<p>Amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, Moscow’s deputy defence minister&nbsp;Dmitry Bulgakov will be&nbsp;replaced&nbsp;by Colonel General Mikhail Mizintsev. Bulgakov was in charge of logistics in the war.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Army General Dmitry Bulgakov has been relieved of the post of deputy minister of defence,” said Russia’s defence minister on Telegram, on Saturday. Reportedly, the country’s president Vladimir Putin fired him following the military’s dwindling logistics operations in Ukraine. He will now be “released” and transferred into a new role, indicated the ministry. However, they did not mention what would be the new role.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Bulgakov is being replaced with Mikhail Mizintsev who is also infamously known as the “Butcher of Mariupol”. According to media reports, the Col Gen has ordered some of the most brutal attacks on the city of Mariupol in Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Mizintsev has been dubbed with the aforementioned title following his orders of an airstrike on a maternity hospital and the attack on a theatre which was sheltering hundreds of children at the time. The 60-year-old has also been sanctioned by the UK for the same following his actions in the Ukrainian city in May, earlier this year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to BBC, this move has been seen as a punishment for Bulgakov after his flawed logistics operations in Kyiv after Moscow has not been able to make any headway in the past weeks. Bulgakov has been managing the Russian military’s logistics since 2008 and was also responsible to keep the Russian troops in Syria supplied in 2015.</p>

<p>However, the General has reportedly been sidelined by Moscow in the past months with many blaming him for the faulty and chaotic operations which have affected Russia’s advancement in Ukraine, said BBC. Meanwhile, his successor Mizintsev has been accused of the cluster bombing campaign on residential areas in Aleppo.</p>

<p>Russia has also pressured its only two remaining allies North Korea and Iran for new artillery and drones. Gen Bulgakov’s dismissal also comes amid footage being circulated on social media which shows newly drafted Russians carrying rusty assault rifles, indicated the BBC.&nbsp;<br />
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Newly mobilized Russian men are showing the rusted AK's they were given. <a href="https://t.co/bRvVmdJC5b">pic.twitter.com/bRvVmdJC5b</a></p>
— Christo Grozev (@christogrozev) <a href="https://twitter.com/christogrozev/status/1573650479799799809?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 24, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, Moscow’s deputy defence minister Dmitry Bulgakov will be replaced by Colonel General Mikhail Mizintsev. Bulgakov was in charge of logistics in the war.

Amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, Moscow’s deputy defence minister Dmitry Bulgakov will be replaced by Colonel General Mikhail Mizintsev. Bulgakov was in charge of logistics in the war. “Army General Dmitry Bulgakov has been relieved of the post of deputy minister of defence,” said Russia’s defence minister on Telegram, on Saturday. Reportedly, the country’s president Vladimir Putin fired him following the military’s dwindling logistics operations in Ukraine. He will now be “released” and transferred into a new role, indicated the ministry. However, they did not mention what would be the new role. Bulgakov is being replaced with Mikhail Mizintsev who is also infamously known as the “Butcher of Mariupol”. According to media reports, the Col Gen has ordered some of the most brutal attacks on the city of Mariupol in Ukraine. Mizintsev has been dubbed with the aforementioned title following his orders of an airstrike on a maternity hospital and the attack on a theatre which was sheltering hundreds of children at the time. The 60-year-old has also been sanctioned by the UK for the same following his actions in the Ukrainian city in May, earlier this year. According to BBC, this move has been seen as a punishment for Bulgakov after his flawed logistics operations in Kyiv after Moscow has not been able to make any headway in the past weeks. Bulgakov has been managing the Russian military’s logistics since 2008 and was also responsible to keep the Russian troops in Syria supplied in 2015. However, the General has reportedly been sidelined by Moscow in the past months with many blaming him for the faulty and chaotic operations which have affected Russia’s advancement in Ukraine, said BBC. Meanwhile, his successor Mizintsev has been accused of the cluster bombing campaign on residential areas in Aleppo. Russia has also pressured its only two remaining allies North Korea and Iran for new artillery and drones. Gen Bulgakov’s dismissal also comes amid footage being circulated on social media which shows newly drafted Russians carrying rusty assault rifles, indicated the BBC. Newly mobilized Russian men are showing the rusted AK's they were given. pic.twitter.com/bRvVmdJC5b — Christo Grozev (@christogrozev) September 24, 2022 ×

Putin fires deputy defence chief after supply failures in Ukraine; appoints 'Butcher of Mariupol' in place

<p>Warning Russians that their president was knowingly "sending them to their death," in his address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made an appeal to them to surrender on getting opportunity.</p>

<p>Calling on Moscow's forces to surrender, Zelensky said that Ukrainian forces would “liberate our entire country.”</p>

<p>"It is better to run away from a criminal mobilisation than to be crippled and then held responsible in court for participating in a war of aggression,"&nbsp;he added.</p>

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<p>Zelensky also&nbsp;chided Israel for its reluctance to send weapons while saying that it would help Ukraine as much as it could.</p>

<p>Israel's Iron Dome system which is effectively used to intercept rockets fired by Palestinian militants in Gaza, has been mentioned often by Zelensky as it would help counter Russian missiles.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-fires-deputy-defence-chief-after-supply-failures-in-ukraine-to-be-replaced-by-butcher-of-mariupol-519501">Putin fires deputy defence chief after supply failures in Ukraine</a></strong></p>

<p>After the attacks on areas from Crimea to the Donetsk region, Ukraine has been clawing back territory in a counter-offensive.</p>

<p>Following the partial mobilisation President Vladimir Putin ordered this week, Russia also passed a law toughening punishments for voluntary surrender and desertion.</p>

<p>Replacing its top logistics general on Saturday after a series of setbacks, Putin also announced a military draft this week to enlist 300,000 troops to fight in Ukraine.</p>

<p>With Russia's foreign minister Sergei Lavrov saying that regions of Ukraine where widely-derided referendums are being held would be under Russia's "full protection" if annexed by Moscow,&nbsp;Russia has sought to defend its seven-month-old war at the United Nations.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Warning Russians that their president was knowingly "sending them to their death," in his address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made an appeal to them to surrender on getting opportunity.

Warning Russians that their president was knowingly "sending them to their death," in his address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made an appeal to them to surrender on getting opportunity. Calling on Moscow's forces to surrender, Zelensky said that Ukrainian forces would “liberate our entire country.” "It is better to run away from a criminal mobilisation than to be crippled and then held responsible in court for participating in a war of aggression," he added. × Zelensky also chided Israel for its reluctance to send weapons while saying that it would help Ukraine as much as it could. Israel's Iron Dome system which is effectively used to intercept rockets fired by Palestinian militants in Gaza, has been mentioned often by Zelensky as it would help counter Russian missiles. Also read | Putin fires deputy defence chief after supply failures in Ukraine After the attacks on areas from Crimea to the Donetsk region, Ukraine has been clawing back territory in a counter-offensive. Following the partial mobilisation President Vladimir Putin ordered this week, Russia also passed a law toughening punishments for voluntary surrender and desertion. Replacing its top logistics general on Saturday after a series of setbacks, Putin also announced a military draft this week to enlist 300,000 troops to fight in Ukraine. With Russia's foreign minister Sergei Lavrov saying that regions of Ukraine where widely-derided referendums are being held would be under Russia's "full protection" if annexed by Moscow, Russia has sought to defend its seven-month-old war at the United Nations. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here: ×

Russian president is knowingly 'sending its citizens to their death', says Ukraine

<p>Just days after ordering a partial mobilisation, Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday signed amendments toughening punishment for voluntary surrender and refusal to fight by up to 10 years in prison.</p>

<p>Following the mobilisation designed to increase the ranks of his army fighting a military operation in Ukraine, a separate law facilitating access to Russian citizenship for foreigners who enlist in the Russian army was also signed.</p>

<p>Drawing condemnation from Kiev and Western nations who dismissed the ongoing voting in four captured regions as a sham and pledged not to recognise their results.&nbsp;Russia launched referendums on Friday aimed at annexing four occupied regions of Ukraine.</p>

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<p>The Kremlin appears to be trying to regain the upper hand in the grinding conflict with Putin also announcing a military draft this week to enlist 300,000 troops to fight in Ukraine.</p>

<p>Addressing people in parts of Ukraine occupied by Russia, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said, "Hide from Russian mobilisation in any way you can. Avoid draft orders. Try to move to the territory of free Ukraine."</p>

<p>Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, tens of thousands of people have been killed while millions of Ukrainians have fled the&nbsp;country.</p>

<p>Tass cited a local official as saying that the turnout on Friday was 23.6 per cent in the Donetsk region.</p>

<p>Starobilsk's population was banned from leaving and people were being forced out of homes to vote, according to Ukraine's Luhansk governor Serhiy Gaidai.</p>

<p>Condemning the votes as an illegitimate precursor to illegal annexation, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau decried the "fake referendums".<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Just days after ordering a partial mobilisation, Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday signed amendments toughening punishment for voluntary surrender and refusal to fight by up to 10 years in prison.

Just days after ordering a partial mobilisation, Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday signed amendments toughening punishment for voluntary surrender and refusal to fight by up to 10 years in prison. Following the mobilisation designed to increase the ranks of his army fighting a military operation in Ukraine, a separate law facilitating access to Russian citizenship for foreigners who enlist in the Russian army was also signed. Drawing condemnation from Kiev and Western nations who dismissed the ongoing voting in four captured regions as a sham and pledged not to recognise their results. Russia launched referendums on Friday aimed at annexing four occupied regions of Ukraine. × The Kremlin appears to be trying to regain the upper hand in the grinding conflict with Putin also announcing a military draft this week to enlist 300,000 troops to fight in Ukraine. Addressing people in parts of Ukraine occupied by Russia, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said, "Hide from Russian mobilisation in any way you can. Avoid draft orders. Try to move to the territory of free Ukraine." Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, tens of thousands of people have been killed while millions of Ukrainians have fled the country. Tass cited a local official as saying that the turnout on Friday was 23.6 per cent in the Donetsk region. Starobilsk's population was banned from leaving and people were being forced out of homes to vote, according to Ukraine's Luhansk governor Serhiy Gaidai. Condemning the votes as an illegitimate precursor to illegal annexation, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau decried the "fake referendums". (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here: ×

Russian President Putin toughens punishment for voluntary surrender, desertion with 10 years’ jail

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<p>A week after Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin and advised him that 'today's era is not of war', Moscow has reacted to the comments and how the US and West have latched on to it to target Russia.</p>

<p>Reportedly, Russia's Ambassador to India Denis Alipov, while addressing a press conference was asked about PM Modi's comment to which he stated that the West was misconstruing the statement and selectively picking and overplaying a part.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The West uses only those quotes that suit them while ignoring other parts," said the Russian ambassador.</p>

<p>The Russian envoy also added that New Delhi's version was consistent with its position on the issue since the beginning.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As reported extensively by WION, during a meeting with Putin in Samarkand, PM Modi, in quite frank terms conveyed his position to the Russian leader.</p>

