WORLD
Russia spells out four-point formula to end Ukraine war
Russia has coined a four-point formula that would keep out NATO, the western military alliance, out of most of the territories that were once a part of the former Soviet Union. Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov stressed on Tuesday during a video address to the Conference on Disarmament that Moscow was seeking legally binding security guarantees from NATO members. These security guarantees were of "fundamental importance" to ensure peace in the region.
'Suspicious' white powder sent to Russian Embassy in Aus capital
Two mysterious packages containing an "unknown white powder" were discovered outside the embassy early on Thursday morning, RT News quoted the diplomatic mission as saying, noting that local authorities are now inspecting the envelopes .A number of emergency vehicles were later seen at the embassy, including a hazardous materials response unit, whose members were shown clad in special protective gear in images circulating in Australian media.
New Russia-Ukraine talks expected on Thursday
A new round of talks between Russia and Ukraine is expected to take place on Thursday in Belovezhskaya Pushcha on the Belarus-Poland border, as Moscow's military assault continued on Kiev for the eighth day. Russian presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky said the delegation headed by him arrived at the negotiating site Wednesday evening, reports Xinhua news agency.
Push to end Russia's status as permanent UNSC member gains steam
The US State Department may try to find a way to boot Russia from its permanent seat on the UN Security Council (UNSC), shaking up the international bodys balance of power amid outrage over the war in Ukraine, RT reported. Washington is "investigating the prospects" of expelling Russia as one of the five permanent Security Council members, Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman told American lawmakers on Wednesday.
Russia's secret documents reveal war plans approved on Jan 18, capture Ukraine in 15 days
Russia's secret war documents have revealed that the plans for Moscow's war with Ukraine were approved on January 18 and it anticipated that the capture must be executed within 15 days, from February 20 to March 6. In a Facebook post on Wednesday, Ukraine's Joint Forces Operations Command said: "Due to the successful actions of one of the units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the Russian occupiers are losing not only equipment and manpower.
Foolish to harm India ties because of Ukraine vote: US Senator
Hours after India had abstained on a UN General Assembly vote on Ukraine, an influential Republican Senator has cautioned that it would be "foolish" to harm bilateral ties because of it. He and other senators at the hearing stressed India's importance to the US because of its strategic position and the size of its population and economy.
Explosions reported in Kiev as Russian assault continues
At least four explosions were reported in Kiev on Thursday as Russia continued its assault on Ukraine for the eighth day. Air raid sirens were heard in the capital city following the explosions -- two reportedly went off in the city centre, and the two others near a metro station, the BBC reported. Footage of the blasts that took place at around 3 a.m. shared on social media showed a huge fireball lighting up the night sky in the capital. The targets of the explosions however remained unknown, while there were no confirmation on any casualties or injuries.
Russia-Ukraine conflict could increase Covid transmission: WHO
The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict is likely to increase Covid-19 transmission and in turn increase the risk of large numbers of people developing severe disease. According to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, some 1 million people had left Ukraine, and that number is expected to increase rapidly, the WHO chief said.
US oil soars to highest since 2011 amid Russia-Ukraine conflict
Amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, the West Texas Intermediate (WTI) for April delivery added $7.19, or 7 per cent, to settle at $110.60 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange, the highest finish since 2011. Also on Wednesday, brent crude for May delivery increased $7.96, or 7.6 per cent, to close at $112.93 a barrel on the London ICE Futures Exchange, the highest level since 2014, reports Xinhua news agency.
Deepfake videos being used to push anti-Ukraine misinformation
The sudden surge in 'Deepfake' videos amid Russia-Ukraine war has put US authorities on alert that are being used to push anti-Ukraine misinformation. According to a report in The Guardian, a Russian propaganda campaign called 'Ukraine Today' has been using fake accounts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to promote fake news around the war. US intelligence officials were on the watch for manipulated video and audio that could result in multiple cases of misinformation.
Don't Miss
Advertisement