Opposition leaders in Russia are failing to unite against President Vladimir Putin. According to a report by the Financial Times on Saturday (June 10), opposition leaders gathered in Brussels to plot a path back to democracy, with Putin's main rivals in jail or exiled and squabbling about how to move forward.

Opposition leaders in Russia are failing to unite against President Vladimir Putin. According to a report by the Financial Times on Saturday (June 10), opposition leaders gathered in Brussels to plot a path back to democracy, with Putin's main rivals in jail or exiled and squabbling about how to move forward. But rather than uniting Russia’s liberals, Moscow's invasion of Ukraine deepened existing rifts and added new controversies. Andrius Kubilius, a Lithuanian politician and a Member of the European Parliament (MEP), who invited Russian opposition leaders to the European Parliament, said, "They have these infights, and maybe it will take some time. It would be good if they were able to show more unity around some kind of strategy." The report said that though the European Union (EU) hoped to bring the Russian opposition together, the splits were yet again on display when followers of jailed anti-corruption activist Alexei Navalny, refused to take part in parliament's event. Leonid Volkov, Navalny’s longtime chief of staff, said that Navalny's anti-corruption foundation declined invitations to the event for fear of being “in the same boat” with rival opposition activists who did not share their views. Senior officials of the EU who were part of the event sought to cajole the opposition into crafting a cogent plan for democracy and rallying Russians against the Ukraine war. “We want to work with Russia, but a different Russia,” said Michael Siebert, Eastern Europe and Central Asia director for the EU diplomatic service. However, the opposition remains divided on how to achieve that different Russia and who would lead it. Navalny's group blamed for perpetuating conflict situations Exiled Russian businessman and opposition activist Mikhail Khodorkovsky blamed Navalny's foundation for perpetuating conflict situations, the Financial Times report said. "In their minds, there can only be the leader. It doesn’t fit [in] their worldview that you can have lots of leaders — that this room is full of them," Khodorkovsky said, adding the war in Ukraine put Navalny’s team on an equal footing with the rest of the opposition. “I have nothing against impotency. Wanting to work with people who are in Russia is great. But we can see from [the small pro-Navalny rally] that they can’t do it under a totalitarian regime either,” the opposition activist added. Navalny has been in jail since 2021, and anyone who associates with his group against the war faces potential arrest. This has made it difficult for his group to stage rallies. Vladimir Milov, who informally advises Navalny but is not part of the foundation, said that “they have this huge, political capital, developed with blood, sweat, and tears” and the prospect of being just one of many opposition groups was simply not appealing to them, the report also said. Meanwhile, Oleksiy Arestovich, a former senior Ukrainian official implored the parliament event's attendees to patch up their differences. Arestovich said that he talks a lot to the Russian opposition, adding every second sentence starts with a complaint about other members (of the opposition). “If you have a common goal, like an open, democratic Russia, that should be enough of a basis to work together,” Arestovich said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Russian opposition leaders meet in Brussels, fail to unite against Putin. Here's why

The largest Western companies still operating in Russia recorded a combined net profit of 1.1 trillion rubles ($13.3 billion) in 2022, according to a report by Novaya Gazeta Europe, the leading independent Russian news website. This represents a significant increase of 54 per cent&nbsp;compared to the previous year.

The findings were based on the financial statements of Russian-registered legal entities that are either fully or partially owned by the western entities.

In terms of corporate income taxes, Western companies contributed a total of 288 billion rubles ($3.5 billion) to Russia's budget revenue last year, amounting to 1 per cent&nbsp;of the total. French, British, and US companies were the largest taxpayers, with contributions of 55 billion, 47 billion, and 40 billion rubles, respectively.

<h2>Western business in Russia amid Ukraine war: The scale</h2>

Ukrainian researchers estimate that there are over 1,300 Western companies currently active in Russia, The Moscow Times reported.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-war-affects-russian-energy-giant-gazproms-profits-net-profit-down-by-414-in-2022-595729">Ukraine war affects Russian energy giant Gazprom's profits; net profit down by 41.4% in 2022</a>

However, more than 700 of these companies have suspended their operations, and 241 have completely exited the country after Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

<h2>Western business in Russia amid Ukraine war: Top winners</h2>

Despite withdrawing from certain assets, French energy group TotalEnergies managed to double its net profit to 269 billion rubles ($3.2 billion).

Also watch |&nbsp;WION Fineprint: Who is profiting from Russia-Ukraine war?

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Raiffeisen Bank, one of the major Western banks still present in Russia, nearly quadrupled its net profit to 141 billion rubles ($1.7 billion).

Among the top ten earners in Russia are well-known companies such as PepsiCo, British Petroleum, Japan Tobacco, Mondelez International (formerly Kraft Foods), Mars, the packaging giant Mondi, Kia, and the multinational building materials company Knauf.

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The largest Western companies still operating in Russia recorded a combined net profit of 1.1 trillion rubles ($13.3 billion) in 2022, according to a report by Novaya Gazeta Europe, the leading independent Russian news website.

The largest Western companies still operating in Russia recorded a combined net profit of 1.1 trillion rubles ($13.3 billion) in 2022, according to a report by Novaya Gazeta Europe, the leading independent Russian news website. This represents a significant increase of 54 per cent compared to the previous year. The findings were based on the financial statements of Russian-registered legal entities that are either fully or partially owned by the western entities. In terms of corporate income taxes, Western companies contributed a total of 288 billion rubles ($3.5 billion) to Russia's budget revenue last year, amounting to 1 per cent of the total. French, British, and US companies were the largest taxpayers, with contributions of 55 billion, 47 billion, and 40 billion rubles, respectively. Western business in Russia amid Ukraine war: The scale Ukrainian researchers estimate that there are over 1,300 Western companies currently active in Russia, The Moscow Times reported. Also read | Ukraine war affects Russian energy giant Gazprom's profits; net profit down by 41.4% in 2022 However, more than 700 of these companies have suspended their operations, and 241 have completely exited the country after Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Western business in Russia amid Ukraine war: Top winners Despite withdrawing from certain assets, French energy group TotalEnergies managed to double its net profit to 269 billion rubles ($3.2 billion). Also watch | WION Fineprint: Who is profiting from Russia-Ukraine war? × Raiffeisen Bank, one of the major Western banks still present in Russia, nearly quadrupled its net profit to 141 billion rubles ($1.7 billion). Among the top ten earners in Russia are well-known companies such as PepsiCo, British Petroleum, Japan Tobacco, Mondelez International (formerly Kraft Foods), Mars, the packaging giant Mondi, Kia, and the multinational building materials company Knauf. 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.

Russia earned billions in taxes after western companies made record profits amid Ukraine war

President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday (June 7) called the attack on the Russian-occupied Kakhovka dam a "barbaric act", in his first public reaction to the situation. Moscow has already blamed Ukraine for the "catastrophic" attack.&nbsp;

The hydroelectric dam was ripped open early Tuesday after a reported blast and in the aftermath, Moscow and Kyiv have traded blame for the attack.&nbsp;

The Kremlin said in a statement that Putin told Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan in a phone call that the breach was "a barbaric act which has led to a large-scale environmental and humanitarian catastrophe".&nbsp;

During the call, the Russian president also congratulated his Turkish counterpart on officially assuming office, Kremlin said, further adding that Putin and Erdogan have agreed to maintain regular communication. The statement mentioned: "It has been agreed to maintain regular personal dialogue."&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/was-the-ukraine-dam-partially-damaged-days-before-it-collapsed-satellite-images-show-detailed-insights-601745">Was the Ukraine dam partially damaged days before it collapsed? Satellite images show detailed insights</a>&nbsp;

Erdogan's office reported that on Wednesday, the Turkish president also spoke to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and proposed to create an international commission to probe the destruction of a major dam in southern Ukraine.&nbsp;

"President Erdogan said that a commission could be established with the participation of experts from the warring parties, the United Nations and the international community, including Turkey, for a detailed investigation into the explosion at Kakhovka dam," his office said after the call with Zelensky.&nbsp;

Watch this report:&nbsp;

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<h2>Massive destruction</h2>

The alleged attack triggered geopolitical tensions as the Kakhovka dam sits on the Dnipro River, which feeds a reservoir providing cooling water for the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station, some 150 kilometres upstream.

Thousands of civilians were forced to flee the flooded areas while raising fears of an ecological disaster after the destruction of the dam caused torrents of water to pour into the Dnipro.&nbsp;

Zelensky said the dam's collapse had left hundreds of thousands of people without normal access to drinking water. Ukraine's agriculture ministry said that the destruction of the Kakhovka hydroelectric power station will lead the fields in the south of Ukraine to "turn into deserts next year".&nbsp;

In a statement issued late on Tuesday, the ministry said that the disaster would cut off the water supply to 31 irrigation systems in the Ukrainian regions of Dnipro, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia.&nbsp;

It added that in 2021 these systems provided irrigation on 584,000 hectares from which farmers harvested about four&nbsp;million tonnes of grains and oilseeds. It further mentioned that the dam's destruction has left 94 per cent&nbsp;of irrigation systems in Kherson, 74 per cent&nbsp;of those in Zaporizhzhia and 30 per cent&nbsp;of those in Dnipro regions without water.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday (June 7) called the attack on the Russian-occupied Kakhovka dam a "barbaric act", in his first public reaction to the situation.

President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday (June 7) called the attack on the Russian-occupied Kakhovka dam a "barbaric act", in his first public reaction to the situation. Moscow has already blamed Ukraine for the "catastrophic" attack. The hydroelectric dam was ripped open early Tuesday after a reported blast and in the aftermath, Moscow and Kyiv have traded blame for the attack. The Kremlin said in a statement that Putin told Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan in a phone call that the breach was "a barbaric act which has led to a large-scale environmental and humanitarian catastrophe". During the call, the Russian president also congratulated his Turkish counterpart on officially assuming office, Kremlin said, further adding that Putin and Erdogan have agreed to maintain regular communication. The statement mentioned: "It has been agreed to maintain regular personal dialogue." Also read: Was the Ukraine dam partially damaged days before it collapsed? Satellite images show detailed insights Erdogan's office reported that on Wednesday, the Turkish president also spoke to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and proposed to create an international commission to probe the destruction of a major dam in southern Ukraine. "President Erdogan said that a commission could be established with the participation of experts from the warring parties, the United Nations and the international community, including Turkey, for a detailed investigation into the explosion at Kakhovka dam," his office said after the call with Zelensky. Watch this report: × Massive destruction The alleged attack triggered geopolitical tensions as the Kakhovka dam sits on the Dnipro River, which feeds a reservoir providing cooling water for the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station, some 150 kilometres upstream. Thousands of civilians were forced to flee the flooded areas while raising fears of an ecological disaster after the destruction of the dam caused torrents of water to pour into the Dnipro. Zelensky said the dam's collapse had left hundreds of thousands of people without normal access to drinking water. Ukraine's agriculture ministry said that the destruction of the Kakhovka hydroelectric power station will lead the fields in the south of Ukraine to "turn into deserts next year". In a statement issued late on Tuesday, the ministry said that the disaster would cut off the water supply to 31 irrigation systems in the Ukrainian regions of Dnipro, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia. It added that in 2021 these systems provided irrigation on 584,000 hectares from which farmers harvested about four million tonnes of grains and oilseeds. It further mentioned that the dam's destruction has left 94 per cent of irrigation systems in Kherson, 74 per cent of those in Zaporizhzhia and 30 per cent of those in Dnipro regions without water. (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.

In his first reaction, Russia's Vladimir Putin calls Kakhovka dam blast a 'barbaric act'

A vast Soviet-era dam in the Russian-controlled part of southern Ukraine was destroyed on Tuesday. According to both the Ukrainian and the Russian forces, the destruction has unleashed a flood of water across the war zone. The destruction of the major dam has flooded nearby regions, prompting Ukraine to evacuate&nbsp;16,000&nbsp;residents from the 'critical zone'.

The two sides have blamed each other for destroying the dam.

Unverified visuals on social media show the reservoir "emptying into the Dnipro" river after a series of intense explosions around the Kakhovka Dam. Other videos show water surging through the remains of the dam, with bystanders expressing their shock, sometimes in strong language.

Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media.

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A multi-hundred foot chunk of the Nova Kakhovka dam is gone, the Kakhovka Reservoir is quickly emptying out into the Dnipro. <a href="https://t.co/265i1nbvAO">pic.twitter.com/265i1nbvAO</a>
— OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) <a href="https://twitter.com/Osinttechnical/status/1665907948986458113?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 6, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Ukraine's military claims that the Russian forces were behind the destruction of the Nova Kakhovka dam.

"The Kakhovka (dam) was blown up by the Russian occupying forces," said the South command of Ukraine's Armed Forces on its Facebook page.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-strategy-will-cause-significant-defeats-near-bakhmut-warns-wagner-boss-601035">Russian strategy will cause 'significant' defeats near Bakhmut, warns Wagner boss</a>

The scale of the destruction, the speed and volumes of water, and the likely areas of inundation are being clarified."

However, Russian news agencies said that the dam was destroyed by shelling. The mayor of Russia-controlled Nova Kakhovka city, as per Reuters, has blamed "an act of terrorism"&nbsp;which apparently is a Russian code for a Ukrainian attack.

<h2>Nuclear danger</h2>

As per a report by Russia's TASS agency citing Moscow-backed officials in the Zaporizhzhia region, there was no "critical danger" to the Russia-controlled Zaporizhzhia facility.

However, the Russia-installed head of the Kherson region said that the water could reach critical levels in five hours and that evacuation has begun in nearby areas.

<h2>Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky's emergency meeting&nbsp;</h2>

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will hold an emergency meeting over the Nova Kakhovka dam blast. The information was shared on Twitter by Oleksiy Danilov, secretary of Ukraine's National Security and Defence Council.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kyiv-conducting-offensive-actions-russia-says-it-thwarts-major-attack-in-ukraine-601010">Kyiv conducting 'offensive' actions, Russia 'thwarts major attack' in Ukraine</a>

<h2>Significance of Nova Kakhovka dam</h2>

The dam, which is 30 metres tall and 3.2 kilometres (around two miles) long, was built in 1956 on the Dnipro River.

It holds significant amounts of water. As per Reuters, it holds water equivalent to the Great Salt Lake in the US state of Utah.

The Nova Kakhovka Dam supplies water to Crimea, a region annexed by Russia in 2014 and to Europe's largest nuclear plant, the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, which is also under Russian control.

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;

(With inputs from agencies)

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A vast Soviet-era dam in the Russian-controlled part of southern Ukraine was destroyed on Tuesday. According to both the Ukrainian and the Russian forces, the destruction has unleashed a flood of water across the war zone.

A vast Soviet-era dam in the Russian-controlled part of southern Ukraine was destroyed on Tuesday. According to both the Ukrainian and the Russian forces, the destruction has unleashed a flood of water across the war zone. The destruction of the major dam has flooded nearby regions, prompting Ukraine to evacuate 16,000 residents from the 'critical zone'. The two sides have blamed each other for destroying the dam. Unverified visuals on social media show the reservoir "emptying into the Dnipro" river after a series of intense explosions around the Kakhovka Dam. Other videos show water surging through the remains of the dam, with bystanders expressing their shock, sometimes in strong language. Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media. A multi-hundred foot chunk of the Nova Kakhovka dam is gone, the Kakhovka Reservoir is quickly emptying out into the Dnipro. pic.twitter.com/265i1nbvAO — OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) June 6, 2023 × Ukraine's military claims that the Russian forces were behind the destruction of the Nova Kakhovka dam. "The Kakhovka (dam) was blown up by the Russian occupying forces," said the South command of Ukraine's Armed Forces on its Facebook page. Also read | Russian strategy will cause 'significant' defeats near Bakhmut, warns Wagner boss The scale of the destruction, the speed and volumes of water, and the likely areas of inundation are being clarified." However, Russian news agencies said that the dam was destroyed by shelling. The mayor of Russia-controlled Nova Kakhovka city, as per Reuters, has blamed "an act of terrorism" which apparently is a Russian code for a Ukrainian attack. Nuclear danger As per a report by Russia's TASS agency citing Moscow-backed officials in the Zaporizhzhia region, there was no "critical danger" to the Russia-controlled Zaporizhzhia facility. However, the Russia-installed head of the Kherson region said that the water could reach critical levels in five hours and that evacuation has begun in nearby areas. Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky's emergency meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will hold an emergency meeting over the Nova Kakhovka dam blast. The information was shared on Twitter by Oleksiy Danilov, secretary of Ukraine's National Security and Defence Council. Also read | Kyiv conducting 'offensive' actions, Russia 'thwarts major attack' in Ukraine Significance of Nova Kakhovka dam The dam, which is 30 metres tall and 3.2 kilometres (around two miles) long, was built in 1956 on the Dnipro River. It holds significant amounts of water. As per Reuters, it holds water equivalent to the Great Salt Lake in the US state of Utah. The Nova Kakhovka Dam supplies water to Crimea, a region annexed by Russia in 2014 and to Europe's largest nuclear plant, the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, which is also under Russian control. 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.

