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At least 93 people have been confirmed dead after a horrifying attack at Crocus City Hall in the city of Krasnogorsk, located in the Moscow region. The death toll is expected to rise further as authorities continue their investigations.
Among the victims, children are tragically counted among the casualties. Their lives were cut short in this senseless act of violence.
The Russian foreign ministry has unequivocally condemned the attack, labelling it a “terrorist attack.”
 According to media reports, at least four assailants, clad in camouflage gear, participated in the attack. They struck in the north-west suburb of Krasnogorsk.
Crocus City Hall was on the brink of hosting a rock concert when the gunmen stormed the venue. They first targeted the foyer and then proceeded into the theatre itself.
According to <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-68642162">BBC</a>, More than 6,000 Russians had flocked to the Crocus City Hall retail and concert complex for a concert by the rock group Picnic.
One witness said the violence erupted minutes before the band were due to come on stage. Picnic’s band members themselves were unharmed.
Shockingly, the gunmen allegedly used a “flammable liquid” to set fire to the concert hall while people were still inside. The resulting inferno engulfed much of the building, and part of the roof collapsed.
An unverified statement online attributed the attack to the militant group Islamic State. 
US officials informed CBS (the BBC’s partner service in the US) that they had obtained intelligence indicating IS’s intention to attack Russia. The White House had previously warned Russia about potential attacks targeting “large gatherings” in Moscow.
A senior Russian intelligence source acknowledged receiving the intelligence but described it as “general nature without any specifics.”
Meanwhile, the American embassy in Moscow had previously cautioned citizens to avoid large gatherings on March 7.
Russian state media reported that suspects linked to the Crocus City Hall shooting were attempting to cross into Ukraine.
Russia’s investigative committee detained four individuals near the border with Ukraine in the Bryansk region.
Despite these developments, Ukraine has vehemently denied any involvement in the attack.
Presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak said on Telegram, “Regardless of everything, for Ukraine, everything will be decided on the battlefield”.
Ukrainian military intelligence spokesman Andriy Yusov suggested the attack was a “deliberate act of provocation by Putin’s special services”.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

Gunmen Kill 93 People At A Large Concert Hall In Moscow

The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) has declared Russia’s three-day (March 15-17) presidential elections, as free, fair, and credible.
The Zimbabwe Election Observer Mission to the 2024 Presidential Elections of the Russian Federation was led by ZEC chairperson Justice Priscilla Makanyara Chigumba.
There were four presidential candidates, namely Vladislav Davankov (40) of the New People Party, the incumbent Vladimir Putin (71) who stood as an Independent candidate, Leonid Slutsky (56) of the Liberal Democratic Party, and Nikolay Kharitonov (75) of the Communist Party.
Presenting the Zimbabwe Election Observation Mission’s report on the elections in the Russian capital Moscow on Monday, March 18, Chigumba said that the Mission was satisfied with the conduct of the local media as far as reporting of elections is concerned. She added:
<blockquote>
Apart from reports by some external media organisations, there is evidence of objective reporting of the activities by the local media that was observed.
</blockquote>
Chigumba commended the Russian Central Election Commission (CEC) for the extended period of voting from a day in previous elections to three days in this election, saying it allowed voters to exercise their right to vote at their convenience.
She also said the general atmosphere was very conducive for elections, the mood was relaxed and cheerful as people were exercising their right to vote. Said Chigumba:
<blockquote>
This is a clear sign of a mature democracy in which elections are not perceived as a life-and-death activity…
The Mission also commends the CEC for managing the election efficiently and professionally. Therefore, we declare the election free, fair and credible.
</blockquote>
Putin secured a resounding victory, obtaining 88.48% of the popular vote. Officials said turnout was greater than 74% in the election.
ZEC’s decision to send a delegation to observe Russia’s presidential elections has sparked debates over integrity and credibility.
Critics question the impartiality of ZEC’s observations, given allegations of rigging in Zimbabwe’s elections.
The move has raised scepticism both domestically and internationally, as ZEC faces its credibility crisis at home.
<a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Zimbabwe-Election-Observer-Mission-Report-on-the-Russian-Federation-Presidential-Election-15-17-March-2024.pdf">Click this link to download the Zimbabwe Election Observer Mission Report on the Russian Federation Presidential Election 15-17 March 2024.</a>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZEC Declares Russia's Presidential Election Free, Fair And Credible

