Tag: russia

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Russia Summons Canadian Diplomat Over ‘False Accusations’

(180710) -- RIGA, July 10, 2018 (Xinhua) -- Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks during a joint press conference with Latvian Prime Minister Maris Kucinskis (not seen in picture) in Riga, Latvia, on July 10, 2018. Trudeau pledged sustained commitment to Latvia's security during his visit to Riga on Tuesday, saying that Canada would extend its leadership of the NATO battalion stationed in the Baltic country for four more years. (Xinhua/Janis)

Ottawa has repeatedly accused Moscow of engaging in “malicious cyber activity” and had expressed concerns earlier this week about the Russian involvement in sending “camouflaged incendiary devices” aboard cargo planes.

Russia on Friday summoned the deputy head of Canada’s embassy in Moscow in connection with “false accusations” of allegedly planned “Russian sabotage” against NATO countries.

“On November 8, the Deputy Head of the Canadian diplomatic mission in Moscow was summoned to the Russian Foreign Ministry, where he was handed an official note in connection with false accusations of allegedly planned ‘Russian sabotage’ against NATO countries with the mailing, including to addressees in Canada, of explosives in postal correspondence,” the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

Ottawa has repeatedly accused Moscow of engaging in “malicious cyber activity” and had expressed concerns earlier this week about the Russian involvement in sending “camouflaged incendiary devices” aboard cargo planes.

“The (Canadian) diplomat was told that the said speculations, disseminated at the instigation of the United States and its satellites in the context of the hybrid war unleashed against Russia and the pumping up of the regime in Kyiv with modern weapons, as well as the participation of mercenaries from Canada in military actions on the side of the Kyiv regime with the blessing of the government of Justin Trudeau, indicate the probable preparation of a gross anti-Russian provocation,” the Russian Foreign Ministry statement added.

Moscow warned that the responsibility for any escalation “under a false flag” will fall entirely on countries, including Canada, that are making “unacceptable accusations” against Russia.

“The Canadian side has been told that any hostile actions will not go unanswered – as they have not gone unanswered so far. The Canadian authorities must exercise prudence and refrain from harmful steps that deepen the confrontation with Russia,” the Russian Foreign Ministry made it clear.

Russia-Canada relations have nosedived over the last few years with Moscow accusing the Justin Trudeau-led government of following a Russophobic course.

Last year, Russia gave a demarche to the Deputy Head of the Canadian Diplomatic Mission in Moscow after Canada’s move to confiscate the An-124 cargo airliner, owned by the Volga-Dnepr company that was “illegally held” at the Toronto airport since February 2022.

In September 2023, the Canadian Parliament’s recognition of a Ukrainian veteran who served in a Nazi military unit during the Second World War drew massive flak from several countries, including Russia which termed Trudeau’s standing ovation as “outrageous”.

“The hostile actions of the Canadian government, which has been trying to surpass the United States in its anti-Russia sanction rage by constantly extending the Russian stop list with more names of politicians, cultural figures and their family members, as well as entire education institutions, will certainly not be left without a response.

“We will not tolerate the fact that Canadian liberals are playing with Nazism and will take the necessary steps in the context of the Russia-Canada relations that are going through a crisis on an epochal scale through the official Ottawa’s fault,” read a Russian Foreign Ministry statement in September 2023 after the Canadian Parliament honoured 98-year-old Yaroslav Hunka during Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky’s visit to the country.

ALSO READ: Too Early To Discuss Detente: Kremlin On Russia-US Ties

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-Top News Europe USA

Too Early To Discuss Detente: Kremlin On Russia-US Ties

Putin on Thursday said that he is ready to hold discussions with Trump and congratulated him on winning the US presidential election.

It is too early to discuss prospects for improving Russia-US relations, local media reported Friday, citing Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov.

He said Russian President Vladimir Putin remains willing and open to dialogue with the US President-elect Donald Trump but arranging a time would come later.

The spokesman recalled that during the election campaign, Trump mentioned that he intended to contact Putin personally, Xinhua news agency reported.

Meanwhile, Putin on Thursday said that he is ready to hold discussions with Trump and congratulated him on winning the US presidential election.

When answering a question at the plenary session of the Russian think tank Valdai’s annual meeting in Sochi about whether he is ready to talk with Trump, the Russian leader said: “ready.”

“I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate him on his election as president of the United States,” Putin said, adding that Russia will work with any head of state who the American people trust.

