UN inspectors visit Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhia to prevent a nuclear accident at a Russian-occupied power plant where recent shelling has prompted fears of disaster, as fighting rages on day 190 of conflict.
Key oil consumers China and US partner India have stepped up imports of discounted Russian barrels to record levels.
(Reuters Archive)
Thursday, September 1, 2022G7 finance chiefs to discuss Russian oil price cap on Friday
Finance ministers from the Group of Seven club of wealthy nations will discuss the US Biden administration's proposed price cap on Russian oil when they meet on Friday, the White House has said.
"This is the most effective way, we believe, to hit hard at Putin's revenue and doing so will result in not only a drop in Putin's oil revenue, but also global energy prices as well," said White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre.
Despite Russia's oil exports hitting their lowest levels since last August, its export revenue in June increased by $700 million month on month due to higher prices, 40 percent above last year's average, the International Energy Agency said last month.
Key oil consumers China and America's partner India have stepped up imports of discounted Russian barrels to record levels.
For live updates from Wednesday (August 31), click here
Source: TRTWorld and agencies
Russia increases the size of its armed forces on the 183rd day of the Ukraine conflict and a Ukrainian minister says an IAEA team could travel to the Russian-held Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant in the coming days.
The Russian offensive has largely bogged down as Ukrainian forces increasingly target key facilities far behind the front lines, including in Russia-occupied Crimea.
(AFP)
Thursday, August 25, 2022Zelenskyy: Discussed with Biden next steps in the conflict
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he had "a great conversation" with US President Joe Biden on Thursday and thanked him for his support in the conflict with Russia.
"We discussed Ukraine's further steps on our path to the victory over the aggressor and (the) importance of holding Russia accountable for war crimes," he tweeted in English.
Had a great conversation with @POTUS. Thanked for the unwavering U.S. support for Ukrainian people – security and financial. We discussed Ukraine’s further steps on our path to the victory over the aggressor and importance of holding Russia accountable for war crimes. pic.twitter.com/4edng8vkvn
US: Any Russian bid to divert Ukraine nuclear energy 'unacceptable'
The United States has condemned any Russian bid to divert energy from Ukraine where authorities said the giant Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant was cut off from its national grid.
"The electricity that it produces rightly belongs to Ukraine and any attempt to disconnect the plant from the Ukrainian power grid and redirect to occupied areas is unacceptable," State Department spokesperson Vedant Patel told reporters.
Separately, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Russia should agree to a demilitarised zone around the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.
Regular power line to Zaporizhzhia plant restored, Ukraine tells IAEA
The last regular power line supplying electricity to the Russian-held Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant (ZNPP) in Ukraine is working again after having been cut earlier on Thursday, the UN nuclear watchdog said, citing Ukraine.
"Ukraine told the IAEA that the ZNPP, Europe's largest nuclear power plant, at least twice lost connection to the power line during the day but that it was currently up again," the International Atomic Energy Agency said in a statement, adding that information on the direct cause of the outage was not immediately available.
The plant, Europe's largest, was seized by Russia in March and remains close to the frontline. It has come under repeated fire in recent weeks, raising fears of a nuclear disaster, with both Russia and Ukraine accusing each other of shelling it.
Nuclear watchdog could visit Russian-held plant in coming days: Ukraine
The International Atomic Energy Agency could travel to Ukraine's Russian-held Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant for a mission in southern Ukraine in the coming days, Ukrainian Energy Minister German Galushchenko said on Thursday.
"A visit is planned. We are talking about the coming days — definitely no later than the beginning of September," Galushchenko told Reuters news agency in an interview in Kiev.
Galushchenko told Reuters it was vital the IAEA mission was able to see what was happening at the plant.
Russia's Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu claims slow pace of Moscow’s military action in Ukraine was to spare civilians. Journalist Dasha Chernyshova has more pic.twitter.com/YRnBSJD8Au
Putin signs decree to increase size of Russian armed forces
Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree to increase the size of Russia's armed forces from 1.9 million to 2.04 million as its attack against Ukraine enters its seventh month.
The increase includes a 137,000 boost in the number of combat personnel to 1.15 million. It comes into effect on January 1, according to the decree published on the government's legislative portal.
While the decree does not outline the reasons for the increase, it comes as Moscow's troops are focused on capturing territories in eastern Ukraine. It also comes at a time of soaring tensions between Moscow and Western countries that have sanctioned Russia over its operation in Ukraine.
Ukraine nuclear plant disconnected from grid: Operator
Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant under occupation by Russian troops has been disconnected from the national power supply, the state energy operator has said.
"The actions of the invaders caused a complete disconnection of the (Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant) from the power grid — the first in the history of the plant," Energoatom said on Telegram.