<p>“I know that today’s era is not an era of war, and I have spoken to you on the phone about this,” said PM Modi while adding that democracy, diplomacy and dialogue have kept the world together.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/this-is-not-as-era-of-war-indian-pm-modi-tells-russian-president-putin-on-sidelines-of-sco-summit-516987" target="_blank"><strong>WATCH | 'This is not as era of war': Indian PM Modi tells Russian President Putin on sidelines of SCO summit</strong></a></p>

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<p>In reply, Putin said, “I know your position on the conflict in Ukraine, your concerns that you constantly express.”</p>

<p>“We will do our best to stop this as soon as possible. However, unfortunately, the opposing side, the leadership of Ukraine, announced its refusal to continue negotiations and declared that they wanted to achieve their goals by military means, as they say ‘on the battlefield’. But nevertheless, we will always keep you informed of what is happening there,” added the Russian President.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Since then, the western countries have lauded PM Modi's statement and tried to use it as a point to pressure Moscow.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I think what you heard in Uzbekistan by the leaders of both China and in India are indicative of the fact that Putin doesn't have a whole lot of sympathetic ears out there to what he's been doing in Ukraine," said&nbsp;John Kirby, coordinator for strategic communications at the National Security Council in the White House.</p>

<p>Read more:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-is-isolating-himself-white-house-weighs-in-after-pm-modis-message-to-putin-517008">&nbsp;'Putin is isolating himself', says White House stressing on PM Modi's message to Russian President</a></p>

<p>Furthermore, US secretary of state Antony Blinken stated that what India and China communicated to Russia reflected the concerns of the world.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“What you're hearing from China, from India, is reflective of concerns around the world about the effects of Russia's aggression on Ukraine,” said Blinken.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
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A week after Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin and advised him that 'today's era is not of war', Moscow has reacted to the comments and how the US and West have latched on to it to target Russia.

A week after Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin and advised him that 'today's era is not of war', Moscow has reacted to the comments and how the US and West have latched on to it to target Russia. Reportedly, Russia's Ambassador to India Denis Alipov, while addressing a press conference was asked about PM Modi's comment to which he stated that the West was misconstruing the statement and selectively picking and overplaying a part. "The West uses only those quotes that suit them while ignoring other parts," said the Russian ambassador. The Russian envoy also added that New Delhi's version was consistent with its position on the issue since the beginning. As reported extensively by WION, during a meeting with Putin in Samarkand, PM Modi, in quite frank terms conveyed his position to the Russian leader. “I know that today’s era is not an era of war, and I have spoken to you on the phone about this,” said PM Modi while adding that democracy, diplomacy and dialogue have kept the world together. WATCH | 'This is not as era of war': Indian PM Modi tells Russian President Putin on sidelines of SCO summit × In reply, Putin said, “I know your position on the conflict in Ukraine, your concerns that you constantly express.” “We will do our best to stop this as soon as possible. However, unfortunately, the opposing side, the leadership of Ukraine, announced its refusal to continue negotiations and declared that they wanted to achieve their goals by military means, as they say ‘on the battlefield’. But nevertheless, we will always keep you informed of what is happening there,” added the Russian President. Since then, the western countries have lauded PM Modi's statement and tried to use it as a point to pressure Moscow. "I think what you heard in Uzbekistan by the leaders of both China and in India are indicative of the fact that Putin doesn't have a whole lot of sympathetic ears out there to what he's been doing in Ukraine," said John Kirby, coordinator for strategic communications at the National Security Council in the White House. Read more: 'Putin is isolating himself', says White House stressing on PM Modi's message to Russian President Furthermore, US secretary of state Antony Blinken stated that what India and China communicated to Russia reflected the concerns of the world. “What you're hearing from China, from India, is reflective of concerns around the world about the effects of Russia's aggression on Ukraine,” said Blinken. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Russia: West misquoting, selectively picking PM Modi's 'not an era of war' remark

<p>Italy's Silvio&nbsp;Berlusconi&nbsp;was forced to clarify on Friday remarks about long-time friend Vladimir Putin after suggesting the Russian leader was "pushed" by his entourage into invading Ukraine.</p>

<p>The 85-year-old former prime minister's party is expected to return to power following Italian general elections on Sunday as a junior partner in a government led by Giorgia Meloni's far-right Brothers of Italy.</p>

<p>"Putin has fallen into a truly difficult and dramatic situation,"&nbsp;Berlusconi&nbsp;told Rai television late Thursday.</p>

<p>He said a delegation of pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine's Donbas region went to Moscow to appeal for help against what they claimed were attacks by Ukrainian forces.</p>

<p>"Putin was pushed by the Russian population, by his party, by his ministers, to invent this special operation... to enter and within a week reach Kyiv, replace the (Volodymyr) Zelensky government with good people and in another week go back,"&nbsp;Berlusconi&nbsp;said.</p>

<p>His comments sparked an outcry in Italy, prompting the former premier to insist he was misunderstood and had just been reporting what others had said.</p>

<p>"The aggression against Ukraine is unjustifiable and unacceptable," he said in a statement on Friday, offering his support for the EU and NATO.</p>

<p>Enrico Letta, head of the centre-left Democratic Party, called his comments "scandalous".</p>

<p>Berlusconi&nbsp;has long been friends with Putin. The other member of his alliance with Meloni, League leader Matteo Salvini, has in the past often expressed admiration for the Russian president.</p>

<p>Meloni strongly supports, however, the policy of the outgoing Italian government in sending weapons to Ukraine and backing Western sanctions against Russia.</p>

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Italy's Silvio Berlusconi was forced to clarify on Friday remarks about long-time friend Vladimir Putin after suggesting the Russian leader was "pushed" by his entourage into invading Ukraine.

Italy's Silvio Berlusconi was forced to clarify on Friday remarks about long-time friend Vladimir Putin after suggesting the Russian leader was "pushed" by his entourage into invading Ukraine. The 85-year-old former prime minister's party is expected to return to power following Italian general elections on Sunday as a junior partner in a government led by Giorgia Meloni's far-right Brothers of Italy. "Putin has fallen into a truly difficult and dramatic situation," Berlusconi told Rai television late Thursday. He said a delegation of pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine's Donbas region went to Moscow to appeal for help against what they claimed were attacks by Ukrainian forces. "Putin was pushed by the Russian population, by his party, by his ministers, to invent this special operation... to enter and within a week reach Kyiv, replace the (Volodymyr) Zelensky government with good people and in another week go back," Berlusconi said. His comments sparked an outcry in Italy, prompting the former premier to insist he was misunderstood and had just been reporting what others had said. "The aggression against Ukraine is unjustifiable and unacceptable," he said in a statement on Friday, offering his support for the EU and NATO. Enrico Letta, head of the centre-left Democratic Party, called his comments "scandalous". Berlusconi has long been friends with Putin. The other member of his alliance with Meloni, League leader Matteo Salvini, has in the past often expressed admiration for the Russian president. Meloni strongly supports, however, the policy of the outgoing Italian government in sending weapons to Ukraine and backing Western sanctions against Russia. 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.

Former Italy premier Silvio Berlusconi clarifies Putin 'pushed' into Ukraine war remark

<p>President Vladimir Putin of Russia, in a speech Wednesday that was a reminder of how easily the war in Ukraine could spread, doubled down on his nuclear threat, accused the West of seeking to “destroy” his country, and suggested that Ukrainians are mere pawns of the “military machine of the collective West.”</p>

<p>In a videotaped address to the nation, he effectively conceded that the war he started Feb. 24 has not gone as he wished. By calling up roughly 300,000 reservists to fight on what he called a 620-mile front, and abandoning the original objective of demilitarizing and “de-Nazifying” all of Ukraine, he acknowledged something he had consistently denied: the reality and growing resistance of a unified Ukrainian nation.</p>

<p>But Putin cornered is Putin at his most dangerous. That was one of the core lessons of his hardscrabble youth that he took from the furious reaction of a rat he cornered on a stairwell in what was then Leningrad.</p>

<p>His speech at once inverted a war of aggression against a neighbor into one of defense of the “motherland,” a theme that resonates with Russians, and warned the West in unmistakable terms — “this is not a bluff” — that the attempt to weaken or defeat Russia could provoke nuclear cataclysm.</p>

<p>“Russia won its defensive wars against Napoleon and Hitler, and the most important thing Putin did here from a psychological perspective was to claim this, too, is a defensive war,” said Michel Eltchaninoff, the French author of “Inside the Mind of Vladimir Putin.” “It was an aggressive war. Now it’s the defense of the Russian world against the Western attempt at dismemberment.”</p>

<p>That “Russkiy Mir,” or imagined world imbued with some inalienable Russian essence, grew in size as Putin suggested in the speech that the country’s nuclear arsenal could be used to defend eastern and southern areas of Ukraine captured since the war began.</p>

<p>Putin said Russia would support imminent referendums on the future of four regions in Ukraine. This method, described this week by President Emmanuel Macron of France as “simulacra” of referendums, was used in Crimea in 2014 to justify Russian annexation.</p>

<p>It seems likely that the referendums in Donetsk and Luhansk in the east, and Kherson and Zaporizhzhia in the south — which the United States and Western allies have denounced as “sham” votes — would also lead to Russian annexation. At that point, a Ukrainian attack next month on the city of Kherson in the south, captured by Russia at the start of the war, could, in Russia’s view, be viewed as an attack on Russian soil, justifying a nuclear riposte.</p>

<p>A Ukrainian counteroffensive is underway in the Kherson region, and senior Ukrainian officials have vowed to recapture the city.</p>

<p>“If the territorial integrity of our country is threatened, we will of course use all means at our disposal to defend Russia and our people,” Putin said.</p>

<p>His speech, which may of course be a bluff despite his denial, nevertheless placed before the West a dilemma that has been inherent in its policy from the start of the war: How far can intense military and logistical support of Ukraine — effectively everything short of NATO troops on the ground — go without setting off nuclear confrontation?</p>

<p>It was also an attempt to divide the West before a winter that promises to be hard, with inflation and energy costs rising. While the Biden administration has little apparent interest in diplomacy at this stage, France, Germany and Italy still seek the “dialogue” with Russia that Macron mentioned in his speech Tuesday to the United Nations, a dialogue judged necessary, he said, because “we seek peace.”</p>


President Vladimir Putin of Russia, in a speech Wednesday that was a reminder of how easily the war in Ukraine could spread, doubled down on his nuclear threat, accused the West of seeking to “destroy” his country, and suggested that Ukrainians are mere pawns of the “military machine of the collective West.

