Russia fired five missiles at Ukraine's southern city of Zaporizhzhia, killing at least four people and injuring 20. Ukrainian drones attacked the Morozovsk airbase in Russia, destroying six warplanes and injuring 20. Russian forces claimed control of the settlement of Vodyane. Pro-Russia separatists in Moldova reported an explosive drone hitting a military base. Additionally, a Russian governor was stabbed in Murmansk, and elevated radiation levels were detected in Khabarovsk. Japan announced new sanctions against Russia, banning exports of 164 goods.
Russian defence minister Sergei Shoigu warned French defence minister Sebastien Lecornu against deploying troops to Ukraine in a phone call, stating it would create problems for France. France denied Russia's claim of discussing potential Ukraine talks. Additionally, Russian drones hit residences in Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, killing five people, including three rescue workers. The strikes led to casualties and injuries in various locations within the city.
On day 772 of Russian attacks in Ukraine, at least eight people were killed in eastern Ukraine, including civilians targeted by Moscow. Despite shortages, President Zelenskiy stated Ukrainian forces are holding their positions. NATO allies are seeking air defence systems to protect Ukraine. A man was jailed for life for aiding a Russian missile strike on a pizzeria. Finland extended its border closure with Russia, and France condemned Russia's threatening tone. Zelenskiy criticized Western hesitation in providing military aid, calling for more air defence systems to protect Ukrainian cities.
A Russian cruise missile strike in Ukraine's Lviv region left one dead, destroyed a building, and caused a fire. Thousands in Odesa region lost power after a downed Russian drone sparked a blaze. Russian attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure led to significant damage in various regions. Russia escalate attacks, with 80% of Ukraine's largest private energy firm, DTEK's generating capacity lost. France commits hundreds of armoured carriers to aid Ukraine. Russian forces maintain advantage over Ukraine in munitions and personnel. Paris mayor bans Russian and Belarusian athletes from Olympics in response to conflict. European countries urged to increase defence investments by Polish prime minister
A drone strike on a military base in Transnistria destroyed a helicopter and sparked a fire, with pro-Russian authorities alleging it was launched from Ukraine. The region, with about 1,500 Russian troops, sought Moscow's protection amidst rising tensions with Moldova's pro-Western government. Moldova imposed customs duties on Transnistria, bordering Ukraine, leading to increased pressure. Transnistria, not recognized by the UN, relies on Moscow's support after breaking away from Moldova. The explosion coincided with Russia's presidential elections, highlighting the region's volatile situation.
Early voting for Russia's presidential election has commenced in remote regions of the country, including parts of occupied Ukraine, with special provisions for residents in hard-to-reach areas like reindeer herders and lighthouse keepers. The extended voting period from March 15 to 17 has raised concerns about voter fraud. Vladimir Putin is anticipated to secure his fifth term. The disputed territories controlled by Russia include Crimea and parts of Ukraine's Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson regions. Independent news outlet, The Moscow Times, faces government repression labeled as a foreign agent.
Russian attacks on Kharkiv, Ukraine's second largest city, have killed at least four people and injured 12. The strikes targeted residential buildings, cutting off power to around 350,000 residents. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attacks as despicable and cynical. Three rescue workers were among the casualties, with 11 of 20 drones used in the strikes being shot down by Ukrainian forces. Kharkiv, located near the Russian border, has been frequently targeted during the ongoing conflict that started in February 2022.
Russian investigators have uncovered additional evidence linking Ukraine to the deadly concert hall attack in Moscow, including photos of Ukrainian flags on a suspect's phone. Despite Islamic militants claiming responsibility, Russian officials blame Ukraine and its Western partners. The suspects sent images of the concert hall to a handler on the anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Russian authorities have detained at least 14 individuals involved in the attack, with allegations of abuse and torture. The Investigative Committee claims a link between the attack and special military operations in Ukraine, investigating Ukrainian special services and international Islamist terrorist organizations. The U.S. Embassy had issued a warning about a potential attack in Moscow prior to the incident.
The U.S. government warned Russian officials about a potential terrorist attack at the Crocus City Hall concert venue in Moscow, which was later targeted by gunmen killing more than 140 people. The Islamic State branch ISIS-K claimed responsibility for the deadly attack, contradicting Russian President Vladimir Putin's attempts to blame Ukraine. The attack exposed security weaknesses in Russia's security apparatus, with concerns raised about prioritizing political dissent over combating terrorism. Putin dismissed U.S. warnings as blackmail days before the assault, undermining his image of strength and security.
MOSCOW The March 22 attack on a concert venue near Moscow is likely to have extensive and far-reaching impacts on the country, experts warn. The Crocus City Hall attack, Russia's deadliest attack in two decades, risks escalating already existing tensions in Russian society, leading to more state and law enforcement repression and an increase in anti-migrant violence and xenophobia. And as Russia enters its third year of its war in Ukraine, the attack claimed by Islamic State (IS) jihadists but blamed by Russian authorities on Kyiv and its allies could worsen relations with the West or lead to an escalation in the war. Top Russian officials have accused Ukraine and its Western allies of being partly responsible for the attack despite the fact that IS has claimed responsibility and Kyiv strongly denies any involvement. The U.
Russia has launched its largest attacks on Ukraine since October, with missiles targeting Ukrainian power plants. Ukraine successfully repelled a battalion-sized mechanised assault on its eastern front, showcasing its defence resilience. The attack included three dozen tanks and a dozen infantry fighting vehicles near Avdiivka. Despite initial success, later approaches saw significant losses. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy expressed concerns over lack of US support, citing stalled military aid. Europe is aiding Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict.
Russia is targeting Ukraine's energy sector with increased intensity and precision, using advanced tactics that demonstrate improved intelligence capabilities. This campaign aims to destroy Ukraine's power generation capacity, as evidenced by recent missile attacks on DTEK's power plant. The situation signals a concerning escalation in the conflict between the two nations.
