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

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.

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.

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;

"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 |&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>

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;

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;

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>

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;

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;

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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

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.

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.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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;

This is&nbsp;the first time that the enlistment process had been captured on camera.&nbsp;

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>

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.

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)

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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

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;

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>

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."

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."

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>

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;

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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

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&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Ukrainian troops heads to Donbas region

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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.&nbsp;

Their ordeal as described by them is enough to give anyone nightmares. Reader discretion is advised for the following content.&nbsp;

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 |&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>

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 |&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>

"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&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.

(With inputs from agencies)

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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

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.

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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)

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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

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;

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.&nbsp; &nbsp;

"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;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/203-days-of-russia-ukraine-war-kyiv-says-it-has-recaptured-8000-sq-km-of-area-in-kharkiv-515928">WATCH |&nbsp;203 days of Russia-Ukraine war: Kyiv says it has recaptured 8,000 sq km of area in Kharkiv</a>

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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.

"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.

Additionally, US secretary of state Antony Blinken stated that what India and China communicated to Russia reflected the concerns of the world.&nbsp;

“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:<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>

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&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.

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>

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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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

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;

"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

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"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;

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.&nbsp;

The two sides agreed to a ceasefire on Friday but since then traded accusation of breaching it.&nbsp;

After more clashes on Saturday, the night passed "quietly, without incidents" the Kyrgyz border authorities said on Sunday morning.&nbsp;

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>

"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 | <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>

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 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

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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

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.

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.

"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;

"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.

Furthermore, US secretary of state Antony Blinken stated that what India and China communicated to Russia reflected the concerns of the world.&nbsp;

“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,&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;

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>

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."

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."

<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>

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“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:&nbsp;

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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

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 |&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>

“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 |&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>

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.

"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.

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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'

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.

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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:

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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

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.

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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.&nbsp;

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. 
&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Watch WION's live TV here:

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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

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.

There have been many attempts to assassinate Russian President Vladimir Putin, a contentious political figure, if claims are to be believed.&nbsp;

Several people have been baying for the Russian strongman's blood, but Putin has always managed to escape unhurt.

So far, there have been five assassination attempts on the Russian strongman, excluding the one that took place this week.

Here are some of the instances when some came close to ending Putin's life.

Start of the Ukraine war

Earlier in May, Ukraine’s Chief of Defence Intelligence Kyrylo Budanov revealed said there had been an “unsuccessful attempt” on Putin’s life at the start of the Russian-Ukraine war,&nbsp;reports The Sun

Speaking to Ukrainian Pravda, Major-General Budanov said, "Putin was attacked."

“He was even attacked in the line of, as they say, representatives of the Caucasus not so long ago. This is non-public information. Absolutely unsuccessful attempt, but it really took place … It was about two months ago,” he added.

It was not clear who was behind the alleged attack or where it took place.

Azerbaijan

In 2002 during Putin's visit to Azerbaijan, an Iraqi man was held after plotting to kill the Russian leader.

The man was identified as an Iraqi citizen who was said to have links with Afghanistan and Chechen rebel forces.

He was set to deliver explosives to a co-conspirator. But by the time he could execute his plan, the security forces learned of the plot and arrested the man and his supposed accomplice.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-president-putin-survives-assassination-attempt-report-516404" hreflang="en">Russian President Vladimir Putin survives assassination attempt: Report&nbsp;</a>

Both were sentenced to 10 years in prison.

Bombing Putin's motorway

In the same year in November, the authorities were tipped off about a plot to kill Putin.

According to local reports, they found 40kg of explosives waiting to be detonated along the motorway used by the 69-year-old Russian leader.

It was claimed that a group of people disguised as repairmen placed the bomb there. But an hour later, the devices mysteriously disappeared and Putin’s car was rerouted.

To this day, authorities refuse to reveal the matter and even deny that it ever took place.

UK Police thwart conspiracy

An anti-terror squad from British police reportedly foiled a plot to kill Putin in October 2003.

According to the Sunday Times, which quoted a source, two men suspected to be assassins were arrested for hatching a plot to kill Putin&nbsp;

One of the men was claimed to be a former Russian secret service hitman.

According to the report, these men had defected to Britain three years ago and were hired by a contract killer to assassinate Putin.

But the cops later released two men, aged 40 and 36after questioning and added that no further action would be taken against them.

Chechen rebel hatches a ‘plot’

In 2012, Rusian special forces captured a Chechen rebel, Adam Osmayev, who is said to have had links to the UK. He was caught in the Ukrainian Black Sea port of Odesa.

State TV later showed that he was paraded in public with visible injuries, supposedly making a confession.

“Our goal was to go to Moscow and try to kill Prime Minister Putin … Our deadline was after the Russian presidential election,” he was quoted as saying.

According to the Russian security services, Osmayev was “a graduate of a prestigious institution of higher learning in Great Britain”, and was from a prominent Chechen family opposed to Putin.

(With inputs from agencies)

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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.

