President Vladimir Putin's United Russia party won after securing 355 seats in Russia's 450-seat Duma, the lower house of parliament. Electoral chief Ella Pamfilova has released the preliminary results of the election on Monday (September 21). With counting nearly complete after the three-day election, in which no parties critical of Putin took part, results indicated that the presidential party would secure a supermajority even larger than the one it achieved in 2016.&nbsp;According to the ​Central Election Commission, the United Russia party won 57.83 per cent of the vote, a sharp rise from 49.8 per cent, which it ‌won ⁠in 2021, the last time an election for the State Duma, the lower ​house ​of parliament, ⁠was held. Based on the result, the party is set to hold 355 seats of ​the ⁠450-seat Duma, allowing it to retain its ⁠constitutional ​majority, the commission ​noted.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/xi-jinping-to-pay-state-visit-to-us-from-september-23-25-chinese-foreign-ministry-1789985928318">Xi Jinping to pay state visit to US from September 23-25: Chinese Foreign Ministry</a><h3>Other parties clear threshold to enter parliament</h3>Four other parties also crossed the threshold needed to enter parliament: the Communist Party, which won 40 seats; the nationalist Liberal Democratic Party (LDPR), with 25; New People, with 20; and A Just Russia, with four. United Russia has held a dominant position in Russian politics since the early 2000s, coinciding with Putin's hold on power since taking office on New Year's Eve 1999. Pamfilova said more than 95 per cent of votes had been counted so far, with final results expected to be announced later this week. Voting also extended to Ukrainian territories that Russia has occupied and annexed. On the final day of polling, Ukraine launched a series of drone strikes on Moscow and its surrounding region, killing two people and igniting a fire at an oil refinery, officials said.&nbsp;Russia vowed to "intensify" its strikes on Kyiv in response. Meanwhile, the defence ministry accused Ukraine of attempting to "disrupt the democratic will of Russian citizens".

With counting nearly complete after the three-day election, in which no parties critical of Putin took part, results indicated that the presidential party would secure a supermajority even larger than the one it achieved in 2016.

President Vladimir Putin's United Russia party won after securing 355 seats in Russia's 450-seat Duma, the lower house of parliament. Electoral chief Ella Pamfilova has released the preliminary results of the election on Monday (September 21). With counting nearly complete after the three-day election, in which no parties critical of Putin took part, results indicated that the presidential party would secure a supermajority even larger than the one it achieved in 2016. According to the Central Election Commission, the United Russia party won 57.83 per cent of the vote, a sharp rise from 49.8 per cent, which it ‌won ⁠in 2021, the last time an election for the State Duma, the lower house of parliament, ⁠was held. Based on the result, the party is set to hold 355 seats of the ⁠450-seat Duma, allowing it to retain its ⁠constitutional majority, the commission noted. Also read: Xi Jinping to pay state visit to US from September 23-25: Chinese Foreign Ministry Other parties clear threshold to enter parliament Four other parties also crossed the threshold needed to enter parliament: the Communist Party, which won 40 seats; the nationalist Liberal Democratic Party (LDPR), with 25; New People, with 20; and A Just Russia, with four. United Russia has held a dominant position in Russian politics since the early 2000s, coinciding with Putin's hold on power since taking office on New Year's Eve 1999. Pamfilova said more than 95 per cent of votes had been counted so far, with final results expected to be announced later this week. Voting also extended to Ukrainian territories that Russia has occupied and annexed. On the final day of polling, Ukraine launched a series of drone strikes on Moscow and its surrounding region, killing two people and igniting a fire at an oil refinery, officials said. Russia vowed to "intensify" its strikes on Kyiv in response. Meanwhile, the defence ministry accused Ukraine of attempting to "disrupt the democratic will of Russian citizens".

With counting nearly complete after the three-day election, in which no parties critical of Putin took part, results indicated that the presidential party would secure a supermajority even larger than the one it achieved in 2016.

Putin's United Russia party wins 355 seats in Duma election; 4 other parties cross threshold to enter parliament

Russia began voting on Friday (Sep 18) in a parliamentary election that is expected to further cement President Vladimir Putin’s grip on the country’s political system. The three-day election will decide all 450 seats in the State Duma, while voters in 11 regions elect governors and 39 choose regional lawmakers. About 111 million people are eligible to vote, with electronic voting available in several areas.The election is the first parliamentary vote since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Voting is also taking place in Crimea and four Ukrainian regions that Moscow claims to have annexed, a move Kyiv has condemned and urged governments not to recognise.<h2>United Russia set to dominate</h2>United Russia, the Kremlin’s main political vehicle, controls more than two-thirds of the Duma after its 2021 victory and is expected to retain its dominance.Its candidate list includes Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin. War correspondent Yevgeny Poddubny is also among its leading candidates.The party backs Putin’s war objectives, although Sobyanin has opposed calls for wider mobilisation. “To destroy a normal economy is to destroy the country altogether,” he said.<h2>Communists and LDPR back the war</h2>The Communist Party remains a major parliamentary force under longtime leader Gennady Zyuganov. While it has criticised some government policies, it has avoided challenging Putin and supports the war.“We strictly adhere to President Putin’s directives,” Zyuganov said last month.The nationalist Liberal Democratic Party of Russia, now led by Leonid Slutsky following founder Vladimir Zhirinovsky’s death, also strongly supports the war. Its candidates include former US prisoner Viktor Bout.<h2>Smaller parties fill out the ballot</h2>A Just Russia, the New People Party, Communists of Russia, the Party of Pensioners, the Greens, the Party of Direct Democracy and Motherland are also contesting seats.The liberal Yabloko Party, Russia’s only registered party opposing the war, was removed from the party-list race by the Supreme Court in August. It can still field candidates in single-seat constituencies.The exclusion has left voters with limited organised opposition to the Kremlin’s policies.

Russia’s parliamentary election is expected to preserve United Russia’s dominance, with Communist, LDPR and smaller parties also contesting. Anti-war Yabloko was removed from the party-list race.

Russia began voting on Friday (Sep 18) in a parliamentary election that is expected to further cement President Vladimir Putin’s grip on the country’s political system. The three-day election will decide all 450 seats in the State Duma, while voters in 11 regions elect governors and 39 choose regional lawmakers. About 111 million people are eligible to vote, with electronic voting available in several areas. The election is the first parliamentary vote since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Voting is also taking place in Crimea and four Ukrainian regions that Moscow claims to have annexed, a move Kyiv has condemned and urged governments not to recognise. United Russia set to dominate United Russia, the Kremlin’s main political vehicle, controls more than two-thirds of the Duma after its 2021 victory and is expected to retain its dominance. Its candidate list includes Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin. War correspondent Yevgeny Poddubny is also among its leading candidates. The party backs Putin’s war objectives, although Sobyanin has opposed calls for wider mobilisation. “To destroy a normal economy is to destroy the country altogether,” he said. Communists and LDPR back the war The Communist Party remains a major parliamentary force under longtime leader Gennady Zyuganov. While it has criticised some government policies, it has avoided challenging Putin and supports the war. “We strictly adhere to President Putin’s directives,” Zyuganov said last month. The nationalist Liberal Democratic Party of Russia, now led by Leonid Slutsky following founder Vladimir Zhirinovsky’s death, also strongly supports the war. Its candidates include former US prisoner Viktor Bout. Smaller parties fill out the ballot A Just Russia, the New People Party, Communists of Russia, the Party of Pensioners, the Greens, the Party of Direct Democracy and Motherland are also contesting seats. The liberal Yabloko Party, Russia’s only registered party opposing the war, was removed from the party-list race by the Supreme Court in August. It can still field candidates in single-seat constituencies. The exclusion has left voters with limited organised opposition to the Kremlin’s policies.

Russia’s parliamentary election is expected to preserve United Russia’s dominance, with Communist, LDPR and smaller parties also contesting. Anti-war Yabloko was removed from the party-list race.

Russia votes amid Ukraine war: Which are the main parties on the ballot?

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has warned that Russia could carry out drone or missile strikes against countries supporting Ukraine, with Moscow potentially portraying the attacks as "accidents" to test NATO’s willingness to respond.Speaking in the Polish parliament on Thursday (Sep 17), Tusk said intelligence assessments pointing to such a scenario were “very consistent and convincing”. Tusk alleged that Britain, a key ally of Ukraine, could be one of Russian President Vladimir Putin's intended targets.He urged Poland to prepare for a range of possibilities as Russia continues its war in Ukraine. “There is a real risk that drones or other types of missiles could penetrate the territory of one or more countries on the eastern flank and even cause damage, while the official explanation will be that there was an accident,” Tusk said.Tusk argued that such incidents could be designed by an increasingly desperate Putin as a way to weaken support for Ukraine and create divisions within NATO over whether an attack had taken place deliberately.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-breaks-silence-on-us-russia-sanctions-bill-100-tariff-threat-committed-to-energy-security-for-1-4-billion-1789619754941">India breaks silence on US Russia sanctions bill, 100% tariff threat: ‘Committed to energy security’ for 1.4 billion</a><h2>Tusk warns of a test for NATO</h2>According to Tusk, Russia could use repeated incidents to undermine confidence in NATO’s collective defence commitments and make member states reluctant to invoke the alliance’s provisions.He warned that the coming autumn and winter could be a particularly critical phase of the war, with Russia expected to intensify attacks on Ukraine while testing the resolve of its Western supporters."We know he is plotting something bad. However, for us the most important task is to prepare for various scenarios," said Tusk, adding, "We will certainly not naively accept such messages that Russia has goodwill and will start behaving properly. There is no indication of this."The warning came after a fresh Russian aerial assault on western Ukraine near Poland’s border. Poland scrambled fighter jets and temporarily closed airports in response to the attack, although Warsaw said there was no confirmed breach of its airspace.The use of faster, jet-powered drones has added to concerns among Ukraine’s allies because they leave air-defence systems less time to detect and engage incoming weapons. These have also led to calls for Britain and other allies to shoot down the jets before they could reach NATO airspace.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-russia-sanctions-bill-trump-100-percent-tariff-india-china-1789610901670">Trump gets new power to hit India, China with up to 100% tariffs as US Senate clears Russia sanctions bill</a>"There is a real risk that drones or other types of missiles could penetrate the territory of one or more countries on the eastern flank and even cause damage, while the official explanation will be that there was an accident," warned the Polish PM.<h2>Poland steps up air patrols</h2>Poland has already increased military activity along its eastern frontier. Its air force has been conducting more F-16 patrols and helicopter operations, while Warsaw has pre-authorised its forces to shoot down any Russian aircraft that enter Polish airspace.Tusk’s comments follow a series of incidents involving Russian drones and other military activity close to NATO territory. Earlier this month, Poland reported concerns over possible Russian activity near border infrastructure, while similar incidents have been reported around other Ukrainian border areas.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has alleged that intelligence assessments point to a possible Russian strategy involving drones or missiles hitting countries that support Ukraine. These attacks, he said, would be portrayed by Moscow as an “accident” to test NATO’s response.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has warned that Russia could carry out drone or missile strikes against countries supporting Ukraine, with Moscow potentially portraying the attacks as "accidents" to test NATO’s willingness to respond. Speaking in the Polish parliament on Thursday (Sep 17), Tusk said intelligence assessments pointing to such a scenario were “very consistent and convincing”. Tusk alleged that Britain, a key ally of Ukraine, could be one of Russian President Vladimir Putin's intended targets. He urged Poland to prepare for a range of possibilities as Russia continues its war in Ukraine. “There is a real risk that drones or other types of missiles could penetrate the territory of one or more countries on the eastern flank and even cause damage, while the official explanation will be that there was an accident,” Tusk said. Tusk argued that such incidents could be designed by an increasingly desperate Putin as a way to weaken support for Ukraine and create divisions within NATO over whether an attack had taken place deliberately. Also read | India breaks silence on US Russia sanctions bill, 100% tariff threat: ‘Committed to energy security’ for 1.4 billion Tusk warns of a test for NATO According to Tusk, Russia could use repeated incidents to undermine confidence in NATO’s collective defence commitments and make member states reluctant to invoke the alliance’s provisions. He warned that the coming autumn and winter could be a particularly critical phase of the war, with Russia expected to intensify attacks on Ukraine while testing the resolve of its Western supporters. "We know he is plotting something bad. However, for us the most important task is to prepare for various scenarios," said Tusk, adding, "We will certainly not naively accept such messages that Russia has goodwill and will start behaving properly. There is no indication of this." The warning came after a fresh Russian aerial assault on western Ukraine near Poland’s border. Poland scrambled fighter jets and temporarily closed airports in response to the attack, although Warsaw said there was no confirmed breach of its airspace. The use of faster, jet-powered drones has added to concerns among Ukraine’s allies because they leave air-defence systems less time to detect and engage incoming weapons. These have also led to calls for Britain and other allies to shoot down the jets before they could reach NATO airspace. Also read | Trump gets new power to hit India, China with up to 100% tariffs as US Senate clears Russia sanctions bill "There is a real risk that drones or other types of missiles could penetrate the territory of one or more countries on the eastern flank and even cause damage, while the official explanation will be that there was an accident," warned the Polish PM. Poland steps up air patrols Poland has already increased military activity along its eastern frontier. Its air force has been conducting more F-16 patrols and helicopter operations, while Warsaw has pre-authorised its forces to shoot down any Russian aircraft that enter Polish airspace. Tusk’s comments follow a series of incidents involving Russian drones and other military activity close to NATO territory. Earlier this month, Poland reported concerns over possible Russian activity near border infrastructure, while similar incidents have been reported around other Ukrainian border areas.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has alleged that intelligence assessments point to a possible Russian strategy involving drones or missiles hitting countries that support Ukraine. These attacks, he said, would be portrayed by Moscow as an “accident” to test NATO’s response.

Putin 'is plotting something bad': Russia may launch 'accidental' strikes on NATO countries supporting Ukraine, Poland PM warns

Donald Trump Jr and his wife, Bettina, confirmed on Monday (Sep 15) that a Russian oligarch close to President Vladimir Putin partially paid for the couple’s wedding celebrations in May, prompting US President Donald Trump's family to issue statements distancing themselves from the matter. A report by ProPublica claimed that Russian oligarch Umar Kremlev spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on the wedding celebration in Bahmas. While Donald Trump Jr and his wife, Bettina have now confirmed the development, insisting that it was a “gift” from a friend, First Lady Melania said that she was not involved in wedding plans and did not know anything about Umar Kremlev's involvement.&nbsp;<h2>What is the matter?</h2>A ProPublica report published on Sep 14 revealed that Umar Kremlev, a Russian oligarch with close ties to Putin, paid the rent of one of the islands where a reception was held and where guests slept, along with other large expenses, including a huge firework show. The luxurious bash on a private island was attended by several Trump children, including Ivanka and her husband Jared, Eric and Lara, Tiffany and her husband Michael, and many grandchildren. But Trump and Melania skipped the party citing escalating Iran war.As the news came out, Robert Garcia, the ranking member and lead Democrat on the House oversight committee, asked: “Why did a Russian oligarch close to Putin fund Trump Jr.’s wedding in the Bahamas? Umar Kremlev spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on the President’s son. What did he get in return? We need answers."<h2>Statement by Trump Jr and wife Bettina</h2>Trump Jr, the US president’s eldest child and his wife Bettina in a statement said that the arrangements were “an extraordinarily generous wedding gift from a friend, and something for which we were and remain incredibly grateful.” Donald Trump Jr, the president's eldest son, is a private citizen, so it is not illegal for him to accept gifts from a foreign national. "Our dear friend Umar very generously hosted two incredible nights of celebrations for us AFTER our wedding. It was an extraordinarily generous wedding gift from a friend, and something for which we were and remain incredibly grateful," the couple said in the statement. .'Friendship doesn’t require a political motive. Generosity doesn’t automatically come with an agenda,’ Bettina added saying, “So, for anyone determined not to let the facts get in the way of a good story: NO CONSPIRACY, NO MYSTERY. Just a private family wedding, a wonderful weekend with friends and one hell of a party."<h2>Statement by Melania Trump and Eric</h2>A statement from First Lady Melania Trump's office states: "Mrs. Trump does not, and has never had, a relationship with Mr. Kremlev. Mrs. Trump played no role whatsoever in organizing the wedding event and was not privy to any aspect of its financial planning." Trump Jr’s brother Eric, also distanced himself from Kremlev. “Eric has absolutely no clue who this person is, nor has never heard his name,” his spokesman told ProPublica.&nbsp;&nbsp;The necessity for issuing a statement was because this Russian oligarch is accused leading an organization called – Healthy Fatherland – that facilitates the abduction of Ukrainian children from occupied territories while Melania Trump leads a campaign to reunite children who have been kidnapped from Ukraine and taken to Russia during the ongoing war.<h2>Who is Umar Kremlev?</h2>Umar Kremlev is the head of the International Boxing Association (IBA), a sporting body that has been backed by the state-owned Russian energy company Gazprom. According to ProPublica, the wedding payments came from an IBA-affiliated entity in Dubai that the boxing association uses for financial transactions. He is believed to one from Putin's inner circle. He reportedly went to China as part of a delegation accompanying Putin, and the month prior the Russian president had bestowed him with a state honor, the Order of Friendship. The Ukrainian government has imposed sanctions on Kremlev, citing his closeness to Putin and Russian security services.&nbsp;

Donald Trump Jr and wife Bettina confirmed that Russian oligarch Umar Kremlev helped pay for their Bahamas wedding celebrations, calling it a generous gift from a friend. Kremlev’s ties to Putin have prompted statements from Melania Trump and Eric distancing themselves.

