Is Putin’s key ally ill? Is Putin's key ally in the Ukraine war seriously ill? Beloatian President Alexander Lukashenko missed an annual ceremony where young people swear allegiance to the flag and instead his prime minister shared a message from him. In fact, he's not been seen in public since the 9th of May, Victory Day in Russia, where he skipped a state lunch with Putin. Reports pointed out how tired he looked, and this bandage on his right hand. Allies from former Soviet countries walked to lay flowers, but it seemed that Lukashenko needed a lift. This has sparked speculation about what's happened to him. Some say he's in hospital just outside the capital, Minsk. But state media has responded with a photo of him at a military base. Lukashenko's ruled Belarus since 1994, and in the West, he's often dubbed Europe's last dictator. With Putin's backi...

Summary: Odessa , a historic city in Ukraine , faces destruction as Russia n forces relentlessly bombard its Black Sea ports. The targeting of the Transfiguration Cathedral , a UNESCO World Heritage Site, sparks accusations of war crimes . Putin's attacks on Odessa aim to disrupt global food security and sow chaos worldwide. The destruction of cultural landmarks reflects a destructive mentality rather than an approach focused on development and progress. The conflict in Odessa serves as a reminder of the far-reaching consequences of war on millions of lives and global stability. ...

Summary: The Kerch bridge linking Crimea to Russia has been attacked, posing a reputational threat to Putin. While the attack's origin remains unconfirmed, it is likely to be carried out by Ukrainian forces. The bridge's destruction affects the logistics of supplying Russian forces in southern Ukraine and Crimea. Russia's withdrawal from the grain export deal with Ukraine threatens a new food supply crisis. Ukraine's counteroffensive to regain occupied territory is showing progress, but challenges persist. ...

Summary: UK defense officials mistakenly sent classified emails to Mali , which has close ties with Russia and President Putin . The typing error was caused by confusion between the domain names dot mill and dot ML. Sensitive information, including details about hypersonic missile research , was disclosed in the emails. Mali 's alignment with Russia and distancing from the West raises concerns about the security of classified information. In Ukraine , Kyiv's counter-offensive faces challenges due to formidable Russia n defenses, including minefields . ...

Ukraine War: 'Putin is feeling more and more isolated' Well, Ukrainians are not losing it, and with the support they've had from the West, they will not lose it. The question is, can the Ukrainians win? The Russians are not going to win, but can the Ukrainians win? And if so, when? And of course, I think we all recognise, and particularly having listened to recently to President Zelensky, that until they get all the weaponry that they're asking for, main battle tanks, self-propelled artillery and the like, they won't be able to mount a proper counter-offensive and crack the Russians. So, long answer, I'm afraid, Kate, to a short question. Ukrainians will not lose this. The Russians cannot win it. What we have to do is help the Ukrainians to win on the battlefield. But we bring other pieces into this chess game, don't we? We bring in China, we bring in Belar...

Why the world was wrong about Putin | Analysis People are packing up in their cars. They're getting out of here. A few days before I found myself standing there on the edge of Kharkiv, watching those first tank shells hit into the apartment blocks in Saltyvka, my editor, Louis Emmanuel, had asked me to come up with something to be published on the day of the war, if the war began, explaining to readers why this was happening. And I was hoping it would never be published. It was, and the answer I came up with was, probably in the simple balance of power. I quote it, Russia's military is at its strongest and most capable since the Cold War. Its public finances are also in good order, and Mr Putin may believe he is well placed to bear the costs of the conflict and inevitable sanctions. We'll come back to that in a second. The West is conversely at a moment of historic econo...

Summary: Ukrainian President Zelenskyy visits troops near the frontline as part of the summer offensive . Russian trenches near the city of Bakhmut targeted in the offensive. The enemy fiercely defends every centimeter of territory. President Zelenskyy awards gallantry medals to special forces engaged in the war. Russia intensifies missile strikes , hitting civilian areas as well. Accusations of war crimes do not deter Putin from hosting African leaders . African countries offered weapons and military training by Russia. Coup in Niger presents opportunities for Russia to extend influence. Vardner mercenary leader seeks f...

Summary: The Africa-Russia summit, usually attended by 43 to 44 countries, saw a significant decline in participation, with only 17 countries present. Russia's withdrawal from a grain deal adversely affected African countries, prompting discussions at the summit about food supply challenges. Putin 's offer of 50,000 tons of free grain to affected countries is minimal compared to the 30 million tons of grain previously supplied by Ukraine . Yevgeny Prigosin 's presence at the conference indicates continued patronage from Putin , despite controversial actions by his mercenary groups. ...

Summary: A drone attack in the Sumi district near Kiev, carried out by Russia n forces, resulted in four deaths and multiple injuries, targeting a school. Ukrainian counterattacks have targeted Moscow , causing a significant explosion, while Russia claims attacks on its territory as well. Ukraine successfully destroyed a key Russia n missile system in Crimea , signaling a strategic victory. President Zelensky 's offensive strategy involves attacks on Russia n soil, increasing pressure on President Putin . Leadership changes in the Russia n Air For...