President Vladimir Putin of Russia, in a speech Wednesday that was a reminder of how easily the war in Ukraine could spread, doubled down on his nuclear threat, accused the West of seeking to “destroy” his country, and suggested that Ukrainians are mere pawns of the “military machine of the collective West.” In a videotaped address to the nation, he effectively conceded that the war he started Feb. 24 has not gone as he wished. By calling up roughly 300,000 reservists to fight on what he called a 620-mile front, and abandoning the original objective of demilitarizing and “de-Nazifying” all of Ukraine, he acknowledged something he had consistently denied: the reality and growing resistance of a unified Ukrainian nation. But Putin cornered is Putin at his most dangerous. That was one of the core lessons of his hardscrabble youth that he took from the furious reaction of a rat he cornered on a stairwell in what was then Leningrad. His speech at once inverted a war of aggression against a neighbor into one of defense of the “motherland,” a theme that resonates with Russians, and warned the West in unmistakable terms — “this is not a bluff” — that the attempt to weaken or defeat Russia could provoke nuclear cataclysm. “Russia won its defensive wars against Napoleon and Hitler, and the most important thing Putin did here from a psychological perspective was to claim this, too, is a defensive war,” said Michel Eltchaninoff, the French author of “Inside the Mind of Vladimir Putin.” “It was an aggressive war. Now it’s the defense of the Russian world against the Western attempt at dismemberment.” That “Russkiy Mir,” or imagined world imbued with some inalienable Russian essence, grew in size as Putin suggested in the speech that the country’s nuclear arsenal could be used to defend eastern and southern areas of Ukraine captured since the war began. Putin said Russia would support imminent referendums on the future of four regions in Ukraine. This method, described this week by President Emmanuel Macron of France as “simulacra” of referendums, was used in Crimea in 2014 to justify Russian annexation. It seems likely that the referendums in Donetsk and Luhansk in the east, and Kherson and Zaporizhzhia in the south — which the United States and Western allies have denounced as “sham” votes — would also lead to Russian annexation. At that point, a Ukrainian attack next month on the city of Kherson in the south, captured by Russia at the start of the war, could, in Russia’s view, be viewed as an attack on Russian soil, justifying a nuclear riposte. A Ukrainian counteroffensive is underway in the Kherson region, and senior Ukrainian officials have vowed to recapture the city. “If the territorial integrity of our country is threatened, we will of course use all means at our disposal to defend Russia and our people,” Putin said. His speech, which may of course be a bluff despite his denial, nevertheless placed before the West a dilemma that has been inherent in its policy from the start of the war: How far can intense military and logistical support of Ukraine — effectively everything short of NATO troops on the ground — go without setting off nuclear confrontation? It was also an attempt to divide the West before a winter that promises to be hard, with inflation and energy costs rising. While the Biden administration has little apparent interest in diplomacy at this stage, France, Germany and Italy still seek the “dialogue” with Russia that Macron mentioned in his speech Tuesday to the United Nations, a dialogue judged necessary, he said, because “we seek peace.”

A cornered Putin is more dangerous than ever

Russian President Vladimir Putin's announcement of partial military mobilisation has pushed Moscow into a state of utter chaos. Russian protesters have taken to the streets over the mobilisation order.

Russian protesters take to the streets over mobilisation order

NATO’s secretary general Jens Stoltenberg said that Russian President Vladimir Putin’s mobilisation of thousands of extra troops for the war in Ukraine will escalate the conflict and his threat to use nuclear weapons was dangerous and reckless.

NATO Chief Jens Stoltenberg says Putin's Ukraine escalation dangerous and reckless

US President Joe Biden denounced his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin over the ongoing war in Ukraine during his address at the 77th session of United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.

77th session of UNGA: Will stand in solidarity with Ukraine against Russian aggression, says Biden

<p><em><strong>Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.&nbsp;</strong></em><meta name="uuid" content="uuidgMWwSluF2xt4" /><meta charset="utf-8" /></p>

<p>President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday that Russia will use all available means to protect its territory as he has ordered the nation's first partial mobilisation since World War II. Putin said that the additional manpower was needed to win a war against not only Ukraine but also its Western backers.</p>

<p>In a televised address, Russian defence minister Sergei Shoigu said that Russia will draft 300,000 reservists to support its military campaign in neighbouring Ukraine. Notably, this is a partial call-up as Russia's defence minister says that the nation has a reserve force of 25 million.</p>

<p>Putin's move has been labelled as an "act of desperation" by the West. On the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz insisted Russia "cannot win this criminal war" in Ukraine and that Putin "with his most recent decision makes everything much worse".</p>

<p>Since the announcement, there have been several reports on how it has impacted the common people in Russia.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Flights out of Russia sell out</strong></p>

<p>One-way flights out of the country were surging in price and selling out fast. Google Trends data showed an increase in the demand for direct flights from Moscow. There was a spike in searches for Aviasales, which is Russia's most popular flight-booking site.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Aviasales data also showed that the direct flights from Moscow to Istanbul in Turkey and Yerevan in Armenia were sold out on Wednesday. Notably, both destinations allow Russians to enter without a visa.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>No tickets being sold to Russian men aged 18-65</strong></p>

<p>In the latest development, media reports stated that the Russian airlines had stopped selling tickets to Russian men between the age of 18 to 65, those who are potential to be drafted into the reservists' list.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><em>Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos, videos and information shared on social media.</em></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BREAKING?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BREAKING</a>: Social media accounts in Russia: Russian Railways and airlines are refusing to sell tickets to men 18-65 years of age</p>
— Amichai Stein (@AmichaiStein1) <a href="https://twitter.com/AmichaiStein1/status/1572597545301577728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 21, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>'How to break arm at home'</strong></p>

<p>Newsweek reported that Google searches for "how to break an arm at home" increased after Putin announced partial mobilisation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Russians are also searching on Google for how to "avoid mobilisation and stay alive."<br />
<br />
In a tweet, Ukraine's defence ministry said that they would have been better off "Googling instructions for making Molotov cocktails when there was still time."&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">russians are now actively Googling how to avoid mobilization and stay alive.<br />
They would have been better off Googling instructions for making Molotov cocktails when there was still time.</p>
— Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) <a href="https://twitter.com/DefenceU/status/1572594119226040321?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 21, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The russians were given 12 hours of rest, so Google could answer all the questions, including the question of what is the average life expectancy of a russian soldier in Ukraine.</p>
— Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) <a href="https://twitter.com/DefenceU/status/1572330615374217217?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 20, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Russia-Finland border traffic rises</strong></p>

<p>After the announcement, the traffic on the eastern Finnish border with Russia increased overnight on Wednesday. The Finnish border guard in a tweet said that the surge in activity continued even on Thursday morning as well. It clearly shows that people in Russia are trying to move out of the country.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="fi">Liikenne itärajalla vilkastui yön aikana maahan saapuvan liikenteen osalta. Kasvua suhteessa edellisiin viikkoihin on. Määrä on silti yhä vähäinen verrattuna pandemiaa edeltäneeseen aikaan, joten resurssimme riittävät hyvin. Tilanne on viranomaisten hallinnassa. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/rajaturvallisuus?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#rajaturvallisuus</a> <a href="https://t.co/cYbq0m2uy4">pic.twitter.com/cYbq0m2uy4</a></p>
— Rajavartiolaitos (@rajavartijat) <a href="https://twitter.com/rajavartijat/status/1572864115923722241?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 22, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Dozens were arrested in Moscow and St Petersburg</strong></p>

<p>More than 700 people were detained across Russia at protests against mobilisation on Wednesday, a rights group said. The independent OVD-Info protest monitoring group said it was aware of detentions in at least 36 different cities. Unsanctioned rallies are illegal under Russia's anti-protest laws.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch this report:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p><strong>'I am concerned': Russian in Istanbul&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>One Russian man arriving at Istanbul Airport said he had left partly over the Kremlin's decision. "Partial mobilisation is one of the reasons why I am here. Very poor step and it seem to be that it can lead to lots of problems to lots of Russian citizens. I am concerned. I didn't believe that the next step would be mobilisation and I feel that not many Russian people want to fight and want to be mobilised and want to go to the army," said Alex as quoted by news agency Reuters. He declined to give surname due to safety concerns.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Kremlin's response</strong></p>

<p>Meanwhile, Kremlin has responded by stating that the reports of an exodus of fighting-age men are exaggerated. In a call with reporters, Peskov said: "The information about the hype at airports and so on is very much exaggerated ... There is a lot of fake information about this. We need to be very careful about this so as not to become a victim of false information on this matter."&nbsp;</p>

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<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


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.

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. President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday that Russia will use all available means to protect its territory as he has ordered the nation's first partial mobilisation since World War II. Putin said that the additional manpower was needed to win a war against not only Ukraine but also its Western backers. In a televised address, Russian defence minister Sergei Shoigu said that Russia will draft 300,000 reservists to support its military campaign in neighbouring Ukraine. Notably, this is a partial call-up as Russia's defence minister says that the nation has a reserve force of 25 million. Putin's move has been labelled as an "act of desperation" by the West. On the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz insisted Russia "cannot win this criminal war" in Ukraine and that Putin "with his most recent decision makes everything much worse". Since the announcement, there have been several reports on how it has impacted the common people in Russia. Flights out of Russia sell out One-way flights out of the country were surging in price and selling out fast. Google Trends data showed an increase in the demand for direct flights from Moscow. There was a spike in searches for Aviasales, which is Russia's most popular flight-booking site. Aviasales data also showed that the direct flights from Moscow to Istanbul in Turkey and Yerevan in Armenia were sold out on Wednesday. Notably, both destinations allow Russians to enter without a visa. No tickets being sold to Russian men aged 18-65 In the latest development, media reports stated that the Russian airlines had stopped selling tickets to Russian men between the age of 18 to 65, those who are potential to be drafted into the reservists' list. Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos, videos and information shared on social media. #BREAKING: Social media accounts in Russia: Russian Railways and airlines are refusing to sell tickets to men 18-65 years of age — Amichai Stein (@AmichaiStein1) September 21, 2022 × 'How to break arm at home' Newsweek reported that Google searches for "how to break an arm at home" increased after Putin announced partial mobilisation. Russians are also searching on Google for how to "avoid mobilisation and stay alive." In a tweet, Ukraine's defence ministry said that they would have been better off "Googling instructions for making Molotov cocktails when there was still time." russians are now actively Googling how to avoid mobilization and stay alive. They would have been better off Googling instructions for making Molotov cocktails when there was still time. — Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) September 21, 2022 × The russians were given 12 hours of rest, so Google could answer all the questions, including the question of what is the average life expectancy of a russian soldier in Ukraine. — Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) September 20, 2022 × Russia-Finland border traffic rises After the announcement, the traffic on the eastern Finnish border with Russia increased overnight on Wednesday. The Finnish border guard in a tweet said that the surge in activity continued even on Thursday morning as well. It clearly shows that people in Russia are trying to move out of the country. Liikenne itärajalla vilkastui yön aikana maahan saapuvan liikenteen osalta. Kasvua suhteessa edellisiin viikkoihin on. Määrä on silti yhä vähäinen verrattuna pandemiaa edeltäneeseen aikaan, joten resurssimme riittävät hyvin. Tilanne on viranomaisten hallinnassa. #rajaturvallisuus pic.twitter.com/cYbq0m2uy4 — Rajavartiolaitos (@rajavartijat) September 22, 2022 × Dozens were arrested in Moscow and St Petersburg More than 700 people were detained across Russia at protests against mobilisation on Wednesday, a rights group said. The independent OVD-Info protest monitoring group said it was aware of detentions in at least 36 different cities. Unsanctioned rallies are illegal under Russia's anti-protest laws. Watch this report: × 'I am concerned': Russian in Istanbul One Russian man arriving at Istanbul Airport said he had left partly over the Kremlin's decision. "Partial mobilisation is one of the reasons why I am here. Very poor step and it seem to be that it can lead to lots of problems to lots of Russian citizens. I am concerned. I didn't believe that the next step would be mobilisation and I feel that not many Russian people want to fight and want to be mobilised and want to go to the army," said Alex as quoted by news agency Reuters. He declined to give surname due to safety concerns. Kremlin's response Meanwhile, Kremlin has responded by stating that the reports of an exodus of fighting-age men are exaggerated. In a call with reporters, Peskov said: "The information about the hype at airports and so on is very much exaggerated ... There is a lot of fake information about this. We need to be very careful about this so as not to become a victim of false information on this matter." 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.

