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China to keep promoting peaceful resolution of conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza Strip

United News of India (UNI) — Tue, 31 Oct 2023 09:16:12 +0000

Beijing, Oct 31 : China will keep promoting the peaceful resolution of the Ukrainian and Palestinian-Israeli conflicts, as well as resisting ideological divisions and confrontation, Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Nong Rong said on Tuesday.

“China will continue to adhere to the core direction of promoting reconciliation and peace negotiations, encourage the countries involved to strengthen mutual security trust, and resolve contradictions and differences through frank dialogue and interaction,” Nong said at the 10th Beijing Xiangshan Forum.

He reiterated that China would keep facilitating the start of a reconciliation process and peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine.

Speaking about the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, Nong said that Beijing would continue to actively push the sides to an early ceasefire to avoid a humanitarian catastrophe and stand for the implementation of the two-state solution to the Palestinian issue.

“China will continue to engage in various forms of dialogue and exchanges with all parties on global security issues, work with all parties to realize common comprehensive cooperation and the concept of sustainable security, and resist ideological lines, narrow circles and incitement to division and confrontation,” the diplomat added.

The 10th Xiangshan Forum is taking place in Beijing from October 29-31. It has been held since 2006 as a venue for discussing important international security issues. This year’s event will be the first in-person forum since 2019, as hosting international events was prohibited in China due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Putin announces free grain for African nations, slams ‘Hypocritical West’ at Russia-Africa summit

Viditha Ganji — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 11:24:50 +0000

Moscow: In a resolute move aimed at bolstering ties with African nations, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a substantial gift of tens of thousands of tons of grain to several African countries during a two-day Russia-Africa summit in St. Petersburg. Despite facing Western sanctions that have hampered Moscow’s grain and fertiliser exports, Putin asserted Russia’s commitment to global food security and highlighted its readiness to replace Ukrainian grain exports to Africa both commercially and through humanitarian aid.

Addressing the participants at the summit, Putin stated, “We will be ready to provide Burkina Faso, Zimbabwe, Mali, Somalia, Central African Republic, and Eritrea with 25-50,000 tons of free grain each in the next 3-4 months.” The announcement was met with applause, underlining the significance of the gesture in further cementing Russia’s partnerships with African nations.

Highlighting Russia’s role as a reliable food supplier and partner, Putin emphasized that Moscow was anticipating a record grain harvest this year, setting the stage for a robust commitment to the African continent. He asserted that Russia would not only provide the grain but also ensure free delivery to the consumers in need.

The move comes in the wake of Russia’s decision to withdraw from the Black Sea grain deal, an arrangement that allowed Ukraine to safely export its grain. Putin explained that Moscow’s exit was prompted by unmet promises regarding facilitating its grain and fertiliser exports. Responding to criticism from Western countries over the decision, Putin stated that over 70% of Ukrainian grain exported through the now lapsed deal went to high-income or above-average income nations, including those within the European Union. He also pointed out that countries in need, like Sudan, received only a meager 3% of the shipments.

Taking a stance against the Western sanctions imposed on Russia over its involvement in Ukraine, which it terms a “special military operation,” Putin accused Western countries of obstructing the supply of Russian grain and fertilisers, further exacerbating the crisis situation on the global food market. He highlighted the paradox wherein the West hinders the export of vital agricultural commodities while simultaneously blaming Russia for the food crisis.

The summit in St. Petersburg aims to reinforce Russia’s presence and influence in Africa and strengthen economic and diplomatic relations with the continent. Attended by 49 out of the 54 African states, including 17 by their heads of state and four by heads of government, the event signifies a determined effort by Russia to solidify its ties with the African nations.

With various agreements expected to be signed during the summit, Russia seeks to consolidate its position as a significant player in Africa and demonstrate its commitment to addressing food security challenges faced by many African countries. The free grain pledge to the six nations serves as a testament to Moscow’s willingness to play a critical role in global food security while navigating the complexities of international sanctions and geopolitical dynamics.

Conflict in Ukraine to last for long time, possibly decades: Medvedev

United News of India (UNI) — Fri, 26 May 2023 04:40:41 +0000

Moscow, May 26 : Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev said Thursday that the Ukraine conflict would persist for a very long time, possibly for decades, and would repeat after a possible ceasefire.

“This conflict is for a very long time. It is all probably for decades. It is a new reality, new living conditions. As long as there is such power there [in Kiev], there will be, let’s say, three years of ceasefire, two years of conflict, and then everything will happen again. The very nature of Nazi power in Kiev must be destroyed,” Medvedev told journalists during his visit to Vietnam.

Russia launched a special military operation in Ukraine on February 24, 2022, in response to calls by the Donetsk and Luhansk people’s republics for protection from Ukrainian troops. The Russian Defense Ministry said the operation, which targets Ukrainian military infrastructure, aims to “demilitarize and denazify” Ukraine and to completely liberate Donbas.

Western countries have imposed numerous sanctions on Russia and have been supplying weapons to Ukraine. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has said any cargo that contains weaponry for Ukraine will become a legitimate target for Russia.

PM Modi assures President Zelesnkyy India’s commitment to finding a solution to Russia-Ukraine conflict at G7 Summit

Viditha Ganji — Sat, 20 May 2023 14:40:08 +0000

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during the G7 summit in Hiroshima, expressing India’s commitment to finding a solution to the conflict between Ukraine and Russia. Modi emphasized the significance of the war in Ukraine as a global issue, transcending political and economic dimensions and stressing the importance of humanity and human values. The meeting comes following the G7’s condemnation of Russia’s invasion and the announcement of new sanctions.

While the details of the talks remain undisclosed, it is believed that Zelenskyy sought India’s support in Ukraine’s fight against Russia. The Indian delegation, including External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, participated in the discussions, which followed the recent visit of Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Emine Dzhaparova to India. Modi has consistently advocated for a peaceful resolution to the conflict, asserting that there can be “no military solution.” India, a global leader, has emphasized the need for diplomacy and dialogue to address the crisis.

The discussions between Modi and Zelenskyy took place amid preparations for a significant Ukrainian counteroffensive against Russia. The G7 summit, chaired by Japan and attended by the world’s richest democracies, invited India and other nations as guests to address key global challenges and promote peace.

Russia’s celebration of Victory Day starts with the launch of 15 missiles against Kyiv

News Desk — Tue, 09 May 2023 11:25:07 +0000

Moscow has ramped up its assaults on the eve of its Victory Day celebration, which honors the day Germany was defeated in World War II, and Russia has responded by launching a new round of drones, missiles, and airstrikes against cities throughout Ukraine.

