- Sputnik International, 1920
Russia
The latest news and stories from Russia. Stay tuned for updates and breaking news on defense, politics, economy and more.
The U.S. Capitol grounds appear closed and mostly empty prior to U.S. President Joe Biden's first address to a joint session of the U.S. Congress in Washington, U.S., April 28, 2021. - Sputnik International

LIVE UPDATES: Biden Reportedly Considering Sending High-Level Official to Meet Zelensky in Kiev

Subscribe
Russia launched its special military operation in Ukraine on 24 February, targeting Kiev's forces with high-precision weapons.
Russian forces and Donbass militias continue advancing amid Moscow's special operation in Ukraine. According to the Donetsk People's Republic, over 1,000 Ukrainian troops have laid down their arms and surrendered to the militia in the city of Mariupol.
Since the beginning of the op, Russia has eliminated 130 Ukrainian warplanes, 99 helicopters, 445 drones, over 2,000 tanks and AMPVs, and over 2,000 military vehicles.
Follow Sputnik's live feed and Telegram channels to get the latest updates:
Sputnik News US — https://t.me/sputniknewsus
Sputnik News India — https://t.me/sputniknewsindia
Table of contents
New firstOld first
03:07 GMT 14.04.2022
Australia Imposes New Sanctions Against 14 Russian Companies, Including Gazprom
Australia has imposed new sanctions against 14 Russian companies, including Gazprom, Transneft, Rostelecom, RusHydro, according to an updated list of sanctioned individuals and legal entities on the website of the country's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).

According to the list, restrictions were introduced against Kamaz, the United Shipbuilding Corporation, Sevmash, Alrosa, Sovcomflot, Russian Railways and other companies.
02:00 GMT 14.04.2022
Kiev Using Criminals to Form 3 New Nationalistic Battalions in Kharkov - Russian Military
The Kiev regime is completing the formation of three new nationalistic battalions from criminals in Kharkov, head of the Russian National Defense Control Center, Col. Gen. Mikhail Mizintsev, said.

"In Kharkov, the formation of three new nationalistic battalions ("Slabozhanshchina", "Kharkovshchina-1" and "Kharkovshchina-2"), staffed by prisoners who served sentences for grave and especially grave crimes in the Alekseyevskaya and 43rd correctional colonies, is being completed," Col. Gen. Mizintsev said.

He said the main tasks of these battalions are "blocking Kharkov from the south and preventing the exit of the local population from the city, as well as destroying units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, in case of their retreat or attempt to surrender."

"We call on the UN, the OSCE, the International Committee of the Red Cross and other international organizations to immediately take all measures and influence the Ukrainian side to save civilians," Col. Gen. Mizintsev said.
01:39 GMT 14.04.2022
Biden Reportedly Considering Sending High-Level Official to Meet Zelensky in Kiev
The Biden administration is considering sending a high-level official to Kiev to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Politico reported citing two US officials.

The report said on Wednesday that the US administration has made no final decision about who to send to Kiev but it could be President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, Secretary of State Antony Blinken or Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.
01:29 GMT 14.04.2022
Ukrainian artillery shells Russian troops' position on the front line near Lysychansk in the Lugansk region on April 12, 2022. - Sputnik International, 1920, 14.04.2022
Russia's Special Operation in Ukraine
US to Provide Ukraine With Even More Intel, Heavier Equipment in Near Future - Report
01:04 GMT 14.04.2022
Russian Drones Will Automatically Identify NATO Military Equipment - Source
Russian reconnaissance and attack unmanned aerial vehicles will have a digital catalog that will allow them to automatically recognize NATO military equipment, a source told Sputnik.

"Russian reconnaissance and reconnaissance/attack UAVs will receive a digital catalog with electronic images of military equipment adopted by NATO countries. This will allow them to automatically identify it on the battlefield and create, directly on board the device, a map of the location of enemy positions, which will be sent to the command post," the source said.
23:49 GMT 13.04.2022
Nuland: US Likely to Determine Russia Allegedly Committed Genocide in Ukraine
US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland said the United States is likely to determine in its own investigation that Russia allegedly committed genocide in Ukraine.

"I am going to predict that what President [Joe] Biden called it is what we will ultimately likely find when we are able to gather all of this evidence," Nuland said in an interview with CNN on Wednesday.

Nuland accused Russian forces of intentionally seeking to destroy Ukraine and its civilian population.