Russia fired cruise and ballistic missiles at a broad area of Ukraine, hitting multiple regions including the capital Kyiv, the southern Zaporizhzhia region, and Lviv in western Ukraine. The Ukrainian air force intercepted 13 of the 26 missiles fired. The Russian missiles used in the attack included Iskander ballistic missiles, Kalibr cruise missiles, guided aviation missiles, and adapted S-300 anti-aircraft missiles. The attack caused injuries and damage to public infrastructure and residential buildings in various cities. Neighboring Poland has launched procedures to ensure the safety of its airspace in response to the long-range attacks.
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) claimed that Russia utilized North Korean Hwasong-11 ballistic missiles in attacks on Ukraine, resulting in at least 24 civilian deaths and over 100 injuries. The missiles were deployed in December in Zaporizhzhia and Kyiv, and in February in Donetsk and Kharkiv. The SBU is investigating the incidents and tracing the supply routes of these weapons. Additionally, Conflict Armament Research confirmed the use of North Korean missiles by Russia. The situation highlights concerns over North Korea's involvement in international conflicts and the complexity of tracking weapon components from multiple countries.
A suspected Ukrainian plane-type UAV exploded at a Russian plant assembling Iranian Shahed drones in Tatarstan, causing significant damage and injuring six people. The attack targeted the dormitory for workers, with unconfirmed claims suggesting it was conducted by a piloted small plane or a drone on autopilot. Russian officials reported three strikes in the area, raising speculation about the origin and type of the attacking aircraft. The incident also involved a separate attack at the Taneco oil plant, leading to concerns about rising world oil prices due to potential disruptions in Russian production.
This is a timeline of the 2014 pro-Russian unrest that has erupted in Ukraine, in the aftermath of the Ukrainian revolution and the Euromaidan movement.
Ukraine conducted coordinated strikes on a military airbase inside Russia, targeting Russian fighter planes to hinder their ability to strike Ukrainian forces. The operation included attacks on Russian SU-34 fighter-bombers at the Morozovsk military airfield. This move aims to reduce the threat of air attacks on Ukrainian troops and push back Russian ground forces. The Russian defence ministry reported downing 53 Ukrainian drones over the Rostov region, near the airfield. This action follows a recent Ukrainian drone strike on a major Russian oil refinery.
On 24 February 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine in an escalation of the Russo-Ukrainian War that started in 2014. The invasion became the largest attack on a European country since World War II. It is estimated to have caused tens of thousands of Ukrainian civilian casualties and hundreds of thousands of military casualties. By June 2022, Russian troops occupied about 20% of Ukrainian territory. From a population of 41 million in January 2022, about 8 million Ukrainians had been internally displaced and more than 8.2 million had fled the country by April 2023, creating Europe's largest refugee crisis since World War II. Extensive environmental damage caused by the war, widely described as an ecocide, contributed to food crises worldwide.Before the invasion, Russian troops massed near Ukraine's borders as Russian officials denied any plans to attack. Russian president Vladimir Putin announced a "special military operation" to support the Russian-backed breakaway republics of Donetsk and Luhansk, whose paramilitary forces had been fighting Ukraine in the Donbas conflict since 2014. Putin espoused irredentist views challenging Ukraine's right to exist, and falsely claimed that Ukraine was governed by neo-Nazis persecuting the Russian minority. He said his goal was to "demilitarize and denazify" Ukraine. Russian air strikes and a ground invasion were launched at a northern front from Belarus towards Kyiv, a southern front from Crimea, and an eastern front from the Donbas and towards Kharkiv. Ukraine enacted martial law, ordered a general mobilization and severed diplomatic relations with Russia.Russian troops retreated from the northern front by April 2022 after encountering logistical challenges and stiff Ukrainian resistance. On the southern and southeastern fronts, Russia captured Kherson in March and Mariupol in May after a destructive siege. Russia launched a renewed offensive in the Donbas and continued to bomb military and civilian targets far from the front line, including the energy grid through the winter. In late 2022, Ukraine launched successful counteroffensives in the south and east. Soon after, Russia announced the illegal annexation of four partly occupied regions. In November, Ukraine retook parts of Kherson Oblast, including the city of Kherson itself. In June 2023, Ukraine launched another counteroffensive in the southeast.The invasion was met with international condemnation. The United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution condemning the invasion and demanding a full Russian withdrawal in March 2022. The International Court of Justice ordered Russia to suspend military operations and the Council of Europe expelled Russia. Many countries imposed sanctions on Russia and its ally Belarus, and provided humanitarian and military aid to Ukraine. The Baltic states all declared Russia a terrorist state. Protests occurred around the world, along with mass arrests of anti-war protesters in Russia, which also enacted a law enabling greater media censorship. Over 1,000 companies closed their operations in Russia and Belarus as a result of the invasion. The International Criminal Court (ICC) opened investigations into possible crimes against humanity, war crimes, abduction of children, and genocide. The court issued an arrest warrant for Putin and Maria Lvova-Belova in March 2023, alleging responsibility for the unlawful deportation of children.
Russia reported defeating a Ukrainian special forces landing attempt on the Tendra Spit sandbar, killing up to 25 Ukrainian personnel, while Ukrainian forces resist Russian advances in eastern and southeastern Ukraine by shooting down 11 Russian warplanes. Ukrainian troops are fighting to defend towns and villages in Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia regions, facing challenges due to a shortage of reservists and artillery shells. The U.S. emergency national security funds for Ukraine are still delayed amid a political dispute in Washington.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk raised concerns about the possibility of war escalating in Europe, urging European nations to increase their defense investments. Tusk highlighted Russia's intensified airstrikes on Ukraine, including breaching Polish airspace, and called for urgent assistance for Ukraine's defense. He criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin for unsubstantiated claims linking Ukraine to a terrorist attack and emphasized the critical nature of the current situation, describing it as the most precarious moment since the end of World War II.