Donald Trump Jr and his wife, Bettina, confirmed on Monday (Sep 15) that a Russian oligarch close to President Vladimir Putin partially paid for the couple’s wedding celebrations in May, prompting US President Donald Trump's family to issue statements distancing themselves from the matter. A report by ProPublica claimed that Russian oligarch Umar Kremlev spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on the wedding celebration in Bahmas. While Donald Trump Jr and his wife, Bettina have now confirmed the development, insisting that it was a “gift” from a friend, First Lady Melania said that she was not involved in wedding plans and did not know anything about Umar Kremlev's involvement. What is the matter? A ProPublica report published on Sep 14 revealed that Umar Kremlev, a Russian oligarch with close ties to Putin, paid the rent of one of the islands where a reception was held and where guests slept, along with other large expenses, including a huge firework show. The luxurious bash on a private island was attended by several Trump children, including Ivanka and her husband Jared, Eric and Lara, Tiffany and her husband Michael, and many grandchildren. But Trump and Melania skipped the party citing escalating Iran war.As the news came out, Robert Garcia, the ranking member and lead Democrat on the House oversight committee, asked: “Why did a Russian oligarch close to Putin fund Trump Jr.’s wedding in the Bahamas? Umar Kremlev spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on the President’s son. What did he get in return? We need answers." Statement by Trump Jr and wife Bettina Trump Jr, the US president’s eldest child and his wife Bettina in a statement said that the arrangements were “an extraordinarily generous wedding gift from a friend, and something for which we were and remain incredibly grateful.” Donald Trump Jr, the president's eldest son, is a private citizen, so it is not illegal for him to accept gifts from a foreign national. "Our dear friend Umar very generously hosted two incredible nights of celebrations for us AFTER our wedding. It was an extraordinarily generous wedding gift from a friend, and something for which we were and remain incredibly grateful," the couple said in the statement. .'Friendship doesn’t require a political motive. Generosity doesn’t automatically come with an agenda,’ Bettina added saying, “So, for anyone determined not to let the facts get in the way of a good story: NO CONSPIRACY, NO MYSTERY. Just a private family wedding, a wonderful weekend with friends and one hell of a party." Statement by Melania Trump and Eric A statement from First Lady Melania Trump's office states: "Mrs. Trump does not, and has never had, a relationship with Mr. Kremlev. Mrs. Trump played no role whatsoever in organizing the wedding event and was not privy to any aspect of its financial planning." Trump Jr’s brother Eric, also distanced himself from Kremlev. “Eric has absolutely no clue who this person is, nor has never heard his name,” his spokesman told ProPublica. The necessity for issuing a statement was because this Russian oligarch is accused leading an organization called – Healthy Fatherland – that facilitates the abduction of Ukrainian children from occupied territories while Melania Trump leads a campaign to reunite children who have been kidnapped from Ukraine and taken to Russia during the ongoing war. Who is Umar Kremlev? Umar Kremlev is the head of the International Boxing Association (IBA), a sporting body that has been backed by the state-owned Russian energy company Gazprom. According to ProPublica, the wedding payments came from an IBA-affiliated entity in Dubai that the boxing association uses for financial transactions. He is believed to one from Putin's inner circle. He reportedly went to China as part of a delegation accompanying Putin, and the month prior the Russian president had bestowed him with a state honor, the Order of Friendship. The Ukrainian government has imposed sanctions on Kremlev, citing his closeness to Putin and Russian security services.

Donald Trump Jr and wife Bettina confirmed that Russian oligarch Umar Kremlev helped pay for their Bahamas wedding celebrations, calling it a generous gift from a friend. Kremlev’s ties to Putin have prompted statements from Melania Trump and Eric distancing themselves.

Putin-linked Russian oligarch, Melania links: Why Trump skipped his son’s Bahamas wedding bash?

Russian President Vladimir Putin has arrived in New Delhi to attend the BRICS summit and hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with the two leaders expected to discuss ways to deepen cooperation in defence, energy and technology. Modi and Putin last met on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Bishkek last week. During their meeting, the Prime Minister urged Putin to move from an ‘endless war towards the end of war’, in a reference to the Russia-Ukraine conflict that started five years ago following Moscow’s full-scale invasion.&nbsp;"We have to move from a situation of 'endless war' to 'end of war'... It is humanity's wish that the end of this war happens as soon as possible," PM Modi said. The Modi-Putin meeting, scheduled for Friday, is expected to cover several issues of strategic importance to both countries, including defence cooperation and proposed upgrades to the BrahMos missile system. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said earlier this week that India and Russia were discussing upgrades to the BrahMos missile. He also said Moscow remained committed to completing the pending deliveries of the S-400 air defence systems, while the two sides were discussing the proposed supply of Su-57 fighter jets to India.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/from-putin-xi-to-pezeshkian-who-is-coming-when-for-brics-summit-in-new-delhi-check-full-schedule-1789062121834">From Putin, Xi to Pezeshkian: Who is coming when for BRICS Summit in New Delhi? Check full schedule</a><h2>Watch the video of Putin arriving in New Delhi</h2>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><a href="https://x.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Delhi: Russian President Vladimir Putin arrives in India ahead of the BRICS Summit 2026. During his visit, he will also hold talks with PM Narendra Modi and have a series of bilateral meetings. <a href="https://t.co/pax5EW70Yu">pic.twitter.com/pax5EW70Yu</a>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://x.com/ANI/status/2098168103117169135?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 10, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

India and Russia are also expected to discuss New Delhi’s plans to establish new civil nuclear reactors. Peskov said negotiations on the proposed projects would be held between the two countries. Putin will also participate in the two-day BRICS summit being hosted by New Delhi. During his visit, the Russian President will address the Plenary Session of the annual BRICS Business Forum before visiting the Innoprom exhibition with PM Modi.&nbsp;On the sidelines of the summit, Putin is also scheduled to meet several international leaders, including South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. However, Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping, who is visiting India after a gap of seven years, are not scheduled to hold a separate full-format bilateral meeting.&nbsp;Xi and Modi are set to hold talks on Saturday evening, with trade and investment expected to feature prominently in their discussions. The two leaders are also expected to review the broader situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Meanwhile, PM Modi is scheduled to hold talks with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Friday.

Putin arrives in Delhi for BRICS 2026. PM Modi talks with Putin will focus on BrahMos, S-400, Su-57, defence, energy and nuclear cooperation

Russian President Vladimir Putin has arrived in New Delhi to attend the BRICS summit and hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with the two leaders expected to discuss ways to deepen cooperation in defence, energy and technology. Modi and Putin last met on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Bishkek last week. During their meeting, the Prime Minister urged Putin to move from an ‘endless war towards the end of war’, in a reference to the Russia-Ukraine conflict that started five years ago following Moscow’s full-scale invasion. "We have to move from a situation of 'endless war' to 'end of war'... It is humanity's wish that the end of this war happens as soon as possible," PM Modi said. The Modi-Putin meeting, scheduled for Friday, is expected to cover several issues of strategic importance to both countries, including defence cooperation and proposed upgrades to the BrahMos missile system. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said earlier this week that India and Russia were discussing upgrades to the BrahMos missile. He also said Moscow remained committed to completing the pending deliveries of the S-400 air defence systems, while the two sides were discussing the proposed supply of Su-57 fighter jets to India. Also Read: From Putin, Xi to Pezeshkian: Who is coming when for BRICS Summit in New Delhi? Check full schedule Watch the video of Putin arriving in New Delhi

Russia President Vladimir Putin arrived in New Delhi for BRICS as meeting with PM Modi to focus on defence, BrahMos, S-400, Su-57, energy and nuclear cooperation

Vladimir Putin in New Delhi for BRICS Summit: Russia-India defence, energy and nuclear ties in focus ahead of meeting with PM Modi

Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to visit India as the BRICS Summit gets underway in New Delhi on September 12.Ahead of Putin’s visit, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said the trip will provide an important opportunity for India and Russia to discuss bilateral relations and address key issues on their agenda.&nbsp;Speaking to reporters during a virtual briefing from Moscow, Peskov highlighted the close personal relationship between Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, describing their engagement as pragmatic and open. He said the visit could create new opportunities for cooperation between the two countries. "In a couple of days, President Putin will begin his India visit. You know that our two leaders, Indian and Russian leaders, are in a very close personal contact. contact. They are very pragmatic in their relationship, and they are as sincere as to be able to discuss in a very open and constructive way the most sensitive issues of our agenda and our bilateral relations. Of course, it opens additional horizons for our cooperation."&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/brics-summit-2026-from-delhi-to-g20-in-florida-is-india-emerging-as-the-voice-of-the-global-south-1788848244799">BRICS Summit 2026: From Delhi to G20 in Florida, is India emerging as the voice of the Global South?</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><a href="https://x.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | On President Putin&#39;s upcoming visit to India, Dmitry Peskov, Spokesperson for the President of the Russian Federation, says, &quot;In a couple of days, President Putin will begin his visit to India. He will take part in the BRICS summit, and it will also be a significant time… <a href="https://t.co/mP1e9YZAk4">pic.twitter.com/mP1e9YZAk4</a>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://x.com/ANI/status/2097249220747030947?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 8, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Peskov also expressed confidence in India’s ability to successfully host the summit and said Russia would continue supporting efforts to strengthen cooperation within the BRICS framework. "We have no doubt that the summit will be successful. Russia, we are doing our best to contribute to further development of BRICS cooperation in the three main pillars of our interaction. So, those are policy and security. economy and finance, and cultural and humanitarian contexts. So, we are supporting idea of inviting new countries to join different formats within BRICS," he added. His remarks come ahead of Putin’s India visit, with bilateral ties and broader BRICS cooperation expected to remain key areas of discussion during the summit.

Putin’s India visit for the BRICS Summit will focus on India-Russia ties, bilateral cooperation and strengthening BRICS across key sectors

Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to visit India as the BRICS Summit gets underway in New Delhi on September 12. Ahead of Putin’s visit, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said the trip will provide an important opportunity for India and Russia to discuss bilateral relations and address key issues on their agenda. Speaking to reporters during a virtual briefing from Moscow, Peskov highlighted the close personal relationship between Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, describing their engagement as pragmatic and open. He said the visit could create new opportunities for cooperation between the two countries. "In a couple of days, President Putin will begin his India visit. You know that our two leaders, Indian and Russian leaders, are in a very close personal contact. contact. They are very pragmatic in their relationship, and they are as sincere as to be able to discuss in a very open and constructive way the most sensitive issues of our agenda and our bilateral relations. Of course, it opens additional horizons for our cooperation." Also Read: BRICS Summit 2026: From Delhi to G20 in Florida, is India emerging as the voice of the Global South?

Putin’s India visit ahead of the BRICS Summit will focus on bilateral ties, cooperation and strengthening the grouping’s role across key sectors

BRICS Summit 2026: Russia says Putin will update PM Modi on Ukraine conflict during their meeting

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s expected return to New Delhi for the BRICS Summit 2026 comes at a particularly sensitive moment for India’s relationship with Moscow, and for its increasingly complicated economic relationship with Washington. Putin was last in India in December 2025 for the annual India-Russia summit. His expected appearance at the September BRICS gathering would therefore put the Russian president in Delhi for a second time in less than a year, underlining the continuing importance of the India-Russia relationship even as New Delhi simultaneously manages its ties with the United States and other Western powers. Russia’s Ambassador to India Denis Alipov said on Friday that Putin is expected to attend the summit.&nbsp;But beyond the optics of another Modi-Putin meeting, one issue will inevitably hang over the summit: Russian oil. India’s dependence on Russian crude has grown dramatically since the Ukraine war. In July 2026, Russian crude accounted for a record 50.83% of India’s total oil imports, or about 2.47 million barrels per day, according to trade data cited by news agency Reuters. That makes the oil question far more complicated than a simple diplomatic choice between Washington and Moscow.<h2>The 50% tariff episode, and what changed</h2>The Trump administration had imposed an additional 25% tariff on Indian imports in August 2025 specifically over India’s purchases of Russian oil. Combined with the existing reciprocal tariff, the total reached 50%. The White House said the additional duty was intended to pressure countries purchasing Russian oil. But that is not the current tariff structure. In February 2026, Washington removed the additional 25% Russia-oil tariff after saying India had committed to stop directly or indirectly importing Russian oil. The US also lowered its reciprocal tariff on Indian goods to 18%. Crucially, however, the February executive order contains a warning: if India resumes direct or indirect purchases of Russian oil, US officials can recommend bringing back the additional 25% tariff. And India's subsequent oil-import numbers make that provision highly relevant.<h2>Why India cannot simply walk away from Russian crude</h2>India is the world's third-largest oil consumer and relies heavily on imports to meet its energy requirements. Russian crude became particularly attractive after Western sanctions and price restrictions disrupted Moscow's traditional markets. For Indian refiners, Russian crude has not simply been a geopolitical purchase. Price, availability, refinery economics and supply security have all mattered. The scale of the trade illustrates the problem. India's imports from Russia have become heavily concentrated in energy: crude oil alone accounted for $35.76 billion of imports in FY2025-26 through November, according to IBEF data. Fertilisers were another major category at $2.11 billion. And crude is not the only Russian commodity India has reasons to keep buying.<h2>What India buys from Russia</h2>Crude oil: By far the biggest component. Russian supplies have become crucial to Indian refiners, and July's record share shows how difficult it is to immediately replace those volumes. Fertilisers: Russia remains an important source of fertilisers for India's agriculture sector. Any disruption has implications beyond foreign policy, potentially affecting input costs and food security.&nbsp;Defence equipment: Russia has historically been India's biggest defence supplier, although India's dependence has declined as New Delhi has diversified its procurement. The relationship nevertheless includes decades of equipment, spares, maintenance and technology links. Diamonds, metals and other commodities: India also imports diamonds, iron and steel, vegetable oils and several other commodities from Russia, although their strategic significance is generally much smaller than oil, fertilisers and defence.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/europe-has-become-an-old-continent-belgian-pm-warns-us-china-are-surpassing-europe-1788505852108">'Europe has become an old continent': Belgian PM warns US, China are surpassing Europe</a><h2>What India can reduce, and what it cannot easily replace</h2>This is where the Russian oil debate becomes more nuanced. India can diversify its crude purchases. It already buys from suppliers in the Middle East, Africa and elsewhere. It can also adjust refinery configurations and procurement patterns depending on prices, sanctions and shipping costs. But replacing Russian oil overnight is another matter.&nbsp;The challenge is not simply finding another barrel. India needs barrels that are economically viable, available in sufficient volumes and compatible with its refinery system. Removing one of its largest sources could raise procurement costs and put pressure on refiners and consumers. The same logic applies, in a different way, to fertilisers and defence sustainment. India can diversify suppliers over time. But diversification is not the same as immediate substitution.<h2>Why Putin’s BRICS visit matters?</h2>This makes Putin’s expected Delhi visit particularly significant. India's BRICS presidency comes at a time when the grouping is discussing energy security, economic cooperation, local-currency trade and reducing vulnerabilities created by global financial and supply-chain disruptions. Russia, meanwhile, has a strong interest in preserving access to major markets such as India.&nbsp;For Moscow, India is not merely a diplomatic partner. It is a major energy customer and an increasingly important economic relationship. For New Delhi, Russia remains one pillar of a broader strategic-autonomy strategy: maintaining ties with Moscow while simultaneously engaging Washington, Europe, the Gulf, Japan and other partners.That does not mean India is choosing Russia over the US. It means India is trying to avoid being forced to choose.<h2>The bigger India-US question</h2>The oil issue therefore puts the Modi government in a delicate position. Washington has already demonstrated that Russian energy purchases can become a trade issue. The February 2026 executive order removed the additional 25% tariff but explicitly kept the door open to bringing it back if Russian oil imports resume.&nbsp;At the same time, India's latest import data suggest that Russian crude remains extremely difficult to displace. With Russian oil reaching more than half of India's imports in July, the economic relationship has moved far beyond the limited purchases that existed before the Ukraine war. That is why the Putin-Modi meeting on the sidelines of BRICS Summit 2026 will carry significance beyond the usual India-Russia agenda.&nbsp;The discussion is likely to encompass energy security, fertilisers, defence, trade imbalances and payment mechanisms. But underneath all of it will be one fundamental question: How much Russian oil can India continue buying without reopening the tariff confrontation with Washington, and how much Russian oil can India realistically afford to stop buying? For Moscow, the answer is strategically important. For Washington, it is a test of economic pressure. And for New Delhi, it is ultimately a question of energy security, economic interests and strategic autonomy.

