The Latest Breaking News from Moscow

Mali says Russia's Lavrov to visit to strengthen defence ties

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will pay a two-day visit to Mali this week, the Malian foreign ministry said on Sunday, describing the visit as a reflection of a shared wish to strengthen defence and security ties.

Reuters · Feb 5, 2023

Russia Says Ukraine Planning to Blow up Buildings in False Flag Operation

Russia's defense ministry accused Ukraine of preparing to blow up buildings in the eastern Ukrainian city of Kramatorsk and then accuse Moscow of carrying out war crimes and targeting civilians in a false flag operation. The defense ministry provided no evidence for the claims, which it outlined in a post…

Asharq Al-Awsat · Feb 5, 2023

Ukraine Ready to Repel Possible Russian Offensive this Month, Defense Minister

Ukraine expects a possible major Russian offensive this month, but Kyiv has the reserves to hold back Moscow's forces even though the latest Western military supplies will not all arrive in time, Ukraine's defense minister said on Sunday. Russia could launch the new attack for "symbolic" reasons around the first…

Asharq Al-Awsat · Feb 5, 2023

WHO report on Ukraine health emergency sparks U.S., Russia row

The United States and Russia faced off on Saturday over a World Health Organization report on the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, with Moscow saying it was politically motivated and Washington calling for it to be swiftly updated.

Reuters · Feb 4, 2023

Dozens of soldiers are freed in a Russia-Ukraine prisoner swap

A Ukrainian official said the released POWs included troops who held out in Mariupol during Moscow's monthslong siege that reduced the southern port city to ruins.

WEKU · Feb 4, 2023

From bus driver to Russian soldier: The journey of an imprisoned Ivorian recruited by Wagner Group

A video posted in early January 2023 showed the leader of the Russian paramilitary group Wagner with a mercenary who was described as Ivorian. By analysing posts shared on social networks and talking to people who knew him at different times in his life, the FRANCE 24 Observers team managed…

France 24 · Feb 4, 2023

U.S. warns Turkey on exports seen to boost Russia's war effort

The United States warned Turkey in recent days about the export to Russia of chemicals, microchips and other products that can be used in Moscow's war effort in Ukraine, and it could move to punish Turkish companies or banks contravening sanctions.

Reuters · Feb 4, 2023

Why did Russia invade Ukraine?

Vladimir Putin’s brutal military assault on sovereign neighbour continues in face of heavy losses and near-unanimous international condemnation

The Independent UK · Feb 4, 2023

G-7, EU set $100 price cap on Russian diesel as import ban looms

The Group of Seven nations and the European Union member states have agreed to impose a cap of $100 per barrel on sales of Russian diesel to third countries as part of an effort to limit Moscow’s revenues.

Tribune News Service · Feb 4, 2023

Canada imposes fresh Russia sanctions, Moscow vows retaliation

Canada on Friday imposed sanctions on 38 individuals and 16 entities it said were "complicit in peddling Russian disinformation and propaganda", prompting a quick promise of retaliation from Moscow.

Reuters · Feb 3, 2023