Chinese and Russian warships fired machine guns into the Sea of Japan. Today - in a show of force, Russian President Vladimir Putin oversaw war games involving troops from several nations. Palki Sharma tells you more about Putin's powerplay.

Gravitas: China, Russia fire machine guns into Sea of Japan

Russian President Vladimir Putin attended large-scale military exercises on Tuesday taking place in Russia's Far East. Military exercise Vostok-2022 included the participation of China, Syria and India amongst other neighbouring countries and allies.

Russian President Vladimir Putin attends military exercises with Chinese forces

Chinese President Xi Jinping will meet his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin face-to-face "in less than 10 days" during a regional summit in Uzbekistan, a Russian diplomat said Wednesday.&nbsp;

This will be the Chinese leader's first trip abroad since the start of the pandemic. "In less than 10 days our leaders will meet at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit" in Samarkand, the Russian ambassador to China, Andrey Denisov, told Russian agencies.&nbsp;

The meeting, which is expected to happen next week at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, will be the first face-to-face meeting between the two leaders since the Russian invasion of Ukraine.&nbsp;

This will also be Xi's first overseas trip since the onset of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, which was first reported in China in December 2019.&nbsp;

Following a zero-Covid stance, China imposed strict Covid measures to curb the spread of the virus. It has significantly limited diplomatic travel for its top officials.&nbsp;

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Chinese President Xi Jinping will meet his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin face-to-face "in less than 10 days" during a regional summit in Uzbekistan, a Russian diplomat said Wednesday.

Chinese President Xi Jinping will meet his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin face-to-face "in less than 10 days" during a regional summit in Uzbekistan, a Russian diplomat said Wednesday. This will be the Chinese leader's first trip abroad since the start of the pandemic. "In less than 10 days our leaders will meet at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit" in Samarkand, the Russian ambassador to China, Andrey Denisov, told Russian agencies. The meeting, which is expected to happen next week at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, will be the first face-to-face meeting between the two leaders since the Russian invasion of Ukraine. This will also be Xi's first overseas trip since the onset of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, which was first reported in China in December 2019. Following a zero-Covid stance, China imposed strict Covid measures to curb the spread of the virus. It has significantly limited diplomatic travel for its top officials. 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.

Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin to meet in Uzbekistan next week: Report

Speaking on the second day of the Eastern Economic Forum, currently being held in the far-east port city of Vladivostok, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Moscow has&nbsp;not lost anything over actions in Ukraine.&nbsp;

"We haven't lost anything. It is true that we see a certain polarisation in the world and in the country, but it is all for a reason. Modern development can only be based upon sovereignty. We did not start anything in regard to the military actions, but&nbsp;we are willing to end it," said the Russian President.&nbsp;

Read more:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/president-putin-unveils-new-foreign-policy-doctrine-to-preserve-russian-world-513287">&nbsp;President Putin unveils new foreign policy doctrine to preserve ‘Russian World’</a>

After playing it cool that Russia had not lost anything, Putin trained his guns on the western nations and called them out for their aggressive sanctions fever.&nbsp;

"I am speaking of the West's sanctions fever, with its brazen, aggressive attempt to impose models of behaviour on other countries, to deprive them of their sovereignty and subordinate them to their will," said Putin.&nbsp;

Read more<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putins-ally-warns-us-that-its-attempts-to-divide-russia-could-lead-to-doomsday-512698">:&nbsp;Putin's ally warns US that its attempts to divide Russia could lead to doomsday</a>

Putin further added that in an attempt to resist the course of history, western countries are undermining the key pillars of the world economic system built over centuries.&nbsp;

As reported extensively by WION, Russia started its invasion of Ukraine in February earlier this year. More than six months have passed and Ukrainian forces have mounted stiff resistance, thereby pushing Putin's dream of annexing the Ukrainian territory into jeopardy for now.

Most of the western world has come out in support of Ukraine and imposed a myriad of sanctions on Russia to bleed it dry. In reaction, Moscow has used its position of leverage in oil and natural gas production as well as supply to turn the tables.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/you-should-ask-siemens-gazprom-on-the-resumption-of-nord-stream-1-pipeline-513425">`You should ask Siemens`, Gazprom on the resumption of Nord Stream 1 pipeline</a>

With the indefinite halt of the Nord Stream 1 pipeline, the lifeline of Europe, the entire continent awaits a bitter and frigid winter with anxiety. Kremlin is in no hurry to resume the supplies while it sells energy to nations like India and China at discounted prices.&nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Speaking on the second day of the Eastern Economic Forum, currently being held in the far-east port city of Vladivostok, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Moscow has not lost anything over actions in Ukraine.

Speaking on the second day of the Eastern Economic Forum, currently being held in the far-east port city of Vladivostok, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Moscow has not lost anything over actions in Ukraine. "We haven't lost anything. It is true that we see a certain polarisation in the world and in the country, but it is all for a reason. Modern development can only be based upon sovereignty. We did not start anything in regard to the military actions, but we are willing to end it," said the Russian President. Read more: President Putin unveils new foreign policy doctrine to preserve ‘Russian World’ After playing it cool that Russia had not lost anything, Putin trained his guns on the western nations and called them out for their aggressive sanctions fever. "I am speaking of the West's sanctions fever, with its brazen, aggressive attempt to impose models of behaviour on other countries, to deprive them of their sovereignty and subordinate them to their will," said Putin. Read more: Putin's ally warns US that its attempts to divide Russia could lead to doomsday Putin further added that in an attempt to resist the course of history, western countries are undermining the key pillars of the world economic system built over centuries. As reported extensively by WION, Russia started its invasion of Ukraine in February earlier this year. More than six months have passed and Ukrainian forces have mounted stiff resistance, thereby pushing Putin's dream of annexing the Ukrainian territory into jeopardy for now. Most of the western world has come out in support of Ukraine and imposed a myriad of sanctions on Russia to bleed it dry. In reaction, Moscow has used its position of leverage in oil and natural gas production as well as supply to turn the tables. Read more: `You should ask Siemens`, Gazprom on the resumption of Nord Stream 1 pipeline With the indefinite halt of the Nord Stream 1 pipeline, the lifeline of Europe, the entire continent awaits a bitter and frigid winter with anxiety. Kremlin is in no hurry to resume the supplies while it sells energy to nations like India and China at discounted prices. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

'We haven't lost anything', says Putin on the Ukraine war at Eastern Economic Forum

Faced with an energy crisis at the hands of Russia, Germany has taken a U-turn from its plans of a nuclear exit and announced on Monday that it would keep two of its nuclear plants on standby beyond the end of this year.

This comes a Russia has shut off gas supplies to Europe. After a three-day maintenance period last week, Russian energy giant Gazprom announced that gas deliveries via the Nord Stream 1 pipeline would not resume&nbsp;as scheduled. It blamed Western sanctions for the decision.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, "problems with pumping (gas) arose due to sanctions that were imposed against" Russia.

Watch |&nbsp;Gazprom misses September 3 deadline to restart gas supplies

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Economy Minister Robert Habeck announced in a statement that&nbsp;following a fresh network stress test, two of the three remaining power plants will "remain available until mid-April 2023 in case needed."

The facilities as per AFP would be held in reserve in case they were needed to "make a further contribution to the electricity grid in southern Germany," where the development of renewable energy lagged behind that of the north.

According to Habeck, such a crisis is still "very unlikely" because Germany has "very high security of supply."

The Green Minister also emphasised that Germany was sticking to its plan to abandon nuclear power, with all plants being disconnected from the grid at the end of the year, and that it was not reversing course.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/president-putin-unveils-new-foreign-policy-doctrine-to-preserve-russian-world-513287" hreflang="en">President Putin unveils new foreign policy doctrine to preserve ‘Russian World’</a>

New fuel rods won't be installed, and the reserve programme will end after mid-April 2023, according to Habeck.

The decision partially postpones a nuclear phase-out that was envisioned under the previous chancellor Angela Merkel, who decided to abandon nuclear power in 2011 in the wake of the Fukushima nuclear accident in Japan.

Habeck remarked that it was "not a surprise" that Moscow did not resume gas deliveries via Nord Stream 1.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sweden-finland-to-offer-liquidity-guarantees-to-energy-companies-513211">Sweden, Finland to offer liquidity guarantees to energy companies</a>

He said, "The only thing that is reliable from Russia is lies" adding that "we will have to solve our problems without consideration of (Russian President Vladimir) Putin's erratic decisions, and that's what we will do."&nbsp;

In Germany, where nuclear power has long been a topic of dispute even before Merkel's decision, extending the lifetime of the plants, which produce 6 per cent of the nation's electricity, has sparked a fierce debate.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Faced with an energy crisis at the hands of Russia, Germany has taken a U-turn from its plans of a nuclear exit and announced on Monday that it would keep two of its nuclear plants on standby beyond the end of this year.

Faced with an energy crisis at the hands of Russia, Germany has taken a U-turn from its plans of a nuclear exit and announced on Monday that it would keep two of its nuclear plants on standby beyond the end of this year. This comes a Russia has shut off gas supplies to Europe. After a three-day maintenance period last week, Russian energy giant Gazprom announced that gas deliveries via the Nord Stream 1 pipeline would not resume as scheduled. It blamed Western sanctions for the decision. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, "problems with pumping (gas) arose due to sanctions that were imposed against" Russia. Watch | Gazprom misses September 3 deadline to restart gas supplies Economy Minister Robert Habeck announced in a statement that following a fresh network stress test, two of the three remaining power plants will "remain available until mid-April 2023 in case needed." The facilities as per AFP would be held in reserve in case they were needed to "make a further contribution to the electricity grid in southern Germany," where the development of renewable energy lagged behind that of the north. According to Habeck, such a crisis is still "very unlikely" because Germany has "very high security of supply." The Green Minister also emphasised that Germany was sticking to its plan to abandon nuclear power, with all plants being disconnected from the grid at the end of the year, and that it was not reversing course. Also read | President Putin unveils new foreign policy doctrine to preserve ‘Russian World’ New fuel rods won't be installed, and the reserve programme will end after mid-April 2023, according to Habeck. The decision partially postpones a nuclear phase-out that was envisioned under the previous chancellor Angela Merkel, who decided to abandon nuclear power in 2011 in the wake of the Fukushima nuclear accident in Japan. Habeck remarked that it was "not a surprise" that Moscow did not resume gas deliveries via Nord Stream 1. Also read | Sweden, Finland to offer liquidity guarantees to energy companies He said, "The only thing that is reliable from Russia is lies" adding that "we will have to solve our problems without consideration of (Russian President Vladimir) Putin's erratic decisions, and that's what we will do." In Germany, where nuclear power has long been a topic of dispute even before Merkel's decision, extending the lifetime of the plants, which produce 6 per cent of the nation's electricity, has sparked a fierce debate. (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.

'Only thing reliable from Russia is lies': Faced with energy crisis Germany takes a U-turn to nuclear energy

A new foreign policy doctrine based on the concept of a "Russian World"— a conceptual framework used by hardliners to justify intervention in foreign countries with significant Russian speakers—was unveiled by President Vladimir Putin.

