Breaking silence over the Russian plane crash, President Vladimir Putin expressed condolences for Wagner chief's death. He called the Prigozhin, a talented man who made mistakes. Yevgeny Prigozhin attempted a mutiny against the Russian government in June.

Putin condoles Wagner Chief's Yevgeny Prigozhin death | World News | WION

Here, we bring you the news that is trending across WION's social media platforms- Russian President Vladimir Putin finally broke his silence over the apparent death of Wagner ChiefYevgeny Prigozhin while expressing condolences over the plane crash. Putin says the Wagner boss was a talented man who made mistakes.

What's next for Wagner group after Prigozhin's death?

Anyone who crosses Putin either dies or disappears, or is jailed. The Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin has died in a plane crash. This comes 2 months after Wagner led an unsuccessful mutiny against Putin's aide. Why did Putin wait so long to strike?

How did the Wagner chief die?

The Kremlin has rejected allegations of its involvement in the killing of Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin. This comes as US officials have suggested that Russian President Vladimir Putin might have ordered Prigozhin's killing and it could have been an intentional plane explosion. However, in a new statement, the Kremlin has dismissed these claims terming it an "absolute lie". Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated, “There is a lot of speculation around this disaster, around the tragic death of the passengers on the plane, including Yevgeny Prigozhin. Of course, in the west all these speculations are presented from a certain angle. This is all an absolute lie.”

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-with-prigozhin-dead-wagner-groups-bloodied-past-tumultuous-present-uncertain-future-629170">With Prigozhin dead, Wagner group's bloodied past, tumultuous present &amp; uncertain future</a>

The circumstances of Prigozhin's death, in a plane crash or due to an explosion, are under debate. Russian President Vladimir Putin also issued a decree requiring allegiance oaths from Wagner and other private military company personnel.

<h2>Fatal crash of Wagner Chief’s jet spurs speculation</h2>

Yevgeny Prigozhin’s death is thought to have occurred in the crash of his Embraer jet, which went down northwest of Moscow.&nbsp;Prigozhin had previously resisted placing his mercenaries under direct state control, despite Putin's request.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/greek-wildfires-are-worst-in-europe-in-decades-says-eu-backed-climate-service-629165">Greek wildfires are worst in Europe in years, says EU-backed climate service</a>

Prigozhin's refusal to comply with this directive led to escalating tensions with the Russian government, particularly the defence ministry. He had undertaken actions that directly challenged the government's authority, including the recent armed rebellion.

<h2>Confirmation delays&nbsp;</h2>

Russian officials have been slow in confirming Prigozhin's death, but his name was listed on the flight manifest published by Russian aviation authorities. Putin, as per Peskov, was awaiting the results of a comprehensive investigation into the crash before making any official statement. Prigozhin's use of body doubles, multiple passports, and disguises had previously led to false reports of his death.

Watch | PM Modi, Xi Jinping discuss border issues in Johannesburg

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pm-modi-xi-jinping-discuss-border-issues-in-johannesburg-629142/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Putin said the Wagner chief made "some serious mistakes in his life". Despite differences, Putin also acknowledged Prigozhin's contributions to the war in Ukraine.&nbsp;

The UK Ministry of Defence noted that definitive proof of Prigozhin's presence on the ill-fated flight is lacking due to his extensive security measures. However, there is a high likelihood of his demise, they added.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

The Kremlin has rejected allegations of its involvement in the killing of Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin. This comes as US officials have suggested that Russian President Vladimir Putin might have ordered Prigozhin's killing and it could have been an intentional plane explosion.

The Kremlin has rejected allegations of its involvement in the killing of Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin. This comes as US officials have suggested that Russian President Vladimir Putin might have ordered Prigozhin's killing and it could have been an intentional plane explosion. However, in a new statement, the Kremlin has dismissed these claims terming it an "absolute lie". Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated, “There is a lot of speculation around this disaster, around the tragic death of the passengers on the plane, including Yevgeny Prigozhin. Of course, in the west all these speculations are presented from a certain angle. This is all an absolute lie.” Also Read | With Prigozhin dead, Wagner group's bloodied past, tumultuous present & uncertain future The circumstances of Prigozhin's death, in a plane crash or due to an explosion, are under debate. Russian President Vladimir Putin also issued a decree requiring allegiance oaths from Wagner and other private military company personnel. Fatal crash of Wagner Chief’s jet spurs speculation Yevgeny Prigozhin’s death is thought to have occurred in the crash of his Embraer jet, which went down northwest of Moscow. Prigozhin had previously resisted placing his mercenaries under direct state control, despite Putin's request. Also Read | Greek wildfires are worst in Europe in years, says EU-backed climate service Prigozhin's refusal to comply with this directive led to escalating tensions with the Russian government, particularly the defence ministry. He had undertaken actions that directly challenged the government's authority, including the recent armed rebellion. Confirmation delays Russian officials have been slow in confirming Prigozhin's death, but his name was listed on the flight manifest published by Russian aviation authorities. Putin, as per Peskov, was awaiting the results of a comprehensive investigation into the crash before making any official statement. Prigozhin's use of body doubles, multiple passports, and disguises had previously led to false reports of his death. Watch | PM Modi, Xi Jinping discuss border issues in Johannesburg × Putin said the Wagner chief made "some serious mistakes in his life". Despite differences, Putin also acknowledged Prigozhin's contributions to the war in Ukraine. The UK Ministry of Defence noted that definitive proof of Prigozhin's presence on the ill-fated flight is lacking due to his extensive security measures. However, there is a high likelihood of his demise, they added. 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. ×

'Absolute lie': Kremlin rejects accusations of killing Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin

The death of Prigozhin leaves Putin stronger in the short term, removing a powerful figure that launched a mutiny against top brass and threatened to make him look weak. However, it would also deprive Putin of a forceful and astute player who had proved his utility to the Kremlin. Prigozhin sent his fighters into some of the bloodiest battles of the Ukraine war and advanced Russian interests across Africa, which are now likely to be re-organised. To understand this better watch this interview with a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations Charles Kupchan.

Prigozhin plane crash shrouded in mystery

The death of Prigozhin leaves Putin stronger in the short term, removing a powerful figure that launched a mutiny against top brass and threatened to make him look weak. However, it would also deprive Putin of a forceful and astute player who had proved his utility to the Kremlin. Prigozhin sent his fighters into some of the bloodiest battles of the Ukraine war and advanced Russian interests across Africa, which are now likely to be re-organised.

Prigozhin Plane Crash: What happened to Putin's other rivals

"For Christ's sake, guys, take me and finish me already," said Yevgeny Prigozhin in an interview as his stand-off with Russian military leadership and President Vladimir Putin escalated in the spring this year.

"What will be, will be," he added, as per an interview excerpt making the rounds. According to preliminary US government assessments, what happened was an assassination plot that took out the thorn in Putin's side.&nbsp;

The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reports that as per US officials, while it looks like an assassination angle was behind Prigozhin's death, contrary to earlier speculation, the Wagner chief's aircraft doesn't appear to have been shot down by a surface-to-air missile.

<h2>Who, or what, killed Yevgeny Prigozhin?</h2>

As per WSJ, preliminary US government assessments, which are incomplete, suggest that sabotage or a bomb that exploded on the aircraft was behind the crash.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/prigozhins-death-sparks-global-intrigue-as-putins-unforgiving-side-resurfaces-in-old-video-watch-628781">Prigozhin's death sparks buzz of intrigue as Putin's unforgiving side resurfaces in old video. WATCH</a>

Previously, social media channels close to the mercenary chief claimed that the aircraft carrying Prigozhin was downed by a Russian military anti-aircraft missile.

The Kremlin is yet to offer an explanation for the aircraft crash that happened northwest of Moscow but said that it was conducting an investigation. Russia’s Investigative Committee has reportedly launched a criminal probe into alleged violations of air safety rules. However, official information on the crash or its causes remains scant.

As per LBC, a UK-based publication, relatives of 39-year-old Kristina Raspopova, a flight attendant on board the aircraft who also died, have revealed that the flight was delayed due to "maintenance or some urgent repairs".

Talking to Sky News, former British intelligence officer Christopher Steele said that in an "ironic" twist, there are suggestions that a bomb in a wine crate may be behind the explosion and the subsequent crash.

"That's a kind of ironic end for Putin's former caterer," he added.

<h2>What happens now?</h2>

As per the WSJ report, as with previous deaths of Putin rivals, the Russian government is likely going to try to create confusion over who killed Prigozhin.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Putin condoles Wagner Chief's Yevgeny Prigozhin death

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/putin-condoles-wagner-chiefs-yevgeny-prigozhin-death-world-news-wion-628897/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Russian state-run media has already begun floating stories that blame Ukraine — a likely scapegoat, or some as of now unnamed rival of the Wagner chief.

However, the Wagner chief was often considered Putin's protégé, and while the Kremlin has previously eliminated rivals, Prigozhin's death marks the first high-ranking loyalist whom Putin is believed to have had killed over 'wrongdoings'.

