RUSSIA UKRAINE INVASION
Despite war and sanctions, Russia becomes a high-income economy
Despite Western sanctions over the Ukraine war, Russia has transitioned from an upper-middle to a high-income economy, according to the World Bank's latest rankings. Factors such as increased military activity, a rebound in trade and construction, and growth in the financial sector contributed to this shift. Consequently, Russia's Atlas GNI per capita rose by 11.2%.
Ukraine navy chief says Russia is losing Crimean hub in Black Sea
The Ukrainian navy chief reported significant setbacks for the Russian navy's Black Sea Fleet, as combat-ready warships have been relocated from Crimea due to extensive damage inflicted by Ukrainian missile strikes and naval drone attacks. The Sevastopol base, crucial for logistics, repairs, and ammunition storage, has been particularly affected. Despite ongoing military challenges elsewhere, Ukraine has successfully targeted Russian vessels and facilities, including using unmanned boats packed with explosives.
Russia-Ukraine war: US to provide $2.3 bn in new security aid for Ukraine
The United States will provide Ukraine with a new $2.3 billion security assistance package, including air defense and anti-tank weapons, as Ukraine faces Russian invasion. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced the support during a meeting with Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, aiming to bolster Ukraine's defense capabilities and counter Russian aggression. This assistance builds on the US commitment of over $51 billion since the Russian invasion began in 2022.
Russia-Ukraine war: 7 killed and dozens wounded after missiles slam into town in southern Ukraine
Russian missiles struck a town in southern Ukraine, killing seven civilians, including children, and injuring dozens. Local authorities in Vilniansk reported bodies under picnic blankets and damaged buildings. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy urged Western support to enhance air defenses against ongoing Russian attacks. Elsewhere, civilians died and were wounded in Donetsk, Kherson, and Kharkiv regions. The Russian Defense Ministry claimed shooting down Ukrainian drones in southwest Russia.
Russian strike kills 7 civilians in southern Ukraine, including 3 children, say officials
Russian missiles slammed into a town in southern Ukraine, killing seven civilians, including children, and wounding dozens, local authorities reported.Ukrainian officials published video of burned out cars and emergency services response to damage on Saturday.O...
Russia Ukraine war: Russia says it downed 36 Ukraine-launched drones over several Russian regions
Russia Ukraine war: Russia's air defence systems successfully intercepted and destroyed 36 drones launched by Ukraine overnight, targeting various regions in Russia's southwest, as announced by the Russian defense ministry on Sunday via the Telegram messaging app. Drones were destroyed over Kursk, Lipetsk, Voronezh, Bryansk, Oryol, and Belgorod regions. The incident caused no injuries or significant damage according to local governors. Ukrainian attacks continue in response to Russia's invasion.
- Go To Page 1
Moscow expects to sign new co-operation pact with Iran in 'very near future', RIA reports
Deputy Russian Foreign Minister Andrei Rudenko stated that a new comprehensive cooperation agreement with Iran is close to completion and expected to be signed shortly. The agreement aims to replace a 20-year strategic pact signed in 2001, focusing on security, energy, industry, and technology. Details of the new agreement remain undisclosed, but the two countries have strengthened ties, particularly in investment, military, and energy sectors, following Russia's invasion of Ukraine and subsequent sanctions.
UK's Nigel Farage says the West provoked Putin's invasion of Ukraine
The remarks, made in an interview with the BBC aired late on Friday, drew strong criticism across the British political spectrum ahead of a July 4 election in which Farage's party is predicted to win millions of votes. Farage said he stood by comments made shortly after Moscow's February 2022 invasion of Ukraine, when he posted on social media that the move was a "consequence of EU and NATO expansion". He said he had been predicting a war in Ukraine as early as 2014.
Russia launches 'massive' attack on Ukraine power infrastructure
Ukraine reported a "massive" overnight attack by Russia on energy infrastructure in the west and south. The attacks damaged Ukrenergo facilities, injured two employees, and marked the eighth such attack in three months. The ongoing Russian invasion has severely impacted Ukraine's electricity generation, leading to blackouts and the need to import energy. President Zelensky called for urgent measures to equip hospitals and schools with solar panels to counter Russian attempts at blackmail.
EU envoys agree on more Russia sanctions. LNG imports are among the targets
EU ambassadors have agreed on new sanctions in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The measures will target imports of Russian LNG and freeze assets of more officials and entities.
Thousands of NATO troops join drills in strategically sensitive Baltic Sea region
NATO troops from 20 countries are participating in military exercises in the Baltic Sea region, which has become increasingly sensitive following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The exercises include sea mine sweeps, submarine detection, and landings. The exercises are organized by NATO's Naval Striking and Support Forces and the U.S. 6th fleet.
Ukraine summit opens in Switzerland, seeking path to peace
World leaders were joining Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Switzerland on Saturday for a summit on peace in his country, but with Russia staying away it is seen as the first step in a long process. "Together, we are making the first step toward just peace based on the UN Charter and fundamental principles of international law," he said on X, formerly Twitter.
