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Tag: Russia

  • Russia Repels Massive Ukrainian Drone Attack Overnight: Defense Ministry |

    MOSCOW: The Russian air defense has intercepted and destroyed 158 Ukrainian drones across multiple regions over the past night, the Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement on Sunday. UAVs were shot down over more than a dozen Russian regions, according to a statement issued by the Ministry on Sunday morning.

    Nine of the downed drones targeted Moscow and the Moscow region, the statement said, adding that 46 drones were destroyed over the Kursk region, 34 over Bryansk, 28 over Voronezh, and 14 over Belgorod. Several more were shot down over nine other Russian regions. The drones shot down have resulted in a fire in a Moscow refinery and at a power plant in the Tver region neighboring Moscow, local officials said as reported by Xinhua news agency. The authorities further said the fire in both regions had been contained, and no injuries were reported.

    Moscow was also the target of an attack, with seven drones shot down over the Moscow region and two more above the capital itself, the statement added as reported by RT. According to the Ministry, eight UAVs were destroyed in the Ryazan region, five in the Kaluga region, four in the Lipetsk region, and three in the Tula region.

    One or two drones were also shot down above the Tambov, Smolensk, Orel, Tver, and Ivanovo regions, it added. Moscow mayor Sergey Sobyanin said that at least 11 drones were destroyed near or inside the capital during the Ukrainian raid. Two UAVs were shot down in the vicinity of the Moscow Oil Refinery in the southeast of the city, he said.

    One of the unmanned aircraft crashed into an engineering building, the mayor noted, adding that the firefighters were extinguishing the blaze. Three UAVs also targeted the Kashira State District Power Plant, according to the Moscow region’s Kashira city district chief, Mikhail Shuvalov. There were no casualties or damage, he added.

    Kyiv intensified its plane-type drone incursions into Russia in January, mainly targeting energy infrastructure, but also hitting residential areas. Moscow responded by adding Ukrainian power plants to its list of legitimate military targets. Most of Ukraine’s non-nuclear generation capacity has been disabled or destroyed by Russian strikes since then.

    A major Ukrainian UAV attack on Russian territory took place in mid-August and saw 117 UAVs destroyed by air defenses. Another raid, just over a week ago, involved 45 drones, with 11 of them targeting Moscow, according to the Russian Defense Ministry.

  • India and Russia Sign Nine Agreements on Trade, Climate, and Research During PM Modi’s Moscow Visit |

    Moscow: During PM Modi’s 2-Day Trip to Russia, India inked nine MoUs and agreements on several key areas. It includes trade, climate and research. With this Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s two-day visit to Moscow concluded on Tuesday. During the 22nd India-Russia Annual Summit, India and Russia signed a program of bilateral cooperation to enhance trade, economic, and investment collaboration in the Russian Far East from 2024 to 2029. Additionally, they established cooperation principles for the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation, laying the groundwork for future economic endeavors in that region. This move reflects the enduring and expanding partnership between the two nations, which spans various areas of cooperation, including political, strategic, military, energy, and cultural domains.

    To facilitate investment by Russian companies in the Indian market by promoting and fostering investment cooperation, a Joint Investment Promotion Framework Agreement was inked between Invest India and JSC “Management Company of Russian Direct Investment Fund”.

    A memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Trade Promotion Council of India and All Russia Public Organisation “Business Russia” was signed to promote bilateral trade and investment, organise B2B meetings, and business promotion events; and exchange of business delegations.

    An MoU was signed between the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation on the issues of climate change and low-carbon development. Under the deal, a Joint Working Group on the issues of climate change and low-carbon development will be set up. There will also be an exchange of information, best practices and co-hosting research to develop low-cost technologies. A MoU was also signed between India’s National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research and Russia’s Arctic and Antarctic Research Institute on cooperation in research and logistics in polar regions.