Talking to the publication, Eric Green, former Russia adviser to President Biden’s National Security Council says, in the Kremlin, "there is likely sensitivity to how the Wagner fighters and their sympathisers will take the news" of Prigozhin’s death.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/prigozhin-death-news-this-is-what-happened-to-other-putin-foes-628714">Prigozhin death news: This is what happened to other Putin foes in the past</a>

Due to Prigozhin's polarising yet popular image, uncertainty would help the Kremlin claim the report. Yet, as per the report, those on the inside were "clear-eyed about who was behind his murder".

Green says over time, the Kremlin may be more definitive about who killed Prigozhin. He noted that in the poisoning of other rivals like Alexei Navalny and ex-spies Sergei Skripal and Alexander Litvinenko "the Kremlin initially cultivated ambiguity, but in subsequent months dropped unmistakable hints as to its authorship."

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

"For Christ's sake, guys, take me and finish me already," said Yevgeny Prigozhin in an interview as his stand-off with Russian military leadership and President Vladimir Putin escalated in the spring this year.

"For Christ's sake, guys, take me and finish me already," said Yevgeny Prigozhin in an interview as his stand-off with Russian military leadership and President Vladimir Putin escalated in the spring this year. "What will be, will be," he added, as per an interview excerpt making the rounds. According to preliminary US government assessments, what happened was an assassination plot that took out the thorn in Putin's side. The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reports that as per US officials, while it looks like an assassination angle was behind Prigozhin's death, contrary to earlier speculation, the Wagner chief's aircraft doesn't appear to have been shot down by a surface-to-air missile. Who, or what, killed Yevgeny Prigozhin? As per WSJ, preliminary US government assessments, which are incomplete, suggest that sabotage or a bomb that exploded on the aircraft was behind the crash. Also read | Prigozhin's death sparks buzz of intrigue as Putin's unforgiving side resurfaces in old video. WATCH Previously, social media channels close to the mercenary chief claimed that the aircraft carrying Prigozhin was downed by a Russian military anti-aircraft missile. The Kremlin is yet to offer an explanation for the aircraft crash that happened northwest of Moscow but said that it was conducting an investigation. Russia’s Investigative Committee has reportedly launched a criminal probe into alleged violations of air safety rules. However, official information on the crash or its causes remains scant. As per LBC, a UK-based publication, relatives of 39-year-old Kristina Raspopova, a flight attendant on board the aircraft who also died, have revealed that the flight was delayed due to "maintenance or some urgent repairs". Talking to Sky News, former British intelligence officer Christopher Steele said that in an "ironic" twist, there are suggestions that a bomb in a wine crate may be behind the explosion and the subsequent crash. "That's a kind of ironic end for Putin's former caterer," he added. What happens now? As per the WSJ report, as with previous deaths of Putin rivals, the Russian government is likely going to try to create confusion over who killed Prigozhin. Watch | Putin condoles Wagner Chief's Yevgeny Prigozhin death Russian state-run media has already begun floating stories that blame Ukraine — a likely scapegoat, or some as of now unnamed rival of the Wagner chief. However, the Wagner chief was often considered Putin's protégé, and while the Kremlin has previously eliminated rivals, Prigozhin's death marks the first high-ranking loyalist whom Putin is believed to have had killed over 'wrongdoings'. Talking to the publication, Eric Green, former Russia adviser to President Biden’s National Security Council says, in the Kremlin, "there is likely sensitivity to how the Wagner fighters and their sympathisers will take the news" of Prigozhin’s death. Also read | Prigozhin death news: This is what happened to other Putin foes in the past Due to Prigozhin's polarising yet popular image, uncertainty would help the Kremlin claim the report. Yet, as per the report, those on the inside were "clear-eyed about who was behind his murder". Green says over time, the Kremlin may be more definitive about who killed Prigozhin. He noted that in the poisoning of other rivals like Alexei Navalny and ex-spies Sergei Skripal and Alexander Litvinenko "the Kremlin initially cultivated ambiguity, but in subsequent months dropped unmistakable hints as to its authorship." (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.

Bomb in a wine crate aboard Prigozhin's plane led to the crash, reports suggest

Almost a decade was spent by Wagner's slain chief Yevgeny Prigozhin to build the mercenary group. The group emerged as the central force in Russia's war against Ukraine and the troops of Prigozhin worked towards spreading influence of Moscow across the globe and gathering President Vladimir Putin's allies in Syria and Africa. 
 
Prigozhin's sudden death in a plane crash has now triggered multiple speculations about the dangling future of the group. But let's understand the journey taken by the Wagner group so far.

<h2>Prigozhin – a prison convict turned into a hot dog joint owner</h2>

Before the Wagner stint, Prigozhin – who was born in Leningrad, USSR (now St Petersburg, Russia) on 1 June 1961 – was one of the most influential and richest businessmen in Russia. 
 
However, before soaring the heights, he spent almost 13 years in prison after getting implicated in various robbery cases in the early 1980s. He was released in 1990 when the Soviet Union was on the verge of collapse. 
 
Once out of prison, Prigozhin started his business of selling hot dogs in St. Petersburg. As per the Guardian, in no time, Prigozhin had his hands in various ventures, from supermarkets to restaurants. 
 
In 1995, he finally set up a network of catering companies and restaurants, which included St. Petersburg's well-known company called Concord Catering. Soon after, Prigozhin entered the list of one of the country's wealthiest individuals. 
 
With the growing business, Prigozhin’s proximity with the Russian ruling class also increased. Prigozhin became the caterer of choice for the rich and powerful in Russia by the time Vladimir Putin came to power. 
 
Prigozhin became the one who provided catering when Putin hosted some important world leaders like Prince Charles and George Bush. The caterer and the Russian leader soon developed a friendship that changed the shape of world politics, before they turned into foes briefly that is being viewed as a cause of his end.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/video-shows-the-moment-wagner-chiefs-plane-tumbled-toward-ground-crashing-in-fireball-628645">A metallic bang and smoke: Witnesses describe the scene of Prigozhin's plane crash</a>

<h2>Rise and rise of Wagner group</h2>

It remained unclear who decided to form the Wagner Group – Putin or Prigozhin. However, the group was formed during Russia's invasion of Crimea in 2014. Wagner Group and Russia's armed forces co-ordinated with each other but maintained their distance as recently as 2022. 
 
Even as private armies remained officially banned in Russia, Wagner Group troops operated with impunity during Crimea's 2014 invasion. After Crimea was captured, Wagner’s private military contractors (PMCs) went to Donbas in Eastern Ukraine and assisted pro-Russian separatist forces of the self-declared Luhansk and Donetsk from 2014 to 2015. 
 
In no time, Wagner became Putin's proxy army, getting their hands dirty in regions where Russia wanted to step in but officially could not. Prigozhin led this proxy army as a general. 
 
In 2015, Prigozhin sent his Wagner troops to Syria when Russia intervened militarily in the country to support Bashar al-Assad amid the civil war. Wagner chief also got food and supplies. In Syria, Wagner saw itself engaged in some of the most intense fighting and for the first time faced accusations of war crime. 
 
Slowly, Wagner Group was involved in every other conflict where Russia played a role, from civil wars in Libya and Sudan to Venezuela.

<h2>Invasion of Ukraine and Prigozhin's fallout with Putin</h2>

When Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, the involvement of Prigozhin and his Wagner Group in the escalation was out in the open. Prigozhin also became an active recruiter and recruited convicts to fight the war. The group saw a sudden expansion with a surge of convict fighters. The group engaged in some of the heaviest fighting of the conflict and faced massive casualties. 
 
Wagner Group achieved success in May when it seized Bakhmut, an eastern Ukrainian city, at the end of some of the most brutal fighting. After the city was captured, Prigozhin called out the alleged treachery of top military brass, targetting Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov. 
 
He continued criticising the military leadership of Russia for failing to care about his troops and using his&nbsp;fighters as cannon fodder. The brewing tensions soon resulted in the armed mutiny of the Wagner group on June 24. However, before his men could reach Moscow, Prigozhin asked them to stop as Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko announced that he had negotiated a deal with Prigozhin. The Kremlin then announced that Prigozhin would shift to Belarus and won’t face prosecution.

WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: Wagner Chief Yevgeny Prigozhin dies in plane crash

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-wagner-chief-yevgeny-prigozhin-dies-in-plane-crash-628895/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<h2>Wagner's leader's death and a question mark over empty seat</h2>

In a sudden development, it was reported that Prigozhin had apparently died in an Embraer jet crash in the north-west of Moscow, along with other nine passengers and crew onboard. A day later, his death was confirmed by Putin himself. 
 
Now with the death of Prigozhin, the complex commercial and military operations planned by the chief and the group across Africa, the Middle East and Europe hang in the balance. The operations of Wagner Group were already rolled up in Syria by Putin. 
 