However, Putin made it clear that – to a large extent – the ball remains in the United States’ court.

“Because we have not spoiled relations with them, we have not introduced any restrictions or sanctions against them. We do not contribute to any armed conflict being ignited in territories close to them. We have never sought this, and in practice, I want to emphasise this, we have never allowed ourselves to do this,” said Putin.

“It is unclear why the United States allows itself to do this. I hope that they will eventually come to the realisation that it is better not to do this if we do not want some global conflicts. The President-elect of the United States, Mr. Trump, has spoken in a similar vein. Let’s see how this will actually work, bearing in mind that the institution of the president in the United States is somehow bound by certain obligations. It is somehow bound by those people who contributed to his rise to power,” he added.

ALSO READ: Europe Braces For Complexities Of Trump 2.0

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Russian minister highlights UAE as largest energy partner in MENA

Mikhail Ivanov pointed out that ADIPEC 2024 is being held under the themes of green energy, digitalisation, and artificial intelligence, areas where Russia is eager to contribute solutions….reports Asian Lite News

Mikhail Ivanov, Russia’s Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade, emphasised the strong partnership between Russia and the United Arab Emirates in the energy sector, declaring the UAE as Russia’s largest partner in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).

In statements to the Emirates News Agency (WAM) at ADIPEC, he highlighted Russia’s significant presence at this year’s edition. “This year, Russia is represented by approximately 70 companies, showcasing a wide range of equipment for the oil and gas sector, including pumps, compressors, automated control systems, software, and other innovative products.”

Mikhail Ivanov pointed out that ADIPEC 2024 is being held under the themes of green energy, digitalisation, and artificial intelligence, areas where Russia is eager to contribute solutions. “Russia is committed to offering its expertise in green energy. We boast one of the world’s greenest energy balances and are a recognised leader in nuclear energy,” he explained.

The Minister added, “We are also actively advancing renewable energy technologies, including solar and wind power. Our solar panel manufacturing is among the top five globally in terms of efficiency, with exports reaching multiple regions around the world. Additionally, we are developing wind power projects in collaboration with leading technological partners.”

Mikhail Ivanov also highlighted Russia’s investments in energy storage solutions, an area discussed during a panel session at ADIPEC. “We are constructing facilities for energy storage systems,” he noted. “Of course, our traditional energy sectors—hydrocarbon extraction, processing, and, increasingly, hydrogen energy—remain key areas of interest. Our producers have developed strong competencies in these fields, and we are looking to expand our cooperation with UAE companies and other partners across the Middle East.”

With Russia’s broad participation and innovative energy solutions, ADIPEC 2024 serves as a significant platform to further strengthen UAE-Russia ties in the global energy landscape.

ALSO READ: UAE’s Big FDI Goal: Dh2.2T by 2031

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-Top News Europe India News

Russia Has Never Harmed India’s Interests: Jaishankar

External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar hailed the longstanding and time-tested India-Russia relationship…reports Asian Lite News

A day ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s departure to Kazan for the 16th BRICS Summit, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar hailed the longstanding and time-tested India-Russia relationship which has advanced to Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership over the past 10 years.

“If you look at our history with Russia after Independence, Russia has never done anything to impact our interests negatively. Among the major countries, there are not many about whom you can say this,” Jaishankar said at the NDTV World Summit.

In July, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Moscow on a two-day visit to Russia – his first to the country since 2019 and first to its capital after 2015.

During the visit, Russian President Vladimir Putin conferred PM Modi with the Order of St. Andrew the Apostle the First-Called, Russia’s highest civilian award.

A lot had changed in the region after the start of the Russia-Ukraine war in 2022 but India-Russia partnership has remained resilient in the wake of multiple geopolitical challenges that the world has been facing.

“Today Russia’s situation is different, I think Russia’s relationship with the West has obviously broken down. So, you have a Russia which is turning much more towards Asia. We need to ask ourselves that if Russia is looking at Asia, should Russia not have multiple options in Asia? Should we not do what is good for us in national interests?” the EAM stated.

While New Delhi has maintained a steady relationship with Moscow even as PM Modi repeatedly asserted that no solution can ever be arrived at the cost of human lives and that escalation of hostilities and violence is in no one’s interest, India-Russia bilateral trade continues to increase, touching close to $65 billion in 2023-24, primarily due to strong energy cooperation between the two countries.