Vladimir Putin has secured a landslide victory in the recent Russian presidential election, winning more than 87% of the vote. Officials said turnout was greater than 74% in the election.
According to commentators, this outcome was expected, given Putin’s long-standing rule as either president or prime minister since 1999.
His party, United Russia, has also emerged victorious in parliamentary elections, albeit with a slightly smaller share of the vote compared to the previous election.
Putin was faced with three other candidates all rubber-stamped by the Kremlin and no credible opposition candidate was allowed to stand.
Opponents have either been jailed, or they have fled into exile, or they have lost their lives.
His main critic and rival, Alexei Navalny, died on 16 February after reportedly collapsing and losing consciousness at the penal colony north of the Arctic Circle where he was serving a long jail term.
The circumstances surrounding Navalny’s demise have raised international concern. French Foreign Minister Stéphane Séjourné stated that Navalny “paid with his life” for his “resistance to Russian oppression,” emphasizing the grim reality of Putin’s regime.
Communist Party candidate Nikolai Kharitonov managed little more than 4% of the vote and his fellow candidates even less.
Despite allegations of fraud and the exclusion of key opposition candidates, Putin’s popularity remains strong among many Russians who view him as a defender of national pride and a counterbalance to the West.
Western countries united in condemnation, labelling the vote as neither free nor fair. Germany characterized it as a “pseudo-election,” conducted under an authoritarian regime that relies on censorship, repression, and violence. 
Meanwhile, UK Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron explicitly criticized the “illegal holding of elections on Ukrainian territory.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky asserted that “the Russian dictator is simulating another election.”
According to Leonid Volkov, an ally of Alexei Navalny, who was brutally attacked with a meat hammer while in exile in Lithuania last week, the percentages attributed to Putin bear no resemblance to reality.
Russians had three days to vote and people in Russian-occupied areas of Ukraine had even longer, in an attempt to persuade residents to take part.
Putin hailed Russia’s presidential campaign as far more advanced than the United States of America, citing Russia’s use of online voting, which officials said brought in eight million voters. He said, as quoted by <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-68592781">BBC</a>:
<blockquote>
It’s transparent and absolutely objective… not like in the US with mail-in voting… you can buy a vote for $10.
</blockquote>
He is now set to stay in power until at least 2030, and has ruled Russia since 2000 – the longest-serving Kremlin leader since Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin.
For the first time, Putin referred to Alexei Navalny by name, a month after his most vocal critic died in a penal colony inside the Arctic Circle.
He confirmed reports that he had explored exchanging him for prisoners held in the West, but on the condition that his rival never returned.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Putin Wins Russian Presidential Election By A Landslide

On the opening day of the 2024 Russian presidential election, there have been several incidents of vandalism targeting ballot boxes and polling locations.
<a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-68576817">BBC</a> reported Russian officials as saying dye has been poured into ballot boxes, and there have been additional incidents such as ballot boxes being set alight and fireworks being set off inside polling stations.
These reported acts of sabotage have occurred across Russia, with most incidents reported in Moscow, Voronezh (in south Russia), and the region of Karachay-Cherkessia in the north Caucasus.
In one video circulating on social media, a woman was seen pouring bright green liquid into a ballot box in Moscow.
The use of green dye, known locally as Zelyonka, has been associated with protests in both Russia and Ukraine.
President Vladimir Putin is expected to secure another six years in office as he faces no credible opponent. Turnout has reached 23% by late afternoon in Moscow.
Voting is also taking place in occupied areas of Ukraine where an improvised device exploded in front of a polling station in the small town of Skadovsk, without causing injuries.
The deputy chairman of Russia’s Central Election Committee, Nikolay Bulayev, has described the saboteurs as “scumbags” and warned that perpetrators could face up to five years in jail for their actions. 
Some of those detained for filling ballot boxes with liquids reportedly admitted doing so for money.
Tensions remain high, especially following the recent death of Putin’s vocal critic, Alexei Navalny, and calls from his widow, Yulia Navalnaya, for opponents to register their protest at polling stations.
Russians are currently casting their ballots in a three-day presidential election.
The voting began on Friday and will continue through Sunday across Russia’s 11 time zones, including illegally annexed regions of Ukraine and online.
The election takes place against the backdrop of a ruthless crackdown that has stifled independent media and prominent rights groups, giving Putin full control of the political system.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Russians Vote In Three-day Presidential Election