After the mutiny, the forces of Wagner deployed in Ukraine gave a base to the regular military of Russia and started relocating to an army camp in Belarus. The group is likely to stay more or less intact in Africa under new management and can be taken over by another Russian mercenary group. 
 
As per analysts, Wagner Group is not likely to go through much changes in countries where it was operating through an official agreement with Moscow. CAR President Faustin-Archange Touadera's political adviser Fidele Gouandjika said that since Wagner troops were present in the country through a state-level agreement with Russia, "nothing will affect the presence of these instructors". Prigozhin is "a dead leader, we can replace him," Gouandjika added.

You can&nbsp;now write for&nbsp;wionews.com&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>. 
 
&nbsp;

<main>
<section>
WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" data-gtm-yt-inspected-20="true" data-gtm-yt-inspected-26="true" data-gtm-yt-inspected-33="true" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="lazy" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=0" title="live tv" width="100%"></iframe>
</section>
</main>

Almost a decade was spent by Wagner's slain chief Yevgeny Prigozhin to build the mercenary group. The group emerged as the central force in Russia's war against Ukraine and the troops of Prigozhin worked towards spreading influence of Moscow across the globe and gathering President Vladimir Putin's allies in Syria and Africa.

Almost a decade was spent by Wagner's slain chief Yevgeny Prigozhin to build the mercenary group. The group emerged as the central force in Russia's war against Ukraine and the troops of Prigozhin worked towards spreading influence of Moscow across the globe and gathering President Vladimir Putin's allies in Syria and Africa. Prigozhin's sudden death in a plane crash has now triggered multiple speculations about the dangling future of the group. But let's understand the journey taken by the Wagner group so far. Prigozhin – a prison convict turned into a hot dog joint owner Before the Wagner stint, Prigozhin – who was born in Leningrad, USSR (now St Petersburg, Russia) on 1 June 1961 – was one of the most influential and richest businessmen in Russia. However, before soaring the heights, he spent almost 13 years in prison after getting implicated in various robbery cases in the early 1980s. He was released in 1990 when the Soviet Union was on the verge of collapse. Once out of prison, Prigozhin started his business of selling hot dogs in St. Petersburg. As per the Guardian, in no time, Prigozhin had his hands in various ventures, from supermarkets to restaurants. In 1995, he finally set up a network of catering companies and restaurants, which included St. Petersburg's well-known company called Concord Catering. Soon after, Prigozhin entered the list of one of the country's wealthiest individuals. With the growing business, Prigozhin’s proximity with the Russian ruling class also increased. Prigozhin became the caterer of choice for the rich and powerful in Russia by the time Vladimir Putin came to power. Prigozhin became the one who provided catering when Putin hosted some important world leaders like Prince Charles and George Bush. The caterer and the Russian leader soon developed a friendship that changed the shape of world politics, before they turned into foes briefly that is being viewed as a cause of his end. ALSO READ | A metallic bang and smoke: Witnesses describe the scene of Prigozhin's plane crash Rise and rise of Wagner group It remained unclear who decided to form the Wagner Group – Putin or Prigozhin. However, the group was formed during Russia's invasion of Crimea in 2014. Wagner Group and Russia's armed forces co-ordinated with each other but maintained their distance as recently as 2022. Even as private armies remained officially banned in Russia, Wagner Group troops operated with impunity during Crimea's 2014 invasion. After Crimea was captured, Wagner’s private military contractors (PMCs) went to Donbas in Eastern Ukraine and assisted pro-Russian separatist forces of the self-declared Luhansk and Donetsk from 2014 to 2015. In no time, Wagner became Putin's proxy army, getting their hands dirty in regions where Russia wanted to step in but officially could not. Prigozhin led this proxy army as a general. In 2015, Prigozhin sent his Wagner troops to Syria when Russia intervened militarily in the country to support Bashar al-Assad amid the civil war. Wagner chief also got food and supplies. In Syria, Wagner saw itself engaged in some of the most intense fighting and for the first time faced accusations of war crime. Slowly, Wagner Group was involved in every other conflict where Russia played a role, from civil wars in Libya and Sudan to Venezuela. Invasion of Ukraine and Prigozhin's fallout with Putin When Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, the involvement of Prigozhin and his Wagner Group in the escalation was out in the open. Prigozhin also became an active recruiter and recruited convicts to fight the war. The group saw a sudden expansion with a surge of convict fighters. The group engaged in some of the heaviest fighting of the conflict and faced massive casualties. Wagner Group achieved success in May when it seized Bakhmut, an eastern Ukrainian city, at the end of some of the most brutal fighting. After the city was captured, Prigozhin called out the alleged treachery of top military brass, targetting Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov. He continued criticising the military leadership of Russia for failing to care about his troops and using his fighters as cannon fodder. The brewing tensions soon resulted in the armed mutiny of the Wagner group on June 24. However, before his men could reach Moscow, Prigozhin asked them to stop as Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko announced that he had negotiated a deal with Prigozhin. The Kremlin then announced that Prigozhin would shift to Belarus and won’t face prosecution. WATCH | Gravitas: Wagner Chief Yevgeny Prigozhin dies in plane crash Wagner's leader's death and a question mark over empty seat In a sudden development, it was reported that Prigozhin had apparently died in an Embraer jet crash in the north-west of Moscow, along with other nine passengers and crew onboard. A day later, his death was confirmed by Putin himself. Now with the death of Prigozhin, the complex commercial and military operations planned by the chief and the group across Africa, the Middle East and Europe hang in the balance. The operations of Wagner Group were already rolled up in Syria by Putin. After the mutiny, the forces of Wagner deployed in Ukraine gave a base to the regular military of Russia and started relocating to an army camp in Belarus. The group is likely to stay more or less intact in Africa under new management and can be taken over by another Russian mercenary group. As per analysts, Wagner Group is not likely to go through much changes in countries where it was operating through an official agreement with Moscow. CAR President Faustin-Archange Touadera's political adviser Fidele Gouandjika said that since Wagner troops were present in the country through a state-level agreement with Russia, "nothing will affect the presence of these instructors". Prigozhin is "a dead leader, we can replace him," Gouandjika added. 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

Explained | With Prigozhin dead, Wagner group's bloodied past, tumultuous present & uncertain future

CIA Director Bill Burns predicted last month that Wagner mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin probably hadn't seen the last of Vladimir Putin's wrath after the warlord staged a failed coup against the Kremlin.

In a significant development, the BRICS group, comprised of five nations dedicated to advocating for the "Global South," has taken a monumental step. With the admission of six new members, this coalition of emerging global powers is set to more than double in size. This strategic move not only strengthens BRICS but also positions it as a formidable geopolitical contender alongside the G7. While some of the new member additions align with India's lobbying efforts, others have invoked caution. Molly Gambhir reports.

Gravitas: Iran, UAE Among 6 Nations To Join BRICS | What Bloc Expansion Means For India

The Wagner Chief is no more. Russian President Vladimir Putin has confirmed his death, calling him a 'talented businessman' who might have made some mistakes. What led to his death? Molly Gambhir brings you a report.

Gravitas: Wagner Chief Yevgeny Prigozhin dies in plane crash

Wagner Chief Yevgeny Prigozhin was listed in the Russian plane crash, with no survivor. Pergozhin who previously operated in the shadows, came in the spotlight during Russia-Ukraine War that started in 2022.

Prigozhin plane crash shrouded in mystery; What happened to Putin's other rivals | World News | WION

Yevgeny Prigozhin, the commander of the Russian mercenary group Wagner, was mentioned as one of the ten people who perished in the crash of a private jet north of Moscow. Exact two months after Prigozhin led his warriors in a brief mutiny against Russia's military leadership, authorities are looking into what caused the crash.

Wagner mercenary Chief Prigozhin dies in fatal plane crash

Prigozhin Plane Crash: Wagner chief loses life in a deadly crash

Russia-Ukraine War: Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin listed in Russian plane crash with no survivors

It has been around 18 hours since a plane crashed near Moscow that listed Yevgeny Prigozhin, the chief of Russia's Wagner group, as one of the passengers. Reportedly, all the ten people on board have been killed. The Kremlin has not given out any official confirmation and the mystery seems to be only deepening.

Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin: Dead or alive?

Is Wagner chief dead? | Crash comes 2 months after Prigozhin's short-lived mutiny

Russia-Ukraine War: Wagner chief Prigozhin reported dead in jet crash

Tributes are pouring in for deceased Wagner leader Yevgeny Prigozhin. A makeshift memorial in front of the "PMC Wagner Centre" was held in Saint Petersburg.

Makeshift memorial outside PMC Wagner Center after Prigozhin's 'death'

Since last night the world has been mulling over a very important question, Is Wagner Chief, Yevgeny Prigozhin dead? Close to 18 hours after a plane crash near Moscow that listed Prego as one of the passengers.

Is Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin dead?