Pro-Russian rebels in Transnistria, a separatist sliver of Moldova, requested President Vladimir Putin's assistance against alleged threats from Moldova's government. Transnistria, which split from Moldova during the Soviet Union's collapse, remains under Russia's influence, while Moldova aims to join the EU. The congress in Transnistria urged Moscow to safeguard them, raising concerns of destabilizing Moldova's pro-Western leadership. However, the meeting concluded with a plea for protection for Russian nationals in Transnistria without pursuing unification with Russia.
Moldova expelled a Russian diplomat over the opening of polling stations for Russia's presidential election in the breakaway region of Transnistria. This move comes amidst increased tensions between Russia and Moldova due to the Kremlin's decision to open six polling stations against Moldovan authorities' wishes. Moldova has accused Russia of conducting a hybrid war by funding protests, interfering in elections, and spreading disinformation. Transnistria, a pro-Russia breakaway state, declared independence in the 1990s and is not recognized by any UN member country. Russia maintains close ties to the region, with about 1,500 troops as peacekeepers guarding weapons stockpiles.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged the international community to prosecute Russian war crimes at a conference in The Hague. European ministers and investigators are discussing progress on the prosecution of war crimes, with over 100,000 alleged crimes documented in Ukraine. The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for high-ranking Russians, including President Vladimir Putin, for alleged war crimes. The conference aims to restore justice in Ukraine, with a focus on compensating damages caused by Russia's invasion.
Russian missiles strike Ukrainian cities of Kharkiv, Kryvyi Rih, and Vinnytsia, as well as Ukraines largest dam, the DniproHES in Zaporizhzhia, with no immediate casualties reported. Belgorod in Russia also hit, with one woman killed and many wounded in a Ukrainian attack.
Pro-Russian rebels in Moldova's breakaway region of Transnistria have asked for Russia's help in protecting the territory, citing increased pressure from Moldova. Moldovan politicians deny the accusations and claim Russia is destabilizing the situation. The region, with a significant Russian population, has functioned as an unrecognized state since the Soviet Union's collapse, retaining Soviet symbols and Russian as an official language. Concerns persist that Transnistria could become a flashpoint in Russia's conflict with Ukraine, with recent accusations and military movements heightening tensions.
In the aftermath of a mass shooting in Moscow that killed 145 people, Russian security forces face criticism for their response. The Kremlin officials, including a top official, suggested sending hit squads to assassinate Ukrainian officials and reinstating capital punishment. President Vladimir Putin vowed to hunt down the masterminds of the attack linked to Ukraine, despite denials from Kyiv. Critics claim that the focus on cracking down on dissent has led to security failures in addressing real threats.
A U.K.-based think tank warns that Russia is rebuilding its capacity to destabilize European countries and extend its influence in the Middle East and Africa, posing a strategic threat to NATO amidst the war in Ukraine. The think tank's report highlights Russia's interest in creating crises beyond Ukraine, targeting countries like Moldova and destabilizing Ukraine's partners. The report emphasizes the need for Western nations to counter Moscow's unconventional warfare tactics and maintain vigilance over a range of issues.
The Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Mariano Grossi, visited Russia to discuss nuclear safety at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine, which faces the risk of a potential nuclear catastrophe. The plant's reactors have been shut down, but it still requires power and qualified staff for safety operations. Grossi met with Russian officials in Sochi and is set to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The plant has faced challenges with staffing and power supply since Russia's takeover in 2022.
A drone attacked a military unit in Moldova's breakaway region of Transnistria near the Ukraine border, causing damage to a radar station. This incident is part of provocations to maintain attention on the region, amid accusations of Russian hybrid warfare by Moldova and tensions with Ukraine.
The Russo-Ukrainian War is an ongoing international conflict between Russia and Ukraine, which began in February 2014. Following Ukraine's Revolution of Dignity, Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine and supported pro-Russian separatists fighting the Ukrainian military in the Donbas war. The first eight years of conflict also included naval incidents, cyberwarfare, and heightened political tensions. In February 2022, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine and began occupying more of the country.In early 2014, the Euromaidan protests led to the Revolution of Dignity and the ousting of Ukraine's pro-Russian president Viktor Yanukovych. Shortly after, pro-Russian unrest erupted in eastern and southern Ukraine, while unmarked Russian troops occupied Crimea. Russia soon annexed Crimea after a highly disputed referendum. In April 2014, Russian-backed militants seized towns in Ukraine's eastern Donbas region and proclaimed the Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) and the Luhansk People's Republic (LPR) as independent states, starting the Donbas war. The separatists received considerable but covert support from Russia, and Ukrainian attempts to fully retake separatist-held areas failed. Although Russia denied involvement, Russian troops took part in the fighting. In February 2015, Russia and Ukraine signed the Minsk II agreements to end the conflict, but they were never fully implemented in the years that followed. The Donbas war settled into a violent but static conflict between Ukraine and the Russian and separatist forces, with many brief ceasefires but no lasting peace and few changes in territorial control.Beginning in 2021, Russia built up a large military presence near its border with Ukraine, including within neighbouring Belarus. Russian officials repeatedly denied plans to attack Ukraine. Russian president Vladimir Putin expressed irredentist views and denied Ukraine's right to exist. He criticized the enlargement of NATO and demanded that Ukraine be barred from ever joining the military alliance. Russia recognized the DPR and LPR as independent states. On 24 February 2022, Putin announced a "special military operation" to "demilitarize and denazify" Ukraine, claiming Russia had no plans to occupy the country. The Russian invasion that followed was internationally condemned; many countries imposed sanctions against Russia and increased existing sanctions. In the face of fierce resistance, Russia abandoned an attempt to take Kyiv in early April. From August, Ukrainian forces began recapturing territories in the north-east and south. In late September, Russia declared the annexation of four partially-occupied regions, which was internationally condemned. Russia spent the winter conducting inconclusive offensives in the Donbas. In spring 2023, Russia dug into positions ahead of another Ukrainian counteroffensive, which failed to gain significant ground. The war has resulted in a refugee crisis and tens of thousands of deaths.