    A Cooperation Agreement was signed between the Indian International Arbitration Centre and the International Commercial Arbitration Court at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Russian Federation. The agreement aims at the facilitation of settlement of civil law disputes of a commercial nature.

    Among other MoUs signed were between Survey of India and the Federal Service for State Registration, Cadastre and Cartography, Russian Federation; Prasar Bharati and ANO “TV-Novosti” (Russia Today TV Channel) on cooperation and collaboration on broadcasting; and Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission and Russia’s Federal State Budgetary Institution “Scientific Centre for Expert Evaluation of Medicinal Products”.

  • Third eye: Russia shows the map, lift rumours, and mango diplomacy

    Showing the Position on MapIn a noteworthy move ahead of SCO summit and Indian PM’s Moscow visit, Russian stateowned media Sputnik has published a map of SCO member states and dialogue partners that displayed PoK as part of India. Clearly, the message can’t be missed, and the move may not go down well with either Pakistan or China, both SCO members. Russia has always maintained that the entire Kashmir is part of India. No Walls, No Ears: It’s Safe to TalkUddhav Thackeray and Devendra Fadnavis were once on friendly terms. However, they are now bitter political enemies, thus their simultaneous entry into an elevator in the state legislature building sparked conjecture. Thackeray dismissed any such speculations and even joked with journalists later. “I’m informed that even walls have ears. We will conduct quiet talks in lifts from now on because they do not have walls,” he explained. Saying it With Fruit and SweetsIt’s pineapple and mango diplomacy between India and Bangladesh. Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina sent mango, hilsa fish and sweets to Tripura CM Manik Saha. The gifts included 400 kg of exquisite Hariavanga (Haribhanga), the most famous mango of Dinajpur and Rangpur region of Bangladesh, 50 kg of delectable hilsa fish and 50 kg rasgulla (sweets). On the other hand, Tripura CM sent 500 kg pineapples as a “gift” to Bangladesh Prime Minister.

  • Trouble For Putin? France, Germany back Ukraine’s right to target Russian bases with weapons | World News

    BERLIN: France and Germany issued a joint statement on Tuesday, advocating for Ukraine’s right to utilise their weaponry to target Russian bases, which they allege are launching attacks on Ukrainian soil, CNN reported. French President Emmanuel Macron, during a press conference alongside German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, emphasised that weapons supplied to Ukraine, including long-range missiles, are authorised to target Russian bases.

    “Ukrainian soil is being attacked from bases in Russia,” Macron declared during his visit to Schloss Meseberg in Brandenburg, Germany. “So how do we explain to the Ukrainians that we’re going to have to protect these towns and basically everything we’re seeing around Kharkiv at the moment, if we tell them you are not allowed to hit the point from which the missiles are fired?”

    “We think that we should allow them to neutralise the military sites from which the missiles are fired and, basically, the military sites from which Ukraine is attacked,” Macron continued, as reported by CNN. However, Macron stressed the importance of not allowing strikes on non-military or civilian targets in Russia.

    German Chancellor Olaf Scholz echoed Macron’s sentiments, affirming that Ukraine has the right to defend itself within the parameters set by the countries that have provided the weapons and international law. “Ukraine has every possibility under international law for what it is doing. That has to be said explicitly,” Scholz asserted. “I find it strange when some people argue that it should not be allowed to defend itself and take measures that are suitable for this.”

    The Western stance on the usage of donated weapons by Ukraine has long been contentious, with concerns among Western leaders that such actions could escalate violence and potentially draw NATO into a broader conflict. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has consistently sought permission from his allies to extend the use of provided weapons to target Russian territory.

    The United States, Ukraine’s largest arms supplier, has previously refrained from endorsing Ukrainian strikes inside Russian territory due to concerns about escalation. Secretary of State Antony Blinken hinted at a possible shift in policy, indicating that the US would continue to adapt its support for Ukraine in response to changing conditions.

