanders.

Russian President Vladimir Putin met the Wagner mercenary group’s chief Yevgeny Prigozhin five days after the failed coup attempt, the Kremlin said on Monday. Briefing the reporters, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that the meeting took place on June 29, in which 35 people were invited, including unit commanders. He further said that the meeting lasted three hours. Putin “gave his assessment of the events of June 24,” Peskov said, referring to the date of the Wagner Group’s failed uprising. He added that Putin also "listened to accounts given by (Wagner) commanders". The Wagner commanders told Putin they were his soldiers and would continue to fight for him. The development comes following speculations that Prigozhin wasn't exiled to Belarus at all as part of the peace deal brokered by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko. On Thursday, Lukashenko told reporters that it was unclear if the Wagner fighters would come to Belarus after he previously offered them a desert military base. “As for Prigozhin, he's in St Petersburg. He is not on the territory of Belarus," he said. Responding to Lukashenko's remarks, the Kremlin said it was "not following" Prigozhin's movements. "No, we do not follow his movements, we have neither the ability nor the desire to do so," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Thursday. The failed coup attempt On June 24, Prigozhin announced a coup against the Kremlin after growing discontent with the top Russian defence officials. The mercenary groups took control of Rostov-on-Don—one of Russia’s largest cities—but did not proceed further saying that they want to avoid “shedding Russian blood” and agreed to live in exile in Belarus. Also read | ‘No one came out as hero’, Lukashenko disputes Russia’s take on Wagner mutiny Initially, Putin accused the group of treason and sought to eliminate Prigozhin, once Putin’s ally, but Lukashenko claimed to have intervened in the matter and negotiated a peace deal between the two. Also read | Where is Wagner chief Prigozhin? Lukashenko says not in Belarus Under the deal, Prigozhin was promised security and the Russian criminal case against Wagner was dropped. Its fighters were told they could either sign regular army contracts, go home or head to Belarus. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Vladimir Putin met Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin five days after failed coup attempt: Kremlin

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<p>A couple of weeks after comparing Xi Jinping to 'dictators', US President Joe Biden has revealed that he warned the Chinese president of getting too close with Russia. In an interview with CNN, Biden said that he told Xi following his meeting with Russia's Vladimir Putin that Beijing needs to "be careful" as it relies on Western investments.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I said: This is not a threat. This is an observation. Since Russia went into Ukraine, 600 American corporations have pulled out of Russia," said Biden.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"And you have told me that your economy depends on investment from Europe and the United States. And be careful. Be careful," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Quizzed what Xi said in response to the veiled threat, Biden said: "He listened, and he didn't...argue. And if you notice, he has not gone full-bore in on Russia. So, I think there's a way we can work through this."</p>

<p>Notably, it was in March earlier this year that Xi and Putin met each other when the former visited Moscow on a two-day trip. The two talked about close bilateral cooperation while criticising the West for prolonging the war in Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Biden's statement comes at a time when US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen is currently in Beijing on a four-day trip to seemingly repair the broken ties. During one of her addresses in China,&nbsp;Yellen said complete decoupling of the US and Chinese economies was "impossible".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We seek to diversify, not to decouple. A decoupling of the world's two largest economies would be destabilising for the global economy," Yellen told representatives of US businesses at a session hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce in Beijing.</p>

<p>"And it would be virtually impossible to undertake."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/yellen-stresses-importance-of-us-china-ties-says-decoupling-economies-impossible-612979"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Yellen criticises China's 'punitive' measures against US companies, but says decoupling 'impossible'</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>Not Biden's first attack on Xi&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Last month, during a political fundraiser in California, Biden compared Xi to 'dictators' while delivering an unscripted address.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The reason why Xi Jinping got very upset in terms of when I shot that balloon down with two boxcars full of spy equipment in it is he didn’t know it was there. No, I’m serious. That’s what’s a great embarrassment for dictators, when they didn’t know what happened,” said Biden.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Xi Jinping sees red as US&nbsp;aims to curtail technology investment in China | Yellen in Beijing</strong></p>

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<p>The statement riled up the Chinese side which slammed Biden saying it was an “open political provocation”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The remarks seriously contradict basic facts, seriously violate diplomatic etiquette, and seriously infringe on China’s political dignity,” said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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A couple of weeks after comparing Xi Jinping to 'dictators', US President Joe Biden has revealed that he warned the Chinese president of getting too close with Russia.

A couple of weeks after comparing Xi Jinping to 'dictators', US President Joe Biden has revealed that he warned the Chinese president of getting too close with Russia. In an interview with CNN, Biden said that he told Xi following his meeting with Russia's Vladimir Putin that Beijing needs to "be careful" as it relies on Western investments. "I said: This is not a threat. This is an observation. Since Russia went into Ukraine, 600 American corporations have pulled out of Russia," said Biden. "And you have told me that your economy depends on investment from Europe and the United States. And be careful. Be careful," he added. Quizzed what Xi said in response to the veiled threat, Biden said: "He listened, and he didn't...argue. And if you notice, he has not gone full-bore in on Russia. So, I think there's a way we can work through this." Notably, it was in March earlier this year that Xi and Putin met each other when the former visited Moscow on a two-day trip. The two talked about close bilateral cooperation while criticising the West for prolonging the war in Ukraine. Biden's statement comes at a time when US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen is currently in Beijing on a four-day trip to seemingly repair the broken ties. During one of her addresses in China, Yellen said complete decoupling of the US and Chinese economies was "impossible". "We seek to diversify, not to decouple. A decoupling of the world's two largest economies would be destabilising for the global economy," Yellen told representatives of US businesses at a session hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce in Beijing. "And it would be virtually impossible to undertake." Also read | Yellen criticises China's 'punitive' measures against US companies, but says decoupling 'impossible' Not Biden's first attack on Xi Last month, during a political fundraiser in California, Biden compared Xi to 'dictators' while delivering an unscripted address. “The reason why Xi Jinping got very upset in terms of when I shot that balloon down with two boxcars full of spy equipment in it is he didn’t know it was there. No, I’m serious. That’s what’s a great embarrassment for dictators, when they didn’t know what happened,” said Biden. Watch | Xi Jinping sees red as US aims to curtail technology investment in China | Yellen in Beijing × The statement riled up the Chinese side which slammed Biden saying it was an “open political provocation”. “The remarks seriously contradict basic facts, seriously violate diplomatic etiquette, and seriously infringe on China’s political dignity,” said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

'Be careful...' Biden warned Xi Jinping on West's investments after meeting Putin

<p>The year was 1984. Nearly half of all Indians lived in poverty. India was still seven years away from being a free-market economy. Internally, simmering tensions in Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab and Assam states were beginning to erupt.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Today’s fifth largest economy of the world was not in an aspirational shape about four decades ago. But Mithun Chakraborty-starrer&nbsp;‘Disco Dancer’ (1982) was a big hit in the Soviet Union with <a href="https://twitter.com/RusEmbIndia/status/1272864543056642049">reportedly</a> 120 million tickets sold.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="A poster of Indian actor Mithun Chakraborty-starrer 'Disco Dancer' in Russian | Twitter/@RusEmbIndia" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ca54529c-0670-41c8-a66d-8f7d36d416a0" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-07-09T122027.561.png" /></p>

<p><em>A poster of Indian actor Mithun Chakraborty-starrer 'Disco Dancer' in Russian</em> | <em>Twitter/@RusEmbIndia</em></p>

<p>Then on one remarkable day in the spring of 1984, the then Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi appeared on state broadcaster Doordarshan. Over the satellite link emerged Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma, the first Indian person in space, who began speaking from a Soviet spacecraft. Alongside him were five other members of the Soyuz T-11 space mission, all Soviet nationals.</p>

<p>Gandhi asked Sharma: “What does India look like from space?”</p>

<p>Sharma replied by quoting poet Iqbal’s famous composition: “<em>Ji main baghair kisi jhijhak se keh sakta hu, saare jahan se achha…</em>” (Without any doubt, better than the whole world.)<br />
<br />
It was one rare moment of collective national pride which the Indians of 1984 witnessed due to New Delhi’s close ties with Moscow.<br />
<img alt="Indian Air Force's Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma, flight engineer Gennady Strekalov and commander Yury Malyshev alongside screengrabs of the-then Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's interaction with Rakesh Sharma" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="99837563-b157-41e6-81b1-b53696c0ce06" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-07-09T123411.047.png" /></p>

<p><em>Indian Air Force's Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma (centre), flight engineer Gennady Strekalov (L) and commander Yury Malyshev (R) alongside the screengrabs of the-then Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's interaction with Rakesh Sharma |&nbsp;spacefacts.de/YouTube via Indian National Congress</em></p>

<section>
<p>One wonders how the millions of Indians — after they saw five Soviet nationals sitting beside their country’s first person in space — perceived the Soviets back then, if not as genuine friends of their nation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The “generous collaboration” between India and Soviet Union — as Prime Minister Indira Gandhi termed the Soyuz T-11 space mission — was one of the most significant milestones in India's space journey. Rakesh Sharma going to space was&nbsp;the initial leap in the&nbsp;remarkable marathon of accomplishments that the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) heralded in upcoming decades.</p>
</section>

<h2><strong>Moscow’s counter to the Washington-Islamabad-Beijing axis in India’s favour</strong></h2>

<p>India and the Soviet Union signed a comprehensive treaty of ‘Peace, Friendship and Cooperation’ on&nbsp;August 9,&nbsp;1971, the 29th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi-led ‘Quit India Movement’ for India’s freedom from the British.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Months later in December 1971, at the peak of the Bangladesh Liberation War, the then US President Richard Nixon’s administration deployed Task Force 74 of the US Navy’s Seventh Fleet in the Bay of Bengal to prevent India from overrunning Pakistan. In response, the Soviets deployed two groups of cruisers and destroyers as well as a submarine armed with nuclear warheads in the region.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Moscow-Delhi partnership robustly countered the Washington-Beijing-Islamabad axis.</p>

<p>On December 5, 1971, the United States – sidelining the Pakistani military’s ferocious atrocities against people of present-day Bangladesh – made attempts for a UN-sponsored ceasefire. It was vetoed by the Soviet Union, twice.</p>

<p>A day later on December 6, 1971,&nbsp;India recognised Bangladesh as an independent nation.</p>

<p>Exactly 10 years before in 1961, when New Delhi liberated the Indian state of Goa from the colonial occupation of Portugal — a NATO ally — the erstwhile Soviet Union vetoed a UN security council resolution proposed by Portugal that asked India to withdraw its forces from Goa.</p>

<p>Over the decades India's military cooperation with the Soviet Union and then with Russia evolved from a buyer-seller framework to one involving joint research, development and production of advanced defence technologies and systems, reflecting the economic distance New Delhi travelled since its freedom from the British in 1947.</p>

<h2><strong>India-Russia ties: Generational goodwill cultivated over decades</strong></h2>

<p>In the 1970s, the West led by the United States — especially under US President Richard Nixon’s administration — was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/henry-kissinger-a-crooked-legacy-597010">remarkably anti-India</a> and notoriously pro-Pakistan and consciously fostered an Ivy League of jihadist organisations in India’s neighbourhood.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-tapes-reveal-former-us-president-richard-nixons-hatred-towards-indians-325427">New tapes reveal former US president Richard Nixon's 'hatred' towards Indians</a></strong></p>

<p>Indians carry with them a historical memory of a difficult past when economic growth was stagnant, prosperity was scarce and New Delhi consistently felt geopolitically cornered by the West.</p>

<p>During those moments, Indians found the Soviets beside them just like they saw five Soviet nationals alongside Rakesh Sharma on that spacecraft.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Indians do not suffer from historical amnesia — a loss of collective national memory about a time — even as they march on to become the world’s third-largest economy in the next five years.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Between India and Russia, there is a generational goodwill cultivated over decades that remains least shaken even after Russian President Vladimir Putin’s imposition of the war on Ukraine.</p>

<p>Despite the optics of New Delhi’s opposition to the war in Ukraine, such as a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-condemns-bucha-killings-supports-independent-investigation-468799">strongly-worded</a> “support [for] the call for an independent investigation” into alleged Russian atrocities in the Ukrainian town of Bucha early on during the war, a form of anti-Russia sentiment in New Delhi is almost non-existent.</p>

<p>This was best reflected during Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov’s New Delhi visit in March 2023, when a mostly Indian crowd at Raisina dialogues laughed as Lavrov claimed Russia was “trying to stop the war which was launched against us”. They subsequently applauded when Lavrov asked what the US and NATO were doing in Iraq, Afghanistan and Libya.</p>

<p><img alt="Sergey Lavrov in New Delhi" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="67babf3f-c682-4d1a-b10d-a82b98b17c85" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-07-09T131941.720.png" /></p>

<p><em>Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov at Observer Research Foundation's Raisina 2023 dialogue in March 2023 | Mukul Sharma/WION</em></p>

<p>A Russian foreign minister, given Moscow’s scale of offensive in Ukraine, cannot expect such a reception in any other Washington-aligned capital but New Delhi.</p>

<p>(<em><strong>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</strong></em>)</p>

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The year was 1984. Nearly half of all Indians lived in poverty. India was still seven years away from being a free-market economy. Internally, simmering tensions in Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab and Assam states were beginning to erupt.