Biden has previously spoken emotionally about the policy of the Russian authorities more than once. On Tuesday, he used the word "genocide" to refer to the situation in Ukraine and its impact on the world.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov responded by saying Russia considers such allegations attempts to distort the situation on the ground, which is unacceptable.
23:25 GMT 13.04.2022
Guards missile cruiser Moskva during the exercises of the Russian Navy in the Black Sea. - Sputnik International, 1920, 13.04.2022
Russia
Russia's Moskva Missile Cruiser Seriously Damaged by Fire, Blast of Ammunition, Ministry Says
22:26 GMT 13.04.2022
Putin to Hold Meeting on Situation in Oil, Gas Sector
Russian President Vladimir Putin will hold a meeting on Thursday on the situation in the oil and gas sector, with the main report to be made by Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak, in charge of the issue, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.
21:48 GMT 13.04.2022
White House: Putin’s Actions Make Russia Country That Should Not Participate in Forums
White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said on Wednesday that the actions of Russian President Vladimir Putin have turned Russia into a country that should not participate in international forums such as the Group of 20 meetings.

"Russia’s actions and President [Vladimir] Putin's actions make them a country and a leader that the President [Joe Biden] does not feel should participate in international forums," Psaki said during a press briefing.
Psaki's remarks came as she also took the opportunity during the Wednesday press briefing to note that the US is considering a range of sanctions against Russia’s economy, financial sector and leadership amid the conflict in Ukraine.
“We are continuing to consider a range of sanctions, a range of ways to hold [Russian] President [Vladimir] Putin, his circle, the economy, the financial sector accountable. There will be more to come,” Psaki said.
21:35 GMT 13.04.2022
OECD Nuclear Energy Agency Suspends Russian Membership on May 11
The Nuclear Energy Agency of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has notified Russia that it had suspended its membership, effective May 11.

"The Russian Federation has been informed accordingly and the suspension will enter into force on 11 May," the statement read.

Russia, the world's leading exporter of civilian nuclear energy plants, joined NEA in 2013. The OECD, a global policy forum, halted Russian participation in its bodies in early March in response to the military operation in Ukraine.
19:25 GMT 13.04.2022
US Still Checking Deconfliction Line With Russia Every Day – Pentagon
The United States is still checking the deconfliction line with Russia every day, but has not used it to transmit any content, Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said on Wednesday.

"The deconfliction line [with Russia] is still operational. We do check it every day. I haven't heard any reports to the contrary ... I also haven't heard any indications that we've had to use it to transmit any content," Kirby said during a press briefing.
19:24 GMT 13.04.2022
US to Begin Shipments of New Ukraine Military Aid ‘Right Away’ - Pentagon
The United States intends on beginning shipments of the most recent package of military aid to Ukraine right away, Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby said on Wednesday.

"We will literally start right away," Kirby told a press briefing when asked how soon the defense aid could start flowing to Ukraine.

The US on Wednesday announced a new defense aid package to Ukraine, which includes equipment such as transport helicopters, armored personnel carriers, Javelin missiles and Howitzer artillery systems among other gear.
18:40 GMT 13.04.2022
Wife of Captured Ukrainian Opposition Leader Medvedchuk Calls for His Release
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Oksana Marchenko, the wife of Ukrainian opposition leader Viktor Medvedchuk, demanded on Wednesday that he be freed from what she sees as illegal captivity.
"His life should not be in danger. I'm waiting for your answer," she said in a video address to President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Ukraine's Security Service said on Tuesday that the 67-year-old elected lawmaker from the Opposition Platform party was arrested again after disappearing from house arrest in late February. Zelensky said he wanted to trade Medvedchuk for captive Ukrainian soldiers.
Marchenko argued that her husband is being persecuted for political reasons. She said that he had not broken any law and had always advocated for "peace, dialogue and harmony in Ukraine."
18:20 GMT 13.04.2022
Russia Expels Senior Czech Diplomat in Tit-for-Tat Move
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Moscow is expelling a senior Czech diplomat in a tit-for-tat response to Prague, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday.
The ministry mentioned that it рфв summoned the Czech ambassador earlier in the day to protest Prague’s recent decision on ousting a senior Russian diplomat.

"The ambassador was handed a note from the ministry declaring a senior diplomat of the Czech embassy in Moscow a persona non grata...," the ministry said in a statement, adding that the diplomat was ordered to leave Russia by the end of the day on 16 April.
18:15 GMT 13.04.2022
Moscow Slaps Sanctions on 87 Canadian Senators
18:12 GMT 13.04.2022
Russia Blacklists 398 Members of US Congress
Russia has blacklisted 398 members of the US Congress, the Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday.