    “We’re always listening. We’re always learning, and we’re always making determinations about what’s necessary to make sure that Ukraine can effectively continue to defend itself,” Blinken stated. Despite this, Blinken reiterated that, at present, the US has not sanctioned Ukrainian strikes into Russian territory with US-provided weaponry.

    France has equipped Ukraine with SCALP cruise missiles, whose capabilities include a range of up to 155 kilometers (96 miles) and a 400-kilogram (881-pound) high-explosive penetration warhead. “The SCALP missiles have been provided to Ukraine with specific guidelines,” Macron emphasised. “They are intended solely for targeting military installations from which attacks are launched into Ukrainian territory.”

    In a similar vein, British Foreign Secretary David Cameron affirmed Ukraine’s right to use the weaponry supplied to defend itself against Russian aggression. “In terms of what the Ukrainians do, in our view it is their decision about how to use these weapons, they are defending their country,” Cameron remarked during a visit to Kyiv. “We don’t discuss any caveats that we put on those things. But let’s be absolutely clear: Russia has launched an attack into Ukraine, and Ukraine absolutely has the right to strike back at Russia.”

    Russian President Vladimir Putin, however, contended that Ukraine’s use of long-range weapons necessitates significant NATO support, which could potentially lead to a global conflict, according to CNN. “Long-range precision weapons cannot be used without space-based reconnaissance,” Putin asserted during a state visit to Uzbekistan. “Final target selection or launch mission for Western systems need to be made by highly skilled specialists who rely on this reconnaissance data.”

    “Officials from NATO countries, especially those based in Europe, should be fully aware of what is at stake,” Putin cautioned. “They should keep in mind that theirs are small and densely populated countries, which is a factor to reckon with before they start talking about striking deep into Russian territory.”

    Despite the tensions, Ukraine received pledges of support from Belgium and Spain, with both countries agreeing to supply military equipment to Kyiv. Belgium committed to providing 30 F-16 fighter jets over the next four years, while Spain announced a $1.08 billion weapons deal for Ukraine. These agreements underscored a broader coalition of Western nations standing in solidarity with Ukraine against Russian aggression. Alongside Belgium and Spain, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Denmark, Finland, and Canada have also signed security agreements, affirming their commitment to supporting Ukraine’s defence efforts, CNN reported.

  • Russia’s Vladimir Putin Warns Of Nuclear War If NATO Troops Are Sent To Ukraine |

    New Delhi: Russian President Vladimir Putin warned NATO nations on Thursday (February 29) that they could trigger a nuclear war if they deployed troops to Ukraine, saying that Russia needed to fortify its western military district in response to Finland and Sweden joining the Atlantic alliance. . The United States and major European allies this week ruled out sending ground forces to Ukraine, following France’s suggestion of the option. Putin delivered the caution during his annual speech to Russia’s lawmakers and other members of the country’s establishment.

    The war in Ukraine has caused the worst crisis in Moscow’s ties with the West since the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis. Putin has already warned of the perils of a direct clash between NATO and Russia, but his nuclear caution on Thursday was one of his most blunt. Speaking to lawmakers and other members of the country’s elite, Putin, 71, reiterated his claim that the West was intent on weakening Russia, and he implied that Western leaders did not grasp how risky their intervention could be in what he portrayed as Russia’s own domestic affairs.

    He preceded his nuclear caution with a specific reference to an idea, proposed by French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday, of European NATO members sending ground troops to Ukraine – a suggestion that was swiftly dismissed by the United States, Germany, Britain and others.

    “(Western nations) must understand that we also have weapons that can strike targets on their territory. All this really risks a conflict with the use of nuclear weapons and the annihilation of civilization. Don’t they understand that?!” said Putin.

    Ahead of a March 15-17 presidential election when he is sure to be re-elected for another six-year term, he praised what he said was Russia’s greatly modernized nuclear arsenal, the largest in the world.

    “Strategic nuclear forces are in a state of full readiness,” he said, noting that new-generation hypersonic nuclear weapons he first mentioned in 2018 had either been deployed or were at a stage where development and testing were being finished.