The year was 1984. Nearly half of all Indians lived in poverty. India was still seven years away from being a free-market economy. Internally, simmering tensions in Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab and Assam states were beginning to erupt. Today’s fifth largest economy of the world was not in an aspirational shape about four decades ago. But Mithun Chakraborty-starrer ‘Disco Dancer’ (1982) was a big hit in the Soviet Union with reportedly 120 million tickets sold. A poster of Indian actor Mithun Chakraborty-starrer 'Disco Dancer' in Russian | Twitter/@RusEmbIndia Then on one remarkable day in the spring of 1984, the then Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi appeared on state broadcaster Doordarshan. Over the satellite link emerged Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma, the first Indian person in space, who began speaking from a Soviet spacecraft. Alongside him were five other members of the Soyuz T-11 space mission, all Soviet nationals. Gandhi asked Sharma: “What does India look like from space?” Sharma replied by quoting poet Iqbal’s famous composition: “Ji main baghair kisi jhijhak se keh sakta hu, saare jahan se achha…” (Without any doubt, better than the whole world.) It was one rare moment of collective national pride which the Indians of 1984 witnessed due to New Delhi’s close ties with Moscow. Indian Air Force's Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma (centre), flight engineer Gennady Strekalov (L) and commander Yury Malyshev (R) alongside the screengrabs of the-then Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's interaction with Rakesh Sharma | spacefacts.de/YouTube via Indian National Congress One wonders how the millions of Indians — after they saw five Soviet nationals sitting beside their country’s first person in space — perceived the Soviets back then, if not as genuine friends of their nation. The “generous collaboration” between India and Soviet Union — as Prime Minister Indira Gandhi termed the Soyuz T-11 space mission — was one of the most significant milestones in India's space journey. Rakesh Sharma going to space was the initial leap in the remarkable marathon of accomplishments that the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) heralded in upcoming decades. Moscow’s counter to the Washington-Islamabad-Beijing axis in India’s favour India and the Soviet Union signed a comprehensive treaty of ‘Peace, Friendship and Cooperation’ on August 9, 1971, the 29th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi-led ‘Quit India Movement’ for India’s freedom from the British. Months later in December 1971, at the peak of the Bangladesh Liberation War, the then US President Richard Nixon’s administration deployed Task Force 74 of the US Navy’s Seventh Fleet in the Bay of Bengal to prevent India from overrunning Pakistan. In response, the Soviets deployed two groups of cruisers and destroyers as well as a submarine armed with nuclear warheads in the region. The Moscow-Delhi partnership robustly countered the Washington-Beijing-Islamabad axis. On December 5, 1971, the United States – sidelining the Pakistani military’s ferocious atrocities against people of present-day Bangladesh – made attempts for a UN-sponsored ceasefire. It was vetoed by the Soviet Union, twice. A day later on December 6, 1971, India recognised Bangladesh as an independent nation. Exactly 10 years before in 1961, when New Delhi liberated the Indian state of Goa from the colonial occupation of Portugal — a NATO ally — the erstwhile Soviet Union vetoed a UN security council resolution proposed by Portugal that asked India to withdraw its forces from Goa. Over the decades India's military cooperation with the Soviet Union and then with Russia evolved from a buyer-seller framework to one involving joint research, development and production of advanced defence technologies and systems, reflecting the economic distance New Delhi travelled since its freedom from the British in 1947. India-Russia ties: Generational goodwill cultivated over decades In the 1970s, the West led by the United States — especially under US President Richard Nixon’s administration — was remarkably anti-India and notoriously pro-Pakistan and consciously fostered an Ivy League of jihadist organisations in India’s neighbourhood. Also read | New tapes reveal former US president Richard Nixon's 'hatred' towards Indians Indians carry with them a historical memory of a difficult past when economic growth was stagnant, prosperity was scarce and New Delhi consistently felt geopolitically cornered by the West. During those moments, Indians found the Soviets beside them just like they saw five Soviet nationals alongside Rakesh Sharma on that spacecraft. Indians do not suffer from historical amnesia — a loss of collective national memory about a time — even as they march on to become the world’s third-largest economy in the next five years. Between India and Russia, there is a generational goodwill cultivated over decades that remains least shaken even after Russian President Vladimir Putin’s imposition of the war on Ukraine. Despite the optics of New Delhi’s opposition to the war in Ukraine, such as a strongly-worded “support [for] the call for an independent investigation” into alleged Russian atrocities in the Ukrainian town of Bucha early on during the war, a form of anti-Russia sentiment in New Delhi is almost non-existent. This was best reflected during Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov’s New Delhi visit in March 2023, when a mostly Indian crowd at Raisina dialogues laughed as Lavrov claimed Russia was “trying to stop the war which was launched against us”. They subsequently applauded when Lavrov asked what the US and NATO were doing in Iraq, Afghanistan and Libya. Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov at Observer Research Foundation's Raisina 2023 dialogue in March 2023 | Mukul Sharma/WION A Russian foreign minister, given Moscow’s scale of offensive in Ukraine, cannot expect such a reception in any other Washington-aligned capital but New Delhi. (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) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Putin’s actions in Ukraine do not make Indians anti-Russia. Here’s why

<p>India leaders have a unique voice&nbsp;to stand up for developing countries and the nation can play a unique role in resolving the Ukraine war, said Bridget Brink, the US ambassador to Ukraine on Wednesday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Briefing a select number of journalists and 'thought leaders' on the 500 days of the Ukraine war, the road ahead and the economic impact, Brink said that America is committed to supporting Ukraine.</p>

<p><strong>India's leadership and USA</strong></p>

<p>Recalling Indian Prime Minister Narendra's remarks to Russian President Vladimir Putin, Brink said that "We agree to PM Narendra Modi's message - Now, is not the time of war."</p>

<p>In September of last year, speaking to the Russian leader on the sidelines of the SCO Heads of State Council summit in Uzbekistan, the Indian leader said that "I know today's time is not a time for war," and stressed the importance of "democracy and diplomacy and dialogue".</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kremlin-shares-video-of-putin-with-a-young-fan-attempts-to-repaint-russian-president-as-caring-612359">Kremlin shares video of Putin with a young fan, attempts to repaint Russian President as 'caring'</a></strong></p>

<p>Talking about USA's commitment to supporting Ukraine, the ambassador said that nearly 20 per cent of Ukraine's territory remains occupied.</p>

<h2><strong>Ukraine and the Black Sea Grain Initiative</strong></h2>

<p>Speaking about the Black Sea Grain Initiative, Brink said that Ukraine is working hard to keep grain exports flowing to the world.</p>

<p>As per the ambassador, Russia is blocking tonnes of grain, which is further exacerbating food prices globally.</p>

<p>"I have been to Black Sea Ports where ships loaded with thousands of tonnes of grains are blocked by Russia from sailing to markets to lower the food price in the world," she said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/did-xi-jinping-personally-warn-vladimir-putin-against-nuclear-attack-in-ukraine-612226">Did Xi Jinping personally warn Vladimir Putin against nuclear attack in Ukraine?</a></strong></p>

<p>Brink further remarked that she has witnessed Kyiv's attempts "to expand Black Sea Grain Initiative" and said that the USA is supporting the nation in this.</p>

<p>She further quoted the World Food Programme and said that globally, "345 million people are facing high levels of food insecurity," the majority of whom are in Africa and the Middle East.</p>

<p>"Ukraine food exports are vital to the world economy," she said.</p>

<p>Brink said that Russia also benefits from these Black Sea initiatives.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Its grain exports are now at in some cases above pre-war level and yet Russia is slowing inspection of ships and threatening to withdraw from the initiative after July 18 as the initiative became more important than ever," she said.</p>

<h2><strong>India's role</strong></h2>

<p>As per the US ambassador, Indian leadership can play an important role here.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"India leaders have a unique voice to stand up for developing countries and the expansion of the Black Sea Initiative," said Brink.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The diplomat said that New Delhi and Washington share ideals of freedom and democracy and that India understands the importance of freedom and territorial integrity.</p>

<p>She further added that Indian leaders have spoken about these principles in terms of the threat posed by neighbouring countries with rising ambitions and no respect for territorial integrity.</p>

<p>"India's aspirations of global leadership reflect the spirit needed for a just system," she said, adding that the nation's aspiration for global leadership is evident through its G20 theme "One Earth, One Family, One Future".</p>

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India leaders have a unique voice to stand up for developing countries and the nation can play a unique role in resolving the Ukraine war, said Bridget Brink, the US ambassador to Ukraine on Wednesday.