"In response to another ‘wave’ of anti-Russian sanctions imposed by the administration of [US President] Joe Biden on 24 March against 328 lawmakers of the State Duma … which … constitutes almost its entire composition, ‘mirror’ sanctions are being introduced against 398 members of the House of Representatives of the US Congress," the ministry said in a statement.
The ministry added that Russia plans to expand its travel ban list in the near future.
18:04 GMT 13.04.2022
US to Provide Additional $800 Million in Weapons, Ammunition and Security Assistance to Ukraine, Biden Tells Zelensky
US President Joe Biden also approved transfer of additional helicopters to Ukraine. He said that the new aid package includes artillery systems, artillery rounds, and armored personnel carriers, among others.
"This new package of assistance will contain many of the highly effective weapons systems we have already provided and new capabilities tailored to the wider assault we expect Russia to launch in eastern Ukraine. These new capabilities include artillery systems, artillery rounds, and armored personnel carriers. I have also approved the transfer of additional helicopters. In addition, we continue to facilitate the transfer of significant capabilities from our Allies and partners around the world," Biden said in a statement.
17:39 GMT 13.04.2022
UN Chief Says Judicial Bodies Should Decide Whether Actions in Ukraine Constitute 'Genocide'
UNITED NATIONS (Sputnik) - UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Wednesday that the definition of whether or not the activities in Ukraine constitute genocide should be left to the relevant judicial bodies.
"By the way, there is an investigation at the International Criminal Court taking place in Ukraine at the present moment," Guterres said when asked if he considers a genocide what is going on in Ukraine.
On Tuesday, US President Joe Biden called Russia's actions in Ukraine "genocide."
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov responded by saying Russia considers such allegations as attempts at distorting the situation on the ground, which is unacceptable.
17:14 GMT 13.04.2022
Twelve O'Clock High: Russian Aerobatic Teams Perform Stunts - Sputnik International, 1920, 13.04.2022
Russia's Special Operation in Ukraine
MoD: Russian Forces Will Hit 'Decision-Making Centres' in Ukraine if Attacks Against Russia Continue
16:28 GMT 13.04.2022
Russia's Investigative Committee Says Members of Ukrainian Paramilitary Unit 'Georgian National Legion' Have Been Identified
16:20 GMT 13.04.2022
Switzerland Adopts Fifth Package of EU Sanctions on Russia, Bans Coal, Wood, & Vodka Imports
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Switzerland has adopted the fifth package of EU sanctions against Russia, including a ban on the import of Russian coal, wood, vodka and seafood, the Swiss government said on Wednesday.

"On 8 April, the EU adopted further sanctions against Russia and certain restrictive measures against Belarus... These include bans on imports of coal and other goods that serve as important sources of revenue for Russia (such as wood, cement, seafood and vodka)... On 13 April, the Federal Council took the decision to adopt these new EU measures against Russia and Belarus," the statement said.

According to the statement, the Swiss government imposed sanctions on another 200 Russian individuals and legal entities. The restrictions will come into effect at 16:00 GMT on Wednesday.
16:18 GMT 13.04.2022
France to Provide Additional Military Assistance to Ukraine After New Requests From Kiev
"Exchanged views with my Ukrainian counterpart, Oleksii Reznikov … After Ukrainians made new requests, I informed my colleague that France will supply extra military assistance in addition to the military equipment already provided worth 100 million euros [$108 million]," French Defence Minister Florence Parly tweeted on Wednesday.
15:01 GMT 13.04.2022
LPR Head Bans OSCE SMM on Republic's Territory Starting 30 April
14:59 GMT 13.04.2022
Moscow Vows to Respond to Seizure of Russian Diplomatic Property by Poland, Calls It Flagrant Violation of International Law
14:34 GMT 13.04.2022
Yellen: Biden Admin to Work With Partners to Further Isolate Russia's Economy
14:32 GMT 13.04.2022
EU Lapsing Into Military-Political Bloc by Supplying Ukraine With Weapons - Russian Foreign Ministry
14:31 GMT 13.04.2022
Kiev Using Fakes About Russian Military to Divert Attention From Its Crimes - Moscow
Kiev uses fakes involving the Russian military to divert attention from its crimes, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said.
She warned that Ukrainian authorities were preparing fresh provocations and urged the West not to yield to them.
In the meantime, the Russian and Ukrainian sides continue the peace talks in a virtual format.
13:08 GMT 13.04.2022
Russian Investigative Committee Head Orders Probe Into Preparations by Ukrainian Troops to Attack Russia
12:36 GMT 13.04.2022
EU Agrees to Send Additional 500 Mln Euros of Military Aid to Ukraine