Both sides looked to be preparing for a highly anticipated Ukrainian onslaught, which Kyiv believes would assist in recapturing territory that has been lost since the beginning of the conflict. This is when Russia launched its greatest volley of missiles.

A considerable number of residents, including families from the city of Enerhodar, which is located in close proximity to Europe’s biggest nuclear power station, were moved out of seized territories in south-eastern Ukraine by the Russian military during the course of the weekend.

According to the Ukrainian government, Moscow launched an assault on Kyiv using three dozen drones throughout the night of Sunday.

In addition, Russia’s missiles were responsible for a massive blaze that broke out in a food warehouse in the city of Odesa, which resulted in the death of one person. The Red Cross of Ukraine said that their storage was damaged in the attack.

4 U.S. officials confirm Kremlin Drone Strike was not announced beforehand to the U.S.

Avinash Ram — Wed, 03 May 2023 16:17:52 +0000

Four U.S. officials asserted that the Biden administration was unaware of any anticipated drone strike on the Kremlin, and a senior official advised reserving judgement in light of Moscow’s assertions.

However, Russia claimed on Wednesday President Vladimir Putin wasn’t at the building and that the two drones flew into the centre of Moscow overnight to kill him. The claim has been rejected by Kyiv, and officials have stated that Ukraine had nothing to do with the assault. Instead, they claim that the Kremlin is using it as a cover to intensify its 14-month conflict.

In a Wednesday conversation with David Ignatius of the Washington Post, Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that he would treat anything coming from the Kremlin with “a large shaker of salt.”

For Ukraine, “We had no advance knowledge,” said one of the officials, who, like the others, was given anonymity to speak freely about a delicate subject. Another person responded, “We are looking into the information but are unable to confirm or corroborate its legitimacy.

The administration will update Senate Intelligence Committee members on Wednesday at 2:30 PM. Requests for comment from U.S. intelligence organisations went unanswered.

Experts are skeptical that Ukraine would be so bold as to attempt to assassinate President Putin in the Russian capital. “The idea that this was an assassination attempt is absolutely ludicrous,” said Alina Polyakova, President and CEO of the Centre for European Policy Analysis in Washington, D.C. The Kremlin is a bunker, and this seemed to be a barely functional drone with little destructive potential.

However, there have been some mysterious attacks in recent months, raising concerns about Kyiv’s level of involvement. The Nordstream pipes were allegedly destroyed last year by a pro-Ukrainian gang, despite the fact that a Russian naval ship was nearby at the time of the explosion.

Even if it is proven that Ukraine was behind an actual drone assault, some people are unconcerned. “The Kremlin whining about a drone strike that hits the Kremlin merits zero sympathy,” said retired Gen. Ben Hodges, the former commander of U.S. Army Europe. “After 14 months of deadly Russian strikes against civilian targets across all of Ukraine,” he said.

Ukraine expresses regret over ‘distorted’ tweet on Goddess Kali

United News of India (UNI) — Tue, 02 May 2023 11:11:13 +0000

New Delhi, May 2: After facing an online backlash over its Defence Ministry’s tweet allegedly depicting Hindu Goddess Kali above blast smoke, Ukraine on Tuesday expressed regret for the tweet and said they respect Indian culture and highly appreciate India’s support.

Ukraine’s First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Emine Dzhaparova, who had visited India in early April, expressed regret in a tweet.

“We regret @DefenceU depicting #Hindu goddess #Kali in distorted manner.

“#Ukraine & its people respect unique #Indian culture & highly appreciate India’s support. The depiction has already been removed.

“Ukraine is determined to further increase cooperation in spirit of mutual respect & friendship.”

The now-deleted tweet by the Ukraine defence ministry had sparked outrage online with several users calling the image disrespectful and “Hinduphobic”.

On April 30, Ukraine’s Defence Ministry tweeted with the caption “Work of art,” and shared a picture of a blast in which the artist depicted the blast in an offensive blend of famous American actress Marilyn Monroe in her ‘flying skirt’ pose with the face and detailing resembling Hindu Goddess Kali.

Dzhaparova had paid an official visit to India from April 9-12, in the first such visit since the Ukraine conflict began.

Ukrainian missile shot down near Southeast Crimea: Russian Media Reports

Sakshi Vats — Sat, 08 Apr 2023 18:35:40 +0000

The White House and the Wall Street Journal again denied the charge of espionage against jailed Wall Street Journal writer Evan Gershkovich on Saturday. According to Russian media sources citing local officials, a Ukrainian missile was shot down near Feodosia in southeast Crimea on Saturday.

According to a person familiar with the statistics, Russia’s energy ministry said that the country decreased its oil production by roughly 700,000 barrels per day last month.

Nevertheless, the amount conflicts with information on the nation’s March seaborne exports and supplies to local refineries, raising doubts about how much oil Russia is truly producing.

As Russia shoots down a missile over Crimea, no damage is reported.

According to Interfax, which cited Sergey Aksyonov, the leader of the Russian-occupied peninsula, Russian air defence forces shot a missile launched from Ukraine over the region of Feodosia in eastern Crimea on Saturday.

According to the Tass news agency, which reported regional authorities, debris fell on an unidentified community, although no injuries or property damage were reported.

Feodosia is situated between Sevastopol and Kerch, the bridge’s endpoint connecting Crimea to the Russian mainland, on the southern shore of Crimea. What would be a long-range hit for Kyiv’s forces is unknown to Ukrainian officials.

PM of Estonia, a big supporter of Ukraine, seals new coalition.

Following her victory in the elections held last month, Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas secured a deal for a new government coalition, extending her position as one of Europe’s most ardent supporters of Ukraine in its conflict with Russia.

Estonia has distinguished itself as the country that provides Ukraine with the most weapons on a per-capita basis under her leadership. The nation has vigorously pushed for tough sanctions to punish Russia for its invasion of Ukraine, along with its Baltic neighbours Latvia and Lithuania.

Counting on China to bring Russia to its senses: French President Emmanuel Macron

News Desk — Thu, 06 Apr 2023 16:20:19 +0000

Emmanuel Macron, the President of France, is now on a state visit to China with the objective of persuading Xi Jinping, his Chinese counterpart, to “bring Russia to its senses” about Moscow’s involvement in the conflict with Ukraine.

Macron is in China for a three-day state visit, and he has made it obvious that he is trying to persuade China not to assist Russia’s invasion of its neighbor. Macron’s goal is to prevent Beijing from supporting Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

At a bilateral discussion in Beijing, Macron said to Xi, the head of state, “I know I can depend on you to bring Russia to its senses and everyone to the negotiating table.”