India leaders have a unique voice to stand up for developing countries and the nation can play a unique role in resolving the Ukraine war, said Bridget Brink, the US ambassador to Ukraine on Wednesday. Briefing a select number of journalists and 'thought leaders' on the 500 days of the Ukraine war, the road ahead and the economic impact, Brink said that America is committed to supporting Ukraine. India's leadership and USA Recalling Indian Prime Minister Narendra's remarks to Russian President Vladimir Putin, Brink said that "We agree to PM Narendra Modi's message - Now, is not the time of war." In September of last year, speaking to the Russian leader on the sidelines of the SCO Heads of State Council summit in Uzbekistan, the Indian leader said that "I know today's time is not a time for war," and stressed the importance of "democracy and diplomacy and dialogue". Also read | Kremlin shares video of Putin with a young fan, attempts to repaint Russian President as 'caring' Talking about USA's commitment to supporting Ukraine, the ambassador said that nearly 20 per cent of Ukraine's territory remains occupied. Ukraine and the Black Sea Grain Initiative Speaking about the Black Sea Grain Initiative, Brink said that Ukraine is working hard to keep grain exports flowing to the world. As per the ambassador, Russia is blocking tonnes of grain, which is further exacerbating food prices globally. "I have been to Black Sea Ports where ships loaded with thousands of tonnes of grains are blocked by Russia from sailing to markets to lower the food price in the world," she said. Also read | Did Xi Jinping personally warn Vladimir Putin against nuclear attack in Ukraine? Brink further remarked that she has witnessed Kyiv's attempts "to expand Black Sea Grain Initiative" and said that the USA is supporting the nation in this. She further quoted the World Food Programme and said that globally, "345 million people are facing high levels of food insecurity," the majority of whom are in Africa and the Middle East. "Ukraine food exports are vital to the world economy," she said. Brink said that Russia also benefits from these Black Sea initiatives. "Its grain exports are now at in some cases above pre-war level and yet Russia is slowing inspection of ships and threatening to withdraw from the initiative after July 18 as the initiative became more important than ever," she said. India's role As per the US ambassador, Indian leadership can play an important role here. "India leaders have a unique voice to stand up for developing countries and the expansion of the Black Sea Initiative," said Brink. The diplomat said that New Delhi and Washington share ideals of freedom and democracy and that India understands the importance of freedom and territorial integrity. She further added that Indian leaders have spoken about these principles in terms of the threat posed by neighbouring countries with rising ambitions and no respect for territorial integrity. "India's aspirations of global leadership reflect the spirit needed for a just system," she said, adding that the nation's aspiration for global leadership is evident through its G20 theme "One Earth, One Family, One Future". WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India's 'unique voice' key to resolving Ukraine conflict, says US ambassador to Kyiv

<p>A report has emerged suggesting that Russian President Vladimir Putin fled Moscow during the mutiny orchestrated by Yevgeny Prigozhin, the head of the Wagner Group.</p>

<p>Mikhail Khodorkovsky, a former Russian oil executive in self-exile, disclosed that he closely monitored Putin's movements during the rebellion on June 24, as per a Newsweek report that quoted&nbsp;Mikhail Khodorkovsky.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Allegations of panic, hidden bunkers surround Putin's absence</strong></h2>

<p>According to Khodorkovsky, Putin boarded a plane and departed Moscow, likely seeking refuge in his Valdai residence.</p>

<p>Khodorkovsky, who headed the energy company Yukos before serving a decade in prison on politically motivated charges, commented, "We were monitoring Putin at that moment. And it looks like indeed, he did leave Moscow and most likely went to Valdai to his residence."</p>

<p>He highlighted the departure of a plane exclusively used by Putin on June 24, which vanished from flight trackers in the vicinity of Valdai, as per undisclosed sources.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wagner-chiefs-palatial-home-raided-wigs-guns-and-gold-bars-found-by-russian-security-services-612711">Wagner chief's palatial home raided: Wigs, guns and gold bars found by Russian security services</a></p>

<p>During the mutiny, Putin's absence did not go unnoticed, as numerous leaders and department heads reportedly left Moscow. Khodorkovsky initially believed that the opposition had a chance to succeed, given the movements of key figures. However, the rebellion led by Prigozhin quickly lost momentum.</p>

<p>Echoing Khodorkovsky's claims, Leonid Nevzlin, a Russian-Israeli businessman and Putin critic, tweeted on June 24 that Putin had taken shelter in the bunker of his Valdai residence.</p>

<p>Nevzlin further alleged that Putin's close associates also flocked to the location, suggesting the president was in a state of panic. Ukrainian intelligence sources shared similar information, stating that Putin had left Moscow and was transported to Valdai.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;US drones 'harassed': Russian fighter jets drop parachute flares in front of MQ-9 UAVs over Syria</strong></p>

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<p>Journalist Boris Grozovski, in a post for the Wilson Centre&nbsp;think tank, noted that Putin fled Moscow as the mutiny unfolded, spending the subsequent 24 hours at his Valdai estate.</p>

<p>These revelations have sparked intense speculation and analysis regarding the events surrounding the mutiny led by Yevgeny Prigozhin. As more details emerge about the movements and actions of key individuals during this tumultuous period, the story continues to captivate and intrigue observers worldwide.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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A report has emerged suggesting that Russian President Vladimir Putin fled Moscow during the mutiny orchestrated by Yevgeny Prigozhin, the head of the Wagner Group.

A report has emerged suggesting that Russian President Vladimir Putin fled Moscow during the mutiny orchestrated by Yevgeny Prigozhin, the head of the Wagner Group. Mikhail Khodorkovsky, a former Russian oil executive in self-exile, disclosed that he closely monitored Putin's movements during the rebellion on June 24, as per a Newsweek report that quoted Mikhail Khodorkovsky. Allegations of panic, hidden bunkers surround Putin's absence According to Khodorkovsky, Putin boarded a plane and departed Moscow, likely seeking refuge in his Valdai residence. Khodorkovsky, who headed the energy company Yukos before serving a decade in prison on politically motivated charges, commented, "We were monitoring Putin at that moment. And it looks like indeed, he did leave Moscow and most likely went to Valdai to his residence." He highlighted the departure of a plane exclusively used by Putin on June 24, which vanished from flight trackers in the vicinity of Valdai, as per undisclosed sources. Also read | Wagner chief's palatial home raided: Wigs, guns and gold bars found by Russian security services During the mutiny, Putin's absence did not go unnoticed, as numerous leaders and department heads reportedly left Moscow. Khodorkovsky initially believed that the opposition had a chance to succeed, given the movements of key figures. However, the rebellion led by Prigozhin quickly lost momentum. Echoing Khodorkovsky's claims, Leonid Nevzlin, a Russian-Israeli businessman and Putin critic, tweeted on June 24 that Putin had taken shelter in the bunker of his Valdai residence. Nevzlin further alleged that Putin's close associates also flocked to the location, suggesting the president was in a state of panic. Ukrainian intelligence sources shared similar information, stating that Putin had left Moscow and was transported to Valdai. WATCH | US drones 'harassed': Russian fighter jets drop parachute flares in front of MQ-9 UAVs over Syria Journalist Boris Grozovski, in a post for the Wilson Centre think tank, noted that Putin fled Moscow as the mutiny unfolded, spending the subsequent 24 hours at his Valdai estate. These revelations have sparked intense speculation and analysis regarding the events surrounding the mutiny led by Yevgeny Prigozhin. As more details emerge about the movements and actions of key individuals during this tumultuous period, the story continues to captivate and intrigue observers worldwide. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Putin's alleged escape: Report suggests Russian president 'fled Moscow' during Wagner's mutiny

<p>The Russia-Ukraine war is well into its second year and the man credited for the death and destruction is the nation's President Vladimir Putin. Amid international condemnation triggered by the conflict, on Tuesday, the Kremlin released a video that seems to be designed to portray the leader as caring and concerned.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the video, President Putin is joined by an eight-year-old Russian girl seeking a budget grant from Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/europe/dangerous-provocations-by-russia-at-zaporizhzhia-nuclear-plant-zelensky-to-macron-612025">Zelensky accuses Russia of ‘dangerous provocations’ at nuclear plant, Moscow denies</a></strong></p>

<p>Released in the aftermath of last month's brief armed mutiny, the video, as per Reuters, also attempts to show that Putin remains in control.</p>

<h2><strong>A bizarre call</strong></h2>

<p>The video which was released by the Kremlin shows Putin welcoming the girl, eight-year-old Raisat Akipova. It featured a bizarre call, in which the child asks the Russian finance minister for a grant for her home region of Dagestan, which is situated in Russia's North Caucasus.</p>

<p>As per Reuters, initially, Anton Siluanov seemed bemused by the girl's demands and failed to respond to her greetings. However, he soon agrees to extra funding of five billion roubles for her home region in Russia's south.</p>

<p>"Excellent!" responded the Russian President. He then tells the girl: "We've got five billion roubles for Dagestan". Five billion roubles is around 55.6 million USD.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/eye-of-the-beholder-chinese-man-creates-website-rating-attractiveness-of-university-students-612289">'Eye of the beholder?': Chinese man detained for creating website rating attractiveness of university students</a></strong></p>

<p>A similar call was placed to Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin. The video shows Putin chuckling with amusement during the conversations.</p>

<p>Later, the little girl holding a bouquet of flowers thanked Siluanov when prompted by the Russian president.</p>

<p>Reuters reports that Putin told Raisat that he had invited her and her parents to Moscow because a picture of her in tears after failing to see him on his Dagestan trip had distressed the leader.</p>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="ru">Владимир Путин встретился в Кремле с девочкой из Дербента, которая очень расстроилась, что не увидела его, когда президент был в Дагестане.<br />
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Глава государства провел для девочки экскурсию по Кремлю, позволил посидеть в своем кресле и вместе с ней позвонил Мишустину и Силуанову. <a href="https://t.co/9Guf6kTWue">pic.twitter.com/9Guf6kTWue</a></p>
— Газета.Ru (@GazetaRu) <a href="https://twitter.com/GazetaRu/status/1676270212222525470?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 4, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>Rebuilding trust or saving face?</strong></h2>

<p>The little girl's visit as per Reuters is a sequel to Putin's visit to Dagestan last week where he was seen mingling with a large crowd of people.</p>

<p>Kremlin has been citing this as evidence of the Russian President's "astounding" support in the nation and comes just days after a mutiny by mercenary group Wagner made the headlines. The mutiny had prompted warnings of the risk of civil war in Russia.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The Russia-Ukraine war is well into its second year and the man credited for the death and destruction is the nation's President Vladimir Putin. Amid international condemnation triggered by the conflict, on Tuesday, the Kremlin released a video that seems to be designed to portray the leader as caring and concerned.

The Russia-Ukraine war is well into its second year and the man credited for the death and destruction is the nation's President Vladimir Putin. Amid international condemnation triggered by the conflict, on Tuesday, the Kremlin released a video that seems to be designed to portray the leader as caring and concerned. In the video, President Putin is joined by an eight-year-old Russian girl seeking a budget grant from Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov. Also read | Zelensky accuses Russia of ‘dangerous provocations’ at nuclear plant, Moscow denies Released in the aftermath of last month's brief armed mutiny, the video, as per Reuters, also attempts to show that Putin remains in control. A bizarre call The video which was released by the Kremlin shows Putin welcoming the girl, eight-year-old Raisat Akipova. It featured a bizarre call, in which the child asks the Russian finance minister for a grant for her home region of Dagestan, which is situated in Russia's North Caucasus. As per Reuters, initially, Anton Siluanov seemed bemused by the girl's demands and failed to respond to her greetings. However, he soon agrees to extra funding of five billion roubles for her home region in Russia's south. "Excellent!" responded the Russian President. He then tells the girl: "We've got five billion roubles for Dagestan". Five billion roubles is around 55.6 million USD. Also read | 'Eye of the beholder?': Chinese man detained for creating website rating attractiveness of university students A similar call was placed to Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin. The video shows Putin chuckling with amusement during the conversations. Later, the little girl holding a bouquet of flowers thanked Siluanov when prompted by the Russian president. Reuters reports that Putin told Raisat that he had invited her and her parents to Moscow because a picture of her in tears after failing to see him on his Dagestan trip had distressed the leader. Владимир Путин встретился в Кремле с девочкой из Дербента, которая очень расстроилась, что не увидела его, когда президент был в Дагестане. Глава государства провел для девочки экскурсию по Кремлю, позволил посидеть в своем кресле и вместе с ней позвонил Мишустину и Силуанову. pic.twitter.com/9Guf6kTWue — Газета.Ru (@GazetaRu) July 4, 2023 × Rebuilding trust or saving face? The little girl's visit as per Reuters is a sequel to Putin's visit to Dagestan last week where he was seen mingling with a large crowd of people. Kremlin has been citing this as evidence of the Russian President's "astounding" support in the nation and comes just days after a mutiny by mercenary group Wagner made the headlines. The mutiny had prompted warnings of the risk of civil war in Russia. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Kremlin shares video of Putin with a young fan, attempts to repaint Russian President as 'caring'