“Clearly, Russia as a major natural resources power has a complementarity with India at this stage of development when we are big resource consumers. It isn’t just Russian oil, it could be fertilisers, metals, coal. There is a whole economic logic to it. There is also a basic strategic logic, that if you look at the Eurasian landmass, there are three big countries. You always keep a balance, a relationship with the further away country in a very good state,” added Jaishankar.

At the same time, the Russian President continues to hail India’s rising global stature and the strength of its growing economy under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi.

Putin and Modi are scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Kazan which is being held under the theme of ‘Strengthening Multilateralism for Just Global Development and Security’ and will provide an important platform for leaders to discuss key global issues.

ALSO READ: PM Modi Hails Expansion of BRICS

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BRICS respects civilizational diversity, says Russian envoy  

New Delhi, Mar 18 (ANI): Russia's Ambassador to India Denis Alipov speaks on the outcomes of the Russian Presidential Election held in India, on Monday. The Russian Presidential Election in India concludes with a total of 1701 votes cast. (ANI Photo)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Russia at the invitation of President Vladimir Putin from October 22-23 to attend the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan….reports Asian Lite News

Russian Ambassador to India, Denis Alipov said that Russia is looking forward to welcoming Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Russia for the BRICS Summit while adding that the grouping has emerged as an influential platform for developing and emerging economies.

Speaking on the upcoming summit, he said the motto of the Russian presidency and the forthcoming summit is “Strengthening Multilateralism for Equitable Global Development and Security”.

“We look forward to welcoming Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi along with around 40 other prominent leaders to participate in regular and Outreach/BRICS Plus sessions. The motto of the Russian presidency and the forthcoming summit is ‘Strengthening Multilateralism for Equitable Global Development and Security’,” he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Russia at the invitation of President Vladimir Putin from October 22-23 to attend the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan.

Alipov further said that BRICS provides a platform to promote democratization of the global governance and offers a diversified, inclusive and consensus-based cooperation.

“BRICS is a multidimensional phenomenon. It has become an influential platform for developing and emerging economies to take forward a rich agenda and to promote democratization of the global governance reflective of our growing influence. It offers diversified, inclusive and consensus-based cooperation within more than 80 sectoral tracks structured into the three baskets: policy and security, economy and finance and humanitarian and cultural ties,” he said.

The Russian envoy further said that several countries are keen to join the BRICS grouping because it provides respects civilizational diversity and offers a platform for mutually beneficial dialogue.

“BRICS respects civilizational diversity and offers the platform for mutually beneficial dialogue free from pressure, double standards or interference in domestic affairs. No wonder that a large number of countries has expressed interest in joining, and we see it natural for BRICS to expand in one way or another. After our membership has doubled last year, which is itself a landmark, we move towards the establishment of a partner-country category to enable interested states to join our practical cooperation,” Alipov said.

“We think we must satisfy their expectations that would consolidate BRICS potential as a dedicated mechanism to promote the agenda of the Global South,” he added.

He said that countries that are economically ambitious and oppose illegitimate sanctions against member-states.

“I would not prejudge who exactly will be invited, and what are the criteria, but certainly, those countries should be economically ambitious and oppose illegitimate sanctions against member-states. I presume we are all against the phantom itching for dictate and restricting cooperation with other nations. The case in point is that geopolitical and practical relevance of BRICS is growing not only despite uncertainties, but because of them reflecting the demand for more equitable cooperation in a multipolar environment,” he said.

Elaborating on the significance of BRICS, the envoy said the grouping represents over 30 per cent of the world’s land area, 45 per cent of world’s population, 40 per cent of oil production, and up to 25 per cent of global experts.

“Around 200 events have already taken place under the Russian presidency this year as a testimony that the expanded BRICS has succeeded. Our main focus was to ensure a smooth adaptation of new members to the BRICS culture as well as traditions and overall eco-system. With new members, BRICS represents over 30% of the world’s land area, 45 per cent of the population, 40 per cent of oil production, up to 25 per cent of export. The combined GDP of BRICS nations has long surpassed that of the G7. One of the biggest values has been the sincere dedication to find amicable solutions and a common ground when it comes to difficult issues,” Alipov said.

He appreciated Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla’s participation in the BRICS Parliamentary Forum in July and other officials in meetings.