A plane reportedly carrying Yevgeny Prigozhin, head of the Wagner Group, crashed on Wednesday (August 23), killing all 10 on board. Russian officials confirmed that Prigozhin’s name was on the list but it can not be confirmed if he was actually on the plane. Flight tracking data showed that soon after the crash, a second private jet thought to be&nbsp;linked to Prigozhin also appeared to be heading to St. Petersburg, but it was turned back to Moscow and later landed.

<h2>Was the plane shot down?&nbsp;</h2>

Some bizarre theories have been doing the rounds since the news of the plane crash broke. A Telegram channel affiliated with Wagner claimed on Wednesday that the plane was “shot down” in the sky over the Tver region by the Russian Defence Ministry.

According to the Telegram channel linked to the Wagner Grey Zone,&nbsp;"The plane was shot down in the sky over the Tver region by air defence forces of the Russian Defense Ministry."&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-apart-from-wagner-boss-who-else-was-on-board-plane-that-crashed-628699">Apart from Wagner boss, who else was on board plane that crashed</a>&nbsp;

The post added, "It is reported that one of the Embraer Legacy 600 private planes belonging to Yevgeny Prigozhin disappeared from the radar at 18:20, the dispatchers tried to contact the crew, but to no avail, after which the air traffic controllers notified the Russian Ministry of Defense and air defence units about the incident."&nbsp;

The channel added that the second plane was also owned by Prigozhin. According to the Grey Zone, "The second Embraer 600 business jet with tail number RA-02795, which also belonged to the head of the Wagner Group, Yevgeny Prigozhin, landed at the Ostafyevo airport near Moscow."&nbsp;

The same channel also pronounced him dead, hailing him as a hero and a patriot who it said had died at the hands of unidentified people it called "traitors to Russia". Details of the post have been carried out by some media outlets, but WION can't independently verify them.&nbsp;

Watch this report:&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wagner-mercenary-chief-prigozhin-dies-in-fatal-plane-crash-628658/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<h2>What do we know about the plane?</h2>

The Embraer executive jet model that crashed in Russia is pretty safe. It has only recorded one accident in more than 20 years of service, and that was not related to mechanical failure. Russia’s TASS news agency said the plane was a Brazilian Embraer jet.

Embraer said it was aware of a plane crash in Russia involving a Legacy 600 aircraft, but it did not have further information about the case and had not been providing support services for the jet since 2019.

"Embraer has complied with international sanctions imposed on Russia," the planemaker said. Sanctions block Western plane makers from providing parts or support for planes operated in Russia.

The aircraft, manufactured in 2007, fell under US Treasury sanctions in 2019 when it was listed under a prior registration, M-SAAN, according to a US government press release.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-wagner-chief-yevgeny-prigozhin-dead-heres-what-we-know-so-far-628679">Is Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin dead? Here's what we know so far</a>&nbsp;

<h2>Who is behind the crash?&nbsp;</h2>

US President Joe Biden’s reaction to the plane crash was quite blunt and striking as he alleged involvement of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Biden said, "I don't know for a fact what happened, but I'm not surprised. There's not much that happens in Russia that Putin's not behind. But I don't know enough to know the answer."&nbsp;

France also said that there were "reasonable doubts" about the cause of the plane crash. 
But experts have said that whoever or whatever was behind the crash, his death would rid Putin of someone who had mounted the most serious challenge to the Russian leader's authority since he came to power in 1999. Notably, in June this year, Prigozhin staged a coup against Putin which eventually failed.&nbsp;

Not just Wagner chief, others who have opposed Putin or his interests have also <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/prigozhin-death-news-this-is-what-happened-to-other-putin-foes-628714">died under unclear circumstances</a> or come close to death in the past, including outspoken political leaders and journalists. Such claims have always been denied by Russia.&nbsp;

Abbas Gallyamov, a former Putin speech writer turned critic suggested&nbsp;without evidence that the Russian leader was behind the crash. Gallyamov wrote on Telegram: "The establishment is now convinced that it will not be possible to oppose Putin. Putin is strong enough and capable of revenge."&nbsp;

Bill Browder, a businessman and another Kremlin critic, wrote on X: "Putin never forgives and never forgets. He looked like a humiliated weakling with Prigozhin running around without a care in the world (after the mutiny). This will cement his authority." Browder has years of experience in Russia.&nbsp;

<h2>Who else was onboard the plane that crashed?&nbsp;</h2>

Russia's Federal Air Transport Agency released the names of two pilots and one flight attendant who lost their lives in the deadly crash. The agency cited the airline to confirm that Captain Aleksei Levshin, co-pilot Rustam Karimov, and flight attendant Kristina Raspopova died in the crash.&nbsp;

The agency also released the names of those who were onboard, apart from Prigozhin. The list includes Sergey Propustin, Evgeniy Makaryan, Aleksandr Totmin, and Nikolay Matuseev. Two names stood out — Valeriy Chekalov and Dmitry Utkin. &nbsp;

Chekalov was a senior aide to Prigozhin designated by the US Treasury for acting "for or on behalf of Prigozhin and has facilitated shipments of munitions to the Russian Federation".&nbsp;

On the other hand, Utkin was Prigozhin's right-hand man who helped establish the mercenary group and bore the call sign "Wagner".&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

A plane reportedly carrying Yevgeny Prigozhin, head of the Wagner Group, crashed on Wednesday (August 23), killing all 10 on board. Russian officials confirmed that Prigozhin’s name was on the list but it can not be confirmed if he was actually on the plane.

A plane reportedly carrying Yevgeny Prigozhin, head of the Wagner Group, crashed on Wednesday (August 23), killing all 10 on board. Russian officials confirmed that Prigozhin’s name was on the list but it can not be confirmed if he was actually on the plane. Flight tracking data showed that soon after the crash, a second private jet thought to be linked to Prigozhin also appeared to be heading to St. Petersburg, but it was turned back to Moscow and later landed. Was the plane shot down? Some bizarre theories have been doing the rounds since the news of the plane crash broke. A Telegram channel affiliated with Wagner claimed on Wednesday that the plane was “shot down” in the sky over the Tver region by the Russian Defence Ministry. According to the Telegram channel linked to the Wagner Grey Zone, "The plane was shot down in the sky over the Tver region by air defence forces of the Russian Defense Ministry." Also read: Apart from Wagner boss, who else was on board plane that crashed The post added, "It is reported that one of the Embraer Legacy 600 private planes belonging to Yevgeny Prigozhin disappeared from the radar at 18:20, the dispatchers tried to contact the crew, but to no avail, after which the air traffic controllers notified the Russian Ministry of Defense and air defence units about the incident." The channel added that the second plane was also owned by Prigozhin. According to the Grey Zone, "The second Embraer 600 business jet with tail number RA-02795, which also belonged to the head of the Wagner Group, Yevgeny Prigozhin, landed at the Ostafyevo airport near Moscow." The same channel also pronounced him dead, hailing him as a hero and a patriot who it said had died at the hands of unidentified people it called "traitors to Russia". Details of the post have been carried out by some media outlets, but WION can't independently verify them. Watch this report: × What do we know about the plane? The Embraer executive jet model that crashed in Russia is pretty safe. It has only recorded one accident in more than 20 years of service, and that was not related to mechanical failure. Russia’s TASS news agency said the plane was a Brazilian Embraer jet. Embraer said it was aware of a plane crash in Russia involving a Legacy 600 aircraft, but it did not have further information about the case and had not been providing support services for the jet since 2019. "Embraer has complied with international sanctions imposed on Russia," the planemaker said. Sanctions block Western plane makers from providing parts or support for planes operated in Russia. The aircraft, manufactured in 2007, fell under US Treasury sanctions in 2019 when it was listed under a prior registration, M-SAAN, according to a US government press release. Also read: Is Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin dead? Here's what we know so far Who is behind the crash? US President Joe Biden’s reaction to the plane crash was quite blunt and striking as he alleged involvement of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Biden said, "I don't know for a fact what happened, but I'm not surprised. There's not much that happens in Russia that Putin's not behind. But I don't know enough to know the answer." France also said that there were "reasonable doubts" about the cause of the plane crash. But experts have said that whoever or whatever was behind the crash, his death would rid Putin of someone who had mounted the most serious challenge to the Russian leader's authority since he came to power in 1999. Notably, in June this year, Prigozhin staged a coup against Putin which eventually failed. Not just Wagner chief, others who have opposed Putin or his interests have also died under unclear circumstances or come close to death in the past, including outspoken political leaders and journalists. Such claims have always been denied by Russia. Abbas Gallyamov, a former Putin speech writer turned critic suggested without evidence that the Russian leader was behind the crash. Gallyamov wrote on Telegram: "The establishment is now convinced that it will not be possible to oppose Putin. Putin is strong enough and capable of revenge." Bill Browder, a businessman and another Kremlin critic, wrote on X: "Putin never forgives and never forgets. He looked like a humiliated weakling with Prigozhin running around without a care in the world (after the mutiny). This will cement his authority." Browder has years of experience in Russia. Who else was onboard the plane that crashed? Russia's Federal Air Transport Agency released the names of two pilots and one flight attendant who lost their lives in the deadly crash. The agency cited the airline to confirm that Captain Aleksei Levshin, co-pilot Rustam Karimov, and flight attendant Kristina Raspopova died in the crash. The agency also released the names of those who were onboard, apart from Prigozhin. The list includes Sergey Propustin, Evgeniy Makaryan, Aleksandr Totmin, and Nikolay Matuseev. Two names stood out — Valeriy Chekalov and Dmitry Utkin. Chekalov was a senior aide to Prigozhin designated by the US Treasury for acting "for or on behalf of Prigozhin and has facilitated shipments of munitions to the Russian Federation". On the other hand, Utkin was Prigozhin's right-hand man who helped establish the mercenary group and bore the call sign "Wagner". (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.