The 31-page “humanitarian policy” says Russia should "protect, safeguard and advance the traditions and ideals of the Russian World".

The idea was enshrined as the official policy on Monday and presented as a kind of a soft power strategy, reports Reuters news agency.

The policy has been used in the past to justify Moscow's occupation of parts of Ukraine and support for breakaway pro-Russian entities in the east of the country.

“The Russian Federation provides support to its compatriots living abroad in the fulfilment of their rights, to ensure the protection of their interests and the preservation of their Russian cultural identity," the policy said.

It also states that Russia's ties with its compatriots abroad allowed it to "strengthen on the international stage its image as a democratic country striving for the creating of a multi-polar world."

The policy calls for further deepening of its ties with the self-styled Donetsk People's Republic and the Luhansk People's Republic —two breakaway entities in eastern Ukraine, where the war continues to rage.

The new policy further states that Moscow should consolidate its cooperation with Slavic nations, China, and India, and further strengthen its ties to the Middle East, Latin America and Africa.

For years, Putin has been highlighting the “tragic fate” of those millions of ethnic Russians who have been living in newly independents states following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991—an event described by him as a geopolitical catastrophe.

Kremlin has continued to claim the former Soviet societies, from the Baltics to Central Asia, as its legitimate sphere of influence, which has been strongly opposed by many of those countries and the West.

(With inputs from agencies)

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A new foreign policy doctrine based on the concept of a "Russian World"— a conceptual framework used by hardliners to justify intervention in foreign countries with significant Russian speakers—was unveiled by President Vladimir Putin.

A new foreign policy doctrine based on the concept of a "Russian World"— a conceptual framework used by hardliners to justify intervention in foreign countries with significant Russian speakers—was unveiled by President Vladimir Putin. The 31-page “humanitarian policy” says Russia should "protect, safeguard and advance the traditions and ideals of the Russian World". The idea was enshrined as the official policy on Monday and presented as a kind of a soft power strategy, reports Reuters news agency. The policy has been used in the past to justify Moscow's occupation of parts of Ukraine and support for breakaway pro-Russian entities in the east of the country. “The Russian Federation provides support to its compatriots living abroad in the fulfilment of their rights, to ensure the protection of their interests and the preservation of their Russian cultural identity," the policy said. It also states that Russia's ties with its compatriots abroad allowed it to "strengthen on the international stage its image as a democratic country striving for the creating of a multi-polar world." The policy calls for further deepening of its ties with the self-styled Donetsk People's Republic and the Luhansk People's Republic —two breakaway entities in eastern Ukraine, where the war continues to rage. The new policy further states that Moscow should consolidate its cooperation with Slavic nations, China, and India, and further strengthen its ties to the Middle East, Latin America and Africa. For years, Putin has been highlighting the “tragic fate” of those millions of ethnic Russians who have been living in newly independents states following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991—an event described by him as a geopolitical catastrophe. Kremlin has continued to claim the former Soviet societies, from the Baltics to Central Asia, as its legitimate sphere of influence, which has been strongly opposed by many of those countries and the West. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

President Putin unveils new foreign policy doctrine to preserve ‘Russian World’

Music transcends war, six months into the Russian invasion Kyiv dances on

Vladimir Putin will not be attending Mikhail Gorbachev's funeral due to 'scheduling issues'. The Russian government has also denied a state funeral for the former Soviet leader. Palki Sharma decodes the politics behind Gorbachev's legacy.

Gravitas: Putin will not attend Gorbachev's funeral

The deputy secretary of Russia’s Security Council chaired by President Vladimir Putin has said that the United States and its allies are trying to provoke the country’s breakup.

Warning that such attempts could lead to doomsday, Dmitry Medvedev alleged that some in the West would like to take advantage of Russia's ''special operation'' to denazify Ukraine.

Lashing out at the West due to the imposition of unprecedented sanctions against Russia, the 56-year-old former lawyer has published increasingly hawkish posts on social media.

The former Russian president compared the attempt to engineer Russia’s breakup to the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.

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In an apparent attempt to curry favour with Putin, Medvedev highlighted that Moscow’s nuclear arsenals are “the best guarantee of safeguarding Great Russia.”&nbsp;

“Such attempts are very dangerous and mustn’t be underestimated. Those dreamers ignore a simple axiom: a forceful disintegration of nuclear power is always a chess game with Death, in which it’s known precisely when the check and mate comes: doomsday for mankind,” Medvedev said in a post published on his messaging app channel.

Invoking the possibility of a nuclear war, Medvedev has called those who "hate" Russia "degenerates".

Medvedev's comments come after he previously claimed that Moscow would not stop its military campaign in Ukraine even if Kyiv drops its hopes to join NATO.

While thousands have been killed in Russia's military intervention in Ukraine, millions have been forced to flee their homes.

Medvedev had shattered hopes of democratic change in Russia when he renounced his claim to a second term during his tenure (2008-2012) and swapped jobs with then prime minister Vladimir Putin instead.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The deputy secretary of Russia’s Security Council chaired by President Vladimir Putin has said that the United States and its allies are trying to provoke the country’s breakup.

The deputy secretary of Russia’s Security Council chaired by President Vladimir Putin has said that the United States and its allies are trying to provoke the country’s breakup. Warning that such attempts could lead to doomsday, Dmitry Medvedev alleged that some in the West would like to take advantage of Russia's ''special operation'' to denazify Ukraine. Lashing out at the West due to the imposition of unprecedented sanctions against Russia, the 56-year-old former lawyer has published increasingly hawkish posts on social media. The former Russian president compared the attempt to engineer Russia’s breakup to the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. × In an apparent attempt to curry favour with Putin, Medvedev highlighted that Moscow’s nuclear arsenals are “the best guarantee of safeguarding Great Russia.” “Such attempts are very dangerous and mustn’t be underestimated. Those dreamers ignore a simple axiom: a forceful disintegration of nuclear power is always a chess game with Death, in which it’s known precisely when the check and mate comes: doomsday for mankind,” Medvedev said in a post published on his messaging app channel. Invoking the possibility of a nuclear war, Medvedev has called those who "hate" Russia "degenerates". Medvedev's comments come after he previously claimed that Moscow would not stop its military campaign in Ukraine even if Kyiv drops its hopes to join NATO. While thousands have been killed in Russia's military intervention in Ukraine, millions have been forced to flee their homes. Medvedev had shattered hopes of democratic change in Russia when he renounced his claim to a second term during his tenure (2008-2012) and swapped jobs with then prime minister Vladimir Putin instead. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here: ×

Putin's ally warns US that its attempts to divide Russia could lead to doomsday

As the global agencies continue to ring warning bells over the condition of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has reportedly offered to mediate between Kyiv and Moscow.

As the global agencies continue to ring warning bells over the condition of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has reportedly offered to mediate between Kyiv and Moscow. Referring to Türkiye acting as a guarantor when the two countries signed a grain export agreement with the United Nations, the Turkish presidency stated: "President Erdogan stated that Turkey can play a facilitator role in the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant, as they did in the grain deal." Last month, Erdogan met his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky and sounded similar concerns regarding the nuclear plant. "While continuing our efforts to find a solution (to the conflict), we remain on the side of our Ukraine friends. We are worried. We don't want another Chernobyl," Erdogan said at the time. WATCH | International Atomic Energy Agency team inspects Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant × As reported by WION, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on Friday stated that the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station had sustained major damages to its “physical integrity” due to the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine. “It is obvious that the physical integrity of the plant has been violated several times. I worried, I worry and I will continue to be worried about the plant. We spent there four or five hours. I have seen a lot, and I have my people there, we were able to tour the whole site,” said Rafael Grossi, the director general of IAEA. Read more: As Turkey warns of 'another Chernobyl', Zelensky says 'no peace' until Russia withdraws its troops It is pertinent to note that the world's worst nuclear disaster, the 'Chernobyl Catastrophe' took place in Ukraine only, 110 kilometres away from the capital city of Kyiv. If another nuclear disaster takes place, it could practically affect the entire planet this time, forget only Europe. As reported by WION, Russian forces took control of the nuclear power plant in March this year. The plant generates 40-42 billion kWh which accounts for one-fifth (20 per cent) of the average annual electricity production in Ukraine and for almost 47 per cent of electricity generated by Ukrainian nuclear power plants. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Turkey ready to mediate in Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant crisis, Erdogan tells Putin

Soviet Union's last leader Mikhail Gorbachev breathed his last on August 30. Hundreds of thousands of people gathered on September 3 to pay their respect to the leader on the day of his funeral except Russian President Vladimir Putin who missed the ceremony.

Funeral held for USSR's last leader Mikhail Gorbachev; Putin misses ceremony

The last leader of the erstwhile mighty Soviet empire, Mikhail S. Gorbachev passed away on 30th August 2022 &nbsp;at the ripe age of 91 in a hospital in Moscow. The former General Secretary of the Communist Party of Soviet Union (1985-90) and President of the USSR (1990-91) was the de-facto ruler of the country and is rightly remembered as a leader of global stature who was instrumental in bringing about a revolutionary change in world order. But arguably Gorbachev is not rightly judged when he is accused of presiding over the demise in 1991 of an advanced nuclear power namely the &nbsp;Soviet Union.

In order that the younger generations are able to understand Gorbachev, his policies, successes and failures in the right perspective a quick peep into the defining moments of the history of those years is called for.

By the time Gorbachev rose in power to become the General Secretary of CPSU at a relatively young age of 54 , the USSR had attained the stature of a global super nuclear power next only to or perhaps at par with the USA. In the preceding years, the USSR had undergone a complete political, economic and social transformation and the society had attained a distinct &nbsp;Soviet identity in several aspects. However, a strong sense of deprivation, craving for the glitter and glamour of the West, and suppression of basic freedoms prevailed at grassroots levels.&nbsp;

It was against the above backdrop that Gorbachev's unveiled &nbsp;“Perestroika" &nbsp;and “Glasnost”. Perestroika (restructuring) was meant to open up the Soviet economy, provide incentives to private initiative and entrepreneurship and to integrate with global economy to the extent possible. The idea of “Perestroika” was in tune with the trends of globalisation gaining momentum in those years. &nbsp; Gorbachev's “Glasnost” was intended to create opportunities for the freedom of expression for individuals, media and institutions for a society which had suffered enormously due to suppression of dissent at the hands of the authorities, particularly during the regime of Stalin when millions lost life for opposing the system.

The gradual democratisation of political system and transformation of state-controlled economy to market economy were thus the overall objectives of the twin reforms of Perestroika and Glasnost.&nbsp;

Unfortunately from Gorbachev’s perspective, there was an unintended fallout from Perestroika and Glasnost. Perestroika ran into difficulties as Gorbachev did not put in place a road map or a new viable framework before advocating the reform of existing state-controlled economic structures. Further, Glasnost led to the resurgence of suppressed nationalism in various parts of the USSR resulting in aspirations for cessation from the USSR and declaration of independence.

