Russian President Vladimir Putin reappointed Mikhail Mishustin as Russia's prime minister after his previous term marked by a lack of political ambitions. Mishustin, known for his low-key profile, submitted his Cabinet's resignation as Putin began his fifth presidential term. The reappointment was widely expected due to Mishustin's skills and non-political stance. The lower house of parliament must approve Mishustin's candidacy. The fate of Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu remains uncertain following his associate's arrest on bribery charges, potentially signaling a power struggle within the Kremlin.
Mikhail Vladimirovich Mishustin (Russian: Михаил Владимирович Мишустин, IPA: [mixɐˈil vlɐˈdʲimʲirəvʲitɕ miˈʂusʲtʲɪn]; born 3 March 1966) is a Russian politician and economist serving as the prime minister of Russia since 16 January 2020. He previously served as the director of the Federal Taxation Service from 2010 to 2020.President Vladimir Putin nominated Mishustin to become prime minister on 15 January 2020, following the resignation of Dmitry Medvedev and the rest of the government to allow for sweeping constitutional changes. Hearings on his appointment took place in the State Duma on 16 January, and he was confirmed in office that day.He has the federal state civilian service rank of 1st class Active State Councillor of the Russian Federation.
The bribery investigation involving Deputy Russian Defense Minister Timur Ivanov has led to the detention of a third man, Alexander Fomin, suspected of paying bribes. Ivanov and a close associate, Sergei Borodin, are also in custody. Ivanov is accused of receiving kickbacks from Fomin in exchange for helping his company win contracts worth millions. Ivanov faces 15 years in jail if convicted. The scandal has implications for Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, with reports suggesting Ivanov has been fired. This incident is seen as potentially destabilizing for the Russian elite ahead of Putin's government reshuffle next month.
The Mikhail Mishustin's First Cabinet (Russian: Первое Правительство Мишустина) was the federal government of Russia from 2020 to 2024, led by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin.The Cabinet was formed between 16 and 21 January 2020 and is the last one following the constitutional reform of 2020 which has significantly changed the order of government formation.On 30 April 2020 Mishustin tested positive for COVID-19. Mishustin confirmed his test results in a video conference with President Vladimir Putin, and nominated his deputy to take over for him as acting Prime Minister. Putin signed a decree appointing Andrey Belousov to the role on an acting basis, following Mishustin's recommendation. In May, three more ministers also tested positive for coronavirus and were temporarily replaced by their deputies.Due to the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, all of Mishustin's cabinet was entirely sanctioned by a number of countries and organizations such as the United States, the European Union, France, Ukraine, Japan, Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand and Germany.The Cabinet resigned on 7 May 2024 after the inauguration of Vladimir Putin. However on Putin's instructions the Cabinet continued its work as a caretaker cabinet.
Russia's deputy defense minister Timur Ivanov, a close ally of Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, has been arrested on suspicion of taking a bribe, facing up to 15 years in jail if convicted. The arrest, announced by Russia's Investigative Committee, has raised questions about power dynamics within the Kremlin. Ivanov, accused of receiving bribes in connection with Ministry of Defense contracts, denies the charges. Construction boss Alexander Fomin is also implicated. The case, following investigations by the Anti-Corruption Foundation and Russian journalists, sheds light on corruption within Russia's elite circles.
This is a list of prime ministerial trips made by Mikhail Mishustin, during his premiership, which began on 16 January 2020.
The Mikhail Mishustin's Second Cabinet (Russian: Второе Правительство Мишустина) is the federal government of Russia, formed in 2024, led by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin.The first government of Russia, the entire composition of which will approved by the State Duma and the Federation Council after the 2020 constitutional reform.
Russian President Vladimir Putin was sworn in for his fifth term, becoming Russia's longest-serving leader since Catherine the Great. Many world leaders, including the U.S., boycotted the ceremony due to ongoing scrutiny of Russia's actions in Ukraine. Notable attendees included actor Steve Seagal and Chechnya leader Ramzan Kadyrov. Putin criticized Western aggression and expressed openness to dialogue with the West on equal terms. Some European Union members sent envoys, while key Russian officials attended. Putin prioritized improving lives and preserving traditions in his address. The West boycotted the ceremony amid heightened tensions over the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has started his fifth term amidst controversy after eliminating political opposition, involvement in the Ukraine conflict, and tightening his grip on power. Recent events include a war in Ukraine, suppression of dissent, and sentencing of activists like Oleg Orlov. Grave sites of Russian soldiers killed in Ukraine further highlight the ongoing tensions.