NATO celebrated its 75th anniversary with a commitment to supporting Ukraine, amidst Russian troops' advancements. Ukraine faces ammunition shortages and lowered the military conscription age. Allies like Estonia are urging for more military equipment for Ukraine's defense. NATO plans to enhance military support for Ukraine amid ongoing attacks. NATO's founding treaty was signed on April 4, 1949, in Washington, with a larger celebration scheduled for a leaders' meeting in July. US Secretary of State commended the courage of military personnel in upholding NATO's defense commitment.
Vladimir Putin has called up 150,000 men for Russian army conscription, the highest figure in almost a decade, with recruits aged 18 to 30 to be conscripted between April and July for the conflict against Ukraine. Russia promised these conscripts would not be sent to the frontlines, but previous vows have been broken, potentially sending them to border regions. Putin is expected to demand a military offensive, taking advantage of Ukraine's weapon shortage. The decree also reveals plans for potential hybrid attacks on NATO and escalated nuclear threats against NATO allies supplying Ukraine with F-16 jets.
French President Emmanuel Macron accuses Russia of targeting the Paris Olympics with a disinformation campaign, citing an increase in propaganda attacks using fake accounts on social media. Macron's government believes Russian intelligence was behind divisive incidents in France and alleges Russian-created websites spread false stories. Macron also reveals alternative plans for the Olympics opening ceremony due to terrorist threats. He has taken a tougher stance against Russia and proposed EU-wide sanctions on those spreading disinformation.
Moldova, a former Soviet republic aligned with the West and aspiring to join the EU, faces concerns of potential Russian interference akin to Ukraine due to its stance against Putin's actions. The breakaway region of Transnistria in Moldova, not internationally recognized, with a large Russian-speaking population and ties to Russia, poses a source of tension in the region.
From the end of February 2014, demonstrations by Russian-backed, pro-Russian, and anti-government groups took place in major cities across the eastern and southern regions of Ukraine in the aftermath of the Euromaidan and the Revolution of Dignity, which resulted in the ousting of Russian-leaning President Viktor Yanukovych. The unrest, which was supported by Russian military and intelligence, belongs to the early stages of the Russo-Ukrainian War.During its first phase in February–March 2014, the Ukrainian territory of Crimea was invaded and subsequently annexed by Russia following an internationally unrecognized referendum, with the United Nations General Assembly voting in favor of Ukraine's territorial integrity. Concurrently, protests by anti-Maidan and pro-Russian groups took place across other parts of eastern and southern Ukraine. Local separatists, some directed and financed by the Russian security services, took advantage of the situation and occupied government buildings in Donetsk, Luhansk, and Kharkiv oblasts in early March 2014. The Ukrainian government was able to quickly quell this unrest, and removed the separatists by 10 March.In the second phase from April 2014, armed Russian-backed groups seized government buildings across Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts, together known as the Donbas, and launched a separatist insurgency in the region. To suppress this insurgency, the Ukrainian government began what it called an "Anti-Terrorist Operation" (ATO), sending in the armed forces to quell the unrest. Unrest in Kharkiv and Odesa oblasts did not escalate into full-scale armed conflict, although dozens of mostly pro-Russian protestors were killed. Order was restored in these regions with the cooperation of the local civil authorities, though pro-Russian disturbances, such as bombings, continued throughout the year.
A senior Ukrainian military official expressed that the American-made F-16 fighter jets arriving in Ukraine this summer are no longer relevant to the ongoing conflict with Russia, emphasizing the need for 'shells and rockets' in 2024. The Ukrainian Air Force is set to receive the F-16 jets in July, but the high-ranking officer stressed the urgency for traditional weapons like howitzers and shells. The Ukrainian government is facing severe shortages of ammunition, hindering their ability to combat Russian forces effectively.
42-year-old Vyacheslav Ryabkov, an internally displaced person from Kozachi Laheri in the Kherson region of Ukraine, shows in Kolomyya on Feb. 13, 2024 the scars on his stomach caused by Russian soldiers who cut him with a knife. Russia has successfully imposed its passports on nearly the entire population of occupied Ukraine by making it impossible to survive without them, coercing hundreds of thousands of people into citizenship. (AP Photo/Vasilisa Stepanenko) Natalia Zhyvohliad, an internally displaced person from Nova Petrivka in the Zaporizhzhia region of Ukraine, poses with some of her children at the IDP shelter in Kyiv, Friday, Jan. 19, 2024.
A US veteran fighting in Ukraine, known as Jackie, highlighted how ammunition shortages in Ukraine have allowed Russia to dominate on the battlefield, particularly in terms of artillery firepower. Despite Ukraine's historical ability to outmaneuver Russia through better tactics and training, the lack of ammunition has shifted the advantage to Russia, making it harder for Ukraine to resist the invasion. However, Ukraine has still achieved some victories, albeit increasingly challenging. The veteran emphasized that Ukraine's infantry has traditionally outperformed Russia in direct combat, but the shortages have impacted their ability to suppress Russian artillery effectively.
Donald Trump faces an expanded gag order in a criminal case for attacking a judge, World Central Kitchen pauses aid in Gaza after workers are killed in an airstrike, a Texas worker is diagnosed with bird flu, Caitlin Clark advances in women's basketball, and Tennessee passes a bill against geoengineering. Additionally, Florida upholds a 15-week abortion ban, LGBTQ rights made history 50 years ago, and Oregon reinstates penalties for drug possession. Google agrees to delete private web browser data, the women's NCAA basketball Final Four is set, and upcoming book releases look promising.