Ukraine dam supplying nuke plant, Crimea breached in blast, thousands evacuate amid flooding fears

On Monday, Russian President Vladimir Putin in a televised address declared martial law and ordered full-scale mobilisation of troops for an all-out war against Ukraine. He further urged citizens living in the border areas to evacuate and seek safety inside Russia.&nbsp;

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This speech was broadcast in Belgorod, Voronezh, and Rostov—the Russian cities that lie in close proximity to Ukraine’s border—with the caption running, "President's emergency appeal."

“Today, at 4 am this morning, Ukrainian forces … with the support of Washington, entered the territory of Kursk, Belgorod and Bryansk regions,” the broadcast said, announcing a mass call-up of eligible men to “defeat the dangerous and perfidious enemy.”

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In <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Russia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Russia</a>, several radio stations and even local TV networks appear to have been hacked to broadcast a deep fake address allegedly by president Putin. 
 
This fake address announced mass mobilisation and introduced martial law in border regions. 
 
1/2<a href="https://t.co/Z79Jqjil6W">pic.twitter.com/Z79Jqjil6W</a>
— Alex Kokcharov (@AlexKokcharov) <a href="https://twitter.com/AlexKokcharov/status/1665709387648827397?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 5, 2023</a></blockquote>
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However, something was off.

The way the 70-year-old’s face moved and the deep lines in his furrowed brow disappeared too smoothly as he changed his expression, was too conspicuous to ignore.&nbsp;

It was later clarified by Kremlin officials that the Russian president gave no such speech and that it was apparently a deep fake video created allegedly by hackers.

<h2 dir="ltr">Are hackers responsible?&nbsp;</h2>

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov later confirmed to state-run TASS news agency that the video aired was a deep fake, adding there was no state media address made by Putin on Monday. He said that some hackers were responsible for this, but did not provide further information about them.

“There was a hack in some regions. In particular, I know that there was a hack on Mir radio and in some networks,” Peskov said.&nbsp;

The government has taken control of the affected networks, and is “sorting out” the situation, he added. Those responsible for the hack have yet to be identified.&nbsp;

Notably, the apparent cyberattack comes following increased Ukrainian attacks at multiple locations at the front lines on Monday. US satellites also detected movements and more activity from Ukraine's forces, The New York Times reported.&nbsp;

There were also reports of cross-border raids by pro-Ukrainian fighters under the banner of the Legion of Free Russia and the Russian Volunteer Corps, said to be Russian citizens intent on fighting against Putin’s rule.&nbsp;

<h2 dir="ltr">Increased Ukrainian attacks&nbsp;</h2>

On Sunday, one of the groups said it had taken dozens of prisoners during one such incursion and would exchange them for captured Ukrainian soldiers.

Meanwhile, Ukraine’s Deputy Defence Minister Hanna Maliar on Monday said that the country’s troops are&nbsp; “shifting to offensive actions” along some parts of the front line.&nbsp;

The commander of Kyiv’s ground forces, General Oleksandr Syrskyi, also said that his units were “moving forward” towards the contested city of Bakhmut.

(With inputs from agencies)

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.

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On Monday, Russian President Vladimir Putin in a televised address declared martial law and ordered full-scale mobilisation of troops for an all-out war against Ukraine.

On Monday, Russian President Vladimir Putin in a televised address declared martial law and ordered full-scale mobilisation of troops for an all-out war against Ukraine. He further urged citizens living in the border areas to evacuate and seek safety inside Russia. This speech was broadcast in Belgorod, Voronezh, and Rostov—the Russian cities that lie in close proximity to Ukraine’s border—with the caption running, "President's emergency appeal." “Today, at 4 am this morning, Ukrainian forces … with the support of Washington, entered the territory of Kursk, Belgorod and Bryansk regions,” the broadcast said, announcing a mass call-up of eligible men to “defeat the dangerous and perfidious enemy.” In #Russia, several radio stations and even local TV networks appear to have been hacked to broadcast a deep fake address allegedly by president Putin. This fake address announced mass mobilisation and introduced martial law in border regions. 1/2pic.twitter.com/Z79Jqjil6W — Alex Kokcharov (@AlexKokcharov) June 5, 2023 × However, something was off. The way the 70-year-old’s face moved and the deep lines in his furrowed brow disappeared too smoothly as he changed his expression, was too conspicuous to ignore. It was later clarified by Kremlin officials that the Russian president gave no such speech and that it was apparently a deep fake video created allegedly by hackers. Are hackers responsible? Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov later confirmed to state-run TASS news agency that the video aired was a deep fake, adding there was no state media address made by Putin on Monday. He said that some hackers were responsible for this, but did not provide further information about them. “There was a hack in some regions. In particular, I know that there was a hack on Mir radio and in some networks,” Peskov said. The government has taken control of the affected networks, and is “sorting out” the situation, he added. Those responsible for the hack have yet to be identified. Notably, the apparent cyberattack comes following increased Ukrainian attacks at multiple locations at the front lines on Monday. US satellites also detected movements and more activity from Ukraine's forces, The New York Times reported. There were also reports of cross-border raids by pro-Ukrainian fighters under the banner of the Legion of Free Russia and the Russian Volunteer Corps, said to be Russian citizens intent on fighting against Putin’s rule. Increased Ukrainian attacks On Sunday, one of the groups said it had taken dozens of prisoners during one such incursion and would exchange them for captured Ukrainian soldiers. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s Deputy Defence Minister Hanna Maliar on Monday said that the country’s troops are “shifting to offensive actions” along some parts of the front line. The commander of Kyiv’s ground forces, General Oleksandr Syrskyi, also said that his units were “moving forward” towards the contested city of Bakhmut. (With inputs from agencies) 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. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Fake video of Vladimir Putin announcing full-scale war against Ukraine broadcast on Russian TV

As the Ukraine war shows no signs of abetting and nears 500 days of conflict, the situation inside Russia remains stifling. In the latest move to stifle opposition, Russia arrested more than 100 supporters of opposition leader and Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny on Sunday. The people, as per a protest monitoring group, had taken to the streets to mark the 47th birthday of their jailed leader.

<h2>The arrests</h2>

In its statement, the monitoring group OVD-Info said that people have been detained in 23 cities across Russia. The number of individuals arrested as of 10:42 pm Moscow time (1942 GMT) stood at 109.

Reuters reports that footage from Russia's two largest cities Moscow and St Petersburg shows police arresting individual protestors. In most cities, "only a handful" of individuals have been detained.

In one clip, a man could be seen holding up a protest sign briefly, before police usher him away, "bent over, as he groaned in pain".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-appeals-residents-to-evacuate-border-district-amid-ukraine-shelling-600363">New fighting on Russian side of Ukraine border, says governor</a>

Reportedly, another man in Moscow, who held up a sign that said "Free Navalny" in English, was also arrested among many others.

In St Petersburg, authorities arrested a woman who was accompanied by her "underage child". 
Talking to reporters, the woman said: "I'm against the war, that's why they detained me with my underage kid."

<h2>A repeating pattern?</h2>

Ever since the Russia-Ukraine war began with Russian President Vladimir Putin's announcement of a "special military operation" on February 24th, 2022, authorities in Moscow have clamped down heavily on any signs of dissent.

Taking the crackdown on freedom to a new level, as per AFP, Russia has shut down independent media. Most key opposition figures are in exile or, like Alexei Navalny, are behind bars.

<h2>Navalny from behind the bars</h2>

Citing the Kremlin critic, AFP reports that Navalny on Sunday professed that despite tougher prison conditions and yet another spell of solitary confinement, he is "in a good mood". Navalny is currently serving a nine-year prison sentence on embezzlement and other charges. He will soon go on trial in a new "extremism" case in which he&nbsp;faces a further 35 years in prison.&nbsp;

Alexei Navalny&nbsp;is convinced that the authorities are trying to keep him imprisoned for the rest of his life.

"On the morning of your birthday you have to be honest with yourself, so I ask myself the question: am I really in a good mood, or do force myself to feel that way?

"My answer is: I really am. Let's face it, of course I wish I didn't have to wake up in this hellhole and instead have breakfast with my family, receive kisses on the cheek from my children, unwrap presents..."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/navalny-says-he-faces-30-more-years-in-prison-in-absurd-terrorism-case-586380">Navalny says he faces 30 more years in prison in 'absurd' terrorism case</a>

"But life works in such a way that social progress and a better future can only be achieved if a certain number of people are willing to pay the price for their right to have beliefs."

In his message, the opposition leader Alexei Navalny expressed hope that "the day will come when speaking the truth and advocating for justice will become something commonplace and not at all dangerous in Russia."

(With inputs from agencies)

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As the Ukraine war shows no signs of abetting and nears 500 days of conflict, the situation inside Russia remains stifling. In the latest move to stifle opposition, Russia arrested more than 100 supporters of opposition leader and Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny on Sunday.

As the Ukraine war shows no signs of abetting and nears 500 days of conflict, the situation inside Russia remains stifling. In the latest move to stifle opposition, Russia arrested more than 100 supporters of opposition leader and Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny on Sunday. The people, as per a protest monitoring group, had taken to the streets to mark the 47th birthday of their jailed leader. The arrests In its statement, the monitoring group OVD-Info said that people have been detained in 23 cities across Russia. The number of individuals arrested as of 10:42 pm Moscow time (1942 GMT) stood at 109. Reuters reports that footage from Russia's two largest cities Moscow and St Petersburg shows police arresting individual protestors. In most cities, "only a handful" of individuals have been detained. In one clip, a man could be seen holding up a protest sign briefly, before police usher him away, "bent over, as he groaned in pain". Also read | New fighting on Russian side of Ukraine border, says governor Reportedly, another man in Moscow, who held up a sign that said "Free Navalny" in English, was also arrested among many others. In St Petersburg, authorities arrested a woman who was accompanied by her "underage child". Talking to reporters, the woman said: "I'm against the war, that's why they detained me with my underage kid." A repeating pattern? Ever since the Russia-Ukraine war began with Russian President Vladimir Putin's announcement of a "special military operation" on February 24th, 2022, authorities in Moscow have clamped down heavily on any signs of dissent. Taking the crackdown on freedom to a new level, as per AFP, Russia has shut down independent media. Most key opposition figures are in exile or, like Alexei Navalny, are behind bars. Navalny from behind the bars Citing the Kremlin critic, AFP reports that Navalny on Sunday professed that despite tougher prison conditions and yet another spell of solitary confinement, he is "in a good mood". Navalny is currently serving a nine-year prison sentence on embezzlement and other charges. He will soon go on trial in a new "extremism" case in which he faces a further 35 years in prison. Alexei Navalny is convinced that the authorities are trying to keep him imprisoned for the rest of his life. "On the morning of your birthday you have to be honest with yourself, so I ask myself the question: am I really in a good mood, or do force myself to feel that way? "My answer is: I really am. Let's face it, of course I wish I didn't have to wake up in this hellhole and instead have breakfast with my family, receive kisses on the cheek from my children, unwrap presents..." Also read | Navalny says he faces 30 more years in prison in 'absurd' terrorism case "But life works in such a way that social progress and a better future can only be achieved if a certain number of people are willing to pay the price for their right to have beliefs." In his message, the opposition leader Alexei Navalny expressed hope that "the day will come when speaking the truth and advocating for justice will become something commonplace and not at all dangerous 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 critic Alexei Navalny's 109 supporters, including underage child arrested by Russian police

Nikki Haley, a Republican candidate in the race for the US White House, has criticised her two contenders, former President Donald Trump and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis for their stance on Ukraine's conflict with Russia.&nbsp;

Haley, who previously served as the UN ambassador under Trump, took issue with their refusal to express a clear position on whether they want Ukraine to succeed in its war against Russia.&nbsp;

<h2>What is their stand?</h2>

In a recent statement, Trump stated that he wanted the war to end and that he would assist in negotiations between Ukraine and Russia.

DeSantis too has expressed his support for a settlement to the war and said he hoped for an end to the fighting by the time he becomes the president in January 2025.&nbsp;

Haley, during a CNN town hall event in Iowa, criticized DeSantis for referring to the conflict as a "territorial dispute," a statement he has since retracted.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-defence-minister-says-war-with-us-would-be-unbearable-disaster-seeks-dialogue-600646">Chinese defence minister says war with US would be 'unbearable disaster', seeks dialogue</a>

"For them to sit there and say that this is a territorial dispute - that's just not the case, or to say that we should stay neutral," she told voters.

She argued that it is in the best interest of national security for Ukraine to win the conflict. The issue of Ukraine tends to divide Republicans due to varying positions on isolationism among primary voters.&nbsp;

<h2>Republican contenders</h2>

In the upcoming elections the number of Republican contenders will this week reach double digits, reports Reuters.

Despite being among the Republican contenders, Haley faces strong competition from Trump, who leads the field with 49 per cent support, and DeSantis, who follows with 19 per cent support in Reuters/Ipsos opinion poll conducted in May.&nbsp;

<h2>The race for White House</h2>

As per Reuters, Haley and other candidates polling in the single digits are attempting to differentiate themselves from DeSantis in the hopes that he stumbles, allowing them to emerge as the primary alternative to Trump.&nbsp;

Some candidates, including Haley, have also started criticising Trump directly, a departure from their previous reluctance to do so out of fear of alienating his loyal supporters.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/109-navalny-supporters-including-underage-child-arrested-by-russian-police-600624">Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny's 109 supporters, including underage child arrested by Russian police</a>

Haley also reportedly criticised Trump for congratulating North Korean leader Kim Jong Un after the country was elected to the executive board of the World Health Organization, calling Kim a "thug" and expressing opposition to congratulating dictators.&nbsp;

DeSantis and former Vice President Mike Pence also criticised Trump for congratulating Kim during separate events in Iowa.

Nikki Haley, a Republican candidate in the race for the US White House, has criticised her two contenders, former President Donald Trump and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis for their stance on Ukraine's conflict with Russia.

Nikki Haley, a Republican candidate in the race for the US White House, has criticised her two contenders, former President Donald Trump and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis for their stance on Ukraine's conflict with Russia. Haley, who previously served as the UN ambassador under Trump, took issue with their refusal to express a clear position on whether they want Ukraine to succeed in its war against Russia. What is their stand? In a recent statement, Trump stated that he wanted the war to end and that he would assist in negotiations between Ukraine and Russia. DeSantis too has expressed his support for a settlement to the war and said he hoped for an end to the fighting by the time he becomes the president in January 2025. Haley, during a CNN town hall event in Iowa, criticized DeSantis for referring to the conflict as a "territorial dispute," a statement he has since retracted. Also read | Chinese defence minister says war with US would be 'unbearable disaster', seeks dialogue "For them to sit there and say that this is a territorial dispute - that's just not the case, or to say that we should stay neutral," she told voters. She argued that it is in the best interest of national security for Ukraine to win the conflict. The issue of Ukraine tends to divide Republicans due to varying positions on isolationism among primary voters. Republican contenders In the upcoming elections the number of Republican contenders will this week reach double digits, reports Reuters. Despite being among the Republican contenders, Haley faces strong competition from Trump, who leads the field with 49 per cent support, and DeSantis, who follows with 19 per cent support in Reuters/Ipsos opinion poll conducted in May. The race for White House As per Reuters, Haley and other candidates polling in the single digits are attempting to differentiate themselves from DeSantis in the hopes that he stumbles, allowing them to emerge as the primary alternative to Trump. Some candidates, including Haley, have also started criticising Trump directly, a departure from their previous reluctance to do so out of fear of alienating his loyal supporters. Also read | Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny's 109 supporters, including underage child arrested by Russian police Haley also reportedly criticised Trump for congratulating North Korean leader Kim Jong Un after the country was elected to the executive board of the World Health Organization, calling Kim a "thug" and expressing opposition to congratulating dictators. DeSantis and former Vice President Mike Pence also criticised Trump for congratulating Kim during separate events in Iowa.

Presidential candidate Nikki Haley criticises fellow Republicans Trump and DeSantis over Ukraine war

The Russia-Ukraine war is going on for more than a year now. And amid this state of armed conflict, war crimes are happening including rape, torture, child trafficking, and massacre. So is Russian President Vladimir Putin a war criminal? Are Ukrainian forces involved in these crimes too? Watch DARK WORLD with Harshit Sabarwal.

War crimes of Russia-Ukraine war: Who's responsible? | DARK WORLD

A recent drone attack in the heart of Russian capital Moscow has put the spotlight on a set of properties owned by the Kremlin-linked associates. The drone attack along Rublevka highway on May 30, 2023 resulted in a strong verbal reaction from President Putin.

"They are provoking us to mirror their actions," Putin said.

What has been reportedly spotted as important is the intended target of May 30 drone attacks in Moscow.