    Visibly furious, Putin suggested Western politicians remember the fate of those like Nazi Germany’s Adolf Hitler and France’s Napoleon Bonaparte who had unsuccessfully invaded Russia in the past.

    “But now the consequences will be far more dire,” said Putin. “They think it (war) is a cartoon,” he said, accusing Western politicians of forgetting what real war meant because they had not faced the same security challenges as Russians had in the last three decades.

    Russian forces now had the upper hand on the battlefield in Ukraine and were advancing in several places, Putin said. Russia must also increase the troops it has deployed along its western borders with the European Union after Finland and Sweden decided to join the NATO military alliance, he added.

    The veteran Kremlin leader rejected Western suggestions that Russian forces might go beyond Ukraine and attack European countries as “nonsense”. He also said Moscow would not repeat the mistake of the Soviet Union and allow the West to “drag” it into an arms race that would consume too much of its budget.

    “Therefore, our task is to develop the defence-industrial complex in such a way as to enhance the scientific, technological and industrial potential of the country,” he said.

    Putin said Moscow was open to discussions on nuclear strategic stability with the United States but implied that Washington had no genuine interest in such talks and was more focused on making false claims about Moscow’s alleged aims.

    “Recently there have been more and more unfounded accusations against Russia, for example that we are allegedly going to deploy nuclear weapons in space. Such innuendo… is a ploy to draw us into negotiations on their terms, which are favorable only to the United States,” he said.

    “…On the eve of the US presidential election, they simply want to show their citizens and everyone else that they still rule the world.”

  • Russian Opposition Leader And Vladimir Putin Critic Alexei Navalny Dies In Prison |

    MOSCOW: In a shocking political development, Russian Opposition leader Alexei Navalny, a known critic of President Vladimir Putin, has tragically passed away while in prison. The announcement, made by the country’s prison service on Friday, has sent shockwaves across the nation and the international community, raising serious questions about political motivations and accountability. Navalny, a prominent figure known for his relentless criticism of President Vladimir Putin, was serving a lengthy sentence under harsh conditions when news of his death broke. His imprisonment has long been viewed as politically motivated, with many attributing it to Putin’s desire to silence dissent and quash opposition voices.

    Details surrounding Navalny’s death remain murky, with the Kremlin stating it has no information on the cause. This lack of transparency only adds to the suspicion surrounding the circumstances of his passing, fueling speculation of foul play and potential state involvement.

    Throughout his career, Navalny emerged as a vocal advocate for democracy and transparency in Russia. His fearless activism and relentless pursuit of justice garnered widespread support both domestically and internationally, making him a symbol of resistance against authoritarianism.

    Navalny’s demise comes amid a backdrop of ongoing persecution by the Russian government. His previous brushes with death, including a near-fatal poisoning in 2020, underscore the grave risks faced by those who dare to challenge the status quo in Putin’s Russia.

    Despite facing constant threats and intimidation, Navalny remained steadfast in his commitment to exposing corruption and holding those in power accountable. His legacy as a fearless dissident and champion of democracy will endure, inspiring future generations to continue the fight for a free and just society.

    Meanwhile, President Putin’s grip on power shows no signs of loosening. With aspirations for a fifth term in office, he has cemented his status as one of Russia’s longest-serving leaders, wielding unprecedented control over the country’s political landscape.

    As the world mourns the loss of Alexei Navalny, calls for a thorough and impartial investigation into his death grow louder. The international community must demand accountability and justice for this tragic loss, ensuring that those responsible are held accountable for their actions.

  • Plane Carrying 65 Ukrainian POWs Crashed; All Aboard Dead, Says Russia

    MOSCOW: A military transport plane that Russia said was carrying 65 Ukrainian prisoners of war crashed Wednesday in a Russian region near Ukraine. All aboard were killed, according to the governor. It wasn’t immediately clear what caused the crash in the Belgorod region. Gov. Vyacheslav Gladkov didn’t specify how many people were on the plane or who they were.