Explained | Yevgeny Prigozhin presumed dead: Was plane shot down by missile? Who is behind the crash?

A private charter plane that was carrying seven people and three crew members&nbsp;crashed on Wednesday (Aug 23) when it was on its way to&nbsp;St Petersburg from Moscow, triggering reports of&nbsp;Russian mercenary group Wagner chief&nbsp;Yevgeny Prigozhin's death in the accident.

Russian news media reported citing authorities that someone by the name of Yevgeny Prigozhin was on the passenger list of the aircraft, while not confirming whether it was indeed the Wagner Group chief who died.&nbsp;

Local media citing Russia’s emergency ministry reported&nbsp;that all the 10 people on board the plane had died, with video shared on social media showing it in flames.

It is currently unknown whether&nbsp;Prigozhin had in fact boarded the plane, but the Russian officials said that a man with Prigozhin’s name was among the passengers, without elaborating further.&nbsp;

<meta charset="utf-8" />

"There were 10 people on board, including three crew members. According to preliminary information, all on board were killed," the department said.

The plane is said to have crashed in the Tver region, north of Moscow.&nbsp;Videos circulating on social media showed the moment the plane&nbsp;crashed.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/prigozhin-death-news-this-is-what-happened-to-other-putin-foes-628714">Prigozhin death news: This is what happened to other Putin foes in past</a> 
 
WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of the clips.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Major Breaking News: 
 
Private jet of Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin has crashed in the Tver Region. Prigozhin was on the passenger list. Wagner channel “Greyzone” accuses that Russian air defense shot it down. 
 
It was inevitable that the feud between Putin and Prigozhin will end… <a href="https://t.co/NYGhnCrkBp">pic.twitter.com/NYGhnCrkBp</a>
— (((Tendar))) (@Tendar) <a href="https://twitter.com/Tendar/status/1694399779877666874?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 23, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

 
The Federal Agency for Air Transport of Russia has said that it has initiated a probe into&nbsp;the plane crash and added&nbsp;that the name Yevgeny Prigozhin was in the list of passengers of the crashed flight, Tass news agency reported.

"An investigation of the Embraer plane crash that happened in the Tver Region this evening was initiated. According to the passenger list, first and last name of Yevgeny Prigozhin was included in this list," the agency noted.

Meanwhile, Sputnik has reported citing emergency officials that eight bodies have been found at the crash site of Embraer plane in Russia's Tver Region.

The news of his purported&nbsp;death came days after the Wagner chief made his first video appearance in the aftermath of his failed coup attempt after growing discontent against the&nbsp;top Russian defence officials for overlooking the mercenary group's needs.

In the video, shared on the Telegram app, 62-year-old Prigozhin was seen vowing to make Africa “more free” and “Russia even greater on every continent".

The video purportedly shows the man standing in a desert-like area, dressed in military fatigues and wearing a bulletproof vest featuring the Wagner logo.

“We are working. The temperature is plus 50 (degrees Celsius). Everything is how we like it,” Prigozhin appears to say in the video while holding an assault rifle in his hands. Armed men on pickup trucks can be seen in the background, seemingly keeping a safety perimeter around him.

Once a close aide of Vladimir Putin,&nbsp;Prigozhin's ties with the Russian leader nosedived following his bid to overthrow the top leadership.&nbsp;Prigozhin and Putin have known each other since the 1990s. He became a wealthy oligarch by winning lucrative catering contracts with the Kremlin, earning him the moniker “Putin’s chef.”

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

A private charter plane that was carrying seven people and three crew members crashed on Wednesday (Aug 23) when it was on its way to St Petersburg from Moscow, triggering reports of Russian mercenary group Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin's death in the accident.

A private charter plane that was carrying seven people and three crew members crashed on Wednesday (Aug 23) when it was on its way to St Petersburg from Moscow, triggering reports of Russian mercenary group Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin's death in the accident. Russian news media reported citing authorities that someone by the name of Yevgeny Prigozhin was on the passenger list of the aircraft, while not confirming whether it was indeed the Wagner Group chief who died. Local media citing Russia’s emergency ministry reported that all the 10 people on board the plane had died, with video shared on social media showing it in flames. It is currently unknown whether Prigozhin had in fact boarded the plane, but the Russian officials said that a man with Prigozhin’s name was among the passengers, without elaborating further. "There were 10 people on board, including three crew members. According to preliminary information, all on board were killed," the department said. The plane is said to have crashed in the Tver region, north of Moscow. Videos circulating on social media showed the moment the plane crashed. Also Read | Prigozhin death news: This is what happened to other Putin foes in past WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of the clips. Major Breaking News: Private jet of Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin has crashed in the Tver Region. Prigozhin was on the passenger list. Wagner channel “Greyzone” accuses that Russian air defense shot it down. It was inevitable that the feud between Putin and Prigozhin will end… pic.twitter.com/NYGhnCrkBp — (((Tendar))) (@Tendar) August 23, 2023 × The Federal Agency for Air Transport of Russia has said that it has initiated a probe into the plane crash and added that the name Yevgeny Prigozhin was in the list of passengers of the crashed flight, Tass news agency reported. "An investigation of the Embraer plane crash that happened in the Tver Region this evening was initiated. According to the passenger list, first and last name of Yevgeny Prigozhin was included in this list," the agency noted. Meanwhile, Sputnik has reported citing emergency officials that eight bodies have been found at the crash site of Embraer plane in Russia's Tver Region. The news of his purported death came days after the Wagner chief made his first video appearance in the aftermath of his failed coup attempt after growing discontent against the top Russian defence officials for overlooking the mercenary group's needs. In the video, shared on the Telegram app, 62-year-old Prigozhin was seen vowing to make Africa “more free” and “Russia even greater on every continent". The video purportedly shows the man standing in a desert-like area, dressed in military fatigues and wearing a bulletproof vest featuring the Wagner logo. “We are working. The temperature is plus 50 (degrees Celsius). Everything is how we like it,” Prigozhin appears to say in the video while holding an assault rifle in his hands. Armed men on pickup trucks can be seen in the background, seemingly keeping a safety perimeter around him. Once a close aide of Vladimir Putin, Prigozhin's ties with the Russian leader nosedived following his bid to overthrow the top leadership. Prigozhin and Putin have known each other since the 1990s. He became a wealthy oligarch by winning lucrative catering contracts with the Kremlin, earning him the moniker “Putin’s chef.” WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Russia's Wagner mercenary group chief Yevgeny Prigozhin 'dies' in plane crash, say reports

A plane with 10 people on-board crashed in Russia. Reports say, Wagner Chief Yevgeny Prigozhin was among who were killed. More information is awaited on the same.

BREAKING: Wagner Chief Yevgeny Prigozhin killed in plane crash, says report | World News | WION

Russia has appointed a new acting head of its Aerospace forces after sacking a familiar name General Sergei Surovikin. Surovikin made headlines at the time of the Wagner Mutiny in June when reports emerged that he knew about the Revolt beforehand since then, he's been out of sight.

Reports: Russia sacks Sergei Surovikin as Aerospace Forces Chief

Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin has appeared in his first video address since his failed mutiny in Russia, which suggests he is in Africa. Watch the video to know more.

Wagner chief Prigozhin seen in first video address since coup attempt

Russian air defences have downed two "attack drones" over the Moscow region, the city's mayor said on Tuesday. &nbsp;

Taking to Telegram, Moscow mayor Sergei Sobyanin said that "air defence shot down two attack drones. One in the Krasnogorsk area, the other in the Chastsy area." He also said that emergency services were responding.&nbsp;

<h2>Casualties</h2>

As per a report by news agency AFP, Sobyanin did not provide details on damage or the casualties.&nbsp;

The Russian defence ministry confirmed that two Ukrainian drones were downed over the Bryansk region near the Ukrainian border and said that there had been no casualties.

Russia's TASS news agency reported that "Glass damage was recorded on several floors" in a multi-storey residential building in Krasnogorsk."

"Several cars parked near the house were also damaged," it added.

