The Latest Breaking News from Russia

Is There a Link Between Syria and Ukraine?

Geneva is hosting two meetings on Friday. The first between US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, to discuss Ukraine, and the second between UN Envoy to Syria Geir Pedersen and US Official Ethan Goldrich to review the Syrian situation and propose a “step for…

Asharq Al-Awsat · Jan 21, 2022

Kremlin says it wants to avoid raising tensions over Ukraine breakaway regions

The Kremlin reacted coolly on Friday to a Russian parliament initiative to recognise two pro-Russian breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine as independent states, saying it was important to avoid steps that could increase tensions.

Reuters · Jan 21, 2022

Iran, Russia and China Begin Joint Naval Drill

Iran, Russia and China on Friday began a joint naval drill in the Indian Ocean aimed at boosting marine security, state media reported. Iran's state TV said 11 of its vessels were joined by three Russian ships including a destroyer, and two Chinese vessels.

Asharq Al-Awsat · Jan 21, 2022

Liz Truss calls on ‘free world’ to reduce economic dependence on Russia

The Foreign Secretary warned Vladimir Putin he must ‘desist and step back’ from war in Ukraine or risk being dragged into a prolonged conflict.

The Independent UK · Jan 21, 2022

Spain's foreign minister says Europeans are 'united' on Ukraine crisis

Spain's foreign minister Jose Manuel Albares said on Friday that Europeans have a united position on the crisis over the Russian military build-up on the Ukrainian border and that Spain is pushing for dialogue.

Reuters · Jan 21, 2022

Ukraine-Russia crisis: Moscow would face severe response to invasion, warns Blinken as talks end

Washington agrees to provide written response to Russia over its demand that Ukraine will never join Nato

The Independent UK · Jan 21, 2022

Russia wants NATO forces to leave Romania, Bulgaria - foreign ministry

The security guarantees that Russia seeks from the West include provisions requiring NATO forces to leave Romania and Bulgaria, the Russian foreign ministry said on Friday.

Reuters · Jan 21, 2022

Top US, Russia diplomats as Ukraine future teeters on brink

The top diplomats of Russia and the United States are holding crucial talks as Western powers strive to use diplomacy to avert a possible Russian invasion of Ukraine amid Moscow’s demands for concessions from NATO over its relationship with the former Soviet republic

The Independent UK · Jan 21, 2022

Foreign secretary Liz Truss warns Vladimir Putin of ‘terrible quagmire’ if Russia invades Ukraine

Crisis talks between the United States and Russia were being held on Friday amid mounting fears that Vladimir Putin could be about to invade Ukraine.

Evening Standard · Jan 21, 2022

Germany's Scholz, UK's Johnson discussed Ukraine border situation

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson discussed the situation on the Ukrainian border and agreed that further Russian military aggression against Ukraine must be averted, a German government spokesperson said on Friday.

Reuters · Jan 21, 2022