Zimbabweans who study in Russia can now start their careers locally without doing the conversion of degree programmes.
This was said by the Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development Minister, Amon Murwira following his participation at the World Youth Festival (WYF) that ran from March 1 to 7 in Sochi, Russia. Murwira said (via <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/zimbabwe-russia-standardise-professional-qualifications/">Chronicle)</a>:
<blockquote>
We signed an agreement in mutual recognition of qualification, which means our education system has been made interoperable.
If you graduate here (in Russia), at home it is an automatic recognition. If you come from Zimbabwe with a Zimbabwean qualification and enter the education system here without question, the only difference is that when you come here you might need to learn the Russian language.
Someone who graduates from here can automatically go into our systems. In the past it was not like that, we signed that agreement two years ago, so a person had to be re-evaluated before a person had to be evaluated in Zimbabwe. But we have made that breakthrough.
</blockquote>
Murwira visited Sochi University, and Sirius University and also engaged with the Science and Higher Education Minister of the Russian Federation to strengthen cooperation between the two countries.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Academic Qualifications Obtained From Russia Now Recognised In Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe has no pilots and technicians to fly the eighteen (18) medical emergency helicopters that were acquired from Russia in May 2023, it has emerged.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa received the helicopters from the Russian State Corporation (Rostec) at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport in Harare on 19 May 2023.
<a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/zim-acquires-18-copters-for-emergency-services/">The Herald</a> the following day said that the country would have received at least 32 helicopters from Rostec under a public-private sector partnership agreement before the end of 2023.
However, eight months down the line, the helicopters are still grounded because the country doesn’t have trained pilots and technicians to fly them.
Responding to one Peter Mupondi who had asked why the helicopters were not airlifting patients to hospitals from accident scenes during the festive season, President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s spokesman <a href="https://x.com/dhonzamusoro007/status/1746847149038440543?s=20">George Charamba, said</a>:
<blockquote>
How would you see them when you cannot see far, higher????? Helicopters are not bought together with PILOTS!!! Aya amunoti madhiraivha pamotokari, to bring the discussion to your level. Each copter needs a technician. Wazvinzwa here muzapu??? Madhiraivha ari kuVID as you tweet!
</blockquote>
Charamba’s comments raise serious questions about how public procurement is done in Zimbabwe. ZimLive editor Mduduzi Matutu asked:
<blockquote>
So you literally bought mapatapata (slippers) without the toes. A good planner first creates the conditions, not to buy things they can’t put to use. Whose tender was it anyway?
</blockquote>
The procurement of the helicopters was lauded as a game changer in the provision of emergency air medical services, as well as air policing, and rescue missions in case of disasters.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

No Pilots For Zimbabwe's Air Ambulances

Uralchem Group, a Russian fertiliser manufacturer, has reportedly fully loaded a humanitarian shipment of over 23 000 tonnes of fertilisers for Zimbabwe.
According to <a href="https://seanews.ru/en/2023/12/15/en-uralchem-ships-humanitarian-consignment-for-zimbabwe/">Sea News</a>, the consignment was loaded onto a vessel in the ports of Riga, Latvia, and Ghent, Belgium, and has started its journey to the port of Beira in Mozambique.
From Beira, the shipment, comprising bulk loads of potash and NPKS fertilizers, will be transported to Zimbabwe by land.
The shipment is facilitated by the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), which has chartered a vessel to transport the consignment as part of UNCTAD-led efforts.
Uralchem Group will reportedly cover the sea freight and other delivery costs.
The delivery for Zimbabwe is the Group’s fourth donation in a series of humanitarian shipments of its fertilisers to Africa.
According to Sea News, to date, Uralchem Group has dispatched over 100 000 tonnes of fertilizers to Africa free of charge.
More than 77 000 tonnes of this amount was shipped from ports and warehouses in the European Union in cooperation with WFP to Malawi, Kenya and now to Zimbabwe.
Russia has been involved in providing aid and assistance to various African countries since the days of the wars of independence from the 1960s to the 1970s.
Since then, Russian aid to Africa has been on development projects, humanitarian assistance, and collaboration in areas such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, and natural resources.
The intention behind these initiatives is to strengthen political, economic, and cultural ties between Russia and the world’s second-most populous continent.
Critics say Africa has a leadership crisis that makes the continent rely on handouts from other countries when it is endowed with abundant natural resources.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