BRICS Summit 2026: Putin’s expected Delhi visit comes as India’s Russian oil imports surge. Here’s what India buys from Russia and why it can’t easily stop

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s expected return to New Delhi for the BRICS Summit 2026 comes at a particularly sensitive moment for India’s relationship with Moscow, and for its increasingly complicated economic relationship with Washington. Putin was last in India in December 2025 for the annual India-Russia summit. His expected appearance at the September BRICS gathering would therefore put the Russian president in Delhi for a second time in less than a year, underlining the continuing importance of the India-Russia relationship even as New Delhi simultaneously manages its ties with the United States and other Western powers. Russia’s Ambassador to India Denis Alipov said on Friday that Putin is expected to attend the summit. But beyond the optics of another Modi-Putin meeting, one issue will inevitably hang over the summit: Russian oil. India’s dependence on Russian crude has grown dramatically since the Ukraine war. In July 2026, Russian crude accounted for a record 50.83% of India’s total oil imports, or about 2.47 million barrels per day, according to trade data cited by news agency Reuters. That makes the oil question far more complicated than a simple diplomatic choice between Washington and Moscow. The 50% tariff episode, and what changed The Trump administration had imposed an additional 25% tariff on Indian imports in August 2025 specifically over India’s purchases of Russian oil. Combined with the existing reciprocal tariff, the total reached 50%. The White House said the additional duty was intended to pressure countries purchasing Russian oil. But that is not the current tariff structure. In February 2026, Washington removed the additional 25% Russia-oil tariff after saying India had committed to stop directly or indirectly importing Russian oil. The US also lowered its reciprocal tariff on Indian goods to 18%. Crucially, however, the February executive order contains a warning: if India resumes direct or indirect purchases of Russian oil, US officials can recommend bringing back the additional 25% tariff. And India's subsequent oil-import numbers make that provision highly relevant. Why India cannot simply walk away from Russian crude India is the world's third-largest oil consumer and relies heavily on imports to meet its energy requirements. Russian crude became particularly attractive after Western sanctions and price restrictions disrupted Moscow's traditional markets. For Indian refiners, Russian crude has not simply been a geopolitical purchase. Price, availability, refinery economics and supply security have all mattered. The scale of the trade illustrates the problem. India's imports from Russia have become heavily concentrated in energy: crude oil alone accounted for $35.76 billion of imports in FY2025-26 through November, according to IBEF data. Fertilisers were another major category at $2.11 billion. And crude is not the only Russian commodity India has reasons to keep buying. What India buys from Russia Crude oil: By far the biggest component. Russian supplies have become crucial to Indian refiners, and July's record share shows how difficult it is to immediately replace those volumes. Fertilisers: Russia remains an important source of fertilisers for India's agriculture sector. Any disruption has implications beyond foreign policy, potentially affecting input costs and food security. Defence equipment: Russia has historically been India's biggest defence supplier, although India's dependence has declined as New Delhi has diversified its procurement. The relationship nevertheless includes decades of equipment, spares, maintenance and technology links. Diamonds, metals and other commodities: India also imports diamonds, iron and steel, vegetable oils and several other commodities from Russia, although their strategic significance is generally much smaller than oil, fertilisers and defence. Also Read: 'Europe has become an old continent': Belgian PM warns US, China are surpassing Europe What India can reduce, and what it cannot easily replace This is where the Russian oil debate becomes more nuanced. India can diversify its crude purchases. It already buys from suppliers in the Middle East, Africa and elsewhere. It can also adjust refinery configurations and procurement patterns depending on prices, sanctions and shipping costs. But replacing Russian oil overnight is another matter. The challenge is not simply finding another barrel. India needs barrels that are economically viable, available in sufficient volumes and compatible with its refinery system. Removing one of its largest sources could raise procurement costs and put pressure on refiners and consumers. The same logic applies, in a different way, to fertilisers and defence sustainment. India can diversify suppliers over time. But diversification is not the same as immediate substitution. Why Putin’s BRICS visit matters? This makes Putin’s expected Delhi visit particularly significant. India's BRICS presidency comes at a time when the grouping is discussing energy security, economic cooperation, local-currency trade and reducing vulnerabilities created by global financial and supply-chain disruptions. Russia, meanwhile, has a strong interest in preserving access to major markets such as India. For Moscow, India is not merely a diplomatic partner. It is a major energy customer and an increasingly important economic relationship. For New Delhi, Russia remains one pillar of a broader strategic-autonomy strategy: maintaining ties with Moscow while simultaneously engaging Washington, Europe, the Gulf, Japan and other partners. That does not mean India is choosing Russia over the US. It means India is trying to avoid being forced to choose. The bigger India-US question The oil issue therefore puts the Modi government in a delicate position. Washington has already demonstrated that Russian energy purchases can become a trade issue. The February 2026 executive order removed the additional 25% tariff but explicitly kept the door open to bringing it back if Russian oil imports resume. At the same time, India's latest import data suggest that Russian crude remains extremely difficult to displace. With Russian oil reaching more than half of India's imports in July, the economic relationship has moved far beyond the limited purchases that existed before the Ukraine war. That is why the Putin-Modi meeting on the sidelines of BRICS Summit 2026 will carry significance beyond the usual India-Russia agenda. The discussion is likely to encompass energy security, fertilisers, defence, trade imbalances and payment mechanisms. But underneath all of it will be one fundamental question: How much Russian oil can India continue buying without reopening the tariff confrontation with Washington, and how much Russian oil can India realistically afford to stop buying? For Moscow, the answer is strategically important. For Washington, it is a test of economic pressure. And for New Delhi, it is ultimately a question of energy security, economic interests and strategic autonomy.

Putin’s expected BRICS 2026 visit comes as India’s Russian oil imports surge, reviving questions over US tariffs, energy security and strategic autonomy

BRICS Summit 2026: Putin’s second India visit in 10 months comes amid focus on Russian oil

For years, the West has pursued a simple strategy toward Vladimir Putin: punish Russia economically, isolate Moscow diplomatically and force the Kremlin to pay a price for its war in Ukraine.But is that strategy still working?Putin may be isolated from much of the Western political establishment. Yet the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit tells a very different story.Russia remains deeply engaged with China, India and much of the non-Western world. Putin can still sit at the table with major powers — and that makes the claim that Russia is simply “isolated” increasingly difficult to sustain.But there is a catch.At the SCO summit, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a message that Moscow cannot easily dismiss: the world must move from endless wars toward an end to war. Modi's appeal reflects India's increasingly independent diplomatic position — maintaining its strategic relationship with Russia while simultaneously deepening ties with the United States.China presents another complicated equation.Beijing has become crucial to Moscow economically and strategically, but that does not necessarily make Russia the senior partner. The longer the war continues, the greater Russia's dependence on China could become.Meanwhile, Europe is moving in the opposite direction.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/putin-may-be-isolated-but-sco-showed-russia-is-not-cut-off-1788420897346/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/putin-may-be-isolated-but-sco-showed-russia-is-not-cut-off-1788420897346/embed</a>The EU continues sanctions against Russia and is preparing further measures targeting individuals, Moscow's military-industrial complex and its ability to sustain the war.Britain is also helping Ukraine expand its long-range strike capability. Moscow has warned that British military targets could face retaliation if British-made missiles continue being used against Russian territory.And NATO is increasingly focused on what comes after Ukraine — with European governments concerned about alleged Russian hybrid attacks, airspace incidents and the possibility of wider confrontation.So the old definition of isolation no longer fits.Russia is economically constrained, militarily challenged and politically estranged from much of Europe.But it is not diplomatically alone.The Verdict? Putin has not broken out of Western isolation — he has learned to operate around it.And perhaps that is the bigger story.The world is no longer divided neatly between Moscow and the West.India wants strategic autonomy. China wants greater global influence. Europe wants security. Washington wants leverage.And Putin is trying to turn those competing interests into diplomatic space for Russia.Is he isolated? In the West, increasingly yes.In the world? Not even close.&nbsp;

The EU continues sanctions against Russia and is preparing further measures targeting individuals, Moscow's military-industrial complex and its ability to sustain the war.

For years, the West has pursued a simple strategy toward Vladimir Putin: punish Russia economically, isolate Moscow diplomatically and force the Kremlin to pay a price for its war in Ukraine. But is that strategy still working? Putin may be isolated from much of the Western political establishment. Yet the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit tells a very different story. Russia remains deeply engaged with China, India and much of the non-Western world. Putin can still sit at the table with major powers — and that makes the claim that Russia is simply “isolated” increasingly difficult to sustain. But there is a catch. At the SCO summit, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a message that Moscow cannot easily dismiss: the world must move from endless wars toward an end to war. Modi's appeal reflects India's increasingly independent diplomatic position — maintaining its strategic relationship with Russia while simultaneously deepening ties with the United States. China presents another complicated equation. Beijing has become crucial to Moscow economically and strategically, but that does not necessarily make Russia the senior partner. The longer the war continues, the greater Russia's dependence on China could become. Meanwhile, Europe is moving in the opposite direction. https://www.wionews.com/videos/putin-may-be-isolated-but-sco-showed-russia-is-not-cut-off-1788420897346/embed The EU continues sanctions against Russia and is preparing further measures targeting individuals, Moscow's military-industrial complex and its ability to sustain the war. Britain is also helping Ukraine expand its long-range strike capability. Moscow has warned that British military targets could face retaliation if British-made missiles continue being used against Russian territory. And NATO is increasingly focused on what comes after Ukraine — with European governments concerned about alleged Russian hybrid attacks, airspace incidents and the possibility of wider confrontation. So the old definition of isolation no longer fits. Russia is economically constrained, militarily challenged and politically estranged from much of Europe. But it is not diplomatically alone. The Verdict? Putin has not broken out of Western isolation — he has learned to operate around it. And perhaps that is the bigger story. The world is no longer divided neatly between Moscow and the West. India wants strategic autonomy. China wants greater global influence. Europe wants security. Washington wants leverage. And Putin is trying to turn those competing interests into diplomatic space for Russia. Is he isolated? In the West, increasingly yes. In the world? Not even close.

The EU continues sanctions against Russia and is preparing further measures targeting individuals, Moscow's military-industrial complex and its ability to sustain the war.

The Verdict | Putin is isolated — but not alone

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned airlines, insurance companies and other aviation stakeholders that growing Ukrainian drone activity is making Russian airspace increasingly dangerous and could effectively force the closure of the country’s skies. “Today, we want to warn every airline that uses Russian airspace, every insurer, everyone who still uses key Russian airports: the Russian sky is becoming completely dangerous,” Zelenskyy said in his nightly video address.&nbsp;Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine does not pose a threat to civilian aviation, while warning that Ukrainian drones would continue operating over Russian territory. “Ukraine poses no threat to civil aviation, but there will be drones in Russia’s skies and due notice must be taken,” he said. The Ukrainian president also accused Russian authorities of failing to adequately communicate aviation risks linked to the ongoing drone activity. He said that, regardless of official announcements, the security situation would effectively lead to Russian airspace becoming closed.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/charlie-kirk-murder-case-trial-tyler-robinson-faces-possible-death-penalty-after-court-ruling-1788313352702">Charlie Kirk murder case trial: Tyler Robinson faces possible death penalty after court ruling</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">It was from Russia that the first missiles and the first drones came, and they crossed our country’s border from Russian airspace. This escalation cannot and will not remain confined to Ukrainian territory. Today, we want to warn every airline that uses Russian airspace, every…&mdash; Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) <a href="https://x.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/2094847676848480297?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 1, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

“Although Russian authorities are not properly announcing it, Russian airspace will effectively be closing. The war started by Russia is closing its own skies,” Zelenskyy added. The warning comes as Russia has intensified its air campaign against Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities in recent weeks. Moscow’s latest attacks killed 12 people and injured many others, marking the sixth consecutive day of heavy assaults on the Ukrainian capital.&nbsp;Ukraine, meanwhile, has continued launching drone strikes against targets inside Russia. Several of the attacks have focused on facilities linked to Russia’s oil industry, along with retail and other sites. Zelenskyy’s latest warning highlights the growing impact of the drone war on Russia’s aviation sector. As Ukrainian drone operations continue across Russian territory and Russian missile and drone attacks intensify against Ukrainian cities, concerns over the safety of Russian airspace are becoming increasingly prominent.

Zelenskyy warns airlines and insurers that Ukrainian drones are making Russian airspace increasingly dangerous as attacks intensify across Russia and Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned airlines, insurance companies and other aviation stakeholders that growing Ukrainian drone activity is making Russian airspace increasingly dangerous and could effectively force the closure of the country’s skies. “Today, we want to warn every airline that uses Russian airspace, every insurer, everyone who still uses key Russian airports: the Russian sky is becoming completely dangerous,” Zelenskyy said in his nightly video address. Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine does not pose a threat to civilian aviation, while warning that Ukrainian drones would continue operating over Russian territory. “Ukraine poses no threat to civil aviation, but there will be drones in Russia’s skies and due notice must be taken,” he said. The Ukrainian president also accused Russian authorities of failing to adequately communicate aviation risks linked to the ongoing drone activity. He said that, regardless of official announcements, the security situation would effectively lead to Russian airspace becoming closed. Also Read: Charlie Kirk murder case trial: Tyler Robinson faces possible death penalty after court ruling

Zelenskyy warns airlines and insurers that Ukrainian drone activity is making Russian airspace increasingly dangerous and could effectively close it

'Russian sky is becoming completely dangerous': Zelensky warns as Ukraine steps up drone strikes

Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed admiration for the courage and resilience of the Iranian people in defending Iran's national interest. Speaking in a meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the SCO summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, Putin noted that Russia was seeking to assist Tehran during what he described as a difficult period. Pezeshkian meanwhile expressed confidence that Iran will emerge victorious.“We are trying to provide you with the assistance you need during this difficult time,” Putin said. “We have discussed this matter, and we are supplying you with the necessary equipment.”Putin said that Russia is supplying Tehran with "necessary equipment" and "essential goods," deliberately leaving it unconfirmed whether that assistance includes military material.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-officials-cosco-china-spying-military-communications-1788274722448">US accuses COSCO of using concealed equipment to gather military signals</a>Pezeshkian expressed gratitude to Russia for its support in Iran's campaign. He added that the relationship between Russia and Iran was not an “ordinary relationship” but rather a “strategic relationship”.&nbsp;“We appreciate and thank you for your positions at every stage, both during the period when the fighting and acts of aggression were taking place and under normal circumstances, when the United States was imposing sanctions on us, both at the United Nations and in international forums,” said Pezeshkian.&nbsp;Putin also expressed his desire to maintain trade and expand bilateral relations despite the current military and political environment. He also said that Russia attaches great importance to expanding cooperation with the Islamic Republic in the humanitarian sphere.&nbsp;

Russian President Vladimir Putin praised Iran’s resilience and said Moscow was providing Tehran with “necessary equipment” and essential goods.

Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed admiration for the courage and resilience of the Iranian people in defending Iran's national interest. Speaking in a meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the SCO summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, Putin noted that Russia was seeking to assist Tehran during what he described as a difficult period. Pezeshkian meanwhile expressed confidence that Iran will emerge victorious. “We are trying to provide you with the assistance you need during this difficult time,” Putin said. “We have discussed this matter, and we are supplying you with the necessary equipment.” Putin said that Russia is supplying Tehran with "necessary equipment" and "essential goods," deliberately leaving it unconfirmed whether that assistance includes military material. Also Read: US accuses COSCO of using concealed equipment to gather military signals Pezeshkian expressed gratitude to Russia for its support in Iran's campaign. He added that the relationship between Russia and Iran was not an “ordinary relationship” but rather a “strategic relationship”. “We appreciate and thank you for your positions at every stage, both during the period when the fighting and acts of aggression were taking place and under normal circumstances, when the United States was imposing sanctions on us, both at the United Nations and in international forums,” said Pezeshkian. Putin also expressed his desire to maintain trade and expand bilateral relations despite the current military and political environment. He also said that Russia attaches great importance to expanding cooperation with the Islamic Republic in the humanitarian sphere.

Russian President Vladimir Putin praised Iran’s resilience and said Moscow was providing Tehran with “necessary equipment” and essential goods.