When the national anthems of both nations were playing, Xi welcomed Macron only minutes ago outside the Great Hall of the People, which is considered to be the political epicenter of China’s capital city.

“Major Role” Played by “Neutral Russia”

Over the course of his tour, Macron said that “Beijing can play a major role in finding a route to peace in the issue,” and he further went on to remark that he appreciated China’s “willingness to commit to a settlement.”

Notwithstanding the fact that China maintains its neutrality on the issue, Xi has not denounced the Russian invasion.

Xi recently traveled to Russia to reaffirm his partnership with Vladimir Putin, which has been characterized as an anti-Western front. Xi, on the other hand, has not talked on the phone with Volodymyr Zelensky, the president of Ukraine.

ICC issues arrest warrants for Putin and Lvova-Belova amid Ukraine crisis

Sakshi Vats — Fri, 17 Mar 2023 16:15:39 +0000

On Friday, the International Criminal Court announced that it has issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin for war crimes due to his suspected involvement in kidnappings of Ukrainian children. Putin, according to the court’s statement “is allegedly responsible for the war crime of unlawful deportation of population (children) and that of unlawful transfer of population (children) from occupied areas of Ukraine to the Russian Federation.”

On Friday, it also issued a warrant for the arrest of Maria Alekseyevna Lvova-Belova, the Russian Federation’s Commissioner for Children’s Rights, on related charges. According to the ICC, its pre-trial chamber found “reasonable grounds to believe that each suspect bears responsibility for the war crime of unlawful population deportation and that of unlawful population transfer from occupied areas of Ukraine to the Russian Federation, in prejudice of Ukrainian children.

Situation in #Ukraine: #ICC judges issue arrest warrants against Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin and Maria Alekseyevna Lvova-Belova
Read more ⤵️
https://t.co/5OMC7Xuuy5

— Int'l Criminal Court (@IntlCrimCourt) March 17, 2023

Putin promises to conduct nuclear testing if the US violates the New Start deal after Russia suspends participation

Sakshi Vats — Tue, 21 Feb 2023 12:34:11 +0000

According to a statement issued by Russian President Vladimir Putin on February 21, Russia is suspending its participation in the “New Start” treaty, a strategic weapons agreement with the United States that prevents both countries from bolstering their nuclear arsenals.

Putin pledged to carry out nuclear testing if Washington did so during his address to the nation’s lawmakers in Moscow.

“I am forced to announce today that Russia is suspending its participation in the strategic offensive arms treaty,” he stated.

“If the United States conducts nuclear tests, Russia will also do it,” Putin continued. A day prior, US Vice President Joe Biden made an unexpected trip to Kyiv and reaffirmed the West’s support for the Ukrainian government in his speech.

Russia and the US signed the New Start agreement in 2010, and it was extended through 2021. According to the provisions of the extension agreed upon by the two parties, it was anticipated to extend at least until 2026. The agreement sought to reduce tensions between the two superpowers by decreasing the number of strategic nuclear missile launchers and restricting the usage of missiles that may carry nuclear warheads.

Ukraine War: Russia keeps Nord Stream 1 shut

Pranay Maniar — Sat, 03 Sep 2022 07:34:24 +0000

As the war in Ukraine reaches a stalemate, the Russians have seemed to have halted gas supplies to the European Union over their support for Ukraine.

The Nord Stream gas pipeline runs from the coast of Russia near St. Petersburg to northeastern Germany and has a daily capacity of 170 million cubic metres and now has completely shut off the transportation of gas to Germany.

Berlin and Moscow were building the Nord Stream 2 which would run parallel to the existing pipeline and will have a capacity of 55 billion cubic metres, doubling the existing gas supply.

The pipeline is owned and operated by the company Nord Stream AG, whose majority owner is the Russian gas-producing giant Gazprom. Grazprom has cited maintenance as the cause of the shutdown of the pipeline.

The Russian gas company stated that a fault had been detected in the Portovaya compressor station, with the inspection carried out alongside workers from Siemens, the German firm that maintains the turbine.

It claimed that only specialised workshops which had been constrained by Western sanctions could repair oil leaks in major engines.

However, Siemens itself said: “Such leaks do not normally affect the operation of a turbine and can be sealed on site. It is a routine procedure within the scope of maintenance work.”

Moscow has substantially reduced the supply of gas to Europe since the war in Ukraine started, however, this is the first time the supplies have been completely cut-off.

The European Union fears that Moscow’s move of shutting down gas supplies will lead to gas prices becoming unaffordable for heating in the upcoming winter.

EU Council President Charles Michel said the Russian move was “sadly no surprise”.

“Use of gas as a weapon will not change the resolve of the EU. We will accelerate our path towards energy independence. Our duty is to protect our citizens and support the freedom of Ukraine,” he tweeted.

The gas supply cuts have led to energy costs to soar with businesses and common consumers paying high prices.

Most of Europe is heavily reliant on Russian gas for heating and generating energy, we saw Germany filling up its gas supplies rapidly. Germany has filled around 85% of its storage.

The goal to reach 95% by November 1 looks bleak.

The timing of the cuts is rather interesting as it comes shortly as G7 nations (US, UK, Italy, Germany, France, Canada, Japan) have decided to cap the price of Russian gas.

Statement from Russia oil company regarding Chief’s death amid window fall reports

Aryan Jakhar — Fri, 02 Sep 2022 02:53:19 +0000

Following allegations in Russian media that Ravil Maganov, head of the Russian energy company Lukoil, died after a “serious illness,” Lukoil confirmed this information on Thursday.

After Moscow dispatched its forces to the pro-Western nation in February, Lukoil was one of the few significant Russian corporations to call for an end to the violence in Ukraine.

The Lukoil board expressed its sympathies to those impacted by the “tragedy” and urged for a “immediate” halt to the violence in a statement at the time.

“We deeply regret to announce that Ravil Maganov… passed away following a serious illness,” Lukoil said on Thursday without providing further details about his death.

Maganov’s death was reportedly caused by him falling out of a window at Moscow’s Central Clinical Hospital, according to a number of Russian media outlets.

Due to the fact that it treats Russia’s political and business elites as patients, it is frequently referred to as the Kremlin Hospital.

“This morning Maganov fell out of a window of the Central Clinical Hospital. He died from his injuries,” Interfax news agency reported quoting an “informed” source.

Maganov reportedly fell from the hospital’s sixth-floor window, according to a police source for the RBC business daily.