23 000 Tonnes Of Russian Fertiliser En Route To Zimbabwe

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North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong Un, has had a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. This meeting has attracted significant attention, with concerns from the West that it could lead to an arms agreement supporting Putin’s invasion of Ukraine. Following initial discussions and a visit to an eastern Russian spaceport, a state dinner in honour of Kim has now commenced.
<h3>China factor</h3>
According to Fyodor Tertitskiy, an expert on North Korean military and politics, China plays a crucial role in restraining a potential arms deal between Moscow and Pyongyang. The expert suggests that Putin seeks access to North Korean ammunition stockpiles to support Russia’s war in Ukraine. The expert highlights that both leaders have their own interests to pursue and face domestic pressures. However, any agreement between Russia and North Korea would be influenced by China, their largest trading partner and political patron. The expert emphasises that the relationship between Russia and North Korea is characterised by deception and rhetoric, with Moscow supporting China’s approach to Pyongyang. 
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<h3>Reports about Kim Jong Un and Vladimir Putin meeting:</h3>
– Putin hints at assistance: Putin showed a willingness to help North Korea develop its space program during a tour of the Vostochny space launch site. He indicated that Russia came to support North Korea in launching its own satellites and rockets.
– Kim praises Russia: Initial talks focused on economic cooperation, humanitarian issues, and regional situations. Kim praised Russia for defending its sovereignty and security against hegemonic forces, likely referring to the US and the West.
– US arms warning: The US government warned of active arms negotiations between Russia and North Korea, raising concerns about the potential violation of UN sanctions and North Korea’s nuclear-capable ballistic missile program.
– Deepening ties: Former US National Security Adviser John Bolton highlighted the significance of the meeting, extending beyond potential arms deals. He emphasized the importance for North Korea to establish significant contact with Russia since the collapse of the Soviet Union.
– North Korea fires missiles: Prior to the summit, North Korea launched short-range ballistic missiles, possibly as a demonstration of military readiness. South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff considered it a provocative act.
– No signing of documents: Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that there are no plans for Putin and Kim to sign documents during their meeting at the Russian Space Centre. The leaders held closed-door talks for over an hour at the Vostochny Cosmodrome in the Far East region. Peskov stated that Russia is open to cooperating with North Korea in sensitive areas, including military interaction.
– Russian President Vladimir Putin held talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un at a cosmodrome in far eastern Russia. Putin mentioned prospects for military-technical cooperation and bilateral cooperation in space and agriculture.
– Talks between Kim and Putin concluded after approximately four to five hours, with reports of a toast to their friendship and close ties. Kim expressed confidence in the Russian army and people’s ability to triumph against “evil.”
– Sanctions on North Korea: Russia’s position on UN Security Council sanctions against North Korea will not hinder the development of relations between Moscow and Pyongyang. Russia initially supported stringent sanctions against North Korea in 2017 but has since expressed concerns about their humanitarian impact. They advocate for a more balanced approach.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>
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Kim Jong Un's Meeting With Putin Raises Concerns Of An Arms Agreement Amid Russia-Ukraine War

During the XV BRICS Summit held in Johannesburg, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that the BRICS bloc, consisting of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has made the decision to extend invitations to six countries to join the bloc as new members. These countries are Argentina, Egypt, Iran, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. This expansion of the BRICS organization is part of its strategic plan for growth.
At the summit, the BRICS leaders adopted the Johannesburg II Declaration, which outlines their shared vision and commitments. Effective January 2024, Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates have been formally admitted as members of the BRICS bloc.
The topic of expanding the BRICS bloc has been a prominent issue on the summit’s agenda, with discussions held over the course of the three-day event in Johannesburg. While all BRICS members have expressed public support for the expansion, differences among the leaders have arisen regarding the extent and pace of the enlargement process.
In June of this year, President Emmerson Mnangagwa announced that Zimbabwe had submitted a request to join the BRICS New Development Bank (NDB) and anticipated receiving support from Russia. The President made this statement during a bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg, Russia, as part of his attendance at the second Russia-Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum. The NDB, established in 2015 by the BRICS countries serves as a multilateral financial institution aimed at financing infrastructure and sustainable development projects in BRICS nations, as well as other emerging market economies and developing countries.
This is happening when Zimbabwe’s access to credit has significantly reduced in the past twenty years, leaving the country with limited financial flexibility. International financial institutions such as the IMF and the World Bank, which are part of the Breton Woods institutions, halted lending to Zimbabwe in the early 2000s due to its substantial debt. Despite Zimbabwe’s repayment to the IMF, the institution declined to provide further financial assistance, stating that the country still had outstanding debts with other financial institutions. As a result, Zimbabwe’s options for obtaining credit have been severely constrained, putting significant pressure on its fiscal capabilities.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

BRICS Add 6 More Countries To The Bloc

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has openly declared his support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
<a href="https://www.news24.com/news24/africa/news/zimbabwes-mnangagwa-comes-out-in-support-of-russias-invasion-of-ukraine-20230728">News24</a> reported that Mnangagwa became the second African leader to openly side with Russia.
Speaking on the sidelines of the two-day Russia-Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum in St Petersburg, Mnangagwa said:
<blockquote>
Zimbabwe is in solidarity with the Russian Federation in your country’s special military operation in Ukraine.
</blockquote>
Most African African countries mostly abstain from United Nations resolutions on the matter. Only Eritrea voted in support of the invasion.
Zimbabwean political commentator Alexander Rusero opined that Mnangagwa’s remarks could have dire consequences for his re-engagement efforts. Said Rusero:
<blockquote>
The implications are a contradiction to his effort on re-engagement and appeasement of the West.
They are also not thought out against the realities of a state that wants to be taken seriously on sanctions claims.
Russia is a strong patron but nowhere near as in a position to bail out a country undergoing a veritable economic meltdown as Zimbabwe.
</blockquote>
Meanwhile, Russia’s President Vladimir Putin gave Mnangagwa a helicopter and 50 000 tonnes of grain free of charge.
Putin announced that Zimbabwe will be among the African countries that will receive grain from Russia, free of charge.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Mnangagwa Supports Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine

The South African government has agreed to execute the International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant against Russian President Vladimir Putin if he ever sets foot in the country. The Department of Justice has also agreed to pay the costs of the legal application launched by the DA to compel the government to arrest Putin if he were to attend the BRICS summit in Johannesburg.
This decision comes after the government announced that Putin would not physically attend the summit and would participate virtually. The Presidency’s statement confirmed that by mutual agreement, Putin would not attend and that the Russian Federation will be represented by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Reads the Presidency’s statement:
<blockquote>
By mutual agreement, President Vladimir Putin of the Russian Federation will not attend the summit but the Russian Federation will be represented by Foreign Minister Mr Sergey Lavrov.
</blockquote>
The International Criminal Court issued a warrant of arrest for Putin for alleged war crimes in his invasion of Ukraine. By law, South Africa would have had to arrest him if he entered the country.
The Democratic Alliance (DA), a South African political party, went to the Gauteng High Court to force the government to commit to arresting Putin. As a result, the government has agreed to execute the ICC arrest warrant against Putin if he ever sets foot in South Africa.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

South Africa Agrees To Execute ICC Warrant Of Arrest Against Putin

President Emmerson Mnangagwa is expected to attend the Second Russia-Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum, scheduled to take place in St. Petersburg, Russian Federation, from 27th to 28th July 2023.
According to a statement by Livit Mugejo, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, the President will be accompanied by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Dr. Frederick Shava, and senior government officials.
The forum provides a platform for exchanging bilateral and international issues of mutual interest and concern, and serves as a significant event in strengthening relations between Zimbabwe and Russia, according to Mugejo. The forum is built on the foundation of the inaugural Russia-Africa Summit that was held in Sochi, Russian Federation, in October 2019.
Zimbabwe and Russia are expected to sign several Memorandums of Understanding and agreements during the forum, which will further enhance cooperation between the two countries. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
ON HIS EXCELLENCY, PRESIDENT EMMERSON MNANGAGWA’S ATTENDANCE AT THE SECOND RUSSIA-AFRICA ECONOMIC AND HUMANITARIAN FORUM, TO BE HELD IN ST PETERSBURG, IN THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION BETWEEN 27-28 JULY 2023
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade wishes to advise that His Excellency (RE), the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa is earmarked to attend the Second Russia Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum to be held in St Petersburg, in the Russian Federation, between 27-28 July 2023.
H.E President Emmerson Mnangagwa will be accompanied by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Honourable Dr Frederick Shava and senior government officials. The Forum presents an opportunity to exchange notes on bilateral and international issues of mutual interest and concern and also serves as a significant event in bolstering our relations further.
Leveraging on the foundations of the inaugural Russia-Africa Summit, which was held in Sochi, in the Russian Federation, in October 2019, the imminent Economic and Humanitarian Forum will present an opportunity to further enhance cooperation. Zimbabwe and Russia are set to sign a number of MOUs/Agreements during the Forum.
</blockquote>
More Pindula News

President Mnangagwa To Attend Second Russia-Africa Forum In St. Petersburg

Yevgeny Prigozhin, the head of the Wagner Group, a private army of mercenaries late on Saturday ordered his fighters to halt their advance to Moscow, Russia’s capital.
The Wagner mercenaries have reportedly left the southern Russian city of Rostov-on-Don, less than 24 hours after seizing it.
Earlier, Prigozhin said he had told his fighters to return to Ukraine to avoid bloodshed.
According to Russian state media reports, Prigozhin will now move to neighbouring Belarus and charges against him and his troops will be dropped. This followed a deal brokered by Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko.
Wagner troops took control of the headquarters of Russia’s Southern Military District in Rostov on Saturday morning after crossing the border from Ukraine where they have been fighting alongside the Russian army.
They then began to advance towards Moscow in a move President Vladimir Putin described as a betrayal and an act of treason.
On Saturday, Ukraine’s President, Volodymyr Zelensky described the situation in Russia as “complete chaos”. He said in a statement:
<blockquote>
The man from the Kremlin is obviously very afraid and probably hiding somewhere, not showing himself. I am sure that he is no longer in Moscow.
He knows what he is afraid of because he himself created this threat. All evil, all losses, all hatred – it is he who spreads it.
</blockquote>
<a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-66006860">BBC News</a> reported that there were rumours that Putin had fled Moscow after flight tracking showed that two presidential planes had left Moscow on Saturday.
However, his press secretary, Dmitry Peskov, said the president was still in the Kremlin.
Peskov also said the arrest warrant for Prigozhin would be dropped and the criminal case against him and his troops would be closed.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Wagner Chief Prigozhin Calls Halt To Moscow Advance, Fighters Leave Rostov