It is pertinent to point out that Gorbachev was opposed to the idea of cessation and separatism and wanted to preserve the Soviet Union, albeit in a renewed and reformed version where the constituent Republics were assured greater sovereignty. In an address to the nation in February 1991, Gorbachev was reported to have said “It is my deepest conviction that the union must be preserved”, and that “Separatism will doom people and destroy their lifestyles.” He even gave a veiled warning that “those who secede will doom themselves to failure.”&nbsp;

However, much to the disliking of Gorbachev, the nationalist movements in Soviet Union culminated in the declaration of independence by the three Baltic Republics—Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia—in March, 1991 and there were signs of other Republics moving in the same direction. This posed a serious threat to the survival of the Soviet Union.&nbsp;

Against this backdrop and also in order to appease the conservative forces in CPSU, Gorbachev made an attempt to preserve the Union as a reformed federal structure. A nation-wide referendum was held on March 17th, 1991, in which the voters were expected to say Yes OR No to the question: “Do you consider necessary the preservation of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics as a renewed federation of equal sovereign republics in which the rights and freedom of an individual of any nationality will be fully guaranteed?”&nbsp;

Six Soviet Republics, including Armenia and Georgia from the South Caucasus and Moldavia as well as three Baltic republics—Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia — did not participate. Over 80% of the Soviet adult population (148.5 million people) took part in the referendum, and of them 76.4% voted “yes.” This indeed was a moral victory for Gorbachev and a strong mandate for him to reconstitute the Union in a reformed format. On 23rd April, 1991, Gorbachev met at Novo-Ogarevo, a village near Moscow, the leaders of the nine Republics who had participated in the referendum and set into motion the process of drafting a new Union Treaty. (This process came to be known as Novo-Ogarevo process.)&nbsp;

According to the negotiated text of the Treaty, the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics was to be replaced by the Union of Soviet Sovereign States. Article 1 of the Treaty read: “Each republic party to the treaty is a sovereign state. The Union of Soviet Sovereign Republics (USSR) is a sovereign federal democratic state, formed as a result of the association of equal republics and exercising state power within the limits of its powers, which are voluntarily vested in it by the parties to the treaty.”&nbsp;

However, the Treaty could never be signed as the events were overtaken by the abortive coup plotted by the conservative communists against Gorbachev, hours before the scheduled signing of the new Treaty on 20th August 1991. Gorbachev was put under house arrest but released after a short while as the coup failed but he emerged from this episode as a weak leader. He resigned as General Secretary of CPSU on 24th August 1991.&nbsp;

Soon the power centre shifted towards Boris Yeltsin, the President of the Russian Soviet Federative Republic, who had displayed enormous courage in challenging and aborting the Coup. He did not pursue the idea of a reformed Union and instead took his own proposal to a logical conclusion with the signing on 21st December, 1991 of Alma Ata Declaration on the establishment of the Commonwealth of Independent States. The resignation of Gorbachev four days later as President of the USSR on 25th December, 1991 was a mere formality. It is difficult to say what would have been the fate of the truncated new Union, had there been no coup on 18th August, 1991.&nbsp;

In a nutshell Gorbachev was a well-intentioned reformist but failed to realise his dream of a reformed Soviet Union. One may also call him an Utopian who wanted to reconstitute the USSR as a Union of independent States and then preside over it as a super President.

Understandably on his demise Gorbachev is receiving glowing tributes from the West. The Indian Prime Minister has also described him as a “ leading statesmen of the 20th century who left an indelible mark on the course of history," But unfortunately so is not the case in his own country where many still consider him responsible for the disintegration of the USSR. President Putin who visited hospital to lay a wreath, is opting out of the funeral on 3rd September on the pretext of prior commitments. Reports at hand suggest that Putin is denying Gorbachev a full State funeral. &nbsp;

Technically Putin may be correct in as much as Gorbachev did not hold any official position in the Russian Federation which emerged after the collapse of the USSR and therefore a public ceremony in the prestigious Hall of Columns and a military guard of honour to pay tribute to Gorbachev is what &nbsp;the &nbsp;Russian government considers as best and in order. But there is obviously more than what meets the eyes.&nbsp;

Putin never had a comfortable relationship with Gorbachev who recently criticised Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Further, Putin is known for his nostalgia for the USSR and is determined to restore the lost glory of Russian empire. &nbsp;

He once described the collapse of the Soviet Union as the” greatest geopolitical catastrophe of the century” and that “whoever does not miss the Soviet Union has no heart”. Putin’s decision to stay away from the funeral is perhaps to convey that he has not forgiven Gorbachev even after his demise.

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

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The last leader of the erstwhile mighty Soviet empire, Mikhail S. Gorbachev passed away on 30th August 2022 at the ripe age of 91 in a hospital in Moscow. The former General Secretary of the Communist Party of Soviet Union (1985-90) and President of the USSR (1990-91) was the de-facto ruler of the country and is rightly remembered as a leader of global stature who was instrumental in bringing about a revolutionary change in world order.

The last leader of the erstwhile mighty Soviet empire, Mikhail S. Gorbachev passed away on 30th August 2022 at the ripe age of 91 in a hospital in Moscow. The former General Secretary of the Communist Party of Soviet Union (1985-90) and President of the USSR (1990-91) was the de-facto ruler of the country and is rightly remembered as a leader of global stature who was instrumental in bringing about a revolutionary change in world order. But arguably Gorbachev is not rightly judged when he is accused of presiding over the demise in 1991 of an advanced nuclear power namely the Soviet Union. In order that the younger generations are able to understand Gorbachev, his policies, successes and failures in the right perspective a quick peep into the defining moments of the history of those years is called for. By the time Gorbachev rose in power to become the General Secretary of CPSU at a relatively young age of 54 , the USSR had attained the stature of a global super nuclear power next only to or perhaps at par with the USA. In the preceding years, the USSR had undergone a complete political, economic and social transformation and the society had attained a distinct Soviet identity in several aspects. However, a strong sense of deprivation, craving for the glitter and glamour of the West, and suppression of basic freedoms prevailed at grassroots levels. It was against the above backdrop that Gorbachev's unveiled “Perestroika" and “Glasnost”. Perestroika (restructuring) was meant to open up the Soviet economy, provide incentives to private initiative and entrepreneurship and to integrate with global economy to the extent possible. The idea of “Perestroika” was in tune with the trends of globalisation gaining momentum in those years. Gorbachev's “Glasnost” was intended to create opportunities for the freedom of expression for individuals, media and institutions for a society which had suffered enormously due to suppression of dissent at the hands of the authorities, particularly during the regime of Stalin when millions lost life for opposing the system. The gradual democratisation of political system and transformation of state-controlled economy to market economy were thus the overall objectives of the twin reforms of Perestroika and Glasnost. Unfortunately from Gorbachev’s perspective, there was an unintended fallout from Perestroika and Glasnost. Perestroika ran into difficulties as Gorbachev did not put in place a road map or a new viable framework before advocating the reform of existing state-controlled economic structures. Further, Glasnost led to the resurgence of suppressed nationalism in various parts of the USSR resulting in aspirations for cessation from the USSR and declaration of independence. It is pertinent to point out that Gorbachev was opposed to the idea of cessation and separatism and wanted to preserve the Soviet Union, albeit in a renewed and reformed version where the constituent Republics were assured greater sovereignty. In an address to the nation in February 1991, Gorbachev was reported to have said “It is my deepest conviction that the union must be preserved”, and that “Separatism will doom people and destroy their lifestyles.” He even gave a veiled warning that “those who secede will doom themselves to failure.” However, much to the disliking of Gorbachev, the nationalist movements in Soviet Union culminated in the declaration of independence by the three Baltic Republics—Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia—in March, 1991 and there were signs of other Republics moving in the same direction. This posed a serious threat to the survival of the Soviet Union. Against this backdrop and also in order to appease the conservative forces in CPSU, Gorbachev made an attempt to preserve the Union as a reformed federal structure. A nation-wide referendum was held on March 17th, 1991, in which the voters were expected to say Yes OR No to the question: “Do you consider necessary the preservation of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics as a renewed federation of equal sovereign republics in which the rights and freedom of an individual of any nationality will be fully guaranteed?” Six Soviet Republics, including Armenia and Georgia from the South Caucasus and Moldavia as well as three Baltic republics—Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia — did not participate. Over 80% of the Soviet adult population (148.5 million people) took part in the referendum, and of them 76.4% voted “yes.” This indeed was a moral victory for Gorbachev and a strong mandate for him to reconstitute the Union in a reformed format. On 23rd April, 1991, Gorbachev met at Novo-Ogarevo, a village near Moscow, the leaders of the nine Republics who had participated in the referendum and set into motion the process of drafting a new Union Treaty. (This process came to be known as Novo-Ogarevo process.) According to the negotiated text of the Treaty, the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics was to be replaced by the Union of Soviet Sovereign States. Article 1 of the Treaty read: “Each republic party to the treaty is a sovereign state. The Union of Soviet Sovereign Republics (USSR) is a sovereign federal democratic state, formed as a result of the association of equal republics and exercising state power within the limits of its powers, which are voluntarily vested in it by the parties to the treaty.” However, the Treaty could never be signed as the events were overtaken by the abortive coup plotted by the conservative communists against Gorbachev, hours before the scheduled signing of the new Treaty on 20th August 1991. Gorbachev was put under house arrest but released after a short while as the coup failed but he emerged from this episode as a weak leader. He resigned as General Secretary of CPSU on 24th August 1991. Soon the power centre shifted towards Boris Yeltsin, the President of the Russian Soviet Federative Republic, who had displayed enormous courage in challenging and aborting the Coup. He did not pursue the idea of a reformed Union and instead took his own proposal to a logical conclusion with the signing on 21st December, 1991 of Alma Ata Declaration on the establishment of the Commonwealth of Independent States. The resignation of Gorbachev four days later as President of the USSR on 25th December, 1991 was a mere formality. It is difficult to say what would have been the fate of the truncated new Union, had there been no coup on 18th August, 1991. In a nutshell Gorbachev was a well-intentioned reformist but failed to realise his dream of a reformed Soviet Union. One may also call him an Utopian who wanted to reconstitute the USSR as a Union of independent States and then preside over it as a super President. Understandably on his demise Gorbachev is receiving glowing tributes from the West. The Indian Prime Minister has also described him as a “ leading statesmen of the 20th century who left an indelible mark on the course of history," But unfortunately so is not the case in his own country where many still consider him responsible for the disintegration of the USSR. President Putin who visited hospital to lay a wreath, is opting out of the funeral on 3rd September on the pretext of prior commitments. Reports at hand suggest that Putin is denying Gorbachev a full State funeral. Technically Putin may be correct in as much as Gorbachev did not hold any official position in the Russian Federation which emerged after the collapse of the USSR and therefore a public ceremony in the prestigious Hall of Columns and a military guard of honour to pay tribute to Gorbachev is what the Russian government considers as best and in order. But there is obviously more than what meets the eyes. Putin never had a comfortable relationship with Gorbachev who recently criticised Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Further, Putin is known for his nostalgia for the USSR and is determined to restore the lost glory of Russian empire. He once described the collapse of the Soviet Union as the” greatest geopolitical catastrophe of the century” and that “whoever does not miss the Soviet Union has no heart”. Putin’s decision to stay away from the funeral is perhaps to convey that he has not forgiven Gorbachev even after his demise. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.) 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 hasn't forgiven Gorbachev yet

For most of his life, Mikhail Gorbachev has had a love-hate relationship with Putin. The ex-Soviet leader first embraced, then rejected and then embraced the man who came to embody Russia in the eyes of the West. Molly Gambhir tells you all about their relationship.