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. There have been many attempts to assassinate Russian President Vladimir Putin, a contentious political figure, if claims are to be believed. Several people have been baying for the Russian strongman's blood, but Putin has always managed to escape unhurt. So far, there have been five assassination attempts on the Russian strongman, excluding the one that took place this week. Here are some of the instances when some came close to ending Putin's life. Start of the Ukraine war Earlier in May, Ukraine’s Chief of Defence Intelligence Kyrylo Budanov revealed said there had been an “unsuccessful attempt” on Putin’s life at the start of the Russian-Ukraine war, reports The Sun Speaking to Ukrainian Pravda, Major-General Budanov said, "Putin was attacked." “He was even attacked in the line of, as they say, representatives of the Caucasus not so long ago. This is non-public information. Absolutely unsuccessful attempt, but it really took place … It was about two months ago,” he added. It was not clear who was behind the alleged attack or where it took place. Azerbaijan In 2002 during Putin's visit to Azerbaijan, an Iraqi man was held after plotting to kill the Russian leader. The man was identified as an Iraqi citizen who was said to have links with Afghanistan and Chechen rebel forces. He was set to deliver explosives to a co-conspirator. But by the time he could execute his plan, the security forces learned of the plot and arrested the man and his supposed accomplice. Also read | Russian President Vladimir Putin survives assassination attempt: Report Both were sentenced to 10 years in prison. Bombing Putin's motorway In the same year in November, the authorities were tipped off about a plot to kill Putin. According to local reports, they found 40kg of explosives waiting to be detonated along the motorway used by the 69-year-old Russian leader. It was claimed that a group of people disguised as repairmen placed the bomb there. But an hour later, the devices mysteriously disappeared and Putin’s car was rerouted. To this day, authorities refuse to reveal the matter and even deny that it ever took place. UK Police thwart conspiracy An anti-terror squad from British police reportedly foiled a plot to kill Putin in October 2003. According to the Sunday Times, which quoted a source, two men suspected to be assassins were arrested for hatching a plot to kill Putin One of the men was claimed to be a former Russian secret service hitman. According to the report, these men had defected to Britain three years ago and were hired by a contract killer to assassinate Putin. But the cops later released two men, aged 40 and 36after questioning and added that no further action would be taken against them. Chechen rebel hatches a ‘plot’ In 2012, Rusian special forces captured a Chechen rebel, Adam Osmayev, who is said to have had links to the UK. He was caught in the Ukrainian Black Sea port of Odesa. State TV later showed that he was paraded in public with visible injuries, supposedly making a confession. “Our goal was to go to Moscow and try to kill Prime Minister Putin … Our deadline was after the Russian presidential election,” he was quoted as saying. According to the Russian security services, Osmayev was “a graduate of a prestigious institution of higher learning in Great Britain”, and was from a prominent Chechen family opposed to Putin. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

How Russia's President Putin escaped five assassination attempts

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.

Russian President Vladimir Putin survived an assassination attempt after his car was allegedly attacked while travelling to his official residence in a decoy motorcade, according to media reports.

The Mirror, a UK daily, reported that Putin was in his limousine when a "loud bang" was heard from the left front wheel of the car followed by heavy smoke.

Putin managed to escape unhurt following which he was quickly taken to safety by his personal security guards.

It is unconfirmed when the incident took place, but reports suggest that the attack happened this week amid the Russia-Ukraine war. The information on his assassination was released on the General GVR Telegram channel on Wednesday.

It said that multiple arrests have been made from Putin's security services, as some of his bodyguards reportedly vanished amid speculations that secret information about the 69-year-old leader’s movements was leaked.

According to reports, Putin was travelling in the third armoured car among the five that were used as decoys.

"On the way to the residence, a few kilometres away, the first escort car was blocked by an ambulance, the second escort car drove around without stopping (due to the) sudden obstacle," according to an update posted on the channel, as reported by the outlet.

GVR General reported that “despite the problems with control” Putin's car escaped the attack scene and safely reached his residence.

“Subsequently, the body of a man was found driving [the] ambulance, which blocked the first car from the motorcade,” said SVR General.

The channel said that the details of the attack are "classified", and did not provide details of the supposed attack on Putin's life.&nbsp;

This is not the first time that someone had tried to take Putin's life. In 2017,&nbsp;&nbsp;the Russian leader publicly disclosed that he has survived at least five assassination attempts.