A state of emergency has been declared in Khabarovsk, southeast Russia, following a radiation leak from a plant named 'Radon'. A mystery radiation source was removed and placed in a protective container after being found near residential areas. The leak raised concerns of potentially lethal levels of radiation, prompting the declaration of the state of emergency. Authorities are investigating the origin of the leak, which was known for around a week before action was taken, similar to the Chernobyl disaster in 1986.
Two years after the Russian forces withdrew from the outskirts of Kyiv following a full-scale invasion, families of the killed Ukrainians in Bucha, Ukraine, are still struggling to move on. Oleksandr Turovskyi, whose son Sviatoslav was among eight men executed in Bucha in March 2022, continues to mourn and visit the site where his son's body was found. Despite the passage of time, the pain and memories of the tragic events remain fresh for many families in Bucha.
On 30 September 2022, Russia, amid an ongoing invasion of Ukraine, unilaterally declared its annexation of areas in and around four Ukrainian oblasts—Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk and Zaporizhzhia. The boundaries of the areas to be annexed and their borders were not defined; Russian officials stated that they would be defined later. None of the oblasts were fully under Russian control at the time of the declaration, nor since. If limited to the areas then under Russian control (about 90,000 km2 or 15% of Ukraine's territory) the annexation would still be the largest in Europe since World War II.The annexation occurred after internationally unrecognized referendums held days prior, which were organized by Russian occupation authorities in territories where hostilities were ongoing and much of the population had fled. It occurred seven months after the start of the invasion and less than a month after the start of the Ukrainian Kharkiv counteroffensive. The signing ceremony was held in the Grand Kremlin Palace in Moscow in the presence of occupation authority heads Leonid Pasechnik, Denis Pushilin, Yevgeny Balitsky and Volodymyr Saldo, and Russian president Vladimir Putin.The annexation is unrecognized by the international community, with the exception of North Korea and Syria. Ukraine, the European Union, the United States and the United Nations all said that the referendums and the annexation had no legal basis or effect. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in response that Ukraine would apply to join NATO on an expedited basis. On 19 October Russia introduced martial law within the annexed and controlled areas, with legislation allowing for bans on public gatherings and other widespread restrictions on personal liberty.The Ukrainian Kherson and Kharkiv counteroffensives allowed Ukraine to recapture parts of its territory, including Kherson City on 11 November 2022.
Morozovsk is an air base of the Russian Aerospace Forces as part of the 4th Air and Air Defence Forces Army, Southern Military District.The base is home to the 559th Bomber Aviation Regiment which has three squadrons of Sukhoi Su-34 (NATO: Fullback) as part of the 1st Guards Composite Aviation Division.The regiment arrived from Finsterwalde in Germany in 1993, still as the 559th Fighter-Bomber Aviation Regiment.The 559th was deployed to Primorsko-Akhtarsk (air base) as part of the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.On 5 April 2024 Ukraine launched 53 drones into western Russia. Ukrainian intelligence officials told The Kyiv Post that at least six aircraft were destroyed, eight "heavily damaged" and 20 personnel killed at the Morozovsk airbase. Open source intelligence showed 26 Su-34s and three Su-35s at the base prior to the attack. Russian sources claimed that all drones and attacks were thwarted.
A Russian court extended the pre-trial detention of U.S.-Russian journalist Alsu Kurmasheva until June 5 for failing to register as a "foreign agent" and spreading "false information" under wartime censorship laws following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich's detention was extended until January on espionage charges in Moscow, with both journalists facing maximum prison sentences. The U.S. State Department has criticized Russia for harassing U.S. citizens, and Moscow rarely releases individuals awaiting trial on serious charges.
Russian hacktivists stole a database containing details of hundreds of thousands of prisoners in retaliation for the death of opposition leader Alexey Navalny. Hackers lowered prices on the prison system's online commissary to one ruble, posted pro-Navalny messages, and shared stolen contact information of 800,000 prisoners. The hackers aimed to understand the circumstances of Navalny's death in prison. This hack was part of a rising trend of hacktivism in Russia since the Ukraine invasion. The US has accused Russian President Putin of being responsible for Navalny's death.
During the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant has become the center of an ongoing nuclear safety crisis, described by Ukraine as an act of nuclear terrorism by Russia.The plant, which is the largest of its kind in Europe, has seen destruction of its infrastructure via shelling, damage to its power lines, amounting to what Ukrainian authorities call the largest situation of its kind in history. A potential disaster may exceed the scale of previous disasters at nuclear power plants.According to a report by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), "The situation in Ukraine is unprecedented. It is the first time a military conflict has occurred amid the facilities of a large, established nuclear power" program. Nuclear safety expert Attila Aszódi said that an event similar in type and scale to the Chernobyl disaster is technically and physically not possible in the Zaporizhzhia plant, while calling for urgent steps to ensure the safety of the plant. The Bellona Foundation called the crisis "something the world nuclear energy community never thought it would see — and thus never prepared for."
Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba visits New Delhi to enhance bilateral relations with India, meeting with Indian officials and emphasizing peace efforts in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. India refrains from criticizing Russia, advocates for diplomacy, and boosts engagements with Western powers while seeking to reduce dependency on Moscow for arms and technology. Ukraine encourages India to play a larger role in resolving the conflict and aims to strengthen trade partnerships in agriculture, aviation, and pharmaceuticals.
House Speaker Mike Johnson plans to discuss concerns with Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, while Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell pledges to oppose Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Rep. Eli Crane opposes funding Ukraine, advocating for peace talks instead. Johnson proposes the REPO for Ukrainians Act, involving liquidating seized Russian assets to aid Ukraine. These initiatives diverge from the Senate's $95 billion aid package. Sen. Lindsey Graham is involved in the discussions.