The head of the Russian military contractor Wagner Group, Yevgeny Prigozhin has rejected accusations of “treason” by President Vladimir Putin after his fighters crossed from Ukraine into the Russian border city of Rostov-on-Don.
Prigozhin vowed to fight anyone who tried to stop his fighters.
His troops have been fighting in Ukraine on behalf of Moscow and were involved in the battle of Bakhmut and Soledar in eastern Ukraine.
On Saturday, Prigozhin claimed his forces had taken control of military facilities in the city, including the airfield.
Russia’s TASS news agency released videos and pictures showing armed men surrounding administrative buildings in Rostov and tanks deployed in the city centre.
Prigozhin had earlier accused the Russian top brass of having launched an attack on their camps in Ukraine. He said:
<blockquote>
All of us are ready to die. All 25 000, and then another 25 000. We are dying for the Russian people.
</blockquote>
In an emergency televised address on Saturday, Putin said that the “armed mutiny” by Wagner amounted to “treason”.
He warned that anyone who had taken up arms against the Russian military would be punished.
The Federal Security Service (FSB) said Prigozhin’s actions were intended to start a civil war and “a stab in the back to Russian servicemen fighting pro-fascist Ukrainian forces”.
On Friday, Prigozhin accused the country’s Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu of ordering a rocket attack on Wagner’s field camps in Ukraine.
He claimed that 2 000 of his fighters had been killed in the blasts.
Prigozhin’s message included a call to action that the Russian government has since interpreted as an appeal to mutiny.
He, however, said his actions did not amount to a military coup but were rather, “a march of justice”.
Yulia Shapovalova, reporting for <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/6/23/russian-authorities-launch-criminal-probe-into-wagner-group">Al Jazeera</a> from Moscow, said Russia’s Ministry of Defence issued a statement claiming that Ukraine was taking advantage of the Wagner chief’s “provocation” and had launched an offensive in the direction of Bakhmut city. Said Shapovalova:
<blockquote>
Also, at the moment, armoured military personnel vehicles can be seen in the streets of Moscow. But generally, people report that the capital looks pretty calm right now.
That’s probably because security measures have been stepped up in the capital and all the most important facilities have been taken under protection.
</blockquote>
Russia’s FSB security service has appealed to Wagner fighters to detain their boss, Shapovalova added.
The United States said it was monitoring the situation.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Wagner Group Chief Rejects Putin’s Accusations Of Treason

