UKRAINE S FOREIGN MINISTRY
Russian assassination plots against those supporting Ukraine uncovered in Europe, official says
Western intelligence agencies have uncovered Russian plans to carry out assassinations, arson, and sabotage across Europe targeting individuals and companies supporting Ukraine's military efforts. One of the most serious plots involved a plan to assassinate Armin Papperger, CEO of German defense company Rheinmetall.
Russia accuses South Korea of blackmail and threats over potential weapons supplies to Ukraine
In late June, South Korean National Security Advisor Chang Ho-jin said Seoul might review the possibility of supplying weapons to Ukraine, after North Korea and Russia signed a pact pledging mutual defence in the event of war.
In Russia, Biden's verbal slip over Putin's name elicits mockery and unease
In response to President Joe Biden's recent verbal slip-ups, including mistakenly referring to Ukraine's leader as "President Putin," Russia's Foreign Ministry and state media commentators have seized upon these incidents to mock Biden's perceived cognitive lapses. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov downplayed the gaffes as slips of the tongue, labeling them as an internal U.S. matter, but criticized Biden's remarks about President Putin. Russian media have often portrayed Biden as unfit for office compared to Putin, whom they depict as a strategic leader. The incidents come amid strained U.S.-Russia relations, exacerbated by Moscow's actions in Ukraine and ongoing diplomatic tensions.
'Never wanted them': Russia on Indians being recruited in Army to fight against Ukraine
Russian Charge d'affaires Roman Babushkin's remarks came a day after Russia promised to ensure early release and return to home of the Indian nationals working in the Russian military as support staff after Prime Minister Narendra Modi "very strongly" raised the issue with President Vladimir Putin.
We never wanted them: Russia on Indians in Russian Army
Russian Charge d'affaires Roman Babushkin addressed India's concerns over Indian nationals recruited into the Russian Army, clarifying it's a commercial issue, not military. He assured alignment with India's stance and hopes for a quick resolution. Most Indians, he said, work illegally on tourist visas for financial gain. Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised the issue with President Vladimir Putin during his recent visit, leading to assurances for their early discharge and return. This highlights ongoing diplomatic efforts amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict to prevent further recruitment and ensure the safety of affected individuals.
Putin sees no need for nuclear weapons to win in Ukraine. But he's also keeping his options open
Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a stern warning to NATO, cautioning against excessive military support for Ukraine, as it could escalate into a nuclear conflict with Russia. Despite Russia's current military advantage in Ukraine, Putin emphasized that nuclear weapons remain a viable option if Russia's sovereignty and territorial integrity are threatened. Recent Russian drills with tactical nuclear weapons underscore Moscow's readiness to respond to perceived Western provocations, including discussions of deploying NATO troops in Ukraine and supplying longer-range weapons to Kyiv. This nuclear rhetoric marks a dangerous escalation amid ongoing tensions in the region.
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China's Xi to visit Kazakhstan, Tajikistan July 2-6: Foreign Ministry
China boosts ties in Central Asia through economic projects and summit engagements. President Xi's visits to Kazakhstan and Tajikistan aim to deepen partnerships. Efforts include expanding transport links and gas pipelines to enhance cooperation. Beijing's involvement grows amid regional concerns over Russia's actions.
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.
Japan sanctions Bengaluru tech company over Russian war 'support'
Japan has sanctioned Bengaluru-based Si2 Microsystems Pvt Ltd, an Indian tech firm, for allegedly supporting Russia's war efforts. This move, part of broader sanctions including firms from China, the UAE, and Central Asia, marks Japan's first targeting of foreign companies over Ukraine-related issues. The sanctions may strain the growing strategic partnership between Japan and India. Si2 Microsystems, involved in various high-tech projects, including government space initiatives, is now under scrutiny. Japan's tougher stance against Russia, influenced by Western pressures, contrasts with its previous policies, recalling sanctions imposed on India after the 1998 nuclear tests.