<h2>The 'Tsar village' in Moscow</h2>

Russian President Vladimir Putin created an elite hotspot of properties, dubbed as 'Tsar's village', for his daughters and ex-wife around his official residence in western Moscow.&nbsp;

According to a report in The Times, the four mansions and Russian president's house are located along the Rublevka highway, a wealthy neighbourhood. The neighbourhood is reportedly home to government officials, celebrities and tycoons.

Also watch |&nbsp;Rare drone attack in Russian capital city Moscow, Ukrainian terrorists blamed

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The Times report adds that the details of the residences come from a leak of emails between Katerina Tikhonova, 36, the younger of Putin’s two daughters, and Kirill Shamalov, 41, her ex-husband.

The two were married from 2013 to about 2016.

In the leaked e-mails, the erstwhile couple discuss renovations costing up to $9 million.

<h2>The House of Putin's ex-wife Lyudmila Ocheretnaya</h2>

Lyudmila Ocheretnaya, 65, Putin’s ex-wife also reportedly finds a place in the "Tsar’s village".

She and Putin announced their divorce in June 2013.

It is unclear whether the Ukrainian drones were targeting Putin’s residence or other government-linked buildings.

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.

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A recent drone attack in the heart of Russian capital Moscow has put the spotlight on a set of properties owned by the Kremlin-linked associates. The drone attack along Rublevka highway on May 30, 2023 resulted in a strong verbal reaction from President Putin.

A recent drone attack in the heart of Russian capital Moscow has put the spotlight on a set of properties owned by the Kremlin-linked associates. The drone attack along Rublevka highway on May 30, 2023 resulted in a strong verbal reaction from President Putin. "They are provoking us to mirror their actions," Putin said. What has been reportedly spotted as important is the intended target of May 30 drone attacks in Moscow. The 'Tsar village' in Moscow Russian President Vladimir Putin created an elite hotspot of properties, dubbed as 'Tsar's village', for his daughters and ex-wife around his official residence in western Moscow. According to a report in The Times, the four mansions and Russian president's house are located along the Rublevka highway, a wealthy neighbourhood. The neighbourhood is reportedly home to government officials, celebrities and tycoons. Also watch | Rare drone attack in Russian capital city Moscow, Ukrainian terrorists blamed × The Times report adds that the details of the residences come from a leak of emails between Katerina Tikhonova, 36, the younger of Putin’s two daughters, and Kirill Shamalov, 41, her ex-husband. The two were married from 2013 to about 2016. In the leaked e-mails, the erstwhile couple discuss renovations costing up to $9 million. The House of Putin's ex-wife Lyudmila Ocheretnaya Lyudmila Ocheretnaya, 65, Putin’s ex-wife also reportedly finds a place in the "Tsar’s village". She and Putin announced their divorce in June 2013. It is unclear whether the Ukrainian drones were targeting Putin’s residence or other government-linked buildings. 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. 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 Ukrainian drones allegedly target luxury homes of Putin's ex-wife and daughters?

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has dismissed media reports claiming that South Africa was considering to shift the BRICS summit venue to another country amid an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant against Russian President Vladimir Putin over alleged war crimes in Ukraine.

Lavrov said he does not read British newspapers - seemingly the origin of the story claiming the relocation of the BRICS summit.&nbsp;

"As far as I understand, such news could have been published only in some yellow British newspaper, and I don’t read British newspapers," said Lavrov during a&nbsp;press conference on the outcome of the meeting of BRICS Foreign Ministers.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Russian Deputy&nbsp;Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said such reports should not be trusted and that they were part of a deliberate misinformation campaign.&nbsp;

<h2>Unnamed sources for the claims</h2>

Notably, a Bloomberg report titled 'Putin arrest warrant prompts South Africa to weigh moving BRICS summit', citing unnamed sources made the claim.&nbsp;

"The government is considering asking China to host the meeting of heads of state, or alternatively neighbouring Mozambique, the people said, asking not to be identified because discussions about the matter are private and no decision has been taken yet," read the report.&nbsp;

Putin is wanted by the ICC for war crimes in relation to the Ukrainian invasion. With the BRICS summit taking place in South Africa and the country being a member of ICC, the Western world is pressuring Pretoria to arrest Putin once he lands in the country.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-africa-wont-arrest-vladimir-putin-to-provide-diplomatic-immunity-during-brics-event-598357">Also read |&nbsp;South Africa won’t arrest Vladimir Putin, to provide diplomatic immunity during BRICS event</a>

<h2>'South Africa will not arrest Putin'</h2>

However, the African nation has granted immunity to all participants, including Putin, and other Russian officials, at BRICS-related events to be held in the country. These United Nations Convention grants immunity from personal arrest or detention.

“This is a standard conferment of immunities that we do for all international conferences and summits held in South Africa irrespective of the level of participation,” the Department of International Relations and Cooperations said in a statement.&nbsp;

<h2>International Court warrant against Putin; South Africa due to host BRICS summit</h2>

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Meanwhile, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov has confirmed that Russia will participate in the BRICS summit at an “appropriate level”.&nbsp;

"Russia will take part in this summit at a proper level," he said, while responding to a question about whether Putin will participate in the summit in South Africa, the state-run Tass news agency reported.

"Russia attributes great importance to the development of this integration format," the Kremlin spokesman added.&nbsp;

The meeting of BRICS Foreign Ministers is taking place in Cape Town on June 1-2, and the association’s summit is scheduled to take place in Johannesburg, South Africa, between August 22 and 24.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has dismissed media reports claiming that South Africa was considering to shift the BRICS summit venue to another country amid an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant against Russian President Vladimir Putin over alleged war crimes in Ukraine.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has dismissed media reports claiming that South Africa was considering to shift the BRICS summit venue to another country amid an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant against Russian President Vladimir Putin over alleged war crimes in Ukraine. Lavrov said he does not read British newspapers - seemingly the origin of the story claiming the relocation of the BRICS summit. "As far as I understand, such news could have been published only in some yellow British newspaper, and I don’t read British newspapers," said Lavrov during a press conference on the outcome of the meeting of BRICS Foreign Ministers. Meanwhile, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said such reports should not be trusted and that they were part of a deliberate misinformation campaign. Unnamed sources for the claims Notably, a Bloomberg report titled 'Putin arrest warrant prompts South Africa to weigh moving BRICS summit', citing unnamed sources made the claim. "The government is considering asking China to host the meeting of heads of state, or alternatively neighbouring Mozambique, the people said, asking not to be identified because discussions about the matter are private and no decision has been taken yet," read the report. Putin is wanted by the ICC for war crimes in relation to the Ukrainian invasion. With the BRICS summit taking place in South Africa and the country being a member of ICC, the Western world is pressuring Pretoria to arrest Putin once he lands in the country. Also read | South Africa won’t arrest Vladimir Putin, to provide diplomatic immunity during BRICS event 'South Africa will not arrest Putin' However, the African nation has granted immunity to all participants, including Putin, and other Russian officials, at BRICS-related events to be held in the country. These United Nations Convention grants immunity from personal arrest or detention. “This is a standard conferment of immunities that we do for all international conferences and summits held in South Africa irrespective of the level of participation,” the Department of International Relations and Cooperations said in a statement. International Court warrant against Putin; South Africa due to host BRICS summit Meanwhile, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov has confirmed that Russia will participate in the BRICS summit at an “appropriate level”. "Russia will take part in this summit at a proper level," he said, while responding to a question about whether Putin will participate in the summit in South Africa, the state-run Tass news agency reported. "Russia attributes great importance to the development of this integration format," the Kremlin spokesman added. The meeting of BRICS Foreign Ministers is taking place in Cape Town on June 1-2, and the association’s summit is scheduled to take place in Johannesburg, South Africa, between August 22 and 24. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

'Don’t read British newspapers...': Lavrov dismisses reports about BRICS summit being moved

South Africa will soon host the heads of state of BRICS nations, a summit which, as per reports, Russian President Vladimir Putin might attend. Overshadowing everything else is one question: Will Putin be arrested?

Here's all you need to know.

<h2>BRICS summit</h2>

BRICS is a five-nation geopolitical bloc that consists of regional economies: Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.&nbsp;

From August 22-24, the bloc will gather for its 15th summit in South Africa's Johannesburg.

<h2>Warrant for Vladimir Putin's arrest</h2>

Russian President Vladimir Putin is currently facing an international arrest warrant.

The warrant has been issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for the Russian president's role in the alleged forced deportation of Ukrainian kids. Reports claim that amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, Moscow has "stolen" thousands of Ukrainian children and has subjected them to "Russification".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-enacts-law-to-tackle-loneliness-and-social-isolation-599527">Japan enacts law to tackle loneliness and social isolation</a>

According to Kyiv, more than 16,000 Ukrainian children have been deported to Russia since the start of Moscow's offensive in February 2022. The war-torn nation has alleged that many of these children have reportedly been placed in institutions and foster homes.

Russia has vehemently denied these allegations. Additionally, given that Russia is not a member of the ICC, the country has dismissed the validity of the arrest warrant&nbsp;and called it "void".

<h2>How does South Africa figure in&nbsp;this?</h2>

Unlike Russia, South Africa is a signatory of the ICC and, in theory, it would be duty-bound to arrest Putin if the leader steps foot on the nation's ground. Additionally, as a nation with strong trade and economic relations with the United States and Europe, South Africa would be expected to arrest him if he sets foot in the country.

However, the International Criminal Court does not have any authority to make any country enforce an arrest warrant.

<h2>Immunities and other privileges</h2>

The South African foreign ministry recently announced that as per its "standard" practice, it is granting immunity to BRICS meeting participants.

As per Clayson Monyela, spokesperson of South Africa's international relations department, "These immunities do not override any warrant that may have been issued by any international tribunal against any attendee of the conference."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-retaliates-to-icc-arrest-warrant-against-putin-puts-its-prosecutor-karim-khan-on-wanted-list-594264">Russia retaliates to ICC arrest warrant against Putin, puts its prosecutor Karim Khan on wanted list</a>

Speaking at the sidelines of the&nbsp;foreign ministers meeting in Cape Town on Thursday (June 1st), South Africa's foreign minister Naledi Pandor said her country was mulling options.

"Our government is currently looking at what the legal options are with respect to this matter and I've indicated ... that it is something the president will be the best person to speak about (this) once it has reached a conclusion," said Pandor while talking to reporters on the sidelines of a BRICS foreign ministers meeting in Cape Town.

<h2>What is diplomatic immunity?</h2>

Diplomatic immunity is a principle of international law. Traditionally, diplomats representing their country abroad enjoy immunity, which protects them against prosecution in the receiving state for the entire period in which they hold their diplomatic post.

<h2>Similar cases with international warrants and diplomatic immunity</h2>

- In 1998, former Chilean dictator General Augusto Pinochet, who at the time had an Interpol Red Notice against him was arrested at a London hospital on a request from Spain. Pinochet presided over a 17-year reign of terror and allegedly ordered foreign assassinations. The warrant alleged that between 1973 and 1983 he committed atrocities against Spanish citizens.&nbsp;

- The former president of Yugoslavia, Boron Milosevic, had arrest warrants issued against him for crimes committed in Kosovo. The warrants were issued by the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) in May 1999. In 2000, he was ousted from power and soon after, Serbia’s new Prime Minister opposition leader Zoran Djindjić authorised Milošević’s transfer to The Hague. In June 2001, he was transferred into the custody of the UN Detention Unit in The Hague.

- As per Politico, in 2015 the then Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir was allowed to leave South Africa after he visited Pretoria for an African Union Summit. The leader had two pending ICC warrants against him — for alleged genocide and war crimes in Darfur.

While Putin's attendance at the BRICS summit is not confirmed yet, if he does decide to attend, one of these three scenarios might play out.

As per South African Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor, invitations have been issued to all heads of state from the five BRICS nations for the August 22-24 summit in Johannesburg.

The Kremlin is yet to confirm if the Russian president, who has for a large part avoided international travel since the start of the Ukraine war, will attend the summit in person.&nbsp;

However, as per Russian state newswire Ria Novosti, on Tuesday (May 30th), Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that the country would "take part in this summit at the proper level".

South Africa will soon host the heads of state of BRICS nations, a summit which, as per reports, Russian President Vladimir Putin might attend. Overshadowing everything else is one question: Will Putin be arrested?

South Africa will soon host the heads of state of BRICS nations, a summit which, as per reports, Russian President Vladimir Putin might attend. Overshadowing everything else is one question: Will Putin be arrested? Here's all you need to know. BRICS summit BRICS is a five-nation geopolitical bloc that consists of regional economies: Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. From August 22-24, the bloc will gather for its 15th summit in South Africa's Johannesburg. Warrant for Vladimir Putin's arrest Russian President Vladimir Putin is currently facing an international arrest warrant. The warrant has been issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for the Russian president's role in the alleged forced deportation of Ukrainian kids. Reports claim that amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, Moscow has "stolen" thousands of Ukrainian children and has subjected them to "Russification". Also read | Japan enacts law to tackle loneliness and social isolation According to Kyiv, more than 16,000 Ukrainian children have been deported to Russia since the start of Moscow's offensive in February 2022. The war-torn nation has alleged that many of these children have reportedly been placed in institutions and foster homes. Russia has vehemently denied these allegations. Additionally, given that Russia is not a member of the ICC, the country has dismissed the validity of the arrest warrant and called it "void". How does South Africa figure in this? Unlike Russia, South Africa is a signatory of the ICC and, in theory, it would be duty-bound to arrest Putin if the leader steps foot on the nation's ground. Additionally, as a nation with strong trade and economic relations with the United States and Europe, South Africa would be expected to arrest him if he sets foot in the country. However, the International Criminal Court does not have any authority to make any country enforce an arrest warrant. Immunities and other privileges The South African foreign ministry recently announced that as per its "standard" practice, it is granting immunity to BRICS meeting participants. As per Clayson Monyela, spokesperson of South Africa's international relations department, "These immunities do not override any warrant that may have been issued by any international tribunal against any attendee of the conference." Also read | Russia retaliates to ICC arrest warrant against Putin, puts its prosecutor Karim Khan on wanted list Speaking at the sidelines of the foreign ministers meeting in Cape Town on Thursday (June 1st), South Africa's foreign minister Naledi Pandor said her country was mulling options. "Our government is currently looking at what the legal options are with respect to this matter and I've indicated ... that it is something the president will be the best person to speak about (this) once it has reached a conclusion," said Pandor while talking to reporters on the sidelines of a BRICS foreign ministers meeting in Cape Town. What is diplomatic immunity? Diplomatic immunity is a principle of international law. Traditionally, diplomats representing their country abroad enjoy immunity, which protects them against prosecution in the receiving state for the entire period in which they hold their diplomatic post. Similar cases with international warrants and diplomatic immunity - In 1998, former Chilean dictator General Augusto Pinochet, who at the time had an Interpol Red Notice against him was arrested at a London hospital on a request from Spain. Pinochet presided over a 17-year reign of terror and allegedly ordered foreign assassinations. The warrant alleged that between 1973 and 1983 he committed atrocities against Spanish citizens. - The former president of Yugoslavia, Boron Milosevic, had arrest warrants issued against him for crimes committed in Kosovo. The warrants were issued by the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) in May 1999. In 2000, he was ousted from power and soon after, Serbia’s new Prime Minister opposition leader Zoran Djindjić authorised Milošević’s transfer to The Hague. In June 2001, he was transferred into the custody of the UN Detention Unit in The Hague. - As per Politico, in 2015 the then Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir was allowed to leave South Africa after he visited Pretoria for an African Union Summit. The leader had two pending ICC warrants against him — for alleged genocide and war crimes in Darfur. While Putin's attendance at the BRICS summit is not confirmed yet, if he does decide to attend, one of these three scenarios might play out. As per South African Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor, invitations have been issued to all heads of state from the five BRICS nations for the August 22-24 summit in Johannesburg. The Kremlin is yet to confirm if the Russian president, who has for a large part avoided international travel since the start of the Ukraine war, will attend the summit in person. However, as per Russian state newswire Ria Novosti, on Tuesday (May 30th), Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that the country would "take part in this summit at the proper level".

Explained: Will Putin be arrested? Here's what happens to the ICC arrest warrant

Following the issuance of an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in March, Russian authorities have added ICC prosecutor Karim Khan to their "wanted" list.&nbsp;

As per AFP, Khan's photo appeared in the Russian interior ministry's database on Friday. The notice reportedly identifies Khan as "a man born on March 30, 1970, in Edinburgh, Scotland" but fails to specify his offence.

<h2>Was Karim Khan investigated?</h2>

In March, Russia's Investigative Committee, which is responsible for investigating major crimes, stated that Khan was under investigation for the "criminal prosecution of a person known to be innocent" and for allegedly planning "an attack on a representative of a foreign state enjoying international protection."

Reuters reports that Moscow opened cases against Khan and three ICC judges on March 20 — just days after the ICC order for Putin's arrest.

