News Trending War

Ukraine war: Dozens of Russian troops ‘die in air strike’

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According to reports, at least 60 Russian soldiers were killed in eastern Ukraine’s Donetsk region when two missiles struck a training area where troops had gathered for the arrival of a senior commander, Maj-Gen Oleg Moiseyev. The incident occurred just before a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu, during which Shoigu claimed Russian successes in various areas of the front line. The soldiers, members of the 36th motorised rifle brigade, were allegedly instructed by their commanders to stand in an open field, where they were hit by missiles fired from a US-made HIMARS launch system. Video footage and images from the scene showed numerous dead soldiers.

Separately, reports emerged about the death of military blogger Andrey Morozov, known as Murz, who allegedly took his own life after being pressured by the military to remove a report detailing Russian losses in recent battles. Morozov claimed that about 16,000 troops had been killed or seriously injured, and 300 armored vehicles destroyed. The exact circumstances of Morozov’s death could not be independently verified.

Russia’s military seldom reports casualties, but some pro-Russian military bloggers have regularly provided such information. Ukraine has also spoken about significant casualties among Russian troops. A collaborative effort between BBC Russian and the Mediazona website has updated figures for confirmed deaths in the Russian military over the two years since the invasion of Ukraine, with a total of 45,123 confirmed dead, including 6,614 since October of the previous year.

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Boris Nadezhdin: Putin challenger submits bid to run for Russian president

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Boris Nadezhdin, a Kremlin challenger, has declared that he has successfully gathered the required number of signatures to officially stand as a candidate in Russia’s upcoming presidential election. The former local councillor is notable for his outspoken criticism of President Putin and Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Nadezhdin claims to have submitted over 100,000 signatures to the electoral authorities, a crucial step in the electoral process.

The electoral commission will now review Nadezhdin’s application, and if approved, he will join the race against current President Vladimir Putin. Putin has already registered as an independent candidate and is widely expected to secure another six-year term in the presidential election scheduled for March. Despite the dominance of Putin in Russian politics, Nadezhdin’s candidacy represents a challenge to the status quo.

In a country where opposition figures often face imprisonment or worse, Nadezhdin’s ability to openly criticize Putin without severe repercussions has been noteworthy. The former local councillor, who served for more than 30 years, recently accused Putin of undermining key institutions in Russia and expressed a commitment to ending the conflict in Ukraine if elected.

Thousands of Russians have shown their support for Nadezhdin by braving the cold to add their signatures to his candidacy. Nadezhdin shared a photo on social media, standing in front of boxes containing the signatures, emphasizing the collective effort of his supporters. The grassroots backing highlights a degree of public sentiment that extends beyond established political norms.

Russia’s political landscape has been dominated by Vladimir Putin since 2000, and a constitutional amendment passed in 2020 allows him to potentially remain in power until 2036 if re-elected in 2030. Nadezhdin’s candidacy, along with his critique of Putin’s leadership, adds an element of diversity to a political scene that has long been characterized by Putin’s enduring influence.

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Kamila Valieva: Russian figure skater given four-year ban for doping

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Russian figure skater Kamila Valieva has received a four-year ban for doping, following an appeal by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) that was upheld by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Valieva had initially been cleared by a Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) investigation, which found no fault on her part for a failed test before the 2022 Winter Olympics, where she won team gold at the age of 15.

The ban, backdated to December 25, 2021, the date of the failed test, includes the disqualification of all competitive results achieved from that date. CAS clarified that the decision on whether to strip Russia of the gold medal would be examined by the relevant sports organizations, not within the scope of the arbitration procedure.

Valieva did not contest the presence of the banned substance, and CAS ruled that she failed to establish, on the balance of probabilities, that the Anti-Doping Rule Violation (ADRV) was not intentional. The Kremlin criticized the CAS ruling as a “politicized” decision, while the Russian Olympic Committee stated that “in effect war has been declared on Russia.”

WADA emphasized the severity of doping involving minors and called for legal consequences for doctors, coaches, or support personnel providing performance-enhancing substances to minors. The United States is expected to be awarded gold in the team figure skating event in Beijing, with Japan and Canada receiving silver and bronze, respectively.

The controversy surrounding Valieva’s doping case is seen as another chapter in Russia’s doping scandal, with the country’s athletes competing at the Beijing Games under the neutral name of the Russian Olympic Committee. The CAS decision has sparked concerns about the credibility of the Russian anti-doping system, with calls for increased vigilance.

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Jamala: Ukrainian Eurovision winner added to Russia’s wanted list

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Ukrainian Eurovision song contest winner Jamala, whose real name is Susana Jamaladinova, has been added to Russia’s wanted list, according to state media. The accusations against her include spreading fake information about the Russian armed forces, a charge often used by the Kremlin against those critical of Russia’s actions. Jamala, known for openly criticizing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, was placed on the wanted list last month. The independent Russian human rights website Mediazona reported this, and details of the listing became widely known on Monday.