Pressing Russia to release Indians in Russian military: Foreign Secretary Kwatra
India has been pressing Russia for the safety and repatriation of Indian nationals employed by the Russian Army, following the deaths of two more Indians in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, bringing the total to four. Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra emphasized continuous discussions with Russian authorities to ensure the safety of Indians in the war zone. India has demanded a halt to further recruitment of its nationals by the Russian Army. The government has contacted families and taken immediate action for those in the conflict zone. Ten Indians have been repatriated so far.
India urges Russia to return its citizens recruited by Russia's army after 2 were killed
India has urged Russia to repatriate Indian citizens recruited by its army after two were killed in the Ukraine war. Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra confirmed the government's serious approach to the issue. The Indian foreign ministry is coordinating with Russian authorities for the return of the deceased's remains. Previously, India disrupted a human trafficking network that sent Indians to Russia under false job promises. Similar issues have arisen with Sri Lanka and Nepal, whose citizens were also lured into fighting in Ukraine.
Ukraine President Zelenskyy hopes for India's presence at Swiss peace summit next week
Ukraine President Zelenskyy congratulated PM Modi on India's parliamentary election win and invited India to a peace summit in Switzerland regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Look forward to healthy and stable relationship: China congratulates PM Modi on election win
China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP, and the NDA on their Lok Sabha election victory. It expressed eagerness for a "healthy and stable" China-India relationship. Spokesperson Mao Ning emphasised the mutual benefits of such a relationship, highlighting its importance for regional peace and development. Prime Minister Modi secured a third term, but the BJP will need coalition support. Global leaders offered congratulations on the victory.
Zelenskyy visits Philippines to invite counterpart for peace summit
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited the Philippines to invite President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to a global peace summit on the Ukraine-Russia conflict. He accused Russia and China of disrupting the talks. Zelenskyy criticised China's role in supporting Russia and urged countries to attend the summit for peace. Meanwhile, tensions between the U.S. and China were evident at the defense forum in Singapore.
Ukraine's Zelenskyy gets more air defence missiles from Spain to fight deadly Russian glide bombs
Two Patriot systems are needed to protect the northeastern Kharkiv region, where the Kremlin's forces launched a cross-border offensive on May 10 that left Ukrainian troops reeling, Zelenskyy said. The death toll from a glide bomb attack on a Kharkiv shopping mall Saturday rose to 18, regional Gov Oleh Syniehubov said Monday, with five people still missing.
Russia begins nuclear drills in an apparent warning to West over Ukraine
Russia's military has started drills with tactical nuclear weapons in response to Western officials' comments on deeper involvement in Ukraine. The drills involve non-strategic nuclear weapons like Kinzhal and Iskander missiles in the Southern Military District near Ukraine and Crimea.
Russia starts exercise with tactical nuclear weapons
Russia's Foreign Ministry has cited comments by French President Emmanuel Macron, who floated the possibility of sending European troops to fight Russia in Ukraine, and British Foreign Secretary David Cameron, who said Ukraine had the right to use weapons provided by London to strike targets inside Russia.
India friend of world; we expect it to help bring peace to Ukraine: Switzerland ahead of peace summit
Swiss State Secretary of Foreign Affairs Alexandre Fasel expects India, as a friend of the global community, to play a key role in bringing peace to Ukraine. India's participation in the Switzerland summit is crucial for the peace process, given its influence in diplomatic terms worldwide. India's expertise in conflict transformation and peace promotion is highly valued.
Russia expels British defense attache in a tit-for-tat move
Russia declared Britain's defense attache persona non grata and expelled Maxim Elovik over espionage allegations. Tensions between the UK and Russia involve cyberattacks, targeted killings, and Russian interference in Ukraine. Britain sanctioned wealthy Russians and tightened regulations on money laundering.
Ukrainian troops pull out of some areas and Zelenskyy postpones foreign trips amid Russian offensive
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced a $2 billion arms package for Ukraine during a visit to Kyiv, aimed at supporting Ukraine in its defense against a new Russian offensive. The package includes funds for medium- and long-term foreign military financing, with most of the money coming from a package approved last month by Congress. Blinken's visit comes as Ukrainian forces face increased pressure from Russian troops in the east. President Zelenskyy has postponed all his upcoming foreign trips in response to the escalating conflict.