Also read |&nbsp;<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>

<h2>Why did the ICC issue an arrest warrant for Vladimir Putin?</h2>

As per AFP, the ICC's arrest warrant against Putin was issued for alleged war crimes related to the unlawful deportation of Ukrainian children.&nbsp;

In addition to Putin's arrest warrant, the international court had also issued an arrest warrant for Maria Lvova-Belova, Russia's presidential commissioner for children's rights.

<h2>Can Putin actually be arrested?</h2>

Since Russia is not a member of the ICC, the country has dismissed the validity of the arrest warrants and said they were "void".

Nevertheless, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed the ICC's decision as a "historic" one&nbsp;that initiates historic accountability. US President Joe Biden too supported the arrest warrant for Putin, stating that it was "justified".

<h2>How many children has Russia 'stolen'?</h2>

According to Kyiv, more than 16,000 Ukrainian children have been deported to Russia since the start of Moscow's offensive in February 2022. The war-torn nation has alleged that many of these children have reportedly been placed in institutions and foster homes.

Russia and Putin&nbsp;have denied that any war crimes have been committed during the invasion of Ukraine. Instead, they allege that they are victims of Western aggression and lies.&nbsp;The nation also claims that it has saved Ukrainian children from the horrors of the war.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wion-explains-the-ultimate-yet-hard-to-prove-war-crime-called-genocide-471644">WION explains: The ultimate, yet hard to prove war crime called 'genocide'</a>

However, last month, in a resolution adopted by its parliamentary assembly, the Council of Europe too condemned&nbsp;Russia's forced transfer of Ukrainian children and declared that&nbsp;it constitutes genocide.

The resolution highlighted that there is evidence indicating that the deported children were subjected to a process of "russification" through re-education in Russian language, culture, and history and&nbsp;emphasised that these transfers of Ukrainian children were clearly part of a systematic state policy, with the intention of eradicating any connection to their Ukrainian identity and eliminating their Ukrainian cultural characteristics.

The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) also called for the United Nations and the Red Cross to be granted access, enabling them to collect information about the affected children. 
&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Following the issuance of an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in March, Russian authorities have added ICC prosecutor Karim Khan to their "wanted" list.

Following the issuance of an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in March, Russian authorities have added ICC prosecutor Karim Khan to their "wanted" list. As per AFP, Khan's photo appeared in the Russian interior ministry's database on Friday. The notice reportedly identifies Khan as "a man born on March 30, 1970, in Edinburgh, Scotland" but fails to specify his offence. Was Karim Khan investigated? In March, Russia's Investigative Committee, which is responsible for investigating major crimes, stated that Khan was under investigation for the "criminal prosecution of a person known to be innocent" and for allegedly planning "an attack on a representative of a foreign state enjoying international protection." Reuters reports that Moscow opened cases against Khan and three ICC judges on March 20 — just days after the ICC order for Putin's arrest. Also read | 31 children that Russia 'stole' return home to Ukraine Why did the ICC issue an arrest warrant for Vladimir Putin? As per AFP, the ICC's arrest warrant against Putin was issued for alleged war crimes related to the unlawful deportation of Ukrainian children. In addition to Putin's arrest warrant, the international court had also issued an arrest warrant for Maria Lvova-Belova, Russia's presidential commissioner for children's rights. Can Putin actually be arrested? Since Russia is not a member of the ICC, the country has dismissed the validity of the arrest warrants and said they were "void". Nevertheless, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed the ICC's decision as a "historic" one that initiates historic accountability. US President Joe Biden too supported the arrest warrant for Putin, stating that it was "justified". How many children has Russia 'stolen'? According to Kyiv, more than 16,000 Ukrainian children have been deported to Russia since the start of Moscow's offensive in February 2022. The war-torn nation has alleged that many of these children have reportedly been placed in institutions and foster homes. Russia and Putin have denied that any war crimes have been committed during the invasion of Ukraine. Instead, they allege that they are victims of Western aggression and lies. The nation also claims that it has saved Ukrainian children from the horrors of the war. Also read | WION explains: The ultimate, yet hard to prove war crime called 'genocide' However, last month, in a resolution adopted by its parliamentary assembly, the Council of Europe too condemned Russia's forced transfer of Ukrainian children and declared that it constitutes genocide. The resolution highlighted that there is evidence indicating that the deported children were subjected to a process of "russification" through re-education in Russian language, culture, and history and emphasised that these transfers of Ukrainian children were clearly part of a systematic state policy, with the intention of eradicating any connection to their Ukrainian identity and eliminating their Ukrainian cultural characteristics. The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) also called for the United Nations and the Red Cross to be granted access, enabling them to collect information about the affected children. (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.

Russia retaliates to ICC arrest warrant against Putin, puts its prosecutor Karim Khan on wanted list

Russia-Ukraine war showed no signs of de-escalation on Friday (June 2) as air raid sirens were heard across the war-torn east European nation, including in the capital Kyiv. The officials in Kyiv claimed that they shot down 30 missiles and drones fired into the capital.

Moscow has launched dozens of separate missile and drone strikes against the Ukrainian cities since the start of May.

The Ukrainian military authorities wrote on Telegram that Russia had launched drones and cruise missiles at the same time.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-says-it-has-destroyed-ukraines-last-remaining-warship-598736">Russia claims it has destroyed Ukraine's last remaining warship</a>

"According to preliminary information, more than 30 air targets of various types were detected and destroyed in the airspace over and around Kyiv by air defence forces," they said in an official statement.

There were no calls for rescue, Kyiv Mayor&nbsp;Vitali Klitschko said on Telegram.

"There were explosions in the city. The air defense is working. Another wave of UAVs is heading for Kyiv," Mayor Klitschko added.

<h2>Russia-Ukraine war: The present picture</h2>

The Ukrainian side has claimed that&nbsp;Russia has lost about 208,000 troops since the beginning of the war, according to Serhii Cherevatyi, spokesman for the Eastern Grouping of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The Kremlin has not responded to the Ukrainian claim of Russian losses in the war.

Also watch |&nbsp;Ukraine: Russia will simulate attack on Zaporizhzhia power plant | Russia-Ukraine War

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One of the strategic places Russian forces have controlled since nearly the beginning of the invasion is the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. Other than that, Moscow says that it has been able to establish its control over Bakhmut while Kyiv says that the battle is still ongoing.

<h2>Russia-Ukraine war: More international sanctions on Moscow</h2>

Russia’s deputy security council chair and former president, Dmitry Medvedev has said the conflict in Ukraine could last for decades and that negotiations with Ukraine were impossible as long as Volodymyr Zelenskiy was in power.

Adding to a spree of west-imposed sanctions on Russia after the beginning of war in Ukraine, Japan announced that it will place additional sanctions on Russia. The development comes after Tokyo&nbsp;hosted Group of Seven (G7) summit in Hiroshima city&nbsp;last week. The grouping had&nbsp;agreed to step up measures against Russia.

(With inputs from agencies)

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.

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Russia-Ukraine war showed no signs of de-escalation on Friday (June 2) as air raid sirens were heard across the war-torn east European nation, including in the capital Kyiv.

Russia-Ukraine war showed no signs of de-escalation on Friday (June 2) as air raid sirens were heard across the war-torn east European nation, including in the capital Kyiv. The officials in Kyiv claimed that they shot down 30 missiles and drones fired into the capital. Moscow has launched dozens of separate missile and drone strikes against the Ukrainian cities since the start of May. The Ukrainian military authorities wrote on Telegram that Russia had launched drones and cruise missiles at the same time. Also read | Russia claims it has destroyed Ukraine's last remaining warship "According to preliminary information, more than 30 air targets of various types were detected and destroyed in the airspace over and around Kyiv by air defence forces," they said in an official statement. There were no calls for rescue, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said on Telegram. "There were explosions in the city. The air defense is working. Another wave of UAVs is heading for Kyiv," Mayor Klitschko added. Russia-Ukraine war: The present picture The Ukrainian side has claimed that Russia has lost about 208,000 troops since the beginning of the war, according to Serhii Cherevatyi, spokesman for the Eastern Grouping of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The Kremlin has not responded to the Ukrainian claim of Russian losses in the war. Also watch | Ukraine: Russia will simulate attack on Zaporizhzhia power plant | Russia-Ukraine War × One of the strategic places Russian forces have controlled since nearly the beginning of the invasion is the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. Other than that, Moscow says that it has been able to establish its control over Bakhmut while Kyiv says that the battle is still ongoing. Russia-Ukraine war: More international sanctions on Moscow Russia’s deputy security council chair and former president, Dmitry Medvedev has said the conflict in Ukraine could last for decades and that negotiations with Ukraine were impossible as long as Volodymyr Zelenskiy was in power. Adding to a spree of west-imposed sanctions on Russia after the beginning of war in Ukraine, Japan announced that it will place additional sanctions on Russia. The development comes after Tokyo hosted Group of Seven (G7) summit in Hiroshima city last week. The grouping had agreed to step up measures against Russia. (With inputs from agencies) 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. 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.

Kyiv alarmed by air raid sirens as Russia launches fresh wave of attacks

The foreign ministers of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) gathered Thursday in South Africa’s Cape Town for a two-day summit, with agendas of a common trade currency and expansion of the bloc on the table. However, the discussions were soon overshadowed by one burning question: Will South Africa host Russian President Vladimir Putin in August for the summit of BRICS heads of state slated to be held in&nbsp;Johannesburg?

<h2>Looking at legal options: South Africa</h2>

South Africa's Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor was quoted by Reuters as saying that her country was exploring legal options if Putin, declared a war criminal by the International Criminal Court and subjected to an arrest warrant, can travel to South Africa to attend the BRICS summit.&nbsp;

"Our government is currently looking at what the legal options are with respect to this matter," she told reporters, adding that an invitation has been issued to all BRICS heads of state.

The statement comes days after several media reports indicated that South Africa will issue blanket diplomatic immunity to all participants of the BRICS summit, paving the way for the Russian strongman to visit Johannesburg without any complications.

<h2>West’s hegemony challenged</h2>

Pandor, speaking on behalf of BRICS, emphasised the alliance's ambition to provide global leadership in a world marked by competition, geopolitical tensions, inequality, and declining global security. She highlighted the need for reforming global decision-making structures, including the United Nations Security Council, as the concentration of economic power leaves many nations vulnerable.

India’s Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar echoed this sentiment, emphasising that traditional approaches are insufficient for addressing new challenges. He said, “Old ways cannot address new situations. We are a symbol of change. We must act."

Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas: Saudi Arabia wants to join BRICS

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Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov accused Western powers of using sanctions as a tool of colonialism and unfair suppression in the global power struggle. He criticised the practice, highlighting its impact on countries like his own.

<h2>Expansion of BRICS on the horizon</h2>

Pandor mentioned that exploring opportunities to reduce risks for BRICS institutions in the current financial landscape would be a priority. The leaders of BRICS have expressed openness to admitting new members, including oil-producing countries, and this expansion may be discussed during the ministers' gathering in Cape Town.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/brics-backed-new-development-bank-invites-saudi-arabia-to-join-the-club-598674">Also read:&nbsp;BRICS-backed New Development Bank invites Saudi Arabia to join the club</a>

The presence of Iranian and Saudi Arabian foreign ministers at the BRICS meeting in Cape Town indicates their interest in joining the alliance. Other countries, including Venezuela, Argentina, Algeria, and the United Arab Emirates, have also either formally applied or expressed interest in joining BRICS.

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&nbsp;

The foreign ministers of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) gathered Thursday in South Africa’s Cape Town for a two-day summit, with agendas of a common trade currency and expansion of the bloc on the table.

The foreign ministers of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) gathered Thursday in South Africa’s Cape Town for a two-day summit, with agendas of a common trade currency and expansion of the bloc on the table. However, the discussions were soon overshadowed by one burning question: Will South Africa host Russian President Vladimir Putin in August for the summit of BRICS heads of state slated to be held in Johannesburg? Looking at legal options: South Africa South Africa's Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor was quoted by Reuters as saying that her country was exploring legal options if Putin, declared a war criminal by the International Criminal Court and subjected to an arrest warrant, can travel to South Africa to attend the BRICS summit. "Our government is currently looking at what the legal options are with respect to this matter," she told reporters, adding that an invitation has been issued to all BRICS heads of state. The statement comes days after several media reports indicated that South Africa will issue blanket diplomatic immunity to all participants of the BRICS summit, paving the way for the Russian strongman to visit Johannesburg without any complications. West’s hegemony challenged Pandor, speaking on behalf of BRICS, emphasised the alliance's ambition to provide global leadership in a world marked by competition, geopolitical tensions, inequality, and declining global security. She highlighted the need for reforming global decision-making structures, including the United Nations Security Council, as the concentration of economic power leaves many nations vulnerable. India’s Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar echoed this sentiment, emphasising that traditional approaches are insufficient for addressing new challenges. He said, “Old ways cannot address new situations. We are a symbol of change. We must act." Watch: Gravitas: Saudi Arabia wants to join BRICS × Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov accused Western powers of using sanctions as a tool of colonialism and unfair suppression in the global power struggle. He criticised the practice, highlighting its impact on countries like his own. Expansion of BRICS on the horizon Pandor mentioned that exploring opportunities to reduce risks for BRICS institutions in the current financial landscape would be a priority. The leaders of BRICS have expressed openness to admitting new members, including oil-producing countries, and this expansion may be discussed during the ministers' gathering in Cape Town. Also read: BRICS-backed New Development Bank invites Saudi Arabia to join the club The presence of Iranian and Saudi Arabian foreign ministers at the BRICS meeting in Cape Town indicates their interest in joining the alliance. Other countries, including Venezuela, Argentina, Algeria, and the United Arab Emirates, have also either formally applied or expressed interest in joining BRICS. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

'We must act': India's Jaishankar calls for change in world order at BRICS foreign ministers' summit

French President Emmanuel Macron is willing to make the hard choice. In a wide-ranging speech at an EU leaders' conference, Macron said it may not be possible to send Putin to face war crime trials when he is the only one that can negotiate an end to the Ukraine war.

French President Emmanuel Macron is willing to make the hard choice. In a wide-ranging speech at an EU leaders' conference, Macron said it may not be possible to send Putin to face war crime trials when he is the only one that can negotiate an end to the Ukraine war. In the frankest remark yet by a Western leader, Macron said it would be putting the stakeholders in an impossible situation if such a choice is not made. “The timing issue – and this is where I want to be very transparent and honest with you. The question is if in a few months to come, you have a window for negotiation with the existing Russian political power, the question will be an arbitrage between a trial and a negotiation, I will be very frank with you," said Macron. “And you will have to negotiate with the leaders you have, de facto, even if the day after you will have to judge them in front of them of the international justice. So this is a question of articulation. Because otherwise, you can put yourselves just in an impossible situation where you say: ‘I want you to go to jail, but you are the only one I can negotiate with,’” he added. Offer Ukraine security guarantees: Macron Earlier, Macron called on the West to offer Ukraine "tangible and credible" security guarantees as the war lingers. "We provide plenty of weapons to Ukraine, but we have not added it to any strategic security dialogue. If we want to carry weight with Russia, if we want to be credible to the Ukrainians, we must give Ukraine the means to prevent any further aggression and include it in sustainable security architecture," said Macron "That is why I'm in favour, and this will be the subject of collective talks in the following weeks...to offer tangible and credible security guarantees to Ukraine," he added. WATCH | NATO meet: Emmanuel Macron urges tangible security guarantees for Kyiv × Macron's clarity Macron, in recent months, has emerged as one of the few Western leaders that has absolute clarity regarding contentious global issues. After visiting China in April, Macron advised Europe saying it must strive for 'neutrality' on the Taiwan issue, adding that the bloc cannot be a follower of either the US or China. “The question Europeans need to answer...is it in our interest to accelerate [a crisis] on Taiwan? No. The worse thing would be to think that we Europeans must become followers on this topic and take our cue from the US agenda and a Chinese overreaction,” Macron told French business daily Les Echos and Politico on his plane journey back home. ALSO READ | Macron warns EU must not take US, China side on Taiwan issue after Beijing visit Even then, Macron cited the example of the Russia-Ukraine war where the EU, despite its relative cohesion, had not been able to resolve the situation. “Europeans cannot resolve the crisis in Ukraine; how can we credibly say on Taiwan, ‘watch out, if you do something wrong we will be there’? If you really want to increase tensions that’s the way to do it.” (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Faustian bargain? Negotiation with Putin more important than war crime trials, says Macron

Russian lawmakers on Tuesday (May 30) introduced a draft bill that would ban gender-affirming surgery. According to a report by the news agency Associated Press, the draft bill was submitted by 400 members of the 450-seat lower house - the State Duma.