Russian breaking news Telegram channel Shot claimed that Jamala was added to the list for posting alleged “fakes” about atrocities in the Ukrainian town of Bucha in 2022. The Kremlin has denied responsibility for the Bucha massacre, despite evidence indicating Russian forces’ involvement. Jamala, currently in Australia after fleeing Ukraine with her family following the invasion, responded to the news by posting a photo of herself in front of the Sydney Opera House with a link to an article about it and a facepalm emoji.

Jamala won Eurovision in 2016 with the song “1944,” inspired by the forced deportation of her people, the Crimean Tatars, by Russia during that year. The song, perceived as addressing Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014, caused controversy for allegedly breaking the competition’s rule against overtly political songs. However, organizers allowed it, and it ultimately won, defeating Russia. Jamala, in her 40s, has been vocal about using her music to give a strong voice to her homeland, Crimea, and to counter the historical narratives propagated by the Russian Empire and Soviet Union. She emphasized the importance of revealing the truth through her songs in her latest folk album, Qirim.

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News Trending War

Nerves and patriotism in Moscow after 18 months of war

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Moscow’s atmosphere is heavily influenced by Russia’s imperial history. The imposing Kremlin walls and towers create a sense of insignificance among visitors on Red Square.

A similar feeling arises five miles away at Victory Park, a vast complex of museums and memorials honoring the Soviet Union’s triumph over Nazi Germany. Its centerpiece, a colossal square with a 141.8-meter obelisk, pays tribute to each day of World War Two.

During my visit, the National Day of the Russian Flag is celebrated, marked by the unfolding of a massive tricolor flag, reportedly the nation’s largest. Ringed by Russian soldiers, the flag unfurls to the tune of patriotic music. The museum director’s speech underscores the unifying power of such events.

In the wake of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Kremlin has actively promoted such patriotic gatherings.

Inside the Victory Museum, an exhibition glorifies the “heroes” of the “special military operation,” likening Russian involvement in Ukraine to the Soviet efforts in WW2.

Andrei Afanasiev, a pro-Kremlin blogger and academic, believes that patriotism gains importance during wartime, asserting that Russia is facing a Western-led conflict that necessitates self-reliance and unity. He maintains that patriotism has surged and that the Russian people are mobilized and united by the war.

Russian state TV portrays “successes” and “progress,” but the actual situation contrasts starkly. A military analyst reveals that the Russian military acknowledges being in a tough spot, having lost territory and with morale low due to their unpreparedness for modern warfare.

The analyst indicates that information about the battlefield situation is distorted as it moves up the chain of command, including to the president.

The overall atmosphere in Moscow exudes apprehension. Recent events, such as Yevgeny Prigozhin’s mutiny and the devaluation of the ruble, contribute to a sense of unease. The city’s skyline is juxtaposed with an anti-aircraft system atop the Russian Defence Ministry, symbolizing the coexistence of beauty and apprehension.

While individuals might not be perturbed by individual occurrences, there’s a prevailing sentiment of concern about the present and fear for the future.

In Gorky Park, a picturesque scene unfolds, with families enjoying the surroundings. Nearby, the Russian Defence Ministry stands, topped by an anti-aircraft system. This contrast doesn’t alarm locals, with some expressing approval for the military stance.

Fear has taken root in Moscow. Opposition activists convene in inconspicuous spaces, with Yulia Galyamina leading the meeting. She laments the frequent arrests of activists but remains committed to her cause. Other activists, using pseudonyms due to fear, underscore the presence of anti-war sentiment in Russia and their dedication to the cause.

Despite the challenges, they believe in humanity’s ultimate triumph and vow to persevere.

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Domino’s Pizza indicates shutdown of operations in Russia

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The owner of the Domino’s Pizza franchise in Russia has announced plans to close its branches and file for bankruptcy, signaling an end to its operations due to the challenging business environment in the country.

DP Eurasia, which operates 171 Domino’s Pizza outlets in Russia, has decided not to proceed with the sale of its pizza chain’s shops in the face of increasing difficulties. This move comes in the wake of Western companies disengaging from Russia following the Ukraine invasion and economic sanctions.

While some businesses have chosen to exit, others, including Domino’s, have faced criticism for remaining. DP Eurasia owns 68 of the Domino’s Pizza shops in Russia and franchises 103 to local operators. The company’s presence in Russia will be terminated as a result of this decision.

DP Eurasia, which also holds master franchise rights for Domino’s in Turkey, Russia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia, had been evaluating its options after sanctions were imposed. The Russian economy has been impacted by sanctions since the conflict in Ukraine in February 2022, leading to several well-known companies shuttering their operations.

Pressure was applied to other major brands like McDonald’s and Coca-Cola to follow suit. Some companies, such as Unilever, have defended their continued operations in Russia, citing complexities and potential takeovers by the Russian state.

Despite this, Domino’s Pizza Inc., the American multinational and master franchisor, clarified that it had ceased supporting the Russian market through its subsidiaries since early 2022.