Putin praises Iran’s resilience, says Russia providing Tehran with ‘necessary equipment’

Kyiv is facing increasingly lengthy daytime air raid warnings as Russia intensifies its drone campaign against Ukraine, launching around 800 jet-powered drones in just four days.The new-generation Shahed drones can reportedly reach cruising speeds of between 200mph and 250mph, roughly twice the speed of their piston-engine predecessors, which travel at about 115mph. Their higher speed is making them more difficult for Ukraine’s low-cost interceptor drones to bring down.Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Sunday that jet-powered drones now make up more than half of the unmanned aircraft Russia is using in its attacks, describing the campaign as an effort to “wear down” Ukraine.“There were almost 1,500 drones of all types in these four days alone – about 800 of them jet-powered,” the president said. Ukraine was currently relying on combat aircraft to shoot them down, he added.One of the latest models, the Geran-4, hit an ammunition storage site in Myla, a village around 15 miles west of Kyiv, on Thursday. The attack reportedly killed 38 people and triggered hours of secondary explosions. Warehouses were destroyed and nearby residential properties were also damaged.Russia has continued to conduct waves of daytime drone attacks over recent days, resulting in prolonged air raid warnings, particularly in the Ukrainian capital. Kyiv recorded eight air raid alerts by lunchtime on Monday.Although daytime strikes have occurred previously, they were relatively unusual. The latest attacks have disrupted daily life, with some businesses temporarily suspending operations during alerts. Residents have also been forced to decide whether to stay inside, move to shelters or continue their activities despite the warnings.The presence of nearby drones can also complicate emergency response operations. Firefighters and other emergency crews may be forced to withdraw from damaged locations when another attack is detected, potentially allowing fires to spread. A similar situation occurred earlier this month after a food storage facility in Boryspil, east of Kyiv, was hit.Russian forces have also targeted warehouses in and around Kyiv during the past month. The strikes have been linked to retaliation for Ukrainian attacks on the Wildberries and Ozon distribution networks in Russia. The resulting disruption has contributed to shortages of some food products in Ukrainian stores, although officials have attempted to reassure the public.Serhii Beskrestnov, an adviser to Zelenskyy on defence technology, urged people “do not give in to rumours, misinformation, and panic” and said that companies were rebuilding supply chains in response to the attacks. “We will not die of hunger,” he wrote in a social media posting.Shahed drones feature a distinctive delta-wing design and were initially developed in Iran before the technology was transferred to Russia. Iran first unveiled the jet-powered Shahed-238 in autumn 2023, and the system subsequently appeared in attacks against Ukraine.Russia began producing and deploying its newest jet-powered version, the Geran-4, in significant numbers during the spring. Moscow is now producing more jet-powered drones than the earlier piston-engine variants, with the Geran-4 and Geran-5 among the models being used.The Geran-5 has a different appearance from the delta-wing Geran-4, resembling a small missile fitted with wings.Beskrestnov said at least 2,500 jet-powered drones had been launched against Ukraine during August, compared with approximately 1,500 in July. He said production date stamps discovered on drone components indicated that some weapons were being launched only days after leaving the manufacturing facility in Yelabuga.Ukraine has previously developed a network of inexpensive ground-launched interceptors capable of destroying slower piston-engine Shahed drones. Those systems helped push interception rates above 90%.Over the weekend, Zelenskyy said Ukraine would need to maintain that level of defence effectiveness as the country enters autumn.Ukrainian engineers are now working on faster interceptor drones designed specifically to counter the newer jet-powered Shaheds. Few technical details have been disclosed publicly, but Zelenskyy said progress was already being made.“Four companies have developed the relevant interceptor drones, and one company has the most successful technology,” Zelensky said.The shift toward faster drones presents a new challenge for Ukraine's air-defence network. As Russia increases production and uses the weapons in sustained waves during daylight hours, Ukrainian forces face growing pressure to develop interceptors capable of matching their speed while remaining inexpensive enough for large-scale deployment.

Kyiv faces prolonged air raids as Russia deploys faster jet-powered Shahed drones, forcing Ukraine to develop new low-cost air defence interceptors

Kyiv is facing increasingly lengthy daytime air raid warnings as Russia intensifies its drone campaign against Ukraine, launching around 800 jet-powered drones in just four days. The new-generation Shahed drones can reportedly reach cruising speeds of between 200mph and 250mph, roughly twice the speed of their piston-engine predecessors, which travel at about 115mph. Their higher speed is making them more difficult for Ukraine’s low-cost interceptor drones to bring down. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Sunday that jet-powered drones now make up more than half of the unmanned aircraft Russia is using in its attacks, describing the campaign as an effort to “wear down” Ukraine. “There were almost 1,500 drones of all types in these four days alone – about 800 of them jet-powered,” the president said. Ukraine was currently relying on combat aircraft to shoot them down, he added. One of the latest models, the Geran-4, hit an ammunition storage site in Myla, a village around 15 miles west of Kyiv, on Thursday. The attack reportedly killed 38 people and triggered hours of secondary explosions. Warehouses were destroyed and nearby residential properties were also damaged. Russia has continued to conduct waves of daytime drone attacks over recent days, resulting in prolonged air raid warnings, particularly in the Ukrainian capital. Kyiv recorded eight air raid alerts by lunchtime on Monday. Although daytime strikes have occurred previously, they were relatively unusual. The latest attacks have disrupted daily life, with some businesses temporarily suspending operations during alerts. Residents have also been forced to decide whether to stay inside, move to shelters or continue their activities despite the warnings. The presence of nearby drones can also complicate emergency response operations. Firefighters and other emergency crews may be forced to withdraw from damaged locations when another attack is detected, potentially allowing fires to spread. A similar situation occurred earlier this month after a food storage facility in Boryspil, east of Kyiv, was hit. Russian forces have also targeted warehouses in and around Kyiv during the past month. The strikes have been linked to retaliation for Ukrainian attacks on the Wildberries and Ozon distribution networks in Russia. The resulting disruption has contributed to shortages of some food products in Ukrainian stores, although officials have attempted to reassure the public. Serhii Beskrestnov, an adviser to Zelenskyy on defence technology, urged people “do not give in to rumours, misinformation, and panic” and said that companies were rebuilding supply chains in response to the attacks. “We will not die of hunger,” he wrote in a social media posting. Shahed drones feature a distinctive delta-wing design and were initially developed in Iran before the technology was transferred to Russia. Iran first unveiled the jet-powered Shahed-238 in autumn 2023, and the system subsequently appeared in attacks against Ukraine. Russia began producing and deploying its newest jet-powered version, the Geran-4, in significant numbers during the spring. Moscow is now producing more jet-powered drones than the earlier piston-engine variants, with the Geran-4 and Geran-5 among the models being used. The Geran-5 has a different appearance from the delta-wing Geran-4, resembling a small missile fitted with wings. Beskrestnov said at least 2,500 jet-powered drones had been launched against Ukraine during August, compared with approximately 1,500 in July. He said production date stamps discovered on drone components indicated that some weapons were being launched only days after leaving the manufacturing facility in Yelabuga. Ukraine has previously developed a network of inexpensive ground-launched interceptors capable of destroying slower piston-engine Shahed drones. Those systems helped push interception rates above 90%. Over the weekend, Zelenskyy said Ukraine would need to maintain that level of defence effectiveness as the country enters autumn. Ukrainian engineers are now working on faster interceptor drones designed specifically to counter the newer jet-powered Shaheds. Few technical details have been disclosed publicly, but Zelenskyy said progress was already being made. “Four companies have developed the relevant interceptor drones, and one company has the most successful technology,” Zelensky said. The shift toward faster drones presents a new challenge for Ukraine's air-defence network. As Russia increases production and uses the weapons in sustained waves during daylight hours, Ukrainian forces face growing pressure to develop interceptors capable of matching their speed while remaining inexpensive enough for large-scale deployment.

Kyiv faces prolonged daytime air raids as Russia deploys hundreds of faster jet-powered Shahed drones, challenging Ukraine’s air defences

Russia unleashes 800-jet powered drones on Ukraine in four days as Kyiv faces prolonged air raids

Russia’s Defence Ministry said on Sunday that Moscow was preparing large-scale strikes against Ukraine’s energy infrastructure in what it described as a tit-for-tat response to Kyiv’s attacks on Russian civilian infrastructure and energy facilities. "Russian forces have begun preparations for massive strikes against facilities in Ukraine's energy sector in response to the ongoing attacks by the Kyiv regime on civilian infrastructure and on Russia's oil and energy complex," it said on Telegram.&nbsp;The warning comes after months of escalating long-range attacks by both Russia and Ukraine, with strikes increasingly targeting warehouses, businesses, oil facilities, ports and other critical infrastructure. The attacks have also contributed to rising civilian casualties. Last winter, repeated Russian strikes on Ukrainian power plants severely damaged the country’s energy network, leaving millions of people without electricity and heating during freezing temperatures.&nbsp;On Sunday, Russia’s army said it had struck a plant in Kyiv that produces asbestos and cement. Moscow claimed warehouses at the facility were being used to store explosives. Russian forces also reported striking a Ukrainian manufacturer of drones and munitions. The latest escalation followed a deadly Russian strike on an ammunition depot near the Ukrainian capital on Saturday. The attack triggered a massive explosion and fire, with secondary detonations sending flames into surrounding areas. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Sunday that the death toll from the strike had risen to 38.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-trump-posts-bizarre-ai-clip-of-donald-ducks-patrolling-lake-america-1788080363913">WATCH | Trump posts bizarre AI clip of ‘Donald Ducks’ patrolling ‘Lake America’</a>&nbsp;The military facility, located near the town of Myla, was reportedly storing ammunition, drones and explosives. Emergency crews have extinguished most of the fires, while bomb disposal teams continue operations to clear the site, Zelensky said on Telegram.He said 38 people had been killed, 20 injured and four remained missing. Zelensky also warned that the extent of contamination in the area is significant.&nbsp;The incident marked the second attack on a munitions depot near Kyiv in less than two months. Ukrainian officials have expressed concern over the continued storage of weapons and explosives near residential areas. Ukrainian prosecutors have launched an investigation into possible criminal negligence following the blast. According to Ukraine’s Air Force, Russia launched at least two missiles and 267 drones against Ukraine between late Friday and early Saturday.&nbsp;Ukraine has also continued its attacks on Russian energy infrastructure. Local authorities said a Ukrainian drone strike hit an oil refinery in northwestern Russia on Saturday, causing a fire. The intensifying attacks come as US-led diplomatic efforts to end the war remain stalled. The conflict, which has become Europe’s deadliest since World War II, has seen little progress toward a negotiated settlement in recent months. Russia has demanded sweeping territorial and political concessions from Ukraine, while Kyiv has rejected those demands as unacceptable and tantamount to capitulation.

Russia prepares massive strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure after Kyiv attacks, as the death toll from a Ukrainian arms depot blast rises to 38

Russia’s Defence Ministry said on Sunday that Moscow was preparing large-scale strikes against Ukraine’s energy infrastructure in what it described as a tit-for-tat response to Kyiv’s attacks on Russian civilian infrastructure and energy facilities. "Russian forces have begun preparations for massive strikes against facilities in Ukraine's energy sector in response to the ongoing attacks by the Kyiv regime on civilian infrastructure and on Russia's oil and energy complex," it said on Telegram. The warning comes after months of escalating long-range attacks by both Russia and Ukraine, with strikes increasingly targeting warehouses, businesses, oil facilities, ports and other critical infrastructure. The attacks have also contributed to rising civilian casualties. Last winter, repeated Russian strikes on Ukrainian power plants severely damaged the country’s energy network, leaving millions of people without electricity and heating during freezing temperatures. On Sunday, Russia’s army said it had struck a plant in Kyiv that produces asbestos and cement. Moscow claimed warehouses at the facility were being used to store explosives. Russian forces also reported striking a Ukrainian manufacturer of drones and munitions. The latest escalation followed a deadly Russian strike on an ammunition depot near the Ukrainian capital on Saturday. The attack triggered a massive explosion and fire, with secondary detonations sending flames into surrounding areas. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Sunday that the death toll from the strike had risen to 38. Also Read: WATCH | Trump posts bizarre AI clip of ‘Donald Ducks’ patrolling ‘Lake America’ The military facility, located near the town of Myla, was reportedly storing ammunition, drones and explosives. Emergency crews have extinguished most of the fires, while bomb disposal teams continue operations to clear the site, Zelensky said on Telegram. He said 38 people had been killed, 20 injured and four remained missing. Zelensky also warned that the extent of contamination in the area is significant. The incident marked the second attack on a munitions depot near Kyiv in less than two months. Ukrainian officials have expressed concern over the continued storage of weapons and explosives near residential areas. Ukrainian prosecutors have launched an investigation into possible criminal negligence following the blast. According to Ukraine’s Air Force, Russia launched at least two missiles and 267 drones against Ukraine between late Friday and early Saturday. Ukraine has also continued its attacks on Russian energy infrastructure. Local authorities said a Ukrainian drone strike hit an oil refinery in northwestern Russia on Saturday, causing a fire. The intensifying attacks come as US-led diplomatic efforts to end the war remain stalled. The conflict, which has become Europe’s deadliest since World War II, has seen little progress toward a negotiated settlement in recent months. Russia has demanded sweeping territorial and political concessions from Ukraine, while Kyiv has rejected those demands as unacceptable and tantamount to capitulation.

Russia prepares massive strikes on Ukraine’s energy sector after Kyiv attacks, as the death toll from a deadly arms depot blast reaches 38

Russia warns of 'massive strikes' on Ukraine's energy sector as death toll from Kyiv's arm depot reaches 38

New Delhi: Russian President Vladimir Putin has pledged to boost fertiliser supplies to India, stressing Moscow’s commitment to ties with India. Speaking during a meeting with Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Putin highlighted energy resources and fertilisers as key priorities. “One of these issues is not only energy resources, of course, but it is also the supply of fertilisers. We are doing everything to resolve this matter for Indian farmers and for agriculture; we are increasing these supplies and are ready to continue doing so,” he said. The Russian leader noted that nuclear energy cooperation, high-tech collaboration and other areas were progressing confidently. He praised the strength of Russia-India ties built over decades, saying work continued across government, parliamentary and business levels. Putin pointed to growing trade in the ties. “I am pleased to note that this year our trade turnover has grown. While last year it declined slightly, this year it is rising, and this is in part, or perhaps primarily, thanks to the efforts of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who pays close personal attention to the development of Russian-Indian relations.” Trade between the 2 countries has grown significantly, largely due to increased imports of Russian energy.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Russian President Vladimir Putin meets India&#39;s external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar in Moscow <a href="https://t.co/clackSleQM">pic.twitter.com/clackSleQM</a>&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://x.com/WIONews/status/2091847761654366569?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 24, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

PM Modi and the Russian President are expected to meet next week on the sidelines of the SCO Bishkek summit. “I hope to see him in the near future, as we had planned, within the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, in the near future. Our schedule is such that we will probably be able to meet once more this year", the Russian leader said. Jaishankar, who had earlier held talks with Russian counterpart Denis Manturov in the intergovernmental commission, delivered a personal message from the Indian prime minister, pointing to the economic cooperation. “I would like to note that our economic cooperation has grown significantly", he said. India's External Affairs Minister described the partnership as “strong, robust bilateral cooperation” even as Delhi-Moscow continue to up the engagement in areas like energy and defence.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Moscow will increase fertiliser supplies to India as he praised growing trade and strong bilateral ties during talks with S Jaishankar.

New Delhi: Russian President Vladimir Putin has pledged to boost fertiliser supplies to India, stressing Moscow’s commitment to ties with India. Speaking during a meeting with Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Putin highlighted energy resources and fertilisers as key priorities. “One of these issues is not only energy resources, of course, but it is also the supply of fertilisers. We are doing everything to resolve this matter for Indian farmers and for agriculture; we are increasing these supplies and are ready to continue doing so,” he said. The Russian leader noted that nuclear energy cooperation, high-tech collaboration and other areas were progressing confidently. He praised the strength of Russia-India ties built over decades, saying work continued across government, parliamentary and business levels. Putin pointed to growing trade in the ties. “I am pleased to note that this year our trade turnover has grown. While last year it declined slightly, this year it is rising, and this is in part, or perhaps primarily, thanks to the efforts of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who pays close personal attention to the development of Russian-Indian relations.” Trade between the 2 countries has grown significantly, largely due to increased imports of Russian energy.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Moscow will increase fertiliser supplies to India as he praised growing trade and strong bilateral ties during talks with S Jaishankar.

Putin pledges more fertiliser for India, confirms meeting with PM Modi in Bishkek

Rescuers in Ukraine continued searching for survivors on Saturday after a major shopping centre in Kryvyi Rih was struck by two Russian drones in quick succession on Friday. Sixteen people were killed and 130 injured in the attack, while four people remained missing. Officials said the search-and-rescue operation could continue for another two days because of the extensive destruction and the continuing threat of further Russian attacks.&nbsp;The attack has been described as a ‘double-tap strike’, in which a second strike hits an area after emergency responders arrive. President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned what he called a ‘cynical and despicable’ attack, saying the second drone targeted emergency workers. Dnipropetrovsk regional head Oleksandr Hanzha said the death toll reached 16 after another body was recovered from the rubble overnight.&nbsp;"We're doing everything possible to speed up... the search and rescue operation," he told Ukrainian TV on Saturday morning.Hanzha said rescue work could continue for another two days because of the scale of the devastation and the risk of additional Russian attacks. Rescue teams from seven other Ukrainian regions were sent to Kryvyi Rih on Friday evening to assist with the search for survivors. The huge fire, which covered around 9,000 sq m, has now been extinguished.&nbsp;In a later update on Saturday, Hanzha said 52 injured people, including 14 children, remained in hospitals across the city. Kryvyi Rih's military chief, Oleksandr Vilkul, said dozens of people had already undergone surgery. A day of mourning was being observed across the Dnipropetrovsk region. Dramatic footage verified by the BBC showed the second drone striking the shopping centre while it was already burning. Russia's military has not commented on the attack.&nbsp;Vilkul said the drones had been flying at "extremely low altitudes" and described the attackers as 'animals'. Ukrainian officials have not explained why air defence systems failed to intercept Friday's drones. Ukraine's military says its overall drone interception rate is about 90%. The country's ability to intercept ballistic missiles is considerably lower, at around 40%, according to figures reported by Ukraine's defence ministry in June. Kyiv has repeatedly warned that it is running short of US-made Patriot missiles, which are considered its most effective defence against ballistic missiles.&nbsp;Zelensky said missile and drone attacks continued across Ukraine overnight, damaging residential buildings and civilian infrastructure. He said one person was killed and another injured after ballistic missile strikes damaged railway infrastructure in Kyiv. In the southern city of Zaporizhzhia, three people were injured when a drone struck a city minibus. Ukraine's state emergency service, DSNS, said two people were also killed in a separate Russian attack in the Kyiv region.<h3>Overnight Strikes Across Russia and Ukraine</h3>Russia's defence ministry said it had shot down 457 Ukrainian drones overnight.In Russia's southern Krasnodar region, Governor Veniamin Kondratyev said two children were killed and two adults injured in a drone strike on a port town.In the western Belgorod region, acting Governor Alkesandr Shuvaev said two people were killed and 13 injured in Ukrainian air strikes and shelling.Ukraine's military said it had also struck an oil refinery in Russia's Samara region overnight, triggering a fire.Russian online retailer Ozon, the country's second-largest retailer, said one of its warehouses in the region had also been hit. It was reportedly the first time the facility had been targeted.The incident follows a series of Ukrainian attacks on logistics hubs operated by Wildberries, Russia's largest online retailer, which is often compared with Amazon.Ukraine has intensified attacks on Russian energy facilities and logistics infrastructure in recent months. Kyiv describes such sites as legitimate targets because they contribute to financing Russia's war effort, while Moscow has accused Ukraine of targeting civilians.Russian President Vladimir Putin launched the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Moscow currently controls about a fifth of Ukrainian territory, primarily in the country's south and east.