Energoatom said fires broke out in the ash pits of a coal power station near the Zaporizhzhia reactor complex — Europe's largest nuclear facility — and interfered with power lines connecting the plant to the grid. "As a result, the station's two working power units were disconnected from the network," it said in a statement.
Death toll in train station attack in Ukraine rises to 25
The death toll from a Russian rocket attack on a train station and the surrounding area on Ukraine's Independence Day climbed to 25, including at least two children, Ukrainian authorities said.
Russia said it targeted a military train and claimed to have killed more than 200 Ukrainian reservists.
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6Jr9OfSP2Y[/embed]
Russian opposition politician placed under de-facto house arrest
A Russian court has placed opposition politician Yevgeny Roizman under conditions similar to house arrest as he awaits trial on charges of "discrediting" the Russian army.
One of the last opposition figures still in the country and not behind bars, the former mayor of the Urals city of Yekaterinburg was detained for his comments about Moscow's military intervention in Ukraine.
A court in Yekaterinburg on Thursday ruled to place Roizman under "restricted movement" -— conditions similar to house arrest — until September 29, the RIA Novosti news agency reported.
Roizman, 59, is allowed to leave his place of residence for only one minute a day, he can't attend public events, use the internet, or send and receive letters. He is only allowed to communicate with close family members, his lawyer and investigators.
Poland says grave with WWII soldiers is destroyed by Belarus
Poland's government alleged that authorities in neighbouring Belarus were leveling a memorial site containing the graves of Polish resistance fighters who died battling Soviet soldiers during World War II.
Lukasz Jasina, the spokesperson for Poland's Foreign Ministry, said on Twitter that a cemetery in Surkonty — a village where members of Poland's largest wartime resistance force, the Home Army, fought Soviet army troops on August 21, 1944 — was being “devastated by the services of the Minsk regime.”
Those who think that the human memory of heroes can be eradicated are very mistaken. The regime will pay for these acts of barbarism.Lukasz Jasina, the spokesperson for Poland's Foreign Ministry
Belarus to stage territorial defence drills on Saturday
Belarus will hold military drills for reserves and conscripts in the country's territorial defence units on Saturday, the defence ministry said in a statement.
The exercises will focus on strengthening protections around the capital Minsk, the defence ministry said.
Latvia removes controversial Soviet monument
Latvia dismantled a Soviet-era monument in its capital city Riga following Russia's attacks on Ukraine, despite protests from the Baltic state's ethnic Russian minority to keep it.
Demolition machinery was used to remove the 79-metre World War II memorial, which has become a rallying point for the Kremlin's supporters in Latvia.
Latvia, like fellow Baltic states Estonia and Lithuania, is a NATO and EU member that has shown strong support for Ukraine in the conflict with Russia.
Built in 1985, the Monument to the Liberators of Soviet Latvia and Riga from the German Fascist Invaders had featured statues of soldiers and a woman surrounding a central obelisk.
(Reuters)
Russia claims killing Ukraine troops in rail strike
Russia's defence ministry has said that it killed over 200 Ukrainian troops in a railway station attack in central Ukraine that Kiev said left 25 people, including children, dead.
"As a result of a direct hit by an Iskander missile on a military train at the Chaplyne railway station in the Dnipropetrovsk region, more than 200 servicemen of the reserve of Ukraine's Armed Forces and 10 units of military equipment were destroyed," the ministry said in its daily briefing.
It added that the train was "en route to combat zones" in the eastern Donbass region that Moscow seeks to fully control.
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ha-aQ5TznqU[/embed]
Russia's use of cluster bombs in Ukraine extensive: Monitor
Russia has widely used cluster bombs in Ukraine, causing hundreds of civilian casualties and damaging homes, schools and hospitals, the monitoring body Cluster Munition Coalition (CMC) said in an annual report.
"Russia's extensive use of internationally-banned cluster munitions in Ukraine demonstrates a blatant disregard for human life, humanitarian principles and legal norms," said Mary Wareham of the Cluster Munition Monitor 2022.
Neither Russia nor Ukraine have joined the convention prohibiting the use, transfer, production and stockpiling of cluster bombs, which has 110 states parties and 13 other signatories.
Gas, coal prices double in six months
Natural gas and coal prices on global markets have reached record levels six months into the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Natural gas prices in Europe increased by about 127.6 percent in the six months since the start of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The EU's sanctions, the reduction in fossil fuels imported from Russia and reduced gas flow to Europe ramped up prices.
The price of coal hit its highest closing price since the conflict began at $398.45 on March 2. Supply concerns on global markets pushed coal prices higher after Russia, one of the world's largest coal-producing countries, began its offensive.
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hmw_Xk9rk8o[/embed]
Russian, French defence ministers discuss Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant
Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu has discussed the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant with his French counterpart by telephone, the ministry said.