WION Fineprint | It’s complicated: The Relationship status of Mikhail Gorbachev and Vladimir Putin

Mikhail Gorbachev, the last leader of the Soviet Union has passed away at the age of 91. Western leaders are mourning his demise, but the statements from Russia have been brief. Revered by the west, reviled at home, he leaves behind a divided legacy. Palki Sharma explains.

Gravitas | Mikhail Gorbachev: Soviet Union's last leader dies

Russian President Vladimir Putin paid tributes to former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, who passed away on Tuesday (August 30) aged 91. In a Telegram, Putin wrote that Gorbachev had had a "huge impact on the course of world history".&nbsp;

Putin said Gorbachev "deeply understood that reforms were necessary" and offered his own solutions to the problems faced by the Soviet Union in the 1980s.&nbsp;

In a statement released from the Kremlin, Putin said, "Mikhail Gorbachev was a politician and statesman who had a huge impact on the course of world history."&nbsp;

Putin expressed his "deepest condolences" to Gorbachev's friends and family.&nbsp;

Putin added, "He led our country during a period of complex, dramatic changes, large-scale foreign policy, economic and social challenges. He deeply understood that reforms were necessary, he strove to offer his own solutions to urgent problems."&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explainer-from-mcdonalds-to-pizza-hut-how-mikhail-gorbachev-brought-capitalism-to-russia-511714">Explainer: From McDonald's to Pizza Hut - How Mikhail Gorbachev brought capitalism to Russia</a>&nbsp;

Watch this report:&nbsp;

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ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/last-soviet-president-mikhail-gorbachev-who-ended-cold-war-dies-aged-92-511620">Mikhail Gorbachev, former Soviet president who ended cold war, dies aged 91</a>&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Kremlin said Gorbachev had been badly wrong about the prospect of rapprochement with the "bloodthirsty" West and said that his romanticism about the West was not justified.&nbsp;

Dmitry Peskov, Putin's spokesperson, described Gorbachev as an extraordinary statesman who had helped end the Cold War but whose role in history was controversial.&nbsp;

Peskov said, "He sincerely wanted to believe that the Cold War would end, and that it would usher in a period of eternal romance between a new Soviet Union and the world, the West."&nbsp;

"This romanticism turned out to be wrong. There was no romantic period, a 100-year honeymoon did not materialise, and the bloodthirsty nature of our opponents showed itself. It's good that we realised this in time and understood it," added Peskov.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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Russian President Vladimir Putin paid tributes to former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, who passed away on Tuesday (August 30) aged 91. In a Telegram, Putin wrote that Gorbachev had had a "huge impact on the course of world history".

Russian President Vladimir Putin paid tributes to former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, who passed away on Tuesday (August 30) aged 91. In a Telegram, Putin wrote that Gorbachev had had a "huge impact on the course of world history". Putin said Gorbachev "deeply understood that reforms were necessary" and offered his own solutions to the problems faced by the Soviet Union in the 1980s. In a statement released from the Kremlin, Putin said, "Mikhail Gorbachev was a politician and statesman who had a huge impact on the course of world history." Putin expressed his "deepest condolences" to Gorbachev's friends and family. Putin added, "He led our country during a period of complex, dramatic changes, large-scale foreign policy, economic and social challenges. He deeply understood that reforms were necessary, he strove to offer his own solutions to urgent problems." ALSO READ | Explainer: From McDonald's to Pizza Hut - How Mikhail Gorbachev brought capitalism to Russia Watch this report: × ALSO READ | Mikhail Gorbachev, former Soviet president who ended cold war, dies aged 91 Meanwhile, Kremlin said Gorbachev had been badly wrong about the prospect of rapprochement with the "bloodthirsty" West and said that his romanticism about the West was not justified. Dmitry Peskov, Putin's spokesperson, described Gorbachev as an extraordinary statesman who had helped end the Cold War but whose role in history was controversial. Peskov said, "He sincerely wanted to believe that the Cold War would end, and that it would usher in a period of eternal romance between a new Soviet Union and the world, the West." "This romanticism turned out to be wrong. There was no romantic period, a 100-year honeymoon did not materialise, and the bloodthirsty nature of our opponents showed itself. It's good that we realised this in time and understood it," added Peskov. (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.

Putin says Gorbachev had 'huge impact' on world history; Kremlin says he was wrong about 'bloodthirsty' West

The Ukraine crisis has had a wide-ranging impact on many countries, but according to a recent report, the impact on the United States, given its military expenditures is&nbsp;one not many would've predicted.

Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reports that war has depleted "American stocks of some types of ammunition" which haven't been replenished on time, and that has sparked concerns among officials, who believe that this could jeopardize the US military's readiness in face of danger.

Watch |&nbsp;WION Fineprint | Explained: Where the Ukraine war stands after 6 months

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The United States has given Ukraine 16 Himars rocket launchers, thousands of rifles, drones, missiles, and other weapons over the last six months. The WSJ report citing defence sources says that a large portion of this, including the ammunition, has come directly from US inventory, depleting supplies intended for unforeseen threats.

Among the lethal weapons given to Ukraine are howitzers, which use 155mm combat rounds, the ammunition used to strike Iranian-backed terror groups in Syria last week. As of August 24, the US military has sent the war-torn nation 806,000 rounds of it, depleting its own stockpile to "uncomfortably low" levels, according to a defence official.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-does-the-latest-775mn-us-arms-package-to-ukraine-include-508745">What does the latest $775mn US arms package to Ukraine include?</a>

Since the United States is not involved in any significant military confrontation, the levels are not currently critical, the official continued, adding "It is not at the level we would like to go into combat."

The situation was "foreseeable", and was "easily fixable" says Mackenzie Eaglen, a senior fellow at the Washington-based American Enterprise Institute.

Reportedly,&nbsp;the military is currently conducting "an ammunitions industrial base deep dive in order to support Ukraine while safeguarding their "own supply needs."

The Army claimed it also requested $500 million in annual upgrades for its ammunition factories from Capitol Hill.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The Ukraine crisis has had a wide-ranging impact on many countries, but according to a recent report, the impact on the United States, given its military expenditures is one not many would've predicted.

The Ukraine crisis has had a wide-ranging impact on many countries, but according to a recent report, the impact on the United States, given its military expenditures is one not many would've predicted. Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reports that war has depleted "American stocks of some types of ammunition" which haven't been replenished on time, and that has sparked concerns among officials, who believe that this could jeopardize the US military's readiness in face of danger. Watch | WION Fineprint | Explained: Where the Ukraine war stands after 6 months The United States has given Ukraine 16 Himars rocket launchers, thousands of rifles, drones, missiles, and other weapons over the last six months. The WSJ report citing defence sources says that a large portion of this, including the ammunition, has come directly from US inventory, depleting supplies intended for unforeseen threats. Among the lethal weapons given to Ukraine are howitzers, which use 155mm combat rounds, the ammunition used to strike Iranian-backed terror groups in Syria last week. As of August 24, the US military has sent the war-torn nation 806,000 rounds of it, depleting its own stockpile to "uncomfortably low" levels, according to a defence official. Also read | What does the latest $775mn US arms package to Ukraine include? Since the United States is not involved in any significant military confrontation, the levels are not currently critical, the official continued, adding "It is not at the level we would like to go into combat." The situation was "foreseeable", and was "easily fixable" says Mackenzie Eaglen, a senior fellow at the Washington-based American Enterprise Institute. Reportedly, the military is currently conducting "an ammunitions industrial base deep dive in order to support Ukraine while safeguarding their "own supply needs." The Army claimed it also requested $500 million in annual upgrades for its ammunition factories from Capitol Hill. (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.

US' military aid to Ukraine left its own ammunition stockpiles 'uncomfortably low': Report

Mikhail Gorbachev, the last Soviet Union leader who ended the Cold War, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 91, as per Russian officials.

World leaders paid their tributes&nbsp;to the renowned Russian leader. Scroll below to read more:

For Russian President Vladimir Putin, his spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, in a conversation with Interfax news agency, said that the president offers his sincere condolences. The president will telegram his loved ones to express his sympathies.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/live-former-soviet-leader-mikhail-gorbachev-dies-rare-leader-says-biden-511675">Also read |&nbsp;Live: Former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev dies; 'rare leader', says Biden</a>

The US President&nbsp;Joe Biden&nbsp;said that the former Soviet leader had&nbsp;a remarkable vision. He added that Gorbachev worked with President Reagan to lower the nuclear arsenals&nbsp;of the two countries. Biden said, "The result was a safer world and greater freedom for millions of people."

The UN General Secretary Antonio Guterres commented on the loss, saying that the world has lost a towering global leader, a dedicated multilateralist, and a tireless advocate for peace. Guterres described Gorbachev as "a one-of-a-kind statesman who changed the course of history. He did more than any other individual to bring about the peaceful end of the Cold War," Reuters reported.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explainer-from-mcdonalds-to-pizza-hut-how-mikhail-gorbachev-brought-capitalism-to-russia-511714">Also read |&nbsp;Explainer: From McDonald's to Pizza Hut - How Mikhail Gorbachev brought capitalism to Russia</a>

French President Emanuel Macron said Gorbachev was a person of peace whose decisions gave Russians a road to follow. It was his devotion to peace in Europe that changed history.

Many leaders, like German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and British Prime Minster Boris Johnson, paid their condolences in tweets.

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Michail Gorbatschow ist tot. 
 
Mit ihm starb ein mutiger Reformer, ein weitsichtiger Politiker und Staatsmann. 
 
Sein Mut zur Veränderung, sein Willen zur Transparenz und seine Unbeugsamkeit haben ihn ausgemacht. <a href="https://t.co/WNHo9fzCNF">pic.twitter.com/WNHo9fzCNF</a>
— Bundeskanzler Olaf Scholz (@Bundeskanzler) <a href="https://twitter.com/Bundeskanzler/status/1564883470588985344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 31, 2022</a></blockquote>
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I'm saddened to hear of the death of Gorbachev. 
 
I always admired the courage &amp; integrity he showed in bringing the Cold War to a peaceful conclusion. 
 
In a time of Putin’s aggression in Ukraine, his tireless commitment to opening up Soviet society remains an example to us all.
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) <a href="https://twitter.com/BorisJohnson/status/1564727984719814662?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 30, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Mikhail Gorbachev helped to bring an end to the Cold War and changed the world for the better. 
 
May he rest in peace. <a href="https://t.co/iXOwhgaRwu">pic.twitter.com/iXOwhgaRwu</a>
— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) <a href="https://twitter.com/AlboMP/status/1564803422901006336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 31, 2022</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Mario Draghi, the Italian Prime Minister, said, "Mikhail Gorbachev ... put an end to the experience of the Soviet Union with courage and determination... His desire for peace and his opposition to an imperialist vision of Russia earned him the Nobel Prize. These messages are as relevant as ever in the face of the tragedy of the invasion of Ukraine."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Mikhail Gorbachev, the last Soviet Union leader who ended the Cold War, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 91, as per Russian officials. World leaders paid their tributes to the renowned Russian leader.