Ukraine's Kryvyi Rih shopping centre strike killed 16 and injured 130. Rescuers continue searching the rubble as overnight attacks hit both sides

Rescuers in Ukraine continued searching for survivors on Saturday after a major shopping centre in Kryvyi Rih was struck by two Russian drones in quick succession on Friday. Sixteen people were killed and 130 injured in the attack, while four people remained missing. Officials said the search-and-rescue operation could continue for another two days because of the extensive destruction and the continuing threat of further Russian attacks. The attack has been described as a ‘double-tap strike’, in which a second strike hits an area after emergency responders arrive. President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned what he called a ‘cynical and despicable’ attack, saying the second drone targeted emergency workers. Dnipropetrovsk regional head Oleksandr Hanzha said the death toll reached 16 after another body was recovered from the rubble overnight. "We're doing everything possible to speed up... the search and rescue operation," he told Ukrainian TV on Saturday morning. Hanzha said rescue work could continue for another two days because of the scale of the devastation and the risk of additional Russian attacks. Rescue teams from seven other Ukrainian regions were sent to Kryvyi Rih on Friday evening to assist with the search for survivors. The huge fire, which covered around 9,000 sq m, has now been extinguished. In a later update on Saturday, Hanzha said 52 injured people, including 14 children, remained in hospitals across the city. Kryvyi Rih's military chief, Oleksandr Vilkul, said dozens of people had already undergone surgery. A day of mourning was being observed across the Dnipropetrovsk region. Dramatic footage verified by the BBC showed the second drone striking the shopping centre while it was already burning. Russia's military has not commented on the attack. Vilkul said the drones had been flying at "extremely low altitudes" and described the attackers as 'animals'. Ukrainian officials have not explained why air defence systems failed to intercept Friday's drones. Ukraine's military says its overall drone interception rate is about 90%. The country's ability to intercept ballistic missiles is considerably lower, at around 40%, according to figures reported by Ukraine's defence ministry in June. Kyiv has repeatedly warned that it is running short of US-made Patriot missiles, which are considered its most effective defence against ballistic missiles. Zelensky said missile and drone attacks continued across Ukraine overnight, damaging residential buildings and civilian infrastructure. He said one person was killed and another injured after ballistic missile strikes damaged railway infrastructure in Kyiv. In the southern city of Zaporizhzhia, three people were injured when a drone struck a city minibus. Ukraine's state emergency service, DSNS, said two people were also killed in a separate Russian attack in the Kyiv region. Overnight Strikes Across Russia and Ukraine Russia's defence ministry said it had shot down 457 Ukrainian drones overnight. In Russia's southern Krasnodar region, Governor Veniamin Kondratyev said two children were killed and two adults injured in a drone strike on a port town. In the western Belgorod region, acting Governor Alkesandr Shuvaev said two people were killed and 13 injured in Ukrainian air strikes and shelling. Ukraine's military said it had also struck an oil refinery in Russia's Samara region overnight, triggering a fire. Russian online retailer Ozon, the country's second-largest retailer, said one of its warehouses in the region had also been hit. It was reportedly the first time the facility had been targeted. The incident follows a series of Ukrainian attacks on logistics hubs operated by Wildberries, Russia's largest online retailer, which is often compared with Amazon. Ukraine has intensified attacks on Russian energy facilities and logistics infrastructure in recent months. Kyiv describes such sites as legitimate targets because they contribute to financing Russia's war effort, while Moscow has accused Ukraine of targeting civilians. Russian President Vladimir Putin launched the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Moscow currently controls about a fifth of Ukrainian territory, primarily in the country's south and east.

Russia's Kryvyi Rih shopping centre strike killed 16 and injured 130 as rescuers searched for survivors amid fears of further attacks. President Volodymyr Zelensky has condemned the attack

Ukraine shopping centre strike: Search for survivors continues as death toll rises, Zelensky calls attack 'cynical and despicable'

Russia has sentenced prominent opposition politician Lev Shlosberg to 11 years and one month in a penal colony. The 63-year-old Yabloko party leader was convicted over anti-war statements and posts about Russia’s military campaign in Ukraine. Yabloko is Russia’s only registered political party to have openly opposed the war in Ukraine. The Pskov court handed down the sentence on Monday (August 17). Prosecutors had sought 12 years and one month.&nbsp;<h2>Who is Lev Shlosberg?</h2>Lev Markovich Shlosberg is a veteran Russian opposition politician, journalist, historian and human-rights activist who is the deputy chairman of Yabloko. Born in Pskov on 30 July 1963, Shlosberg studied history at Pskov State Pedagogical Institute and graduated in 1985. He later studied at the Moscow School of Civic Education. He served in the Soviet Army from 1985 to 1987. After leaving the military, he worked as a teacher at a vocational school for juvenile offenders.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-boris-nadezhdin-putin-critic-arrested-before-russia-s-parliamentary-vote-1783996886804">Who is Boris Nadezhdin? Putin critic arrested before Russia's parliamentary vote</a>He joined Yabloko in 1994 and led its Pskov regional branch from 1996 to 2023. He also served in the Pskov Oblast Assembly of Deputies between 2011 and 2015, and again from 2016 to 2021.As a journalist, Shlosberg published and edited the regional newspaper Pskovskaya Guberniya, which reported on the deaths of Russian soldiers linked to the Donbas conflict in 2014. That reporting brought him threats and violence, and he was assaulted after the newspaper published the investigation.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-s-top-court-bans-only-registered-anti-war-party-ahead-of-key-elections-1786724121947/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-s-top-court-bans-only-registered-anti-war-party-ahead-of-key-elections-1786724121947/embed</a><h2>Why was Shlosberg jailed?</h2>Russian authorities accused Shlosberg of two offences: publicly discrediting Russia’s armed forces under Article 280.3 of the Criminal Code, and spreading false information about the military under Article 207.3.The case centred on his anti-war statements. Shlosberg took part in an online discussion in which he called for an end to the fighting in Ukraine, describing the war as a catastrophe for Russia and urging a ceasefire.He was also prosecuted over a Telegram post from February 2022, shortly after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The post shared an Echo of Moscow link featuring a Daily Mirror front page depicting a bloodied woman alongside President Vladimir Putin.Shlosberg has rejected the accusations, calling the court proceedings politically motivated.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-was-semyon-skrepetsky-russian-dissident-artist-killed-poland-1781609134477">Who was Semyon Skrepetsky? Russian dissident artist shot dead in Poland</a><h2>Sentencing follows years of pressure on Shlosberg and comes amid wider crackdown</h2>Shlosberg was designated a “foreign agent” in 2023. In 2025, he was convicted of violating foreign-agent rules and ordered to complete 420 hours of compulsory labour. The latest sentence incorporated that earlier conviction.Yabloko said it would appeal. The party itself faces growing pressure and has been barred from the September 2026 parliamentary elections.Human-rights groups have condemned the prosecution. Memorial, the Russian human-rights organisation, recognises Shlosberg as a political prisoner.His case reflects the widening risks for Russian politicians, journalists and activists who publicly challenge the Kremlin’s position on the war in Ukraine.

Russian politician Lev Shlosberg has been sentenced to 11 years for anti-war statements. The Yabloko deputy chairman rejected the charges as politically motivated. Here is what you should know about him 

Russia has sentenced prominent opposition politician Lev Shlosberg to 11 years and one month in a penal colony. The 63-year-old Yabloko party leader was convicted over anti-war statements and posts about Russia’s military campaign in Ukraine. Yabloko is Russia’s only registered political party to have openly opposed the war in Ukraine. The Pskov court handed down the sentence on Monday (August 17). Prosecutors had sought 12 years and one month. Who is Lev Shlosberg? Lev Markovich Shlosberg is a veteran Russian opposition politician, journalist, historian and human-rights activist who is the deputy chairman of Yabloko. Born in Pskov on 30 July 1963, Shlosberg studied history at Pskov State Pedagogical Institute and graduated in 1985. He later studied at the Moscow School of Civic Education. He served in the Soviet Army from 1985 to 1987. After leaving the military, he worked as a teacher at a vocational school for juvenile offenders. Also read: Who is Boris Nadezhdin? Putin critic arrested before Russia's parliamentary vote He joined Yabloko in 1994 and led its Pskov regional branch from 1996 to 2023. He also served in the Pskov Oblast Assembly of Deputies between 2011 and 2015, and again from 2016 to 2021. As a journalist, Shlosberg published and edited the regional newspaper Pskovskaya Guberniya, which reported on the deaths of Russian soldiers linked to the Donbas conflict in 2014. That reporting brought him threats and violence, and he was assaulted after the newspaper published the investigation. https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-s-top-court-bans-only-registered-anti-war-party-ahead-of-key-elections-1786724121947/embed Why was Shlosberg jailed? Russian authorities accused Shlosberg of two offences: publicly discrediting Russia’s armed forces under Article 280.3 of the Criminal Code, and spreading false information about the military under Article 207.3. The case centred on his anti-war statements. Shlosberg took part in an online discussion in which he called for an end to the fighting in Ukraine, describing the war as a catastrophe for Russia and urging a ceasefire. He was also prosecuted over a Telegram post from February 2022, shortly after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The post shared an Echo of Moscow link featuring a Daily Mirror front page depicting a bloodied woman alongside President Vladimir Putin. Shlosberg has rejected the accusations, calling the court proceedings politically motivated. Also read: Who was Semyon Skrepetsky? Russian dissident artist shot dead in Poland Sentencing follows years of pressure on Shlosberg and comes amid wider crackdown Shlosberg was designated a “foreign agent” in 2023. In 2025, he was convicted of violating foreign-agent rules and ordered to complete 420 hours of compulsory labour. The latest sentence incorporated that earlier conviction. Yabloko said it would appeal. The party itself faces growing pressure and has been barred from the September 2026 parliamentary elections. Human-rights groups have condemned the prosecution. Memorial, the Russian human-rights organisation, recognises Shlosberg as a political prisoner. His case reflects the widening risks for Russian politicians, journalists and activists who publicly challenge the Kremlin’s position on the war in Ukraine.

Russian politician Lev Shlosberg has been sentenced to 11 years for anti-war statements. The Yabloko deputy chairman rejected the charges as politically motivated. Here is what you should know about him&nbsp;

Russia’s prominent anti-war politician jailed for 11 years: Who is Lev Shlosberg? What was his crime?

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent trip to the disputed Kuril Islands has once again strained relations between Moscow and Tokyo. Fresh off watching naval drills in nearby Sakhalin, the Russian president landed on the Russian-controlled chain, where Kremlin footage showed him touring a local fish processing plant and sampling caviar on Thursday (Aug 13).The visit sparked immediate outrage in Tokyo. Japan’s Foreign Minister, Toshimitsu Motegi, issued a sharp protest, reiterating that the four southernmost islands—known in Japan as the Northern Territories—are an "inherent part" of Japanese territory under international law."The Northern Territories... are an inherent part of Japan's territory both historically and under international law, and the government of Japan strongly protests this visit," Motegi said in a statement.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/family-killing-fantasies-17-year-old-indian-origin-teen-charged-with-murdering-mother-14-year-old-brother-in-us-shocking-chatgpt-angle-uncovered-1786600791700">'Family-killing fantasies': Indian origin teen charged with murdering mother, 14-year-old brother in US; Shocking ChatGPT angle uncovered</a><h2>Why does Japan have an issue with Putin visiting the Kuril Islands?</h2>The roots of the dispute trace back to the dying days of World War II. Just days after the US dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima in August 1945, the Soviet Union declared war on Japan and seized the archipelago. Around 17,000 Japanese residents were expelled, replaced over the decades by Russian settlers whose descendants make up the roughly 20,000 people living there today.That wartime clash has cast a long shadow. Because neither side could agree on who owns the islands—Iturup, Kunashir, Shikotan, and the Habomai islets—Russia and Japan have technically never signed a formal peace treaty to end World War II.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-to-target-nato-next-us-intel-warns-of-russian-limited-attack-1786178624293">Putin to target NATO next? US intel warns of Russian 'limited attack'</a><h2>Why it matters now</h2>While Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev briefly offered to return two of the smaller islands back in 1956, modern diplomacy has completely stalled. Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine pushed Tokyo to align firmly with Western sanctions, prompting Moscow to freeze talks and lean harder into strategic alliances with Beijing and Pyongyang.Stretching 1,300 kilometers from Hokkaido to the Kamchatka Peninsula, the chain acts as a gateway between the Pacific and the Sea of Okhotsk. Whoever controls them commands rich fishing grounds, valuable mineral deposits, and a crucial military stronghold in the North Pacific.

Vladimir Putin’s visit to the disputed Kuril Islands has reignited a decades-old territorial dispute with Japan. Tokyo has strongly protested the trip, insisting the four southernmost islands are Japanese territory. Here’s why the Kurils remain a major flashpoint between Moscow and Tokyo.

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent trip to the disputed Kuril Islands has once again strained relations between Moscow and Tokyo. Fresh off watching naval drills in nearby Sakhalin, the Russian president landed on the Russian-controlled chain, where Kremlin footage showed him touring a local fish processing plant and sampling caviar on Thursday (Aug 13). The visit sparked immediate outrage in Tokyo. Japan’s Foreign Minister, Toshimitsu Motegi, issued a sharp protest, reiterating that the four southernmost islands—known in Japan as the Northern Territories—are an "inherent part" of Japanese territory under international law. "The Northern Territories... are an inherent part of Japan's territory both historically and under international law, and the government of Japan strongly protests this visit," Motegi said in a statement. Also read | 'Family-killing fantasies': Indian origin teen charged with murdering mother, 14-year-old brother in US; Shocking ChatGPT angle uncovered Why does Japan have an issue with Putin visiting the Kuril Islands? The roots of the dispute trace back to the dying days of World War II. Just days after the US dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima in August 1945, the Soviet Union declared war on Japan and seized the archipelago. Around 17,000 Japanese residents were expelled, replaced over the decades by Russian settlers whose descendants make up the roughly 20,000 people living there today. That wartime clash has cast a long shadow. Because neither side could agree on who owns the islands—Iturup, Kunashir, Shikotan, and the Habomai islets—Russia and Japan have technically never signed a formal peace treaty to end World War II. Also read | Putin to target NATO next? US intel warns of Russian 'limited attack' Why it matters now While Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev briefly offered to return two of the smaller islands back in 1956, modern diplomacy has completely stalled. Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine pushed Tokyo to align firmly with Western sanctions, prompting Moscow to freeze talks and lean harder into strategic alliances with Beijing and Pyongyang. Stretching 1,300 kilometers from Hokkaido to the Kamchatka Peninsula, the chain acts as a gateway between the Pacific and the Sea of Okhotsk. Whoever controls them commands rich fishing grounds, valuable mineral deposits, and a crucial military stronghold in the North Pacific.

Vladimir Putin’s visit to the disputed Kuril Islands has reignited a decades-old territorial dispute with Japan. Tokyo has strongly protested the trip, insisting the four southernmost islands are Japanese territory. Here’s why the Kurils remain a major flashpoint between Moscow and Tokyo.

