The Disinformation Warning Coming From the Edge of Europe
Moldova is facing a tide of disinformation unprecedented in complexity and aggression, the head of a new center meant to combat it tells WIRED. And platforms like Facebook, TikTok, Telegram and YouTube could do more. Key Points
WIREDVideo: Multiple Ukrainian drone attacks force evacuation in Russian town
The video of the drone attack thick smoke billowing from the attack site. However, no information is currently availbale regarding the number of casualties. Key Points
India TodayUkraine steps up retaliation, ‘confirms’ military incursion on Russian soil
Kyiv, August 11 Days after Ukraine began a surprise military incursion into Russia’s Kursk border region, Zelenskyy broke the government’s silence on it by indirectly acknowledging ongoing military actions to “push the war out into the aggressor’s territory” in his... Key Points
The TribuneWeek after PM Modi-Putin meet, US reaffirms India as 'strategic' ally
At a press briefing, Pentagon press secretary Major General Pat Ryder reaffirmed India as the "strategic" ally of the US. His remarks came a week after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Russia visit, wherein he met President Vladimir Putin. Key Points
India TodayChinese President Jinping, Russian counterpart Putin hint at political settlement to end Ukraine war
The two leader warn US against hindering close China-Russia ties. Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday hinted at a political settlement to end the Ukraine... Key Points
The Tribune India
Haryana youths allege torture by immigration agents, 'sent to Russia instead of Germany'
The youths had been promised jobs in a hotel and a permanent work visa in Germany. One of the victims, Mukesh, has also claimed that around 250-300 Indian youths are trapped in Russia. Key Points
ThePrintDuped on pretext of permanent work visa in Germany: Haryana youths allege torture by immigration agents
Reportedly, the two youths were fraudulently sent to Russia instead of Germany, where they had been promised jobs in a hotel and a permanent work visa. But the youths were sent to Russia where they were allegedly tortured by the immigration agents. Key Points
Economic TimesUkraine ramps up spending on homemade weapons to help repel Russia
Ukraine is boosting its defense industry to fight Russia, investing heavily in local weapon production. The government budgeted nearly $1.4 billion in 2024 for homemade weapons, 20 times more than before. Private factories are now crucial, making thousands of shells monthly. This shift aims to counter Russia's dominance. However, Ukraine faces challenges like bureaucracy and manpower shortages. Despite this, its drone industry has thrived. The conflict hinges on resources and how well Ukraine uses them, as massive Western support remains crucial for its defense. Key Points
Economic TimesPutin warns the West: Russia is ready for nuclear war
President Vladimir Putin of Russia warned the West about the possibility of nuclear war, stating that Russia was technically prepared for such a scenario. He emphasized that if the U.S. sent troops to Ukraine, it would be considered a significant escalation of the conflict. Putin, speaking ahead of Russia's upcoming election, stated that while Russia is prepared from a military-technical standpoint, he saw no need for the use of nuclear weapons in Ukraine. He reiterated that the use of nuclear weapons was outlined in Russia's nuclear doctrine and that Russia was open to negotiations on Ukraine based on reality. Key Points
Economic TimesUS embassy warns of imminent attack in Moscow, urges citizens to leave Russia
U.S. embassy has warned of an imminent attack in Moscow by 'extremists', asked its citizens to leave Russia Key Points
Hindustan Times
Affectionate diplomacy & politics underestimated in West. India-Russia ties offer a lesson
India and Vietnam won't take an overtly transactional or unsentimental approach towards Russia. It's the West that needs a dose of 'affectionate politics' in calculating Russia’s global clout. Key Points
ThePrintMyanmar cuts China role, expands ties with Russia
In the midst of heightened conflict with different ethnic groups in the states bordering India and China, the Myanmar junta is actively seeking to lessen its reliance on Beijing. Instead, it is broadening its connections with Russia to procure military supplies and develop infrastructure and energy projects. Key Points
Economic TimesJoe Biden announces new sanctions vs Russia two years into Ukraine war
U.S. President Joe Biden announced over 500 new sanctions against Russia on the second anniversary of its war in Ukraine, aiming to increase pressure on Moscow. These sanctions include export restrictions on nearly 100 entities and measures to diminish Russia's energy revenues. Key Points
Economic TimesPutin is shipping grain to Africa. The largesse comes with a price
Russia's aid to Africa, including free grain and military support, is part of a strategy to strengthen ties and gain support for its ambitions. The donations have helped Russia expand its presence in countries like Burkina Faso, Mali, and Somalia. Key Points
Economic TimesRussia has never hurt India’s interests: S Jaishankar
During his recent visit to Munich, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar emphasized India's historically stable and friendly relationship with Russia, contrasting it with the varied experiences of other nations. He highlighted that while conflicts may have shaped other countries' relationships with Russia, India's ties with Russia have remained consistently positive. Key Points
Economic Times
Russia buys bananas and papayas from India amid spat with Ecuador
Russia received its first shipment of bananas from India in January, and another shipment is expected at the end of February. The Russian agricultural watchdog Rosselkhoznadzor said that the volume of exports of Indian bananas to the Russian market will increase, indicating a rising demand for Indian bananas in Russia. India, known for producing a significant amount of bananas, has expressed a desire to export other fruits to Russia, including papaya, guava, mangoes, and pineapples. Key Points
Economic TimesRussian plane carrying 65 Ukrainian prisoners of war crashes in Belgorod region
It wasn’t immediately clear what caused the crash. A Russian military transport plane carrying 65 Ukrainian prisoners of war, six crew and three people... Key Points
The Tribune IndiaRussia Plane Crash: Russian Il-76 military transport plane with 65 Ukrainian POWs crashes near border: Rus
Russia Plane Crash: A Russian military transport plane, carrying 65 Ukrainian prisoners of war, six crew members, and three others, crashed in Russia's Belgorod region near Ukraine. The cause of the crash remains unclear, and it's uncertain if there are any survivors. The incident follows a major Russian missile attack on Ukraine, killing 18 people and injuring 130. Ukraine, marking the 700th day since the invasion, faces intensified conflict, with Russia employing decoy missiles and Ukraine focusing on strengthening air defenses. Ukraine's allies, including Germany, continue sending military aid packages amid ongoing challenges. Key Points
Economic TimesShot down 32 Ukrainian drones, says Russia
Drones were seen in the skies over Russia's Moscow, Bryansk, Oryol, and Kursk regions, the country's defense ministry said in a statement. It said that all of the drones had been destroyed by air defenses. Key Points
Economic TimesTies with Russia ‘exceptional’, Jaishankar says in Moscow. Kudankulam expansion among key deals signed
Jaishankar meets Deputy PM Denis Manturov Tuesday & Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov Wednesday. Agreement for cooperation in medical domain signed as well as India-Russia look to deepen ties. Key Points
ThePrint
India, Russia discuss ₹-Ruble trade
EAM Jaishankar met Manturov on day two of his five-day visit to Russia on the eve of his meeting with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov. The two ministers held wide-ranging discussions on measures to boost business and trade partnership including increasing Indian investments in Russia to meet growing demands across sectors in the backdrop of sanctions, it has been learnt. This was the second meeting between Manturov and Jaishankar this year. The Russian DPM had travelled to India earlier this year. Key Points
Economic Times