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday said an “armed mutiny” by the Wagner Group is treason, adding that “decisive action” will be taken against them.
This comes after the head of Russia’s Wagner mercenary group, Yevgeny Prigozhin, claimed that his fighters have seized “all military facilities” in the southern city of Rostov-on-Don.
On Friday, Prigozhin accused Russian troops of launching a rocket attack that killed scores of his fighters, a claim denied by Moscow.
The authorities in Moscow and the surrounding area say they have declared a “counterterrorism” and Russia’s FSB security service has opened a criminal case against Prigozhin for the armed mutiny.
Speaking during an emergency televised address in Moscow on Saturday, Putin said Russia will not slip into civil war:
Below is the full transcript of Putin’s address published by <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/6/24/internal-betrayal-transcript-of-vladimir-putins-address">Al Jazeera</a>:
<blockquote>
I appeal to the citizens of Russia, to the personnel of the armed forces, law enforcement and security services, fighters and commanders currently fighting on their positions, repelling the enemy attacks, doing it heroically.
I spoke to the commanders in all directions last night. I appeal also to those who were deceptively pulled into the criminal adventure, pushed towards a serious crime of an armed mutiny.
Today Russia is fighting fiercely for its future, repelling the aggression of neo-Nazis and their handlers.
Directed against us is the whole military, economical and information machines of the West.
We fight for the lives and security of our people; for our sovereignty and independence; for the right to remain Russia, a state with a thousand-year history.
This battle, where the fate of our people is being decided, requires all our forces to be united; unity, consolidation and responsibility.
Everything that weakens us must be put to the side, any differences that may be used or are used by our enemies to disrupt us from within.
Thus, the actions splitting our unity are a betrayal of our people, of our brothers in combat who fight now at the front line. It’s a stab in the back of our country and our people.
It was such a blow that was dealt to Russia in 1917 when the country was fighting in World War I, but its victory was stolen.
Intrigues, bickering and politicking behind the back of the army and the people turned out to be the greatest catastrophe, the destruction of the army and the state, loss of huge territories, resulting in a tragedy and a civil war.
Russians were killing Russians, brothers killing brothers. The beneficiaries of that were various political chevaliers of fortune and foreign powers who divided the country and tore it into parts.
We will not let this happen again. We will protect our people and state from any threats, including internal betrayal. What we’re facing is exactly a betrayal.
Big ambitions and personal interests led to treason. Betrayal of one’s own country and people and of the cause that fighters of Wagner were dying for alongside our soldiers.
Heroes who liberated Soledar and Artemovsk, towns and cities of the Donbas, who fought and gave their lives to Novorossiya and for the unity of the Russian world.
Their name and glory have been betrayed by those who are trying to organise the mutiny, pushing the country into anarchy and fratricide, to a defeat, in the end, and capitulation.
I repeat: any internal mutiny is a deadly threat to our state, to us as a nation. It’s a blow against Russia, against our people. And our actions to defend the fatherland from such a threat will be brutal.
Anyone who consciously went on the path of betrayal, who prepared the armed mutiny, went on the path of blackmail and terrorist actions, will be punished inevitably. They will answer before the law and our people.
The armed forces and other departments have received the necessary orders. Additional anti-terrorist security measures are now being implemented in Moscow, Moscow region, and a number of other regions.
Decisive actions will be taken to stabilise the situation in Rostov-on-Don, which still remains difficult.
The operation of civilian and military control departments is practically blocked.
As a president of Russia and the commander-in-chief, as a citizen of Russia, I will do everything to defend the country, protect the Constitution, lives and safety, liberty of the citizens.
Those who organised and prepared the military mutiny, who turned weapons against their comrades-in-arms, have betrayed Russia and will be held accountable for that.
And those who are being pulled into the crime, I’m calling on you to not make this crucial, tragic, unrepeatable mistake.
Make the only right choice – stop participating in criminal actions.
I believe that we will defend and preserve what’s sacred for us. And together with the motherland, we will overcome all challenges and become even stronger.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

President Putin Vows "Brutal" Response To Wagner Group Mutiny

Award-winning journalist Hopewell Chin’ono said that the 32 choppers bought by the Government from Russia are overpriced and the purchase of the planes is a manifestation of misplaced priorities.
Posting on Twitter, Chin’ono said each Kazan Ansat chopper costs US$2.5 million but the Zimbabwean Government paid US$10 million for each. <a href="https://twitter.com/daddyhope/status/1659493010688581632?s=20">Wrote Chin’ono</a>:
<blockquote>
Now that we know a brand new Kazan Ansat helicopter like the ones ZANUPF Government brought from Russia costs US$2.5 million, and that ZANU PF said it paid US$10 million for each of the 32 choppers totaling US$320 million, do you now see what I meant when I said that this was looting of public funds!
Opposition politicians, please go and do your work, the data is here, and whilst at it, find out whether this was not a donation after all.
If it wasn’t a donation, find out if these choppers are brand new.
If there are brand new, it means US$240 million was LOOTED.
US$240 million would run all of Zimbabwe’s central hospitals for 5 years, it would buy 120 radiotherapy cancer treatment machines, it would build 6,486 maternity theaters.
Zimbabwe doesn’t have a single working radiotherapy cancer machine, its biggest hospital only has one working maternity theater built in 1977 by Ian Smith’s regime.
Its central hospitals don’t have IV paracetamol and the whole caps Itai city has less than 15 dialysis machines that are working.
A dialysis machine costs as little as US$2000, the loot of US$240 million would buy 120,000 dialysis machines!
What was that Statutory Instrument for, by the way, the illegal one that didn’t want you to know the price of hospital equipment including ambulances?
Air ambulances, oh, I see!
</blockquote>
According to Team Pachedu, Russia “dumped” the helicopters in Zimbabwe as is no more engine support for Ansat helicopters which the southern African country bought. <a href="https://twitter.com/PacheduZW/status/1659580796112338948">Said Team Pachedu</a>:
<blockquote>
Russia dumped helicopters in Zimbabwe. Pratt &amp; Whitney (Canada) stopped supplying Russia with PW207K engines due to sanctions &amp; Russia is now replacing them with Russian VK-650V engines.
There is no more engine support for Ansat helicopters and these are what Zimbabwe got.
</blockquote>
According to <a href="https://www.zimlive.com/zimbabwe-buys-32-russian-choppers-for-inflated-us320-million/">ZimLive</a>, the Ansat is built to a classic single-rotor design with a four-blade main rotor and a two-blade tail rotor.
It has a top speed of 275 km/h and can fly non-stop for 505 kilometers at a maximum height of 18,000 feet (5,500 meters).
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