Fly out, run to border, search self-harm: How Russians are trying to evade Putin's conscription call

<p><em><strong>Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.</strong></em></p>

<p>After President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday ordered Russia's first mobilisation since World War II, one-way flights out of the country were surging in price and selling out fast.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Putin's orders come amid Moscow believed to have suffered a major battlefield reversal in Ukraine. The mobilisation is termed as an attempt to turn the military tide in what he has cast as a defining East-West clash.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/partial-military-mobilisation-in-russia-has-markets-on-alert-518418">Partial military mobilisation in Russia has markets on alert</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Russia has ordered the immediate call-up of 300,000 reservists. Notably, this is a partial call-up as Russia's defence minister says that the nation has a reserve force of 25 million people.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After the announcement, Google Trends data showed an increase in the demand for direct flights from Moscow. There was a spike in searches for Aviasales, which is Russia's most popular flight-booking site.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Aviasales data also showed that the direct flights from Moscow to Istanbul in Turkey and Yerevan in Armenia were sold out on Wednesday. Notably, both destinations allow Russians to enter without a visa.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Reuters report mentioned that some routes with stopovers, including those from Moscow to Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, were also unavailable.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Putin mobilises more troops for Ukraine after Ukraine's counter-offensive&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>According to the Google Flights data, one-way fares to Turkey shot up to almost &nbsp;70,000 roubles ($1,150), compared with a little over 22,000 roubles a week ago.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to Russian legislation, men and women aged from 18 to 60 years old can theoretically be called up as reservists, depending on their rank.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>

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<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


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. After President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday ordered Russia's first mobilisation since World War II, one-way flights out of the country were surging in price and selling out fast. Putin's orders come amid Moscow believed to have suffered a major battlefield reversal in Ukraine. The mobilisation is termed as an attempt to turn the military tide in what he has cast as a defining East-West clash. ALSO READ | Partial military mobilisation in Russia has markets on alert Russia has ordered the immediate call-up of 300,000 reservists. Notably, this is a partial call-up as Russia's defence minister says that the nation has a reserve force of 25 million people. After the announcement, Google Trends data showed an increase in the demand for direct flights from Moscow. There was a spike in searches for Aviasales, which is Russia's most popular flight-booking site. Aviasales data also showed that the direct flights from Moscow to Istanbul in Turkey and Yerevan in Armenia were sold out on Wednesday. Notably, both destinations allow Russians to enter without a visa. Reuters report mentioned that some routes with stopovers, including those from Moscow to Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, were also unavailable. WATCH | Putin mobilises more troops for Ukraine after Ukraine's counter-offensive × According to the Google Flights data, one-way fares to Turkey shot up to almost 70,000 roubles ($1,150), compared with a little over 22,000 roubles a week ago. According to Russian legislation, men and women aged from 18 to 60 years old can theoretically be called up as reservists, depending on their rank. (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.

After Putin orders to call up reservists, flights out of Russia sell out

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidyiEefXxE7frK" /><meta charset="utf-8" /></p>

<p><strong><em>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;</em></strong></p>

<p>Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday (September 21) said that he does not believe his Russian counterpart will use nuclear weapons amid the ongoing conflict.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Zelensky's remarks came hours after President Vladimir Putin ordered Russia's first mobilisation since World War II. Putin has ordered the immediate call-up of 300,000 reservists. The move is termed by the West as an escalation of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While speaking to the TV station of Germany's Bild newspaper, Zelensky referred to nuclear arms and the related threats. He said, "I don't believe that he will use these weapons. I don't believe that the world will allow him to use these weapons."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-putins-orders-to-call-up-reservists-flights-out-of-russia-sell-out-518470">After Putin orders to call-up reservists, flights out of Russia sell out</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Warning against giving in to the Russian president's threats, Zelensky said, "Tomorrow, Putin can say - as well as Ukraine, we want part of Poland, otherwise we will use atomic weapons. We cannot make these compromises."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Ukrainian president added that Putin's decision to order a partial mobilisation was because of the low morale among his forces. He said, "He needs an army of millions... he sees that a large part of those (troops) who come to us, just run away."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Zelensky added that Putin "wants to drown Ukraine in blood, also the blood of his own soldiers'"&nbsp;</p>

<p>He referred to the annexation referendums that will be held in Russian-occupied areas of Ukraine as "sham referendums". He said that 90 per cent of states would not recognise them.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Ukraine war raged by just one man: Joe Biden addresses 77th session of UNGA&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/partial-military-mobilisation-in-russia-has-markets-on-alert-518418">Partial military mobilisation in Russia has markets on alert</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Zelensky also put pressure on German Chancellor Olaf Scholz's government and stressed that Ukraine wants Germany to send battle tanks to aid the nation's fight against Russia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, Berlin has sent some armaments to Ukraine, but they have so far refused to transfer the tanks that Kyiv is urgently appealing for.</p>

<p>Zelensky said, "Give us these weapons. Battle tanks mean that more people's lives can be saved."&nbsp;</p>

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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. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday (September 21) said that he does not believe his Russian counterpart will use nuclear weapons amid the ongoing conflict. Zelensky's remarks came hours after President Vladimir Putin ordered Russia's first mobilisation since World War II. Putin has ordered the immediate call-up of 300,000 reservists. The move is termed by the West as an escalation of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. While speaking to the TV station of Germany's Bild newspaper, Zelensky referred to nuclear arms and the related threats. He said, "I don't believe that he will use these weapons. I don't believe that the world will allow him to use these weapons." ALSO READ | After Putin orders to call-up reservists, flights out of Russia sell out Warning against giving in to the Russian president's threats, Zelensky said, "Tomorrow, Putin can say - as well as Ukraine, we want part of Poland, otherwise we will use atomic weapons. We cannot make these compromises." The Ukrainian president added that Putin's decision to order a partial mobilisation was because of the low morale among his forces. He said, "He needs an army of millions... he sees that a large part of those (troops) who come to us, just run away." Zelensky added that Putin "wants to drown Ukraine in blood, also the blood of his own soldiers'" He referred to the annexation referendums that will be held in Russian-occupied areas of Ukraine as "sham referendums". He said that 90 per cent of states would not recognise them. WATCH | Ukraine war raged by just one man: Joe Biden addresses 77th session of UNGA × ALSO READ | Partial military mobilisation in Russia has markets on alert Zelensky also put pressure on German Chancellor Olaf Scholz's government and stressed that Ukraine wants Germany to send battle tanks to aid the nation's fight against Russia. Notably, Berlin has sent some armaments to Ukraine, but they have so far refused to transfer the tanks that Kyiv is urgently appealing for. Zelensky said, "Give us these weapons. Battle tanks mean that more people's lives can be saved." 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: Zelensky does not believe Putin will use nuclear arms

US President Joe Biden will address the 77th session of the UN General Assembly shortly. This is the first in-person UNGA meeting since the Covid-19 pandemic began and also the world leaders are meeting for the first time ever since the Russia-Ukraine war.

77th UN General Assembly: All eyes on Joe Biden's speech after Vladimir Putin's fresh threat

Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced partial troops mobilisation and accused West of 'nuclear blackmail'. He said, NATO wants to start a war against our country and West is cultivating hatred for decades.

Vladimir Putin accuses West of 'nuclear blackmail', signs decree amid annexation plans

<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a partial military&nbsp;mobilisation&nbsp;in the country in order to put the economy at a “wartime footing” as the invasion of Ukraine continues. In a pre-recorded speech which was televised all around the country, Putin said that the decision taken “to defend the motherland, its sovereignty and territorial integrity” will be viewed as an escalation by the West.</p>

<p>Following the Russian premier's announcement&nbsp;oil prices saw an increase of&nbsp;about 3 per cent due to worries about a tighter oil and gas supply.&nbsp;With this,&nbsp;oil companies, BP and Shell&nbsp;both saw their shares rise by over 2.5 per cent each. While &nbsp;BAE Systems, the largest defence business in the United Kingdom, gained 5.3 per cent.</p>

<p>According to Reuters, Putin also said that the West “wants to destroy our country” and claimed that they had tried to “turn Ukraine’s people into cannon fodder”. The “mobilisation&nbsp;events” will begin on Wednesday, but the Russian president did not provide any more details about the timeline.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"If the territorial integrity of our country is threatened, we will use all available means to protect our people - this is not a bluff," Putin said in the address.</p>

<p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-modis-no-war-comment-to-putin-lauded-by-france-and-united-states-518236" hreflang="en">PM Modi's 'no war' comment to Putin lauded by France and United States</a></p>

<p>As part of the partial&nbsp;militarisation, there will be a boost in weapons production and as a result, the citizens and businesses in the country are expected to contribute more to the war financially.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The crisis has officially entered its seventh month and in the last few weeks, the Russian position has faltered, allowing Ukraine to recapture considerable ground. This move is expected to be Russia’s push to reclaim lost territories&nbsp;and move towards an advantageous position against the Ukrainian forces.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-and-canadian-warships-sail-through-taiwan-strait-second-time-in-three-weeks-518244">US &amp; Canadian warships sail through Taiwan Strait, second time in three weeks</a></p>

<p>The negotiations featured in Putin’s speech on Wednesday as he accused Kyiv&nbsp;of backing out. He said that the move was dictated by the western countries and Ukraine is currently increasing its military strength by including “neo-Nazi extremists” who are being trained by NATO.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the regions of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia are likely to organise votes this weekend on a referendum,&nbsp;expressing their desire to become official territories of Russia.&nbsp;</p>

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Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a partial military mobilisation in the country in order to put the economy at a “wartime footing” as the invasion of Ukraine continues.