(With inputs from agencies)

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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. Russian President Vladimir Putin survived an assassination attempt after his car was allegedly attacked while travelling to his official residence in a decoy motorcade, according to media reports. The Mirror, a UK daily, reported that Putin was in his limousine when a "loud bang" was heard from the left front wheel of the car followed by heavy smoke. Putin managed to escape unhurt following which he was quickly taken to safety by his personal security guards. It is unconfirmed when the incident took place, but reports suggest that the attack happened this week amid the Russia-Ukraine war. The information on his assassination was released on the General GVR Telegram channel on Wednesday. It said that multiple arrests have been made from Putin's security services, as some of his bodyguards reportedly vanished amid speculations that secret information about the 69-year-old leader’s movements was leaked. According to reports, Putin was travelling in the third armoured car among the five that were used as decoys. "On the way to the residence, a few kilometres away, the first escort car was blocked by an ambulance, the second escort car drove around without stopping (due to the) sudden obstacle," according to an update posted on the channel, as reported by the outlet. GVR General reported that “despite the problems with control” Putin's car escaped the attack scene and safely reached his residence. “Subsequently, the body of a man was found driving [the] ambulance, which blocked the first car from the motorcade,” said SVR General. The channel said that the details of the attack are "classified", and did not provide details of the supposed attack on Putin's life. This is not the first time that someone had tried to take Putin's life. In 2017, the Russian leader publicly disclosed that he has survived at least five assassination attempts. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Russian President Vladimir Putin survives assassination attempt: Report 

Russian President Vladimir Putin praised China for its "balanced&nbsp;position”&nbsp;on&nbsp;the Ukraine&nbsp;crisis during his face-to-face meeting with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation&nbsp;Organisation&nbsp;(SCO) summit in Uzbekistan. This was the first meeting between the two world readers since Russia begin their military operations in Ukraine in February earlier this year.&nbsp;

"We highly value the balanced position of our Chinese friends when it comes to the Ukraine crisis. We understand your questions and concern about this. During today's meeting, we will of course explain our position," Putin told XI in the opening remarks of their bilateral meeting in Samarkand.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/shanghai-cooperation-organisation-sco-summit-live-updates-515964" hreflang="en">SCO Summit LIVE Updates</a>

China has not condemned Russia's actions in Ukraine till now and in all major votes, it has either refrained from voting or has casted its vote in Russia's&nbsp;favour.&nbsp;&nbsp;While the United States and other western nations have imposed sanctions on Russia, China has continued their trade relations.&nbsp;

Russia also supported China's claim&nbsp;regarding&nbsp;Taiwan and said that the United States is looking to disrupt the peace in the region. There was massive uproar in China after US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan and Beijing responded by conducting military drills on the Taiwan Strait.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/six-countries-not-invited-for-queen-elizabeth-iis-funeral-see-complete-list-516447" hreflang="en">Six countries not invited for Queen Elizabeth II's funeral - See complete list</a>

"We intend to firmly adhere to the principle of 'One China'," Putin said after the meeting. We condemn provocations by the United States and their satellites in the Taiwan Strait," he said.&nbsp;

Putin also held bilateral meetings&nbsp;with Iranian&nbsp;President Ebrahim Raisi, Turkmen President Serdar Berdymukhamedov and Kyrgyz President&nbsp;Sadyr&nbsp;Japarov.&nbsp;

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Russian President Vladimir Putin praised China for its "balanced position” on the Ukraine crisis during his face-to-face meeting with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Uzbekistan.

Russian President Vladimir Putin praised China for its "balanced position” on the Ukraine crisis during his face-to-face meeting with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Uzbekistan. This was the first meeting between the two world readers since Russia begin their military operations in Ukraine in February earlier this year. "We highly value the balanced position of our Chinese friends when it comes to the Ukraine crisis. We understand your questions and concern about this. During today's meeting, we will of course explain our position," Putin told XI in the opening remarks of their bilateral meeting in Samarkand. Also read | SCO Summit LIVE Updates China has not condemned Russia's actions in Ukraine till now and in all major votes, it has either refrained from voting or has casted its vote in Russia's favour. While the United States and other western nations have imposed sanctions on Russia, China has continued their trade relations. Russia also supported China's claim regarding Taiwan and said that the United States is looking to disrupt the peace in the region. There was massive uproar in China after US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan and Beijing responded by conducting military drills on the Taiwan Strait. Also read | Six countries not invited for Queen Elizabeth II's funeral - See complete list "We intend to firmly adhere to the principle of 'One China'," Putin said after the meeting. We condemn provocations by the United States and their satellites in the Taiwan Strait," he said. Putin also held bilateral meetings with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, Turkmen President Serdar Berdymukhamedov and Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov.

SCO Summit 2022: Vladimir Putin praises China's Xi Jinping for 'balanced position' on Ukraine

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Putin, both of whom will be at the Samarkand for Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, will be holding a bilateral meeting, the Russian government has confirmed. Ties between the two&nbsp;countries are close with defence and now energy forming the main pillars. But what is interesting is that the meeting in Samarkand will be the first between the two&nbsp;leaders since the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The impact of the invasion has been seen on global food and oil prices and amidst this, New Delhi has increased its import of discounted energy from Russia. And while criticism against India has also increased from the west, especially in Europe, New Delhi has strongly defended its import of energy needs from Russia.

External affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar recently said,&nbsp;"It is my moral duty to find the best deal'.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-asks-afghanistan-to-locate-and-arrest-of-jem-chief-maulana-masood-azhar-515965" hreflang="en">Pakistan asks Afghanistan to locate and arrest JeM chief Masood Azhar</a>

Both leaders last met when Russian President Putin came to India in December of 2021 for the annual India-Russia summit. While the visit was for six&nbsp;hours only, it happened amid Covid and only for the second time that year, the Russian President travelled abroad which shows the close relationship between the two&nbsp;countries. Both leaders have spoken four&nbsp;times this year, including on the day when Russia began its invasion of Ukraine--24th February. India has continuously emphasised the need for dialogue and diplomacy to end the conflict in Ukraine, from the United Nations Security Council to various conversations both leaders have had.

At UNSC, Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj, Permanent Representative of India to the UN recently said, 'India’s approach will be to promote dialogue and diplomacy with an overarching aim to end the conflict and work with other partners to mitigate economic challenges emerging from the Russia-Ukraine conflict.'

India, on its part, has sent 12 consignments of humanitarian aid to Ukraine. The 12th consignment consisted of 26 types of medicines, including ‘hemostatic bandages’ meant to stem the bleeding of deep wounds in children and adults. The earlier 11 consignments included 97.5 tonnes of humanitarian aid to Ukraine and neighbouring countries like Romania, Moldova, Slovakia and Poland. Ukraine and its neighbouring countries offered their full support in the relief and evacuation operation of around 22500 Indian nationals in February-March this year.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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Indian PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> will travel to Uzbekistan for the crucial <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SCOSummit?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SCOSummit</a>. The Indian leader will also hold a bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the summit.<a href="https://twitter.com/SaroyaHem?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SaroyaHem</a> talks to <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sidhant</a> for details 
 
Watch more: <a href="https://t.co/AXC5qRuO3J">https://t.co/AXC5qRuO3J</a> <a href="https://t.co/puW7XLTfXL">pic.twitter.com/puW7XLTfXL</a>
— WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1569923595455053824?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 14, 2022</a></blockquote>
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But ties with Russia remain of paramount importance. Earlier this year, Indian National Security advisor Ajit Doval visited the country even as both sides are expected to hold the next round of India Russia summit and India Russia 2+2 defense and foreign ministers meet--both of which will take place in Russia later this year. Russia is an important partner when it comes to nuclear energy--the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant being of the flagships when it comes to a strategic partnership. Moscow has been backing India's membership in the NSG or Nuclear suppliers' group, a reformed and expanded United Nations Security Council. Cooperation in space has been another key dimension of ties. &nbsp;Russia trained Indian astronauts who will be on board the Gaganyaan at the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center and will be part of Gaganyaan, India's first manned mission to space.

While the Ukraine conflict divides the world, the west is keen on the isolation of Russia. Amidst this, Russia has increased its emphasis on ties with Asian giants like China and India. A meeting with Indian Prime Minister Modi will be a shot in the arm for Russia's Putin. A picture that Moscow needs desperately as it battles the fallout from the invasion of Ukraine.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Putin, both of whom will be at the Samarkand for Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, will be holding a bilateral meeting, the Russian government has confirmed.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Putin, both of whom will be at the Samarkand for Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, will be holding a bilateral meeting, the Russian government has confirmed. Ties between the two countries are close with defence and now energy forming the main pillars. But what is interesting is that the meeting in Samarkand will be the first between the two leaders since the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The impact of the invasion has been seen on global food and oil prices and amidst this, New Delhi has increased its import of discounted energy from Russia. And while criticism against India has also increased from the west, especially in Europe, New Delhi has strongly defended its import of energy needs from Russia. External affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar recently said, "It is my moral duty to find the best deal'. Also read | Pakistan asks Afghanistan to locate and arrest JeM chief Masood Azhar Both leaders last met when Russian President Putin came to India in December of 2021 for the annual India-Russia summit. While the visit was for six hours only, it happened amid Covid and only for the second time that year, the Russian President travelled abroad which shows the close relationship between the two countries. Both leaders have spoken four times this year, including on the day when Russia began its invasion of Ukraine--24th February. India has continuously emphasised the need for dialogue and diplomacy to end the conflict in Ukraine, from the United Nations Security Council to various conversations both leaders have had. At UNSC, Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj, Permanent Representative of India to the UN recently said, 'India’s approach will be to promote dialogue and diplomacy with an overarching aim to end the conflict and work with other partners to mitigate economic challenges emerging from the Russia-Ukraine conflict.' India, on its part, has sent 12 consignments of humanitarian aid to Ukraine. The 12th consignment consisted of 26 types of medicines, including ‘hemostatic bandages’ meant to stem the bleeding of deep wounds in children and adults. The earlier 11 consignments included 97.5 tonnes of humanitarian aid to Ukraine and neighbouring countries like Romania, Moldova, Slovakia and Poland. Ukraine and its neighbouring countries offered their full support in the relief and evacuation operation of around 22500 Indian nationals in February-March this year. Indian PM @narendramodi will travel to Uzbekistan for the crucial #SCOSummit. The Indian leader will also hold a bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the summit.@SaroyaHem talks to @sidhant for details Watch more: https://t.co/AXC5qRuO3J pic.twitter.com/puW7XLTfXL — WION (@WIONews) September 14, 2022 × But ties with Russia remain of paramount importance. Earlier this year, Indian National Security advisor Ajit Doval visited the country even as both sides are expected to hold the next round of India Russia summit and India Russia 2+2 defense and foreign ministers meet--both of which will take place in Russia later this year. Russia is an important partner when it comes to nuclear energy--the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant being of the flagships when it comes to a strategic partnership. Moscow has been backing India's membership in the NSG or Nuclear suppliers' group, a reformed and expanded United Nations Security Council. Cooperation in space has been another key dimension of ties. Russia trained Indian astronauts who will be on board the Gaganyaan at the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center and will be part of Gaganyaan, India's first manned mission to space. While the Ukraine conflict divides the world, the west is keen on the isolation of Russia. Amidst this, Russia has increased its emphasis on ties with Asian giants like China and India. A meeting with Indian Prime Minister Modi will be a shot in the arm for Russia's Putin. A picture that Moscow needs desperately as it battles the fallout from the invasion of Ukraine.