“We highly appreciate the support of our presidency in this regard. Much welcomed was the participation of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla in the BRICS Parliamentary Forum in July in Saint Petersburg and other high Indian officials in various meetings. Regular involvement of NSA Ajit Doval in the BRICS high-level meetings on security matters is always critically important,” he said. (ANI)

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Lanka to Elevate Trade with Russia

Trade between Sri Lanka and Russia has been growing significantly since the disintegration of the former Soviet Union in 1991…reports Asian Lite News

The Sri Lankan cabinet approved an agreement to facilitate legally valid trade activities with Russia through transparent, predictable customs procedures, according to a statement from the government’s information department.

According to the department, although the cabinet approval was granted on November 15, 2021, to sign a bilateral agreement to provide facilities for legally valid trade activities through transparent and predictable customs procedures after a series of bilateral discussions between the Sri Lankan government and Russian government, it has not been signed, Xinhua news agency reported.

However, the cabinet approved the proposal presented by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake who is also minister of finance, economic development, policy formulation, planning, and tourism to sign for it.

Trade between Sri Lanka and Russia has been growing significantly since the disintegration of the former Soviet Union in 1991.

Though Sri Lanka’s balance of trade has been continuously favourable from 2007 to 2014, the gap has been reduced gradually with the increase in imports. Further, with the decrease in tea exports from Sri Lanka to Russia from 2015 onwards, the trade balance was facing a fluctuating trend.

ALSO READ: UK sanctions Russian troops deploying chemical weapons  

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-Top News Afghanistan Asia News

Russia hosts meeting of Moscow Format talks on Afghanistan

The statement added that participants reaffirmed their support for Afghanistan during Friday’s meeting….reports Asian Lite News

Moscow hosted the 6th meeting of the Moscow Format of Consultations on Afghanistan, according to a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The statement added that participants reaffirmed their support for Afghanistan during Friday’s meeting.

“On October 4, Moscow hosted the 6th meeting of the Moscow Format of Consultations on Afghanistan. The sides unanimously reaffirmed their support for Afghanistan’s development as an independent, unified, and peaceful state.”

The meeting saw the participation of special representatives and senior officials from Russia, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, China, Pakistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Afghanistan’s Acting Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, attended as the main guest, the statement said.

During the meeting, participants reaffirmed their support for Afghanistan’s development as an independent, unified, and peaceful state and expressed their readiness to assist Kabul in counter-terrorism and anti-drug efforts.

The participants showed interest in developing regional infrastructure projects involving Afghanistan and noted the promising nature of economic, trade, and investment cooperation with Kabul.

The sides highlighted the importance of international humanitarian aid for Afghanistan, emphasising that such aid should not be politically motivated.

A joint statement was adopted by the participants of the Moscow Format Consultations on Afghanistan.

The parties expressed deep concern over the security situation related to terrorism in Afghanistan, noting that terrorist and separatist groups based there continue to pose a serious threat to global and regional security.

They called for strengthening counter-terrorism cooperation at both bilateral and multilateral levels, emphasising that Afghanistan should be supported in taking comprehensive measures to address both the symptoms and root causes of terrorism and eradicate it swiftly.

The participants urged Afghanistan’s de facto authorities to take visible and verifiable actions to fulfil the international obligations and commitments made to combat terrorism, dismantle and eliminate all terrorist groups in a non-discriminatory manner, and prevent the use of Afghan territory against neighbouring countries, the region, and beyond.

The parties reaffirmed their unwavering support for Afghanistan as an independent, united, and peaceful state. They rejected attempts by third countries to deploy military infrastructure in Afghanistan or its neighbouring states, arguing that such actions do not serve regional peace and stability.

The participants also noted the promising development of economic and trade exchanges, along with investment cooperation between Afghanistan and regional countries. They expressed interest in developing regional economic projects with Afghan participation and in promoting progress in fields such as healthcare, poverty alleviation, agriculture, and disaster prevention, to help Afghanistan achieve independent and sustainable development at the earliest possible date. They supported the active integration of Afghanistan into regional connectivity efforts, the statement added.

The parties reiterated their commitment to continuing humanitarian support for the Afghan people and called on the international community to intensify the provision of emergency humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan while opposing any attempts to politicise such aid.

The participants also called for moderate, prudent, and inclusive governance by Afghanistan’s de facto authorities, urging them to protect the basic rights and interests of all Afghans, including women, girls, and all ethnic groups, and to continue efforts to meet the needs of the Afghan people.