Mikhail Gorbachev, the last Soviet Union leader who ended the Cold War, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 91, as per Russian officials. World leaders paid their tributes to the renowned Russian leader. Scroll below to read more: For Russian President Vladimir Putin, his spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, in a conversation with Interfax news agency, said that the president offers his sincere condolences. The president will telegram his loved ones to express his sympathies. Also read | Live: Former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev dies; 'rare leader', says Biden The US President Joe Biden said that the former Soviet leader had a remarkable vision. He added that Gorbachev worked with President Reagan to lower the nuclear arsenals of the two countries. Biden said, "The result was a safer world and greater freedom for millions of people." The UN General Secretary Antonio Guterres commented on the loss, saying that the world has lost a towering global leader, a dedicated multilateralist, and a tireless advocate for peace. Guterres described Gorbachev as "a one-of-a-kind statesman who changed the course of history. He did more than any other individual to bring about the peaceful end of the Cold War," Reuters reported. Also read | Explainer: From McDonald's to Pizza Hut - How Mikhail Gorbachev brought capitalism to Russia French President Emanuel Macron said Gorbachev was a person of peace whose decisions gave Russians a road to follow. It was his devotion to peace in Europe that changed history. Many leaders, like German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and British Prime Minster Boris Johnson, paid their condolences in tweets. Michail Gorbatschow ist tot. Mit ihm starb ein mutiger Reformer, ein weitsichtiger Politiker und Staatsmann. Sein Mut zur Veränderung, sein Willen zur Transparenz und seine Unbeugsamkeit haben ihn ausgemacht. pic.twitter.com/WNHo9fzCNF — Bundeskanzler Olaf Scholz (@Bundeskanzler) August 31, 2022 × I'm saddened to hear of the death of Gorbachev. I always admired the courage & integrity he showed in bringing the Cold War to a peaceful conclusion. In a time of Putin’s aggression in Ukraine, his tireless commitment to opening up Soviet society remains an example to us all. — Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) August 30, 2022 × Mikhail Gorbachev helped to bring an end to the Cold War and changed the world for the better. May he rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/iXOwhgaRwu — Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) August 31, 2022 × Mario Draghi, the Italian Prime Minister, said, "Mikhail Gorbachev ... put an end to the experience of the Soviet Union with courage and determination... His desire for peace and his opposition to an imperialist vision of Russia earned him the Nobel Prize. These messages are as relevant as ever in the face of the tragedy of the invasion of Ukraine." (With inputs from agencies)

World leaders pay tribute to the former Soviet Union leader Mikhail Gorbachev

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday signed a financial decree under which people who left Ukrainian territory to come to Russia after the latter's invasion will be provided financial benefits.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday signed a financial decree under which people who left Ukrainian territory to come to Russia after the latter's invasion will be provided financial benefits. Reportedly, under the decree, published on a government portal, pensioners, disabled as well as pregnant women have been covered. Accordingly, a monthly pension of $170 (10,000 roubles) will be provided to people who have been forced to leave Ukraine since February 18. Disabled people will also be entitled to the same amount. Meanwhile, pregnant women will receive the sum as a one-off benefit. Read more: Explained: Six months into the Russia-Ukraine war, what are the consequences so far? In February this year when Moscow invaded Kyiv, Putin ordered every person who arrived in Russia from Donetsk and Luhansk to be given a payment of 10,000 roubles. Not only that, Moscow has been providing Russian passports to the Ukrainians who have ventured into Russian soil. According to international experts, this is an illegal ploy by Moscow to annex territory in the occupied part. Read more: Putin signs decree to boost the size of Russian forces Moreover, this is the second decree signed by Putin in as many days. As reported by WION, Putin on Thursday authorised a significant expansion of his nation's military forces. Under the decree, Putin wants to boost army numbers by 137,000, or 13 per cent to 1.15 million by the end of the year. With the addition of the 1.15 million personnel, the move will increase Russia's total armed forces to 2.04 million. WATCH | WION Fineprint | Putin Orders Expansion of Russia’s Hard-Hit Armed Forces × However, Putin's order was vague as to whether the increase would be accomplished by expanding the draught, increasing volunteerism, or a combination of the two. According to estimates from the West, more Russians have lost their lives than what the Soviet Union lost in its ten-year war in Afghanistan. Up to 80,000 Russian soldiers may have been killed or wounded, according to the Pentagon's report from last week, which makes Moscow less effective in launching major offensives. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Vladimir Putin signs a decree to provide financial benefits to Ukrainians arriving in Russia

Even if Kyiv formally renounces its aspirations to join NATO, Moscow would not stop its military campaign in Ukraine, according to Russian President Vladimir Putin's top ally Dmitry Medvedev.

Medvedev, who served as the president of Russia between 2008 and 2012, is currently the deputy chairman of the country's Security Council.

Highlighting that Russia is prepared to hold talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Medvedev said that dropping NATO aspirations by Kyiv will not be sufficient in order to establish peace.

Medvedev told LCI television that Putin will not stop his ''special military operation'' to "denazify" Ukraine until its goals have been achieved. &nbsp;

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Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, several rounds of peace talks were held between the two countries, but they made no progress.

Denying that US weapons supplied to Ukraine pose a substantial threat, Medvedev said the situation would change if Washington sent weapons that could hit targets at longer distances.

"It means that when this sort of missile flies 70 km, that is one thing," he said.&nbsp;

"But when it's 300-400 km, that is another, now that would be a threat directly to the territory of the Russian Federation."

As he wrapped up a visit to Canada that included a tour of its Arctic defences, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg stressed the need to beef up security along the alliance's northern flank to counter Russia.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Even if Kyiv formally renounces its aspirations to join NATO, Moscow would not stop its military campaign in Ukraine, according to Russian President Vladimir Putin's top ally Dmitry Medvedev.

Even if Kyiv formally renounces its aspirations to join NATO, Moscow would not stop its military campaign in Ukraine, according to Russian President Vladimir Putin's top ally Dmitry Medvedev. Medvedev, who served as the president of Russia between 2008 and 2012, is currently the deputy chairman of the country's Security Council. Highlighting that Russia is prepared to hold talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Medvedev said that dropping NATO aspirations by Kyiv will not be sufficient in order to establish peace. Medvedev told LCI television that Putin will not stop his ''special military operation'' to "denazify" Ukraine until its goals have been achieved. × Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, several rounds of peace talks were held between the two countries, but they made no progress. Denying that US weapons supplied to Ukraine pose a substantial threat, Medvedev said the situation would change if Washington sent weapons that could hit targets at longer distances. "It means that when this sort of missile flies 70 km, that is one thing," he said. "But when it's 300-400 km, that is another, now that would be a threat directly to the territory of the Russian Federation." As he wrapped up a visit to Canada that included a tour of its Arctic defences, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg stressed the need to beef up security along the alliance's northern flank to counter Russia. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's LIVE TV here: ×

Putin's ally says Moscow would not stop its military campaign in Ukraine even if Kyiv drops NATO hopes

Wednesday (August 24) marked six months since Russian President Vladimir Putin launched an all-out attack on neighbouring Ukraine. The day held additional significance for Kyiv because it was on this day, 31 years ago, that the country declared its independence from the Soviet Union. As the anniversary celebrations commenced, Ukraine also unveiled plans for how it intends to make Putin responsible for his crimes.

As per an AFP report, Ukraine is drawing up plans for a special international tribunal to investigate Russia's alleged "crime of aggression".

The Rome Statute of 2010 established the definition of the crime of aggression.&nbsp;However, since neither Ukraine nor Russia has joined the Rome Statute, it is unable to investigate charges of aggression.

Watch |&nbsp;6 months of Ukraine war: War takes gruesome toll on innocent

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Speaking to AFP, the man spearheading this plan, Andrii Smirnov, deputy head of Ukraine's presidential administration, said that this court is "the only way to make sure that the criminals who started the Ukraine war are held accountable quickly."

"The world has a short memory. That's why I would like this tribunal to start working next year."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/15-killed-50-hurt-after-russian-missile-strikes-ukrainian-railway-station-says-zelensky-509936" hreflang="en">15 killed, 50 hurt after Russian missile strikes Ukrainian railway station, says Zelensky</a>

It "will serve to make sure that these people are labelled as criminals, and that they cannot travel in the civilised world," he said, adding that Ukraine is aware that the accused will not be present.

Approximately 600 suspects in the aggression have been named by Ukrainian authorities so far, including senior military officers, politicians, and commentators.

The international treaty establishing the tribunal has been drafted and is ready for signing by nations.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-may-announce-sham-referenda-this-week-to-formalize-control-of-occupied-territories-in-ukraine-509929" hreflang="en">Russia may announce 'sham' referenda this week to formalize control of occupied territories in Ukraine</a>

Under it, any convicted offenders might be incarcerated on the soil of the signatory nations.

According to Smirnov, numerous nations are expected to ratify the agreement before the year is through, and talks are ongoing with "several European partners (who) are willing to host the tribunal."

(With inputs from agencies)

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Wednesday (August 24) marked six months since Russian President Vladimir Putin launched an all-out attack on neighbouring Ukraine. The day held additional significance for Kyiv because it was on this day, 31 years ago, that the country declared its independence from the Soviet Union.

Wednesday (August 24) marked six months since Russian President Vladimir Putin launched an all-out attack on neighbouring Ukraine. The day held additional significance for Kyiv because it was on this day, 31 years ago, that the country declared its independence from the Soviet Union. As the anniversary celebrations commenced, Ukraine also unveiled plans for how it intends to make Putin responsible for his crimes. As per an AFP report, Ukraine is drawing up plans for a special international tribunal to investigate Russia's alleged "crime of aggression". The Rome Statute of 2010 established the definition of the crime of aggression. However, since neither Ukraine nor Russia has joined the Rome Statute, it is unable to investigate charges of aggression. Watch | 6 months of Ukraine war: War takes gruesome toll on innocent Speaking to AFP, the man spearheading this plan, Andrii Smirnov, deputy head of Ukraine's presidential administration, said that this court is "the only way to make sure that the criminals who started the Ukraine war are held accountable quickly." "The world has a short memory. That's why I would like this tribunal to start working next year." Also read | 15 killed, 50 hurt after Russian missile strikes Ukrainian railway station, says Zelensky It "will serve to make sure that these people are labelled as criminals, and that they cannot travel in the civilised world," he said, adding that Ukraine is aware that the accused will not be present. Approximately 600 suspects in the aggression have been named by Ukrainian authorities so far, including senior military officers, politicians, and commentators. The international treaty establishing the tribunal has been drafted and is ready for signing by nations. Also read | Russia may announce 'sham' referenda this week to formalize control of occupied territories in Ukraine Under it, any convicted offenders might be incarcerated on the soil of the signatory nations. According to Smirnov, numerous nations are expected to ratify the agreement before the year is through, and talks are ongoing with "several European partners (who) are willing to host the tribunal." (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION LIVE HERE: You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Ukraine reveals plan to hold Vladimir Putin accountable for his 'crime of aggression'

When Putin invaded Ukraine on February 24, many expected a quick victory. Six months later, the largest military conflict in Europe since World War II has turned into a grinding war of attrition. Molly Gambhir tells you what lies next for both Russia and Ukraine.