However, it did not specify whether the glass damage was due to the drone strike or not.

<h2>Spate of attacks</h2>

AFP reports that in recent weeks, two drone attacks have been repelled over Moscow's financial district. Each of these attacks caused minor damage to the facades of high-rise buildings.

Earlier, on Monday evening, the Russian defence ministry announced that its military had successfully intercepted and shot down two Ukrainian drones above the Black Sea, around 40 kilometres northwest of the Crimean peninsula.&nbsp;

In its statement, the ministry said, at around 6:50 am (0350 GMT), Kyiv's attempt to carry out an "attack with an aircraft-type unmanned aerial vehicle was foiled". It further said that there were no casualties and that the drone was "suppressed by means of electronic warfare".

The drones crashed in Pokrovskoye village in the Odintsovo district southwest of the capital.&nbsp;Previously in May, drones were shot down near the Kremlin.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Russian air defences have downed two "attack drones" over the Moscow region, the city's mayor said on Tuesday. Taking to Telegram, Moscow mayor Sergei Sobyanin said that "air defence shot down two attack drones.

Russian air defences have downed two "attack drones" over the Moscow region, the city's mayor said on Tuesday. Taking to Telegram, Moscow mayor Sergei Sobyanin said that "air defence shot down two attack drones. One in the Krasnogorsk area, the other in the Chastsy area." He also said that emergency services were responding. Casualties As per a report by news agency AFP, Sobyanin did not provide details on damage or the casualties. The Russian defence ministry confirmed that two Ukrainian drones were downed over the Bryansk region near the Ukrainian border and said that there had been no casualties. Russia's TASS news agency reported that "Glass damage was recorded on several floors" in a multi-storey residential building in Krasnogorsk." "Several cars parked near the house were also damaged," it added. However, it did not specify whether the glass damage was due to the drone strike or not. Spate of attacks AFP reports that in recent weeks, two drone attacks have been repelled over Moscow's financial district. Each of these attacks caused minor damage to the facades of high-rise buildings. Earlier, on Monday evening, the Russian defence ministry announced that its military had successfully intercepted and shot down two Ukrainian drones above the Black Sea, around 40 kilometres northwest of the Crimean peninsula. In its statement, the ministry said, at around 6:50 am (0350 GMT), Kyiv's attempt to carry out an "attack with an aircraft-type unmanned aerial vehicle was foiled". It further said that there were no casualties and that the drone was "suppressed by means of electronic warfare". The drones crashed in Pokrovskoye village in the Odintsovo district southwest of the capital. Previously in May, drones were shot down near the Kremlin. (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.

Russian air defence intercepts and downs two 'attack drones' near Moscow

Joseph Schulte, a civilian cargo ship from Ukraine, has reached Istanbul. Defying a Russian blockade, the Hong Kong-flagged ship reached its destination on Thursday.

This is the first vessel to directly challenge Vladimir Putin's bid to cut off Ukraine's access to the Black Sea.

<h2>Why is this significant?</h2>

The Joseph Schulte mission comes just days after Russia opened fire on a Turkish-owned ship. The Palau-flagged vessel, as per AFP, was sailing to the Ukrainian river port of Izmail when the Russian navy fired warning shots and boarded it.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/volodymyr-zelensky-says-russian-terrorist-attacks-on-ukraine-a-threat-to-global-food-security-626222">Volodymyr Zelensky says Russian 'terrorist' attacks on Ukraine a threat to 'global food security'</a>

Not only this, Moscow, since pulling out of the UN-backed and Turkey mediated Black Sea Grain Initiative, has stepped up attacks on Ukraine's shipping infrastructure.

Ukraine's decision to take on Russia over maritime access coincides with global attention being focused on ensuring the security of grain export routes in time for this year's autumn harvest.

<h2>How did Joseph Schulte&nbsp;evade Russia?</h2>

According to marine traffic websites, the ship moved along a western route that deliberately steered clear of international waters and instead travelled through areas under the control of NATO members&nbsp;Romania and Bulgaria.

In Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's words, the ship was utilising a "new humanitarian corridor" established by Kyiv.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraines-new-military-recruitment-campaign-calls-on-citizens-to-overcome-their-fears-626540">Ukraine's new military recruitment campaign calls on citizens to 'overcome their fears'</a>

This corridor, as per news agency AFP, was put in place after Russia withdrew from the agreement that facilitated the export of grain along the Black Sea.

<h2>Significance of the Black Sea Grain Initiative</h2>

The deal that happened last year helped bring down global food prices and also helped Ukraine with an important revenue source that aided its efforts in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.

However, on July 17, Moscow pulled out of the deal. It claimed that it was exiting the deal, as it had failed to fulfil the goal of relieving hunger from Africa and other famine-stricken nations.&nbsp;

Recently, the United States said it was "going to look at everything" — including the possibility of military support for the Ukrainian ships.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Joseph Schulte, a civilian cargo ship from Ukraine, has reached Istanbul. Defying a Russian blockade, the Hong Kong-flagged ship reached its destination on Thursday.

Joseph Schulte, a civilian cargo ship from Ukraine, has reached Istanbul. Defying a Russian blockade, the Hong Kong-flagged ship reached its destination on Thursday. This is the first vessel to directly challenge Vladimir Putin's bid to cut off Ukraine's access to the Black Sea. Why is this significant? The Joseph Schulte mission comes just days after Russia opened fire on a Turkish-owned ship. The Palau-flagged vessel, as per AFP, was sailing to the Ukrainian river port of Izmail when the Russian navy fired warning shots and boarded it. Also read | Volodymyr Zelensky says Russian 'terrorist' attacks on Ukraine a threat to 'global food security' Not only this, Moscow, since pulling out of the UN-backed and Turkey mediated Black Sea Grain Initiative, has stepped up attacks on Ukraine's shipping infrastructure. Ukraine's decision to take on Russia over maritime access coincides with global attention being focused on ensuring the security of grain export routes in time for this year's autumn harvest. How did Joseph Schulte evade Russia? According to marine traffic websites, the ship moved along a western route that deliberately steered clear of international waters and instead travelled through areas under the control of NATO members Romania and Bulgaria. In Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's words, the ship was utilising a "new humanitarian corridor" established by Kyiv. Also read | Ukraine's new military recruitment campaign calls on citizens to 'overcome their fears' This corridor, as per news agency AFP, was put in place after Russia withdrew from the agreement that facilitated the export of grain along the Black Sea. Significance of the Black Sea Grain Initiative The deal that happened last year helped bring down global food prices and also helped Ukraine with an important revenue source that aided its efforts in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. However, on July 17, Moscow pulled out of the deal. It claimed that it was exiting the deal, as it had failed to fulfil the goal of relieving hunger from Africa and other famine-stricken nations. Recently, the United States said it was "going to look at everything" — including the possibility of military support for the Ukrainian ships. (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.

Joseph Schulte, the first Ukraine ship to challenge Russia's Black Sea blockade reaches Istanbul

Ukraine on Thursday launched its latest military campaign that is rallying military-aged citizens to update their data at army enlistment offices and "overcome their fear".

This campaign comes as the war-torn nation's summer-offensive grinds through its third month.

<h2>Major obstacle in army recruitment</h2>

The campaign, as per Reuters, draws on sickly produced videos and photo testimonials of prominent soldiers expressing their fears.&nbsp;

Using these testimonials, it tries to break down a major obstacle that the nation is facing in army recruitment.

As the Russia-Ukraine war nears the 18-month mark, Ukraine is reportedly facing a tough&nbsp;challenge to recruit.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kyiv-sounds-defeatist-says-wont-be-able-to-use-f-16-fighter-jets-this-year-626397">Kyiv sounds defeatist, says 'won't be able' to use F-16 fighter jets this year</a>

Deputy Defence Minister Hanna Maliar said that military-age citizens are duty bound to update their personal data at draft offices.

"We're all living people, and we all overcome this fear in order to win," stated Deputy Defence Minister.

However, the Ukrainian minister clarified that all those who update their information at drafting centres would not be mobilised automatically. She also said those citizens that do get mobilised would not necessarily end up in a combat zone.

Following the launch of Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky declared a general mobilisation. Reuters reports that military reservists aged 18 to 60 are eligible for conscription under it.

<h2>Fears and war</h2>

The campaign rallies Ukrainians to join the fight. One campaign slogan says "Bravery conquers fear".

Another quotes a Ukrainian soldier who fought in Bakhmut as saying, "Everyone has fears in a war. I do too."

In Ukraine, there have also been reports of corruption in the recruitment process. The Ukrainian military has been hit by a series of scandals involving graft or heavy-handed recruitment tactics.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/volodymyr-zelensky-says-russian-terrorist-attacks-on-ukraine-a-threat-to-global-food-security-626222">Volodymyr Zelensky says Russian 'terrorist' attacks on Ukraine a threat to 'global food security'</a>

Pledging to stamp this alleged corruption out, Maliar said, "Trust between citizens and (recruiting centres) is important."