"Today the Council adopted two assistance measures under the European Peace Facility (EPF) that will allow the EU to further support the capabilities and resilience of the Ukrainian Armed Forces to defend the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the country ... The EU will add €500 million to the resources already mobilised under the EPF for Ukraine, thereby tripling the initial budget to €1.5 billion," the EU body said in a statement.

12:32 GMT 13.04.2022
Ukrainian Forces Fire 10 Grad Rockets at Donetsk, DPR Says
11:25 GMT 13.04.2022
UK Imposes Sanctions on Heads of DPR and LPR
11:10 GMT 13.04.2022
Moscow: Ukraine's Non-Nuclear Status Stipulated by NPT, Not Budapest Memorandum
Chernobyl nuclear plant restricted zone - Sputnik International, 1920, 13.04.2022
Moscow: Ukraine's Non-Nuclear Status Stipulated by NPT, Not Budapest Memorandum
10:37 GMT 13.04.2022
UK Expands Sanctions List Against Russia, Adding 206 New Positions
The UK Foreign Office has added 206 more prominent Russian figures to its sanctions' list in connection with Moscow's special operation in Ukraine, according to the document which was updated on Wednesday.
Among those put on the list are Russian presidential aide Andrei Fursenko, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's wife, Maria Lavrova, Russian energy giant Lukoil head Vagit Alekperov, and Ukrainian politician Viktor Medvedchuk.
Sanctions include travel ban and freeze of assets, as well as the so-called transport restrictions — a ban on entry into UK ports of ships owned, controlled, chartered or operated by the persons in question, as well as the passage or landing in the UK of aircraft owned by, chartered or managed by them.
According to UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss, over a thousand Russian citizens and enterprises are already under sanctions to date.
10:16 GMT 13.04.2022
Finland, Sweden to Make Up Their Minds About Joining NATO Within Weeks or Months
Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin (R) and her Swedish counterpart Magdalena Andersson speak to the media, outside the Prime Minister's official residence Kesaeranta in Helsinki, Finland, on March 5, 2022. - The topics of the Prime Ministers' bilateral meeting include the security situation in Europe, economic issues and other topical EU affairs. (Photo by Roni Rekomaa / Lehtikuva / AFP) / - Sputnik International, 1920, 13.04.2022
Russia
Finland, Sweden to Make Up Their Minds About Joining NATO Within Weeks or Months
08:49 GMT 13.04.2022
Watch Russian Forces Launching "Kalibr" Missiles to Hit Ukrainian Military Infrastructure
08:23 GMT 13.04.2022
Russian Investigative Committee Head Orders Probe Into Possible Use of Toxic Chemicals by Ukrainian Forces
08:00 GMT 13.04.2022
Ukrainian Forces Fire 4 Grad Rockets at Town North of Donetsk, DPR Says
07:50 GMT 13.04.2022
Russia Has Downed Total of 130 Ukrainian Warplanes and 103 Helicopters , MoD Says
07:12 GMT 13.04.2022
Some 1,026 Ukrainian Marines, Including 162 Officers Surrender in Mariupol, Russian MoD Says
A Russian serviceman guards the area of Mariupol, Donetsk People's Republic. - Sputnik International, 1920, 13.04.2022
Russia
Some 1,026 Ukrainian Marines, Including 162 Officers Surrender in Mariupol, Russian MoD Says
06:56 GMT 13.04.2022
Moscow Doesn't Rule Out Criminal Elements Possibly Going to Western Countries Disguised as Refugees From Ukraine, Russian Foreign Ministry Says

"Taking into account the fact that more than 4 million refugees have already left Ukraine for other countries (including more than 600,000 people for Russia) and considering the lack of proper migration control, no one can guarantee there are no terrorists and criminal elements among them", Deputy Foreign Minister Oleg Syromolotov said.

06:44 GMT 13.04.2022
Over 1,000 Ukrainian Troops Surrender to Donetsk Forces, DPR Says
Newsfeed
0
To participate in the discussion
log in or register
loader
Chats
Заголовок открываемого материала