Dmitry Peskov, a spokesperson for President Vladimir Putin, told reporters on Thursday that Maganov’s passing was not a concern for the Kremlin.

Maganov was born in 1954. He has been employed at Lukoil since 1993 and served as its president.

He was one of the founding members of Lukoil and, according to the firm, is responsible for the name’s current form.

2020 saw Maganov’s appointment as chairman.

Maganov “immensely contributed” to the company and the Russian oil and gas industry, according to a statement released by Lukoil on Thursday.

It stated that Lukoil became one of the top energy companies in the world thanks to Maganov’s “managerial talent.”

Following the imposition of UK sanctions due to the Ukraine offensive, Lukoil announced the departure of its billionaire chief executive Vagit Alekperov in April.

Russia says ‘no need’ to use nukes in Ukraine

Pranay Maniar — Tue, 16 Aug 2022 12:03:43 +0000

Calling out media speculation, the Russian Minister of Defence, Sergei Shoigu has rebuked all reports and speculation of the Russian armed forces’ intention to use weapons of mass destruction against Ukraine and called it “absolute lies”.

“From a military point of view, there is no need to use nuclear weapons in Ukraine to achieve the set goals. The main purpose of Russian nuclear weapons is to deter a nuclear attack,” Sergei Shoigu said during a speech at an international security conference in Moscow.

“The media are spreading speculation about the alleged use of Russian tactical nuclear weapons in the course of the special military operation, or about the readiness to use chemical weapons. All these informational attacks are absolute lies.”

Shoigu has alleged that the planning of the Ukrainian military operations is being done in The UK and The US. He also mentioned how NATO’s troop presence in Eastern and Central Europe has “increased several times over”.

Shoigu referred to the START ((Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty). START is an agreement signed between the Soviet Union and the US to limit and reduce strategic offensive arms.

The Defence Minister said that the talks to extend the treaty were a “two-way street” and the situation around it was “difficult”.

“A difficult situation is also developing with regard to the Treaty on the Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms. The agreement remains in force until 2026,” Shoigu added.

“On the Russian side, obligations are being fulfilled, the declared levels of carriers and warheads are maintained within the established limits.”

Russia-Ukraine War: When will Ukraine start grain exports again?

Yakita Somani — Fri, 29 Jul 2022 20:01:27 +0000

The strike that killed 40 Ukrainian prisoners of war (POW) in the separatist region of Donetsk has been attributed to Russia and Ukraine. Ukraine denies shelling a prison holding Ukrainian POWs and accuses Russia of attacking to hide its abuses there.

A pre-trial detention facility in the vicinity of the hamlet of Olenivka, housing Ukrainian military prisoners of war. Furthermore, including soldiers from the Azov battalion, was attacked by missiles fired from the American multiple launch rocket system (HIMARS).

According to the British Ministry of Defence, the Russian private military company Wagner has likely been given command. Moreover, of particular stretches of the front line in eastern Ukraine. The regional governor reported that a Russian missile attacked a school in the city of Kropyvnytskyi in central Ukraine. Hence, resulting in five fatalities and 25 injuries.

The United States Antony Blinken and Russia’s Sergey Lavrov will speak “if time permits,” according to Lavrov. Also, whose itinerary is packed. According to the State Department, the US and 37 other nations are setting up an expert delegation. To assess the human rights situation in Russia.

Russia-Ukraine War

Oleksiy Kuleba, the regional governor of Kyiv. Stated on Telegram that fifteen people were hurt when missiles struck military sites in the Vyshhorod neighbourhood on the outskirts of the Ukrainian capital on Thursday. Regional Governor Vyacheslav Chausov told Ukrainian TV that more than 10 Russian missiles also struck the city of Chernihiv, which is located approximately 120 kilometres (75 miles) northeast of the capital, Kyiv.

Sergei Lavrov, the foreign minister of Russia, announced on Friday that Moscow would soon provide a time. For a phone discussion with Antony Blinken, the secretary of state of the United States. Blinken has stated that he wants to negotiate an exchange of inmates imprisoned in Russian and American prisons. Brittney Griner, a top basketball player for the United States, and Paul Whelan, a former Marine, were both imprisoned in Russia. According to Blinken, who said that Washington had made a “significant offer” to secure their release. According to a source, as part of such an agreement, Washington would be open to exchanging the detained American arms dealer Viktor Bout.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said his country is ready to start grain shipments from Black sea ports. Therefore, it is awaiting a signal from the United Nations and Turkey to start the shipments.

Zelenskyy’s office said the president had visited the Black Sea port of Chornomorsk. Which has been blockaded by Russia, to see preparations for the shipments under a UN-brokered agreement signed in Turkey last week.

“Our side is fully prepared. We sent all the signals to our partners – the UN and Turkey, and our military guarantees the security situation”. It quoted him as saying.

Ukrainian troops defending Kharkiv reach Russian border

United News of India (UNI) — Mon, 16 May 2022 09:46:54 +0000

Kyiv, May 16: A Ukrainian unit fighting against the Russian troops in north of Kharkiv celebrated victory on Monday as they reached the Russian border. According to CNN. A video released by the unit showed a small group carrying a blue and yellow stake. To the border line and said. “Mr President, we made it!” The military said that around Kharkiv. “The enemy is concentrating its main efforts on maintaining its positions. And preventing the advance of our troops” in the direction of the border.

Last week, the Ukrainian official said they were liberating villages on the outskirts of the city. Meanwhile, the foreign ministers of Austria and Estonia have said that there is a possibility of sixth EU sanctions package against Russia. Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg has expressed confidence that. The package will be “done in the next days.” Speaking ahead of an EU-Canada Joint Ministerial Committee meeting in Brussels. He said that the sixth sanctions package would be “very substantial”. But there was still “a certain need for discussion”, CNN reported. The whole whole Russian military complex would be targeted in the next set of sanctions, he added.

Russia failed to achieve its political objectives in Ukraine: UK Ministry of Defence

United News of India (UNI) — Sat, 14 May 2022 08:19:43 +0000

London, May 14: According to the United Kingdom’s Ministry of Defence. The fact that Russia has only succeeded in imposing a pro-Russian leadership in one Ukrainian city Kherson. Highlights the failure of Russia’s invasion to make progress in terms of its political objectives in Ukraine. In its latest intelligence update. The ministry said the Russian-imposed military-civilian administration in Kherson. Has announced it will ask for the region to be included into Russia through holding a referendum. If such a referendum is carried out. Russia will “almost certainly manipulate the results to show a clear majority in favour of leaving Ukraine”. The update said. However, the fact that Russia has only succeeded in imposing a pro-Russian local leadership in one Ukrainian city highlights the failures of its original plan to place “the majority of Ukraine’s regions under long-term pro-Russian authority”.