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a partial military mobilisation in the country in order to put the economy at a “wartime footing” as the invasion of Ukraine continues. In a pre-recorded speech which was televised all around the country, Putin said that the decision taken “to defend the motherland, its sovereignty and territorial integrity” will be viewed as an escalation by the West. Following the Russian premier's announcement oil prices saw an increase of about 3 per cent due to worries about a tighter oil and gas supply. With this, oil companies, BP and Shell both saw their shares rise by over 2.5 per cent each. While BAE Systems, the largest defence business in the United Kingdom, gained 5.3 per cent. According to Reuters, Putin also said that the West “wants to destroy our country” and claimed that they had tried to “turn Ukraine’s people into cannon fodder”. The “mobilisation events” will begin on Wednesday, but the Russian president did not provide any more details about the timeline. "If the territorial integrity of our country is threatened, we will use all available means to protect our people - this is not a bluff," Putin said in the address. Also read | PM Modi's 'no war' comment to Putin lauded by France and United States As part of the partial militarisation, there will be a boost in weapons production and as a result, the citizens and businesses in the country are expected to contribute more to the war financially. The crisis has officially entered its seventh month and in the last few weeks, the Russian position has faltered, allowing Ukraine to recapture considerable ground. This move is expected to be Russia’s push to reclaim lost territories and move towards an advantageous position against the Ukrainian forces. Also read | US & Canadian warships sail through Taiwan Strait, second time in three weeks The negotiations featured in Putin’s speech on Wednesday as he accused Kyiv of backing out. He said that the move was dictated by the western countries and Ukraine is currently increasing its military strength by including “neo-Nazi extremists” who are being trained by NATO. Meanwhile, the regions of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia are likely to organise votes this weekend on a referendum, expressing their desire to become official territories of Russia.

'Will use all available means, this is not a bluff': Russia's Putin announces partial military mobilisation

<p paraeid="{c81b8afc-0b9c-48d7-89f7-b1585328c7a4}{238}" paraid="447910647" >Russia has been reportedly hiring prisoners to fight its war in an attempt to compensate for the acute shortage of personnel fighting in Ukraine.&nbsp;The name of a private agency has come to the fore that has been recruiting these inmates, who face serious charges like murder and loot.</p>

<p paraeid="{a2960afe-906e-4985-b29f-8e95e6355ab1}{193}" paraid="1452267357">According to the Guardian, Yevgeny Prigozhin, a close ally of President Vladimir Putin, and the reported head of the Wagner group—a private military company and often described as a network of mercenaries—has been sending these convicted felons to the battlefield.</p>

<p paraeid="{a2960afe-906e-4985-b29f-8e95e6355ab1}{215}" paraid="1784732934">Though there is no official number available as to how many have been hired, a US official on Monday said that Wagner was trying to recruit more than 1,500 prisoners.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p paraeid="{a2960afe-906e-4985-b29f-8e95e6355ab1}{235}" paraid="599144329">A video had gone viral last week on Russian social media showing a man closely resembling Prigozhin telling inmates at a prison 500 miles north of Tambov that they would be freed if they served six months with his group.&nbsp;</p>

<p paraeid="{261ab015-6064-4734-b74e-182f2bee7ec0}{2}" paraid="323983393" >This is&nbsp;the first time that the enlistment process had been captured on camera.&nbsp;</p>

<p paraeid="{261ab015-6064-4734-b74e-182f2bee7ec0}{2}" paraid="323983393" ><strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraines-western-allies-condemn-russian-referendum-plans-for-occupied-regions-518218" hreflang="en">Ukraine's Western allies condemn Russian referendum plans for occupied regions</a></p>

<p paraeid="{6c658d00-4c2e-4676-9897-332da366c2db}{228}" paraid="1565534162" >The Guardian spoke to several prisoners and close family members of inmates across different penal colonies in&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;who all gave similar accounts of how Prigozhin was personally conducting recruitment in prisons, and how they are promised freedom and money in exchange for their services.</p>

<p paraeid="{84fe9998-4c14-4757-8a21-14d7a72a29bc}{118}" paraid="739408920" >One of the inmates, Ivan, told the UK daily that around 120 inmates joined the group and were now fighting in Ukraine after a one-week training course.</p>

<p paraeid="{285d43ed-9b2d-4bb3-bf07-c13d14e4c045}{25}" paraid="396747016" >All the prisoners interviewed said they were promised a presidential pardon after six months and a salary of 100,000 rubles (£1,400) a month.</p>

<p paraeid="{285d43ed-9b2d-4bb3-bf07-c13d14e4c045}{25}" paraid="396747016" >Last month, Pentagon said that Russia has lost around 80,000 soldiers since its invasion of Ukraine began.</p>

<p paraeid="{ba9e0e13-8ba5-47e1-9d67-2602fb2b927a}{179}" paraid="815328948" ><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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Russia has been reportedly hiring prisoners to fight its war in an attempt to compensate for the acute shortage of personnel fighting in Ukraine. The name of a private agency has come to the fore that has been recruiting these inmates, who face serious charges like murder and loot.

Russia has been reportedly hiring prisoners to fight its war in an attempt to compensate for the acute shortage of personnel fighting in Ukraine. The name of a private agency has come to the fore that has been recruiting these inmates, who face serious charges like murder and loot. According to the Guardian, Yevgeny Prigozhin, a close ally of President Vladimir Putin, and the reported head of the Wagner group—a private military company and often described as a network of mercenaries—has been sending these convicted felons to the battlefield. Though there is no official number available as to how many have been hired, a US official on Monday said that Wagner was trying to recruit more than 1,500 prisoners. A video had gone viral last week on Russian social media showing a man closely resembling Prigozhin telling inmates at a prison 500 miles north of Tambov that they would be freed if they served six months with his group. This is the first time that the enlistment process had been captured on camera. Also read | Ukraine's Western allies condemn Russian referendum plans for occupied regions The Guardian spoke to several prisoners and close family members of inmates across different penal colonies in Russia who all gave similar accounts of how Prigozhin was personally conducting recruitment in prisons, and how they are promised freedom and money in exchange for their services. One of the inmates, Ivan, told the UK daily that around 120 inmates joined the group and were now fighting in Ukraine after a one-week training course. All the prisoners interviewed said they were promised a presidential pardon after six months and a salary of 100,000 rubles (£1,400) a month. Last month, Pentagon said that Russia has lost around 80,000 soldiers since its invasion of Ukraine began. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Money, pardon: How Russia is luring prisoners to fight the war in Ukraine

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remark&nbsp;to Russian President Putin last week that this is not the era of war has&nbsp;been lauded by France and United States. Last week, on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Samarkand, PM Modi and Russian President Putin held a bilateral during which the former emphasised on dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the Ukraine conflict.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/polluters-must-pay-un-chief-urges-countries-to-impose-tax-on-fossil-fuel-companies-518227">‘Polluters must pay’: UN chief proposes windfall tax on fossil fuel companies</a></p>

<p>The French President Emmanuel Macron, during his address at the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday, recalled the remarks pointing out the impact of wars on international community. He said, "Narendra Modi,&nbsp;Prime Minister of India, was right when he said the time is not for war. It is not for revenge against the West....It is the time for a collective time for our sovereign equal states to cope together with challenges we face."</p>

<p>Earlier, US national security adviser Jake Sullivan lauded the remarks by PM Modi, calling them "statement of principle on behalf of what he believes is right and just". He said the remarks are&nbsp;"very much welcomed by the United States and for the Indian leadership, which has longstanding relationships in Moscow, from the very top all the way through the Russian government, to continue to reinforce that message that now is the time for war to end."</p>

<p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraines-western-allies-condemn-russian-referendum-plans-for-occupied-regions-518218" hreflang="en">Ukraine's Western allies condemn Russian referendum plans for occupied regions</a></p>

<p>The Samarkand bilateral was the first in-person meet between PM Modi and Russian President since the invasion of Ukraine started in February even though both leaders have spoken four&nbsp;times since then. During the meet, Putin&nbsp;invited PM Modi to visit Russia. As part of annual India-Russia summit that alternates between the two countries, Indian PM is expected to travel to Russia for the summit this year. Last year, President Putin had visited India for the summit.&nbsp;</p>

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remark to Russian President Putin last week that this is not the era of war has been lauded by France and United States. Last week, on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Samarkand, PM Modi and Russian President Putin held a bilateral during which the former emphasised on dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the Ukraine conflict.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remark to Russian President Putin last week that this is not the era of war has been lauded by France and United States. Last week, on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Samarkand, PM Modi and Russian President Putin held a bilateral during which the former emphasised on dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the Ukraine conflict. Also read | ‘Polluters must pay’: UN chief proposes windfall tax on fossil fuel companies The French President Emmanuel Macron, during his address at the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday, recalled the remarks pointing out the impact of wars on international community. He said, "Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India, was right when he said the time is not for war. It is not for revenge against the West....It is the time for a collective time for our sovereign equal states to cope together with challenges we face." Earlier, US national security adviser Jake Sullivan lauded the remarks by PM Modi, calling them "statement of principle on behalf of what he believes is right and just". He said the remarks are "very much welcomed by the United States and for the Indian leadership, which has longstanding relationships in Moscow, from the very top all the way through the Russian government, to continue to reinforce that message that now is the time for war to end." Also read | Ukraine's Western allies condemn Russian referendum plans for occupied regions The Samarkand bilateral was the first in-person meet between PM Modi and Russian President since the invasion of Ukraine started in February even though both leaders have spoken four times since then. During the meet, Putin invited PM Modi to visit Russia. As part of annual India-Russia summit that alternates between the two countries, Indian PM is expected to travel to Russia for the summit this year. Last year, President Putin had visited India for the summit.