Putin’s trip to the Kuril Islands reopens an 80-year-old wound; Japan 'strongly protests visit'. Here's why

Russian President Vladimir Putin could be increasingly willing to test NATO's resolve through provocative actions against member states, according to recent US intelligence assessments cited by American officials.The assessments suggest Moscow could consider a range of operations short of a full-scale military attack, including cyberattacks, sabotage, drone incursions and other deniable "hybrid" actions.<h2>But why would Putin attack NATO?</h2>The goal, according to a CBS News report citing unnamed US officials, may not be to trigger a wider war with NATO. Instead, Russia could seek to test how far the alliance would go to defend one of its members and whether US President Donald Trump's administration would respond militarily.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/baba-vanga-s-2026-prophecy-2-predictions-already-came-true-3-terrifying-ones-remain-first-human-alien-contact-world-war-3-and-putin-s-exit-1786169922573">Baba Vanga's 2026 prophecy: 2 predictions 'already came true', 3 terrifying ones remain. Details inside</a><h2>Baltics, Poland seen as potential flashpoints</h2>Three people familiar with the assessments told CNN that one possible scenario involves a limited Russian attack designed to challenge NATO's commitment to Article 5. The provision states that an attack against one NATO member is considered an attack against the alliance as a whole.One source told the publication that Putin could be most likely to target the Baltic states or Poland if Russia decides to escalate against NATO. The timing remains uncertain, with the assessments reportedly placing the potential window somewhere between now and the next few years.US and NATO officials believe a failure to secure a face-saving exit from the war in Ukraine could also influence Putin's decision-making.NATO has declined to comment on classified intelligence but said it was preparing for multiple scenarios."NATO is watching, and we are ready to deter and defend as necessary," Martin O’Donnell, a senior NATO military spokesperson, said.<h2>Explosive drone found at German airport</h2>The latest assessments come as European countries report a series of incidents involving suspected Russian hybrid activity.&nbsp;US officials said an explosive-laden drone discovered at an airport in Leipzig, Germany, earlier this week was of Russian origin. The drone was reportedly found in a secure area used for cargo flight operations and was carrying military-grade explosives. German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt described the discovery as a new security threat, while stopping short of publicly identifying Russia as responsible. Germany's National Security Council met on Friday to discuss the incident.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-calls-white-house-ballroom-a-national-disgrace-as-court-rules-congress-approval-needed-1786148479727">Trump calls White House ballroom ruling a 'national disgrace' as court says Congress approval needed</a>Other recent incidents have also raised alarm. Russian drones have entered Romanian territory, while Russian drones previously violated Polish airspace during attacks on Ukraine. In May, a drone carrying explosives struck an apartment building in Romania during a Russian attack on a nearby Ukrainian port, injuring two people.European officials have increasingly warned that Russia is relying on tactics designed to remain below the threshold of conventional warfare.<h2>Trump's mixed signals on NATO</h2>The assessments also raise questions about how Washington would respond if Russia targeted a NATO member. Trump has repeatedly criticised European allies for failing to spend enough on defence and has pushed for NATO's European members to take greater responsibility for their own security.He has also questioned the scope of America's commitment under Article 5. Last year, Trump said there were "numerous definitions of Article 5" and suggested he was not certain NATO members would defend the US if it came under attack.At other times, however, he has said the United States would protect NATO allies. His administration has also considered reducing the US military presence in Europe, including weighing troop cuts in Germany, although Trump earlier abandoned plans to withdraw troops from Poland.The intelligence assessments come as Russia's war in Ukraine continues and US-led efforts to negotiate an end to the conflict have stalled.

US intelligence assessments reportedly warn that Putin could test NATO's resolve through cyberattacks, sabotage, drone incursions or a limited attack on the Baltics or Poland, potentially probing Trump's willingness to invoke Article 5. Scroll down to read. 

Russian President Vladimir Putin could be increasingly willing to test NATO's resolve through provocative actions against member states, according to recent US intelligence assessments cited by American officials. The assessments suggest Moscow could consider a range of operations short of a full-scale military attack, including cyberattacks, sabotage, drone incursions and other deniable "hybrid" actions. But why would Putin attack NATO? The goal, according to a CBS News report citing unnamed US officials, may not be to trigger a wider war with NATO. Instead, Russia could seek to test how far the alliance would go to defend one of its members and whether US President Donald Trump's administration would respond militarily. Also read | Baba Vanga's 2026 prophecy: 2 predictions 'already came true', 3 terrifying ones remain. Details inside Baltics, Poland seen as potential flashpoints Three people familiar with the assessments told CNN that one possible scenario involves a limited Russian attack designed to challenge NATO's commitment to Article 5. The provision states that an attack against one NATO member is considered an attack against the alliance as a whole. One source told the publication that Putin could be most likely to target the Baltic states or Poland if Russia decides to escalate against NATO. The timing remains uncertain, with the assessments reportedly placing the potential window somewhere between now and the next few years. US and NATO officials believe a failure to secure a face-saving exit from the war in Ukraine could also influence Putin's decision-making. NATO has declined to comment on classified intelligence but said it was preparing for multiple scenarios. "NATO is watching, and we are ready to deter and defend as necessary," Martin O’Donnell, a senior NATO military spokesperson, said. Explosive drone found at German airport The latest assessments come as European countries report a series of incidents involving suspected Russian hybrid activity. US officials said an explosive-laden drone discovered at an airport in Leipzig, Germany, earlier this week was of Russian origin. The drone was reportedly found in a secure area used for cargo flight operations and was carrying military-grade explosives. German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt described the discovery as a new security threat, while stopping short of publicly identifying Russia as responsible. Germany's National Security Council met on Friday to discuss the incident. Also read | Trump calls White House ballroom ruling a 'national disgrace' as court says Congress approval needed Other recent incidents have also raised alarm. Russian drones have entered Romanian territory, while Russian drones previously violated Polish airspace during attacks on Ukraine. In May, a drone carrying explosives struck an apartment building in Romania during a Russian attack on a nearby Ukrainian port, injuring two people. European officials have increasingly warned that Russia is relying on tactics designed to remain below the threshold of conventional warfare. Trump's mixed signals on NATO The assessments also raise questions about how Washington would respond if Russia targeted a NATO member. Trump has repeatedly criticised European allies for failing to spend enough on defence and has pushed for NATO's European members to take greater responsibility for their own security. He has also questioned the scope of America's commitment under Article 5. Last year, Trump said there were "numerous definitions of Article 5" and suggested he was not certain NATO members would defend the US if it came under attack. At other times, however, he has said the United States would protect NATO allies. His administration has also considered reducing the US military presence in Europe, including weighing troop cuts in Germany, although Trump earlier abandoned plans to withdraw troops from Poland. The intelligence assessments come as Russia's war in Ukraine continues and US-led efforts to negotiate an end to the conflict have stalled.

US intelligence assessments reportedly warn that Putin could test NATO's resolve through cyberattacks, sabotage, drone incursions or a limited attack on the Baltics or Poland, potentially probing Trump's willingness to invoke Article 5. Scroll down to read.&nbsp;

Putin to target NATO next? US intel warns of Russian 'limited attack'

Ukraine has launched another long-range drone strike deep inside Russian territory, hitting a major Wildberries warehouse more than 2,000 kilometers from the Ukrainian border. The attack is part of Kyiv's growing campaign targeting Russia's logistics infrastructure. According to reports, nearly 20 Wildberries facilities have been struck since mid-July.

Ukraine says the strikes are aimed at increasing the cost of Russia's war effort, while Moscow accuses Kyiv of targeting civilian infrastructure. At the same time, Russia has intensified attacks on Ukrainian warehouses, Black Sea ports, and critical export infrastructure, raising concerns over global food supplies and escalating tensions in the Russia-Ukraine war.

Ukraine Drones Strike Deep Inside Russia | Major Wildberries Warehouse Hit 2,000 KM From Border

Russia launched a devastating overnight ballistic missile attack on Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, killing at least nine people and injuring 28 others, including children, according to Ukrainian officials. Multiple explosions rocked the city as missiles struck several districts, leaving damaged buildings, destroyed ambulances, and emergency responders searching through the rubble for survivors.

The strike comes amid an intensifying phase of the Russia-Ukraine war, with both sides increasingly targeting military and energy infrastructure. Ukrainian officials say the country's air defense systems are struggling to intercept Russia's growing use of ballistic missiles, while Kyiv continues to appeal for more Western air defense support.

The attack follows reports of Ukrainian long-range strikes inside Russia targeting logistics hubs, oil refineries, and military infrastructure, highlighting the continued escalation of the conflict.

Russia Launches Massive Missile Strike on Kyiv | 9 Dead, Emergency Services Hit

US President Donald Trump on Monday (Jul 27) dismissed suggestions that Russia has played a significant role in supporting Iran during its conflict with the United States, saying any assistance Moscow may have provided has been "very unimpactful."&nbsp;Trump's remarks came after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia of supplying satellite intelligence to Iran to help it target US military bases and Gulf state infrastructure. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said he would seek clarification directly from Russian President Vladimir Putin."We'll find out if that's true. I'll ask Putin about it. We'll find out," Trump said.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zelensky-sacks-ukraine-army-chief-oleksandr-syrskyi-offers-new-role-to-sacked-defence-minister-in-major-military-shake-up-1784685434535">Zelensky sacks Ukraine army chief Oleksandr Syrskyi, offers new role to sacked defence minister in major military shake-up</a><h2>'We've knocked the hell out of Iran'</h2>The US president argued that any Russian support had failed to alter the course of the conflict, asserting that American military operations had severely weakened Iran."It hasn't had much impact because we've knocked the hell out of it (Iran)," Trump said."They may be providing support, but if they are, it hasn't worked out because they (Iran) have no army, they have no air force, they have no navy, they have nothing," he added.Trump also cited Venezuela as an example to argue that Russian military equipment had not proven particularly effective. "They (Russia) gave Venezuela a lot of equipment. Venezuela had all Russian equipment. How did that work? Not too good," he said.While expressing scepticism over Zelensky's claims, Trump added that even if Moscow had provided assistance, it had made little difference. "I don't think they've been doing it, certainly not at a high level. And if they have, it has been very unimpactful," he said.<h2>Zelensky alleges Russian satellite support</h2>Trump's comments came after Zelensky made one of his strongest accusations yet against Moscow, claiming Ukrainian intelligence had tracked Russian satellite surveillance of US military installations and Gulf state infrastructure before Iranian strikes.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-avoids-higher-us-tariff-secures-lower-10-rate-here-s-how-1784854529326">India avoids higher US tariff, secures lower 10% rate. Here's how</a>In a post on X, the Ukrainian president said he would share the intelligence with Kyiv's international partners. "I will instruct our intelligence to share with our partners the information we have regarding Russia's new assistance to the Iranian regime," Zelensky wrote.He alleged that since the beginning of July, Ukrainian intelligence had observed active Russian satellite monitoring of Gulf states and US military facilities, with the imagery later appearing in Iran.<h2>Claims of surveillance before strikes</h2>According to Zelensky, there was a "clear correlation" between Russian satellite imagery and subsequent Iranian attacks. "There is a clear correlation between Russia's satellite imagery of these sites and Iranian strikes - both before the attacks, in preparation for them, and afterward (s), to assess the damage inflicted," he said.The Ukrainian leader further claimed that on July 19 and 20, Russian satellites focused on four regional air bases — two in Bahrain, one in Jordan and one in Kuwait — before the alleged intelligence was passed on to Tehran.

US President Donald Trump says any Russian assistance has been "very unimpactful" as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accuses Moscow of providing satellite intelligence to Tehran. All you need to know.

US President Donald Trump on Monday (Jul 27) dismissed suggestions that Russia has played a significant role in supporting Iran during its conflict with the United States, saying any assistance Moscow may have provided has been "very unimpactful." Trump's remarks came after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia of supplying satellite intelligence to Iran to help it target US military bases and Gulf state infrastructure. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said he would seek clarification directly from Russian President Vladimir Putin. "We'll find out if that's true. I'll ask Putin about it. We'll find out," Trump said. Also read | Zelensky sacks Ukraine army chief Oleksandr Syrskyi, offers new role to sacked defence minister in major military shake-up 'We've knocked the hell out of Iran' The US president argued that any Russian support had failed to alter the course of the conflict, asserting that American military operations had severely weakened Iran. "It hasn't had much impact because we've knocked the hell out of it (Iran)," Trump said. "They may be providing support, but if they are, it hasn't worked out because they (Iran) have no army, they have no air force, they have no navy, they have nothing," he added. Trump also cited Venezuela as an example to argue that Russian military equipment had not proven particularly effective. "They (Russia) gave Venezuela a lot of equipment. Venezuela had all Russian equipment. How did that work? Not too good," he said. While expressing scepticism over Zelensky's claims, Trump added that even if Moscow had provided assistance, it had made little difference. "I don't think they've been doing it, certainly not at a high level. And if they have, it has been very unimpactful," he said. Zelensky alleges Russian satellite support Trump's comments came after Zelensky made one of his strongest accusations yet against Moscow, claiming Ukrainian intelligence had tracked Russian satellite surveillance of US military installations and Gulf state infrastructure before Iranian strikes. Also read | India avoids higher US tariff, secures lower 10% rate. Here's how In a post on X, the Ukrainian president said he would share the intelligence with Kyiv's international partners. "I will instruct our intelligence to share with our partners the information we have regarding Russia's new assistance to the Iranian regime," Zelensky wrote. He alleged that since the beginning of July, Ukrainian intelligence had observed active Russian satellite monitoring of Gulf states and US military facilities, with the imagery later appearing in Iran. Claims of surveillance before strikes According to Zelensky, there was a "clear correlation" between Russian satellite imagery and subsequent Iranian attacks. "There is a clear correlation between Russia's satellite imagery of these sites and Iranian strikes - both before the attacks, in preparation for them, and afterward (s), to assess the damage inflicted," he said. The Ukrainian leader further claimed that on July 19 and 20, Russian satellites focused on four regional air bases — two in Bahrain, one in Jordan and one in Kuwait — before the alleged intelligence was passed on to Tehran.

US President Donald Trump says any Russian assistance has been "very unimpactful" as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accuses Moscow of providing satellite intelligence to Tehran. All you need to know.

'Very unimpactful': Trump downplays Russian support for Iran, promises to 'ask Putin' about Zelensky's claims

The second week of Parliament's Monsoon Session is expected to witness intense political confrontation after the first week was disrupted by nationwide student protests over the alleged NEET paper leak. Although the protests have ended following the resignation of former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, the opposition is preparing to raise fresh questions over the alleged use of force by Delhi Police during the July 20 protest march.

Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi has written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, seeking answers on the alleged deployment of pellet guns and plainclothes personnel against protesting students. Congress and other opposition parties are also expected to raise issues including the alleged Ram Janmabhoomi embezzlement case, the proposed India–US trade agreement, agricultural concerns, ethanol policy, and fresh protests planned by transport operators.


Russia-Ukraine War | 12 Killed in Zaporizhzhia Strike | Zelenskyy Warns of New Russian Mobilization

Russia has launched another wave of heavy airstrikes across Ukraine, targeting residential areas and a hospital in Zaporizhzhia, leaving multiple civilians injured. As the war intensifies, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced plans to jointly produce Patriot missile interceptors with US defense giant Raytheon to strengthen Ukraine's air defenses. The latest attacks have also disrupted Black Sea shipping, pushing global wheat prices higher and raising concerns over international food security. Meanwhile, Ukraine continues to urge Western allies to accelerate military assistance as Russian missile and drone attacks intensify.

Russia-Ukraine war escalates|  Zelensky pushes patriot missile production as Black sea crisis deepens

Ukraine has launched one of its deepest attacks yet, striking Russia's largest refinery in Siberia, nearly 2,500 km from the border, dealing a major blow to Moscow's fuel infrastructure. The attack comes as Russia intensifies missile and drone strikes against Ukraine, with President Vladimir Putin warning of even stronger retaliation.

At the same time, tensions in the Strait of Hormuz continue to escalate as the United States and Iran exchange strikes for a third consecutive night. Rising attacks on energy infrastructure and commercial shipping have pushed global oil prices sharply higher, raising fears of inflation, supply disruptions, and a possible global economic slowdown.

Ukraine destroys Russia’s largest refinery as Hormuz crisis explodes| Putin threatens bigger strikes

A New York Times investigation has alleged that Russia has turned Japan into a key hub for espionage, covert procurement, and the sourcing of critical technology used in the Russia-Ukraine war. The report claims Russian intelligence officers operating under diplomatic and commercial cover have exploited Japan's relatively weak espionage laws to acquire sensitive components. Japan has acknowledged the need to strengthen its intelligence and counter-espionage capabilities, with Parliament approving a new national intelligence coordination body. The report also alleges that procurement networks routed military-use technology through intermediary countries to bypass export controls.