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News Trending War

Ukraine war: Ship leaves Odesa despite Russia Black Sea attack fears

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A Hong Kong-flagged merchant ship named Joseph Schulte, which had been stuck in the Ukrainian port of Odesa due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, has departed the port. Despite concerns that Russia might target vessels in the Black Sea, the ship left after Kyiv announced a “humanitarian corridor” for ships in the Black Sea. This corridor was established following the collapse of a previous deal that allowed Ukraine to export grain. The ship’s departure comes after Russian air strikes reportedly damaged grain storage facilities in Reni, a port on the Danube river.

Ukrainian officials released images showing the destruction of storage facilities and crops in Reni. Despite the attacks, the port is said to be operational. Russia has not commented on these latest developments. Previously, Russia withdrew from an agreement that guaranteed safe passage for ships in the Black Sea, suggesting that ships heading to Ukrainian ports could be considered military targets.

Ukraine, a significant exporter of grain and oilseeds, has faced challenges due to the blockade, leading to global increases in food prices. In response to these threats, Ukraine established a humanitarian corridor in the Black Sea to facilitate the departure of ships from its ports. The Joseph Schulte was carrying over 30,000 tonnes of cargo, including food, and was headed to Istanbul, Turkey. The corridor is intended to help evacuate ships that have been trapped in Black Sea ports since the start of Russia’s invasion.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces have been conducting a counter-offensive to retake territory from Russian forces in the eastern Donetsk region. Despite receiving military equipment from Western countries, their advances have been limited. Recent clashes have led to the evacuation of many residents in the country’s east. Russia has also reported downing drones near Moscow in a series of attacks on Russian cities.

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Ukrainian Attack Near Crimea Hits Russian Tanker, Claims Russia

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A Russian tanker carrying 11 crew members was hit in a Ukrainian attack in the Black Sea, according to Russian officials. The incident occurred in the Kerch Strait, with the vessel’s engine room suffering damage in the overnight strike. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. Ukraine has not officially commented, but a Ukrainian security service source indicated that a sea drone was used in the attack.

This is the second consecutive day of such attacks involving naval drones. However, Russia has not acknowledged any damage from the previous day’s attack. The Kerch Strait connects the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov, separating Crimea, which was annexed by Russia in 2014, from Russia’s Taman peninsula.

The Ukrainian security service source stated that the operation was carried out jointly with the Ukrainian navy and involved the use of a sea drone carrying 450kg of TNT explosive. The targeted tanker was loaded with fuel, making the impact visible from a distance.

Russia’s maritime transport agency confirmed that the tanker, named Sig, had sustained damage in the area of the engine room near the waterline, likely from an attack by a sea drone. However, the ship remained afloat.

Tensions in the region have escalated, with recent clashes and attacks, including the Russian naval base in Novorossiysk, further southeast of the Kerch Strait. Both sides seem to be engaging in aggressive actions, leading to concerns about the war spilling beyond its borders.

In response to the escalating situation, Ukraine designated six Russian Black Sea ports as “war risk” areas, signaling a possible preparation for further attacks on Russian territory. Talks on ending the war in Ukraine have also begun in Saudi Arabia, with invitations sent to around 40 countries, excluding Russia. China has agreed to send its special representative for Eurasian affairs to the meeting. The conflict stems from Russian President Vladimir Putin’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

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SCO summit: Putin says sanctions making Russia stronger

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Russian President Vladimir Putin has reiterated his country’s opposition to Western sanctions following the invasion of Ukraine.

Speaking at the virtual Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, his first international address since the recent mutiny in Russia, Putin expressed defiance towards the West, stating that Russia would counter external sanctions and pressures while continuing to develop. He emphasized the importance of trade agreements between SCO nations in local currencies, seen as a measure to mitigate the impact of sanctions. Putin also welcomed Belarus’s application to become a permanent member of the SCO. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, hosting the summit, called for increased trade, connectivity, and tech cooperation among member states.

However, he did not directly address the war in Ukraine or China’s assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific, reflecting India’s delicate diplomatic position as it strengthens ties with both the West and China. Instead, Modi urged SCO members to cooperate on countering cross-border terrorism, with his statements commonly interpreted as aimed at Pakistan. China’s President Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of regional peace and security and called for solidarity and mutual trust among SCO members. All members agreed on the need to maintain stability in Afghanistan following the Taliban’s takeover.

The SCO, formed in 2001 by China, Russia, and four Central Asian countries, has gained relevance as relations with the West deteriorate for Russia and China. With around 40% of the world’s population and over 20% of global GDP, the SCO holds significant potential, and the inclusion of Iran as a full member further enhances its energy portfolio.

However, India’s ability to strike a diplomatic balance between its global partners, including Russia, China, and Pakistan, will impact the future of the SCO. Indian diplomats assert their commitment to an independent foreign policy without favoring any particular group.

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