The Latest Breaking News from Russia

Russian Wagner mercenaries handing Bakhmut to regular army

Russia's Wagner private army started handing over its positions in Bakhmut to regular Russian troops on Thursday, five days after declaring full control of the devastated eastern Ukrainian city following the longest and bloodiest battle of the war.

Reuters · May 25, 2023

Despite the war, Russia is still part of Europe – for a lasting peace both sides need to remember that

After a year of war in Ukraine it has become commonplace among western commentators to argue that the war is deeply rooted in the “Russian mentality”, history and culture. Russians, it is said have an imperial mindset.

The Conversation · May 25, 2023

Arms-to-Russia row raises doubt about South Africa’s compliance with arms control. It could face tougher scrutiny in future

The recent furore over accusations by the US ambassador to South Africa, Reuben Brigety, that South Africa was supplying arms to Russia despite its declared policy of non-alignment, has sparked a debate on whether the country’s arms control is lax, non-compliant and lacks oversight.

The Conversation · May 25, 2023

DeSantis dodges Ukraine question with rambling answer about trans rights and climate change

DeSantis previously drew criticism for describing Russia’s war against Ukraine as a ‘territorial dispute’

The Independent UK · May 25, 2023

EU tells China to play constructive role towards peace in Ukraine

The European Commission repeated calls on Thursday for China to play a constructive role in establishing peace in Ukraine, after a top EU diplomat met Li Hui, China's special representative for Eurasian Affairs and former ambassador to Russia.

Reuters · May 25, 2023

Ukraine pilots should begin fighter jet training in weeks, says US Defense Secretary

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin says he hopes that training for Ukrainian pilots on American-made F-16 fighter jets will begin in the coming weeks

The Independent UK · May 25, 2023

Wagner chief says his mercenaries are exiting Bakhmut to hand over to Russian army

Wagner mercenary group founder Yevgeny Prigozhin said his forces have begun pulling out of the eastern Ukrainian city of Bakhmut to hand responsibility to the Russian army.

Tribune News Service · May 25, 2023

Russian prosecutor asks court to recognise Nazi WW2 crimes around Moscow as genocide

Russian prosecutors have asked a court to recognise crimes committed by Nazi Germany in the Moscow region during World War Two as genocide and believe that around 6.4 trillion roubles ($82.3 billion) in damage was caused, they said on Thursday.

Reuters · May 25, 2023

Austin hopes F-16 fight jet training for Ukrainian pilots will begin in coming weeks

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin says he hopes that training for Ukrainian pilots on American-made F-16 fighter jets will begin in the coming weeks

The Independent UK · May 25, 2023

Will Ukraine’s new weapons help its fight against Russia?

Al Jazeera’s Defence Editor Alex Gatopoulos on what lies ahead.

Al Jazeera · May 25, 2023