Arsenal footballer Oleksandr Zinchenko expressed his readiness to leave the UK and fight in Ukraine if needed, stating many of his childhood friends are already involved in the conflict where over 40,000 Ukrainians have died. President Zelenskyy lowered Ukraine's military mobilisation age to 25 to address the need for more troops. Zinchenko has donated over 1 million to support his homeland and hopes for the war to end soon, emphasizing the pride he feels to be Ukrainian amidst the ongoing crisis.
Alsu Kurmasheva, a 47-year-old Russian American journalist, has been detained in Russia for failing to register as a foreign agent and spreading false information under censorship laws enacted after Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Her pre-trial detention has been extended until June 5, and she faces up to five years in prison for failing to register and up to 15 years for spreading false information. Kurmasheva, who works for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), is designated by Russia as a foreign agent due to receiving US Congress funding for political activities. She edited a book opposing Russia's actions in Ukraine, leading to further charges against her.
Governor Andrei Chibis of Russia's Murmansk region was stabbed in the stomach by an unidentified assailant following a meeting in Apatity. Chibis underwent surgery and is in a difficult condition, but his aorta was not impacted. His deputy will serve as acting governor during his recovery. The attacker, identified as Alexander Bydanov, was detained for attempting to assassinate Chibis due to personal dislike. Armed attacks on public officials are rare in Russia, with the last incident in 2009. Chibis expressed determination to recover and continue fighting.
Ukraine ( yoo-KRAYN; Ukrainian: Україна, romanized: Ukraina, pronounced [ʊkrɐˈjinɐ] ) is a country in Eastern Europe. It is the second-largest European country after Russia, which borders it to the east and northeast. It also borders Belarus to the north; Poland, Slovakia, and Hungary to the west; and Romania and Moldova to the southwest; with a coastline along the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov to the south and southeast. Kyiv is the nation's capital and largest city, followed by Kharkiv, Dnipro and Odesa. Ukraine's official language is Ukrainian; Russian is also widely spoken, especially in the east and south.During the Middle Ages, Ukraine was the site of early Slavic expansion and the area later became a key centre of East Slavic culture under the state of Kievan Rus', which emerged in the 9th century. The state eventually disintegrated into rival regional powers and was ultimately destroyed by the Mongol invasions of the 13th century. The area was then contested, divided, and ruled by a variety of external powers for the next 600 years, including the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth, the Austrian Empire, the Ottoman Empire, and the Tsardom of Russia. The Cossack Hetmanate emerged in central Ukraine in the 17th century marked on maps as "Ukraine, land of the Cossacks", but was partitioned between Russia and Poland, and ultimately absorbed by the Russian Empire. Ukrainian nationalism developed and, following the Russian Revolution in 1917, the short-lived Ukrainian People's Republic was formed. The Bolsheviks consolidated control over much of the former empire and established the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic, which became a constituent republic of the Soviet Union when it was formed in 1922. In the early 1930s, millions of Ukrainians died in the Holodomor, a human-made famine. The German occupation during World War II in Ukraine was devastating: 7 million Ukrainian civilians were killed, including most Ukrainian Jews.Ukraine gained independence in 1991 as the Soviet Union dissolved, and declared itself neutral. A new constitution was adopted in 1996. A series of mass demonstrations, known as the Euromaidan, led to the establishment of a new government in 2014 after a revolution. Russia then unilaterally annexed Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula, and pro-Russian unrest culminated in a war in the Donbas between Russian-backed separatists and government forces in eastern Ukraine. Since the outbreak of war with Russia, Ukraine has continued to seek closer ties with the United States, European Union, and NATO. Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.Ukraine is a unitary state and its system of government is a semi-presidential republic. A developing country, it is the poorest country in Europe by nominal GDP per capita and corruption remains a significant issue. However, due to its extensive fertile land, pre-war Ukraine was one of the largest grain exporters in the world. It is a founding member of the United Nations, as well as a member of the Council of Europe, the World Trade Organization, and the OSCE. It is in the process of joining the European Union and has applied to join NATO.
French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu on Wednesday told Russian counterpart Sergei Shoigu in rare telephone talks that France is ready to step up exchanges to battle "terrorism" after the deadly Moscow attack claimed by Islamic State. The pair also discussed the war in Ukraine, with Lecornu reaffirming French support for Ukraine's fight against Russia, the French defense ministry said. Such a high-level contact between a senior Russian official close to President Vladimir Putin and a top minister from a European power has been rare in the two years since Russia's invasion. The one-hour talks between Shoigu and Lecornu came as France steps up preparations to host the Olympic Games this year. The March 22 attack on a Moscow concert hall revived security fears for the Paris Games which begin on July 26.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov dismissed planned peace talks on Ukraine as a Western ploy to rally international support for Kyiv, emphasizing that negotiations must consider Moscow's interests. Lavrov criticized the West's efforts to attract Global South countries to discussions in Switzerland, denouncing Ukrainian President Zelenskyy's peace formula. He praised China's past peace plan for addressing root causes of the conflict. Moscow insists on respecting its territorial gains and security interests in any prospective peace deal.