Zaporizhzhia, Europe's largest nuclear plant, was captured by Russian troops in March.
It remains close to the frontline, and has come under repeated fire in recent weeks, raising fears of a nuclear disaster. Russia and Ukraine have accused each other of shelling the plant.
UN's Bachelet calls on Putin to halt armed attacks on Ukraine
UN human rights chief Michelle Bachelet has called on Russian President Vladimir Putin to halt armed attacks on Ukraine and said the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant must be demilitarised.
"The international community must insist on documentation" to be able to one day prove war crimes, added Bachelet in a speech marking the end of her term as the United Nations' high commissioner for human rights.
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EdqaF4JnJsI[/embed]
Ukraine plans international court to put Putin on trial
Ukrainian officials are drawing up plans to make sure Russian President Vladimir Putin and his top military commanders will be tried for launching the military offensive.
The plan for a special international tribunal to investigate Russia's alleged "crime of aggression" is being spearheaded by Andrii Smirnov, deputy head of Ukraine's presidential administration.
The International Criminal Court, which has been trying the gravest crimes for the past 20 years, is already investigating war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide in Ukraine. But it cannot look into accusations of aggression because neither Ukraine nor Russia has ratified the Rome Statute.
This court is "the only way to make sure that the criminals who started the Ukraine war are held accountable quickly," Smirnov told the AFP news agency. "The world has a short memory. That's why I would like this tribunal to start working next year."
For live updates from Wednesday (August 24), click here
Source: TRTWorld and agencies
International Atomic Energy Agency chief and the head of Russia's Rosatom discuss the security situation at Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant in during talks in Istanbul as Russian attacks in Ukraine continue for the 182nd day.
A delegation from the IAEA could visit the nuclear plant in early September, the Russian representative to the UN's nuclear watchdog said last week.
(AP)
Wednesday, August 24, 2022Russia, IAEA discuss Ukraine nuclear plant in Istanbul meeting
The head of Russia's state nuclear energy agency has held a meeting with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief in Istanbul to discuss an expected inspection of a Moscow-controlled atomic plant in Ukraine.
Head of the UN agency Rafael Grossi and Rosatom chief Alexei Likhachev "discussed in detail all the issues relating to the planned IAEA mission to the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant", Rosatom said.
"The Russian side shares the intention... to organise such a mission in the near future, as soon as the military situation on the ground allows it," it added.
Six-month mark of Ukraine conflict a 'tragic milestone' - UN
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called the six-month anniversary of the start of the Russia-Ukraine conflict a "sad and tragic milestone."
Guterres made the comments during a special meeting of the UN Security Council in New York to mark the anniversary of the start of Russia's attacks on its neighbour on February 24.
The UN chief described the six months of conflict as "devastating." Referring to its impact on food and fuel prices, he said "the consequences of this senseless war are being felt far beyond Ukraine."
UN chief Antonio Guterres at Security Council on Ukraine:
- Six-month anniversary of start of Ukraine war a sad and tragic milestone - Ukraine grain initiative working well - Thank Türkiye for mediating grain deal, I was moved when I saw grain loaded ships in Istanbul pic.twitter.com/jQTyHM9HjE— TRT World Now (@TRTWorldNow) August 24, 2022
WHO: Nearly 100 dead in attacks on Ukraine healthcare
There have been 473 verified attacks on healthcare in Ukraine since Russia began its attacks on Ukraine six months ago, which have killed nearly 100 people, the WHO has said.
As well as the 98 people known to have been killed in verified attacks on healthcare, at least 134 others were wounded, the WHO's figures showed.
Nearly 400 of the attacks hit health facilities. Dozens of attacks struck transport, including ambulances, while warehouses, supplies, personnel and patients were also damaged.
Ex-mayor arrested on charges of discrediting Russian army
The former mayor of Russia's fourth-largest city has been arrested on charges of discrediting the country's military, part of a crackdown on critics of Moscow's military action in Ukraine.
Police arrested Yevgeny Roizman, 59 who served as the mayor of Yekaterinburg in 2013-2018, following searches at his apartment and office.
Roizman told reporters he was charged under a new law adopted after Russia sent troops into Ukraine on February 24. He faces up to five years in prison if convicted.
Celebrations are banned in Ukraine but people abroad come together to mark its independence anniversary pic.twitter.com/LhSbbtt2Ml
Ukraine bans Independence Day celebrations fearing Russian attacks
Ukraine has banned public events celebrating the country's 31st Independence Day fearing renewed Russian attacks.
Large gatherings are prohibited in Kiev from August 22 to 25, the city administration said.