Andrey Removich Belousov (Russian: Андре́й Рэ́мович Белоу́сов, Russian pronunciation: [ɐnˈdrʲej rɛməvɪt͡ɕ bʲɪɫɑˈʊsəf]; born 17 March 1959) is a Russian economist and politician, serving as First Deputy Prime Minister since 21 January 2020. Previously, he was an Economic Assistant to the President of Russia and Minister of Economic Development.He has the federal state civilian service rank of 1st class Active State Councillor of the Russian Federation.Belousov briefly served as Acting Prime Minister of Russia in April and May 2020, after Mikhail Mishustin contracted COVID-19.
President Zelensky sacked the head of his personal protection unit, Serhiy Rud, after two officials were detained over an assassination plot targeting key figures. The detained colonels were suspected of having ties to Russia's FSB. Plot aimed at Zelensky, military intelligence chief, and head of state security. Zelensky frequently targeted by Russian plots. Parliament sacks deputy prime minister and farm minister, passes draft dodging crackdown. Zelensky appoints former army chief as ambassador to the UK. Russia scales down military parade display. Allies to provide Ukraine with more rocket systems.
Ukraine's parliament on Thursday dismissed the deputy prime minister responsible for reconstruction, resulting in the cancellation of a meeting with German Development Minister Svenja Schulze who had travelled to Kiev to meet him. Schulze went to Kiev specifically to prepare for an international reconstruction conference for Ukraine in Berlin in June. Oleksandr Kubrakov , 41, had been minister of infrastructure since 2021 and deputy prime minister since 2022. His ministry was also responsible for local and regional policy. He was also responsible for defence logistics in Ukraine's current defence against Russia's war against it.
Russian Deputy Defense Minister Timur Ivanov, responsible for military infrastructure projects, has been detained on suspicion of taking bribes, including from construction projects in Mariupol, Ukraine. The Anti-Corruption Foundation accused him of corruption schemes in Ukrainian territories occupied by Russia. The detention is rare against Russia's elite, with potential fines and up to 15 years in prison under applicable law. Ivanov, a close associate of Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, previously served as deputy prime minister of the Moscow region.
Thousands of protesters in Yerevan demand Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's resignation for handing over control of border villages to Azerbaijan. This decision followed Azerbaijan's military campaign in Nagorno-Karabakh, leading to mass demonstrations. A senior cleric led a 100-mile protest march to Yerevan, where protesters gathered in Republic Square waving Armenian flags and calling for Pashinyan's ouster. The cleric gave Pashinyan one hour to resign, urging peaceful disobedience if he did not comply. Pashinyan's recent visit to Russia for talks with President Vladimir Putin occurred amidst escalating tensions between the two countries.
Russian Deputy Defense Minister Timur Ivanov, a close ally of Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, has been accused of accepting a bribe in the form of services valued at over 1 billion rubles ($12.2 million). Ivanov faces up to 15 years in prison for large-scale bribe-taking related to construction contracts for the Defense Ministry. The case also hints at media reports suggesting vast wealth acquisitions through kickbacks on military contracts. Ivanov remains in pre-trial detention until June 23 after an appeal to be placed under house arrest was rejected.
Sergei Kuzhugetovich Shoigu (born 21 May 1955) is a Russian politician and military officer who has served as Minister of Defence of Russia since 2012. Shoigu has served as the chairman of the Council of Ministers of Defense of the Commonwealth of Independent States since 2012.Shoigu was the Minister of Emergency Situations from 1991 to 2012. He briefly served as the governor of Moscow Oblast in 2012. A close confidant and ally of Vladimir Putin, Shoigu belongs to the siloviki of Putin's inner circle.
Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin (born 7 October 1952) is a Russian politician and former intelligence officer who is the President of Russia. Putin has held continuous positions as president or prime minister since 1999: as prime minister from 1999 to 2000 and from 2008 to 2012, and as president from 2000 to 2008 and since 2012. He is the longest-serving Russian or Soviet leader since Joseph Stalin.Putin worked as a KGB foreign intelligence officer for 16 years, rising to the rank of lieutenant colonel before resigning in 1991 to begin a political career in Saint Petersburg. In 1996, he moved to Moscow to join the administration of President Boris Yeltsin. He briefly served as the director of the Federal Security Service (FSB) and then as secretary of the Security Council of Russia before being appointed prime minister in August 1999. Following Yeltsin's resignation, Putin became acting president and, in less than four months, was elected to his first term as president. He was subsequently reelected in 2004. Due to constitutional limitations of two consecutive presidential terms, Putin served as prime minister again from 2008 to 2012 under Dmitry Medvedev. He returned to the presidency in 2012, following an election marked by allegations of fraud and protests, and was reelected in 2018. In April 2021, after a referendum, he signed into law constitutional amendments that included one allowing him to run for reelection twice more, potentially extending his presidency to 2036.During Putin's initial presidential tenure, the Russian economy grew on average by seven percent per year, driven by economic reforms and a fivefold increase in the price of oil and gas. Additionally, Putin led Russia in a conflict against Chechen separatists, reestablishing federal control over the region. While serving as prime minister under Medvedev, he oversaw a military conflict with Georgia and enacted military and police reforms. In his third presidential term, Russia annexed Crimea and supported a war in eastern Ukraine through several military incursions, resulting in international sanctions and a financial crisis in Russia. He also ordered a military intervention in Syria to support his ally Bashar al-Assad during the Syrian civil war, ultimately securing permanent naval bases in the Eastern Mediterranean. In his fourth presidential term, he launched a significant invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, which prompted international condemnation and led to expanded sanctions. In September 2022, he announced a partial mobilization and forcibly annexed four Ukrainian oblasts into Russia. In March 2023, the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Putin for war crimes related to his alleged criminal responsibility for illegal child abductions during the war.Under Putin's rule, Russian political system has been transformed into an authoritarian dictatorship. His rule has been marked by endemic corruption and widespread human rights violations, including the imprisonment and suppression of political opponents, intimidation and censorship of independent media in Russia, and a lack of free and fair elections. Putin's Russia has consistently received low scores on Transparency International's Corruption Perceptions Index, The Economist Democracy Index, Freedom House's Freedom in the World index, and the Reporters Without Borders Press Freedom Index.
Russian President Vladimir Putin accuses the West of risking a global conflict, vows to prevent it, and emphasizes Russia's readiness to defend itself as troops advance in Ukraine. Putin criticizes Western elites for forgetting the Soviet Union's role in defeating Nazi Germany. Ukraine, part of Russia's sphere of influence according to Putin, and the West see the conflict as an imperial land grab. Ukrainian President Zelensky compares Ukraine's defense against Russia to efforts against Nazi Germany. Russia celebrates Victory Day in May, portraying the war as a fight against fascism. Russian strikes in Ukraine injure seven, targeting Kharkiv and power facilities in multiple regions.
Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed crowds at Moscow's Red Square on Victory Day, emphasizing readiness to combat external threats and showcasing military power. The annual event commemorates the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany in World War II. Despite a smaller display of soldiers and military gear than last year, Russia is making advances in Ukraine. Putin stressed Russia's commitment to prevent global confrontation but asserted readiness to defend against threats. The event, honoring the 27 million Soviet lives lost in WWII, featured 9,000 participants and 70 military pieces. World leaders including Lukashenko, Tokayev, Rahmon, Berdimuhamedow, Diaz-Canel, Sisoulith, and Embalo were invited.
A presidential election in Russia will be held on 15–17 March 2024. This will be the eighth presidential election in the country. If no candidate receives more than half the vote, a second round will take place exactly three weeks later, on 7 April 2024. The winner is scheduled to be inaugurated on 7 May 2024.In November 2023, former member of the State Duma Boris Nadezhdin became the first person backed by a registered political party to announce his candidacy, running on an anti-war platform. He was followed by incumbent and independent candidate Vladimir Putin in December 2023, who is eligible to seek re-election as a result of 2020 constitutional amendments. Later the same month, Leonid Slutsky of the LDPR, Nikolay Kharitonov of the Communist Party and Vladislav Davankov of New People announced their candidacies.Other candidates also declared their candidacy but were barred for various reasons. Despite passing the initial stages of the process, on 8 February 2024, Nadezhdin was barred from running. The decision was announced at a special CEC session, citing alleged irregularities in the signatures of voters supporting his candidacy. Nadezhdin's status as the only explicitly anti-war candidate is widely regarded as the real reason for his disqualification, although Vladislav Davankov has also promised "peace and negotiations" with Ukraine. With this and Davankov's relatively youthful age contrasting with the aging 71-year-old Putin, he has been described as "the most likely to become the alternative-to-Putin candidate".As was the case in the 2018 presidential election, the most prominent member of the Russian opposition, Alexei Navalny, was barred from running due to a prior criminal conviction seen as politically motivated. Navalny died in suspicious circumstances in February 2024, one month before the election.Many observers do not expect the election to be either free or fair. Instead, they expect the process to be dominated by Putin, who has been accused of increasing political repressions ever since launching his full-scale war with Ukraine in 2022.