Russian lawmakers on Tuesday (May 30) introduced a draft bill that would ban gender-affirming surgery. According to a report by the news agency Associated Press, the draft bill was submitted by 400 members of the 450-seat lower house - the State Duma. The bill would ban any gender-affirming surgery except the one intended to treat “congenital physiological anomalies.” The report said that such an exception would be regulated by dedicated medical panels that will be closely overseen by the government. The bill would also ban legal name and gender changes in public records and official documents. 'Bill intended to protect Russia with its culture, family values': Lawmaker Senior Russian lawmaker Pyotr Tolstoy, who is one of the authors of the draft bill, said on Tuesday the legislation is intended to protect Russia's cultural and family values and traditions and to stop the infiltration of the Western anti-family ideology. This bill is the latest step in a Kremlin-orchestrated crackdown on LGBTQ+ rights. It would certainly win quick approval by the State Duma and the upper house before Russian President Vladimir Putin signs it into law. It reflects an increasingly intolerant Kremlin stand on gender-related issues. President Putin, who has initiated constitutional changes, including an amendment defining marriage exclusively as a union between a man and a woman, has repeatedly mocked LGBTQ+ rights. On December 5 last year, Putin signed a law that significantly expanded restrictions on activities seen as promoting LGBT rights in the country. The Associated Press then reported that this law outlawed advertising, media and online resources, books, films, and theatre productions deemed to contain such “propaganda.” It also broadened the existing restrictions by banning information about gender transitions to be spread to minors and banning information deemed to be propaganda promoting paedophilia. The violations are punishable by fines and, if committed by non-residents, could lead to their expulsion from Russia. Rights groups hit out at the law as a state encouragement of homophobia, intolerance and discrimination. 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.

Russia introduces draft bill to ban gender-affirming surgery

A woman who alleged that US President Joe Biden&nbsp;sexually assaulted her in 1993&nbsp;has sought Russian citizenship after defecting to the country. Ex-Senate staffer Tara Reade had made the accusations in 2020 when Biden was seeking a Democratic nomination for the president's post.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Reade, in an interview with the Russian state media, appeared alongside&nbsp;Maria Butina, a Russian lawmaker, who was&nbsp;imprisoned in Washington in 2018 for being an&nbsp;alleged spy and said she&nbsp;feels right at home in Moscow&nbsp;after fleeing the United States.&nbsp;

"When I got off the plane in Moscow, for the first time in a very long time I felt safe, and I felt heard and felt respected," said Reade, according to Sputnik News.&nbsp;

“I’m still kind of in a daze a bit but I feel very good. I feel very surrounded by protection and safety. And I just really so appreciate Maria and everyone who’s been giving me that at a time when it’s been very difficult to know if I’m safe or not," she added.

Reade requested Russian President Vladimir Putin to grant her citizenship, adding that she will remain a "good citizen".&nbsp;

"I'd like to apply for citizenship in Russia, from the president of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin.&nbsp;I do promise to be a good citizen."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/is-the-us-prepared-to-fight-in-space-amid-threat-posed-by-provocative-russia-china-597928">WATCH |&nbsp;Is the U.S. prepared to fight in space amid threat posed by ‘provocative’ Russia &amp; China?</a>

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<h2>What were Reade's accusations?</h2>

Notably, in the run-up to the 2020 elections, Reade in an interview said the Democrat leader attempted to sexually assault her. Then a junior staffer, Reade was tasked with bringing Biden's gym bag to him in his Senate office when the incident occurred.&nbsp;

“l want to f— you,” the former staffer said Biden told her while pinning her up against the wall. She added that what happened next "happened very quickly".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bidens-assault-accuser-calls-on-him-to-quit-us-presidential-race-297348">ALSO READ |&nbsp;Biden's assault accuser calls on him to quit US Presidential race&nbsp;</a>

“I remember being pushed up against the wall. The first thought I had was ‘Where’s the bag?’ which is an absurd thought, but that’s what I thought,” she said.

“He had his hands underneath my clothes, and it happened all at once, so when I tell about it, it’s hard because so many things were happening at once, it’s like my brain was trying to catch up to what was happening."

However, Biden denied all the allegations saying the incident never happened.&nbsp;

"It is not true. I'm saying unequivocally it never, never happened," he said.

Reade said she filed a complaint after the alleged incident, but no record of it has been found.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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A woman who alleged that US President Joe Biden sexually assaulted her in 1993 has sought Russian citizenship after defecting to the country. Ex-Senate staffer Tara Reade had made the accusations in 2020 when Biden was seeking a Democratic nomination for the president's post.

A woman who alleged that US President Joe Biden sexually assaulted her in 1993 has sought Russian citizenship after defecting to the country. Ex-Senate staffer Tara Reade had made the accusations in 2020 when Biden was seeking a Democratic nomination for the president's post. Reade, in an interview with the Russian state media, appeared alongside Maria Butina, a Russian lawmaker, who was imprisoned in Washington in 2018 for being an alleged spy and said she feels right at home in Moscow after fleeing the United States. "When I got off the plane in Moscow, for the first time in a very long time I felt safe, and I felt heard and felt respected," said Reade, according to Sputnik News. “I’m still kind of in a daze a bit but I feel very good. I feel very surrounded by protection and safety. And I just really so appreciate Maria and everyone who’s been giving me that at a time when it’s been very difficult to know if I’m safe or not," she added. Reade requested Russian President Vladimir Putin to grant her citizenship, adding that she will remain a "good citizen". "I'd like to apply for citizenship in Russia, from the president of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin. I do promise to be a good citizen." WATCH | Is the U.S. prepared to fight in space amid threat posed by ‘provocative’ Russia & China? × What were Reade's accusations? Notably, in the run-up to the 2020 elections, Reade in an interview said the Democrat leader attempted to sexually assault her. Then a junior staffer, Reade was tasked with bringing Biden's gym bag to him in his Senate office when the incident occurred. “l want to f— you,” the former staffer said Biden told her while pinning her up against the wall. She added that what happened next "happened very quickly". ALSO READ | Biden's assault accuser calls on him to quit US Presidential race “I remember being pushed up against the wall. The first thought I had was ‘Where’s the bag?’ which is an absurd thought, but that’s what I thought,” she said. “He had his hands underneath my clothes, and it happened all at once, so when I tell about it, it’s hard because so many things were happening at once, it’s like my brain was trying to catch up to what was happening." However, Biden denied all the allegations saying the incident never happened. "It is not true. I'm saying unequivocally it never, never happened," he said. Reade said she filed a complaint after the alleged incident, but no record of it has been found. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Biden's sexual assault accuser calls on Putin for Russian citizenship after defecting

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday claimed that the rare drone attack on Moscow was in “response” to the missile strike against Ukraine's military intelligence agency.&nbsp;

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Speaking on Russian state television, Putin accused Ukraine of “terrorist activity” and “provoking us to respond with tit-for-tat measures” after the drone struck residential areas early Tuesday morning in Moscow, which he said were meant to “scare Russian citizens by hitting residential buildings.”

“A (Ukrainian) headquarters of military intelligence was struck two or three days ago,” Putin said.

"In response, the Kyiv regime chose a different path to frighten Russians," he added, referring to the attack on Moscow earlier.

Furthermore, Putin vowed to retaliate, which sparked fears in the West that Russia might be using this pretext for its own nuclear use.&nbsp;

The 70-year-old Russian leader said Moscow’s anti-air defences proved “satisfactory” but added that “there is still work to be done”, adding Russia had experienced similar problems at Hmeimim air base during its campaign supporting Bashar al-Assad’s government in the Syrian war.&nbsp;

<h2>Is Kyiv taking the war to Moscow? | Russia-Ukraine war</h2>

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The drone attack on Moscow came a day after Russia launched a barrage of aerial attacks on Kyiv, killing at least one person— the fourth attack in three days on Ukraine’s capital.&nbsp;

On Tuesday, Russia claimed that it intercepted all eight of the Ukrainian drones aimed at Moscow and accused Kyiv of a "terrorist attack". There were no reports of deaths, but authorities said that the early morning attack injured two people, one of whom was hospitalised.&nbsp;

Ukrainian presidential aide Mykhailo Podolyak denied Kyiv's involvement in the attack, but Moscow has launched a probe into the incident as Russian forensic experts were seen in the capital, collecting what appears to be fragments of a drone.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<h2 dir="ltr">US says it doesn’t back attacks inside Russia</h2>

The United States on Tuesday said that it doesn't support attacks in Moscow, but added that Russia bore responsibility for the war with Ukraine.

"As a general matter, we do not support attacks inside of Russia. We have been focused on providing Ukraine with the equipment and training they need to retake their own sovereign territory," a State Department spokesperson said.

The spokesperson added that the United States was still assessing what happened in Moscow, where residential buildings were hit for the first time since Russia invaded Ukraine. President Vladimir Putin blamed Kyiv.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday claimed that the rare drone attack on Moscow was in “response” to the missile strike against Ukraine's military intelligence agency.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday claimed that the rare drone attack on Moscow was in “response” to the missile strike against Ukraine's military intelligence agency. Speaking on Russian state television, Putin accused Ukraine of “terrorist activity” and “provoking us to respond with tit-for-tat measures” after the drone struck residential areas early Tuesday morning in Moscow, which he said were meant to “scare Russian citizens by hitting residential buildings.” “A (Ukrainian) headquarters of military intelligence was struck two or three days ago,” Putin said. "In response, the Kyiv regime chose a different path to frighten Russians," he added, referring to the attack on Moscow earlier. Furthermore, Putin vowed to retaliate, which sparked fears in the West that Russia might be using this pretext for its own nuclear use. The 70-year-old Russian leader said Moscow’s anti-air defences proved “satisfactory” but added that “there is still work to be done”, adding Russia had experienced similar problems at Hmeimim air base during its campaign supporting Bashar al-Assad’s government in the Syrian war. Is Kyiv taking the war to Moscow? | Russia-Ukraine war The drone attack on Moscow came a day after Russia launched a barrage of aerial attacks on Kyiv, killing at least one person— the fourth attack in three days on Ukraine’s capital. On Tuesday, Russia claimed that it intercepted all eight of the Ukrainian drones aimed at Moscow and accused Kyiv of a "terrorist attack". There were no reports of deaths, but authorities said that the early morning attack injured two people, one of whom was hospitalised. Ukrainian presidential aide Mykhailo Podolyak denied Kyiv's involvement in the attack, but Moscow has launched a probe into the incident as Russian forensic experts were seen in the capital, collecting what appears to be fragments of a drone. US says it doesn’t back attacks inside Russia The United States on Tuesday said that it doesn't support attacks in Moscow, but added that Russia bore responsibility for the war with Ukraine. "As a general matter, we do not support attacks inside of Russia. We have been focused on providing Ukraine with the equipment and training they need to retake their own sovereign territory," a State Department spokesperson said. The spokesperson added that the United States was still assessing what happened in Moscow, where residential buildings were hit for the first time since Russia invaded Ukraine. President Vladimir Putin blamed Kyiv. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Vladimir Putin vows ‘response’ to alleged Ukrainian drone attacks on Moscow

South Africa said it will be providing diplomatic immunity to all the participants, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, arriving in the country to take part in BRICS-related events.

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The Russian president, who is expected to attend the summit in August, is wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for war crimes in relation to the Ukrainian invasion.&nbsp; The South African leadership had extended the invitation to Putin.

Being a member of the ICC, South Africa is obligated to arrest Putin if he attends the event.

However, the African country on Tuesday indicated that the 70-year-old would be protected by diplomatic immunity, which the government said is routine.

“This is a standard conferment of immunities that we do for all international conferences and summits held in South Africa irrespective of the level of participation,” the Department of International Relations and Cooperations said in the official notice said on Tuesday, reports Bloomberg.

The notice signed on May 19 and gazetted on May 22 states that Putin and his international counterparts will be granted immunities and privileges provided in terms of Section 6(1)(a) as per the Diplomatic Immunity and Privileges Act.&nbsp;

<h2>International Court warrant against Putin; South Africa due to host BRICS summit</h2>

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“The immunities are for the conference and not for specific individuals. They are meant to protect the conference and its attendees from the jurisdiction of the host country for the duration of the conference.”

From June 1-2, foreign ministers from the bloc, encompassing Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, will gather in the capital Cape Town,&nbsp;a Government Gazette published on Monday stated.&nbsp;

Following this, another BRICS-related event is scheduled to take place between August 22 and August 24 during which the heads of state of these countries will meet.&nbsp;

<h2 dir="ltr">Russia says Putin will attend BRICS meet</h2>

Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Tuesday announced that Russia will participate in the BRICS summit at an “appropriate level”.&nbsp;

"Russia will take part in this summit at a proper level," he said, while responding to a question about whether Putin will participate in the summit in South Africa, the state-run Tass news agency reported.

Peskov, however, did not give further details.&nbsp;

"Russia attributes great importance to the development of this integration format," the Kremlin Spokesman said, referring to BRICS.

<h2 dir="ltr">South Africa’s stand</h2>

During an interview with BBC last month, South Africa's ruling party, ANC's Secretary General Fikile Mbalula, asserted that they will not arrest Putin if he ever visits South Africa, adding that he is a head of the state.

The interview aired nearly two months after the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Putin in March.

In the interview, Mbalula stood firm in his position and said that it would not yield to external pressure, including from Western nations.

Mbalula also called out what he perceived as hypocrisy from the West, especially citing Iraq and Afghanistan.&nbsp;

He pointed out the alleged war crimes committed by Western countries like Britain and the United States and wondered why their leaders had not faced such consequences.

(With inputs from agencies)

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South Africa said it will be providing diplomatic immunity to all the participants, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, arriving in the country to take part in BRICS-related events.

South Africa said it will be providing diplomatic immunity to all the participants, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, arriving in the country to take part in BRICS-related events. The Russian president, who is expected to attend the summit in August, is wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for war crimes in relation to the Ukrainian invasion. The South African leadership had extended the invitation to Putin. Being a member of the ICC, South Africa is obligated to arrest Putin if he attends the event. However, the African country on Tuesday indicated that the 70-year-old would be protected by diplomatic immunity, which the government said is routine. “This is a standard conferment of immunities that we do for all international conferences and summits held in South Africa irrespective of the level of participation,” the Department of International Relations and Cooperations said in the official notice said on Tuesday, reports Bloomberg. The notice signed on May 19 and gazetted on May 22 states that Putin and his international counterparts will be granted immunities and privileges provided in terms of Section 6(1)(a) as per the Diplomatic Immunity and Privileges Act. International Court warrant against Putin; South Africa due to host BRICS summit “The immunities are for the conference and not for specific individuals. They are meant to protect the conference and its attendees from the jurisdiction of the host country for the duration of the conference.” From June 1-2, foreign ministers from the bloc, encompassing Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, will gather in the capital Cape Town, a Government Gazette published on Monday stated. Following this, another BRICS-related event is scheduled to take place between August 22 and August 24 during which the heads of state of these countries will meet. Russia says Putin will attend BRICS meet Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Tuesday announced that Russia will participate in the BRICS summit at an “appropriate level”. "Russia will take part in this summit at a proper level," he said, while responding to a question about whether Putin will participate in the summit in South Africa, the state-run Tass news agency reported. Peskov, however, did not give further details. "Russia attributes great importance to the development of this integration format," the Kremlin Spokesman said, referring to BRICS. South Africa’s stand During an interview with BBC last month, South Africa's ruling party, ANC's Secretary General Fikile Mbalula, asserted that they will not arrest Putin if he ever visits South Africa, adding that he is a head of the state. The interview aired nearly two months after the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Putin in March. In the interview, Mbalula stood firm in his position and said that it would not yield to external pressure, including from Western nations. Mbalula also called out what he perceived as hypocrisy from the West, especially citing Iraq and Afghanistan. He pointed out the alleged war crimes committed by Western countries like Britain and the United States and wondered why their leaders had not faced such consequences. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

South Africa won’t arrest Vladimir Putin, to provide diplomatic immunity during BRICS event

The President of Belarus is offering nukes to any country that supports Russia. Will his offer find any takers? Was Lukashenko joking? Molly Gambhir reports.

Gravitas: Lukashenko offers nukes to anyone who supports Russia

The Dutch authorities have seized land in Amsterdam that reportedly belongs to Jorrit Faassen, the former son-in-law of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The authorities from the Netherlands' National Office for Serious Fraud, Environmental Crime and Asset Confiscation took action on May 12 about a criminal investigation. The authorities have not provided any further details about the investigation.

The 1,432-square-metre&nbsp;plot is located in Duivendrecht, a village located about 6.4 kilometres (4 miles) from Amsterdam.

Faassen (42) is a Dutch businessman who was once married to Putin's elder daughter, Maria Vorontsova.

The Guardian reported that Faassen had bought the land for construction (though the nature of it has not been revealed) and applied for a license two years ago, but his permit was halted after Putin’invasion. The area's municipality reportedly stopped the project due to Faaseen's "close ties" with the Russian leader.

The seizure was the result of a joint investigation carried out by the Guardian newspaper, the independent Russian news site Proekt Media and an investigative journalism platform called Follow the Money.

