The Latest Breaking News from Russia

With UK nationals told to flee Ukraine, what is behind the tensions with Russia?

The Foreign Office has urged Britons to leave Ukraine immediately.

The Independent UK · Feb 12, 2022

Decision on Russia’s Valieva Expected Monday

Russian figure skater Kamila Valieva will find out Monday if she can skate in the Winter Olympics women's competition, which starts a day later. The Court of Arbitration for Sport announced Saturday that the expedited hearing on Valieva's doping case will be held Sunday night in Beijing, with a ruling…

Asharq Al-Awsat · Feb 12, 2022

Kamila Valieva: Russian figure skater, 15, to find out on Monday whether she can stay in Winter Olympics

The 15-year-old tested positive for the banned heart medication trimetazidine

The Independent UK · Feb 12, 2022

US to Pull Out its OSCE Mission Staff from Ukraine

The United States has decided to withdraw U.S. staff at the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) from Ukraine immediately, two diplomatic sources told Reuters on Saturday, amid fears of a possible Russian invasion. The OSCE did not respond to a request for comment. Tensions have been mounting…

Asharq Al-Awsat · Feb 12, 2022

More than 30 Russian Ships Start Drills Near Crimea

More than 30 ships from the Russian Black Sea fleet have started training exercises near the Crimea peninsula as part of wider navy drills, RIA news agency reported on Saturday citing the fleet, as Western nations warned that a war in Ukraine could ignite at any moment. Russia's military moves…

Asharq Al-Awsat · Feb 12, 2022

U.S. to pull out its OSCE mission staff from Ukraine - sources

The United States has decided to withdraw U.S. staff at the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) from Ukraine immediately, two diplomatic sources told Reuters on Saturday, amid fears of a possible Russian invasion.

Reuters · Feb 12, 2022

Russia Says It Has 'Optimized' Diplomatic Staff Numbers in Ukraine

Russia has decided to "optimize" its diplomatic staff numbers in Ukraine, fearing "provocations" by Kyiv or other party, a spokeswoman for the Russian foreign ministry said on Saturday. Maria Zakharova did not say whether that meant a reduction in staff numbers but said the embassy and consulates in Ukraine continued…

Asharq Al-Awsat · Feb 12, 2022

Kuwait Urges Citizens to Leave Ukraine amid Tensions

Kuwait on Saturday urged its citizens in Ukraine to leave the country amid heightened tensions between Kyiv and Moscow. Kuwait's foreign ministry also said citizens should postpone any plans to visit Ukraine. Russia has massed more than 100,000 troops near its border with Ukraine and the United States said on…

Asharq Al-Awsat · Feb 12, 2022

US says Russian invasion of Ukraine could happen any moment amid emergency diplomatic efforts

There is a ‘credible prospect’ of Russia launching an attack before the Beijing Games end

The Independent UK · Feb 12, 2022

UK Tells British Nationals in Ukraine Not to Expect Military Evacuation

British nationals who choose to stay in Ukraine should not expect a military evacuation if a conflict with Russia breaks out, junior defense minister James Heappey told Sky News on Saturday. "British nationals should leave Ukraine immediately by any means possible and they should not expect, as they saw in…

Asharq Al-Awsat · Feb 12, 2022