PM Modi's 'no war' comment to Putin at SCO summit lauded by France and United States

<p>Ukraine retook Izyum and other eastern towns, this month, severely disrupting the Kremlin's supply lines and sparking new allegations of Russian atrocities. The discovery of hundreds of graves, some of which contained several victims was one thing which made the news.</p>

<p>However, Kyiv's recapture of the city of Izyum has also brought to light an account by Sri Lanka nationals who claim to have been held captive for months by the Russian forces.</p>

<p>BBC reports that Dilujan Paththinajakan along with six other Sri Lankans was captured in May. They had come to Ukraine to find work and/or study&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Ukrainian troops heads to Donbas region</strong></p>

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<p>The party had just started a long journey from their homes in Kupiansk, northeastern Ukraine, to the more secure city of Kharkiv, which was some 120 kilometres (75 miles) away.</p>

<p>However, they were apprehended by Russian troops at the first checkpoint. The Sri Lankans were led to a machine tool plant in the town of Vovchansk, close to the Russian border, with their hands bound and their eyes covered.</p>

<p>For four months they were kept as prisoners, used as forced labour.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><em>Their ordeal as described by them is enough to give anyone nightmares. Reader discretion is advised for the following content.&nbsp;</em></strong></p>

<p>They were allowed to use the toilet just once a day and the time for that was limited to two minutes. If and when they were allowed to shower, they again were given just two minutes.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-slams-reports-of-mass-graves-in-izyum-accuses-ukraine-of-fabricating-its-discoveries-517911" hreflang="en">Russia slams reports of mass graves in Izyum, accuses Ukraine of fabricating its discoveries</a></strong></p>

<p>The group mainly was composed of men in their 20s who were all stuffed into one room. The one woman in the group, 50-year-old Mary Edit Uthajkumar, was kept separately.</p>

<p>Mary, who is a heart patient was refused medicine for her condition. She said they were locked in a room and even beaten up.</p>

<p>"They used to beat us when we went to take a shower. They didn't even allow me to meet the others. We were stuck inside for three months."</p>

<p>Among the men, two had their toenails torn off with pliers. All of them reported being beaten up by drunk Russian soldiers, at times guns were used to inflict the beating.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukrainian-forces-recapture-village-in-luhansk-region-as-russia-loses-control-517905" hreflang="en">Ukrainian forces recapture village in Luhansk region as Russia loses control</a></strong></p>

<p>"They hit me across the body many times with their guns," one man, 35-year-old Thinesh Gogenthiran. "One of them punched me in the stomach and I was in pain for two days. He then asked me for money."</p>

<p>When the Ukrainian forces started retaking territory in eastern Ukraine earlier this month, including Vovchansk, the seven Sri Lankans were ultimately freed.</p>

<p>Once again, they began their walk towards Kharkiv. They had no way to get in touch with their relatives as they&nbsp;had no phones.&nbsp;But eventually, their fortune changed when a passing motorist noticed them and dialled the cops. They were given a police officer's phone.&nbsp;They have now been brought to Kharkiv, where they are receiving medical care.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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Ukraine retook Izyum and other eastern towns, this month, severely disrupting the Kremlin's supply lines and sparking new allegations of Russian atrocities. The discovery of hundreds of graves, some of which contained several victims was one thing which made the news.

Ukraine retook Izyum and other eastern towns, this month, severely disrupting the Kremlin's supply lines and sparking new allegations of Russian atrocities. The discovery of hundreds of graves, some of which contained several victims was one thing which made the news. However, Kyiv's recapture of the city of Izyum has also brought to light an account by Sri Lanka nationals who claim to have been held captive for months by the Russian forces. BBC reports that Dilujan Paththinajakan along with six other Sri Lankans was captured in May. They had come to Ukraine to find work and/or study Watch | Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Ukrainian troops heads to Donbas region The party had just started a long journey from their homes in Kupiansk, northeastern Ukraine, to the more secure city of Kharkiv, which was some 120 kilometres (75 miles) away. However, they were apprehended by Russian troops at the first checkpoint. The Sri Lankans were led to a machine tool plant in the town of Vovchansk, close to the Russian border, with their hands bound and their eyes covered. For four months they were kept as prisoners, used as forced labour. Their ordeal as described by them is enough to give anyone nightmares. Reader discretion is advised for the following content. They were allowed to use the toilet just once a day and the time for that was limited to two minutes. If and when they were allowed to shower, they again were given just two minutes. Also read | Russia slams reports of mass graves in Izyum, accuses Ukraine of fabricating its discoveries The group mainly was composed of men in their 20s who were all stuffed into one room. The one woman in the group, 50-year-old Mary Edit Uthajkumar, was kept separately. Mary, who is a heart patient was refused medicine for her condition. She said they were locked in a room and even beaten up. "They used to beat us when we went to take a shower. They didn't even allow me to meet the others. We were stuck inside for three months." Among the men, two had their toenails torn off with pliers. All of them reported being beaten up by drunk Russian soldiers, at times guns were used to inflict the beating. Also read | Ukrainian forces recapture village in Luhansk region as Russia loses control "They hit me across the body many times with their guns," one man, 35-year-old Thinesh Gogenthiran. "One of them punched me in the stomach and I was in pain for two days. He then asked me for money." When the Ukrainian forces started retaking territory in eastern Ukraine earlier this month, including Vovchansk, the seven Sri Lankans were ultimately freed. Once again, they began their walk towards Kharkiv. They had no way to get in touch with their relatives as they had no phones. But eventually, their fortune changed when a passing motorist noticed them and dialled the cops. They were given a police officer's phone. They have now been brought to Kharkiv, where they are receiving medical care. (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.

After 4 months of brutal torture, 7 Sri Lankans freed with Ukraine's recapture of Izyum. This is their story

According to reports, Pakistan is in talks with Russia regarding the possibility of importing oil on deferred payment. Pak PM Shehbaz Sharif had three meetings with Russian President Putin on the sidelines of the SCO summit in Uzbekistan.

Reports: Pakistan-Russia discuss Russian oil imports on deferred payment basis

<p>A senior US defence official told news agency Reuters that Russian military company Wagner is trying to recruit over 1,500 felons for the war in Ukraine.</p>

<p>"Our information indicates that Wagner has been suffering high losses in Ukraine, especially and unsurprisingly among young and inexperienced fighters," Reuters quoted the defence official as saying.</p>

<p>Accusing it of clandestine operations on the Kremlin’s behalf, the European Union has imposed sanctions on the Wagner Group.</p>

<p>Although private military contractors have the right to work anywhere in the world as long as they do not break Russian law, President Vladimir Putin has said the group does not represent the country.</p>

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<p>Citing social media videos featuring Yevgeny Prigozhin, the American official pointed out he was trying to recruit Russian prisoners as well as Tajiks, Belarusians and Armenians.</p>

<p>The Wagner Group is linked to Prigozhin according to the US Treasury Department and the European Union.</p>

<p>Accused of committing war crimes in Syria and eastern Ukraine from 2014 onward, Wagner Group fighters were used in Russia's attack on Kyiv as per British military intelligence.</p>

<p>The Pentagon said last month that since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Moscow has suffered between 70,000 and 80,000 casualties.</p>

<p>Paving the way for a potential assault on occupation forces in the Donbas region, Ukraine extended its hold on recently recaptured territory on Monday as troops marched farther east into areas abandoned by Russia.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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A senior US defence official told news agency Reuters that Russian military company Wagner is trying to recruit over 1,500 felons for the war in Ukraine. "Our information indicates that Wagner has been suffering high losses in Ukraine, especially and unsurprisingly among young and inexperienced fighters," Reuters quoted the defence official as saying.

A senior US defence official told news agency Reuters that Russian military company Wagner is trying to recruit over 1,500 felons for the war in Ukraine. "Our information indicates that Wagner has been suffering high losses in Ukraine, especially and unsurprisingly among young and inexperienced fighters," Reuters quoted the defence official as saying. Accusing it of clandestine operations on the Kremlin’s behalf, the European Union has imposed sanctions on the Wagner Group. Although private military contractors have the right to work anywhere in the world as long as they do not break Russian law, President Vladimir Putin has said the group does not represent the country. × Citing social media videos featuring Yevgeny Prigozhin, the American official pointed out he was trying to recruit Russian prisoners as well as Tajiks, Belarusians and Armenians. The Wagner Group is linked to Prigozhin according to the US Treasury Department and the European Union. Accused of committing war crimes in Syria and eastern Ukraine from 2014 onward, Wagner Group fighters were used in Russia's attack on Kyiv as per British military intelligence. The Pentagon said last month that since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Moscow has suffered between 70,000 and 80,000 casualties. Paving the way for a potential assault on occupation forces in the Donbas region, Ukraine extended its hold on recently recaptured territory on Monday as troops marched farther east into areas abandoned by Russia. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here: ×

Ukraine war: US says Russian military company Wagner trying to recruit over 1,500 felons

<p>In a recent TV interview, US President Joe Biden warned Russian President Vladimir Putin to not use tactical nuclear or chemical weapons in Ukraine as his side faces setbacks.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Reportedly, Biden was quizzed if Putin, aggrieved by the losses sustained on the battlefield against the Ukrainians in the last couple of weeks would think of unleashing chemical or tactical nuclear weapons.</p>

<p>"Don't. Don't. Don't. You will change the face of war unlike anything since World War II," said Biden in the interview.</p>

<p>When pressed further on what will be the consequences if Putin, inadvertently does take the step and cross the line, Biden remarked of Russia becoming a 'pariah' state.&nbsp; &nbsp;</p>

<p>"You think I would tell you if I knew exactly what it would be? Of course, I'm not gonna tell you. It'll be consequential.&nbsp;They'll become more of a pariah in the world than they ever have been. And depending on the extent of what they do will determine what response would occur." said the US President.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>In the last few days, the White House has also taken a rather aggressive stance in calling out Putin on the public platform. After Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi advised Putin that&nbsp;'today's era is not of war', Washington&nbsp;quickly&nbsp;jumped in on the conversation and gave its version to Moscow.</p>

<p>"He (Putin) is only further isolating himself from the international community. We don't believe that now's the time to be doing any business as usual with Russia with respect to what they're doing in Ukraine." said&nbsp;John Kirby, coordinator for strategic communications at the National Security Council in the White House.</p>

<p>Additionally, US secretary of state Antony Blinken stated that what India and China communicated to Russia reflected the concerns of the world.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“What you're hearing from China, from India, is reflective of concerns around the world about the effects of Russia's aggression on Ukraine.” said Blinken.</p>

<p>Read more:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-is-isolating-himself-white-house-weighs-in-after-pm-modis-message-to-putin-517008">&nbsp;'Putin is isolating himself', says White House stressing on PM Modi's message to Russian President</a></p>

<p>It is pertinent to note that ever since Russia invaded Ukraine in February earlier this year, it had been on the ascendency. However, the last couple of weeks has come as a rude shocker to Moscow.</p>

<p>The Russian troops in the Kharkiv region were forced to pull back as the Ukrainians launched a collective and sustained military effort. According to&nbsp;President Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraine has liberated more than 8,000 square km (3,100 square miles) of Ukrainian territory during&nbsp;this month alone. The victories have apparently all been in the northeastern region of Kharkiv.</p>

<p>Read more: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-aims-to-free-all-russian-occupied-areas-after-recapturing-8000-sq-km-515931">Ukraine aims to free all Russian-occupied areas after recapturing 8,000 sq km</a></p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
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In a recent TV interview, US President Joe Biden warned Russian President Vladimir Putin to not use tactical nuclear or chemical weapons in Ukraine as his side faces setbacks.