    The Associated Press could not confirm who was on board, and Ukrainian officials cautioned against sharing unverified information. Russian state agency news RIA Novosti, citing the ministry, reported that the POWs were being transported to the border region for a prisoner exchange. Footage of the crash posted on social media showed a plane falling from the sky in a snowy, rural area, and a massive ball of fire erupting where it apparently hit the ground.

    Firefighters, ambulances and police rushed to the site of the crash in the Korochansky district of Belgorod, state news agency Tass said, citing a local emergency services official. Two senior Russian lawmakers alleged, without providing evidence, that the plane was brought down by missiles launched by Ukrainian forces.

    Shortly before the crash, Vyacheslav Gladkov, Belgorod’s governor, said on his Telegram channel that a “missile alert” had been triggered in the region and warned residents to take shelter. Ukraine’s Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War said it was looking into the crash but did not immediately provide any information. Instead, it cautioned against sharing “unverified information.” “We emphasize that the enemy is actively conducting information special operations against Ukraine aimed at destabilizing Ukrainian society,” it said in a statement on Telegram.

    A special military commission was on the way to the crash site, according to the Russian Defense Ministry, which said that, in addition to the POWs, three people accompanying them and six crew were on board. Speaking on his morning call with reporters, President Vladimir Putin’s spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said he could not comment on the crash as he did not have enough information about it. The plane is designed to airlift troops, cargo, military equipment and weapons. It can carry up to 225 troops, according to Russia’s military export agency.

    The Russian air force has suffered a string of crashes that some observers have attributed to a higher number of flights amid the fighting in Ukraine. Seven hundred days after the Kremlin’s forces rolled into Ukraine, the 1,500-km (930-mile) front line largely static amid icy weather. As both sides seek to replenish their weapons stockpiles, the war has recently focused on long-range strikes.

    Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said a major Russian missile attack on Tuesday had killed 18 people and injured 130. The barrage, employing more than 40 ballistic, cruise, anti-aircraft and guided missiles hit 130 residential buildings in three Ukrainian cities, “all ordinary houses,” Zelenskyy said on X, formerly Twitter.

    Russia’s onslaught, which included targets in the capital Kyiv and second-largest city Kharkiv, was the heaviest in weeks and lent weight to Zelenskyy’s appeals for Western allies to provide more military aid. “This year, the main priority is to strengthen air defense to protect our cities and towns, as well as defend frontline positions,” Zelenskyy said on X late Tuesday.

    Analysts say Russia stockpiled missiles to pursue a winter campaign of aerial bombardment, while Ukraine has sought to strike inside Russia with new types of drones. Russia may have employed decoy missiles in Tuesday’s attack in an effort to open up holes in Ukraine’s air defenses, a US think tank said. The Washington-based Institute for the Study of War said Moscow is likely trying to acquire more ballistic missiles from foreign countries, including Iran and North Korea, because they may be more effective in some circumstances.

    A further barrage of Russian S-300 missiles struck residential districts of Kharkiv late Tuesday, injuring nine people and damaging residential buildings, regional Governor Oleh Syniehubov said. Russia denies its forces strike civilian areas, although there is substantial evidence to the contrary. Meanwhile, the Russian Defense Ministry said that air defenses shot down four Ukrainian drones over the Oryol region of western Russia early Wednesday.

    Oryol Mayor Yuri Parakhin said that several drones were downed over the city. He said there were no casualties, but windows were shattered in several apartment buildings in the city. Another Ukrainian drone was downed early Wednesday over the Belgorod border region, according to regional Gov. Vyacheslav Gladkov. He said there were no casualties or damage. Ukraine’s allies have promised to keep sending military aid packages, even though their resources are stretched. Help from the United States, by far Ukraine’s single biggest provider, has also hit political snags. The German defense ministry announced Wednesday that it plans to send six SEA KING Mk41 multi-role helicopters to Ukraine.