SCO summit: Indian PM Modi, Russian President Putin to hold bilateral talks in Samarkand

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be visiting Samarkand to attend the 22nd meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, which is scheduled to be held on September 15-16. PM Modi is expected to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin during the summit.

22nd SCO meet to be held in Uzbekistan, Indian PM Modi to meet Russia President Putin

The Kremlin has announced that Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be holding bilateral talks on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). The statement added that the talks will mainly focus on trade and energy ties between the countries.&nbsp;

The SCO is currently the largest regional bloc in the world with eight full members - India, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Pakistan and Uzbekistan. This year’s SCO summit is scheduled to be held&nbsp;at Samarkand, Uzbekistan on September 15-16.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zelensky-claims-troops-recaptured-over-6000-sq-km-while-some-reached-russian-border-515620">Zelensky claims troops recaptured 6000 sq km while some reached Russian border</a>

“There are plans to discuss issues of ‘saturation’ of the Indian market with Russian fertiliser and bilateral food supplies. First of all, moves, aimed at boosting bilateral trade flows, will be looked at. The trade turnover reached $11.5bn in the first half of 2022, up almost 120 per cent year-on-year.” &nbsp;

In the last few months, the fertiliser imports from Russia have increased by quite a bit when it comes to the Indian market and according to Al Jazeera, India wants to sign a three-year fertiliser import deal.&nbsp;

While the imports in 2021 were worth somewhere around $773.54, they rose significantly between April and July this year with a valuation of&nbsp;$1.03bn, according to the Indian commerce ministry’s website.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/foreign-dignitaries-attending-queens-funeral-must-travel-by-commercial-flights-515767">Foreign dignitaries attending Queen’s funeral must travel by commercial flight</a>

The two countries are also looking to solidify their partnership when it comes to energy even after western countries’ criticism of India’s stance following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.&nbsp;

“India is keen to strengthen its partnership with Russia on Arctic issues. There is also immense potential for cooperation in the field of energy,” Modi earlier said at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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The Kremlin has announced that Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be holding bilateral talks on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).

The Kremlin has announced that Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be holding bilateral talks on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). The statement added that the talks will mainly focus on trade and energy ties between the countries. The SCO is currently the largest regional bloc in the world with eight full members - India, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Pakistan and Uzbekistan. This year’s SCO summit is scheduled to be held at Samarkand, Uzbekistan on September 15-16. Also read | Zelensky claims troops recaptured 6000 sq km while some reached Russian border “There are plans to discuss issues of ‘saturation’ of the Indian market with Russian fertiliser and bilateral food supplies. First of all, moves, aimed at boosting bilateral trade flows, will be looked at. The trade turnover reached $11.5bn in the first half of 2022, up almost 120 per cent year-on-year.” In the last few months, the fertiliser imports from Russia have increased by quite a bit when it comes to the Indian market and according to Al Jazeera, India wants to sign a three-year fertiliser import deal. While the imports in 2021 were worth somewhere around $773.54, they rose significantly between April and July this year with a valuation of $1.03bn, according to the Indian commerce ministry’s website. Also read | Foreign dignitaries attending Queen’s funeral must travel by commercial flight The two countries are also looking to solidify their partnership when it comes to energy even after western countries’ criticism of India’s stance following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. “India is keen to strengthen its partnership with Russia on Arctic issues. There is also immense potential for cooperation in the field of energy,” Modi earlier said at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE -

Narendra Modi to meet Vladimir Putin at SCO summit, focus on trade and energy ties

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be in Uzbekistan on September 15 and 16 to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit where he is expected to meet Russian Vladimir Putin.

Indian PM Narendra Modi likely to meet Russian Prez Vladimir Putin in Uzbekistan

As tensions over Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant continues to escalate, Russian President Vladimir Putin has now warned his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron of potential catastrophic consequences because of the repeated attacks at the facility from Ukraine's side.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and French counterpart Emmanuel Macron hold talks over nuke plant

For the first time in two years since the outbreak of Covid, Chinese President Xi Jinping will step out of Beijing for Uzbekistan to meet his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin

The meeting comes a month ahead of the 20th Chinese Communist Party’s Congress next month in Beijing, where Xi Jinping is likely to secure a third term in office as president even as a revamped top leadership line-up is expected to be unveiled. With this Xi will cement his place as the most powerful Chinese leader since Mao Zedong.