In a recent TV interview, US President Joe Biden warned Russian President Vladimir Putin to not use tactical nuclear or chemical weapons in Ukraine as his side faces setbacks. Reportedly, Biden was quizzed if Putin, aggrieved by the losses sustained on the battlefield against the Ukrainians in the last couple of weeks would think of unleashing chemical or tactical nuclear weapons. "Don't. Don't. Don't. You will change the face of war unlike anything since World War II," said Biden in the interview. When pressed further on what will be the consequences if Putin, inadvertently does take the step and cross the line, Biden remarked of Russia becoming a 'pariah' state. "You think I would tell you if I knew exactly what it would be? Of course, I'm not gonna tell you. It'll be consequential. They'll become more of a pariah in the world than they ever have been. And depending on the extent of what they do will determine what response would occur." said the US President. WATCH | 203 days of Russia-Ukraine war: Kyiv says it has recaptured 8,000 sq km of area in Kharkiv × In the last few days, the White House has also taken a rather aggressive stance in calling out Putin on the public platform. After Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi advised Putin that 'today's era is not of war', Washington quickly jumped in on the conversation and gave its version to Moscow. "He (Putin) is only further isolating himself from the international community. We don't believe that now's the time to be doing any business as usual with Russia with respect to what they're doing in Ukraine." said John Kirby, coordinator for strategic communications at the National Security Council in the White House. Additionally, US secretary of state Antony Blinken stated that what India and China communicated to Russia reflected the concerns of the world. “What you're hearing from China, from India, is reflective of concerns around the world about the effects of Russia's aggression on Ukraine.” said Blinken. Read more: 'Putin is isolating himself', says White House stressing on PM Modi's message to Russian President It is pertinent to note that ever since Russia invaded Ukraine in February earlier this year, it had been on the ascendency. However, the last couple of weeks has come as a rude shocker to Moscow. The Russian troops in the Kharkiv region were forced to pull back as the Ukrainians launched a collective and sustained military effort. According to President Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraine has liberated more than 8,000 square km (3,100 square miles) of Ukrainian territory during this month alone. The victories have apparently all been in the northeastern region of Kharkiv. Read more: Ukraine aims to free all Russian-occupied areas after recapturing 8,000 sq km (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

'Don't. Don't. Don't,' Biden warns Putin to not use nuclear or chemical weapons against Ukraine

<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday (September 18) had telephonic conversation with leaders of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan and spoke about the border clashes that erupted between the Central Asian republics.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Vladimir Putin urged the sides to prevent further escalation and to take measures to resolve the situation exclusively by peaceful, political and diplomatic means as soon as possible, and confirmed Russia's readiness to provide the necessary assistance to ensure stability in the Kyrgyz-Tajik border region." Kremlin said in a statement.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the Kyrghyz health ministry said on Sunday that death toll from the border clashed had risen to 36.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Putin under pressure at SCO summit: Critical voices growing louder in Russia</strong></p>

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<p>"The total number of dead as a result of the armed conflict in the (Kyrgyz) Batken region is 36," and another 134 have been injured, the ministry said in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Previously, the ministry had said that the death toll was 24.</p>

<p>Tajik ministry had said that earlier that civilians had been killed but did not provide a figure.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The two sides agreed to a ceasefire on Friday but since then traded accusation of breaching it.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After more clashes on Saturday, the night passed "quietly, without incidents" the Kyrgyz border authorities said on Sunday morning.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-report-points-out-glaring-weakness-shared-by-chinese-and-russian-militaries-517351">US report points out glaring weakness shared by Chinese and Russian militaries</a></strong></p>

<p>"The country's leadership is taking all measures to stabilise the situation, prevent attempts of escalation... in a peaceful way," the border authorities said.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dont-dont-dont-biden-warns-putin-to-not-use-nuclear-or-chemical-weapons-against-ukraine-517269">'Don't. Don't. Don't,' Biden warns Putin to not use nuclear or chemical weapons against Ukraine</a></strong></p>

<p>Both countries are former Soviet states and central Asia is still considered to be within Russia's sphere of influence.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><em>You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form"><strong>here</strong></a>.</em></p>

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Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday (September 18) had telephonic conversation with leaders of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan and spoke about the border clashes that erupted between the Central Asian republics.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday (September 18) had telephonic conversation with leaders of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan and spoke about the border clashes that erupted between the Central Asian republics. "Vladimir Putin urged the sides to prevent further escalation and to take measures to resolve the situation exclusively by peaceful, political and diplomatic means as soon as possible, and confirmed Russia's readiness to provide the necessary assistance to ensure stability in the Kyrgyz-Tajik border region." Kremlin said in a statement. Meanwhile, the Kyrghyz health ministry said on Sunday that death toll from the border clashed had risen to 36. Watch | Putin under pressure at SCO summit: Critical voices growing louder in Russia × "The total number of dead as a result of the armed conflict in the (Kyrgyz) Batken region is 36," and another 134 have been injured, the ministry said in a statement. Previously, the ministry had said that the death toll was 24. Tajik ministry had said that earlier that civilians had been killed but did not provide a figure. The two sides agreed to a ceasefire on Friday but since then traded accusation of breaching it. After more clashes on Saturday, the night passed "quietly, without incidents" the Kyrgyz border authorities said on Sunday morning. Also Read | US report points out glaring weakness shared by Chinese and Russian militaries "The country's leadership is taking all measures to stabilise the situation, prevent attempts of escalation... in a peaceful way," the border authorities said. Also Read | 'Don't. Don't. Don't,' Biden warns Putin to not use nuclear or chemical weapons against Ukraine Both countries are former Soviet states and central Asia is still considered to be within Russia's sphere of influence. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Putin appeals for calm in conversation with Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of 22nd SCO summit in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. During this, PM Modi told Putin that this wasn’t the era of war, while also underlining the significance of democracy, dialogue and diplomacy.

'This is not as era of war': Indian PM Modi tells Russian President Putin on sidelines of SCO summit

<p>On the day Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi&nbsp;held bilateral talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin&nbsp;and advised him that&nbsp;'today's era is not of war', Washington&nbsp;quickly&nbsp;jumped in on the conversation and gave its version to Moscow.</p>

<p>Reportedly, when quizzed about PM Modi's statement to Putin,&nbsp;John Kirby, coordinator for strategic communications at the National Security Council in the White House stated that Putin, through his actions was isolating himself.</p>

<p>"I think what you heard in Uzbekistan by both the leaders of China and in India are indicative of the fact that Mr Putin doesn't have a whole lot of sympathetic ears out there to what he's been doing in Ukraine," said&nbsp;Kirby.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"He (Putin) is only further isolating himself from the international community. We don't believe that now's the time to be doing any business as usual with Russia with respect to what they're doing in Ukraine,” the White House official&nbsp;added.</p>

<p>Furthermore, US secretary of state Antony Blinken stated that what India and China communicated to Russia reflected the concerns of the world.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“What you're hearing from China, from India, is reflective of concerns around the world about the effects of Russia's aggression on Ukraine,” said Blinken.</p>

<p>As reported by WION,&nbsp;on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) 2022 at Samarkand in Uzbekistan on Friday, PM Modi held a bilateral talk with the Russian President.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sco-summit-2022-narendra-modi-tells-vladimir-putin-now-is-not-a-time-for-war-516862">SCO Summit 2022: Narendra Modi tells Vladimir Putin 'today's era is not of war'</a></p>

<p>At the meeting, PM Modi told his counterpart,&nbsp;"I know today’s era is not [an era] of war. We discussed this issue with you on phone several times, that democracy, diplomacy and dialogue touch the entire world."</p>

<p>Putin said that he understood India’s position as well as concerns regarding the Ukraine war and added that Russia “wants all of this to end as soon as possible."</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sco-summit-2022-pm-modi-to-putin-todays-era-not-that-of-war-516943">WATCH |&nbsp;SCO Summit 2022 | PM Modi to Putin: Today's era not that of war</a></strong></p>

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<p>“We want all of this to end as soon as possible. But the leadership of Ukraine has refused to engage in the negotiating process. They said that they want to achieve their objectives...on the battlefield militarily," said Putin.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
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On the day Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin and advised him that 'today's era is not of war', Washington quickly jumped in on the conversation and gave its version to Moscow.

On the day Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin and advised him that 'today's era is not of war', Washington quickly jumped in on the conversation and gave its version to Moscow. Reportedly, when quizzed about PM Modi's statement to Putin, John Kirby, coordinator for strategic communications at the National Security Council in the White House stated that Putin, through his actions was isolating himself. "I think what you heard in Uzbekistan by both the leaders of China and in India are indicative of the fact that Mr Putin doesn't have a whole lot of sympathetic ears out there to what he's been doing in Ukraine," said Kirby. "He (Putin) is only further isolating himself from the international community. We don't believe that now's the time to be doing any business as usual with Russia with respect to what they're doing in Ukraine,” the White House official added. Furthermore, US secretary of state Antony Blinken stated that what India and China communicated to Russia reflected the concerns of the world. “What you're hearing from China, from India, is reflective of concerns around the world about the effects of Russia's aggression on Ukraine,” said Blinken. As reported by WION, on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) 2022 at Samarkand in Uzbekistan on Friday, PM Modi held a bilateral talk with the Russian President. Read more: SCO Summit 2022: Narendra Modi tells Vladimir Putin 'today's era is not of war' At the meeting, PM Modi told his counterpart, "I know today’s era is not [an era] of war. We discussed this issue with you on phone several times, that democracy, diplomacy and dialogue touch the entire world." Putin said that he understood India’s position as well as concerns regarding the Ukraine war and added that Russia “wants all of this to end as soon as possible." WATCH | SCO Summit 2022 | PM Modi to Putin: Today's era not that of war × “We want all of this to end as soon as possible. But the leadership of Ukraine has refused to engage in the negotiating process. They said that they want to achieve their objectives...on the battlefield militarily," said Putin. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

'Putin is isolating himself', says White House stressing on PM Modi's message to Russian President

President Vladimir Putin denied Russia had anything to do with Europe's energy crisis, saying that if the European Union wanted more gas it should lift sanctions preventing the opening of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline.

Putin to Europe: If you want gas then open Nord Stream 2

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to have key bilateral meet with Russia's President Vladimir Putin, Iranian and Uzbek leaders. He will be exchanging his views on regional and international issues during his meet with the Russian President. PM Modi will also be discussing issues of strategic ability, situation in the Asia Pacific and bilateral cooperation within the United Nations and G20.