Why is Russia holding nuclear exercises - and what to watch for?
Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered his military to conduct drills involving the deployment of tactical nuclear weapons, citing perceived threats from France, Britain, and the United States. The drills will include missile forces, aviation, and the navy from the Southern Military District, near Ukraine, as well as Belarus. Russia linked the drills to what it called "militant statements" by Western officials. While nuclear powers routinely conduct nuclear exercises, it is rare to explicitly link such drills to ongoing conflicts.
Zelenskyy postpones all upcoming foreign visits as Ukraine faces a new Russian offensive
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy delays foreign trips amid clashes with Russian forces. U.S. Secretary of State Blinken reassures Ukrainian support during Kyiv visit. Zelenskyy cancels plans, citing ongoing battles and Russia's incursions. Blinken lauds Ukrainian resilience, while Russia shoots down Ukrainian missiles and drones in border regions.
Defying West, Russia's Putin due to meet Xi Jinping in Beijing
Putin's two-day mission - the first visit of his new term - is expected to highlight the pair's vaunted "no limits" partnership in defiance from pressure from the United States over Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
Russia warns of 'enormous danger' if NATO sends troops to Ukraine
The situation in Ukraine remains tense, with Russia warning against the potential deployment of NATO troops. The Kremlin views such intervention as extremely dangerous and provocative. A Ukrainian petition calling for NATO troops' assistance has garnered attention, although it's unclear if it will meet the required number of votes for a response from President Zelenskiy. NATO has supported Ukraine with weapons but has not deployed troops, a move warned against by both Biden and Putin.
Russia says it will target French troops if they are sent to Ukraine
Russia issued a stark warning to France, stating that if President Macron were to send troops to Ukraine, they would be considered legitimate targets by the Russian military. This comes after Macron's remarks in February, where he didn't rule out the deployment of ground troops in Ukraine. Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova emphasized that any French presence in the conflict zone would make them targets. Russia's announcement of practicing the deployment of tactical nuclear weapons follows perceived threats from France, Britain, and the United States.
Russia warns Britain it could strike back after Cameron remark on Ukraine
Russia has warned Britain that if Ukraine uses British weapons to attack Russian territory, Moscow could target British military installations and equipment. British Ambassador Nigel Casey was summoned to the foreign ministry for a protest after Foreign Secretary David Cameron's statement that Ukraine has the right to use British weapons to strike Russia contradicted an earlier assurance that long-range weapons given to Ukraine would not be used against Russia.
Germany recalls its ambassador in Russia for a week in protest over a hacker attack
Germany last week accused Russian military agents of hacking into the top echelons of Scholz's Social Democrats' party and other sensitive government and industrial targets. Berlin has joined NATO and fellow European countries in warning that Russia's cyberespionage would have consequences.
Russia announces nuclear weapon drills after angry exchange with senior Western officials
Russia has announced plans to conduct drills simulating the use of tactical nuclear weapons, citing provocative statements from Western officials about the Ukraine conflict. This marks the first time Russia has publicly announced such drills, which are intended to increase readiness. The announcement comes amid heightened tension between Russia and NATO, with some Western leaders suggesting potential military involvement in Ukraine. In a separate incident, Ukrainian drones reportedly struck vehicles in Russia's Belgorod region, killing six and injuring 35, including two children. The region has been a frequent target of Ukrainian attacks in recent months.
North Korea criticizes US for supplying long-range missiles to Ukraine, KCNA says
North Korea criticized the United States for supplying long-range missiles to Ukraine, as reported by state media KCNA. The U.S. official confirmed the shipment of missiles to Ukraine for its defense against Russia. North Korea's Ministry of National Defence expressed concern over the supply, stating that the U.S. could not defeat Russia with such support. The statement comes amid growing military ties between North Korea and Russia, seen by the U.S. and its allies as a source of escalating tensions in the Korean Peninsula.
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