War will end by end of year: Ukraine

United News of India (UNI) — Sat, 14 May 2022 08:03:33 +0000

Kyiv, May 14: The war against Russia will reach a turning point by mid-August and be over by the end of the year, Ukraine’s head of military intelligence has told Sky News. Major General Kyrylo Budanov also claimed that a coup to remove Russian President Vladimir Putin is already under way. And that the Russian leader was seriously ill with cancer. Gen Budanov predicted: “The breaking point will be in the second part of August. Most of the active combat actions will have finished by the end of this year. “As a result, we will renew Ukrainian power in all our territories that we have lost including Donbas and the Crimea,” he added.

He said Russia was suffering huge losses – although he would not be drawn on Ukrainian casualties – and said he was not surprised by their scale, given Russian power was a “myth”. “We know everything about our enemy. We know about their plans almost as they’re being made. “Europe sees Russia as a big threat. They are afraid of its aggression. “We have been fighting Russia for eight years. And we can say that this highly publicized Russian power is a myth. “It is not as powerful as this. It is a horde of people with weapons”. Gen Budanov said Russian forces attacking the north-eastern city of Kharkiv. Had been pushed back almost to the Russian border. And that their much-reported failure to cross the Siverskyi Donets river several days ago had resulted in “heavy losses”.

“I can confirm that they suffered heavy losses in manpower. And armor and I can say that when the artillery strikes happened many of the crews abandoned their equipment”. He said. He claimed that Russian defeat in Ukraine would lead to the removal of Putin. “It will eventually lead to the change of leadership of the Russian Federation. This process has already been launched.”

US says it’s not telling Ukraine to kill Russian generals

United News of India (UNI) — Fri, 06 May 2022 07:24:05 +0000

Washington, May 6: The United States has denied that it provided intelligence on the locations of Russian generals on the battlefield. So that Ukraine forces could kill them. Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said it was true. That the US supplies Kyiv’s forces with military intelligence “to help Ukrainians defend their country”. But Ukraine makes its own decisions on whether to target a Russian leader or not, The Guardian reported. “We do not provide intelligence on the location of senior military leaders on the battlefield or participate in the targeting decisions of the Ukrainian military,” Kirby said in a statement on Thursday night.

“Ukraine combines information that we and other partners provide with the intelligence that they themselves are gathering on the battlefield. Then they make their own decisions. And they take their own actions”. The White House National Security Council slammed the New York Times report as “irresponsible”. “The US provides battlefield intelligence to help the Ukrainians defend their country,” NSC spokesperson Adrienne Watson said. “We do not provide intelligence with the intent to kill Russian generals”. NYT in a report claimed that US was providing intelligence to Ukrainian to kill Russian generals.

(Except for the headline. This story has not been edited by Business Upturn staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

US intelligence helping Ukraine kill Russian generals: Report

United News of India (UNI) — Thu, 05 May 2022 06:53:02 +0000

Washington, May 5: The United States has provided intelligence about Russian units that has allowed Ukrainians to target and kill many of the Russian generals. Who have died in action in the Ukraine war, the New York Times reported citing senior US officials. The US intelligence anticipated Russian troop movements. And provided the location and other details about the Russian military’s mobile headquarters. And Ukraine has combined that help with its own intelligence. To conduct artillery strikes and other attacks that have killed Russian officers, the newspaper said. Ukrainian officials said they have killed approximately 12 generals on the front lines.

The newspaper reported that Washington used a variety of sources. Including classified and commercial satellites, to trace Russian troop movements. Earlier, John F Kirby, the Pentagon spokesman acknowledged that the United States provides. “Ukraine with information and intelligence that they can use to defend themselves”. Washington routinely provides information about the movement of Russian troops and equipment. And helps Ukraine confirm the location of critical targets. Other NATO allies also give real-time intelligence to the Ukrainian military. The report added that the Biden administration is also supplying new weaponry. That should improve Ukraine’s ability to target senior Russian officers.

Russia extends flight ban in central, south regions until May 7

United News of India (UNI) — Fri, 29 Apr 2022 08:35:54 +0000

Moscow, April 29: The temporary restriction of flights to 11 airports in the southern. And central parts of Russia bordering Ukraine has been extended until May 7. The Russian Federal Agency for Air Transport (Rosaviatsiya) said on Friday. “The regime of temporary flight restrictions at 11 Russian airports has been extended until May 07, 2022, 3:45 a.m. Moscow time [0:45 GMT],” a statement read. The restriction applies to airports. In the cities of Anapa, Belgorod, Bryansk, Voronezh, Gelendzhik, Krasnodar, Kursk, Lipetsk, Rostov-on-Don, Simferopol, and Elista. Russian airlines are recommended to organize the transportation of passengers on alternative routes using the airports of Sochi, Volgograd, Mineralnye Vody, Stavropol, and Moscow, the statement noted. Rosaviatsiya introduced restrictions on February 24 following the start of Russia’s military operation in Ukraine.

Russia & Belarus citizens detained in Poland

United News of India (UNI) — Wed, 27 Apr 2022 07:23:07 +0000

Warsaw, April 27: Citizens of Russia and Belarus have been detained in Poland on suspicion of espionage, Polish media reported on Wednesday. A Russian and a Belarusian were detained in the city of Bialystok in northeastern Poland for allegedly spying for Russia’s intelligence service, Polish TV channel Telewizja Polska said, citing prosecutors. According to the military counterintelligence service. The two collected information about military units, personnel status. As well as about units of the allied forces. Both of them have lived in Poland for many years. Both were charged with espionage and are arrested by the court for three months. They face up to 10 years in prison.

Moscow: Russia hits oil refinery in Kremenchuk, Central Ukraine

United News of India (UNI) — Mon, 25 Apr 2022 09:30:00 +0000

Moscow, April 25: The Russian armed forces have destroyed the production facilities. Of an oil refinery and storage facilities in northern Kremenchuk. An important industrial city in central Ukraine with long-range high-precision weapons. Russian Defence Ministry spokesman Major General Igor Konashenkov said on Monday. “Long-range high-precision weapons destroyed the facilities for the production of fuel of an oil refinery. On the northern outskirts of the city of Kremenchuk. As well as storage facilities with oil products designed to provide military equipment to groups of Ukrainian troops”. Konashenkov told reporters.