SCO summit day 2 : India's PM Modi to hold bilateral meet with Iranian, Uzbek and Russian leaders

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) 2022 at Samarkand in Uzbekistan on Friday. Modi told Putin that 'today's era is not of war' and the two leaders also discussed a number of topics including the food and fuel crisis, fertiliser supply and the ongoing Ukraine conflict.</p>

<p>"I know that today's era is not an era of war, and I have spoken to you on the phone about this," Modi told Putin according to Reuters as he also urged the bloc to work together.</p>

<p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/shanghai-cooperation-organisation-sco-summit-live-updates-515964" hreflang="en">SCO Summit 2022 LIVE | Modi tells Putin now is 'not a time for war'</a></p>

<p>“We (India and Russia) have been friends for decades and been together. World knows our relation.”</p>

<p>“We have been working together at all levels. I believe both of us will be able to fulfil the expectations of the world,” Modi said after the two leaders met after the end of the summit.</p>

<p>Putin said that he understood India’s position as well as concerns regarding the Ukraine war and added that Russia “wants all of this to end as soon as possible."</p>

<p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mass-grave-with-over-400-bodies-found-in-izium-in-kharkiv-region-recaptured-last-week-says-ukraine-516645">Mass grave with over 400 bodies found in recaptured region, says Ukraine</a></p>

<p>Putin earlier said that Russia was ready to provide more than 300,000 tonnes of Russian fertilisers stuck in European ports to the developing world for free. He added that India has been a major importer of fertilisers from Russia and hoped that it has been a help for the&nbsp;agricultural sector.</p>

<p>"Our trade is growing, thanks to your additional supplies of Russian fertilisers to the Indian markets, which have grown more than eight-fold. I am hopeful that this is going to be of huge help of the agricultural sector of India," he said.</p>

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) 2022 at Samarkand in Uzbekistan on Friday.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) 2022 at Samarkand in Uzbekistan on Friday. Modi told Putin that 'today's era is not of war' and the two leaders also discussed a number of topics including the food and fuel crisis, fertiliser supply and the ongoing Ukraine conflict. "I know that today's era is not an era of war, and I have spoken to you on the phone about this," Modi told Putin according to Reuters as he also urged the bloc to work together. Also read | SCO Summit 2022 LIVE | Modi tells Putin now is 'not a time for war' “We (India and Russia) have been friends for decades and been together. World knows our relation.” “We have been working together at all levels. I believe both of us will be able to fulfil the expectations of the world,” Modi said after the two leaders met after the end of the summit. Putin said that he understood India’s position as well as concerns regarding the Ukraine war and added that Russia “wants all of this to end as soon as possible." Also read | Mass grave with over 400 bodies found in recaptured region, says Ukraine Putin earlier said that Russia was ready to provide more than 300,000 tonnes of Russian fertilisers stuck in European ports to the developing world for free. He added that India has been a major importer of fertilisers from Russia and hoped that it has been a help for the agricultural sector. "Our trade is growing, thanks to your additional supplies of Russian fertilisers to the Indian markets, which have grown more than eight-fold. I am hopeful that this is going to be of huge help of the agricultural sector of India," he said.

SCO Summit 2022: Narendra Modi tells Vladimir Putin 'today's era is not of war'

<p>Chinese President Xi Jinping met Russian President Vladimir Putin in the ancient Silk Road city of Samarkand in Uzbekistan on Thursday and had important discussions about Taiwan and Ukraine.</p>

<p>After blasting Washington’s “ugly” policies, Putin thanked Xi for his “balanced” approach to the Ukrainian crisis.</p>

<p>Ahead of the 20th Communist Party Congress, Xi is confident about his grip on power as he is due to cement his place as the most powerful Chinese leader since Mao Zedong.</p>

<p>Allowing Xi to present himself as the global leader of the anti-American world, China's “no-limits” friendship with Moscow is giving Russia the leverage to tilt towards Asia.</p>

<p>Being careful not to provide the sort of direct material support which could provoke Western sanctions, Xi promised “strong support” to Russia’s “core interests.”</p>

<p>Although for much of the past 300 years Russia has looked to the West as the crucible of economic growth, Putin casts the West as a failing group of declining US puppets.</p>

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<p>Calling Russian action against Ukraine a legitimate response to US provocation, China's foreign ministry defended Moscow's ''special military operation.''</p>

<p>Since Soviet geologists found oil and gas in the swamps of Siberia in the decades after World War Two, selling oil and gas to Europe has been one of the main sources of Russian foreign currency earnings.</p>

<p>As the West moves to establish a price cap on Russian energy resources and potentially cut their imports altogether, observers say Russia will likely grow increasingly reliant on China as a market for its oil and gas.</p>

<p>Following US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan, Russia backed China amid tensions with Washington.</p>

<p>While Putin said last week that a major gas export route to China via Mongolia had been agreed, Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said no new energy deals with China are expected to be signed in Uzbekistan.</p>

<p>From the Bovanenkovo and Kharasavey gas fields in Yamal, the Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline will travel through Mongolia taking Russian gas to China.</p>

<p>After the West froze $300 billion in Russian state-owned reserves, Moscow called dollars and euros "toxic".</p>

<p>As a result of the deepening ties between Russia and China, the yuan is becoming much more popular as Moscow tries to ditch its post-Soviet addiction to cash US dollars.</p>

<p>On the basis of a 50-50 split between the Russian rouble and Chinese yuan, Putin said last week that China will pay Gazprom for its gas in national currencies.</p>

<p>After successfully completing its debut yuan-denominated bond placement worth 15 billion yuan ($2.15 billion), Russia's largest oil producer Rosneft said it was gradually shifting to foreign trade settlements in Russian roubles and national currencies of "friendly" countries.</p>

<p>While Russia's largest gold producer Polyus issued bonds denominated in the Chinese yuan worth 4.6 billion yuan ($670 million), the country's aluminium producer Rusal tapped the yuan bond market on the Moscow Exchange.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>Watch WION's live TV here:</strong></p>

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Chinese President Xi Jinping met Russian President Vladimir Putin in the ancient Silk Road city of Samarkand in Uzbekistan on Thursday and had important discussions about Taiwan and Ukraine.

Chinese President Xi Jinping met Russian President Vladimir Putin in the ancient Silk Road city of Samarkand in Uzbekistan on Thursday and had important discussions about Taiwan and Ukraine. After blasting Washington’s “ugly” policies, Putin thanked Xi for his “balanced” approach to the Ukrainian crisis. Ahead of the 20th Communist Party Congress, Xi is confident about his grip on power as he is due to cement his place as the most powerful Chinese leader since Mao Zedong. Allowing Xi to present himself as the global leader of the anti-American world, China's “no-limits” friendship with Moscow is giving Russia the leverage to tilt towards Asia. Being careful not to provide the sort of direct material support which could provoke Western sanctions, Xi promised “strong support” to Russia’s “core interests.” Although for much of the past 300 years Russia has looked to the West as the crucible of economic growth, Putin casts the West as a failing group of declining US puppets. × Calling Russian action against Ukraine a legitimate response to US provocation, China's foreign ministry defended Moscow's ''special military operation.'' Since Soviet geologists found oil and gas in the swamps of Siberia in the decades after World War Two, selling oil and gas to Europe has been one of the main sources of Russian foreign currency earnings. As the West moves to establish a price cap on Russian energy resources and potentially cut their imports altogether, observers say Russia will likely grow increasingly reliant on China as a market for its oil and gas. Following US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan, Russia backed China amid tensions with Washington. While Putin said last week that a major gas export route to China via Mongolia had been agreed, Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said no new energy deals with China are expected to be signed in Uzbekistan. From the Bovanenkovo and Kharasavey gas fields in Yamal, the Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline will travel through Mongolia taking Russian gas to China. After the West froze $300 billion in Russian state-owned reserves, Moscow called dollars and euros "toxic". As a result of the deepening ties between Russia and China, the yuan is becoming much more popular as Moscow tries to ditch its post-Soviet addiction to cash US dollars. On the basis of a 50-50 split between the Russian rouble and Chinese yuan, Putin said last week that China will pay Gazprom for its gas in national currencies. After successfully completing its debut yuan-denominated bond placement worth 15 billion yuan ($2.15 billion), Russia's largest oil producer Rosneft said it was gradually shifting to foreign trade settlements in Russian roubles and national currencies of "friendly" countries. While Russia's largest gold producer Polyus issued bonds denominated in the Chinese yuan worth 4.6 billion yuan ($670 million), the country's aluminium producer Rusal tapped the yuan bond market on the Moscow Exchange. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here: ×

From energy to yuan: All you need to know about Xi and Putin's 'no limits' partnership

The meeting between old friends Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit showed a solidifying alliance between both sides. Moreover, China has leaned towards Russia and against the West since Russia invaded Ukraine.

China, Russia forge stronger ties at the SCO summit

<p>Vowing unfaltering backing for Ukraine during her visit to Kyiv, EU chief Ursula von der Leyen said in an interview that she wants Russian President Vladimir Putin to face the International Criminal Court over war crimes.</p>

<p>During a joint press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, she said "We will never be able to match the sacrifice that the Ukrainians are making."</p>

<p>Highlighting that her discussions with the country's leaders would be about "getting our economies and people closer," Von der Leyen said Putin must face the consequences of his actions.</p>

<p>The bloc's chief added that Europeans must keep their resolve against Moscow and that the successive waves of EU sanctions against Russia would remain.</p>

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<p>Ahead of a decision on whether to grant Kyiv full EU membership, Zelensky told the same press conference that his country wants to join the European single market.</p>

<p>Since Moscow invaded in February, EU countries have staunchly supported Ukraine by hitting Russia with economic penalties.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With the help of the advanced weapons that European countries have supplied to Ukrainian forces in recent weeks, they have recaptured swathes of territory.</p>

<p>Saying Berlin will provide armoured vehicles and rocket launch systems but not the battle tanks sought by Ukraine, Germany's defence minister pledged more weapons on Thursday.</p>

<p>Denying any significant impact of European sanctions, the Kremlin maintains that Russia has weathered the economic penalties.</p>

<p>In retaliation, it has reduced gas flows to European countries forcing them to find an alternative source of gas supply.<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>Watch WION's live TV here:</strong></p>

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Vowing unfaltering backing for Ukraine during her visit to Kyiv, EU chief Ursula von der Leyen said in an interview that she wants Russian President Vladimir Putin to face the International Criminal Court over war crimes.

Vowing unfaltering backing for Ukraine during her visit to Kyiv, EU chief Ursula von der Leyen said in an interview that she wants Russian President Vladimir Putin to face the International Criminal Court over war crimes. During a joint press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, she said "We will never be able to match the sacrifice that the Ukrainians are making." Highlighting that her discussions with the country's leaders would be about "getting our economies and people closer," Von der Leyen said Putin must face the consequences of his actions. The bloc's chief added that Europeans must keep their resolve against Moscow and that the successive waves of EU sanctions against Russia would remain. × Ahead of a decision on whether to grant Kyiv full EU membership, Zelensky told the same press conference that his country wants to join the European single market. Since Moscow invaded in February, EU countries have staunchly supported Ukraine by hitting Russia with economic penalties. With the help of the advanced weapons that European countries have supplied to Ukrainian forces in recent weeks, they have recaptured swathes of territory. Saying Berlin will provide armoured vehicles and rocket launch systems but not the battle tanks sought by Ukraine, Germany's defence minister pledged more weapons on Thursday. Denying any significant impact of European sanctions, the Kremlin maintains that Russia has weathered the economic penalties. In retaliation, it has reduced gas flows to European countries forcing them to find an alternative source of gas supply. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here: ×

Putin must lose Ukraine war, face International Criminal Court for crimes, says EU chief

China’s President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin will hold talks on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Uzbekistan, which Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will also attend.

SCO Summit 2022: Chinese President Xi Jinping to hold talks with Russia's Putin at Uzbekistan summit

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