It comes two months after the US announced the launch of a fresh crackdown on persons and states involved in evading anti-Russia sanctions.

<h2>Ukraine war: Who will donate F-16 jets to Kyiv? | Is Russia preparing to use its nukes?</h2>

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According to reports, the empty land was targeted by protesters immediately after Russia invaded Ukraine in early 2022. The agitators erected anti-Putin signs on the land and called on the Russian president to withdraw his troops from Ukraine and release jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny.

Putin’s daughters Vorontsova and Katerina Tikhonova were sanctioned by the European Union and the United States in April 2022 following the invasion of Ukraine.

However, The Guardian newspaper noted that Faassen is not named on any sanctions lists.

He is believed to have been recently questioned by authorities at a Dutch airport recently on suspicion of "sanctions evasion. Authorities had confiscated his mobile phone and laptop computer," Proekt Media reported.

<h2>Who is Jorrit Faassen?</h2>

According to a Dutch-based magazine Quote, Faassen was born in Leiderdorp in the Netherlands. He is the elder of two sons born to Jozef Faassen and Felicitas van de Stadt. His father was a naval officer in Willemstad, Curaçao until 1986, a colonel in the 1990s and then a head of department in the Royal Netherlands Navy.

It is claimed that Faasen married Putin’s daughter Vorontsova in 2008. Russian media said that the two share a young son together. It is unclear when Vorontsova and Faassen divorced.

An investigative report by Russia’s exiled independent news website Meduza and the US-funded broadcaster Current Time claimed that Vorontsova was in a relationship with a Russian energy company employee named Yevgeny Nagorny. She apparently gave birth to his child in 2017.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The Dutch authorities have seized land in Amsterdam that reportedly belongs to Jorrit Faassen, the former son-in-law of Russian President Vladimir Putin. The authorities from the Netherlands' National Office for Serious Fraud, Environmental Crime and Asset Confiscation took action on May 12 about a criminal investigation.

The Dutch authorities have seized land in Amsterdam that reportedly belongs to Jorrit Faassen, the former son-in-law of Russian President Vladimir Putin. The authorities from the Netherlands' National Office for Serious Fraud, Environmental Crime and Asset Confiscation took action on May 12 about a criminal investigation. The authorities have not provided any further details about the investigation. The 1,432-square-metre plot is located in Duivendrecht, a village located about 6.4 kilometres (4 miles) from Amsterdam. Faassen (42) is a Dutch businessman who was once married to Putin's elder daughter, Maria Vorontsova. The Guardian reported that Faassen had bought the land for construction (though the nature of it has not been revealed) and applied for a license two years ago, but his permit was halted after Putin’invasion. The area's municipality reportedly stopped the project due to Faaseen's "close ties" with the Russian leader. The seizure was the result of a joint investigation carried out by the Guardian newspaper, the independent Russian news site Proekt Media and an investigative journalism platform called Follow the Money. It comes two months after the US announced the launch of a fresh crackdown on persons and states involved in evading anti-Russia sanctions. Ukraine war: Who will donate F-16 jets to Kyiv? | Is Russia preparing to use its nukes? According to reports, the empty land was targeted by protesters immediately after Russia invaded Ukraine in early 2022. The agitators erected anti-Putin signs on the land and called on the Russian president to withdraw his troops from Ukraine and release jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny. Putin’s daughters Vorontsova and Katerina Tikhonova were sanctioned by the European Union and the United States in April 2022 following the invasion of Ukraine. However, The Guardian newspaper noted that Faassen is not named on any sanctions lists. He is believed to have been recently questioned by authorities at a Dutch airport recently on suspicion of "sanctions evasion. Authorities had confiscated his mobile phone and laptop computer," Proekt Media reported. Who is Jorrit Faassen? According to a Dutch-based magazine Quote, Faassen was born in Leiderdorp in the Netherlands. He is the elder of two sons born to Jozef Faassen and Felicitas van de Stadt. His father was a naval officer in Willemstad, Curaçao until 1986, a colonel in the 1990s and then a head of department in the Royal Netherlands Navy. It is claimed that Faasen married Putin’s daughter Vorontsova in 2008. Russian media said that the two share a young son together. It is unclear when Vorontsova and Faassen divorced. An investigative report by Russia’s exiled independent news website Meduza and the US-funded broadcaster Current Time claimed that Vorontsova was in a relationship with a Russian energy company employee named Yevgeny Nagorny. She apparently gave birth to his child in 2017. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Dutch officials seize land of Vladimir Putin’s ex-son-in-law. Here are all details about Jorrit Faassen

After meeting Russian Premier Vladimir Putin, Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko has been taken to hospital in Moscow and is in critical condition. While the cause of his declining health is yet to be identified Lukashenko's political rival has now pointed a finger at the Kremlin alleging that the leader has been poisoned.

Belarusian President Lukashenko critically ill after meeting with Russian leader Putin

A top Ukrainian war chief has revealed that the war-torn nation is ready to launch its much-anticipated counter-offensive against Russian forces. Oleksiy Danilov, Secretary of the National Security and Defence Council, revealed in an interview with the BBC that the assault to reclaim territory from President Vladimir Putin's occupying forces could begin at any time, be it "tomorrow, the day after tomorrow or in a week".&nbsp;

A key figure in President Volodymyr Zelensky's de facto war cabinet, Danilov also confirmed that some Wagner mercenary forces were withdrawing from the city of Bakhmut — which has been the site of intense battle. However, he cautioned they were "regrouping to another three locations" and would continue their fight against Ukraine.

Responding to reports about the looming threat of nuclear weapons, Danilov said that he was "absolutely calm" about the deployment of nuclear weapons to Belarus by Russia and that it was not news to Ukraine.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/moscow-schools-us-for-criticising-deployment-of-nuclear-weapons-in-belarus-597125">Moscow schools US for criticising deployment of nuclear weapons in Belarus</a>

<h2>Why did Ukraine wait so long to launch counter-offensive?</h2>

The country, as per reports, has been meticulously planning its counter-offensive for months, utilising the time to train troops and receive military equipment from Western allies.&nbsp;However, Russian forces have also been fortifying their defences in preparation for the upcoming counter-offensive.

For Ukraine, the stakes are high. The nation needs to show&nbsp;its citizens and Western allies it can break through Russian lines, overcome the military deadlock, and reclaim its sovereign territory.&nbsp;

Danilov emphasised the importance of avoiding mistakes and warned that the Ukraine government had "no right to make a mistake" as he believes this is a historic opportunity that Ukraine cannot afford to miss.

<h2>Is&nbsp;Ukraine ready for&nbsp;a counter-offensive?</h2>

When questioned about the readiness of Ukrainian forces for the offensive, Danilov stressed the troops'&nbsp;constant state of readiness, noting that their commitment to defending their country does not depend on time.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bill-gates-alleged-russian-lover-was-in-contact-with-kremlin-spy-report-597064">Bill Gates’ alleged Russian lover was in contact with a Kremlin spy: Report</a>

"We are always ready. The same as we were ready to defend our country at any time. And it is not a question of time," he said.

"We have to understand that that historic opportunity that is given to us – by God – to our country, we cannot lose, so we can truly become an independent, big European country," he added.

Dismissing speculations that the counter-offensive had already begun, the war chief clarified the Ukrainian armed forces have been engaged in demolishing Russian control centres and military equipment since February 24th 2022 — the start of Russia's invasion.&nbsp;

Emphasising the responsibility they have, he said that naming specific dates for the start of the offensive would be imprudent.

"It could happen tomorrow, the day after tomorrow or in a week."

"It would be weird if I were to name dates of the start of that or those events. That cannot be done…. We have a very responsible task before our country. And we understand that we have no right to make a mistake," he remarked.

Bakhmut, a key region in the ongoing conflict, has been the location of huge amounts of carnage and casualties.

Defending Ukraine's military's decision to fight for an extended period in Bakhmut, despite the heavy casualties, he said "Bakhmut is our land, our territory, and we must defend it."&nbsp;

"If we start leaving every settlement, that could get us to our western border, as Putin wanted from the first days of the war."&nbsp;Acknowledging that Ukraine currently controls only a small part of the city, Danilov&nbsp;emphasised the significant role Bakhmut has played in the war.

(With inputs from agencies)

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A top Ukrainian war chief has revealed that the war-torn nation is ready to launch its much-anticipated counter-offensive against Russian forces. Oleksiy Danilov, Secretary of the National Security and Defence Council, revealed in an interview with the BBC that the assault to reclaim territory from President Vladimir Putin's occupying forces could begin at any time, be it "tomorrow, the day after tomorrow or in a week".

A top Ukrainian war chief has revealed that the war-torn nation is ready to launch its much-anticipated counter-offensive against Russian forces. Oleksiy Danilov, Secretary of the National Security and Defence Council, revealed in an interview with the BBC that the assault to reclaim territory from President Vladimir Putin's occupying forces could begin at any time, be it "tomorrow, the day after tomorrow or in a week". A key figure in President Volodymyr Zelensky's de facto war cabinet, Danilov also confirmed that some Wagner mercenary forces were withdrawing from the city of Bakhmut — which has been the site of intense battle. However, he cautioned they were "regrouping to another three locations" and would continue their fight against Ukraine. Responding to reports about the looming threat of nuclear weapons, Danilov said that he was "absolutely calm" about the deployment of nuclear weapons to Belarus by Russia and that it was not news to Ukraine. Also read | Moscow schools US for criticising deployment of nuclear weapons in Belarus Why did Ukraine wait so long to launch counter-offensive? The country, as per reports, has been meticulously planning its counter-offensive for months, utilising the time to train troops and receive military equipment from Western allies. However, Russian forces have also been fortifying their defences in preparation for the upcoming counter-offensive. For Ukraine, the stakes are high. The nation needs to show its citizens and Western allies it can break through Russian lines, overcome the military deadlock, and reclaim its sovereign territory. Danilov emphasised the importance of avoiding mistakes and warned that the Ukraine government had "no right to make a mistake" as he believes this is a historic opportunity that Ukraine cannot afford to miss. Is Ukraine ready for a counter-offensive? When questioned about the readiness of Ukrainian forces for the offensive, Danilov stressed the troops' constant state of readiness, noting that their commitment to defending their country does not depend on time. Also read | Bill Gates’ alleged Russian lover was in contact with a Kremlin spy: Report "We are always ready. The same as we were ready to defend our country at any time. And it is not a question of time," he said. "We have to understand that that historic opportunity that is given to us – by God – to our country, we cannot lose, so we can truly become an independent, big European country," he added. Dismissing speculations that the counter-offensive had already begun, the war chief clarified the Ukrainian armed forces have been engaged in demolishing Russian control centres and military equipment since February 24th 2022 — the start of Russia's invasion. Emphasising the responsibility they have, he said that naming specific dates for the start of the offensive would be imprudent. "It could happen tomorrow, the day after tomorrow or in a week." "It would be weird if I were to name dates of the start of that or those events. That cannot be done…. We have a very responsible task before our country. And we understand that we have no right to make a mistake," he remarked. Bakhmut, a key region in the ongoing conflict, has been the location of huge amounts of carnage and casualties. Defending Ukraine's military's decision to fight for an extended period in Bakhmut, despite the heavy casualties, he said "Bakhmut is our land, our territory, and we must defend it." "If we start leaving every settlement, that could get us to our western border, as Putin wanted from the first days of the war." Acknowledging that Ukraine currently controls only a small part of the city, Danilov emphasised the significant role Bakhmut has played in the war. (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.

Kyiv's much-awaited counter-offensive can begin 'tomorrow, day after or in a week': Top Ukraine war chief

Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin on Sunday stated that he was convinced that senior officials in the Kremlin had prohibited any coverage of him on state media. He warned that this misleading strategy of withholding information would ultimately end up in a backlash, causing resentment among the Russian people in a matter of months.

<h2>Wagner chief and the&nbsp;taboos of Putin's Russia</h2>

Prigozhin, the founder of the Wagner mercenary group and a well-known figure in President Vladimir Putin's inner circle, has gained significant notoriety during the 15-month conflict in Ukraine. He has come up with&nbsp;infamous outbursts on several occasions, supposedly&nbsp;breaking&nbsp;the strict rules put in place by&nbsp;Putin.&nbsp;

In doing so, Prigozhin supposedly broke the taboos of Putin's Russia, and this is reflected by the fact that Russian state television ignored the fall of Bakhmut for 20 hours and downplayed Prigozhin's role in the significant victory while refraining from airing his victory speech.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wion-explains-from-hotdog-seller-to-putins-chef-all-you-need-to-know-about-wagner-chief-yevgeny-prigozhin-589373">Explained | From hotdog seller to Putin's chef, all you need to know about Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin</a>

<h2>Why would Russia blank someone from Putin's inner circle?</h2>

In recent months, 'Putin's chef' has gained notoriety for the brutal discipline of his mercenaries and his use of obscene language and prison slang directed at top military figures, including Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu.

As per reports, because of this bad blood, after Prigozhin declared victory in Bakhmut, it took the Kremlin 10 hours to issue a brief statement congratulating Wagner and other armed forces units for "liberating" Artyomovsk, the Soviet-era name for Bakhmut used by Russia. However, even then the statement did not mention the Wagner chief by name.

What does the Wagner chief think about this ban?

Reuters reports that when questioned about the apparent ban on his coverage, Prigozhin humorously used a series of Russian proverbs to poke fun at those behind this purported ban and said: "What is forbidden is always sweeter."

He emphasised that Wagner, his mercenary group, was not something that could be easily concealed or dismissed by bureaucrats.

"Wagner is not a piece of slippery soap which the bureaucrats have got used to shoving all over the place; Wagner is an awl, a stiletto that you cannot hide," he said.&nbsp;

"I am absolutely convinced they have forbidden (coverage)."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wagner-chief-vows-his-forces-will-leave-bakhmut-by-june-1-595235">Russia-Ukraine | Wagner chief vows his forces will handover Bakhmut to Russian army by June 1</a>

He warned that attempts to silence the discussion of Wagner would only provoke a strong reaction from the Russian people.

"That high-level bureaucrats, those very towers of the Kremlin, who are trying to shut the mouths of everyone so that they don't speak about Wagner, will only give another shove to the people."

Prigozhin predicted that within a couple of months, the people would respond to the suppression of information by those in power.&nbsp;

"In the long term - long term is two or three months - they will receive a finger-slap from the people for trying to shut everyone's mouths and ears," said the Wagner mercenary group founder.

Reuters reports that till now both the Kremlin and the defence ministry have chosen to ignore Prigozhin's outbursts, despite their apparent violation of the tightly controlled political system established by Putin since he assumed the presidency.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin on Sunday stated that he was convinced that senior officials in the Kremlin had prohibited any coverage of him on state media. He warned that this misleading strategy of withholding information would ultimately end up in a backlash, causing resentment among the Russian people in a matter of months.

Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin on Sunday stated that he was convinced that senior officials in the Kremlin had prohibited any coverage of him on state media. He warned that this misleading strategy of withholding information would ultimately end up in a backlash, causing resentment among the Russian people in a matter of months. Wagner chief and the taboos of Putin's Russia Prigozhin, the founder of the Wagner mercenary group and a well-known figure in President Vladimir Putin's inner circle, has gained significant notoriety during the 15-month conflict in Ukraine. He has come up with infamous outbursts on several occasions, supposedly breaking the strict rules put in place by Putin. In doing so, Prigozhin supposedly broke the taboos of Putin's Russia, and this is reflected by the fact that Russian state television ignored the fall of Bakhmut for 20 hours and downplayed Prigozhin's role in the significant victory while refraining from airing his victory speech. Also read | Explained | From hotdog seller to Putin's chef, all you need to know about Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin Why would Russia blank someone from Putin's inner circle? In recent months, 'Putin's chef' has gained notoriety for the brutal discipline of his mercenaries and his use of obscene language and prison slang directed at top military figures, including Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu. As per reports, because of this bad blood, after Prigozhin declared victory in Bakhmut, it took the Kremlin 10 hours to issue a brief statement congratulating Wagner and other armed forces units for "liberating" Artyomovsk, the Soviet-era name for Bakhmut used by Russia. However, even then the statement did not mention the Wagner chief by name. What does the Wagner chief think about this ban? Reuters reports that when questioned about the apparent ban on his coverage, Prigozhin humorously used a series of Russian proverbs to poke fun at those behind this purported ban and said: "What is forbidden is always sweeter." He emphasised that Wagner, his mercenary group, was not something that could be easily concealed or dismissed by bureaucrats. "Wagner is not a piece of slippery soap which the bureaucrats have got used to shoving all over the place; Wagner is an awl, a stiletto that you cannot hide," he said. "I am absolutely convinced they have forbidden (coverage)." Also read | Russia-Ukraine | Wagner chief vows his forces will handover Bakhmut to Russian army by June 1 He warned that attempts to silence the discussion of Wagner would only provoke a strong reaction from the Russian people. "That high-level bureaucrats, those very towers of the Kremlin, who are trying to shut the mouths of everyone so that they don't speak about Wagner, will only give another shove to the people." Prigozhin predicted that within a couple of months, the people would respond to the suppression of information by those in power. "In the long term - long term is two or three months - they will receive a finger-slap from the people for trying to shut everyone's mouths and ears," said the Wagner mercenary group founder. Reuters reports that till now both the Kremlin and the defence ministry have chosen to ignore Prigozhin's outbursts, despite their apparent violation of the tightly controlled political system established by Putin since he assumed the presidency. (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.