EU Commission President, von der Leyen, to meet Zelensky in Kyiv

Akash Dhanurkar — Tue, 05 Apr 2022 09:42:35 +0000

As the Rusia-Ukraine crisis heads towards a ceaseless fight, the EU is beginning to solidify its support for Ukraine against Russia. EU Commission’s President, Ursula von der Leye, and a top diplomat, Josep Borrell is expected to meet Zalensky in Kyiv this week. The spokesman, Eric Mamer, while announcing his meeting with Zelensky on Twitter, said. “prior to the pledging event #StandUpForUkraine on Saturday in Warsaw”.

President @vonderleyen and HRVP @JosepBorrellF will travel this week to Kyiv to meet President @ZelenskyyUa prior to the pledging event #StandUpForUkraine on Saturday in Warsaw.

— Eric Mamer (@MamerEric) April 5, 2022

MamerEric in his recent message to the Ukrainians assured the support of EU against the Russian aggression.

Message to the people of Ukraine 🇺🇦:

The EU understands how hard the situation is. We are at your side.#StandWithUkraine @MamerEric pic.twitter.com/8EPH8Jwt3t

— European Commission (@EU_Commission) February 28, 2022

Russia blocking Ukrainian coast: UK

United News of India (UNI) — Sun, 03 Apr 2022 10:02:29 +0000

London, April 3: The UK Defence Ministry on Sunday claimed that Russia continued its distant blockade of the Ukrainian coast. In the Black Sea and Sea of Azov, affecting Ukraine’s resupply by sea. In a series of tweets, the ministry said. “Russian naval forces maintain their distant blockade of the Ukrainian coast in the Black Sea. And Sea of Azov, preventing Ukrainian resupply by sea. Russia still retains the capability to attempt an amphibious landing but such an operation is likely to be increasingly high risk due to the time Ukrainian forces have had to prepare.”

The ministry also said that the reported mines within the Black Sea pose a serious risk to maritime activity. “Though the origin of such mines remains unclear and disputed, their presence is almost certainly due to Russian naval activity in the area and demonstrates how Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is affecting neutral and civilian interests”. The UK ministry pointed out that Russian air activity increased towards south eastern Ukraine. “Over the last week, there has been a concentration of Russian air activity. Towards south eastern Ukraine, likely a result of Russia focusing its military operations in this area.” The UK said Russian aircraft are still vulnerable to air defence systems of Ukraine.

The ministry said, “Despite ongoing Russian efforts to diminish Ukrainian air defence capability. Ukraine continues to provide a significant challenge to Russian Air and Missile operations. As a result, Russian aircraft are still vulnerable to short and medium range air defence systems. “Russia’s inability to find and destroy air defence systems has seriously hampered their efforts. To gain broad control of the air. Which in turn has significantly affected their ability to support the advance of their ground forces on a number of fronts”. The ongoing conflict between the two nations began when Russia started full invasion of Ukraine on February 24.

Russian soldiers refusing orders in Ukraine: UK

United News of India (UNI) — Thu, 31 Mar 2022 07:24:53 +0000

March 31: British intelligence chief Jeremy Fleming on Thursday said some Russian soldiers have refused to carry out their President Vladimir Putin’s orders in Ukraine due to shortage of weapons and morale. Speaking in Canberra, British intelligence agency GCHQ said, “It increasingly looks like Putin has massively misjudged the situation. It’s clear he misjudged the resistance of the Ukrainian people. “We’ve seen Russian soldiers — short of weapons and morale — refusing to carry out orders. Sabotaging their own equipment and even accidentally shooting down their own aircraft. “Even though we believe Putin’s advisers are afraid to tell him the truth. What’s going on and the extent of these misjudgments must be crystal clear to the regime.”

CNN quoted Fleming as saying that Britain’s National Cyber Security Center has seen. “Sustained intent from Russia to disrupt Ukrainian government and military systems”. And has seen indicators suggesting Russia’s cyber actors are looking for targets in countries that oppose the Kremlin’s actions. Speaking on Russia using mercenaries and foreign fighters in Ukraine including Wagner Group, he said. “The group works as a shadow branch of the Russian military. Providing implausible deniability for riskier operations. “They are looking at relocating forces from other conflicts and recruiting new fighters to bolster numbers. These soldiers are likely to be used as cannon fodder to try to limit Russian military losses.”

Russia continues to besiege major Ukrainian cities: UK

United News of India (UNI) — Sat, 26 Mar 2022 07:54:34 +0000

London, March 26 (UNI) The UK Defence Ministry on Saturday said that Russia continues to besiege a number of major Ukrainian cities and would likely continue its use of heavy firepower on urban areas. “Russia continues to besiege a number of major Ukrainian cities including Kharkiv, Chernihiv and Mariupol,” the ministry said in a series of tweet. “Russian forces are proving reluctant to engage in large scale urban infantry operations, rather preferring to rely on the indiscriminate use of air and artillery bombardments in an attempt to demoralise defending forces,” the ministry said. “It is likely Russia will continue to use its heavy firepower on urban areas as it looks to limit its own already considerable losses, at the cost of further civilian casualties,” the Defence Ministry added. On Friday, Russia said that the “first phase” of the ongoing war was complete and will now target liberating the east. CNN quoted Sergei Rudskoy, Head of the Russian General Staff’s main operations administration, as saying, “The main tasks of the first stage of the operation have been carried out. “The combat capabilities of the Ukrainian armed forces have been substantially reduced, which allows us to concentrate our main efforts on achieving the main goal: the liberation of Donbas.” The ongoing conflict started on February 24 when Russia launched a full-scale invasion on Ukraine.

G7 planning to halt Russian gold transactions: White House

Himanshu Mishra — Thu, 24 Mar 2022 15:22:32 +0000

The G7 group of developed economies and the European Union approved to shut off transactions comprising the Russian central bank’s gold funds to hamper any Moscow bid to circumvent Western sanctions, the White House announced on Thursday.

The allies will function together “to blunt Russia’s potential to fund… (President Vladimir) Putin’s war, comprising by bringing clear that any transaction affecting gold… is covered by previous sanctions,” the statement announced.

Group of Seven leaders have confirmed they are prohibiting the Russian Central Bank’s use of gold in transactions, while the US declared a new round of sanctions targeting more than 400 elites and members of the Russian State Duma.

Earlier, sanctions against Russian elites, the country’s Central Bank and President Vladimir Putin did not affect Russia’s gold stockpile, which Putin has been collecting for several years. Russia holds approximately $130 billion in gold reserves, and the Bank of Russia declared Feb 28 that it would continue the purchase of gold on the domestic important metals market.