<p>The ongoing Russia-Ukraine war sparked massive concerns over the nuclear attack. As the world continues to fear that the next nuclear disaster could be in Eastern&nbsp;Europe, a report by the Financial Times mentioned that Chinese President Xi Jinping warned his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin against the use of nuclear weapons in Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The report cited Western and Chinese officials as saying that the Chinese officials privately take credit for convincing Russia to stop veiled atomic threats.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It was also mentioned that Xi warned Putin face-to-face during his state visit to Moscow in March, which was one of his first trips outside China after strict lockdown measures under his zero-Covid policy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Russia has often warned of an escalation in war and also said that the West's continued support for Ukraine could lead to a nuclear war.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The concerns were further raised when Belarus hosted Russian nuclear weapons. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko insisted that their deployment did not violate international agreements.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-drugs-entered-restricted-area-of-white-house-five-key-points-612208">How drugs entered restricted area of White House? Five key points</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>In one of his televised addresses, Putin talked about tactical nuclear weapons, saying that Russia would deploy the weapons "without violating our international agreements on nuclear non-proliferation".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Putin had mentioned that he spoke to his Belarusian ally Alexander Lukashenko and that they had "agreed to do the same".&nbsp;</p>

<p>In reference to China's stance, Andriy Yermak, who is a top adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, said that Beijing's opposition to Russian threats is an "important position". Yermak said it on messaging app Telegram while sharing a screengrab of the Financial Times article.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch this report:&nbsp;</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/threats-surround-zaporizhzhia-nuclear-power-plant-amidst-russia-ukraine-wa-612124/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-floods-xi-jinping-urges-authorities-to-step-up-amid-torrential-rains-612161">China floods: Xi Jinping urges authorities to step up amid torrential rains</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<h2><strong>Zelensky speaks to Macron&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>On Tuesday, Zelensky told his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron that Russia was planning "dangerous provocations" at the Moscow-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Zelensky said in a statement: "I warned Emmanuel Macron that the occupation troops are preparing dangerous provocations at the Zaporizhzhia plant. We agreed to keep the situation under maximum control together with the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency)."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Zelensky said in his evening address that Russia had "installed objects similar to explosives" on the plant, according to Ukrainian intelligence.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said, "Perhaps to simulate the hit on the plant. Maybe they have some other scenario. But in any case, the world sees it."&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Radiation is a threat to everyone in the world," he further added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The accusation is not entirely new as the Ukrainian army has also alleged that there's a "possible preparation of a provocation on the territory of the Zaporizhzhia power plant in the near future".&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Russia's counterclaim</strong></h2>

<p>Russia has denied all the claims, in fact,&nbsp;Renat Karchaa, who is an advisor to Russia's Rosatom nuclear agency, accused Kyiv of planning an attack on the plant.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Today, we got information that I am authorised to announce... On July 5, literally at night, in the dark, the Ukrainian army will try to attack the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant," Karchaa told Russian state television.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em><strong>Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.&nbsp;</strong></em></p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The ongoing Russia-Ukraine war sparked massive concerns over the nuclear attack. As the world continues to fear that the next nuclear disaster could be in Eastern Europe, a report by the Financial Times mentioned that Chinese President Xi Jinping warned his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin against the use of nuclear weapons in Ukraine.

The ongoing Russia-Ukraine war sparked massive concerns over the nuclear attack. As the world continues to fear that the next nuclear disaster could be in Eastern Europe, a report by the Financial Times mentioned that Chinese President Xi Jinping warned his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin against the use of nuclear weapons in Ukraine. The report cited Western and Chinese officials as saying that the Chinese officials privately take credit for convincing Russia to stop veiled atomic threats. It was also mentioned that Xi warned Putin face-to-face during his state visit to Moscow in March, which was one of his first trips outside China after strict lockdown measures under his zero-Covid policy. Russia has often warned of an escalation in war and also said that the West's continued support for Ukraine could lead to a nuclear war. The concerns were further raised when Belarus hosted Russian nuclear weapons. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko insisted that their deployment did not violate international agreements. Also read: How drugs entered restricted area of White House? Five key points In one of his televised addresses, Putin talked about tactical nuclear weapons, saying that Russia would deploy the weapons "without violating our international agreements on nuclear non-proliferation". Putin had mentioned that he spoke to his Belarusian ally Alexander Lukashenko and that they had "agreed to do the same". In reference to China's stance, Andriy Yermak, who is a top adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, said that Beijing's opposition to Russian threats is an "important position". Yermak said it on messaging app Telegram while sharing a screengrab of the Financial Times article. Watch this report: Also read: China floods: Xi Jinping urges authorities to step up amid torrential rains Zelensky speaks to Macron On Tuesday, Zelensky told his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron that Russia was planning "dangerous provocations" at the Moscow-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. Zelensky said in a statement: "I warned Emmanuel Macron that the occupation troops are preparing dangerous provocations at the Zaporizhzhia plant. We agreed to keep the situation under maximum control together with the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency)." Zelensky said in his evening address that Russia had "installed objects similar to explosives" on the plant, according to Ukrainian intelligence. He said, "Perhaps to simulate the hit on the plant. Maybe they have some other scenario. But in any case, the world sees it." "Radiation is a threat to everyone in the world," he further added. The accusation is not entirely new as the Ukrainian army has also alleged that there's a "possible preparation of a provocation on the territory of the Zaporizhzhia power plant in the near future". Russia's counterclaim Russia has denied all the claims, in fact, Renat Karchaa, who is an advisor to Russia's Rosatom nuclear agency, accused Kyiv of planning an attack on the plant. "Today, we got information that I am authorised to announce... On July 5, literally at night, in the dark, the Ukrainian army will try to attack the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant," Karchaa told Russian state television. Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Did Xi Jinping personally warn Vladimir Putin against nuclear attack in Ukraine?

<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin vowed to resist the Western sanctions imposed on the country and called for trading in local currencies at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit.</p>

<p>In his address to his counterparts from China and India and other members of the SCO virtually on Tuesday, Putin pitched for trading in local currencies, arguing that more than 80 per cent of trade between Chinese and Russian people was in roubles and yuan, and urged other SCO members to follow the same process.</p>

<p>"Russia is confidently resisting and will continue to resist external pressure, sanctions and provocations," the Russian leader said during a televised address to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).</p>

<p>Making his first public appearance since the short-lived coup attempt by Wagner forces, Putin said, "I would like to thank my colleagues from the SCO countries who expressed support for the actions of the Russian leadership to protect the constitutional order and the life and security of citizens."</p>

<p>He also welcomed Russian ally Belarus's application to become a permanent member of the SCO next year.</p>

<h2><strong>SCO under India’s presidency</strong></h2>

<p>The summit was hosted by Indian PM Narendra Modi, who called on members to boost trade, connectivity and tech cooperation, among other things.</p>

<p>In his opening remarks, Modi praised the SCO as an “important platform for peace, prosperity and development in the entire Eurasia region.”</p>

<p>“We do not see the SCO as an extended neighbourhood, but an extended family. Security, economic development, connectivity, unity, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, and environmental protection are the pillars of our vision for SCO,” he said.</p>

<h2>Virtual Summit chaired by Indian PM Modi as Putin, Xi, Sharif attend&nbsp;</h2>

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<p>China’s Xi Jinping, on the other hand, called for regional leaders to strengthen their coordination and resist the influence of “external forces in the region”, seemingly referring to American foreign policy.</p>

<p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-president-xi-jinping-calls-for-regional-peace-and-opposes-protectionism-at-sco-summit-611865">China's Xi calls for regional peace, opposes protectionism at SCO Summit</a></p>

<p>“We must be highly vigilant against external forces inciting a ‘new cold war’ in the region and creating a confrontation between camps, (and) resolutely oppose any country’s interference in internal affairs and instigation of ‘colour revolutions,’” Xi said, using a term to refer to government-toppling political movements.</p>

<p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/at-virtual-sco-meet-modi-mentions-five-pillars-of-organisations-vision-611705">At virtual SCO summit, Modi mentions five pillars of organisation's vision; condemns terrorism in any form</a></p>

<p>At the conclusion of the meeting,&nbsp;the grouping adopted a declaration and two joint statements, one on cooperation countering “radicalisation leading to separatism, extremism and terrorism” and a second on cooperation in the field of digital transformation, India’s Ministry of External Affairs said while addressing the press.</p>

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Russian President Vladimir Putin vowed to resist the Western sanctions imposed on the country and called for trading in local currencies at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit.

Russian President Vladimir Putin vowed to resist the Western sanctions imposed on the country and called for trading in local currencies at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit. In his address to his counterparts from China and India and other members of the SCO virtually on Tuesday, Putin pitched for trading in local currencies, arguing that more than 80 per cent of trade between Chinese and Russian people was in roubles and yuan, and urged other SCO members to follow the same process. "Russia is confidently resisting and will continue to resist external pressure, sanctions and provocations," the Russian leader said during a televised address to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). Making his first public appearance since the short-lived coup attempt by Wagner forces, Putin said, "I would like to thank my colleagues from the SCO countries who expressed support for the actions of the Russian leadership to protect the constitutional order and the life and security of citizens." He also welcomed Russian ally Belarus's application to become a permanent member of the SCO next year. SCO under India’s presidency The summit was hosted by Indian PM Narendra Modi, who called on members to boost trade, connectivity and tech cooperation, among other things. In his opening remarks, Modi praised the SCO as an “important platform for peace, prosperity and development in the entire Eurasia region.” “We do not see the SCO as an extended neighbourhood, but an extended family. Security, economic development, connectivity, unity, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, and environmental protection are the pillars of our vision for SCO,” he said. Virtual Summit chaired by Indian PM Modi as Putin, Xi, Sharif attend China’s Xi Jinping, on the other hand, called for regional leaders to strengthen their coordination and resist the influence of “external forces in the region”, seemingly referring to American foreign policy. Also read | China's Xi calls for regional peace, opposes protectionism at SCO Summit “We must be highly vigilant against external forces inciting a ‘new cold war’ in the region and creating a confrontation between camps, (and) resolutely oppose any country’s interference in internal affairs and instigation of ‘colour revolutions,’” Xi said, using a term to refer to government-toppling political movements. Also read | At virtual SCO summit, Modi mentions five pillars of organisation's vision; condemns terrorism in any form At the conclusion of the meeting, the grouping adopted a declaration and two joint statements, one on cooperation countering “radicalisation leading to separatism, extremism and terrorism” and a second on cooperation in the field of digital transformation, India’s Ministry of External Affairs said while addressing the press. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

At SCO Summit, Vladimir Putin calls for trading in local currencies to blunt western sanctions

<p>Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday emphasised the need to safeguard regional peace and "oppose protectionism" during his address at a virtual summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) on Tuesday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per state news agency Xinhua, the leader "called for efforts to safeguard regional peace and ensure common security."</p>

<h2><strong>What did Xi Jinping say at the virtual SCO Summit 2023?</strong></h2>

<p>Addressing the participants via a virtual link, Xi highlighted the responsibility to achieve long-term peace and stability in the region, stating that it is a common goal.</p>

<p>State broadcaster CCTV, as per AFP, quoted&nbsp;him as saying that "achieving long-term regional peace and stability is our common responsibility".</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/at-virtual-sco-meet-modi-mentions-five-pillars-of-organisations-vision-611705">At virtual SCO summit, Modi mentions five pillars of organisation's vision; condemns terrorism in any form</a></strong></p>

<p>He also said that China would "persist in the correct direction of economic globalisation, oppose protectionism, unilateral sanctions and extension of national security concepts".</p>

<p>President Xi also pledged to "promote political solutions to pressing international and regional issues, building a firm regional security barrier."</p>

<h2><strong>The virtual summit</strong></h2>

<p>The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) now consists of nine member states — after welcoming Iran as the latest one Tuesday — and is headquartered in Beijing.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Its latest virtual summit is being hosted by India, which holds the rotating chair.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The leaders of Russia, Pakistan, and several Central Asian countries also participated in the virtual SCO summit.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Vladimir Putin, Ukraine war, and China</strong></h2>

<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin also addressed the summit. This marked his first appearance since a brief mutiny led by Yevgeny Prigozhin, the head of the Wagner mercenary group, occurred last month.</p>

<p>"Russia is confidently resisting and will continue to resist external pressure, sanctions and provocations," said the Russian leader.</p>

<p>"I would like to thank my colleagues from the SCO countries who expressed support for the actions of the Russian leadership&nbsp;to protect the constitutional order and the life and security of citizens," he added.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/dog-suffocates-in-scorching-car-as-careless-pet-owners-enjoy-tour-of-taj-mahal-611528">Dog suffocates in scorching car as careless pet owners enjoy tour of Taj Mahal</a></strong></p>

<p>AFP reports that China and Russia have deepened economic cooperation and diplomatic ties in recent years, with their strategic partnership strengthening further since Russia's invasion of Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Even though Beijing claims to be a neutral party in the Ukraine conflict, it has faced criticism for not condemning Moscow's offensive.</p>

<p>During a summit in Moscow in March, President Xi invited President Putin to visit Beijing, and the two leaders declared that their countries' ties were entering a new era.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday emphasised the need to safeguard regional peace and "oppose protectionism" during his address at a virtual summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) on Tuesday.