Wagner chief warns Kremlin, says blanking him out on state media will provoke backlash

Russian President Vladimir Putin's top ally Dmitry Medvedev has said that the war with Ukraine can last for decades and long periods of fighting can continue interspersed by truces, reported Russia's RIA news agency on Thursday. 
 
The report stated that former president and deputy chairman of Putin's Security Council Medvedev had made the statement during his visit to Vietnam. 
 
Medvedev is known for making hardline comments. Last month, he described Ukrainian authorities as an infection. 
 
"This conflict will last a very long time, most likely decades. As long as there is such a power in place, there will be, say, three years of truce, two years of conflict, and everything will be repeated,” RIA cited Medvedev as saying. 
 
Medvedev reiterated the claim of Moscow that Ukraine is a Nazi state. In January, Medvedev stated that if Russia was defeated, it would lead to a nuclear war.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-general-says-ukraine-shouldnt-use-us-weaponry-inside-russia-596571">US general says Ukraine shouldn't use US weaponry inside Russia</a>

<h2>Ukraine claims shooting down 10 missiles, 20 drones</h2>

Meanwhile, Ukrainian officials on Friday claimed that they shot down 10 missiles and 20 drones launched by Russia in overnight attacks that took place on the capital Kyiv as well as the city of Dnipro and eastern regions. 
 
This month, the missile and drone attacks on Ukraine have been intensified by Russia, mainly attacking infrastructure facilities and logistics before an expected Ukrainian counteroffensive. 
 
The Ukrainian air force stated that they shot down 10 missiles which were fired from the Caspian Sea, along with two reconnaissance drones and 23 Iranian-made Shahed drones. 
 
It stated that the Russians launched a total of 17 missiles and 31 drones during the attacks which began around 10:00 pm (1900 GMT) on Thursday and continued till 5&nbsp;am on Friday. 
 
Several missiles and drones hit targets in Kharkiv and Dnipropetrovsk regions, stated officials. 
 
"It was a very difficult night. It was loud — the enemy launched a massive attack on the region with missiles and drones," said Serhiy Lysak, the Dnipropetrovsk regional governor, on the Telegram messaging app. "Dnipro has suffered,” he added.

WATCH |&nbsp;Russia Ukraine War | US: No signs of Russia prepping to use nukes | World News | WION

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Lysak stated that various cars, houses and private companies, including a gas station and a transport company, had been damaged. 
 
Officials in Kyiv stated that the roof of a private house and a shopping mall and several cars had been damaged. The governor of the Kharkiv region also stated that several private houses and industrial facilities were damaged. 
 
Russia which started its full-scale invasion 15 months ago has launched hundreds of missile attacks since last October aiming to destroy critical power facilities and infrastructure.

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Russian President Vladimir Putin's top ally Dmitry Medvedev has said that the war with Ukraine can last for decades and long periods of fighting can continue interspersed by truces, reported Russia's RIA news agency on Thursday.

Russian President Vladimir Putin's top ally Dmitry Medvedev has said that the war with Ukraine can last for decades and long periods of fighting can continue interspersed by truces, reported Russia's RIA news agency on Thursday. The report stated that former president and deputy chairman of Putin's Security Council Medvedev had made the statement during his visit to Vietnam. Medvedev is known for making hardline comments. Last month, he described Ukrainian authorities as an infection. "This conflict will last a very long time, most likely decades. As long as there is such a power in place, there will be, say, three years of truce, two years of conflict, and everything will be repeated,” RIA cited Medvedev as saying. Medvedev reiterated the claim of Moscow that Ukraine is a Nazi state. In January, Medvedev stated that if Russia was defeated, it would lead to a nuclear war. ALSO READ | US general says Ukraine shouldn't use US weaponry inside Russia Ukraine claims shooting down 10 missiles, 20 drones Meanwhile, Ukrainian officials on Friday claimed that they shot down 10 missiles and 20 drones launched by Russia in overnight attacks that took place on the capital Kyiv as well as the city of Dnipro and eastern regions. This month, the missile and drone attacks on Ukraine have been intensified by Russia, mainly attacking infrastructure facilities and logistics before an expected Ukrainian counteroffensive. The Ukrainian air force stated that they shot down 10 missiles which were fired from the Caspian Sea, along with two reconnaissance drones and 23 Iranian-made Shahed drones. It stated that the Russians launched a total of 17 missiles and 31 drones during the attacks which began around 10:00 pm (1900 GMT) on Thursday and continued till 5 am on Friday. Several missiles and drones hit targets in Kharkiv and Dnipropetrovsk regions, stated officials. "It was a very difficult night. It was loud — the enemy launched a massive attack on the region with missiles and drones," said Serhiy Lysak, the Dnipropetrovsk regional governor, on the Telegram messaging app. "Dnipro has suffered,” he added. WATCH | Russia Ukraine War | US: No signs of Russia prepping to use nukes | World News | WION Lysak stated that various cars, houses and private companies, including a gas station and a transport company, had been damaged. Officials in Kyiv stated that the roof of a private house and a shopping mall and several cars had been damaged. The governor of the Kharkiv region also stated that several private houses and industrial facilities were damaged. Russia which started its full-scale invasion 15 months ago has launched hundreds of missile attacks since last October aiming to destroy critical power facilities and infrastructure. 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.

Russia-Ukraine war may continue for decades, says Putin ally Dmitry Medvedev

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz says he plans to speak to Russian President Vladimir Putin "in due course", holding out the prospect of resuming contact after a near-total breakdown in relations since the Ukraine war.

"My last telephone call was some time ago," Scholz told the Koelner Stadt-Anzeiger newspaper in an interview published Friday. "But I plan to speak to Putin again in due course."

The leaders last spoke by telephone in early December.&nbsp;

During that hour-long call, Scholz urged Putin to withdraw Moscow's troops from Ukraine, while the Russian leader accused the West of pursuing "destructive" policies.

Since then, tensions have only escalated between Moscow and Berlin, particularly over the decision by Scholz's government in January to allow German-made heavy battle tanks to be sent to Ukraine.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/worlds-fourth-largest-economy-germany-enters-recession-596490">Germany, world’s fourth-largest economy, enters recession</a>

In the interview, Scholz insisted that his aim remained to "actively support Ukraine", but "at the same to prevent a direct conflict between NATO and Russia".&nbsp;

"And never to act alone, but in close coordination with our friends and allies," he said.

Asked about the prospect of halting the conflict through negotiations, Scholz said that Putin had to understand that the war could not be ended by making "some kind of cold peace".

"For instance, by turning the current front line into the new 'border' between Russia and Ukraine," he said.

"Rather it is about a fair peace, and the prerequisite for that is the withdrawal of Russian troops," he added.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;South Korea, Germany to strengthen solidarity in Europe, Asia

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Ties between Russia and Germany plunged into a deep freeze after Moscow sent its forces into Ukraine in February last year.&nbsp;

The invasion, and Moscow's move to slash gas supplies to Europe, hit Germany particularly hard as the country had come to rely on inexpensive Russian energy to power its economy.

The conflict has prompted Germany to drop a traditionally pacifist stance, with Berlin sending a barrage of weaponry to help Kyiv in its fight against Moscow.&nbsp;

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German Chancellor Olaf Scholz says he plans to speak to Russian President Vladimir Putin "in due course", holding out the prospect of resuming contact after a near-total breakdown in relations since the Ukraine war.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz says he plans to speak to Russian President Vladimir Putin "in due course", holding out the prospect of resuming contact after a near-total breakdown in relations since the Ukraine war. "My last telephone call was some time ago," Scholz told the Koelner Stadt-Anzeiger newspaper in an interview published Friday. "But I plan to speak to Putin again in due course." The leaders last spoke by telephone in early December. During that hour-long call, Scholz urged Putin to withdraw Moscow's troops from Ukraine, while the Russian leader accused the West of pursuing "destructive" policies. Since then, tensions have only escalated between Moscow and Berlin, particularly over the decision by Scholz's government in January to allow German-made heavy battle tanks to be sent to Ukraine. ALSO READ | Germany, world’s fourth-largest economy, enters recession In the interview, Scholz insisted that his aim remained to "actively support Ukraine", but "at the same to prevent a direct conflict between NATO and Russia". "And never to act alone, but in close coordination with our friends and allies," he said. Asked about the prospect of halting the conflict through negotiations, Scholz said that Putin had to understand that the war could not be ended by making "some kind of cold peace". "For instance, by turning the current front line into the new 'border' between Russia and Ukraine," he said. "Rather it is about a fair peace, and the prerequisite for that is the withdrawal of Russian troops," he added. WATCH | South Korea, Germany to strengthen solidarity in Europe, Asia Ties between Russia and Germany plunged into a deep freeze after Moscow sent its forces into Ukraine in February last year. The invasion, and Moscow's move to slash gas supplies to Europe, hit Germany particularly hard as the country had come to rely on inexpensive Russian energy to power its economy. The conflict has prompted Germany to drop a traditionally pacifist stance, with Berlin sending a barrage of weaponry to help Kyiv in its fight against Moscow. 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

Amid recession, Germany's Scholz says plans to speak to Putin 'in due course'

Gazprom, the Russian energy behemoth, has experienced a significant decline in its net profit. On Tuesday, the company said that its profits have fallen by 41 per cent in the aftermath of the Ukraine conflict. This is primarily due to a tax hike.&nbsp;The company's financial report for 2022 reveals a profit of 1.2 trillion rubles ($15 billion), a substantial decrease from the 2.1 trillion rubles recorded in the previous year.

As per a statement by the company, due to the drop in profit, the board has recommended the withholding of dividend payouts.

<h2>What is behind the profit drop?</h2>

The company in a statement carried by Russian news agencies, revealed that the increase in tax payments during the second half of the year had a direct impact on profit margins.&nbsp;

"Profit margins were impacted by an increase in tax payments in the second half of the year," it said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/more-than-100-us-and-eu-lawmakers-push-to-remove-sultan-al-jaber-as-cop28-head-595699">More than 100 US and EU lawmakers push to remove Sultan Al Jaber as COP28 head</a>

Gazprom's operations have been severely affected by Western sanctions, which have targeted the state-owned enterprise led by Alexei Miller, a close associate of President Vladimir Putin.&nbsp;

As a result, European imports of pipeline natural gas from Russia plunged by 55 per cent in 2022, according to the Gas Exporting Country Forum's report released this month.

<h2>How did Gazprom deal with the sanctions?</h2>

To counterbalance the limitations imposed by the European market, except for liquefied natural gas purchases, Gazprom as per the news agency AFP has strategically sought to pivot towards Asia. In this, China, in particular, has emerged as a crucial economic partner for Russia, especially since the West implemented unprecedented sanctions following Moscow's military intervention in Ukraine.

Gazprom announced in March that it had achieved a record in daily gas volumes supplied to China via the Power of Siberia pipeline. Furthermore, the total deliveries through the pipeline reached an all-time high of 15.5 billion cubic metres in the previous year.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-extends-wsj-journalist-evan-gershkovichs-detention-us-calls-for-immediate-release-595697">Russia extends WSJ journalist Evan Gershkovich’s detention, US calls for immediate release</a>

However, redirecting gas exports to new markets necessitates the construction of expensive infrastructure, a process that takes considerable time. As per the report, Gazprom anticipates commencing the construction of the 'Power of Siberia 2' pipeline in 2024. Gazprom which happens to own the largest gas reserves in the world, employs approximately half a million employees and thus remains a significant driving force behind Russia's economic growth.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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Gazprom, the Russian energy behemoth, has experienced a significant decline in its net profit. On Tuesday, the company said that its profits have fallen by 41 per cent in the aftermath of the Ukraine conflict.

Gazprom, the Russian energy behemoth, has experienced a significant decline in its net profit. On Tuesday, the company said that its profits have fallen by 41 per cent in the aftermath of the Ukraine conflict. This is primarily due to a tax hike. The company's financial report for 2022 reveals a profit of 1.2 trillion rubles ($15 billion), a substantial decrease from the 2.1 trillion rubles recorded in the previous year. As per a statement by the company, due to the drop in profit, the board has recommended the withholding of dividend payouts. What is behind the profit drop? The company in a statement carried by Russian news agencies, revealed that the increase in tax payments during the second half of the year had a direct impact on profit margins. "Profit margins were impacted by an increase in tax payments in the second half of the year," it said. Also read | More than 100 US and EU lawmakers push to remove Sultan Al Jaber as COP28 head Gazprom's operations have been severely affected by Western sanctions, which have targeted the state-owned enterprise led by Alexei Miller, a close associate of President Vladimir Putin. As a result, European imports of pipeline natural gas from Russia plunged by 55 per cent in 2022, according to the Gas Exporting Country Forum's report released this month. How did Gazprom deal with the sanctions? To counterbalance the limitations imposed by the European market, except for liquefied natural gas purchases, Gazprom as per the news agency AFP has strategically sought to pivot towards Asia. In this, China, in particular, has emerged as a crucial economic partner for Russia, especially since the West implemented unprecedented sanctions following Moscow's military intervention in Ukraine. Gazprom announced in March that it had achieved a record in daily gas volumes supplied to China via the Power of Siberia pipeline. Furthermore, the total deliveries through the pipeline reached an all-time high of 15.5 billion cubic metres in the previous year. Also read | Russia extends WSJ journalist Evan Gershkovich’s detention, US calls for immediate release However, redirecting gas exports to new markets necessitates the construction of expensive infrastructure, a process that takes considerable time. As per the report, Gazprom anticipates commencing the construction of the 'Power of Siberia 2' pipeline in 2024. Gazprom which happens to own the largest gas reserves in the world, employs approximately half a million employees and thus remains a significant driving force behind Russia's economic growth. (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.

Ukraine war affects Russian energy giant Gazprom's profits; net profit down by 41.4% in 2022

Yevgeny Prigozhin, the founder of Russia's Wagner Group, on Monday (May 22nd) vowed that his troops will leave Bakhmut, handing over the control of the prized city to Russian forces from approximately&nbsp;around May 25 until June 1. The city, as per the Wagner chief's claims, was successfully taken over on Saturday (May 20th) after a months-long battle. However, Kyiv remains steadfast in its counter-claim that the battle for Bakhmut is still on.

Prigozhin said that "Wagner will leave Artemovsk from 25 May to 1 June". Bakhmut was previously known as Artemovsk. It was renamed by Ukraine.&nbsp;

As per an AFP report, he previously said that Wagner forces would pull out by May 25.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kiss-biden-on-top-of-his-head-wagner-chief-announces-russian-capture-of-bakhmut-kyiv-denies-594526">'Kiss Biden on top of his head', Wagner chief announces Russian capture of Bakhmut; Kyiv denies</a>

In an audio recording on Telegram, Wagner founder Prigozhin said that ahead of the transfer, Wagner has set up "defence lines" west of the city.

However, as per Ukraine, its troops are still advancing on the outskirts of Bakhmut. It said that its forces still controlled a corner of the eastern Ukrainian city and that the battles are ongoing.

Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin also congratulated Wagner and the Russian army on the alleged conquest.

"The fighting continues," said Ukraine's deputy defence minister Ganna Malyar. A day earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also stated that Bakhmut was "not occupied" by enemy Russia.&nbsp;

Malyar claimed that Kyiv's troops still retain control of the "Airplane" district of Bakhmut.&nbsp;

"The battle for the dominant heights on the flanks — north and south of the suburbs — continues," she added as per AFP.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/shelling-briefly-knocks-out-power-at-ukraines-zaporizhzhia-nuclear-station-disaster-averted-595125">Shelling briefly knocks out power at Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia nuclear station, disaster averted</a>

Zelensky reiterated that Russia has "not occupied" Bakhmut.

Both Russia and Ukraine have suffered huge losses in the battle for Bakhmut, which is considered the longest and bloodiest battle in Moscow's offensive on its neighbour.

The news agency reported&nbsp;that the Wagner chief in the audio clip on Telegram also remarked that if the Russian "ministry of defence does not have enough personnel, we have thousands of generals."

In recent months, Prigozhin has been embroiled in an increasingly public spat with the Russian military leadership. He has poured scathing criticism over Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and Army Chief of Staff Valery Gerasimov.&nbsp;

The Wagner chief has accused the army chiefs of being incompetent and causing Moscow large-scale losses in the conflict in Ukraine.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Yevgeny Prigozhin, the founder of Russia's Wagner Group, on Monday (May 22nd) vowed that his troops will leave Bakhmut, handing over the control of the prized city to Russian forces from approximately around May 25 until June 1.