Xi will land in Kazakhstan first on Wednesday, and then will travel to the ancient Silk Road city of Samarkand in Uzbekistan, where he will meet Putin at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization's summit.

The meeting between Xi and Putin was confirmed by the Russian president’s foreign policy aide, Yuri Ushakov, last week.

But he declined to give further details on the content of the talks, while China has yet to confirm Xi's travel plans.

The members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation are Russia, China, India, Pakistan and four Central Asian states. Iran, one of Moscow's key allies in the Gulf, is next in line to get the membership.,

The meeting comes as both share tense relationships with the United States, which have further deteriorated after the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

"It is all about Xi in my view: he wants to show just how confident he is domestically and to be seen as the international leader of nations opposed to Western hegemony," George Magnus, author of "Red Flags", a book about Xi's challenges, told Reuters.

"Privately I imagine Xi will be most anxious about how Putin's war is going and indeed if Putin or Russia are in play at some point in the near future because China still needs an anti-western leadership in Moscow," he added.

(With inputs from agencies)

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For the first time in two years since the outbreak of Covid, Chinese President Xi Jinping will step out of Beijing for Uzbekistan to meet his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin The meeting comes a month ahead of the 20th Chinese Communist Party’s Congress next month in Beijing, where Xi Jinping is likely to secure a third term in office as president even as a revamped top leadership line-up is expected to be unveiled.

For the first time in two years since the outbreak of Covid, Chinese President Xi Jinping will step out of Beijing for Uzbekistan to meet his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin The meeting comes a month ahead of the 20th Chinese Communist Party’s Congress next month in Beijing, where Xi Jinping is likely to secure a third term in office as president even as a revamped top leadership line-up is expected to be unveiled. With this Xi will cement his place as the most powerful Chinese leader since Mao Zedong. Xi will land in Kazakhstan first on Wednesday, and then will travel to the ancient Silk Road city of Samarkand in Uzbekistan, where he will meet Putin at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization's summit. The meeting between Xi and Putin was confirmed by the Russian president’s foreign policy aide, Yuri Ushakov, last week. But he declined to give further details on the content of the talks, while China has yet to confirm Xi's travel plans. The members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation are Russia, China, India, Pakistan and four Central Asian states. Iran, one of Moscow's key allies in the Gulf, is next in line to get the membership., The meeting comes as both share tense relationships with the United States, which have further deteriorated after the Russian invasion of Ukraine. "It is all about Xi in my view: he wants to show just how confident he is domestically and to be seen as the international leader of nations opposed to Western hegemony," George Magnus, author of "Red Flags", a book about Xi's challenges, told Reuters. "Privately I imagine Xi will be most anxious about how Putin's war is going and indeed if Putin or Russia are in play at some point in the near future because China still needs an anti-western leadership in Moscow," he added. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

For first time since Covid outbreak, Xi Jinping to leave China, meet Putin

In a counter-offensive centred on the country's northeast, Ukraine said Sunday its forces had recaptured more than 3,000 square kilometres (1,158 square miles) this month from Russian troops.

Ukrainian general Valeriy Zaluzhny said, "Since the beginning of September, more than 3,000 square kilometres have been returned to Ukrainian control. Around Kharkiv, we have begun to advance not only in the south and east but also to the north. We are 50 kilometres (31 miles) from the border."

Exploiting quick gains they made in a week of fighting that has sharply changed the course of the conflict, Ukrainian forces pushed its counteroffensive in the country’s east.

Marking the biggest battlefield success for Ukrainian forces since they thwarted a Russian attempt to seize Kyiv, Moscow withdrew its troops to prevent them from being surrounded in Kharkiv.

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Paving the way for a further push into the Luhansk region, Ukrainian forces will advance to the south and east of the country as per Kyiv-based military analyst Oleh Zhdanov.

Urging the Kremlin to respond by stepping up war efforts, Russian military bloggers bemoaned it as a major defeat.

Despite the debacle in Ukraine, Russian authorities continued with fireworks and other lavish festivities in Moscow that marked a city holiday on Saturday.

Russian President Vladimir Putin attended the opening of a huge observation wheel at a Moscow park just as the country's forces were hastily pulling back from Izyum under Ukrainian fire.

Highlighting the retreat from the Kharkiv region resulting from the Russian military leadership’s blunders, the Kremlin-backed leader of Chechnya Ramzan Kadyrov said they need to make changes in strategy.

According to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, the conflict is entering a critical period. Warning that the war would likely drag on for months, he urged Ukraine’s Western backers to keep up their support through what could be a difficult winter. 
&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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In a counter-offensive centred on the country's northeast, Ukraine said Sunday its forces had recaptured more than 3,000 square kilometres (1,158 square miles) this month from Russian troops.