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday emphasised the need to safeguard regional peace and "oppose protectionism" during his address at a virtual summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) on Tuesday. As per state news agency Xinhua, the leader "called for efforts to safeguard regional peace and ensure common security." What did Xi Jinping say at the virtual SCO Summit 2023? Addressing the participants via a virtual link, Xi highlighted the responsibility to achieve long-term peace and stability in the region, stating that it is a common goal. State broadcaster CCTV, as per AFP, quoted him as saying that "achieving long-term regional peace and stability is our common responsibility". Also read | At virtual SCO summit, Modi mentions five pillars of organisation's vision; condemns terrorism in any form He also said that China would "persist in the correct direction of economic globalisation, oppose protectionism, unilateral sanctions and extension of national security concepts". President Xi also pledged to "promote political solutions to pressing international and regional issues, building a firm regional security barrier." The virtual summit The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) now consists of nine member states — after welcoming Iran as the latest one Tuesday — and is headquartered in Beijing. Its latest virtual summit is being hosted by India, which holds the rotating chair. The leaders of Russia, Pakistan, and several Central Asian countries also participated in the virtual SCO summit. Vladimir Putin, Ukraine war, and China Russian President Vladimir Putin also addressed the summit. This marked his first appearance since a brief mutiny led by Yevgeny Prigozhin, the head of the Wagner mercenary group, occurred last month. "Russia is confidently resisting and will continue to resist external pressure, sanctions and provocations," said the Russian leader. "I would like to thank my colleagues from the SCO countries who expressed support for the actions of the Russian leadership to protect the constitutional order and the life and security of citizens," he added. Also read | Dog suffocates in scorching car as careless pet owners enjoy tour of Taj Mahal AFP reports that China and Russia have deepened economic cooperation and diplomatic ties in recent years, with their strategic partnership strengthening further since Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Even though Beijing claims to be a neutral party in the Ukraine conflict, it has faced criticism for not condemning Moscow's offensive. During a summit in Moscow in March, President Xi invited President Putin to visit Beijing, and the two leaders declared that their countries' ties were entering a new era. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Chinese President Xi Jinping calls for regional peace, opposes protectionism at SCO Summit

<p>Ukraine has added British consumer goods company Unilever to its "International Sponsors of War" list, alleging that the company continues to profit from its operations in Russia. The move has led to demonstrations outside Unilever's London headquarters.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What Kyiv alleges</strong></h2>

<p>"The National Agency on Corruption Prevention has added British company Unilever onto its list of 'International Sponsors of War'," said a statement.</p>

<p>The agency stated that Unilever's presence in Russia and its significant tax contributions to the Russian state budget support the aggressor country's economy and contribute to Russia's ongoing war against Ukraine.</p>

<p>Unilever's addition to the list is because of its "presence in the Russian Federation and its significant taxes to the Russian state budget," and "thereby supporting the aggressor's economy and contributing to the continuation of Russia's war against Ukraine," it said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-military-raided-wagner-bases-in-syria-detained-fighters-and-leaders-reports-611461">Russian military raided Wagner bases in Syria, detained fighters and leaders: Reports</a></strong></p>

<p>In addition to Unilever, the campaign group Global Witness accused French energy giant TotalEnergies and British company Shell of continuing to profit from Russian gas. Both companies responded to the claims by stating that contractual obligations bind them but have terminated partnerships in Russia following the country's invasion last year.</p>

<h2><strong>The company's response</strong></h2>

<p>Unilever, known for brands such as Dove soap, Magnum ice cream, and Cif surface cleaner, reiterated a statement made in February in which it condemned the war in Ukraine as a "brutal and senseless act by the Russian state".&nbsp;</p>

<p>The company claimed to have ceased imports and exports of its goods into and out of Russia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, Unilever acknowledged that it supplies everyday food and hygiene products made in Russia to people within the country.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-detains-a-man-it-says-ukraine-sent-to-assassinate-crimeas-head-611416">Russia detains a man it says Ukraine sent to assassinate Crimea's head</a></strong></p>

<p>It said that it was supplying "everyday food and hygiene products made in Russia to people in the country,"&nbsp;and noted that "exiting is not straightforward" process.</p>

<h2><strong>The demonstrations</strong></h2>

<p>As per AFP, demonstrations took place outside Unilever's London headquarters, with activists from both Ukraine and Britain displaying signs. One billboard reportedly resembled a Dove advertisement and featured wounded Ukrainian soldiers.</p>

<p>Unilever's 2022 results indicate that two per cent of its net profit was earned through operations in Russia. According to estimates from the Kyiv School of Economics, Unilever paid at least $331 million in Russian taxes last year.</p>

<p>As per the Kyiv School of Economics estimates, last year Unilever paid at least $331 million in Russian taxes.</p>

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Ukraine has added British consumer goods company Unilever to its "International Sponsors of War" list, alleging that the company continues to profit from its operations in Russia.

Ukraine has added British consumer goods company Unilever to its "International Sponsors of War" list, alleging that the company continues to profit from its operations in Russia. The move has led to demonstrations outside Unilever's London headquarters. What Kyiv alleges "The National Agency on Corruption Prevention has added British company Unilever onto its list of 'International Sponsors of War'," said a statement. The agency stated that Unilever's presence in Russia and its significant tax contributions to the Russian state budget support the aggressor country's economy and contribute to Russia's ongoing war against Ukraine. Unilever's addition to the list is because of its "presence in the Russian Federation and its significant taxes to the Russian state budget," and "thereby supporting the aggressor's economy and contributing to the continuation of Russia's war against Ukraine," it said. Also read | Russian military raided Wagner bases in Syria, detained fighters and leaders: Reports In addition to Unilever, the campaign group Global Witness accused French energy giant TotalEnergies and British company Shell of continuing to profit from Russian gas. Both companies responded to the claims by stating that contractual obligations bind them but have terminated partnerships in Russia following the country's invasion last year. The company's response Unilever, known for brands such as Dove soap, Magnum ice cream, and Cif surface cleaner, reiterated a statement made in February in which it condemned the war in Ukraine as a "brutal and senseless act by the Russian state". The company claimed to have ceased imports and exports of its goods into and out of Russia. However, Unilever acknowledged that it supplies everyday food and hygiene products made in Russia to people within the country. Also read | Russia detains a man it says Ukraine sent to assassinate Crimea's head It said that it was supplying "everyday food and hygiene products made in Russia to people in the country," and noted that "exiting is not straightforward" process. The demonstrations As per AFP, demonstrations took place outside Unilever's London headquarters, with activists from both Ukraine and Britain displaying signs. One billboard reportedly resembled a Dove advertisement and featured wounded Ukrainian soldiers. Unilever's 2022 results indicate that two per cent of its net profit was earned through operations in Russia. According to estimates from the Kyiv School of Economics, Unilever paid at least $331 million in Russian taxes last year. As per the Kyiv School of Economics estimates, last year Unilever paid at least $331 million in Russian taxes.

Ukraine places Unilever on 'International Sponsors of War' list; triggers protests in London

<p>Russia has accused Ukraine of pushing forward an assassination attempt on the head of what it deems as the 'Republic of Crimea', Sergei Akysonov. The said assassination attempt was thwarted, Moscow's intelligence agency Federal Security Service (FSB) told the state-run TASS agency.</p>

<p>"An assassination attempt organised by Ukraine's special services targeting the head of the Republic of Crimea, Sergei Aksyonov, was foiled," Russian state-run agency TASS reported, citing a statement by the Federal Security Service (FSB).</p>

<p>A video released by the FSB on Telegram showed masked Russian men in army uniform detaining a man who Moscow claimed is the man sent by Ukraine to assassinate the head of the Republic of Crimea. The video, seen by WION, shows Russian forces unpacking a sack bag and a red-coloured container, subsequently described by the Russians as the set up of an "explosive device".&nbsp;</p>

<p>WION cannot vouch for the authenticity of the video.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-planning-to-launch-missiles-at-crimea-russia-claims-606594">Ukraine planning to launch missiles at Crimea, claims Russia</a></strong></p>

<p>"The bomber did not have time to carry out his criminal intentions, as he was detained while extracting the explosive device from its hiding place," the FSB said.</p>

<p>The law enforcement officials did not give much information about the detained individual. They only disclosed that he was a Russian national born in 1988.</p>

<p>In an interrogation video released by the FSB on Telegram, and seen by WION, the detained man said he was recruited by Ukraine’s Security Service in December 2022 and had undergone training courses on subversive activities and explosives in Ukraine.</p>

<p>Crimean Governor Aksyonov praised the FSB’s "effective" work in preventing the attack.</p>

<p>Russia seized control of Crimea in February 2014 and followed it up with a referendum that it said gave legitimacy to Russian control over the territory. The official result of the referendum in Crimea was a 97 per cent vote for the integration of the region into the Russian Federation. Moscow claimed 83 per cent voter turnout.</p>

<p>The Crimean peninsula has been regularly targeted by strikes and attacks targeting officials that Kyiv and the West deemed pro-Russia in recent months.</p>

<p>During the times of the Soviet Union, the Crimean Oblast was part of the union until the 1954 transfer of Crimea into the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Crimea became part of independent Ukraine after the dissolution of the Soviet Union. But shortly after, Crimea re-gained its autonomy following a 1991 referendum.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Ukrainian parliament abolished the 1992 Crimean Constitution and the office of President of Crimea in 1995.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Report: Images reveal Russia is fortifying Crimea Peninsula</strong></p>

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<p>In 1998, Crimea gained a new constitution, which granted it less autonomy.&nbsp;Notably, any legislation passed by the Crimean parliament could be vetoed by the Ukrainian parliament.</p>

<p>Since 2014, Crimea — on ground — remains part of the Russian Federation despite the West's attempts at de-legitimising its integration.</p>

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Russia has accused Ukraine of pushing forward an assassination attempt on the head of what it deems as the 'Republic of Crimea', Sergei Akysonov. The said assassination attempt was thwarted, Moscow's intelligence agency Federal Security Service (FSB) told the state-run TASS agency.