The parties urged the Afghan authorities to create the necessary conditions to improve the welfare of the Afghan people, prevent further migration, and facilitate the return of refugees. They expressed appreciation for Iran, Pakistan, and other regional countries hosting millions of Afghan refugees and called on the international community and donors to provide assistance.

The parties emphasised the significant role of regional frameworks in Afghanistan’s recovery and urged the countries primarily responsible for the current situation in Afghanistan to fulfil their commitments to the country’s economic recovery and future development. (ANI)

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Pak Army Steps In Amid Street Unrest In Islamabad Ahead Of SCO Summit

With the SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organisation) summit scheduled to be held in Islamabad on October 15-16 coupled with the fast aggravating security situation on the ground, the Federal Ministry of Interior has ordered handing over the security of the capital to the Pakistan Army, reports Hamza Ameer

Amid the fast-changing security situation on the ground in Islamabad with violent protests, clashes, arrests, cellular services and internet blockades; the government of Pakistan has decided to hand over the security of the capital to the Pakistan Army units officially.

Pakistan’s capital Islamabad and its twin city Rawalpindi, along with the connecting route between Punjab province, Federal Capital Islamabad and the Khyber Pukhtunkhwa (KP) province, have become battlefields between supporters of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and the security forces throughout Friday and is expected to continue through the weekend as well.

With the SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organisation) summit scheduled to be held in Islamabad on October 15-16 coupled with the fast aggravating security situation on the ground with fierce clashes being reported amid PTI’s call for protest at D-Chowk in Islamabad on October 4, the Federal Ministry of Interior has ordered handing over the security of the capital to the Pakistan Army.

The orders have been issued under Article 245 of the Constitution, which states “The Armed Forces shall, under the directions of the Federal Government, defend Pakistan against external aggression or threat of war, and, subject to law, act in aid to civil power when called upon to do so”.

After directives from the ministry, army units have taken over security duties in Islamabad — a move by the government to maintain law and order amid escalating PTI protests in the capital.

Official sources confirmed that the capital has been handed over to the armed forces from October 4 till October 17. The role of the armed forces includes patrolling at key locations to safeguard citizens and public property. This would also now include ensuring security protocols during the SCO summit, where dignitaries from member states will be landing in Pakistan.

Pertinent to note that External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will be leading India’s delegation and travelling to Islamabad for the summit also, making the event even more important, critical and crucial.

But on the ground, the security situation amid PTI-led protests resulting in violent clashes with the police authorities has made the political situation extremely sensitive for the government and has spread confusion about probable outcomes, which may be witnessed in the coming hours in the country.

“I am very worried about how the military establishment and the government have decided to handle this situation. They have called in the army to take control of the capital for 17 long days. They have applied Article 245, which means that they are referring to a political party PTI as either an external force which threatens war against the state. This is dangerous…,” said senior analyst Najam Sethi.

“Keeping in view the current situation… where you have KP CM Ali Amin Gandapur with his barrage of people, armed with weapons and threatening to breach through the blockades to reach Islamabad… he is confronted with the army now. And god forbid, if a gunshot is fired in these days, by any of his angry protestors who have been difficult to control as we have seen in the recent past, the situation may go completely out of hand and end up in a disaster,” added Sethi.

It would not be wrong to maintain that deployment of armed forces in the capital basically put the military establishment and former premier and currently incarcerated Imran Khan’s PTI directly standing against each other. Any wrong move now, from the military establishment or PTI, may just be the final showdown that would push the country into anarchy and chaos.

While the suspicions and stakes remain high with all eyes stuck on the ticking clock, the next 24 to 48 hours have become highly critical.

However, for others, especially with a close watch on the developing situation — the matter will not be allowed to escalate, while the prime demand of PTI, seeking engagement between imprisoned Imran Khan and the military establishment, may also not be entertained.

“The military establishment has maintained what it had been stating in the past. There can be no talks with Imran Khan — not after what he and his party did on 9th May 2023. It will remain the same. Even this current tactic to create pressure and spread riots to force the military establishment to reconsider engagement with Imran Khan is not going to be entertained,” said a reliable source on the condition of anonymity.

“Ali Amin Gandapur and his people violently protesting at the edge of KP, are not left with too many options and are seeking help from the military establishment to retreat. He has the army standing in front of him, and the armed forces have also been called in from his province KP, who have maintained their positions close to the Burhan interchange. So Gandaur is trapped in his own misadventure,” he added.