In a counter-offensive centred on the country's northeast, Ukraine said Sunday its forces had recaptured more than 3,000 square kilometres (1,158 square miles) this month from Russian troops. Ukrainian general Valeriy Zaluzhny said, "Since the beginning of September, more than 3,000 square kilometres have been returned to Ukrainian control. Around Kharkiv, we have begun to advance not only in the south and east but also to the north. We are 50 kilometres (31 miles) from the border." Exploiting quick gains they made in a week of fighting that has sharply changed the course of the conflict, Ukrainian forces pushed its counteroffensive in the country’s east. Marking the biggest battlefield success for Ukrainian forces since they thwarted a Russian attempt to seize Kyiv, Moscow withdrew its troops to prevent them from being surrounded in Kharkiv. × Paving the way for a further push into the Luhansk region, Ukrainian forces will advance to the south and east of the country as per Kyiv-based military analyst Oleh Zhdanov. Urging the Kremlin to respond by stepping up war efforts, Russian military bloggers bemoaned it as a major defeat. Despite the debacle in Ukraine, Russian authorities continued with fireworks and other lavish festivities in Moscow that marked a city holiday on Saturday. Russian President Vladimir Putin attended the opening of a huge observation wheel at a Moscow park just as the country's forces were hastily pulling back from Izyum under Ukrainian fire. Highlighting the retreat from the Kharkiv region resulting from the Russian military leadership’s blunders, the Kremlin-backed leader of Chechnya Ramzan Kadyrov said they need to make changes in strategy. According to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, the conflict is entering a critical period. Warning that the war would likely drag on for months, he urged Ukraine’s Western backers to keep up their support through what could be a difficult winter. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here: ×

Recaptured over 3,000 sq km this month from Russian troops: Ukraine

All the eight leaders of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, or SCO, will be attending the summit next week in person in Uzbekistan's cultural capital&nbsp;Samarkand. The press secretary of Uzbekistan's President, Sherzod Asadov, in a Facebook post said that this will be the first in-person meeting of the SCO leaders since 2019 and will conclude the doubly landlocked central Asian country's chairmanship of the organization. In a picture he posted along with the message, he listed the names of all the eight leaders of the member states who will attend the summit in the country from September 15th to 16th.

The leaders include the host Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Pakistani PM Shehbaz Sharif, Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Japarov, and Tajikistan's President Emomali Rahmon. 
 
The grouping, which was formed in 2001, is one of the largest on the planet in terms of geographical size, population, and GDP. Sherzod in the statement said, "The following were at the core of Uzbekistan's chairmanship at SCO: - strengthening of economic ties and trade; promoting industrial and tech. cooperation; furthering broader connectivity; digital transformation and green economy; strengthening the international profile of SCO."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-china-disengagement-at-gogra-hotsprings-pp15-raise-hope-of-modi-xi-meet-at-sco-samarkand-summit-514177">Also read |&nbsp;India, China disengagement at Gogra-Hotsprings PP15 raise hope of Modi-Xi meet at SCO Samarkand Summit</a>

In all, 15 leaders will be attending the mega summit, including eight&nbsp;member countries, three&nbsp;observer countries, and four invited guests. The leaders of the observer countries include Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, and Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh. 
 
The leaders who have been invited as guests at the summit are Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev, Armenia's Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, and Turkmenistan President Serdar Berdimuhamedow.

The summit is happening at a time when&nbsp;global geopolitical changes, including the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the Taiwan Strait crisis, and provides ample opportunities for the leaders to also hold bilateral talks. It is not known right now if PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping will hold talks or not, but ahead of the summit, they announced the start of disengagement at Gogra-Hotsprings PP15, which is expected to be concluded by Monday, September 12th.

The ministry of external affairs said, "It has been agreed that all temporary structures and other allied infrastructure created in the area by both sides will be dismantled and mutually verified. The landforms in the area will be restored to the pre-stand-off period by both sides."

The development comes after the 16th round of the India-China Corps Commander Level Meeting that took place on July 17th. India and China have already undertaken disengagement at finger areas of Pangong Lake (Feb 2021), Gogra Hot Springs PP17, Galwan. But friction areas like Depsang and Demchok remain. 
 
Ties between the two&nbsp;countries&nbsp;have nosedived since the 2020 Galwan incident, in which aggressive actions by Chinese forces led to the deaths of 20 Indian soldiers. China, after much delay, accepted that it lost four of its soldiers, a claim that remains doubtful given Beijing's track record on transparency.

It is also not yet known if he will be meeting Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif, and the likelihood also remains dim. The relationship between India and Pakistan remains in a deep freeze over Islamabad's support for cross-border terror. After New Delhi removed the special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir in 2019, Pakistan suspended people-to-people and trade ties with it.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/polands-envoy-adam-burakowski-says-india-can-convince-russia-to-stop-war-512299">Also read |&nbsp;Poland's envoy Adam Burakowski says India can convince Russia to stop war</a>

India is expected to raise issues like Afghanistan, counter-terrorism, connectivity, and trade at the summit, but a key outcome will be the handing over of the presidency of the group. Under its presidency, India will host the SCO summit next year, inviting all member countries, including the Pakistani and Chinese leadership. This year, the grouping also expanded to include Iran as its ninth&nbsp;member. The last major expansion of the grouping was in 2017 when both India and Pakistan became members.