Russia has accused Ukraine of pushing forward an assassination attempt on the head of what it deems as the 'Republic of Crimea', Sergei Akysonov. The said assassination attempt was thwarted, Moscow's intelligence agency Federal Security Service (FSB) told the state-run TASS agency. "An assassination attempt organised by Ukraine's special services targeting the head of the Republic of Crimea, Sergei Aksyonov, was foiled," Russian state-run agency TASS reported, citing a statement by the Federal Security Service (FSB). A video released by the FSB on Telegram showed masked Russian men in army uniform detaining a man who Moscow claimed is the man sent by Ukraine to assassinate the head of the Republic of Crimea. The video, seen by WION, shows Russian forces unpacking a sack bag and a red-coloured container, subsequently described by the Russians as the set up of an "explosive device". WION cannot vouch for the authenticity of the video. Also read | Ukraine planning to launch missiles at Crimea, claims Russia "The bomber did not have time to carry out his criminal intentions, as he was detained while extracting the explosive device from its hiding place," the FSB said. The law enforcement officials did not give much information about the detained individual. They only disclosed that he was a Russian national born in 1988. In an interrogation video released by the FSB on Telegram, and seen by WION, the detained man said he was recruited by Ukraine’s Security Service in December 2022 and had undergone training courses on subversive activities and explosives in Ukraine. Crimean Governor Aksyonov praised the FSB’s "effective" work in preventing the attack. Russia seized control of Crimea in February 2014 and followed it up with a referendum that it said gave legitimacy to Russian control over the territory. The official result of the referendum in Crimea was a 97 per cent vote for the integration of the region into the Russian Federation. Moscow claimed 83 per cent voter turnout. The Crimean peninsula has been regularly targeted by strikes and attacks targeting officials that Kyiv and the West deemed pro-Russia in recent months. During the times of the Soviet Union, the Crimean Oblast was part of the union until the 1954 transfer of Crimea into the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic. Crimea became part of independent Ukraine after the dissolution of the Soviet Union. But shortly after, Crimea re-gained its autonomy following a 1991 referendum. The Ukrainian parliament abolished the 1992 Crimean Constitution and the office of President of Crimea in 1995. Also watch | Report: Images reveal Russia is fortifying Crimea Peninsula × In 1998, Crimea gained a new constitution, which granted it less autonomy. Notably, any legislation passed by the Crimean parliament could be vetoed by the Ukrainian parliament. Since 2014, Crimea — on ground — remains part of the Russian Federation despite the West's attempts at de-legitimising its integration. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Russia detains a man it says Ukraine sent to assassinate Crimea's head

<p>Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky claimed that the country has killed at least 21,000 Wagner fighters and wounded another 80,000 so far. Zelensky did not provide any evidence for his claim.</p>

<p>Zelensky's comment comes a week after Russian President Vladimir Putin witnessed a major challenge to his authority as Wagner Group chief Yevgeny Prigozhin launched a mutiny against the military leadership in Moscow.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Zelensky was speaking during a press conference with a Spanish media portal. He&nbsp;said that the "private military company has suffered enormous losses, particularly in Eastern Ukraine", &nbsp;CNN reported.</p>

<p>Zelensky described the Wagner fighters as "mostly convicts who had nothing to lose", and were recruited as akin to "motivated staff of the Russian army".</p>

<h2><strong>Entire world wants to kill Putin: Zelensky</strong></h2>

<p>"Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin's rebellion has greatly affected Russian power on the battlefield and could be beneficial to Ukraine's counteroffensive…We need to take advantage of this situation to push the enemy out of our land," Zelensky said.</p>

<p>Zelensky said that the "entire world wants to kill him (Putin)".</p>

<p>"It's more dangerous for Putin. Only in Russia that they want to kill me, whereas the entire world wants to kill him," Zelensky said.</p>

<h2><strong>Zelensky afraid of losing support for war from US Republicans</strong></h2>

<p data-analytics-observe="off" data-component-name="paragraph" data-editable="text" data-uri="cms.cnn.com/_components/paragraph/instances/paragraph_00293526-536F-32C0-987F-1434B6CA7CD7@published">Zelensky also expressed fears of losing bipartisan support from the United States, and cited "dangerous messages coming from some Republicans."</p>

<p data-analytics-observe="off" data-component-name="paragraph" data-editable="text" data-uri="cms.cnn.com/_components/paragraph/instances/paragraph_6497D105-FBB9-BF0E-C350-14300EAF9B21@published">"We have bipartisan support, however, there are different messages in their circles regarding support for Ukraine. There are messages coming from some Republicans, sometimes dangerous messages, that there may be less support," Zelensky said.</p>

<p data-analytics-observe="off" data-component-name="paragraph" data-editable="text" data-uri="cms.cnn.com/_components/paragraph/instances/paragraph_F0043BAD-205C-D544-98B4-14700812B3ED@published">"The most important thing for Ukraine is not to lose bipartisan support," he added.</p>

<p>On June 29, Russia's Wagner mercenary group's rebellion against military leadership in Moscow lasted for a little less than 36 hours. It ended after Belarus brokered a peace deal, following which the Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin — also a former chef to President Vladimir Putin — announced that he was pulling his troops back to their bases.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Wagner's chief and some of his forces arrived in Belarus after President Vladimir Putin gave the fighters three options: sign contracts with the Russian defence ministry, return to civilian life or go into exile in Belarus.</p>

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Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky claimed that the country has killed at least 21,000 Wagner fighters and wounded another 80,000 so far. Zelensky did not provide any evidence for his claim.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky claimed that the country has killed at least 21,000 Wagner fighters and wounded another 80,000 so far. Zelensky did not provide any evidence for his claim. Zelensky's comment comes a week after Russian President Vladimir Putin witnessed a major challenge to his authority as Wagner Group chief Yevgeny Prigozhin launched a mutiny against the military leadership in Moscow. Zelensky was speaking during a press conference with a Spanish media portal. He said that the "private military company has suffered enormous losses, particularly in Eastern Ukraine", CNN reported. Zelensky described the Wagner fighters as "mostly convicts who had nothing to lose", and were recruited as akin to "motivated staff of the Russian army". Entire world wants to kill Putin: Zelensky "Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin's rebellion has greatly affected Russian power on the battlefield and could be beneficial to Ukraine's counteroffensive…We need to take advantage of this situation to push the enemy out of our land," Zelensky said. Zelensky said that the "entire world wants to kill him (Putin)". "It's more dangerous for Putin. Only in Russia that they want to kill me, whereas the entire world wants to kill him," Zelensky said. Zelensky afraid of losing support for war from US Republicans Zelensky also expressed fears of losing bipartisan support from the United States, and cited "dangerous messages coming from some Republicans." "We have bipartisan support, however, there are different messages in their circles regarding support for Ukraine. There are messages coming from some Republicans, sometimes dangerous messages, that there may be less support," Zelensky said. "The most important thing for Ukraine is not to lose bipartisan support," he added. On June 29, Russia's Wagner mercenary group's rebellion against military leadership in Moscow lasted for a little less than 36 hours. It ended after Belarus brokered a peace deal, following which the Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin — also a former chef to President Vladimir Putin — announced that he was pulling his troops back to their bases. Wagner's chief and some of his forces arrived in Belarus after President Vladimir Putin gave the fighters three options: sign contracts with the Russian defence ministry, return to civilian life or go into exile in Belarus. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Zelensky claims Ukraine killed 21,000 Wagner fighters; says 'entire world wants to kill' Vladimir Putin

<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin has lauded his 'friend'&nbsp;Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Make in India' initiative to take the economy to new heights, according to state-controlled news channel RT.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Putin made the comments at an annual forum 'Strong ideas of our time'&nbsp;held by the state Agency for Strategic Initiatives&nbsp;in Moscow wherein he&nbsp;drew on India's experience to promote the development of domestic products and brands.</p>

<p>"Our friends in India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a great friend of Russia, a few years ago presented a concept 'Make in India' and it had a very visible effect on the Indian economy," said Putin.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It would do no harm to emulate what is working well, even if it was not us but our friends who created it,” he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier,&nbsp;Russian Ambassador Denis Alipov in New Delhi remarked that the special "Russia-India partnership" was growing "stronger as ever".</p>

<p>"There have been lies about Russia on a daily basis and on a global scale. Efforts are being made to disrupt Russia-India relations,"&nbsp;said Alipov.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The indispensable truth however is — the special Russia-India strategic partnership has shown strength and we keep growing stronger than ever," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/vladimir-putin-hails-indias-prime-minister-narendra-modi-610275"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Vladimir Putin hails India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>Make-in-India paying dividends?</strong></h2>

<p>Notably, the much-popularised 'Make in India'&nbsp;initiative was launched by the Indian PM in September 2014, soon after taking the reins of the country for the first time. Though ridiculed by armchair economists at the time, the initiative has managed to change the direction of the Indian manufacturing sector, especially in the defence sector.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to a government report released last month,&nbsp;India recorded&nbsp;an extraordinary 23 times rise in military exports during the nine years of the Modi government.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“India’s defence exports have reached an all-time high, surging from Rs 686 crore ($82 million) in FY 2013-14 to nearly Rs 16,000 crore ($1.9 billion) in FY 2022-23. This remarkable 23-fold increase reflects India’s progress in the global defence manufacturing sector," read the report.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-defence-exports-grew-23-times-in-9-years-surpasses-19-billion-in-fy-22-23-598660"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;India's defence exports grew 23 times in 9 years, surpassed $1.9 billion in FY 22-23</strong></a></p>

<p>For a country that has been heavily reliant on military imports since its independence, the meteoric rise in exports suggests that a defence manufacturing setup (still in its relative infancy)&nbsp;has&nbsp;already started to pay dividends.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While India's exports grew, its defence imports declined by 11 per cent between 2013-17 and 2018-22. The decline has been linked to a complex procurement process, efforts to diversify arms suppliers and attempts to replace imports with local designs. India’s domestic procurement climbed to 68 per cent in FY22.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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Russian President Vladimir Putin has lauded his 'friend' Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Make in India' initiative to take the economy to new heights, according to state-controlled news channel RT.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has lauded his 'friend' Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Make in India' initiative to take the economy to new heights, according to state-controlled news channel RT. Putin made the comments at an annual forum 'Strong ideas of our time' held by the state Agency for Strategic Initiatives in Moscow wherein he drew on India's experience to promote the development of domestic products and brands. "Our friends in India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a great friend of Russia, a few years ago presented a concept 'Make in India' and it had a very visible effect on the Indian economy," said Putin. "It would do no harm to emulate what is working well, even if it was not us but our friends who created it,” he added. Earlier, Russian Ambassador Denis Alipov in New Delhi remarked that the special "Russia-India partnership" was growing "stronger as ever". "There have been lies about Russia on a daily basis and on a global scale. Efforts are being made to disrupt Russia-India relations," said Alipov. "The indispensable truth however is — the special Russia-India strategic partnership has shown strength and we keep growing stronger than ever," he added. Watch | Vladimir Putin hails India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi × Make-in-India paying dividends? Notably, the much-popularised 'Make in India' initiative was launched by the Indian PM in September 2014, soon after taking the reins of the country for the first time. Though ridiculed by armchair economists at the time, the initiative has managed to change the direction of the Indian manufacturing sector, especially in the defence sector. According to a government report released last month, India recorded an extraordinary 23 times rise in military exports during the nine years of the Modi government. “India’s defence exports have reached an all-time high, surging from Rs 686 crore ($82 million) in FY 2013-14 to nearly Rs 16,000 crore ($1.9 billion) in FY 2022-23. This remarkable 23-fold increase reflects India’s progress in the global defence manufacturing sector," read the report. Also read | India's defence exports grew 23 times in 9 years, surpassed $1.9 billion in FY 22-23 For a country that has been heavily reliant on military imports since its independence, the meteoric rise in exports suggests that a defence manufacturing setup (still in its relative infancy) has already started to pay dividends. While India's exports grew, its defence imports declined by 11 per cent between 2013-17 and 2018-22. The decline has been linked to a complex procurement process, efforts to diversify arms suppliers and attempts to replace imports with local designs. India’s domestic procurement climbed to 68 per cent in FY22. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Putin lauds PM Modi for 'Make in India' initiative, says no harm if Russia adopts ‘friend's’ template