Summary: Military analyst Sean Bell analyzes the plane crash involving Yevgeny Prigozhin 's aircraft, highlighting potential evidence and causes. Unusual cloud formation and the presence of missile system s near the plane are discussed as possible factors. Evidence of fuel venting indicates significant damage to the aircraft, suggesting a catastrophic event . The image of a single wing near the crash site raises questions about a missile system targeting the wing's connection. Sean Bell speculates on potential causes, including a bomb or air-...

Summary: Russia plans to establish close cooperation with Africa n military and law enforcement agencies. More than 40 Africa n countries have signed agreements with Russia for the supply of military hardware. Africa 's growing political and economic role is becoming increasingly significant on the global stage. Africa n states' initiative in addressing the Ukraine crisis underscores their readiness to participate in global conflict resolution. Russia intends to continue training Africa n law enforcement and military units in its specialized learning facilities. ...

Ukraine War: 'Executed' soldier video could be a war crime President Zelensky has promised that Ukraine will find the Russians allegedly responsible for shooting dead an unarmed Ukrainian soldier. Footage emerged online yesterday, purportedly showing the killing and a warning that we're about to show the moments leading up to that incident. In it, an unarmed man is seen smoking a cigarette before saying, Glory to Ukraine. The man is then shot repeatedly. Sky News has been unable to independently verify the location and date of the footage. But Ukraine says the man killed is thought to be Ukrainian serviceman called Timofey Shadora, who went missing in the area around the heavily contested city of Bakhmut in early February. A video appeared today showing how the occupiers brutally killed a soldier who bravely said to their face, Glory to Ukraine. I want all of us together...

Summary: Two explosions hit the Kerch Bridge, leaving two dead and one child injured. The road element of the bridge is closed, while the rail element remains operational. The bridge serves as a crucial supply route for Russian forces in southern Ukraine, making it a legitimate target according to Ukraine. The attack holds symbolic significance, as Putin takes great pride in the bridge, and it disrupts travel for Crimea's residents and Russian travelers. The origin and motives behind the attack remain unknown as no group or country has claimed responsibility. ...

Summary: Missile strikes in Chernihiv during an Orthodox holiday resulted in casualties and chaos. Ukraine 's president condemned the act and called for international support. The conflict between Ukraine and Russia continues, with implications for both nations. Drone attacks on Moscow challenge Putin 's perceived invincibility. The ongoing war in Ukraine presents challenges for both Ukrainian and Russia n forces. ...

Summary: The Russian Black Sea Fleet fires warning shots at a civilian vessel in the Black Sea, escalating the conflict. Reasons behind Russia's move to target grain include weakening Ukraine's revenue generation and potentially increasing global grain prices . The impact of reduced grain supplies could be severe in starving areas of the world. President Putin 's motives are unclear, but the move might be aimed at altering the course of the war in Russia's favor. ...

Trump claims he can end the war in Ukraine in one day I'm the only candidate who can make this promise. I will prevent and very easily, World War III, very easily. And you're going to have World War III, by the way. You're going to have World War III. If something doesn't happen fast, you're going to have World War III. Before I even arrive at the Oval Office, I will have the disastrous war between Russia and Ukraine settled. It will be settled quickly. I will get the problem solved, and I will get it solved in rapid order, and it will take me no longer than one day. I know exactly what to say to each other. I got along very well with Putin. Even though I'm the one that ended his pipeline. Remember, they said, Trump is giving a lot to Russia, really. Putin actually said to me, if you're my friend, I'd hate like hell to see you as my enemy. When we sta...

Summary: Five individuals, including a couple, have been arrested in the UK on suspicion of espionage. The couple is accused of possessing false passports and ID cards from various European countries. Former MI6 officer praises the police operation, highlighting its potential deterrence effect. Russia's history of espionage activities in the UK raises concerns about state-sponsored threats. Previous cases of Russian involvement include the Salisbury poisoning and the Litvinenko assassination. ...

Summary: Growing concerns over the Wagner Group's alleged plans to destabilize Europe. Polish Prime Minister warns of Wagner Group troops moving towards the Poland-Lithuania border. Experts suspect a hybrid attack planned on the Sovalki territory, making identification difficult. Uncertainty remains about the leadership of the Wagner mercenaries after a reported coup. Reports suggest Ukrainian forces may soon enter Crimea amidst a slower-than-expected counteroffensive. Skepticism surrounds Putin's statements on peace talks with Ukraine given his previous actions. ...

Summary: BRICS , a group of developing countries including Brazil, Russia, India, China , and South Africa, is expanding and gaining influence on the global stage. The organization faces challenges in balancing its economic goals with geopolitical considerations and maintaining relations with Western powers. China 's role in BRICS raises questions about the organization's direction and potential anti-Western stance. BRICS seeks to share global power with other middle powers and redefine the global order. ...