WION Fineprint | Explained: Where the Ukraine war stands after 6 months

Russia’s counterintelligence agency claimed that the car bomb that killed the daughter of Vladimir Putin’s ally Alexander Dugina was planted by an alleged female Ukrainian spy who then fled to Estonia. Molly Gambhir tells you more.

WION Fineprint: Russia says female Ukrainian spy killed daughter of Putin’s ally

Wednesday (August 24) marks Ukraine’s 31 years of independence from Soviet rule and also six months since the Russian invasion often referred to as Moscow's 'special military operation.’

The US state department, in a security advisory, stated that Russia is speeding up its attempts to undertake strikes against Ukraine’s civilian infrastructure and government sites in the coming days.

The US embassy in Kyiv asked all US citizens who are still in Ukraine to leave the nation immediately.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/released-ukrainian-soldiers-accuse-russians-of-atrocities-in-prison-509299">Also read |&nbsp;Released Ukrainian soldiers accuse Russians of atrocities in prison</a>

The state department in its alert said, "If you hear a loud explosion or if sirens are activated, immediately seek cover." It further continued, "If in a home or a building, go to the lowest level of the structure with the fewest exterior walls, windows, and openings; close any doors and sit near an interior wall, away from any windows or openings."

The United States on Monday condemned the targeted killing of civilians, saying it stands against such practices, whether they occur in Ukraine or Russia.

The reason behind the targeted killing by Russia is the killing of Darya Dugina, daughter of a close adviser to the Russian president, in a car bomb blast on Saturday night.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-rejects-volodymyr-zelenskys-request-to-impose-a-blanket-visa-ban-on-russians-509310">Also read |&nbsp;US rejects Volodymyr Zelensky’s request to impose a blanket visa ban on Russians</a>

Russia claimed that the assassination was carried out by Ukraine’s secret services. According to the Federal Service of Russia (FSB), Natalya Vovk, a Ukrainian citizen, committed the crime before escaping to Estonia. However, Ukraine has denied any involvement.

The US has so far imposed sanctions on nearly 5,000 individuals since the beginning of the invasion on February 24, the State Department said.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Wednesday (August 24) marks Ukraine’s 31 years of independence from Soviet rule and also six months since the Russian invasion often referred to as Moscow's 'special military operation.

Wednesday (August 24) marks Ukraine’s 31 years of independence from Soviet rule and also six months since the Russian invasion often referred to as Moscow's 'special military operation.’ The US state department, in a security advisory, stated that Russia is speeding up its attempts to undertake strikes against Ukraine’s civilian infrastructure and government sites in the coming days. The US embassy in Kyiv asked all US citizens who are still in Ukraine to leave the nation immediately. Also read | Released Ukrainian soldiers accuse Russians of atrocities in prison The state department in its alert said, "If you hear a loud explosion or if sirens are activated, immediately seek cover." It further continued, "If in a home or a building, go to the lowest level of the structure with the fewest exterior walls, windows, and openings; close any doors and sit near an interior wall, away from any windows or openings." The United States on Monday condemned the targeted killing of civilians, saying it stands against such practices, whether they occur in Ukraine or Russia. The reason behind the targeted killing by Russia is the killing of Darya Dugina, daughter of a close adviser to the Russian president, in a car bomb blast on Saturday night. Also read | US rejects Volodymyr Zelensky’s request to impose a blanket visa ban on Russians Russia claimed that the assassination was carried out by Ukraine’s secret services. According to the Federal Service of Russia (FSB), Natalya Vovk, a Ukrainian citizen, committed the crime before escaping to Estonia. However, Ukraine has denied any involvement. The US has so far imposed sanctions on nearly 5,000 individuals since the beginning of the invasion on February 24, the State Department said. (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.

US condemns Russia on targeting civilians, warns Moscow plans to hit govt buildings

Ukraine war: Six months that shook the world

As Ukraine prepares to celebrate its 31st Independence Day that marks the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence after the Soviet Union split, President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned that Russia might try to do something "particularly ugly" on the day.

In his nightly video address, Zelensky said that Ukrainians must not allow Moscow to “spread despondency and fear” among them. 
 
“We must all be aware that this week Russia could try to do something particularly ugly, something particularly vicious,” Zelensky said.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Russia plans "special operation" for Ukraine's Independence Day

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Incidentally, the Independence Day August 24 this year also marks the six-month anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Reuters reports that in his speech, Zelenskiy also made a passing reference to a string of explosions that had occurred recently in Crimea, the Ukrainian area that Russia invaded and seized in 2014.

“You can literally feel Crimea in the air this year, that the occupation there is only temporary and that Ukraine is coming back,” he added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-russians-and-one-ukrainian-spies-detained-in-albania-for-trying-to-break-into-a-military-facility-508752" hreflang="en">Russian and Ukrainian spies detained while trying to break into a military facility in Albania</a>

Ukrainian government officials are growing increasingly concerned that Russian President Vladimir Putin may decide to intensify his attacks on Ukraine on&nbsp;the nation’s Independence Day.

Earlier this week,&nbsp;the Daily Beast reported that Yuriy Ihnat, spokesperson for the Air Force Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, has issued a warning that “we must definitely be prepared for possible missile strikes.”

He also forewarned that Russia prefers to deliver "congratulations" on special days.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/allow-russian-shipments-to-move-unimpeded-or-we-face-a-global-food-crisis-warns-un-chief-508748" hreflang="en">Allow Russian shipments to move 'unimpeded' or we face a global food crisis, warns UN chief</a>

Kharkiv's regional governor Oleh Synehub, according to Reuters, said that the curfew in the city, the second-largest in Ukraine, would be extended for the entire day on August 24. The northeastern city typically has a curfew from 10 pm to 6 am since it frequently witnesses Russian shelling.

"Remain at home and take heed of warnings!" said Synehub in a Telegram message to Kharkiv residents.

(With inputs from agencies)

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As Ukraine prepares to celebrate its 31st Independence Day that marks the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence after the Soviet Union split, President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned that Russia might try to do something "particularly ugly" on the day.

As Ukraine prepares to celebrate its 31st Independence Day that marks the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence after the Soviet Union split, President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned that Russia might try to do something "particularly ugly" on the day. In his nightly video address, Zelensky said that Ukrainians must not allow Moscow to “spread despondency and fear” among them. “We must all be aware that this week Russia could try to do something particularly ugly, something particularly vicious,” Zelensky said. Watch | Gravitas: Russia plans "special operation" for Ukraine's Independence Day Incidentally, the Independence Day August 24 this year also marks the six-month anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Reuters reports that in his speech, Zelenskiy also made a passing reference to a string of explosions that had occurred recently in Crimea, the Ukrainian area that Russia invaded and seized in 2014. “You can literally feel Crimea in the air this year, that the occupation there is only temporary and that Ukraine is coming back,” he added. Also read | Russian and Ukrainian spies detained while trying to break into a military facility in Albania Ukrainian government officials are growing increasingly concerned that Russian President Vladimir Putin may decide to intensify his attacks on Ukraine on the nation’s Independence Day. Earlier this week, the Daily Beast reported that Yuriy Ihnat, spokesperson for the Air Force Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, has issued a warning that “we must definitely be prepared for possible missile strikes.” He also forewarned that Russia prefers to deliver "congratulations" on special days. Also read | Allow Russian shipments to move 'unimpeded' or we face a global food crisis, warns UN chief Kharkiv's regional governor Oleh Synehub, according to Reuters, said that the curfew in the city, the second-largest in Ukraine, would be extended for the entire day on August 24. The northeastern city typically has a curfew from 10 pm to 6 am since it frequently witnesses Russian shelling. "Remain at home and take heed of warnings!" said Synehub in a Telegram message to Kharkiv residents. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION LIVE HERE: You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Russia might do something ‘ugly’ on our Independence Day, Zelensky warns Ukrainians

Following Ukraine's last-week success in obtaining a two-year respite on its foreign debt from creditors, Fitch and S&amp;P&nbsp;have raised the war-torn nation's credit rating.&nbsp;

On Thursday, as per AFP Fitch said that the August 11 deal alleviates "external debt servicing pressure, in the context of weakening international reserves and acute war-related spending needs," giving Kyiv breathing room on approximately $6 billion in principal and interest outstanding on Eurobonds.

In spite of the fact that Fitch has improved Ukraine's rating from RD to CC, the rating still indicates that there is still a chance of default.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Weapons and explosives inside Ukraine's nuclear power plant

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"Despite this debt servicing relief, the 'CC' rating reflects unresolved debt sustainability risks resulting from Russia's attack and Ukraine's highly stressed public and external finances and macro-financial position," warned Fitch.

Just a day later, on Friday S&amp;P joined Fitch in upgrading Ukraine's credit rating.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/systematic-shelling-of-zaporizhzhia-nuclear-plant-by-ukraine-risk-of-catastrophe-putin-508527" hreflang="en">Systematic shelling of Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant by Ukraine risk of 'catastrophe': Putin</a>

In a statement, the agency said that raising the country's foreign debt credit rating to CCC+ "reflects strong committed international financial support to Ukraine, coupled with eroding, albeit still relatively high, foreign exchange reserves."

"As a result, the near-term risks to the government's liquidity position and, more broadly, its capacity to honor commercial debt, including in foreign currency, appear manageable," AFP reported S&amp;P as saying.

However, S&amp;P stated this is based on the presumption that donors like the US and EU will continue to fund Kyiv in the months ahead.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-announces-fresh-arms-package-worth-usd-775-mn-for-ukraine-508519" hreflang="en">US announces fresh arms package worth USD 775 mn for Ukraine</a>

It also said that a loan agreement with the IMF might lower Ukraine's burden.

Even with the increase, S&amp;P cautioned that because of the ongoing conflict with Russia, Ukraine's ability to pay its debts on time "is highly dependent" on variables largely outside of government control".

Last week, Fitch had downgraded Ukraine's ratings&nbsp;to restricted default, while S&amp;P Global had downgraded the nation to selective default.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Following Ukraine's last-week success in obtaining a two-year respite on its foreign debt from creditors, Fitch and S&P have raised the war-torn nation's credit rating.