<p>At a time when Russia is falling short of friends due to its armed aggression in Ukraine, President Vladimir Putin called upon a 'friend of Russia' in Narendra Modi, prime minister of India, a country with which Moscow shares a historic relationship. Meanwhile, protests in France continued to rage for third consecutive night in reaction to the fatal shooting of a teenager by cops.</p>

<p><strong>Click on the headlines to read more:</strong></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-lauds-modi-for-make-in-india-initiative-says-no-harm-in-emulating-similar-exercise-in-russia-610334"><strong>Putin lauds Modi for 'Make in India' initiative, says no harm in emulating similar exercise in Russia</strong></a></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2018/10/05/71730-putin-modi-reuters.jpg?imwidth=1920" /><br />
Russian President Vladimir Putin has lauded his 'friend'&nbsp;Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Make in India' initiative to take the economy to new heights, according to state-controlled news channel RT.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Putin made the comments at an annual forum&nbsp;"Strong ideas of our time" held by the state Agency for Strategic Initiatives&nbsp;in Moscow wherein he&nbsp;drew on India's experience to promote the development of domestic products and brands.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/president-emmanuel-macron-seen-partying-with-elton-john-as-france-descends-into-chaos-destruction-610346"><strong>President Emmanuel Macron seen partying with Elton John as France descends into chaos, destruction</strong></a></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/06/30/363371-frace.png?imwidth=1920" /><br />
At a time when France is seething with rage in the wake of violent protests sparked by the fatal shooting of a teenager by cops, President Emmanuel Macron was seen partying with British singer Elton John.&nbsp;On Wednesday evening, Macron was filmed at Paris's Accor Arena, watching the singer on his farewell tour.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-gets-last-minute-relief-from-imf-to-avoid-sovereign-default-610325"><strong>Pakistan secures initial relief from IMF in its bid to avoid sovereign default</strong></a></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/06/30/363359-untitled-design-68.jpg?imwidth=1920" /><br />
Pakistan has managed to clinch a last-minute relief from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as it secured an initial program from the IMF&nbsp;for a $3 billion loan program. The development lowers the risk of a sovereign default as the South Asian nation continues to grapple with sky-high inflation and staggeringly low exchange reserves.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/starting-july-1-this-nation-will-allow-psychedelics-for-ptsd-depression-610317"><strong>Starting July 1, THIS nation will allow psychedelics for PTSD, depression</strong></a></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/02/03/330061-000g48h7.jpg?imwidth=1920" /><br />
Starting Saturday (July 1), Australia will become the world's first country to allow doctors to prescribe MDMA and magic mushrooms to treat psychiatric conditions such as depression and Post Trauma Stress Disorder (PTSD). Although the decision was taken in February earlier this year, it remains a controversial move.&nbsp;</p>


At a time when Russia is falling short of friends due to its armed aggression in Ukraine, President Vladimir Putin called upon a 'friend of Russia' in Narendra Modi, prime minister of India, a country with which Moscow shares a historic relationship.

At a time when Russia is falling short of friends due to its armed aggression in Ukraine, President Vladimir Putin called upon a 'friend of Russia' in Narendra Modi, prime minister of India, a country with which Moscow shares a historic relationship. Meanwhile, protests in France continued to rage for third consecutive night in reaction to the fatal shooting of a teenager by cops. Click on the headlines to read more: Putin lauds Modi for 'Make in India' initiative, says no harm in emulating similar exercise in Russia Russian President Vladimir Putin has lauded his 'friend' Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Make in India' initiative to take the economy to new heights, according to state-controlled news channel RT. Putin made the comments at an annual forum "Strong ideas of our time" held by the state Agency for Strategic Initiatives in Moscow wherein he drew on India's experience to promote the development of domestic products and brands. President Emmanuel Macron seen partying with Elton John as France descends into chaos, destruction At a time when France is seething with rage in the wake of violent protests sparked by the fatal shooting of a teenager by cops, President Emmanuel Macron was seen partying with British singer Elton John. On Wednesday evening, Macron was filmed at Paris's Accor Arena, watching the singer on his farewell tour. Pakistan secures initial relief from IMF in its bid to avoid sovereign default Pakistan has managed to clinch a last-minute relief from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as it secured an initial program from the IMF for a $3 billion loan program. The development lowers the risk of a sovereign default as the South Asian nation continues to grapple with sky-high inflation and staggeringly low exchange reserves. Starting July 1, THIS nation will allow psychedelics for PTSD, depression Starting Saturday (July 1), Australia will become the world's first country to allow doctors to prescribe MDMA and magic mushrooms to treat psychiatric conditions such as depression and Post Trauma Stress Disorder (PTSD). Although the decision was taken in February earlier this year, it remains a controversial move.

Morning brief: Putin hails 'friend of Russia' in Modi, French protests rage on, and more

<p>The Wagner Group is still recruiting mercenaries across Russia despite President Vladimir Putin's decree that the armed fighters of the group could either join military or leave for Belarus after the mutiny staged by Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin last Saturday.</p>

<p>According to the BBC, when its journalists called more than a dozen recruitment centres across Russia, it was found that there was business as usual for recruitment of potential Wagner fighters.</p>

<p>The publication reportedly called the purported Wagner recruitment centres using a Russian phone number and asked that they were inquiring on behalf of a brother.</p>

<p>From Kaliningrad in the west to Krasnodar in the south, no one believed the group was being disbanded, the report said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wagner-rebellion-when-putins-former-chef-served-a-dish-of-treason-ten-points-608452">Wagner rebellion: When Putin’s former favourite chef served a dish of ‘treason’ | 10 points</a></strong></p>

<p>In Murmansk, a woman at the Viking sports club confirmed to the publication that she was still signing up Wagner fighters for Ukraine.</p>

<p>"That's where we are recruiting for, yes. If someone wants to go, they just have to call me and we will set a day," the woman was quoted as saying.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>New Wagner members not signing contracts with Russian defence ministry</strong></h2>

<p>The BBC report said that several people at recruitment centres stressed that new members were signing contracts with the mercenary group itself, and not the Russian defence ministry which used to be the case before last Saturday.</p>

<p>"It's absolutely nothing to do with the defence ministry," a man at the Sparta sports club in Volgograd was quoted as saying.</p>

<p>"Nothing has stopped, we are still recruiting."</p>

<p>The Wagner Group rebelled against Moscow's military leadership last week after demands for transfer of its control from Yevgeny Prigozhin to the country's defence ministry.</p>

<h2><strong>Gen. Sergey Surovikin secret VIP member of Wagner Group: Report</strong></h2>

<p>Meanwhile, a CNN report claimed that Russian General Sergey Surovikin was a secret VIP member of the Wagner Group and was simultaneously working with Russian military as well as Yevgeny Prigozhin's mercenary group.</p>

<p>Surovikin, who has&nbsp;not been seen in public since last Saturday, is listed along with at least 30 other senior Russian military and intelligence officials, who is said to be a VIP Wagner member.</p>

<p>Surovikin released a video last week pleading for Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin to stop his insurrection.</p>

<p>His whereabouts have since remained unknown.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Was the Wagner Mutiny a double game?</strong></p>

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<p>Wagner's rebellion emerged as the biggest challenge to President Putin's authority in his over two-decade rule.&nbsp;The said&nbsp;rebellion lasted&nbsp;a little less than 36 hours and ended after Belarus brokered a peace deal, following which the Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin&nbsp;—&nbsp;also a former chef to President Vladimir Putin&nbsp;—&nbsp;announced that he was pulling his troops back to their bases.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>All the criminal case against the mutineers were later&nbsp;dropped.</p>

<p>Wagner fighters who did not participate in the mutiny have been&nbsp;signing the contracts of allegiance with the Russian Ministry of Defence.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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The Wagner Group is still recruiting mercenaries across Russia despite President Vladimir Putin's decree that the armed fighters of the group could either join military or leave for Belarus after the mutiny staged by Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin last Saturday.

The Wagner Group is still recruiting mercenaries across Russia despite President Vladimir Putin's decree that the armed fighters of the group could either join military or leave for Belarus after the mutiny staged by Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin last Saturday. According to the BBC, when its journalists called more than a dozen recruitment centres across Russia, it was found that there was business as usual for recruitment of potential Wagner fighters. The publication reportedly called the purported Wagner recruitment centres using a Russian phone number and asked that they were inquiring on behalf of a brother. From Kaliningrad in the west to Krasnodar in the south, no one believed the group was being disbanded, the report said. Also read | Wagner rebellion: When Putin’s former favourite chef served a dish of ‘treason’ | 10 points In Murmansk, a woman at the Viking sports club confirmed to the publication that she was still signing up Wagner fighters for Ukraine. "That's where we are recruiting for, yes. If someone wants to go, they just have to call me and we will set a day," the woman was quoted as saying. New Wagner members not signing contracts with Russian defence ministry The BBC report said that several people at recruitment centres stressed that new members were signing contracts with the mercenary group itself, and not the Russian defence ministry which used to be the case before last Saturday. "It's absolutely nothing to do with the defence ministry," a man at the Sparta sports club in Volgograd was quoted as saying. "Nothing has stopped, we are still recruiting." The Wagner Group rebelled against Moscow's military leadership last week after demands for transfer of its control from Yevgeny Prigozhin to the country's defence ministry. Gen. Sergey Surovikin secret VIP member of Wagner Group: Report Meanwhile, a CNN report claimed that Russian General Sergey Surovikin was a secret VIP member of the Wagner Group and was simultaneously working with Russian military as well as Yevgeny Prigozhin's mercenary group. Surovikin, who has not been seen in public since last Saturday, is listed along with at least 30 other senior Russian military and intelligence officials, who is said to be a VIP Wagner member. Surovikin released a video last week pleading for Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin to stop his insurrection. His whereabouts have since remained unknown. Also watch | Was the Wagner Mutiny a double game? × Wagner's rebellion emerged as the biggest challenge to President Putin's authority in his over two-decade rule. The said rebellion lasted a little less than 36 hours and ended after Belarus brokered a peace deal, following which the Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin — also a former chef to President Vladimir Putin — announced that he was pulling his troops back to their bases. All the criminal case against the mutineers were later dropped. Wagner fighters who did not participate in the mutiny have been signing the contracts of allegiance with the Russian Ministry of Defence. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Wagner Group not disbanded yet, recruitment continues across Russia: Report

<p>General Sergei Surovikin, the deputy commander of Russia’s military operations in Ukraine, was detained by the Russian authorities after he went briefly missing following the short-lived rebellion of the Wagner’s forces, Moscow Times newspaper reported citing sources.</p>

<p>Surovikin, nicknamed "General Armageddon" by the Russian press for his aggressive tactics in the Syrian conflict, is a decorated soldier and a veteran of Russia’s wars in Chechnya and Syria. It is said that he is a close friend of&nbsp;Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin.</p>

<p>He was last seen on Saturday when he appeared in a video appealing to mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin to halt his mutiny.</p>

<p>The newspaper citing two sources close to Russia’s Defence Ministry, reported that Surovikin was arrested on Wednesday because he “chose” Wagner chief Yevgeny “Prigozhin’s side during the uprising”.</p>

<p>It is also being reported that Surovikin was aware of Prigozhin’s coup plans, but did not alert the top brass in the Russian defence ministry.</p>

<p>A Russian military blogger, Vladimir Romanov, also reported Surovikin’s arrest on Wednesday, the Moscow Times reported.</p>

<p>Additionally, there are also reports of the arrest of the military “affiliates” of Surovikin who had been “accused of complicity in the rebellion”.</p>