Japan tightens intelligence network after the NYT exposes alleged Russian spy operations

Putin's biggest problem is no longer at the front lines; it’s thousands of kilometres behind them. For more than three years, Russia's vast geography has worked in Russian President Vladimir Putin's favour. The country’s enormous landmass meant critical oil refineries, military facilities and industrial hubs deep inside Russia were considered safely beyond Ukraine's reach. That assumption may no longer hold.This week, Ukrainian drones struck Russia's largest oil refinery in the Siberian city of Omsk, more than 2,000 miles (3,200 kilometres) from Ukrainian-controlled territory. It was one of Kyiv's deepest strikes since the war began and a sign that almost no part of Russia can now be considered untouchable.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/strategic-victory-putin-claims-capture-of-kostyantynivka-russian-army-launches-search-and-elimination-operations-against-ukrainian-soldiers-1783126947918">'Strategic victory': Putin claims capture of Kostyantynivka; Russian army launches 'search and elimination operations' against Ukrainian soldiers</a><h2>Putin's new dilemma</h2>The attack was more than just another drone strike. Military analysts say it exposes a strategic dilemma that could become increasingly difficult for the Kremlin to solve. Until recently, Russia concentrated much of its air defence around the front lines, occupied territories and major cities such as Moscow. Facilities in distant regions like Siberia were considered relatively secure because Ukraine simply lacked the range to hit them.Now, that calculation has changed. If Ukraine can repeatedly strike targets thousands of kilometres away, Russia may have to spread its already limited air defence systems across an enormous territory stretching from western Russia to the Pacific coast.Retired Royal Air Force Air Marshal Edward Stringer told The Wall Street Journal that Russia has effectively lost both its operational and strategic depth."Russia has only got a certain number of air defence assets," he said. "The more territory Russia now has to defend, the more porous the front line becomes."That presents Putin with an uncomfortable choice: continue concentrating air defences near the battlefield and leave strategic infrastructure vulnerable, or divert valuable systems away from the front, potentially making Russian forces easier to attack.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/patriots-trump-and-putin-what-zelensky-is-expected-to-ask-for-in-his-crucial-nato-speech-wion-decodes-1783402329412">Patriots, Trump and Putin. What is expected from Zelensky's crucial NATO speech? | WION Decodes</a><h2>Ukraine 'levelling the playing field'</h2>Kyiv believes its growing fleet of long-range drones is finally allowing it to do to Russia what Moscow has done to Ukraine since 2022: bring the war far from the battlefield and force the other side to defend its own territory. Speaking to the Journal, Mykola Bielieskov, a research fellow at the National Institute for Strategic Studies, a Ukrainian think tank, said Kyiv was now "levelling the playing field"."In 2026, we can finally do, intensively, what Russia has been doing to us since 2022," Bielieskov said. “Russia is much bigger than us, and this means that the attacker has an advantage because they never know what will be struck next and will find it very difficult to defend. Undoubtedly, geography here works in our favour.”Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky even joked about the success of Kyiv’s drone campaign during a meeting with Donald Trump at Wednesday’s NATO summit in Turkey.When Trump asked whether he would travel to Moscow for talks to end the war, Zelensky replied, “It’s difficult — there are a lot of Ukrainian drones there.”&nbsp;

For years, Russia's vast size protected its deepest military and energy infrastructure from Ukraine. Not anymore. A drone strike more than 3,200 km from the front has exposed a major weakness in Putin's war strategy. Scroll down to see why Russia's geography is suddenly working against it.

Putin's biggest problem is no longer at the front lines; it’s thousands of kilometres behind them. For more than three years, Russia's vast geography has worked in Russian President Vladimir Putin's favour. The country’s enormous landmass meant critical oil refineries, military facilities and industrial hubs deep inside Russia were considered safely beyond Ukraine's reach. That assumption may no longer hold. This week, Ukrainian drones struck Russia's largest oil refinery in the Siberian city of Omsk, more than 2,000 miles (3,200 kilometres) from Ukrainian-controlled territory. It was one of Kyiv's deepest strikes since the war began and a sign that almost no part of Russia can now be considered untouchable. Also read | 'Strategic victory': Putin claims capture of Kostyantynivka; Russian army launches 'search and elimination operations' against Ukrainian soldiers Putin's new dilemma The attack was more than just another drone strike. Military analysts say it exposes a strategic dilemma that could become increasingly difficult for the Kremlin to solve. Until recently, Russia concentrated much of its air defence around the front lines, occupied territories and major cities such as Moscow. Facilities in distant regions like Siberia were considered relatively secure because Ukraine simply lacked the range to hit them. Now, that calculation has changed. If Ukraine can repeatedly strike targets thousands of kilometres away, Russia may have to spread its already limited air defence systems across an enormous territory stretching from western Russia to the Pacific coast. Retired Royal Air Force Air Marshal Edward Stringer told The Wall Street Journal that Russia has effectively lost both its operational and strategic depth. "Russia has only got a certain number of air defence assets," he said. "The more territory Russia now has to defend, the more porous the front line becomes." That presents Putin with an uncomfortable choice: continue concentrating air defences near the battlefield and leave strategic infrastructure vulnerable, or divert valuable systems away from the front, potentially making Russian forces easier to attack. Also read | Patriots, Trump and Putin. What is expected from Zelensky's crucial NATO speech? | WION Decodes Ukraine 'levelling the playing field' Kyiv believes its growing fleet of long-range drones is finally allowing it to do to Russia what Moscow has done to Ukraine since 2022: bring the war far from the battlefield and force the other side to defend its own territory. Speaking to the Journal, Mykola Bielieskov, a research fellow at the National Institute for Strategic Studies, a Ukrainian think tank, said Kyiv was now "levelling the playing field". "In 2026, we can finally do, intensively, what Russia has been doing to us since 2022," Bielieskov said. “Russia is much bigger than us, and this means that the attacker has an advantage because they never know what will be struck next and will find it very difficult to defend. Undoubtedly, geography here works in our favour.” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky even joked about the success of Kyiv’s drone campaign during a meeting with Donald Trump at Wednesday’s NATO summit in Turkey. When Trump asked whether he would travel to Moscow for talks to end the war, Zelensky replied, “It’s difficult — there are a lot of Ukrainian drones there.”

For years, Russia's vast size protected its deepest military and energy infrastructure from Ukraine. Not anymore. A drone strike more than 3,200 km from the front has exposed a major weakness in Putin's war strategy. Scroll down to see why Russia's geography is suddenly working against it.

'There are a lot of Ukrainian drones there': As Russia's 'untouchable' assets become Kyiv's new target, Zelensky's joke is Putin's latest nightmare

Russia on Friday (Jul 3) claimed it had captured the eastern Ukrainian city of Kostyantynivka, marking one of its most significant battlefield gains in months and bringing its forces closer to some of Kyiv's last major strongholds in the Donbas region. The city, which had a pre-war population of around 78,000, has been at the centre of intense fighting since late 2025. Its fall, if confirmed, would give Moscow a stronger position in its long-running effort to seize full control of eastern Ukraine."Kostyantynivka has been completely taken. The city is now entirely under our control," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters. The announcement was quickly followed by a televised appearance from President Vladimir Putin, who praised Russian troops and described the capture as a victory of "major strategic importance."Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/india-s-brahmos-vs-usa-s-tomahawk-russia-s-kalibr-and-china-s-yj-18-why-nations-are-lining-up-for-the-make-in-india-missile-1782892168517">India's BrahMos vs USA's Tomahawk, Russia's Kalibr and China's YJ-18: Why nations are lining up for the Make-in-India missile</a><h2>Why Kostyantynivka matters</h2>Kostyantynivka is one of the last Ukrainian strongholds. It sits on a critical route leading to Kramatorsk and Sloviansk, two of the most important Ukrainian-held cities in the Donbas. Military analysts have long viewed those cities as the Kremlin's ultimate objective in the region.For months, Russian forces have been trying to break through Ukrainian defensive lines around Kostyantynivka. The city effectively served as a gateway to the remaining Ukrainian strongholds in eastern Ukraine.Its capture potentially opens new opportunities for Russian advances deeper into the Donetsk region.<h2>Putin says Russia retains the ‘initiative’</h2>Appearing in military uniform alongside senior commanders, Putin argued that Russian forces continue to hold the momentum on the battlefield. "The Russian armed forces continue to firmly maintain the strategic initiative," he said.According to Russian officials, Putin visited a military command post before making the announcement and received updates from the General Staff.<h2>Russian troops hunting Ukrainian soldiers?</h2>Russian commander Anton Grunis said troops were continuing "search and elimination operations" against Ukrainian soldiers believed to be hiding in damaged buildings, basements and ruins across the city.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/this-is-not-a-bluff-putin-facing-mutiny-russian-commander-warns-army-would-turn-guns-on-kremlin-demands-live-showdown-with-president-1782438532611">'This is not a bluff': Putin facing mutiny? Russian commander warns army would 'turn guns on Kremlin' unless... | WATCH</a><h2>Russian advances on multiple fronts</h2>The announcement on Kostyantynivka was accompanied by claims of progress elsewhere. Peskov said Russian forces now control the entirety of the Lugansk region, one of the two territories that make up the Donbas.Meanwhile, Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov said Russian troops were now only nine kilometres from Zaporizhzhia, one of southern Ukraine's largest cities before the war, with a pre-conflict population of more than 700,000.Another commander reported that Russian forces were approximately 10 kilometres from Sumy, a major city in northern Ukraine near the Russian border. The claims could not be independently verified.

Has Russia just secured its biggest battlefield victory in months? Moscow claims it has captured Kostyantynivka, one of Ukraine's last major strongholds in eastern Donbas. If the claim holds, it could open the road to Kramatorsk and Sloviansk, cities long seen as key Kremlin objectives.

Russia on Friday (Jul 3) claimed it had captured the eastern Ukrainian city of Kostyantynivka, marking one of its most significant battlefield gains in months and bringing its forces closer to some of Kyiv's last major strongholds in the Donbas region. The city, which had a pre-war population of around 78,000, has been at the centre of intense fighting since late 2025. Its fall, if confirmed, would give Moscow a stronger position in its long-running effort to seize full control of eastern Ukraine. "Kostyantynivka has been completely taken. The city is now entirely under our control," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters. The announcement was quickly followed by a televised appearance from President Vladimir Putin, who praised Russian troops and described the capture as a victory of "major strategic importance." Also read | India's BrahMos vs USA's Tomahawk, Russia's Kalibr and China's YJ-18: Why nations are lining up for the Make-in-India missile Why Kostyantynivka matters Kostyantynivka is one of the last Ukrainian strongholds. It sits on a critical route leading to Kramatorsk and Sloviansk, two of the most important Ukrainian-held cities in the Donbas. Military analysts have long viewed those cities as the Kremlin's ultimate objective in the region. For months, Russian forces have been trying to break through Ukrainian defensive lines around Kostyantynivka. The city effectively served as a gateway to the remaining Ukrainian strongholds in eastern Ukraine. Its capture potentially opens new opportunities for Russian advances deeper into the Donetsk region. Putin says Russia retains the ‘initiative’ Appearing in military uniform alongside senior commanders, Putin argued that Russian forces continue to hold the momentum on the battlefield. "The Russian armed forces continue to firmly maintain the strategic initiative," he said. According to Russian officials, Putin visited a military command post before making the announcement and received updates from the General Staff. Russian troops hunting Ukrainian soldiers? Russian commander Anton Grunis said troops were continuing "search and elimination operations" against Ukrainian soldiers believed to be hiding in damaged buildings, basements and ruins across the city. Also read | 'This is not a bluff': Putin facing mutiny? Russian commander warns army would 'turn guns on Kremlin' unless... | WATCH Russian advances on multiple fronts The announcement on Kostyantynivka was accompanied by claims of progress elsewhere. Peskov said Russian forces now control the entirety of the Lugansk region, one of the two territories that make up the Donbas. Meanwhile, Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov said Russian troops were now only nine kilometres from Zaporizhzhia, one of southern Ukraine's largest cities before the war, with a pre-conflict population of more than 700,000. Another commander reported that Russian forces were approximately 10 kilometres from Sumy, a major city in northern Ukraine near the Russian border. The claims could not be independently verified.

Has Russia just secured its biggest battlefield victory in months? Moscow claims it has captured Kostyantynivka, one of Ukraine's last major strongholds in eastern Donbas. If the claim holds, it could open the road to Kramatorsk and Sloviansk, cities long seen as key Kremlin objectives.

'Strategic victory': Putin claims capture of Kostyantynivka; Russian army launches 'search and elimination operations' against Ukrainian soldiers

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday (June 28) said Russia was passing through a "difficult period" but expressed confidence that the country would overcome its challenges, safeguard national security and continue strengthening its borders.&nbsp;Speaking at the conference of the ruling United Russia party ahead of parliamentary elections scheduled for September, Putin said the difficulties facing the country had made it stronger and offered important lessons, according to the Russian state news agency TASS.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/instead-of-pointing-fingers-at-others-india-grills-pakistan-over-baseless-allegation-on-karachi-terrorist-attack-1782652320030">‘Instead of pointing fingers at others…’: India grills Pakistan over ‘baseless’ allegation on Karachi terrorist attack</a>&nbsp;"We are going through a difficult period, but it has taught us much," Putin said while wishing the United Russia party success in the upcoming parliamentary elections.&nbsp;His remarks come as Russia continues to face Ukrainian drone and missile strikes, alongside Western sanctions imposed over its ongoing war in Ukraine.&nbsp;Addressing party delegates, Putin said the government recognised the challenges confronting the country and was taking measures to respond to them.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sheikh-hasina-returning-to-bangladesh-ousted-pm-sets-a-timeline-says-don-t-fear-death-1782643633308">Sheikh Hasina returning to Bangladesh? Ousted PM sets a timeline, says ‘don’t fear death’</a>&nbsp;"Yes, we see the problems, we are aware of them and are responding to them, but we will certainly ensure the security of both the country and our citizens, as well as the inviolability of Russia's borders," he said.&nbsp;Putin also pledged that Russia would overcome the threats it currently faces.&nbsp;"We will undoubtedly overcome all the challenges facing us today, including terrorist attacks on our territory and infrastructure facilities," he said.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ask-your-higher-ups-they-ll-tell-you-pok-pm-slams-khawaja-asif-over-remarks-on-kashmiris-says-don-t-need-validation-from-islamabad-1782556164623">‘Ask your higher-ups, they'll tell you…’: PoK ‘PM’ slams Khawaja Asif over remarks on Kashmiris, says don’t need validation from Islamabad</a>&nbsp;Russia is due to hold parliamentary elections in September as the conflict in Ukraine and its broader security and economic implications continue to dominate the country's political landscape. &nbsp;

President Vladimir Putin acknowledged Russia is navigating a “difficult period” but expressed absolute confidence the nation will overcome economic and security challenges, including drone strikes, ahead of September’s parliamentary elections.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday (June 28) said Russia was passing through a "difficult period" but expressed confidence that the country would overcome its challenges, safeguard national security and continue strengthening its borders. Speaking at the conference of the ruling United Russia party ahead of parliamentary elections scheduled for September, Putin said the difficulties facing the country had made it stronger and offered important lessons, according to the Russian state news agency TASS. Also read: ‘Instead of pointing fingers at others…’: India grills Pakistan over ‘baseless’ allegation on Karachi terrorist attack "We are going through a difficult period, but it has taught us much," Putin said while wishing the United Russia party success in the upcoming parliamentary elections. His remarks come as Russia continues to face Ukrainian drone and missile strikes, alongside Western sanctions imposed over its ongoing war in Ukraine. Addressing party delegates, Putin said the government recognised the challenges confronting the country and was taking measures to respond to them. Also read: Sheikh Hasina returning to Bangladesh? Ousted PM sets a timeline, says ‘don’t fear death’ "Yes, we see the problems, we are aware of them and are responding to them, but we will certainly ensure the security of both the country and our citizens, as well as the inviolability of Russia's borders," he said. Putin also pledged that Russia would overcome the threats it currently faces. "We will undoubtedly overcome all the challenges facing us today, including terrorist attacks on our territory and infrastructure facilities," he said. Also read: ‘Ask your higher-ups, they'll tell you…’: PoK ‘PM’ slams Khawaja Asif over remarks on Kashmiris, says don’t need validation from Islamabad Russia is due to hold parliamentary elections in September as the conflict in Ukraine and its broader security and economic implications continue to dominate the country's political landscape.

President Vladimir Putin acknowledged Russia is navigating a “difficult period” but expressed absolute confidence the nation will overcome economic and security challenges, including drone strikes, ahead of September’s parliamentary elections.