White House officials announced that this move will further stop Russia’s potential to use its international stocks to prop up Russia’s economy and fund its battle against Ukraine.

However, the Biden administration declared more sanctions targeting 48 state-owned defence firms, 328 members of the Duma, Russia’s lower parliament, and dozens of Russian elites. The Duma as an element was also called in the new sanctions.

Russia’s intelligence agency urges to ban Meta

News Desk — Mon, 21 Mar 2022 14:11:55 +0000

Russian Intelligence organisation FSB asked authorities to ban meta, a company that owns all popular Social Media platforms over the internet, they also labelled Meta to be an “extremist” organisation.

It is considered that Russia is not interested to share information over social media and are adjudicating it. Citing of Vietnam war, it was the American media with whose efforts the whole war effort crumbled, media is yet ineffective in case of the ongoing Ukraine invasion.

It was said “The activities of the Meta organisation are directed against Russia and its armed forces,” said Russian authorities. The Russian forces are very much involved in the conflict and they are in no intention to allow any organisation to paint the Kremlin in the colours of conquest.

There is a huge protest against Russian forces in the west and the British government is trying its best to block Russia on multiple platforms. US president Joe Biden also called Putin a “war criminal”.Russia does not want its army to be labelled as such, the international forum is not in the mood to let any evidence go.

Ukraine has accused Russian Soldiers of rape, it was reported on the 4th of March. There are many rounds that are backfiring Russia over the internet and netizens are reacting over it.

Russia to continue operations in Ukraine until it achieves its goal: Defence Minister Sergei Lavrov

Vaishali Pandey — Tue, 01 Mar 2022 10:45:48 +0000

As a part of the ongoing Russian invasion, several residential areas of Ukraine’s important cities, including Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Chernihiv, were targeted by Russian artillery. As a result, hundreds of people have been killed in this continued bombardment. This bombardment also resulted in the death of one Indian student.

Ukraine reportedly said that a Russian rocket strike today killed more than 70 Ukrainian soldiers as a large Russian military convoy approached Kyiv’s city. So far, Russia has been prevented from gaining significant early wins due to tenacious opposition on the ground.

Meanwhile, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Lavrov has alleged in his recent statement that Ukraine possesses nuclear technology and that Russia must respond to this threat. He said that Russia will continue its military operations in Ukraine until Russia achieves its goal.

Their goal is to demilitarize Ukraine and will not let Ukraine become a part of NATO. He also maintains Russia’s official stance on this matter that Russia is not occupying Ukraine’s territory. Instead of this Russia wanted to demilitarize Ukraine and to give “self-determination” to Ukraine’s people.

In addition, he also warned the West to refrain from constructing military bases in former Soviet Union countries. Earlier, the US and other various countries imposed sanctions on Lavrov and Putin.

Russian military increases use of artillery and rockets on key cities of Ukraine: UK Defence Ministry

Vaishali Pandey — Tue, 01 Mar 2022 07:47:08 +0000

Russian forces have expanded their use of artillery north of Kyiv and in the vicinities of Kharkiv and Chernihiv, according to the UK Ministry of Defence. In highly populated metropolitan locations, the deployment of heavy artillery dramatically raises the danger of civilian deaths.

Latest Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine. pic.twitter.com/1Ynzlps2dY

— Ministry of Defence 🇬🇧 (@DefenceHQ) March 1, 2022

The news that Vladimir Putin’s forces had begun bombarding important Ukrainian cities with heavy artillery, threatening a higher civilian death toll, was gaining fears. Russian defence leaders, according to Western diplomats, are undertaking more indiscriminate attacks on cities to pave the ground for armoured and mechanised battalions to march ahead.

They accused Moscow of using similar techniques after Putin’s intentions to invade Ukraine and capture control of the capital, Kyiv, and other major cities suffered setbacks.

Russian soldiers utilized artillery, rockets, and tube artillery in Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Chernihiv on Monday, according to one western official. He also expressed concerns that Russian dissatisfaction at failing to achieve major objectives five days into the invasion would lead to the usage of more indiscriminate fire, with these weapons, and that more people would be killed as a result.

Hundreds of people were injured and dozens of people were killed in widespread bombardment and rocket attacks in Ukraine’s second-largest city, Kharkiv. Fresh attacks on Kharkiv and Kyiv where explosives were heard on Monday evening after peace negotiations finished without a breakthrough. It sparked worries that desperation to conquer at least one city was causing this to be overlooked.

US expels 12 Russian diplomats from UN; Calls them ‘intelligence operatives’

Vaishali Pandey — Tue, 01 Mar 2022 05:32:06 +0000

The Biden administration has expelled twelve members of Russia’s UN diplomatic mission from the United States, ordering them to leave by March 7 for violating their diplomatic responsibilities and commitments.

On Monday, Russia’s U.N. Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia told the Security Council that the Russian Mission had been targeted by “yet another hostile step was taken by the host country.” He describes the decision as a “gross violation” of the United Nations’ agreement with the United States as the UN’s host country, as well as the Vienna Convention on diplomatic relations.

By responding to this allegation, US Deputy U.N. Ambassador Richard Mills told that the diplomats were requested to leave “so they do not harm the national security of the host country.” He also added that the decision was made in complete compliance with the U.N. headquarters agreement.

The Russian diplomats were described by State Department officials as “intelligence operatives” who were engaged in “espionage activities” that are harmful to the country’s national security.

According to Reuters, U.S. Mission to the United Nations Spokesperson Olivia Dalton stated, “This action has been in development for some months.”

Since Russia invaded Ukraine Thursday last week, the United States and its Western allies have placed crushing economic sanctions on Moscow and promised to increase military and economic aid.

Russia-Ukraine news war: Russia ready to talk if Ukraine lays down arms

Vaishali Pandey — Fri, 25 Feb 2022 12:12:10 +0000

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has reportedly told that Russia is willing to negotiate with Ukraine provided it “lays down arms.”

Lavrov also stated that “neo-Nazis” should not be allowed to rule Ukraine. He stated that all Russia wants is for the Ukrainian people to be independent and to be able to determine their own fate.

The Russian minister also accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy of lying when he indicated he was willing to talk about the former Soviet republic’s neutral status.

And, in remarks that underscore the intense and aggressive character of Russia’s attack, Lavrov stated that the present Ukrainian government had no chance of being recognised as democratic.

Meanwhile, Russia has informed India that it expects to be back in its invasion of Ukraine if a UN Security Council resolution condemning the move is passed this evening.