Yevgeny Prigozhin, the founder of Russia's Wagner Group, on Monday (May 22nd) vowed that his troops will leave Bakhmut, handing over the control of the prized city to Russian forces from approximately around May 25 until June 1. The city, as per the Wagner chief's claims, was successfully taken over on Saturday (May 20th) after a months-long battle. However, Kyiv remains steadfast in its counter-claim that the battle for Bakhmut is still on. Prigozhin said that "Wagner will leave Artemovsk from 25 May to 1 June". Bakhmut was previously known as Artemovsk. It was renamed by Ukraine. As per an AFP report, he previously said that Wagner forces would pull out by May 25. Also read | 'Kiss Biden on top of his head', Wagner chief announces Russian capture of Bakhmut; Kyiv denies In an audio recording on Telegram, Wagner founder Prigozhin said that ahead of the transfer, Wagner has set up "defence lines" west of the city. However, as per Ukraine, its troops are still advancing on the outskirts of Bakhmut. It said that its forces still controlled a corner of the eastern Ukrainian city and that the battles are ongoing. Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin also congratulated Wagner and the Russian army on the alleged conquest. "The fighting continues," said Ukraine's deputy defence minister Ganna Malyar. A day earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also stated that Bakhmut was "not occupied" by enemy Russia. Malyar claimed that Kyiv's troops still retain control of the "Airplane" district of Bakhmut. "The battle for the dominant heights on the flanks — north and south of the suburbs — continues," she added as per AFP. Also read | Shelling briefly knocks out power at Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia nuclear station, disaster averted Zelensky reiterated that Russia has "not occupied" Bakhmut. Both Russia and Ukraine have suffered huge losses in the battle for Bakhmut, which is considered the longest and bloodiest battle in Moscow's offensive on its neighbour. The news agency reported that the Wagner chief in the audio clip on Telegram also remarked that if the Russian "ministry of defence does not have enough personnel, we have thousands of generals." In recent months, Prigozhin has been embroiled in an increasingly public spat with the Russian military leadership. He has poured scathing criticism over Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and Army Chief of Staff Valery Gerasimov. The Wagner chief has accused the army chiefs of being incompetent and causing Moscow large-scale losses in the conflict in Ukraine. (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.

Russia-Ukraine | Wagner chief vows his forces will handover Bakhmut to Russian army by June 1

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday said the country decided to cut crude production to support global oil prices. Speaking during a government meeting, Putin also assured the world that the oil situation remains stable.

"All our actions, including those related to voluntary production cuts, are connected with the need to support a certain price environment on global markets in contact with our partners in OPEC+," media reports quoted Putin as saying.&nbsp;

Russia, one of the largest oil producers, had&nbsp;promised to reduce its crude production by 500,000 barrels per&nbsp;day in March&nbsp;and maintain the same production levels&nbsp;for the rest of the year, as per a Bloomberg report.&nbsp;

"We are reducing production, but nevertheless it is at the required level," Putin added.&nbsp;

While Moscow had argued that the production cut was in retaliation to the Western sanctions, Putin's latest statement only complicates the real intention of the move.&nbsp;

The United States and Europe have accused Russia of weaponising energy to contain the West in its drive to weaken Moscow's military campaign in Ukraine.

Moscow, on the other hand, has accused the West of weaponising the dollar and financial systems such as the international payments mechanism SWIFT against Russia.

Nevertheless, market watchers have been skeptical about the level of Moscow's oil production cuts.&nbsp;

While Russia on Wednesday said it has reached the pledged curbs this month, the International Energy Agency (IEA), the energy watchdog, argued that Russia needs to cut its production by 300,000 barrels a day to reach the target this month.

“Indeed, Russia may be boosting volumes to make up for lost revenue,” a Bloomberg report quoted IEA as saying.

Last week, oil pricing benchmarks fell for a fourth consecutive week, the longest streak of weekly declines since September 2022, over fears of a US&nbsp;recession and risks of a historic default on government debt in early June. The price of Russian Urals flagship oil blend, denominated in roubles, fell&nbsp;below the breakeven level assumed for this year's federal budget, exacerbating already huge shortfall in the state coffers.

(With agency inputs)

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday said the country decided to cut crude production to support global oil prices. Speaking during a government meeting, Putin also assured the world that the oil situation remains stable.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday said the country decided to cut crude production to support global oil prices. Speaking during a government meeting, Putin also assured the world that the oil situation remains stable. "All our actions, including those related to voluntary production cuts, are connected with the need to support a certain price environment on global markets in contact with our partners in OPEC+," media reports quoted Putin as saying. Russia, one of the largest oil producers, had promised to reduce its crude production by 500,000 barrels per day in March and maintain the same production levels for the rest of the year, as per a Bloomberg report. "We are reducing production, but nevertheless it is at the required level," Putin added. While Moscow had argued that the production cut was in retaliation to the Western sanctions, Putin's latest statement only complicates the real intention of the move. The United States and Europe have accused Russia of weaponising energy to contain the West in its drive to weaken Moscow's military campaign in Ukraine. Moscow, on the other hand, has accused the West of weaponising the dollar and financial systems such as the international payments mechanism SWIFT against Russia. Nevertheless, market watchers have been skeptical about the level of Moscow's oil production cuts. While Russia on Wednesday said it has reached the pledged curbs this month, the International Energy Agency (IEA), the energy watchdog, argued that Russia needs to cut its production by 300,000 barrels a day to reach the target this month. “Indeed, Russia may be boosting volumes to make up for lost revenue,” a Bloomberg report quoted IEA as saying. Last week, oil pricing benchmarks fell for a fourth consecutive week, the longest streak of weekly declines since September 2022, over fears of a US recession and risks of a historic default on government debt in early June. The price of Russian Urals flagship oil blend, denominated in roubles, fell below the breakeven level assumed for this year's federal budget, exacerbating already huge shortfall in the state coffers. (With agency inputs)

'Situation stable': Vladimir Putin backs Russia's oil production cuts

In a rare announcement of its losses on the battlefield, Russia on Sunday said&nbsp;that two of its military commanders had been killed in combat near the frontline hotspot of Bakhmut in eastern Ukraine.&nbsp;The nation also disclosed&nbsp;that its&nbsp;forces have&nbsp;struck Western arm depots and Ukrainian troops in the western&nbsp;city of Ternopil and the eastern town of Petropavlivka, reports AFP.

As per a Russian defence ministry statement published&nbsp;by the nation's news agencies, Russia's armed forces "delivered a strike with high-precision long-range air and sea-based weapons at the points of deployment of the Ukrainian armed forces."

"Places of storage of ammunition, weapons and military equipment received from Western countries," were also struck, it said.

<h2>Battlefield losses</h2>

The Russian defence ministry in a statement announced that Vyacheslav Makarov, the commander of the 4th motorised rifle brigade, and Yevgeny Brovko, deputy commander of the Army Corps for military-political work, had been killed in fighting in eastern Ukraine.

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The military commanders were reportedly killed during clashes for control of Bakhmut in eastern Donetsk. The first, Colonel Makarov, died while his brigade was warding off attacks from Ukrainian troops in the south of Krasne. As the third attack was being repelled, he was seriously wounded and died while being evacuated from the battlefield.

"Two attacks of the enemy have been repelled," said the Russian ministry in a statement.&nbsp;

"As a third attack was being repelled, the brigade commander was seriously wounded and died during the evacuation from the battlefield."

The second commander, Brovko, died while repelling attacks by Ukrainian troops elsewhere. The ministry stated that he "died heroically, having received multiple shrapnel wounds"

Moscow also said that "assault detachments" — which, as per AFP, was a reference to the Wagner mercenary group — with the help of airborne forces, continued to fight for control of the western regions of Bakhmut.&nbsp;

The ministry said that all attacks by Ukrainian forces have been repelled. Referring to Bakhmut by its Russian name, it said: "Over the past day the enemy has made massive attempts to break through the defence of our troops to the north and south of Artemovsk."&nbsp;

Russia has remained tight-lipped about its losses in the ongoing Ukraine war. Last year, the nation's Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu, in an equally rare announcement, stated that 5,937 Russian soldiers had been killed in Ukraine. However, analysts claim that the actual figures are higher than those reported by Moscow.

(With inputs from agencies)

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In a rare announcement of its losses on the battlefield, Russia on Sunday said that two of its military commanders had been killed in combat near the frontline hotspot of Bakhmut in eastern Ukraine.

In a rare announcement of its losses on the battlefield, Russia on Sunday said that two of its military commanders had been killed in combat near the frontline hotspot of Bakhmut in eastern Ukraine. The nation also disclosed that its forces have struck Western arm depots and Ukrainian troops in the western city of Ternopil and the eastern town of Petropavlivka, reports AFP. As per a Russian defence ministry statement published by the nation's news agencies, Russia's armed forces "delivered a strike with high-precision long-range air and sea-based weapons at the points of deployment of the Ukrainian armed forces." "Places of storage of ammunition, weapons and military equipment received from Western countries," were also struck, it said. Battlefield losses The Russian defence ministry in a statement announced that Vyacheslav Makarov, the commander of the 4th motorised rifle brigade, and Yevgeny Brovko, deputy commander of the Army Corps for military-political work, had been killed in fighting in eastern Ukraine. Also read | Zelensky hails Germany a 'true friend and reliable ally' in Ukraine's war against Russia The military commanders were reportedly killed during clashes for control of Bakhmut in eastern Donetsk. The first, Colonel Makarov, died while his brigade was warding off attacks from Ukrainian troops in the south of Krasne. As the third attack was being repelled, he was seriously wounded and died while being evacuated from the battlefield. "Two attacks of the enemy have been repelled," said the Russian ministry in a statement. "As a third attack was being repelled, the brigade commander was seriously wounded and died during the evacuation from the battlefield." The second commander, Brovko, died while repelling attacks by Ukrainian troops elsewhere. The ministry stated that he "died heroically, having received multiple shrapnel wounds" Moscow also said that "assault detachments" — which, as per AFP, was a reference to the Wagner mercenary group — with the help of airborne forces, continued to fight for control of the western regions of Bakhmut. The ministry said that all attacks by Ukrainian forces have been repelled. Referring to Bakhmut by its Russian name, it said: "Over the past day the enemy has made massive attempts to break through the defence of our troops to the north and south of Artemovsk." Russia has remained tight-lipped about its losses in the ongoing Ukraine war. Last year, the nation's Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu, in an equally rare announcement, stated that 5,937 Russian soldiers had been killed in Ukraine. However, analysts claim that the actual figures are higher than those reported by Moscow. (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.

Russia's rare announcement of battlefield losses: Two commanders killed in Ukraine's Bakhmut

As per a report by the Russian news outlet Kommersant, four Russian military aircraft, including two fighter jets and two military helicopters, were shot down near the Ukrainian border on Saturday. The incident reportedly occurred in the Bryansk region, close to northeast Ukraine, and, if confirmed, would be a significant victory for Kyiv.

As per the report published on the Kommersant website, the raiding party reportedly comprised a Su-34 fighter bomber, a Su-35 fighter, and two Mi-8 helicopters.&nbsp;

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The aircraft were&nbsp;reportedly "shot down almost simultaneously" in the ambush. The fighter jets were allegedly intended to deliver a missile and bomb attack on targets in Ukraine's Chernihiv region, with the helicopters providing backup support and recovery for the fighter jet crews.

Kommersant claims that&nbsp;all four crews were killed in the incident.

"According to preliminary data ... the fighters were supposed to deliver a missile and bomb attack on targets in the Chernihiv region of Ukraine, and the helicopters were there to back them up - among other things to pick up the 'Su' crews if they were shot down."

Although Kommersant did not provide any evidence for the downing of four aircraft, other pro-war military bloggers have also made similar claims.&nbsp;

The Russian defence ministry is yet to make a statement about the crash or the alleged ambush.

However, the Russian state news agency TASS reported that a Russian Su-34 warplane has crashed in the Bryansk region. The report did not mention the cause of the crash.

Citing emergency services, TASS also reported that a helicopter had crashed near Klintsy — about 40km (25 miles) from the border — due to an engine fire. It made no mention of a second helicopter or the Su-35.&nbsp;

However, as per Reuters, a video posted on the Russian pro-war Telegram channel Voyenniy Osvedomitel appeared to show a helicopter exploding in mid-air, being thrown off course, and then plunging towards the ground in flames. The video's comment section reportedly suggest that the helicopter, a Mi-8, was shot down by a missile, which led to its crash.

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The Russian pro-war Telegram channel Voyenniy Osvedomitel suggested that an ambush with air defences had been staged, and the downed helicopters were Mi-8MTPR-1 electronic warfare craft, which can jam enemy radio and target signals.

"Most likely, the enemy staged an ambush with air defences previously transferred to a border zone close enough to hit our group," it said.

No official response from Ukraine has been made, but Mykhailo Podolyak, a senior adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called the incident "Justice ... and instant karma" in a tweet.

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An air group of two SU fighter jets (34 and 35) and two support helicopters flew over the Bryansk region to launch a "missile-bomb attack" (officially) on the civilian population of Chernihiv region in Ukraine. The air group was destroyed by "unidentified persons." Justice, as it…
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"An air group of two SU fighter jets (34 and 35) and two support helicopters flew over the Bryansk region to launch a "missile-bomb attack" (officially) on the civilian population of Chernihiv region in Ukraine. The air group was destroyed by "unidentified persons." Justice, as it is, and instant karma... "Killers on wings" were destroyed BEFORE the next crime would be committed...," he wrote.

(With inputs from agencies)

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As per a report by the Russian news outlet Kommersant, four Russian military aircraft, including two fighter jets and two military helicopters, were shot down near the Ukrainian border on Saturday.

As per a report by the Russian news outlet Kommersant, four Russian military aircraft, including two fighter jets and two military helicopters, were shot down near the Ukrainian border on Saturday. The incident reportedly occurred in the Bryansk region, close to northeast Ukraine, and, if confirmed, would be a significant victory for Kyiv. As per the report published on the Kommersant website, the raiding party reportedly comprised a Su-34 fighter bomber, a Su-35 fighter, and two Mi-8 helicopters. Also read | 'Moscow bound to lose', says Kyiv after Germany announces biggest arms package The aircraft were reportedly "shot down almost simultaneously" in the ambush. The fighter jets were allegedly intended to deliver a missile and bomb attack on targets in Ukraine's Chernihiv region, with the helicopters providing backup support and recovery for the fighter jet crews. Kommersant claims that all four crews were killed in the incident. "According to preliminary data ... the fighters were supposed to deliver a missile and bomb attack on targets in the Chernihiv region of Ukraine, and the helicopters were there to back them up - among other things to pick up the 'Su' crews if they were shot down." Although Kommersant did not provide any evidence for the downing of four aircraft, other pro-war military bloggers have also made similar claims. The Russian defence ministry is yet to make a statement about the crash or the alleged ambush. However, the Russian state news agency TASS reported that a Russian Su-34 warplane has crashed in the Bryansk region. The report did not mention the cause of the crash. Citing emergency services, TASS also reported that a helicopter had crashed near Klintsy — about 40km (25 miles) from the border — due to an engine fire. It made no mention of a second helicopter or the Su-35. However, as per Reuters, a video posted on the Russian pro-war Telegram channel Voyenniy Osvedomitel appeared to show a helicopter exploding in mid-air, being thrown off course, and then plunging towards the ground in flames. The video's comment section reportedly suggest that the helicopter, a Mi-8, was shot down by a missile, which led to its crash. Also read | Zelensky asks Pope Francis to 'join' Kyiv's peace plan as Italy reiterates its support The Russian pro-war Telegram channel Voyenniy Osvedomitel suggested that an ambush with air defences had been staged, and the downed helicopters were Mi-8MTPR-1 electronic warfare craft, which can jam enemy radio and target signals. "Most likely, the enemy staged an ambush with air defences previously transferred to a border zone close enough to hit our group," it said. No official response from Ukraine has been made, but Mykhailo Podolyak, a senior adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called the incident "Justice ... and instant karma" in a tweet. An air group of two SU fighter jets (34 and 35) and two support helicopters flew over the Bryansk region to launch a "missile-bomb attack" (officially) on the civilian population of Chernihiv region in Ukraine. The air group was destroyed by "unidentified persons." Justice, as it… — Михайло Подоляк (@Podolyak_M) May 13, 2023 × "An air group of two SU fighter jets (34 and 35) and two support helicopters flew over the Bryansk region to launch a "missile-bomb attack" (officially) on the civilian population of Chernihiv region in Ukraine. The air group was destroyed by "unidentified persons." Justice, as it is, and instant karma... "Killers on wings" were destroyed BEFORE the next crime would be committed...," he wrote. (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.

Four Russian aircraft on their way to bomb Ukraine's Chernihiv shot down, allegedly by Kyiv

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