The source said that the doors of the military establishment will remain shut for Imran Khan as they have been in the past. And his loudest voice Gandapur will have a decision to make for himself and his provincial government.

“KP CM Gandapur is leading a group of people, who are armed, who are ready to kill or be killed, who have said that they would use their weapons to fight and remove the blockades to enter into the capital, which is now controlled by the Pakistan armed forces. It’s a recipe for his own crash. Any wrong move and he will have terrorism cases against him, a change of command in his province with a governor rule imposed and an end to his political party PTI, which is left with Gandapur only as their voice. Imran Khan also supports Gandapur, so as the ship falls, so will the man behind the bars as his pressure tactics will fail yet again,” the source said.

While the claims made by the source are based on expected outcomes, the ground situation in Pakistan remains extremely tense and is expected to retain is sensitivity for at least the next 48 hours.

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-Top News Europe UK News

Tankers carrying Russian gas face UK sanctions

The sanctions cover ships which were, until relatively recently, insured by British companies…reports Asian Lite News

For the first time since Russia invaded Ukraine two and a half years ago, the UK has begun to sanction tankers carrying Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Europe and around the world.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has announced it is using new powers to sanction five LNG tankers and two companies involved in the LNG sector.

The sanctions cover ships which were, until relatively recently, insured by British companies, though those insurers cut their ties when those vessels were sanctioned by the US.

The FCDO is also closely examining whether it should sanction other LNG tankers carrying Russian LNG. This follows a reports earlier this year, which revealed that a company whose LNG operations headquarters are located in Glasgow, Seapeak, part owns and operates a number of tankers carrying Russian gas from Siberia to Europe. The report also found that numerous LNG tankers are still insured by British companies.

The flow of LNG out of Russia represents a key source of Russian income, both for domestic businesses and, even more so, for government revenues. While many other streams of natural resources exports are declining, the Kremlin is hoping to increase its share of global LNG market share from 8% to 20%.

However, sanctioning these vessels is a thorny business, since they are still providing large quantities of gas to Europe, which has so far stopped short of sanctioning Russian gas.

But since the UK is a critical player in this shipping sector, it both benefits from the trade, and has an outsize influence in clamping down on it.

The FCDO is understood to be preparing to use its new powers, which allow it to sanction individual vessels, again in the coming months.

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Putin warns ‘nuclear response’ to attacks from Ukraine

Putin stated that Moscow would consider any attack supported by a nuclear power as a joint attack on it…reports Asian Lite News

Russian President Vladimir Putin has given a “nuclear warning” to the West and said that it could resolve to use nuclear weapons if the country gets hit by conventional missiles from Ukraine, as reported by the Reuters.

During his meeting of Russia’s Security Council on Wednesday, Putin stated that Moscow would consider any attack supported by a nuclear power as a joint attack on it.

“It is proposed that aggression against Russia by any non-nuclear state, but with the participation or support of a nuclear state, be considered as their joint attack on the Russian Federation,” Putin said.

“The conditions for Russia’s transition to use of nuclear weapons are also clearly fixed,” he added.

As per Reuters, this move of changing Russia’s official nuclear doctrine was Kremlin’s answer to the West, following the deliberations in the US and Britain on whether they would give permission or not to Ukraine to launch an attack on Russia using conventional Western missiles.

According to Putin, the adjustments were necessary because of how quickly the world was changing and how this presented new risks and threats for Russia.

As per Reuters, Putin stated that Russia reserved the right to use nuclear weapons in addition to conventional weapons in the event that it or its partner Belarus were the target of aggression.

He further stated that the explanations confirmed that the nuclear doctrine was evolving and that they were appropriately calibrated to match the contemporary military threats that Russia faces, the Reuters reported.

Russian forces have reached the outskirts of Vuhledar, a key Ukrainian stronghold, amid an intensified offensive push in the area.

Ukraine has struck Russian rear ammunition depots, highlighting the vulnerability of Russia’s military logistics.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently visited the United States, reiterating Ukraine’s need for timely and uninterrupted military assistance. The US has increased production of artillery shells and discussed joint weapons production in Ukraine.

Ukrainian forces have advanced in various areas, including west of the Kursk Oblast salient, Vovchansk, and eastern Toretsk. However, the situation remains fluid and contentious. (ANI)

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