Ukraine’s Center for Strategic Communications (StratCom) said on Telegram: “The threat of massive shelling on the territory of Ukraine with S-300 missiles is obvious. Considering the arrival of several trains [from Russia] before August 20, it is clear that the Russians are preparing to attack Ukraine on August 24."
Norway, Britain team up to donate micro-drones to Ukraine
Norway has announced that the UK will purchase Norwegian-made Black Hornet micro-drones to help Ukraine fight Russia, the Norwegian Defence Ministry said in a statement.
The micro-drones are estimated at $9.1 million (90 million Norwegian kroner), it said.
Norway has contributed $41 million (400 million kroner) through a UK-led fund for the package that will ensure training of the Ukrainian military and the purchase of the Black Hornet systems with spare parts and transport, according to the statement.
Russia, Ukraine spar at UN over nuclear plant dangers
Russia and Ukraine have traded accusations over who was endangering the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, as the United Nations urged both sides to insulate the Ukrainian facility from the ongoing conflict.
Russia called the meeting at the UN Security Council to discuss the dangers that close shelling and a military presence posed to the power plant in southern Ukraine, amid fears that a damaged reactor could leak radiation across the region.
Russian troops have controlled the plant for weeks and allegedly have placed arms and war supplies there, something that Moscow denies.
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2FDLL9kXUrU[/embed]
US to give Ukraine $3 billion in military aid for years ahead
The Biden administration is expected on Wednesday to announce an additional roughly $3 billion in aid to train and equip Ukrainian forces to fight for years to come, US officials said.
The officials told The Associated Press that the package will fund contracts for as many as three types of drones and other weapons, ammunition and equipment that may not see the battlefront for a year or two.
The total of the aid package — it is being provided under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative — could change, but not likely by much.
For live updates from Tuesday (August 23), click here
Source: AP
Russia is "ready" to discuss a prisoner swap with Washington at the presidential level, its foreign minister said on Friday, a day after the drug conviction of U.S. basketball star Brittney Griner.
"We are ready to discuss this subject, but only within the framework of the [communication] channel established by presidents Putin and Biden," Sergei Lavrov told a press conference on a visit to Cambodia.
"There is a special channel established by the presidents and despite certain public declarations, it is still functional," he said.
"If the Americans again decide to engage in public diplomacy and make thundering declarations... that's their business and their problem," he said, adding that Washington "can't" work "in a professional and calm manner."
Lavrov spoke a day after a Russian court sentenced Griner to nine years in a penal colony on a drug smuggling charge.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates. — AFP/Reuters/File
PM Shehbaz and Bill Gates exchange views on issues in the health and social sector of Pakistan.
The government is committed to eradicating polio from the country, says PM Shehbaz.
Bill Gates expresses concerns over increasing polio cases in Pakistan.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Co-Chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) Bill Gates held talks on the phone and discussed the anti-polio campaign, Geo News reported.
In a telephonic conversation, PM Shehbaz and Bill Gates exchanged views on issues in the health and social sector of Pakistan.
PM Shehbaz appreciated BMGF's support in eradicating polio and said that the government of Pakistan was committed to eradicating the crippling disease across the country.
On the occasion, Bill Gates expressed concerns over the increasing number of polio cases and assured to continue support in eradicating the polio virus from the country.
Ministers of Turkish defence and Ukraine's infrastructure stressed the need for the continuation of reciprocal support and coordination in the process.
The Joint Coordination Center in Istanbul was opened on Wednesday in a ceremony in which the Turkish defence chief took part.
(Reuters)
Türkiye’s national defence minister and Ukraine’s infrastructure minister spoke by phone about preparations for Ukrainian grain shipments from the country’s Black Sea ports, said the Turkish National Defence Ministry.
Hulusi Akar and Oleksandr Kubrakov expressed satisfaction on Wednesday over the opening of the Joint Coordination Center by the two countries, the ministry said in a statement.
The two ministers also exchanged ideas on the preparations for the grain shipments, which are supposed to start this week.
Akar and Kubrakov stressed the need for the continuation of reciprocal support and coordination in the process, the statement added.
The Joint Coordination Center in Istanbul was opened on Wednesday in a ceremony in which the Turkish defence chief took part.
Türkiye, the UN, Russia and Ukraine signed a deal last week to reopen three Ukrainian ports – Odesa, Chernomorsk and Yuzhny – for grain stuck for months due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, which has entered its sixth month.
The deal came after a general agreement was reached between stakeholders on a UN-led plan during talks on July 13 to establish a coordination center in Istanbul to carry out joint inspections at the entrance and exit of the harbors and to ensure the safety of the routes.
Internationally praised for its mediator role, Türkiye coordinated with Moscow and Kiev to open a corridor from the Ukrainian port city of Odesa to resume global grain shipments.