G7 says to back Ukraine 'as long as it takes': draft statement
G7 leaders pledged ongoing support for Ukraine, promising assistance "for as long as it takes" at a summit where they also agreed on a new $50 billion loan for Kyiv. The draft statement from the Italy talks emphasized solidarity with Ukraine's fight for freedom and reconstruction. The loan, backed by interest accrued on frozen Russian central bank assets, aims to send a clear message to President Putin. The funds will be disbursed through various channels to address Ukraine's military, budget, and reconstruction needs, with plans to start providing the funds before the year's end.
NATO says over 300,000 troops now on high readiness
NATO countries have surpassed their target of placing 300,000 troops on high readiness amid concerns over Russia's threat, according to a senior alliance official. This readiness boost, agreed upon after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, aims to enhance NATO's ability to deploy forces within 30 days. While NATO has exceeded its troop target, there are still gaps in key capabilities like air defenses and longer-range missiles that need to be addressed, the official noted.
Ukraine says it struck one of Russia's most advanced warplanes
Ukraine hit a modern Russian warplane at an air base far from the front lines, using Western-supplied weapons. Satellite photos confirm the strike on a Su-57 fighter plane at the Akhtubinsk base.
Macron says France to sell Mirage 2000 warplanes to Ukraine
French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Thursday that France will supply Ukraine with Mirage combat aircraft to help defend the country against Russian aggression. In an interview with a French broadcaster, Macron stated that the sale of Mirage 2005 fighter jets will enable Ukraine to protect its airspace and territory from Russian attacks. France will also provide training for Ukrainian pilots as part of the new cooperation agreement.
Germany to buy 20 more Eurofighter jets to boost defence
Germany will purchase 20 additional Eurofighter jets from Airbus, Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced at the International Air Show in Berlin. This order, to be placed before the 2025 general elections, supplements the 38 jets ordered in 2020 to replace aging Tornado aircraft. Scholz emphasized Germany's commitment to Eurofighter exports and maintaining production at Airbus's Manching factory. Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Germany has significantly increased its defense budget, aiming to meet NATO's two percent GDP target by 2024.
Sweden pledges $1.25 bn in military aid to Ukraine
Sweden has pledged a military aid package of 13.3 billion kronor to Ukraine. The aide will include surveillance aircraft, air-to-air missiles, artillery ammunition, and armored vehicles. The ASC 890 surveillance aircraft will enhance Ukraine's air defense capabilities. Sweden has also committed to significant financial aid packages to support Ukraine's energy supply and overall civilian and military needs, totaling over 100 billion kronor since Russia's invasion in 2022.
Ukraine secures more military aid from EU members
Slow deliveries of support by its Western partners, especially a lengthy delay in military aid from the United States, have left Ukraine at the mercy of Russia's bigger army and air force. European countries have been discussing the possibility of deploying troops to Ukraine in support roles, while talk of giving seized Russian assets to Ukraine has further angered Moscow.
EU tries increasing Ukraine's military support as Zelenskyy tours Spain, Belgium and Portugal
European Union defence ministers are meeting in Brussels to provide military aid to Ukraine amidst Russia's ongoing invasion. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is seeking support from Spain, Belgium, and Portugal to bolster Ukraine's defence efforts. Hungary's veto has stalled 6.5 billion euros in aid. Zelenskyy aims to secure more support, including US-made Patriot air defence systems, to counter Russia's attacks.
US will announce $275 million more in artillery and ammunition for Ukraine, officials say
The United States is set to announce $275 million in military aid for Ukraine to combat Russian advances in the Kharkiv region. The aid package includes HIMARS and artillery rounds.
India's spike in trade with Russia not 'temporary phenomenon', says S Jaishankar
India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar highlighted that the growing trade between India and Russia is not a passing trend but a result of emerging economic prospects. He emphasised the long-standing relationship between the two nations despite India's stance on the Ukraine conflict. Trade has seen a significant increase with India becoming a top buyer of Russian oil amid Western sanctions. Efforts are underway to deepen economic ties further.
Russia economy resilient; Gaza war weighs on neighbours: EBRD
The EBRD forecasts Russia's economy to grow by 2.5% in 2024 despite Western sanctions. Israel's war against Hamas will affect neighboring nations. EBRD issued GDP projections and highlighted the impact of the Gaza conflict on Mediterranean countries' economies.
Italy's president says Russia's invasion of Ukraine can't be solved by rewarding Moscow's aggression
Italy's president, Sergio Mattarella, addressed the U.N. General Assembly, stating that Russia's invasion of Ukraine cannot be resolved by rewarding aggression. He emphasized that peace can only be achieved by restoring Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Italy, now leading the G7, and many international partners stand in solidarity with Ukraine, defending nations attacked in violation of international law. Mattarella warned against violating principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity, stressing that Russia's actions have rekindled war in Europe and disrupted global peace.
Vladimir Putin begins his fifth term as president, more in control of Russia than ever
Vladimir Putin commenced his fifth term as Russian leader in a lavish Kremlin ceremony, extending his quarter-century rule marked by political suppression, the Ukrainian conflict, and amassing power. Amid escalating tensions with the West and domestic crackdowns, Putin's new term prompts speculation about his agenda and the nation's trajectory.
Load More