<h2><strong>Kremlin’s response</strong></h2>

<p>During a press conference on Thursday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov did not provide information about the reports of Surovikin’s detention and referred the matter to the defence ministry, which has yet to make a statement.</p>

<p>Asked by reporters if the Kremlin could clarify the situation with Surovikin, Peskov said: "No, unfortunately not."</p>

<p>"So, I recommend that you contact the defence ministry; this is its prerogative," he said, according to Reuters news agency.</p>

<p>When a reporter asked if President Vladimir Putin still continued to trust Surovikin, Peskov said, "He is the supreme commander-in-chief and he works with the defence minister and with the chief of the General Staff."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-vladimir-putin-wanted-to-kill-wagner-chief-yevgeny-prigozhin-but-stopped-heres-how-609686">Vladimir Putin wanted to kill Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin but stopped. Here's what happened</a></strong></p>

<p>Questions about "structural units within the ministry," Peskov said, should be addressed to the defence ministry.</p>

<p>When asked about Prigozhin's whereabouts, Peskov said he did not have information about the Wagner chief’s location at the current time.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nepali-gurkhas-joining-wagner-group-eyeing-russian-citizenship-report-609705">Nepali Gurkhas joining Wagner group while eyeing Russian citizenship: Report</a></p>

<h2><strong>What will happen to Wagner's troops?</strong></h2>

<p>On Monday, the Russian Defence Ministry said that preparations are underway for Wagner's troops, who numbered 25,000, to hand over their heavy weapons to the Russian military.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Prigozhin had said those moves were being taken ahead of a July 1 deadline for his fighters to sign contracts to serve under the Russian military's command.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p id="6"><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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General Sergei Surovikin, the deputy commander of Russia’s military operations in Ukraine, was detained by the Russian authorities after he went briefly missing following the short-lived rebellion of the Wagner’s forces, Moscow Times newspaper reported citing sources.

General Sergei Surovikin, the deputy commander of Russia’s military operations in Ukraine, was detained by the Russian authorities after he went briefly missing following the short-lived rebellion of the Wagner’s forces, Moscow Times newspaper reported citing sources. Surovikin, nicknamed "General Armageddon" by the Russian press for his aggressive tactics in the Syrian conflict, is a decorated soldier and a veteran of Russia’s wars in Chechnya and Syria. It is said that he is a close friend of Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin. He was last seen on Saturday when he appeared in a video appealing to mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin to halt his mutiny. The newspaper citing two sources close to Russia’s Defence Ministry, reported that Surovikin was arrested on Wednesday because he “chose” Wagner chief Yevgeny “Prigozhin’s side during the uprising”. It is also being reported that Surovikin was aware of Prigozhin’s coup plans, but did not alert the top brass in the Russian defence ministry. A Russian military blogger, Vladimir Romanov, also reported Surovikin’s arrest on Wednesday, the Moscow Times reported. Additionally, there are also reports of the arrest of the military “affiliates” of Surovikin who had been “accused of complicity in the rebellion”. Kremlin’s response During a press conference on Thursday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov did not provide information about the reports of Surovikin’s detention and referred the matter to the defence ministry, which has yet to make a statement. Asked by reporters if the Kremlin could clarify the situation with Surovikin, Peskov said: "No, unfortunately not." "So, I recommend that you contact the defence ministry; this is its prerogative," he said, according to Reuters news agency. When a reporter asked if President Vladimir Putin still continued to trust Surovikin, Peskov said, "He is the supreme commander-in-chief and he works with the defence minister and with the chief of the General Staff." Also read | Vladimir Putin wanted to kill Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin but stopped. Here's what happened Questions about "structural units within the ministry," Peskov said, should be addressed to the defence ministry. When asked about Prigozhin's whereabouts, Peskov said he did not have information about the Wagner chief’s location at the current time. Also read | Nepali Gurkhas joining Wagner group while eyeing Russian citizenship: Report What will happen to Wagner's troops? On Monday, the Russian Defence Ministry said that preparations are underway for Wagner's troops, who numbered 25,000, to hand over their heavy weapons to the Russian military. Prigozhin had said those moves were being taken ahead of a July 1 deadline for his fighters to sign contracts to serve under the Russian military's command. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Russian general who went missing after Wagner’s uprising arrested: Report

<p>Wagner’s chief Yevgeny Prigozhin called of his march on Moscow hours after receiving threats from Russian intelligence services that they would harm the families of the mercenary group leaders, British intelligence sources told the Telegraph newspaper.</p>

<p>On June 24, Prigozhin ordered his troops to halt to Moscow after taking control of Rostov-on-Don—one of Russia’s largest cities— to avoid “shedding Russian blood” and agreed to live in exile in Belarus.</p>

<p>The attempted coup was part of months-long discontent brewing between the top brass of Russian defence ministry and Prigozhin.</p>

<p>Though Prigozhin claimed that he wanted to avoid bloodshed, the UK security officials point to a deeper plot undertaken by the Kremlin to deter one of the biggest challenges to President Vladimir Putin’s decades-long rule.</p>

<p>The British newspaper further reported, quoting unnamed officials, that the mercenary had only 8,000 fighters rather than the 25,000 claimed and faced likely defeat in any attempt to take the Russian capital.</p>

<h2>Wagner Crisis: Putin allows Prigozhin to avoid treason charges and accept axile</h2>

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<p>It is being said that Putin will now try to subsume the mercenary fighters into the Russian military and take out its former leaders.</p>

<p>On Saturday, the Kremlin said that Prigozhin would be exiled to Belarus in exchange for a&nbsp;pardon from charges of treason.</p>

<h2><strong>Vladimir Putin hasn’t been seen in public</strong></h2>

<p>More than 24 hours have passed since Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko brokered a deal with Prigozhin to end his revolt and Putin hasn’t been seen in public, Bloomberg reported.</p>

<p>Belarus's state-run Belta news service reported that Putin thanked Lukashenko in a phone call late Saturday for conducting the negotiations and reaching the deal.</p>

<p>But the 70-year-old hasn't commented on the deal. The Kremlin said the president guaranteed to let the Wagner leader travel to Belarus and to drop criminal mutiny charges against him and fighters involved in the rebellion.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wagner-groups-mutiny-exposes-real-cracks-in-putins-leadership-blinken-608623">Wagner group's mutiny exposes 'real cracks' in Putin's leadership: Blinken</a></p>

<p>"Putin had to make concessions and actually surrender, and instead of defeating Prigozhin, he had to negotiate with him and give security guarantees, demonstrating in public his vulnerability," said Kirill Rogov, a former Russian government advisor who now heads Re:Russia, a Vienna-based think tank, reported Bloomberg.</p>

<p>"Previously, Putin absolutely didn't allow anyone to talk to him in the language of public ultimatums."</p>

<p>Russia has been lifting emergency restrictions to try to quickly restore a sense of normality. Hastily-installed roadblocks were dismantled on Sunday on highways leading into Moscow, though the authorities said Monday will remain a non-working day announced by Mayor Sergei Sobyanin after the imposition of a "counter-terrorist regime" in the capital.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-bruised-putins-dandling-future-post-wagners-short-lived-rebellion-608619">Explained: Bruised Putin's dangling future post Wagner's short-lived rebellion</a></p>

<p>Trading on the Moscow Exchange will go ahead as normal, the Bank of Russia said in a statement</p>

<p>Regional officials in Rostov-on-Don, Voronezh and Lipetsk reported that Wagner troops had left their territories and were heading to their field bases.</p>

<h2><strong>US anticipated Wagner’s move</strong></h2>

<p>According to US media reports, the American intelligence officials were anticipating that Prigozhin would try to lead an insurrection to Kremlin.</p>

<p>Though it is not clear when the United States first learned of the plot, the intelligence officials conducted briefings on Wednesday with administration and defence officials.</p>

<p>Though the US was aware of it, the officials felt that if they said anything, Putin could accuse them of orchestrating a coup. And they clearly had little interest in helping Putin avoid a major, embarrassing fracturing of his support, The New York Times reported.</p>

<p>Officials noted that the latest act of aggression was a clear sign of the internal tensions caused by the war in Ukraine, a product of Russia’s struggle to supply its troops adequately.</p>

<p>(With inputs from agencies)</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>


Wagner’s chief Yevgeny Prigozhin called of his march on Moscow hours after receiving threats from Russian intelligence services that they would harm the families of the mercenary group leaders, British intelligence sources told the Telegraph newspaper.

Wagner’s chief Yevgeny Prigozhin called of his march on Moscow hours after receiving threats from Russian intelligence services that they would harm the families of the mercenary group leaders, British intelligence sources told the Telegraph newspaper. On June 24, Prigozhin ordered his troops to halt to Moscow after taking control of Rostov-on-Don—one of Russia’s largest cities— to avoid “shedding Russian blood” and agreed to live in exile in Belarus. The attempted coup was part of months-long discontent brewing between the top brass of Russian defence ministry and Prigozhin. Though Prigozhin claimed that he wanted to avoid bloodshed, the UK security officials point to a deeper plot undertaken by the Kremlin to deter one of the biggest challenges to President Vladimir Putin’s decades-long rule. The British newspaper further reported, quoting unnamed officials, that the mercenary had only 8,000 fighters rather than the 25,000 claimed and faced likely defeat in any attempt to take the Russian capital. Wagner Crisis: Putin allows Prigozhin to avoid treason charges and accept axile It is being said that Putin will now try to subsume the mercenary fighters into the Russian military and take out its former leaders. On Saturday, the Kremlin said that Prigozhin would be exiled to Belarus in exchange for a pardon from charges of treason. Vladimir Putin hasn’t been seen in public More than 24 hours have passed since Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko brokered a deal with Prigozhin to end his revolt and Putin hasn’t been seen in public, Bloomberg reported. Belarus's state-run Belta news service reported that Putin thanked Lukashenko in a phone call late Saturday for conducting the negotiations and reaching the deal. But the 70-year-old hasn't commented on the deal. The Kremlin said the president guaranteed to let the Wagner leader travel to Belarus and to drop criminal mutiny charges against him and fighters involved in the rebellion. Also read | Wagner group's mutiny exposes 'real cracks' in Putin's leadership: Blinken "Putin had to make concessions and actually surrender, and instead of defeating Prigozhin, he had to negotiate with him and give security guarantees, demonstrating in public his vulnerability," said Kirill Rogov, a former Russian government advisor who now heads Re:Russia, a Vienna-based think tank, reported Bloomberg. "Previously, Putin absolutely didn't allow anyone to talk to him in the language of public ultimatums." Russia has been lifting emergency restrictions to try to quickly restore a sense of normality. Hastily-installed roadblocks were dismantled on Sunday on highways leading into Moscow, though the authorities said Monday will remain a non-working day announced by Mayor Sergei Sobyanin after the imposition of a "counter-terrorist regime" in the capital. Also read | Explained: Bruised Putin's dangling future post Wagner's short-lived rebellion Trading on the Moscow Exchange will go ahead as normal, the Bank of Russia said in a statement Regional officials in Rostov-on-Don, Voronezh and Lipetsk reported that Wagner troops had left their territories and were heading to their field bases. US anticipated Wagner’s move According to US media reports, the American intelligence officials were anticipating that Prigozhin would try to lead an insurrection to Kremlin. Though it is not clear when the United States first learned of the plot, the intelligence officials conducted briefings on Wednesday with administration and defence officials. Though the US was aware of it, the officials felt that if they said anything, Putin could accuse them of orchestrating a coup. And they clearly had little interest in helping Putin avoid a major, embarrassing fracturing of his support, The New York Times reported. Officials noted that the latest act of aggression was a clear sign of the internal tensions caused by the war in Ukraine, a product of Russia’s struggle to supply its troops adequately. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Russian officials’ threat to harm families made Wagner’s Prigozhin call off mutiny: Report

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