Last night, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Putin on the phone, urging for an end to the bloodshed as soon as possible.

India has not directly condemned Russia’s conduct but has advocated for an immediate de-escalation of tensions on both sides at UNSC sessions.

The US delivered a message to India before the UNSC vote, calling for a “collective response” to what it called a breach of the “rules-based international order.”

Late Wednesday and early Thursday, as Russia invaded Ukraine, he was criticised by leaders from all over the world.

Germany ceases Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline agreement as to counter Russia

Himanshu Mishra — Tue, 22 Feb 2022 17:07:10 +0000

Germany has taken steps to halt the procedure of certifying the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline from Russia, Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced Tuesday, as the West started seizing punitive measures against Kremlin on the Ukraine crisis. The ruling, which was denounced by Moscow, is a crucial move for the German government.

Scholz announced that his government made the decision in reaction to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s announcement of the independence of two breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine that he told marked a “serious break of international law.”

“Now it’s up to the global community to answer to this one-sided, incomprehensible and unjustified activity by the Russian president,” he said to reporters in Berlin, adding that it was necessary to “send a clear signal to Kremlin that such actions won’t continue without consequences.”

Until now, Berlin had long withstood pulling the plug on the project, even after strong pressure from the United States and some European nations to do so. Washington has for years also asserted that building another pipeline carrying natural gas from Russia to Germany — particularly one that bypasses Ukraine — boosts Europe’s reliance on Russian energy supplies.

U.S. officials have also notified that Nord Stream 2 poses dangers to Ukraine and Poland because it could permit Russia to stop pumping gas through those countries. Scholz’s predecessor Angela Merkel had upheld the project, as have prominent pictures in Scholz’s centre-left Social Democratic Party.

“The problem now is fundamentally different,” Scholz announced on Tuesday, saying that the government had concluded to withdraw a report on the effect that the pipeline — which hasn’t started operating yet — would have on the assurance of Germany’s gas supplies.

“That may sound technical, but it’s a necessary administrative step without which the certification of the pipeline cannot happen now,” he announced. Scholz expanded that Germany’s Economy Ministry would reassess the problem in light of the latest growths.

“That will clearly take time, if I may say so,” he added. The company that employs Nord Stream 2 declined sudden comment. White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki announced on Twitter that the U.S. administration had closely consulted with Germany overnight and greeted the statement.

“We will be following up with our own measures today,” she announced on Twitter.

Germany joins about a quarter of its energy needs with natural gas, a share that will boost in the coming years as the country switches off its last three nuclear power plants and stages out the use of coal. About half of the natural gas utilized in Germany comes from Russia.

The government intends to end the use of all fossil fuels in Germany by 2045. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba applauded Germany for cancelling the certification of the pipeline. “This is a morally, politically and practically correct step in the current circumstances,” he penned on Twitter. “True leadership means tough judgments in difficult times. Germany’s move confirms just that.”

But Russia’s former president, Dmitry Medvedev, crashed the German government’s decision to halt certification of the pipeline. “Welcome to the bear new world where Europeans are very soon going to pay 2,000 euros for 1.000 cubic meters of natural gas!” announced Medvedev, who is now deputy chair of Russia’s Security Council.

We hope India to stand by our side if Russia invades Ukraine: White House

Himanshu Mishra — Thu, 17 Feb 2022 04:54:02 +0000

India is obliged to rules-based international order, the United States told on Wednesday, striving that New Delhi would stand by its side in the issue of an impending Russian invasion of Ukraine.

During the just-ended Quad ministerial in Melbourne that comprising of foreign ministers from Australia, India, Japan and the United States, State Department Spokesperson Ned Price announced that there was a conversation between Russia and Ukraine.

Price told that there was a dominant consensus in that meeting that there wishes to be a diplomatic — a peaceful resolution to this. One of the core topics of the Quad is to reinforce the rules established on international order.

He further added that it is a rules-based referendum that applies equally in the Indo-Pacific as it commits in Europe as it does anywhere else. He noted that the Indian partners are obliged to that rules-based international order. There is any number of tenets in that ruling. One of them is that frontiers cannot be redrawn by force.

He also gave a response in a noticeable citation to the aggressive behaviour by China against its neighbours including India. He noted that large countries cannot bully small countries. That only the people of a special country can be in a stance to choose their foreign policy, their partnerships, their alliances, their associations. Those are principles that involve equally in the Indo-Pacific as they do in Europe.

Price told Secretary of State, Tony Blinken, and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar talked over defence issues but avoided commenting if there was any dialogue on potential actions under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA).

Earlier in the day, Secretary of State Tony Blinken announced that the US is doing everything it probably can to pursue a peaceful solution to the crisis Moscow has “needlessly precipitated”.”But those efforts, as we’ve said, will be effective only if the Russian Federation is willing to de-escalate,” Price told media.

The state department spokesperson claimed that any one of these could be promoted to serve as a pretext for an invasion. Meanwhile, the Kremlin has continually rejected the notion that it has plans to attack Ukraine but urged that NATO never admit Ukraine and other ex-Soviet nations as members and the military alliance roll back troop deployments in obsolete Soviet bloc nations.

Russia open to discussion on confidence-building measures: Vladimir Putin

Malvika Choudhary — Tue, 15 Feb 2022 16:38:50 +0000

Russia has abided by opening the door on Monday to a diplomatic resolution amid rising tensions bestowed by the possible invasion that beset Ukraine, as the United States stated that it believed Vladimir Putin had yet to make a final decision on invading the ex-Soviet state.

While Russia said it was terminating some military drills, signalling a possible easing of the crisis, in Washington, the alert level stayed high with a top official anointing the menace of invasion “more real than ever before.” The Russian military gave no attributes on where the troops were pulling back from or how many. Russia has disavowed any plans to invade Ukraine.

White House principal deputy press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre alerted that, “We are in the window when an invasion could begin at any time” concerning the invasion.

Putin conveyed that the US and NATO forsook Moscow’s demand to uphold Ukraine and other ex-Soviet nations out of NATO, cease weapons deployments near Russian borders and roll back alliance forces from Eastern Europe after discussions with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

Putin said that Russia is willing to engage in dialogues on limitations on the deployment of intermediate-range missiles in Europe, transparency of drills and other confidence-building measures but accentuated the need for the West to heed Russia’s main demands.

Scholz stated that he agrees that diplomatic opportunities are “far from exhausted.” The announcement of troops being pulled back is a “good signal,” he said, counting on that he hopes that “more will follow.”