Each year, Russia seizes May 9th to reinforce its image as a global power with legendary military might. Once a symbol of unity among nations aspiring for peace, Victory Day has now evolved into another line on an ideological battleground between Russia and the West, including Ukraine. This year, Russia declared a state sponsor of terrorism by the EU will celebrate right after the inauguration of its fifth-time and probably life-long president Vladimir Putin, indicted by the International Criminal Court. The country seems to have lost its battle for democracy, and is proud of further alienation from the West, and the mounting victims of its aggression. Russia has been subdued by extensive censorship and propaganda, rising illiberalism, and the squashing of dissenting voices extending to murder.
Russia's Defense Ministry announced the capture of two frontline villages in eastern Ukraine, including Kyslivka in the Kharkiv region and Novokalynove in the Donetsk People's Republic. Ukrainian officials are concerned about a potential fresh offensive from Russia in the northeast amidst severe ammunition shortages. Moscow has been making territorial gains in the region, taking advantage of its military superiority as Kyiv awaits critical military aid, with retaliatory strikes launched by Russia against Ukrainian facilities.
Since 1999, Vladimir Putin has continuously served as either President (Acting President from 1999 to 2000; 2000–2004, 2004–2008, 2012–2018 and 2018 to present) or Prime Minister of Russia (three months in 1999, full term 2008–2012).During his presidency, he has been a member of the Unity party and the United Russia party. He is also affiliated with the People's Front, a group of supporters that Putin organized in 2011 to help improve the public's perception of United Russia. His political ideology, priorities and policies are sometimes referred to as Putinism.Putin has enjoyed high domestic approval ratings throughout the majority of his presidency, with the exception of 2011–2013 which is likely due to the 2011–2013 Russian protests. In 2007, he was Time magazine's Person of the Year. In 2015, he was designated No. 1 in Time 100, Time magazine's list of the top 100 most influential people in the world. From 2013 to 2016, he was designated No. 1 on the Forbes list of The World's Most Powerful People. The Russian economy and standard of living grew rapidly during the early period of Putin's regime, fueled largely by a boom in the oil industry. However, lower oil prices and sanctions for Russia's annexation of Crimea led to recession and stagnation in 2015 that has persisted into the present day. Political freedoms have been sharply curtailed, leading to widespread condemnation from human rights groups, as well as Putin being described as a dictator.
Two Ukrainian security officials have been detained over an alleged Russian assassination plot against President Zelenskiy. About half of the North Korean missiles fired by Russia at Ukraine have failed, raising concerns about the quality of North Korean munitions. Russia's use of North Korean missiles threatens global consensus on deterring North Korea's nuclear program. US plans new sanctions against Russia for violating UN mandates. Romania considers sending Patriot systems to Ukraine. Attack on oil storage depot near Luhansk sparks fire. North Korea sends missiles to Russia, raising suspicions about its munitions quality.
Vladimir Putin (born 1952) is a Russian politician and former intelligence officer who is the president of Russia.Putin may also refer to:Putin (surname), includes a list of people with the name"Putin" (Randy Newman song), 2016 songPuTin or Puin, Russian brand of vegetable and mushrooms canned goods
Putinism (Russian: путинизм, romanized: putinizm) is the social, political, and economic system of Russia formed during the political leadership of Vladimir Putin. It is characterized by the concentration of political and financial powers in the hands of "siloviks", current and former "people with shoulder marks", coming from a total of 22 governmental enforcement agencies, the majority of them being the Federal Security Service (FSB), Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia, Armed Forces of Russia, and National Guard of Russia. According to Arnold Beichman, "Putinism in the 21st century has become as significant a watchword as Stalinism was in the 20th."The "Chekist takeover" of the Russian state and economic assets has been allegedly accomplished by a clique of Putin's close associates and friends who gradually became a leading group of Russian oligarchs and who "seized control over the financial, media and administrative resources of the Russian state", and restricted democratic freedoms and human rights. According to Julie Anderson, Russia has been transformed to an "FSB state". Mass de-politicization has been described as an important element of Putinism's social course. Mass social involvement being discouraged, politics are reduced to "pure management" left to those who are in power, free from interference by the masses. In exchange for non-involvement in politics, Putinism's social contract offers economic development and an important amount of freedom in private life.Putinism was first used in the article by Andrey Piontkovsky published on 11 January 2000 in Sovetskaya Rossiya, and placed on the Yabloko website on the same day. He characterized Putinism as "the highest and final stage of bandit capitalism in Russia, the stage where, as one half-forgotten classic said, the bourgeoisie throws the flag of the democratic freedoms and the human rights overboard; and also as a war, 'consolidation' of the nation on the ground of hatred against some ethnic group, attack on freedom of speech and information brainwashing, isolation from the outside world and further economic degradation".