‘Russia going through difficult period but will overcome challenges,’ says Putin. Details inside

The confidence in Trump's leadership has significantly flipped in India. 51 per cent of Indian respondents express confidence in Putin to manage global affairs, compared to only 39 per cent who trust in Trump's capability. The report also suggests that the majority of Indians disapprove of Trump on a wide spectrum of global policy issues, from handling of Iran, Venezuela, global tariffs and immigration policies. Roughly 17 per cent approve of Trump's handling of Venezuela, while 28 per cent approve of his handling of Iran, 18 per cent of Indians approve of Trump's global tariff policy, and only 32 per cent have a favourable view of Trump's restrictive immigration policy.&nbsp;<h2>India is the only outlier</h2>The majority of Indians, approximately 80 per cent, think Trump is "arrogant" and 65 per cent think he is a “dangerous leader”. But a significant 67 per cent majority also described him as a "strong leader". Among 17 middle-income countries, only Indians have a comparatively favourable view of US interference in other countries, 47 per cent think the US does interfere, while 30 per cent think the US does not. This shows that while Indians find the US policy unfavourable, there is still a large division among the Indian population about the true US motivation on the world stage. India is an outlier, whereas most of the middle-income countries have a median of 75 per cent who think that the US interferes in other countries' internal policies. Despite growing closeness between the US and Pakistan, only 12 per cent of Pakistanis express confidence in Trump, while a massive 82 per cent report no confidence at all.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wild-elephant-attacks-air-force-bus-sri-lanka-1782481145460">Watch: Wild elephant attacks Air Force bus in Sri Lanka, passengers escape unhurt</a><h2>Emmanuel Macron has the highest confidence globally&nbsp;</h2>French President Emmanuel Macron commands the most trust globally, among the major world leaders, in Pew Research Centre’s multi-nation June leadership comparisons. At the same time, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping command more trust than US President Donald Trump globally, according to the survey released on Tuesday. The survey, which covered 42,151 adults in 36 countries across North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Gulf region, was conducted between February 8 and May 13, 2026. It shows that Macron sits at the top of the leaderboard with 43 per cent confidence, followed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at 35 per cent, Chinese President Xi Jinping at 34 per cent, Russian President Vladimir Putin at 31 per cent, US President Donald Trump at 23 per cent, and Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at last with only 18 per cent confidence in his leadership to manage the international affairs.<h2>The irony of Macron's confidence</h2>While French President Emmanuel Macron commands the most approval rating globally, a separate domestic polling tracked by Statista shows that Macron's approval rating within France sits at a historic low of just 18 per cent, with more than 75 per cent disapprove of his leadership. This makes him the least popular democratically elected leader while being the most trusted leader internationally.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Pew survey finds Indians trust Putin more than Trump on global affairs. Macron ranks highest globally, while Trump's ratings decline across key issues.

The confidence in Trump's leadership has significantly flipped in India. 51 per cent of Indian respondents express confidence in Putin to manage global affairs, compared to only 39 per cent who trust in Trump's capability. The report also suggests that the majority of Indians disapprove of Trump on a wide spectrum of global policy issues, from handling of Iran, Venezuela, global tariffs and immigration policies. Roughly 17 per cent approve of Trump's handling of Venezuela, while 28 per cent approve of his handling of Iran, 18 per cent of Indians approve of Trump's global tariff policy, and only 32 per cent have a favourable view of Trump's restrictive immigration policy. India is the only outlier The majority of Indians, approximately 80 per cent, think Trump is "arrogant" and 65 per cent think he is a “dangerous leader”. But a significant 67 per cent majority also described him as a "strong leader". Among 17 middle-income countries, only Indians have a comparatively favourable view of US interference in other countries, 47 per cent think the US does interfere, while 30 per cent think the US does not. This shows that while Indians find the US policy unfavourable, there is still a large division among the Indian population about the true US motivation on the world stage. India is an outlier, whereas most of the middle-income countries have a median of 75 per cent who think that the US interferes in other countries' internal policies. Despite growing closeness between the US and Pakistan, only 12 per cent of Pakistanis express confidence in Trump, while a massive 82 per cent report no confidence at all. Also Read: Watch: Wild elephant attacks Air Force bus in Sri Lanka, passengers escape unhurt Emmanuel Macron has the highest confidence globally French President Emmanuel Macron commands the most trust globally, among the major world leaders, in Pew Research Centre’s multi-nation June leadership comparisons. At the same time, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping command more trust than US President Donald Trump globally, according to the survey released on Tuesday. The survey, which covered 42,151 adults in 36 countries across North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Gulf region, was conducted between February 8 and May 13, 2026. It shows that Macron sits at the top of the leaderboard with 43 per cent confidence, followed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at 35 per cent, Chinese President Xi Jinping at 34 per cent, Russian President Vladimir Putin at 31 per cent, US President Donald Trump at 23 per cent, and Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at last with only 18 per cent confidence in his leadership to manage the international affairs. The irony of Macron's confidence While French President Emmanuel Macron commands the most approval rating globally, a separate domestic polling tracked by Statista shows that Macron's approval rating within France sits at a historic low of just 18 per cent, with more than 75 per cent disapprove of his leadership. This makes him the least popular democratically elected leader while being the most trusted leader internationally.

Pew survey finds Indians trust Putin more than Trump on global affairs. Macron ranks highest globally, while Trump's ratings decline across key issues.

Trump's global image slumps: Indians trust Putin more than Trump

A Russian military commander has threatened Russian President Vladimir Putin with an armed uprising if the Kremlin does not come clean about the war in Ukraine. In a startling video that quickly went viral online, Alexander Lunin, a 39-year-old former commander of a Russian volunteer battalion in occupied Ukraine, threatened that the army would "turn its weapons against the Kremlin".<h2>Russian army threatens Putin with armed rebellion &nbsp;</h2>In an Instagram video posted on Thursday, Lunin directly addressed the Russian president and warned of "very serious consequences" if his demands were ignored. He claimed that unnamed military officials and members of the security services had asked him to deliver a message to Putin. According to him, they wanted a face-to-face meeting at the Kremlin, with a live broadcast so the country could hear the "truth" about what is happening on the battlefield.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-cards-except-terror-russia-unleashes-one-of-war-s-biggest-attack-on-ukraine-fires-656-drones-73-missiles-in-overnight-barrage-1780390396538">'No cards except terror': Russia unleashes one of war's biggest attacks on Ukraine; fires 656 drones, 73 missiles in overnight barrage</a>"If in the near future I do not come to the Kremlin and speak live next to you, the army will turn its weapons against the Kremlin," he ominously said in the video. The clip has since drawn wide attention, with one version reportedly receiving more than 200,000 likes.

<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DaAPxvmMBIF/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DaAPxvmMBIF/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; 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The remarks are highly unusual in a country where criticism of the war is tightly controlled, and dissent inside the military is rarely seen in public.Lunin, who reportedly led a Russian volunteer battalion in occupied Ukraine until last year, said he was removed after refusing orders. In comments to the independent outlet Agentstvo, he claimed that defence officials visited his home in the Voronezh region after noticing he was posting soldiers' complaints from the front on social media.<h2>Russian military exhausted by ‘meat grinder’ of war</h2>In the video and in later remarks quoted by independent Russian media, Lunin said military personnel were exhausted by what he described as the "meat grinder" of the war. He claimed many soldiers were angry over battlefield losses, poor treatment and punishment for refusing what he called "suicidal orders".Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-bans-aviation-fuel-exports-till-november-as-ukraine-strikes-hit-energy-infrastructure-india-imports-1780378655817">Russia bans aviation fuel exports till November as Ukraine strikes hit energy infrastructure</a>"No one wants bloodshed," he said, quoting the message he claimed was passed to him. "Just make clear to the president that there will be total chaos here if this continues."<h2>'This is not a bluff'</h2>In another post on Telegram, Lunin insisted that he was not bluffing. He said any harm to him or his family should be seen as a "signal" for an uprising.

He also stressed that he was not positioning himself as the leader of any revolt, but only passing on a warning from people inside the system who, according to him, can no longer be ignored. "I’m sending a message, nothing more. I’m not the leader of the uprising. They came to me for one simple reason: because I can’t be bought, because the president heard me".

In a rare public challenge to the Kremlin, an ex-Russian commander has warned that exhausted troops would 'turn the weapons' on President Vladimir Putin if concerns over the Ukraine war continue to be ignored. Watch the video here.

A Russian military commander has threatened Russian President Vladimir Putin with an armed uprising if the Kremlin does not come clean about the war in Ukraine. In a startling video that quickly went viral online, Alexander Lunin, a 39-year-old former commander of a Russian volunteer battalion in occupied Ukraine, threatened that the army would "turn its weapons against the Kremlin". Russian army threatens Putin with armed rebellion In an Instagram video posted on Thursday, Lunin directly addressed the Russian president and warned of "very serious consequences" if his demands were ignored. He claimed that unnamed military officials and members of the security services had asked him to deliver a message to Putin. According to him, they wanted a face-to-face meeting at the Kremlin, with a live broadcast so the country could hear the "truth" about what is happening on the battlefield. Also read | 'No cards except terror': Russia unleashes one of war's biggest attacks on Ukraine; fires 656 drones, 73 missiles in overnight barrage "If in the near future I do not come to the Kremlin and speak live next to you, the army will turn its weapons against the Kremlin," he ominously said in the video. The clip has since drawn wide attention, with one version reportedly receiving more than 200,000 likes.

In a rare public challenge to the Kremlin, an ex-Russian commander has warned that exhausted troops would 'turn the weapons' on President Vladimir Putin if concerns over the Ukraine war continue to be ignored. Watch the video here.

'This is not a bluff': Putin facing mutiny? Russian commander warns army would 'turn guns on Kremlin' unless... | WATCH

The Russian journalist known as the "personal enemy" of Vladimir Putin has died after eating poisonous mushrooms. Grigory Nekhoroshev, who lived in Latvia, was the one who exposed Putin's alleged relationship with Olympic gymnastics champion Alina Kabaeva. He died on June 19 in Riga, Latvia’s capital. Latvian news portal Delfi reported that he had been living in Riga for 11 years as a political refugee. According to his friends, he died from the false honey mushrooms he found in his backyard. The 69-year-old was the editor-in-chief of a Russian newspaper which reported on Putin's supposed relationship in 2008.&nbsp;He was a respected figure in the Russian-speaking intellectual circles. Bozhena Rynska, a Russian journalist based in Latvia, called his loss "incomprehensible". Igors Vatoļins, another journo who saw Nekhoroshev shortly before he died, said the editor was "a not-old, not-ill person, full of ideas and plans". According to his friends, Nekhoroshev feared a possible attack by Putin's assassins in Latvia. Vatoļins said, “Nekhoroshev was the first to reveal the name of Putin’s common-law wife, rhythmic gymnastics champion Alina Kabaeva," adding Putin “did not forgive him for that.”<h2>Reports of Putin's relationship with Kabaeva</h2>Kabaeva was 30 years younger than Putin. According to Nekhoroshev's report of 1998, Putin planned to divorce his wife, Lyudmila, and marry Kabaeva. After the story came out, the newspaper, Moskovsky Korrespondent, was forced to shut down. Alexander Lebedev, a former KGB spy turned banker and entrepreneur, ran the newspaper. Security officers interrogated Nekhoroshev and threatened him. Other media outlets also started publishing the story of Putin's relationship with Kabaeva, while claiming that they have at least two children together - Ivan, 11, and Vladimir, seven. Putin has repeatedly denied reports about his affair with Kabaeva.<h2>Putin's enemies who died in mysterious circumstances</h2>While there is no evidence of foul play in Nekhoroshev's death, several of Putin's adversaries have died in suspicious circumstances. In 2006, Anna Politkovskaya, an investigative reporter, was shot dead in her Moscow apartment. An ex-FSB operative, Alexander Litvinenko, died from radioactive polonium-210 poisoning in London. In 2013, oligarch Boris Berezovsky was found hanged in Britain. Boris Nemtsov, a political adversary of Putin, was shot near the Kremlin in 2015. The most well-known case is of Yevgeny Prigozhin, head of the Wagner private army, who was killed in a plane crash in 2023. Just last week, artist Semyon Skrepetsky was shot dead in Poland for portraying Putin as a bloodthirsty dictator.

Grigory Nekhoroshev, an exiled Russian journalist who had moved to Latvia, supposedly died from eating poisonous mushrooms. He was the first to report on Putin's alleged relationship with Olympic gymnastics champion Alina Kabaeva, after which the newspaper was shut down.

The Russian journalist known as the "personal enemy" of Vladimir Putin has died after eating poisonous mushrooms. Grigory Nekhoroshev, who lived in Latvia, was the one who exposed Putin's alleged relationship with Olympic gymnastics champion Alina Kabaeva. He died on June 19 in Riga, Latvia’s capital. Latvian news portal Delfi reported that he had been living in Riga for 11 years as a political refugee. According to his friends, he died from the false honey mushrooms he found in his backyard. The 69-year-old was the editor-in-chief of a Russian newspaper which reported on Putin's supposed relationship in 2008. He was a respected figure in the Russian-speaking intellectual circles. Bozhena Rynska, a Russian journalist based in Latvia, called his loss "incomprehensible". Igors Vatoļins, another journo who saw Nekhoroshev shortly before he died, said the editor was "a not-old, not-ill person, full of ideas and plans". According to his friends, Nekhoroshev feared a possible attack by Putin's assassins in Latvia. Vatoļins said, “Nekhoroshev was the first to reveal the name of Putin’s common-law wife, rhythmic gymnastics champion Alina Kabaeva," adding Putin “did not forgive him for that.” Reports of Putin's relationship with Kabaeva Kabaeva was 30 years younger than Putin. According to Nekhoroshev's report of 1998, Putin planned to divorce his wife, Lyudmila, and marry Kabaeva. After the story came out, the newspaper, Moskovsky Korrespondent, was forced to shut down. Alexander Lebedev, a former KGB spy turned banker and entrepreneur, ran the newspaper. Security officers interrogated Nekhoroshev and threatened him. Other media outlets also started publishing the story of Putin's relationship with Kabaeva, while claiming that they have at least two children together - Ivan, 11, and Vladimir, seven. Putin has repeatedly denied reports about his affair with Kabaeva. Putin's enemies who died in mysterious circumstances While there is no evidence of foul play in Nekhoroshev's death, several of Putin's adversaries have died in suspicious circumstances. In 2006, Anna Politkovskaya, an investigative reporter, was shot dead in her Moscow apartment. An ex-FSB operative, Alexander Litvinenko, died from radioactive polonium-210 poisoning in London. In 2013, oligarch Boris Berezovsky was found hanged in Britain. Boris Nemtsov, a political adversary of Putin, was shot near the Kremlin in 2015. The most well-known case is of Yevgeny Prigozhin, head of the Wagner private army, who was killed in a plane crash in 2023. Just last week, artist Semyon Skrepetsky was shot dead in Poland for portraying Putin as a bloodthirsty dictator.

Grigory Nekhoroshev, an exiled Russian journalist who had moved to Latvia, supposedly died from eating poisonous mushrooms. He was the first to report on Putin's alleged relationship with Olympic gymnastics champion Alina Kabaeva, after which the newspaper was shut down.

Russian journalist who reported about Putin's alleged affair with gymnast dies in Latvia

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday (June 5) rejected a proposal by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for a face-to-face negotiation on ending the war by saying there is "no point" in meeting him until a peace deal is ready.&nbsp;Speaking at the annual St Petersburg International Economic Forum he said, "I see no point in meeting. It only makes sense for the Ukrainian side to stop the advance of our armed forces. That's it. And we need agreements."&nbsp;"Let the experts work, develop some solutions, and then we can meet," Putin added.&nbsp;Zelensky on Thursday had proposed a direct meeting with Russian President and expressed readiness for a complete ceasefire during negotiations aimed at ending the war.<h2>Zelensky's appeal to Putin</h2>&nbsp;In an open letter published on the Ukrainian presidency's website on Thursday, Zelensky called for face-to-face talks with the Russian leader, saying direct engagement could help revive stalled peace efforts.&nbsp;"Ukraine proposes ending this war through direct engagement between you and us. I am proposing a meeting," Zelensky wrote, adding “Ukraine is ready for a full ceasefire for the duration of the negotiations.”&nbsp;Zelensky also proposed an all-for-all exchange of prisoners of war, describing it as a potential first step towards a broader peace settlement. He said such an exchange could serve as a "good prologue to ending the war".&nbsp;The proposal comes at a time when diplomatic efforts to end the conflict have largely reached an impasse. Several rounds of negotiations in Istanbul, Abu Dhabi and Geneva have failed to produce a breakthrough, particularly on the issue of territory. US led peace initiatives have also remained largely frozen in recent months amid the fallout from the Iran conflict.&nbsp;

Zelensky on Thursday had proposed a direct meeting with Russian President and expressed readiness for a complete ceasefire during negotiations aimed at ending the war.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday (June 5) rejected a proposal by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for a face-to-face negotiation on ending the war by saying there is "no point" in meeting him until a peace deal is ready. Speaking at the annual St Petersburg International Economic Forum he said, "I see no point in meeting. It only makes sense for the Ukrainian side to stop the advance of our armed forces. That's it. And we need agreements." "Let the experts work, develop some solutions, and then we can meet," Putin added. Zelensky on Thursday had proposed a direct meeting with Russian President and expressed readiness for a complete ceasefire during negotiations aimed at ending the war. Zelensky's appeal to Putin In an open letter published on the Ukrainian presidency's website on Thursday, Zelensky called for face-to-face talks with the Russian leader, saying direct engagement could help revive stalled peace efforts. "Ukraine proposes ending this war through direct engagement between you and us. I am proposing a meeting," Zelensky wrote, adding “Ukraine is ready for a full ceasefire for the duration of the negotiations.” Zelensky also proposed an all-for-all exchange of prisoners of war, describing it as a potential first step towards a broader peace settlement. He said such an exchange could serve as a "good prologue to ending the war". The proposal comes at a time when diplomatic efforts to end the conflict have largely reached an impasse. Several rounds of negotiations in Istanbul, Abu Dhabi and Geneva have failed to produce a breakthrough, particularly on the issue of territory. US led peace initiatives have also remained largely frozen in recent months amid the fallout from the Iran conflict.

Zelensky on Thursday had proposed a direct meeting with Russian President and expressed readiness for a complete ceasefire during negotiations aimed at ending the war.

'I see no point in meeting': Putin rejects Zelensky's face-to-face negotiation proposal

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