"Right now we're taking a step toward establishing this trust," she added, as per comments carried by an official military platform, and&nbsp;reported by Reuters.

This comes as, on Thursday, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a decree formalising last week's decision to fire all the heads of regional recruitment centres in Ukraine after a nationwide investigation revealed a number of corruption and abuse cases.

"This system should be run by people who know exactly what war is and why cynicism and bribery during war is treason," said Zelensky while signing the decree.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Ukraine on Thursday launched its latest military campaign that is rallying military-aged citizens to update their data at army enlistment offices and "overcome their fear".

Ukraine on Thursday launched its latest military campaign that is rallying military-aged citizens to update their data at army enlistment offices and "overcome their fear". This campaign comes as the war-torn nation's summer-offensive grinds through its third month. Major obstacle in army recruitment The campaign, as per Reuters, draws on sickly produced videos and photo testimonials of prominent soldiers expressing their fears. Using these testimonials, it tries to break down a major obstacle that the nation is facing in army recruitment. As the Russia-Ukraine war nears the 18-month mark, Ukraine is reportedly facing a tough challenge to recruit. Also read | Kyiv sounds defeatist, says 'won't be able' to use F-16 fighter jets this year Deputy Defence Minister Hanna Maliar said that military-age citizens are duty bound to update their personal data at draft offices. "We're all living people, and we all overcome this fear in order to win," stated Deputy Defence Minister. However, the Ukrainian minister clarified that all those who update their information at drafting centres would not be mobilised automatically. She also said those citizens that do get mobilised would not necessarily end up in a combat zone. Following the launch of Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky declared a general mobilisation. Reuters reports that military reservists aged 18 to 60 are eligible for conscription under it. Fears and war The campaign rallies Ukrainians to join the fight. One campaign slogan says "Bravery conquers fear". Another quotes a Ukrainian soldier who fought in Bakhmut as saying, "Everyone has fears in a war. I do too." In Ukraine, there have also been reports of corruption in the recruitment process. The Ukrainian military has been hit by a series of scandals involving graft or heavy-handed recruitment tactics. Also read | Volodymyr Zelensky says Russian 'terrorist' attacks on Ukraine a threat to 'global food security' Pledging to stamp this alleged corruption out, Maliar said, "Trust between citizens and (recruiting centres) is important." "Right now we're taking a step toward establishing this trust," she added, as per comments carried by an official military platform, and reported by Reuters. This comes as, on Thursday, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a decree formalising last week's decision to fire all the heads of regional recruitment centres in Ukraine after a nationwide investigation revealed a number of corruption and abuse cases. "This system should be run by people who know exactly what war is and why cynicism and bribery during war is treason," said Zelensky while signing the decree. (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's new military recruitment campaign calls on citizens to 'overcome their fears'

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed on Wednesday (August 16) that Russian strikes have once again hit Ukrainian ports overnight.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

<h2>Massive Russian attack</h2>

Speaking during a televised address, Zelensky said that this attack marks the seventh "massive Russian attack" in "just one month," since Moscow withdrew from the UN-backed deal which allowed Kyiv to export grains.

"Last night, Russian terrorists once again deliberately hit our ports. They struck at our infrastructure that is involved in ensuring not just our own but the common global food security."&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/former-ukrainian-captives-claim-they-were-brutally-tortured-by-russia-626049">Former Ukrainian captives claim they were brutally tortured by Russia</a>

"Port Reni, port Izmail, port Pivdennyi, port Odesa, port Chornomorsk, Mykolaiv – each Russian strike against them is a blow to world food prices, a blow to social and political stability in Africa, in Asia. Basic things that provide a normal life to every society – it is food on the tables in households."

"No other terrorist in the world, apart from Russia, has ever so openly and intentionally targeted the security of so many nations at once," added the Ukrainian President.

Watch |&nbsp;Ukraine: War-torn farmers in despair over rock-bottoms prices

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ukraine-war-torn-farmers-in-despair-over-rock-bottoms-prices-626040/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<h2>United States condemns Putin's Russia</h2>

Zelensky's statement comes as the United States condemning the continued attacks said it was working with partners to identify alternative options that will help ensure Ukrainian grain exports. The western power also criticised Russian President Vladimir Putin's lack of regard for global food security.

Speaking during a press briefing, US State Department deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel said that his country was seeking "to possibly find ways and corridors in which we can continue to get grain to the places it needs to go."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-launches-digital-rouble-to-evade-international-sanctions-625849">Russia launches digital rouble to evade international sanctions</a>

"The United States ... calls for Russia to immediately return to the Black Sea Grain Initiative," said Patel, adding that&nbsp;"Putin simply does not care about global food security."

Since it quit the grain deal on July 17, Russia has reportedly been carrying out regular airstrikes on Ukrainian ports and grain storage facilities. Escalating tensions in the region, Moscow has even threatened that ships leaving Ukraine could be treated as potential military targets.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed on Wednesday (August 16) that Russian strikes have once again hit Ukrainian ports overnight. Massive Russian attack Speaking during a televised address, Zelensky said that this attack marks the seventh "massive Russian attack" in "just one month," since Moscow withdrew from the UN-backed deal which allowed Kyiv to export grains.

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed on Wednesday (August 16) that Russian strikes have once again hit Ukrainian ports overnight. Massive Russian attack Speaking during a televised address, Zelensky said that this attack marks the seventh "massive Russian attack" in "just one month," since Moscow withdrew from the UN-backed deal which allowed Kyiv to export grains. "Last night, Russian terrorists once again deliberately hit our ports. They struck at our infrastructure that is involved in ensuring not just our own but the common global food security." Also read | Former Ukrainian captives claim they were brutally tortured by Russia "Port Reni, port Izmail, port Pivdennyi, port Odesa, port Chornomorsk, Mykolaiv – each Russian strike against them is a blow to world food prices, a blow to social and political stability in Africa, in Asia. Basic things that provide a normal life to every society – it is food on the tables in households." "No other terrorist in the world, apart from Russia, has ever so openly and intentionally targeted the security of so many nations at once," added the Ukrainian President. Watch | Ukraine: War-torn farmers in despair over rock-bottoms prices United States condemns Putin's Russia Zelensky's statement comes as the United States condemning the continued attacks said it was working with partners to identify alternative options that will help ensure Ukrainian grain exports. The western power also criticised Russian President Vladimir Putin's lack of regard for global food security. Speaking during a press briefing, US State Department deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel said that his country was seeking "to possibly find ways and corridors in which we can continue to get grain to the places it needs to go." Also read | Russia launches digital rouble to evade international sanctions "The United States ... calls for Russia to immediately return to the Black Sea Grain Initiative," said Patel, adding that "Putin simply does not care about global food security." Since it quit the grain deal on July 17, Russia has reportedly been carrying out regular airstrikes on Ukrainian ports and grain storage facilities. Escalating tensions in the region, Moscow has even threatened that ships leaving Ukraine could be treated as potential military targets. (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.

Volodymyr Zelensky says Russian 'terrorist' attacks on Ukraine a threat to 'global food security'

A day after his comments made headlines, Stian Jenssen, a senior NATO official, apologised for saying that Ukraine could give up territory to Russia in exchange for NATO membership and putting an end to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.

<h2>The apology</h2>

Speaking to a Norwegian newspaper,&nbsp;Jenssen, the chief of staff to the NATO secretary general, Jens Stoltenberg said that he should not have spoken as simplistically as he did.

He also said that while the alliance members have been discussing ways to bring to an end the war that has already stretched for 18 months, any peace deal would have to be acceptable to Kyiv.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/natos-condition-for-ukraine-membership-hinges-on-territory-concession-to-russia-625815">NATO's condition for Ukraine: Membership hinges on territory concession to Russia</a>

"My statement about this was part of a larger discussion about possible future scenarios in Ukraine, and I shouldn’t have said it that way. It was a mistake," he told the Norwegian newspaper called VG.

Jenssen also stressed that his initial remarks were him just sharing an idea and said "It must be up to Ukraine to decide when and on what terms they want to negotiate".

A day earlier, VG had reported that during a panel debate in Arendal, Jenssen suggested, "I think that a solution could be for Ukraine to give up territory and get NATO&nbsp;membership in return".

Attempting to pacify the situation, a NATO spokesperson earlier said: "We will continue to support Ukraine as long as necessary, and we are committed to achieving a just and lasting peace. The position of the alliance is clear and has not changed."&nbsp;

<h2>No backsies</h2>

As per The Guardian, even as he clarified&nbsp;his comment, Jenssen did not walk back on his suggestion of a land-for-NATO-membership deal.&nbsp;

Instead, the chief of staff said that the military situation at the time and who holds control over which areas will "necessarily have a decisive influence," on serious peace talks whenever they happen.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-claims-it-scrambled-mig-29-to-thwart-norways-attempt-of-potential-border-breach-625446">Russia claims it scrambled MiG-29 to thwart Norway's attempt of potential border breach</a>

He further attempted to emphasise that the alliance and its members are behind Ukraine and said "Precisely for this reason, it is crucially important that we support the Ukrainians with what they need".