Last week, Russian President Putin confirmed that he would hold talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping. He told Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of China Li Zhanshu, "I will meet with President Xi Jinping soon, during the events related to the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, which will be held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan." 
 
Li Zhanshu, the third highest ranking leader in the Chinese communist party, was in Russia to participate in the Eastern Economic Forum.

It is important to know that this will be the first foreign visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping abroad since the COVID pandemic. He last visited abroad three&nbsp;years ago, which was a visit to Myanmar in January 2020.

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All the eight leaders of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, or SCO, will be attending the summit next week in person in Uzbekistan's cultural capital Samarkand.

All the eight leaders of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, or SCO, will be attending the summit next week in person in Uzbekistan's cultural capital Samarkand. The press secretary of Uzbekistan's President, Sherzod Asadov, in a Facebook post said that this will be the first in-person meeting of the SCO leaders since 2019 and will conclude the doubly landlocked central Asian country's chairmanship of the organization. In a picture he posted along with the message, he listed the names of all the eight leaders of the member states who will attend the summit in the country from September 15th to 16th. The leaders include the host Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Pakistani PM Shehbaz Sharif, Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Japarov, and Tajikistan's President Emomali Rahmon. The grouping, which was formed in 2001, is one of the largest on the planet in terms of geographical size, population, and GDP. Sherzod in the statement said, "The following were at the core of Uzbekistan's chairmanship at SCO: - strengthening of economic ties and trade; promoting industrial and tech. cooperation; furthering broader connectivity; digital transformation and green economy; strengthening the international profile of SCO." Also read | India, China disengagement at Gogra-Hotsprings PP15 raise hope of Modi-Xi meet at SCO Samarkand Summit In all, 15 leaders will be attending the mega summit, including eight member countries, three observer countries, and four invited guests. The leaders of the observer countries include Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, and Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh. The leaders who have been invited as guests at the summit are Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev, Armenia's Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, and Turkmenistan President Serdar Berdimuhamedow. The summit is happening at a time when global geopolitical changes, including the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the Taiwan Strait crisis, and provides ample opportunities for the leaders to also hold bilateral talks. It is not known right now if PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping will hold talks or not, but ahead of the summit, they announced the start of disengagement at Gogra-Hotsprings PP15, which is expected to be concluded by Monday, September 12th. The ministry of external affairs said, "It has been agreed that all temporary structures and other allied infrastructure created in the area by both sides will be dismantled and mutually verified. The landforms in the area will be restored to the pre-stand-off period by both sides." The development comes after the 16th round of the India-China Corps Commander Level Meeting that took place on July 17th. India and China have already undertaken disengagement at finger areas of Pangong Lake (Feb 2021), Gogra Hot Springs PP17, Galwan. But friction areas like Depsang and Demchok remain. Ties between the two countries have nosedived since the 2020 Galwan incident, in which aggressive actions by Chinese forces led to the deaths of 20 Indian soldiers. China, after much delay, accepted that it lost four of its soldiers, a claim that remains doubtful given Beijing's track record on transparency. It is also not yet known if he will be meeting Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif, and the likelihood also remains dim. The relationship between India and Pakistan remains in a deep freeze over Islamabad's support for cross-border terror. After New Delhi removed the special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir in 2019, Pakistan suspended people-to-people and trade ties with it. Also read | Poland's envoy Adam Burakowski says India can convince Russia to stop war India is expected to raise issues like Afghanistan, counter-terrorism, connectivity, and trade at the summit, but a key outcome will be the handing over of the presidency of the group. Under its presidency, India will host the SCO summit next year, inviting all member countries, including the Pakistani and Chinese leadership. This year, the grouping also expanded to include Iran as its ninth member. The last major expansion of the grouping was in 2017 when both India and Pakistan became members. Last week, Russian President Putin confirmed that he would hold talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping. He told Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of China Li Zhanshu, "I will meet with President Xi Jinping soon, during the events related to the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, which will be held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan." Li Zhanshu, the third highest ranking leader in the Chinese communist party, was in Russia to participate in the Eastern Economic Forum. It is important to know that this will be the first foreign visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping abroad since the COVID pandemic. He last visited abroad three years ago, which was a visit to Myanmar in January 2020. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

PM Modi, Russian President Putin and Chinese President Xi to attend SCO Samarkand summit: Uzbekistan

Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to meet Xi Jinping in Uzbekistan next week. This will be their first face-to-face meeting since Ukraine's invasion. What will the two discuss? What should we expect? Molly Gambhir tells you.

Gravitas: Xi Jinping to meet Vladimir Putin next week

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