The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation (Russian: Вооружённые Си́лы Росси́йской Федера́ции, Vooružjonnyje Síly Rossíjskoj Federácii), commonly referred to as the Russian Armed Forces, are the military of Russia. In terms of active-duty personnel, they are the world's fifth-largest military force, with 1.15 million and at least two million reserve personnel. According to the United States' Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), "Russia plans to expand its active personnel force to 1.5 million by 2026, which will make it the third largest in the world, after China and India." The country has three primary branches of service: the Ground Forces, the Navy, and the Aerospace Forces, as well as two independent arms of service: the Strategic Rocket Forces and Airborne Forces. In addition, the Special Operations Forces Command was established in 2013, with an estimated strength in 2022 of 1,000, possibly with additional supporting staff.In 2023, Russia had the world's third-highest military expenditure, allocating a budget of approximately US$86.4 billion to the military. The Russian Armed Forces maintain the world's largest stockpile of nuclear weapons, and possess the world's second-largest fleet of ballistic missile submarines; they are also one of only three national militaries (alongside those of the United States and China) that operate strategic bombers. With certain exceptions, Russian law mandates one year of military service for all male citizens aged 18–27.In spite of Russia's perceived military strength, as recorded in various assessments, deficiencies have been noted in the country's combat performance on both the tactical and operational scales. According to multiple reports, endemic corruption within the Russian Armed Forces has had a major impact on Russia's ability to effectively project hard power. Amidst the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, severe logistical failures have greatly impacted the operational performance of Russian troops, as different service branches have struggled to coordinate and work together. Continuous shortcomings have led Russia's war effort to suffer extensive setbacks since the initial invasion; the Russian Armed Forces have experienced successive losses of occupied/annexed territory, the large-scale destruction and squandering of their equipment, and a notably high casualty rate. Researchers from the US-funded RAND Corporation have observed that Russia continues to struggle with military professionalization.Directly controlled by the Security Council of Russia, the Russian Armed Forces form part of the country's defence services under Russian law, fulfilling this capacity alongside the Border Guard of the Federal Security Service, the National Guard, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Federal Protective Service, the Foreign Intelligence Service, and the Ministry of Emergency Situations.
Russian President Vladimir Putin attended the annual meeting of the Russian Interior Ministry Board in Moscow on April 2, 2024. Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev was also present. This event took place amidst concerns following a recent attack on the Crocus City Hall concert venue in Moscow that resulted in over 140 fatalities, highlighting a significant lapse in Russian security efforts.
Zaporizhzhia Oblast (Ukrainian: Запорізька область, romanized: Zaporizka oblast), commonly referred to as Zaporizhzhia (Запоріжжя), is an oblast (region) in south-east Ukraine. Its administrative centre is Zaporizhzhia. The oblast covers an area of 27,183 square kilometres (10,495 sq mi), and has a population of 1,638,462 (2022 estimate).This oblast is an important part of Ukraine's industry and agriculture. Most of the area of the oblast has been under Russian military occupation since the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, including all of the coast, although the capital and the majority of the population remains under Ukrainian administration.On 30 September 2022, Russia declared it had annexed the Donetsk (Donetsk People's Republic), Luhansk (Luhansk People's Republic), Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson oblasts, despite having failed to occupy all of these Ukrainian territories. However, the unofficial referendums and subsequent annexations are not internationally recognized.To the south, Zaporizhzhia Oblast covers roughly 150 kilometres (93 mi) of coastline of the Sea of Azov, as part of a coastal region known as Pryazovia, also including the coastal regions of Kherson Oblast and Donetsk Oblast, to the west and east, respectively.
President Zelensky has signed a bill lowering Ukraine's military mobilisation age from 27 to 25 to bolster reserves in the face of heavy losses after two years of war with Russia. The move aims to call up more soldiers as volunteer numbers decrease, with Zelensky stating a need for 500,000 additional troops. Ukraine seeks to strengthen defensive fortifications in preparation for potential Russian offensives amidst challenges such as lack of air superiority and delays in Western aid deliveries. The bill signing comes amid warnings of Russia's possible spring or summer offensive plans.
David Cameron issued a stark warning at the UN General Assembly, urging nations not to succumb to 'fatigue' in supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression. He compared not challenging Putin to appeasing Hitler in the 1930s and emphasized the importance of standing up to Putin to prevent further aggression in Moldova or the Baltics. Cameron highlighted the consequences of withdrawing support for Ukraine, stating that a win for Putin in Ukraine would have global repercussions.
The two countries sign a defense deal as Paris boosts its presence in countries that Russia sees as its area of influence. PARIS France doesnt want Moldova to be the next Ukraine . On Thursday, the two countries signed a deal to boost military cooperation. The pact comes as the Kremlin turns its gaze on the country of 2.6 million which is not a member of either the EU or NATO, and where Russian forces are stationed in the breakaway Transnistria region.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg is exploring the establishment of a $100 billion fund over five years to bolster long-term support for Ukraine, aiming to secure assistance amidst concerns about potential US policy changes. Stoltenberg emphasized the need for NATO to provide more consistent support and coordination for Ukraine's military needs. While the fund wouldn't sustain Ukraine's war effort indefinitely, it aims to offer crucial support. Concerns over a potential second term for Donald Trump raising doubts on US aid to Kyiv are prompting NATO's strategic planning for Ukraine's stability.
The Russian occupation of Zaporizhzhia Oblast began on 24 February 2022 when Russian forces invaded Ukraine and seized southern areas of Zaporizhzhia Oblast. On 26 February, the city of Berdiansk fell under Russian control, followed by Russian victory at Melitopol on 1 March. Russian forces besieged the city of Enerhodar, home of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, then captured it on 4 March. They did not take the oblast's capital city of Zaporizhzhia, however, which remained under Ukrainian government control.In May, the Russian government began offering Russian passports to the region's inhabitants. In July, it issued a decree that extended Russian 2022 war censorship laws to the oblast, and included deportation to Russia as a penalty. In September, occupation forces held largely disputed referendums in the occupied areas of Zaporizhzhia and Kherson Oblast to join the Russian Federation. On 27 September, Russian officials claimed that Zaporizhzhia Oblast's referendum passed with 93.11% of voters in favour of joining the Russian Federation. Russia signed an accession treaty with the Russian administration of the region on 30 September 2022. Russia annexed Zaporizhzhia Oblast on 30 September 2022, including parts of the oblast that it did not control at the time. The United Nations General Assembly demanded that Russia "immediately, completely and unconditionally withdraw, and passed a resolution calling on countries not to recognise what it described as an "attempted illegal annexation".Initially called the "Zaporozhye military–civilian administration", the name of the Russian-installed occupation force changed after annexation to "Zaporozhe Oblast", the Russian equivalent. Melitopol serves as the Russian seat of administration because the Russians do not control Zaporizhzhia. In March 2023, Melitopol became the official capital of the Zaporizhzhia Oblast after the acting head of the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia Oblast, Yevgeny Balitsky, signed a decree on moving the de jure capital to Melitopol until Zaporizhzhia is captured.