Following Ukraine's last-week success in obtaining a two-year respite on its foreign debt from creditors, Fitch and S&P have raised the war-torn nation's credit rating. On Thursday, as per AFP Fitch said that the August 11 deal alleviates "external debt servicing pressure, in the context of weakening international reserves and acute war-related spending needs," giving Kyiv breathing room on approximately $6 billion in principal and interest outstanding on Eurobonds. In spite of the fact that Fitch has improved Ukraine's rating from RD to CC, the rating still indicates that there is still a chance of default. Watch | Gravitas: Weapons and explosives inside Ukraine's nuclear power plant "Despite this debt servicing relief, the 'CC' rating reflects unresolved debt sustainability risks resulting from Russia's attack and Ukraine's highly stressed public and external finances and macro-financial position," warned Fitch. Just a day later, on Friday S&P joined Fitch in upgrading Ukraine's credit rating. Also read | Systematic shelling of Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant by Ukraine risk of 'catastrophe': Putin In a statement, the agency said that raising the country's foreign debt credit rating to CCC+ "reflects strong committed international financial support to Ukraine, coupled with eroding, albeit still relatively high, foreign exchange reserves." "As a result, the near-term risks to the government's liquidity position and, more broadly, its capacity to honor commercial debt, including in foreign currency, appear manageable," AFP reported S&P as saying. However, S&P stated this is based on the presumption that donors like the US and EU will continue to fund Kyiv in the months ahead. Also read | US announces fresh arms package worth USD 775 mn for Ukraine It also said that a loan agreement with the IMF might lower Ukraine's burden. Even with the increase, S&P cautioned that because of the ongoing conflict with Russia, Ukraine's ability to pay its debts on time "is highly dependent" on variables largely outside of government control". Last week, Fitch had downgraded Ukraine's ratings to restricted default, while S&P Global had downgraded the nation to selective default. (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.

S&P, Fitch upgrade Ukraine's credit rating but warn there's still a chance of default

Russian President Vladimir Putin has revived the Soviet-era award of 'Mother Heroine' as the country is battling a demographic crisis fuelled by dropping birth rates.

WION Fineprint: Russia revives soviet-era honorary title called 'Mother Heroine'

Amid escalating geopolitical tensions and fears of a nuclear catastrophe, Russian President Vladimir Putin and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron called for independent inspections of the Moscow-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant in southeastern Ukraine on Friday (August 19) during a phone call.&nbsp;

The Kremlin said in a statement that Putin "stressed that the systematic shelling by the Ukrainian military of the territory of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant creates the danger of a large-scale catastrophe that could lead to radiation contamination of vast territories".&nbsp;

The statement released by Kremlin further stated that both leaders called for experts of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to inspect the plant "as soon as possible" and "assess the real situation on the ground".&nbsp;

ALSO READ&nbsp;| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-chief-antonio-guterres-asks-russian-occupied-nuclear-plant-not-be-cut-off-from-ukraines-grid-508463">UN chief Antonio Guterres asks Russian-occupied nuclear plant not be cut off from Ukraine's grid</a>

The statement added, "The Russian side confirmed its readiness to provide the Agency inspectors with the necessary assistance."&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Elysee in a separate statement said that Macron is concerned about safety risks at the nuclear plant and said that he "supported the dispatch of a mission of experts from the IAEA to the site under conditions agreed by Ukraine and the United Nations".&nbsp;

Since Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, Macron had quite a few telephonic conversations with Putin. He also faced criticism for keeping up diplomatic talks with the Russian president despite his decision to invade Ukraine.&nbsp;

An official at the French presidency told journalists in a briefing on Friday that Macron's phone call to Putin was justified in view of the serious safety risk affecting the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant in Ukraine which is subject to combat activity.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-threatens-to-shut-down-zaporizhzhia-nuclear-plant-anticipates-planned-disaster-508306">Russia threatens to shut down Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, anticipates 'planned' disaster</a>&nbsp;

United Nations chief Antonio Guterres on Friday (August 19) asked that the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station not be cut off from Ukraine's grid.

During his crucial visit to the port of Odessa in southern Ukraine, the UN Secretary-General said, "Obviously, the electricity from Zaporizhzhia is Ukrainian electricity... This principle must be fully respected."

During the same call, Putin also told Macron that Russia was facing obstacles in the export of its food products and fertiliser. "There are still obstacles to the mentioned Russian exports that do not contribute to the solution of problems related to ensuring global food security," the Kremlin said.&nbsp;

This remark comes after last month in Istanbul, Russia and Ukraine signed landmark deals with Turkey and the United Nations that opened secure corridors for grain exports to leave Ukraine's Black Sea ports. &nbsp;

A similar agreement signed at the same time allowed Russia to export its agricultural products and fertiliser despite Western sanctions over Moscow's military intervention in Ukraine.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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Amid escalating geopolitical tensions and fears of a nuclear catastrophe, Russian President Vladimir Putin and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron called for independent inspections of the Moscow-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant in southeastern Ukraine on Friday (August 19) during a phone call.

Amid escalating geopolitical tensions and fears of a nuclear catastrophe, Russian President Vladimir Putin and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron called for independent inspections of the Moscow-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant in southeastern Ukraine on Friday (August 19) during a phone call. The Kremlin said in a statement that Putin "stressed that the systematic shelling by the Ukrainian military of the territory of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant creates the danger of a large-scale catastrophe that could lead to radiation contamination of vast territories". The statement released by Kremlin further stated that both leaders called for experts of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to inspect the plant "as soon as possible" and "assess the real situation on the ground". ALSO READ | UN chief Antonio Guterres asks Russian-occupied nuclear plant not be cut off from Ukraine's grid The statement added, "The Russian side confirmed its readiness to provide the Agency inspectors with the necessary assistance." Meanwhile, Elysee in a separate statement said that Macron is concerned about safety risks at the nuclear plant and said that he "supported the dispatch of a mission of experts from the IAEA to the site under conditions agreed by Ukraine and the United Nations". Since Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, Macron had quite a few telephonic conversations with Putin. He also faced criticism for keeping up diplomatic talks with the Russian president despite his decision to invade Ukraine. An official at the French presidency told journalists in a briefing on Friday that Macron's phone call to Putin was justified in view of the serious safety risk affecting the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant in Ukraine which is subject to combat activity. ALSO READ | Russia threatens to shut down Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, anticipates 'planned' disaster United Nations chief Antonio Guterres on Friday (August 19) asked that the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station not be cut off from Ukraine's grid. During his crucial visit to the port of Odessa in southern Ukraine, the UN Secretary-General said, "Obviously, the electricity from Zaporizhzhia is Ukrainian electricity... This principle must be fully respected." During the same call, Putin also told Macron that Russia was facing obstacles in the export of its food products and fertiliser. "There are still obstacles to the mentioned Russian exports that do not contribute to the solution of problems related to ensuring global food security," the Kremlin said. This remark comes after last month in Istanbul, Russia and Ukraine signed landmark deals with Turkey and the United Nations that opened secure corridors for grain exports to leave Ukraine's Black Sea ports. A similar agreement signed at the same time allowed Russia to export its agricultural products and fertiliser despite Western sanctions over Moscow's military intervention in Ukraine. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Macron's office says Putin agreed to send IAEA mission to Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant

As fighting rages on between Kyiv and Moscow, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday ruled out peace with Russia unless it withdraws its troops from Ukraine.

Zelensky made the statement after meeting with his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

As per an AFP report, while speaking to the press, the war-torn country's president said he was "very surprised" to hear from the Turkish president that Russia was "ready for some kind of peace", adding, "first they should leave our territory and then we'll see".

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Russia plans "special operation" for Ukraine's Independence Day

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This comes as Erdogan warned of "another Chernobyl" after his first face-to-face talks with Zelensky.&nbsp;Speaking to the press in Lviv, he said: "We are worried. We don't want another Chernobyl."

He also assured Ukraine that Ankara was a firm ally: "While continuing our efforts to find a solution, we remain on the side of our Ukraine friends."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tayyip-erdogan-says-turkey-stands-on-the-side-of-ukraine-508183" hreflang="en">Erdogan says Turkey stands 'on the side of Ukraine', warns of 'another' Chernobyl</a>

World leaders have issued urgent warnings as fighting recently flared up at Europe's largest nuclear facility, the Zaporizhzhia&nbsp;power station. The Ukrainian facility is currently under Russian control.

During talks with Erdogan, UN chief Antonio Guterres warned that any damage to the plant would be equivalent to "suicide".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-soldiers-shooting-at-or-from-zaporizhzhia-nuclear-plant-are-ukraines-special-targets-zelensky-506633">Russian soldiers shooting at, or from Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, now Ukraine's 'special targets': Zelensky</a>

While the battle continues in several regions of Ukraine, it has recently concentrated in the southern region of Zaporizhzhia and its nuclear facility. Following a direct interaction with Guterres in Lviv, Zelensky has requested that the UN provide security at the plant.

He accused Russia of carrying out "deliberate" attacks on the plant and demanded that the "UN must ensure the security of this strategic object, its demilitarisation and complete liberation from Russian troops."

(With inputs from agencies)

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As fighting rages on between Kyiv and Moscow, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday ruled out peace with Russia unless it withdraws its troops from Ukraine.

As fighting rages on between Kyiv and Moscow, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday ruled out peace with Russia unless it withdraws its troops from Ukraine. Zelensky made the statement after meeting with his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. As per an AFP report, while speaking to the press, the war-torn country's president said he was "very surprised" to hear from the Turkish president that Russia was "ready for some kind of peace", adding, "first they should leave our territory and then we'll see". Watch | Gravitas: Russia plans "special operation" for Ukraine's Independence Day This comes as Erdogan warned of "another Chernobyl" after his first face-to-face talks with Zelensky. Speaking to the press in Lviv, he said: "We are worried. We don't want another Chernobyl." He also assured Ukraine that Ankara was a firm ally: "While continuing our efforts to find a solution, we remain on the side of our Ukraine friends." Also read | Erdogan says Turkey stands 'on the side of Ukraine', warns of 'another' Chernobyl World leaders have issued urgent warnings as fighting recently flared up at Europe's largest nuclear facility, the Zaporizhzhia power station. The Ukrainian facility is currently under Russian control. During talks with Erdogan, UN chief Antonio Guterres warned that any damage to the plant would be equivalent to "suicide". Also read | Russian soldiers shooting at, or from Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, now Ukraine's 'special targets': Zelensky While the battle continues in several regions of Ukraine, it has recently concentrated in the southern region of Zaporizhzhia and its nuclear facility. Following a direct interaction with Guterres in Lviv, Zelensky has requested that the UN provide security at the plant. He accused Russia of carrying out "deliberate" attacks on the plant and demanded that the "UN must ensure the security of this strategic object, its demilitarisation and complete liberation from Russian troops." (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.

As Turkey warns of 'another Chernobyl', Zelensky says 'no peace' until Russia withdraws its troops

Fears of a nuclear disaster in Ukraine are growing every day as the country and its aggressor Russia, continue to engage in strikes around Europe's largest nuclear power plant, Zaporizhzhia.&nbsp;

For the last two weeks, the power plant has been at grave risk as shelling around it continues.&nbsp;This has raised concern among the international community, United Nations nuclear watchdog IAEA has even warned of impending nuclear disaster and has&nbsp;called for a demilitarised zone.

NATO too has called for an urgent need to inspect the power plant.

For&nbsp;insights into&nbsp;the looming tragedy, WION spoke to senior journalist Mac William Bishop, who is currently situated near&nbsp;Mykolaiv, Ukraine. When asked about the present scenario around the Zaporizhzhia power plant, Bishop noted that the situation "isn't clear"&nbsp;at this time.