Timur Vadimovich Ivanov (Russian: Тимур Вадимович Иванов; born 15 August 1975), is a Russian politician currently serving as Deputy Defence Minister of Russia since 2016. He previously served as the Deputy Governor of the Moscow Oblast from 2012 to 2016. He has the federal state civilian service rank of 1st class Active State Councillor of the Russian Federation. In April 2024, Ivanov was arrested by Russian federal authorities, accused of accepting bribes "on a particularly large scale."
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan joined other leaders at a meeting of the Eurasian Economic Union in Moscow, where Russian President Vladimir Putin praised the alliance for enhancing economic potential. The gathering included leaders from Cuba, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.
US intelligence agencies have determined that Russian President Vladimir Putin probably did not order the death of jailed opposition leader Alexey Navalny in February, but believe he is ultimately responsible for Navalny's death and brutal conditions in jail. Navalny, Putin's fierce critic, died serving a 19-year sentence after being poisoned with a nerve agent in 2020. US President Joe Biden stated Putin's responsibility without direct ordering accusations. Russian officials deny involvement, attributing Navalny's death to natural causes. Putin won re-election after Navalny's death, with doubts remaining about his direct role in the incident.
Valery Vasilyevich Gerasimov (Russian: Валерий Васильевич Герасимов, IPA: [vɐˈlʲerʲɪj vɐˈsʲilʲjɪvʲɪtɕ ɡʲɪˈrasʲɪməf]; born 8 September 1955) is a Russian army general serving as the Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces and First Deputy Minister of Defence.He was appointed by president Vladimir Putin on 9 November 2012 replacing Nikolay Yegorovich Makarov, and currently serves as the commander of all Russian forces in Ukraine. He is considered one of the most powerful men in Russia, and one of three people to hold access to Russia's nuclear weapons, alongside Putin and Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu.
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced plans to visit China in May, which could mark his first foreign trip after extending his rule by six more years. Putin's inauguration is scheduled for May 7. Russia's increasing reliance on China due to economic and diplomatic isolation from the war in Ukraine has led to a surge in Chinese technology sales to Russia for military use. Despite maintaining economic ties, China claims neutrality in the Ukraine conflict and has proposed a peace plan that was rejected by Ukraine's allies.
The family of Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has served in office from 2000 to 2008 and 2012 to the present, comes from the Russian peasantry. Spiridon Putin (1879–1965) was a cook in Gorki, his son Vladimir (1911–1999) participated in World War II, grandson Vladimir (born in 1952) made a career in the KGB and the FSB, in 1999 he became the chairman of the Russian government, in 2000–2008 he served as president of the country which he returned to in 2012.In 1983 Putin married Lyudmila Aleksandrovna Shkrebneva, who gave birth to two daughters, Maria (1985) and Katerina (1986). By 2014, this marriage was annulled.
Germany has recalled its ambassador to Russia, Alexander Graf Lambsdorff, in protest against cyberattacks on the country's government and defense sectors, attributed to a group linked to Russia's military intelligence agency, GRU. The recall came just before Russian President Vladimir Putin's inauguration for his next six-year term, with Germany not sending a representative. The cyberattacks, dating back to 2022, targeted the Social Democratic Party, defense, aerospace, and IT companies, with Germany demanding consequences for these state-sponsored actions.
Lithuania is holding a presidential election with popular incumbent Gitanas Nauseda favored to win but facing competition from eight candidates. The president oversees foreign and security policy, crucial in the face of Russia's advances in Ukraine. Lithuania, along with Latvia and Estonia, is concerned about Russia's actions. Nauseda, a moderate conservative, supports Ukraine and has provided refuge to those fleeing repression in Belarus and Russia. A runoff may be needed if no candidate secures 50% of the vote. Lithuania's strategic location in NATO's eastern flank adds significance to the election.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy asserted that God had a Ukrainian flag on his shoulder during Orthodox Easter services, calling on Ukrainians to pray for each other and the soldiers on the frontline. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin attended a church service led by Patriarch Kirill, a supporter of the Russian president, where prayers were made for the protection of Russia's borders and an end to the strife with Ukraine.
Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered a harsh speech on Victory Day, accusing the West of hypocrisy and inciting global conflicts, while signaling confidence in Russia's advances in Ukraine. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un expressed firm support and solidarity for Russia on Victory Day, amidst accusations of North Korea transferring weapons to aid Russia in the conflict with Ukraine.
Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev warned of nuclear strikes on Western leaders advocating for troop deployment to Ukraine, citing NATO engagement as a cause for war. Russia conducted tactical nuke drills near Ukraine in response to Western threats. Medvedev's aggressive rhetoric is seen as a move to impress Putin, with France and the UK mentioned in the conflict. Moscow issued a warning to Ukraine's allies, hinting at retaliation if British weapons strike Russian territory. Tensions escalate as NATO countries consider involvement in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, sparking concerns of broader warfare.
Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke about the importance of remembering the alliance against the Nazis in World War II and criticized the West for distorting the truth. He emphasized Russia's commitment to preventing global conflicts while maintaining readiness to defend against threats. The Victory Day parade in Moscow commemorates the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany, with over 9,000 troops participating and showcasing Russia's military capabilities. The event marks a significant public holiday in Russia, celebrating the defeat of Nazi forces and the country's resilience during the war.
Spiridon Ivanovich Putin (Russian: Спиридон Иванович Путин; 19 December 1879 – 19 December 1965) was a Russian chef who was the personal chef of Vladimir Lenin and Joseph Stalin. He was the paternal grandfather of Vladimir Putin.
Russia celebrates Victory Day to commemorate the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany in World War Two as tensions rise with the West due to Russian troops advancing against Ukraine. Vladimir Putin speaks at the parade, framing the war as a struggle with the West. The Soviet Union lost 27 million people in World War Two, including many in Ukraine, and eventually defeated Nazi Germany. The current crisis sees Russia controlling parts of Ukraine, facing resistance from Ukraine and the West. The conflict escalates as the risk of a broader nuclear war looms.
Bugging devices were discovered in a room in Katowice where Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk was to meet with his Cabinet. The equipment capable of recording or eavesdropping was detected during a routine security check, leading to further investigations by the State Protection Service and Internal Security Agency. The Cabinet's meeting location was shifted from Warsaw to Katowice for the European Economic Congress, attended by Tusk and government ministers.
On 17 March 2023, following an investigation of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia, and Maria Lvova-Belova, Russian Commissioner for Children's Rights, alleging responsibility for the war crime of unlawful deportation and transfer of children during the Russo-Ukrainian War. The warrant against Putin is the first against the leader of a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council.The 123 member states of the ICC are obliged to detain and transfer Putin and Lvova-Belova if either sets foot on their territory.
"The Vladimir Putin Interview" is a television interview hosted by the American journalist and political commentator Tucker Carlson with Russian president Vladimir Putin. It premiered on February 8, 2024, on the Tucker Carlson Network and the social media website X (Twitter). It is the first interview with Putin to be granted to a Western journalist since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. In the first three days, the interview had 14 million views on YouTube and 185 million views on Twitter.
Staff Sgt. Gordon Black, a 34-year-old U.S. soldier, is being held in Russian custody on theft charges after traveling to Vladivostok from South Korea to see his Russian girlfriend, Aleksandra Vashchuk. Black's mother, Melody Jones, believes her son was lured there by Vashchuk and set up. The U.S. Army is investigating whether Russia's intelligence services targeted Black, who has 16 years of military service. Jones expressed concerns about Vashchuk's influence over her son, describing him as a good soldier fluent in Russian.
Russian President Vladimir Putin confirmed the planned exercise involving the deployment of tactical nuclear weapons in southern Russia with ally Belarus, citing threats from France, Britain, and the United States. This move marks Moscow's first deployment of such weapons outside Russia since the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991. Belarus has joined Russia in the training exercise, synchronized with multiple stages, according to Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko. Russia and the United States possess the majority of the world's nuclear warheads, followed by China, France, and Britain.
Belarus, hosting Russian tactical warheads, orders a surprise inspection of tactical nuclear weapon carriers following Putin's drills for Russia's tactical nukes. The inspection will involve Su-25 aircraft and test the planning, preparation, and use of strikes with tactical nuclear warheads, amidst perceived threats of escalation in Europe over Ukraine. Russian drills for the preparation and deployment of non-strategic nuclear weapons are planned in response to Western threats, with Moscow considering increasing its entire missile arsenal as a deterrent.
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.
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