<h2>Ukraine's stand</h2>

Kyiv has long advocated for the restoration of its borders, as recognised by the international community before 2014. The war-torn nation is currently involved in a counteroffensive to&nbsp;regain control of significant portions of its land that were taken captive by Russia.

Unhappy with Stoltenberg's close ally for even discussing the land-for-NATO-membership deal in public, Mykhailo Podolyak, a senior adviser to Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, said: "Trading territory for a Nato umbrella? It is ridiculous. That means deliberately choosing the defeat of democracy, encouraging a global criminal, preserving the Russian regime, destroying international law and passing the war on to other generations."

"If Putin does not suffer a crushing defeat, the political regime in Russia does not change and war criminals are not punished, the war will definitely return with Russia’s appetite for more," he added.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

A day after his comments made headlines, Stian Jenssen, a senior NATO official, apologised for saying that Ukraine could give up territory to Russia in exchange for NATO membership and putting an end to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.

A day after his comments made headlines, Stian Jenssen, a senior NATO official, apologised for saying that Ukraine could give up territory to Russia in exchange for NATO membership and putting an end to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. The apology Speaking to a Norwegian newspaper, Jenssen, the chief of staff to the NATO secretary general, Jens Stoltenberg said that he should not have spoken as simplistically as he did. He also said that while the alliance members have been discussing ways to bring to an end the war that has already stretched for 18 months, any peace deal would have to be acceptable to Kyiv. Also read | NATO's condition for Ukraine: Membership hinges on territory concession to Russia "My statement about this was part of a larger discussion about possible future scenarios in Ukraine, and I shouldn’t have said it that way. It was a mistake," he told the Norwegian newspaper called VG. Jenssen also stressed that his initial remarks were him just sharing an idea and said "It must be up to Ukraine to decide when and on what terms they want to negotiate". A day earlier, VG had reported that during a panel debate in Arendal, Jenssen suggested, "I think that a solution could be for Ukraine to give up territory and get NATO membership in return". Attempting to pacify the situation, a NATO spokesperson earlier said: "We will continue to support Ukraine as long as necessary, and we are committed to achieving a just and lasting peace. The position of the alliance is clear and has not changed." No backsies As per The Guardian, even as he clarified his comment, Jenssen did not walk back on his suggestion of a land-for-NATO-membership deal. Instead, the chief of staff said that the military situation at the time and who holds control over which areas will "necessarily have a decisive influence," on serious peace talks whenever they happen. Also read | Russia claims it scrambled MiG-29 to thwart Norway's attempt of potential border breach He further attempted to emphasise that the alliance and its members are behind Ukraine and said "Precisely for this reason, it is crucially important that we support the Ukrainians with what they need". Ukraine's stand Kyiv has long advocated for the restoration of its borders, as recognised by the international community before 2014. The war-torn nation is currently involved in a counteroffensive to regain control of significant portions of its land that were taken captive by Russia. Unhappy with Stoltenberg's close ally for even discussing the land-for-NATO-membership deal in public, Mykhailo Podolyak, a senior adviser to Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, said: "Trading territory for a Nato umbrella? It is ridiculous. That means deliberately choosing the defeat of democracy, encouraging a global criminal, preserving the Russian regime, destroying international law and passing the war on to other generations." "If Putin does not suffer a crushing defeat, the political regime in Russia does not change and war criminals are not punished, the war will definitely return with Russia’s appetite for more," he added. (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.

NATO official apologises for contentious land-for-NATO-membership remark

The Lithuanian government on Wednesday (Aug 16) temporarily shut down two of its six border checkpoints with Belarus amidst tensions over the presence of the Russian mercenary group Wagner in the eastern Europe country.

The government said that they are taking this decision due to “geopolitical circumstances.”

Tverecius and Sumskas crossing points, which were not used by commercial vehicles, will be closed and traffic will be diverted to the Medininkai border checkpoint, Lithuania announced.

Lithuania is the second neighbour after Poland to shut border checkpoints with Belarus.

Poland’s move stemmed from the imprisonment of a journalist of Polish origin and the expulsions of Polish diplomats.

Last week, Poland announced that it will move 10,000 additional troops to the Belarus border to support existing guards.

<h2>'Temporary measure'</h2>

“The main goal is to temporarily suspend operations at these two points from August 18,” Deputy Minister of Transport Agnė Vaiciukeviciūte said, according to AP news agency.

He said that the decision would allow the officers to perform better border control checks at other points.

Once part of the Soviet Union, Lithuania declared its independence around 33 years ago. It now belongs to the West-led NATO and the European Union and has been a strong supporter of Ukraine.

The Baltic nation has also emerged as a refuge for those who have fled an authoritarian crackdown in neighbouring Belarus, a Putin ally, and increased repression in Russia.

Lithuania has been repeatedly warning its Western allies that Wagner mercenaries could disguise themselves as asylum seekers trying to cross Belarus’s borders with EU member states, or stage provocations involving refugees.

“It could be some groups of refugees, irregular migrants being transferred in order to cause some kind of unrest,” Lithuanian deputy interior minister Arnoldas Abramavičius said in July.

Though it is unknown how many Wagner troops are present in Belarus, the commander of the Lithuanian State Border Guard Service, Rustamas Liubajevas, has pegged the number up to 4,500, with some of them stationed close to the Lithuanian and Polish borders.

<h2>Eastern European countries wary of Belarus&nbsp;</h2>

The other neighbouring country that has been observing the border situation is Lativa, which mobilised additional guards on Tuesday to strengthen the protection of the external state border, the LETA news agency said.

According to reports, the decision was taken due to the sharp increase in the hybrid threat at the Latvian-Belarusian border over the past days, when 96 attempts by people to cross the state border were detected, as well as the increased involvement of the Belarusian authorities in organising the flow of illegal immigrants.

Latvia believes that these are attempts by Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko’s regime to push migrants across borders as a method of hybrid warfare against these countries.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

The Lithuanian government on Wednesday (Aug 16) temporarily shut down two of its six border checkpoints with Belarus amidst tensions over the presence of the Russian mercenary group Wagner in the eastern Europe country.

The Lithuanian government on Wednesday (Aug 16) temporarily shut down two of its six border checkpoints with Belarus amidst tensions over the presence of the Russian mercenary group Wagner in the eastern Europe country. The government said that they are taking this decision due to “geopolitical circumstances.” Tverecius and Sumskas crossing points, which were not used by commercial vehicles, will be closed and traffic will be diverted to the Medininkai border checkpoint, Lithuania announced. Lithuania is the second neighbour after Poland to shut border checkpoints with Belarus. Poland’s move stemmed from the imprisonment of a journalist of Polish origin and the expulsions of Polish diplomats. Last week, Poland announced that it will move 10,000 additional troops to the Belarus border to support existing guards. 'Temporary measure' “The main goal is to temporarily suspend operations at these two points from August 18,” Deputy Minister of Transport Agnė Vaiciukeviciūte said, according to AP news agency. He said that the decision would allow the officers to perform better border control checks at other points. Once part of the Soviet Union, Lithuania declared its independence around 33 years ago. It now belongs to the West-led NATO and the European Union and has been a strong supporter of Ukraine. The Baltic nation has also emerged as a refuge for those who have fled an authoritarian crackdown in neighbouring Belarus, a Putin ally, and increased repression in Russia. Lithuania has been repeatedly warning its Western allies that Wagner mercenaries could disguise themselves as asylum seekers trying to cross Belarus’s borders with EU member states, or stage provocations involving refugees. “It could be some groups of refugees, irregular migrants being transferred in order to cause some kind of unrest,” Lithuanian deputy interior minister Arnoldas Abramavičius said in July. Though it is unknown how many Wagner troops are present in Belarus, the commander of the Lithuanian State Border Guard Service, Rustamas Liubajevas, has pegged the number up to 4,500, with some of them stationed close to the Lithuanian and Polish borders. Eastern European countries wary of Belarus The other neighbouring country that has been observing the border situation is Lativa, which mobilised additional guards on Tuesday to strengthen the protection of the external state border, the LETA news agency said. According to reports, the decision was taken due to the sharp increase in the hybrid threat at the Latvian-Belarusian border over the past days, when 96 attempts by people to cross the state border were detected, as well as the increased involvement of the Belarusian authorities in organising the flow of illegal immigrants. Latvia believes that these are attempts by Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko’s regime to push migrants across borders as a method of hybrid warfare against these countries. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

After Poland, Lithuania closes border checkpoints with Belarus due to ‘geopolitical circumstances’

wagner

Wagner, News on Wagner, stories on Wagner, articles on Wagner, Wagner stories at Wion, Wagner news, Wagner latest news