The Shyrokyne standoff was a battle for the control of the strategic village of Shyrokyne, located approximately 11 km (6.8 mi) east of Mariupol city limits, between Ukrainian forces led by the Azov Regiment, and Russian-backed separatists, between February and July 2015. It was part of the larger war in Donbas. On 10 February 2015, the Azov Regiment launched a surprise offensive against pro-Russian separatists associated with the Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) with the aim of pushing the separatist forces away from Mariupol city limits. The village is located just 10 km (6.2 mi) from the Ukrainian-controlled city of Mariupol, and was used as a launching point for separatist attacks on the city, which served as the administrative centre of Donetsk Oblast whilst DPR forces control Donetsk city. Fighting continued until 3 July 2015, when DPR forces unilaterally withdrew from Shyrokyne. Subsequently a cease-fire was declared in the area.
Relations between Ukraine and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) started in 1991 following Ukraine's independence after the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Ukraine first joined NATO's Partnership for Peace program in 1994, later joining the Planning and Review Process in 1997 and the NATO-Ukraine Commission in 1998. Although Ukraine initially declared neutrality and non-alignment with military blocs after independence, it later signaled interest in eventual NATO membership. After Russia's annexation of Crimea and support for separatist forces in eastern Ukraine in 2014, Ukraine began actively pursuing NATO membership, formally declaring it a strategic policy objective in 2017.However, NATO membership prospects remain uncertain due to ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine and concerns over meeting membership criteria. While public support for NATO membership has risen in Ukraine since 2014, the prospect continues to face opposition from Russia, which sees Ukraine's potential NATO accession as a security threat.A 2017 poll found that some 69% of Ukrainians wanted to join NATO, compared to 28% in 2012 when Yanukovych was in power. In February 2019, the Ukrainian parliament voted to amend the Constitution of Ukraine to state Ukraine's goal of NATO and European Union membership. At the June 2021 Brussels summit, NATO leaders reiterated the decision taken at the 2008 Bucharest summit that Ukraine would eventually become a NATO member with the MAP as an integral part of the process, and Ukraine's right to determine its future and foreign policy without outside interference. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg also stressed that Russia will not be able to veto Ukraine's accession to NATO "as we will not return to the era of spheres of interest, when large countries decide what smaller ones should do." Before further actions on NATO membership were taken, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022.Polls conducted between 2005 and 2013 found low support among Ukrainians for NATO membership. However, since the beginning of the Russo-Ukrainian War in 2014, Ukrainian public support for NATO membership has risen greatly. Since June 2014, polls showed that about 50% of those asked supported Ukrainian NATO membership.On 30 September 2022, Ukraine formally applied to join NATO, following Russia's annexation of Southern and Eastern Ukraine.
Russia (Russian: Россия, romanized: Rossiya, [rɐˈsʲijə]), or the Russian Federation, is a country spanning Eastern Europe and Northern Asia. It is the largest country in the world by area, extending across eleven time zones. It shares land boundaries with fourteen countries. It is the world's ninth-most populous country and Europe's most populous country. The country's capital as well as its largest city is Moscow. Saint Petersburg is Russia's second-largest city and cultural capital. Other major urban areas in the country include Novosibirsk, Yekaterinburg, Nizhny Novgorod, Chelyabinsk, Krasnoyarsk, Kazan, Krasnodar and Rostov-on-Don.The East Slavs emerged as a recognised group in Europe between the 3rd and 8th centuries CE. The first East Slavic state, Kievan Rus', arose in the 9th century, and in 988, it adopted Orthodox Christianity from the Byzantine Empire. Rus' ultimately disintegrated, with the Grand Duchy of Moscow growing to become the Tsardom of Russia. By the early 18th century, Russia had vastly expanded through conquest, annexation, and the efforts of Russian explorers, developing into the Russian Empire, which remains the third-largest empire in history. However, with the Russian Revolution in 1917, Russia's monarchic rule was abolished and eventually replaced by the Russian SFSR—the world's first constitutionally socialist state. Following the Russian Civil War, the Russian SFSR established the Soviet Union with three other Soviet republics, within which it was the largest and principal constituent. At the expense of millions of lives, the Soviet Union underwent rapid industrialisation in the 1930s and later played a decisive role for the Allies in World War II by leading large-scale efforts on the Eastern Front. With the onset of the Cold War, it competed with the United States for global ideological influence. The Soviet era of the 20th century saw some of the most significant Russian technological achievements, including the first human-made satellite and the first human expedition into outer space.In 1991, the Russian SFSR emerged from the dissolution of the Soviet Union as the independent Russian Federation. A new constitution was adopted, which established a federal semi-presidential system. Since the turn of the century, Russia's political system has been dominated by Vladimir Putin, under whom the country has experienced democratic backsliding and a shift towards authoritarianism. Russia has been militarily involved in a number of conflicts in former Soviet states and other countries, including its war with Georgia in 2008 and annexation of Crimea in 2014 from neighbouring Ukraine, followed by the further annexation of four other regions in 2022 during an ongoing invasion.Internationally, Russia ranks among the lowest in measurements of democracy, human rights and freedom of the press; the country also has high levels of perceived corruption. The Russian economy ranks 11th by nominal GDP, relying heavily on its abundant natural resources, and 68th by GDP per capita. Its mineral and energy sources are the world's largest, and its figures for oil production and natural gas production rank highly globally. Russia possesses the largest stockpile of nuclear weapons and has the third-highest military expenditure. The country is a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council; a member state of the G20, SCO, BRICS, APEC, OSCE, and WTO; and the leading member state of post-Soviet organisations such as CIS, CSTO, and EAEU/EEU. Russia is home to 30 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
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