Watch |&nbsp;Is Europe staring at a nuclear disaster? | Ukraine holds disaster response drills

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As per him "Russian military forces are in control of the nuclear power plant however the Ukrainian workers that operate the plant still continue to go to work, maintain the plant and ensure its safe operation."

Bishop says that the situation isn’t that bad at the moment, but that there is a concern that "it could become quite bad, quite quickly"

Talking about the 1986 Chornobyl disaster, he said that Ukraine has been the scene of one of the worst nuclear accidents in human history, the fallout of which affected the whole of Europe and the site of which is still the scene of an exclusion zone "where people still can't live and possibly won't be able to for hundreds of years".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-nuclear-operator-reports-most-powerful-cyberattack-since-the-start-of-the-russian-invasion-507577" hreflang="en">Ukraine nuclear operator reports 'most powerful cyberattack since the start of the Russian invasion'</a>

"There is a major concern obviously, when you talk about mixing nuclear reactors and high explosives, military grade weapons...the possibility that there could be a catastrophic failure is real and I think that is why so many actors in the international community are now concerned about what is happening in this location."&nbsp;

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned that the impending disaster would affect the whole of Europe and has requested international agencies to intervene.&nbsp;

In Bishop's view "It has also been the strategy of the Ukrainian government to try to get more international actors involved in this conflict and so of course that is also part of the reason why they are reaching out to the IAEA and UN for assistance in dealing with this issue"

Following the plant's strike in March, nuclear catastrophe was narrowly avoided. Fortunately, there was no radiation leak and there was no damage to the reactors. The plant has remained at the front lines of the Russia-Ukraine conflict ever since and the two nations continue to blame one another for the strike.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-military-need-to-use-nuclear-arms-in-ukraine-says-russia-calls-speculations-absolute-lies-507644" hreflang="en">Ukraine nuclear plant standoff: No 'military need' to use nuclear arms in Ukraine, says Russia</a>

Talking about the ongoing blame game between Russia and Ukraine and his thoughts on who actually shelled the plant Bishop remarked "If Russian troops are occupying this nuclear power plant it would make little sense for the Ukrainians to shell the facility in order to try and liberate it. Meanwhile, why the Russians would shell a facility that they are controlling also makes little sense from a strategic and tactical standpoint."

He pointed out that "there is a very intensive propaganda, information war being conducted by both Ukraine and Russia, on social media platforms, through traditional news outlets," and that "each side is working to shape the narrative to their advantage"

"We simply don't have enough details about what exactly is happened or the nature of these shelling, the origin of it to make any kind of clear assessment at this point," he added.

As per reports, on Thursday (August 18), United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan in Kyiv.

The question is: Will the upcoming visits by the heads of the UN and a possible visit by the IAEA chief have any impact or potentially calm things down?

"I think that is certainly the hope of any responsible party that's looking at events around this nuclear power plant. Unfortunately, international organisations like the UN, they've not proven to be particularly affective in this conflict. But there are some signs of hope because there have been some isolated incidents in which the UN was able to achieve limited evacuations of non-combatants in key areas for example," said Bishop.&nbsp;

Although demilitarising the area around the nuclear power plant in Zaporizhzhia would resolve this immediate issue, it wouldn't address the larger issues or the conflict, he said, adding that it is important to keep in mind that this is a critical situation.

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Fears of a nuclear disaster in Ukraine are growing every day as the country and its aggressor Russia, continue to engage in strikes around Europe's largest nuclear power plant, Zaporizhzhia.

Fears of a nuclear disaster in Ukraine are growing every day as the country and its aggressor Russia, continue to engage in strikes around Europe's largest nuclear power plant, Zaporizhzhia. For the last two weeks, the power plant has been at grave risk as shelling around it continues. This has raised concern among the international community, United Nations nuclear watchdog IAEA has even warned of impending nuclear disaster and has called for a demilitarised zone. NATO too has called for an urgent need to inspect the power plant. For insights into the looming tragedy, WION spoke to senior journalist Mac William Bishop, who is currently situated near Mykolaiv, Ukraine. When asked about the present scenario around the Zaporizhzhia power plant, Bishop noted that the situation "isn't clear" at this time. Watch | Is Europe staring at a nuclear disaster? | Ukraine holds disaster response drills As per him "Russian military forces are in control of the nuclear power plant however the Ukrainian workers that operate the plant still continue to go to work, maintain the plant and ensure its safe operation." Bishop says that the situation isn’t that bad at the moment, but that there is a concern that "it could become quite bad, quite quickly" Talking about the 1986 Chornobyl disaster, he said that Ukraine has been the scene of one of the worst nuclear accidents in human history, the fallout of which affected the whole of Europe and the site of which is still the scene of an exclusion zone "where people still can't live and possibly won't be able to for hundreds of years". Also read | Ukraine nuclear operator reports 'most powerful cyberattack since the start of the Russian invasion' "There is a major concern obviously, when you talk about mixing nuclear reactors and high explosives, military grade weapons...the possibility that there could be a catastrophic failure is real and I think that is why so many actors in the international community are now concerned about what is happening in this location." Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned that the impending disaster would affect the whole of Europe and has requested international agencies to intervene. In Bishop's view "It has also been the strategy of the Ukrainian government to try to get more international actors involved in this conflict and so of course that is also part of the reason why they are reaching out to the IAEA and UN for assistance in dealing with this issue" Following the plant's strike in March, nuclear catastrophe was narrowly avoided. Fortunately, there was no radiation leak and there was no damage to the reactors. The plant has remained at the front lines of the Russia-Ukraine conflict ever since and the two nations continue to blame one another for the strike. Also read | Ukraine nuclear plant standoff: No 'military need' to use nuclear arms in Ukraine, says Russia Talking about the ongoing blame game between Russia and Ukraine and his thoughts on who actually shelled the plant Bishop remarked "If Russian troops are occupying this nuclear power plant it would make little sense for the Ukrainians to shell the facility in order to try and liberate it. Meanwhile, why the Russians would shell a facility that they are controlling also makes little sense from a strategic and tactical standpoint." He pointed out that "there is a very intensive propaganda, information war being conducted by both Ukraine and Russia, on social media platforms, through traditional news outlets," and that "each side is working to shape the narrative to their advantage" "We simply don't have enough details about what exactly is happened or the nature of these shelling, the origin of it to make any kind of clear assessment at this point," he added. As per reports, on Thursday (August 18), United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan in Kyiv. The question is: Will the upcoming visits by the heads of the UN and a possible visit by the IAEA chief have any impact or potentially calm things down? "I think that is certainly the hope of any responsible party that's looking at events around this nuclear power plant. Unfortunately, international organisations like the UN, they've not proven to be particularly affective in this conflict. But there are some signs of hope because there have been some isolated incidents in which the UN was able to achieve limited evacuations of non-combatants in key areas for example," said Bishop. Although demilitarising the area around the nuclear power plant in Zaporizhzhia would resolve this immediate issue, it wouldn't address the larger issues or the conflict, he said, adding that it is important to keep in mind that this is a critical situation. "Threats of nuclear force, threats of nuclear terrorism, they have been a constant backdrop to this conflict and the only way to end that threat is to end the war, unfortunately that does not appear to be something that's likely to happen in the next few months." × 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.

Exclusive | Only way to end nuclear threat from Zaporizhzhia 'is to end the war', says senior journalist

In response to a surge in Russian tourists travelling to Europe, Finland will reduce the number of visas granted to Russians beginning on September 1.

According to the ministry, Finland would reduce daily visa application appointments in Russia from 1,000 to 500, with only 100 set aside for tourists.&nbsp;After a number of Western nations restricted their airspace to Russian planes in reaction to Russia's attack on Ukraine, Finnish land border crossings have remained among the few access ports into Europe for Russians.

Watch |&nbsp;WION Fineprint | Ukraine nuclear plant standoff stirs Chernobyl memories

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Following Russia's easing of pandemic-related border restrictions a month ago, Russian tourists started utilising Finland's Helsinki-Vantaa airport as a gateway to European vacation spots, and the Finnish government on Tuesday agreed to limit their numbers.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mother-heroine-vladimir-putin-revives-soviet-era-award-for-mothers-of-ten-or-more-kids-507507" hreflang="en">'Mother Heroine': Vladimir Putin revives Soviet-era award for mothers of ten or more kids</a>

Pekka Haavisto, the Finnish foreign minister told reporters, "And this maybe is not very appropriate if we, for example, think of the airspace restrictions put in place for Russia."

According to Haavisto, Finland and the Baltic nations would also suggest that the European Union terminate its visa facilitation deal with Russia, which facilitates Russians' travel to and within the EU.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explosions-rock-ammunition-depot-in-russia-controlled-crimea-507413" hreflang="en">Explosions rock ammunition depot in Russia-controlled Crimea, Ukraine's role suspected</a>

Sanna Marin, the prime minister of Finland, and Kaja Kallas, the prime minister of Estonia, are among the EU leaders who have called for an EU-wide visa ban.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz disagreed with this position on Monday, saying Russians should be allowed to leave their home country if they disagree with the government.&nbsp;As per Haavisto, Finland was considering developing a national humanitarian visa that would be available to Russians who wanted to leave or travel to Europe for reasons such as advocacy or journalism.

(With inputs from agencies)

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In response to a surge in Russian tourists travelling to Europe, Finland will reduce the number of visas granted to Russians beginning on September 1. According to the ministry, Finland would reduce daily visa application appointments in Russia from 1,000 to 500, with only 100 set aside for tourists.

In response to a surge in Russian tourists travelling to Europe, Finland will reduce the number of visas granted to Russians beginning on September 1. According to the ministry, Finland would reduce daily visa application appointments in Russia from 1,000 to 500, with only 100 set aside for tourists. After a number of Western nations restricted their airspace to Russian planes in reaction to Russia's attack on Ukraine, Finnish land border crossings have remained among the few access ports into Europe for Russians. Watch | WION Fineprint | Ukraine nuclear plant standoff stirs Chernobyl memories Following Russia's easing of pandemic-related border restrictions a month ago, Russian tourists started utilising Finland's Helsinki-Vantaa airport as a gateway to European vacation spots, and the Finnish government on Tuesday agreed to limit their numbers. Also read | 'Mother Heroine': Vladimir Putin revives Soviet-era award for mothers of ten or more kids Pekka Haavisto, the Finnish foreign minister told reporters, "And this maybe is not very appropriate if we, for example, think of the airspace restrictions put in place for Russia." According to Haavisto, Finland and the Baltic nations would also suggest that the European Union terminate its visa facilitation deal with Russia, which facilitates Russians' travel to and within the EU. Also read | Explosions rock ammunition depot in Russia-controlled Crimea, Ukraine's role suspected Sanna Marin, the prime minister of Finland, and Kaja Kallas, the prime minister of Estonia, are among the EU leaders who have called for an EU-wide visa ban. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz disagreed with this position on Monday, saying Russians should be allowed to leave their home country if they disagree with the government. As per Haavisto, Finland was considering developing a national humanitarian visa that would be available to Russians who wanted to leave or travel to Europe for reasons such as advocacy or journalism. (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.

Finland limits visas to Russian tourists who were using nation as a gateway to Europe amid sanctions

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