"32 Choppers Bought From Russia Are Overpriced"

United States (US) ambassador to South Africa Reuben Brigety has confirmed meeting International Relations Minister Naledi Pandor but stopped short of apologising for his claims that South Africa sold arms and ammunition to Russia in December 2022.
This is despite Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) spokesperson Clayson Monyela saying Brigety had “apologised unreservedly” for his remarks.
In <a href="https://twitter.com/USAmbRSA/status/1657128120640520193?s=20">a tweet posted</a> about two hours after Monyela <a href="https://twitter.com/ClaysonMonyela/status/1657097215150546952?s=20">had tweeted</a> about the meeting on Friday night, Brigety said he had the chance to “correct misimpressions left by his public remarks” reaffirming the strong ties between South Africa and the United States. He wrote:
<blockquote>
I was grateful for the opportunity to speak with Foreign Minister Pandor this evening and correct any misimpressions left by my public remarks.
In our conversation, I reaffirmed the strong partnership between our two countries and the important agenda our Presidents have given us.
</blockquote>
South Africa is the United States’ largest trading partner in Africa, with billions of dollars worth of trade between the two countries.
It is feared that the straining of relations between the two countries could spell economic trouble, especially for South Africa’s emerging markets.
Brigety is yet to provide concrete proof of his claims that South Africa armed Russia for its invasion of Ukraine.
If it is proved that South Africa provided arms to Russia to aid the ongoing invasion of Ukraine, there are fears that South Africa faces a risk of heavy sanctions by the US.
South Africa has a relatively well-developed defence industry, with a number of companies involved in the design, manufacture and maintenance of military equipment.
Some of the major players in South Africa’s defence industry include:
<ul>
<li>Denel, which is a state-owned company involved in the production of artillery, munitions, and missile technology; </li>
<li>Armscor, which is responsible for the procurement and management of defence equipment for the South African National Defence Force (SANDF);</li>
<li>Paramount Group, which designs and manufactures armoured vehicles, aircraft and unmanned aerial systems.</li>
</ul>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

US Ambassador Hails Meeting With SA's Pandor But Silent On Apology

South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) said United States ambassador Reuben Brigety has apologised for allegations he made against the southern African country on Thursday.
Brigety was summoned by Minister Naledi Pandor on Friday night and rebuked for his public comments that South Africa had supplied Russia with arms and ammunition to aid the ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
In a statement posted on Twitter on Friday night, DIRCO spokesperson Clayson Monyela said Brigety has since apologised for the claims. He wrote:
<blockquote>
The meeting between USA Ambassador to South Africa @ReubenBrigety and @DIRCO_ZA took place this afternoon.
We conveyed our displeasure with his conduct and he admitted that he crossed the line and apologised unreservedly.
The relations between the USA &amp; South Africa are cordial, strong, and mutually beneficial.
We reaffirmed our commitment to continue to work together for the benefit of the people of the two countries.
There’s a commitment to use established diplomatic channels to raise whatever issue may arise in the management of the bilateral relations between the two countries.
Minister Naledi Pandor also spoke to her counterpart, Secretary @SecBlinke. As previously stated, the National Conventional Arms Control Committee has not approved any sale of arms to Russia related to the period and incident in question.
The inquiry initiated by HE President Cyril Ramaphosa will be a platform to establish facts and role players in the incident in question. Anyone found to have broken the law will face consequences.
</blockquote>
President Cyril Ramaphosa has instituted an inquiry to be led by a retired judge to investigate the allegations raised by the American diplomat. Added Monyela:
<blockquote>
DIRCO welcomes the decision by President Cyril Ramaphosa to appoint an independent inquiry to be chaired by a retired judge to look into the allegations made by the US ambassador to South Africa.
This process will allow for facts to be established and for role players to be identified. Anyone found to have broken the law will face severe consequences.
</blockquote>
The South African currency, the rand crashed against the US dollar after Brigety’s allegations.
He claimed that the weapons and ammunition were loaded onto a Russian ship that docked at the Simon’s Town naval base in Cape Town in December last year.
The rand hit R19.32 against the US dollar – close to its previous record low, reached in 2020.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

United States Ambassador Apologises To SA For Russian Arms Sale Allegations

South Africa has criticised the United States for alleging that a Russian ship, Lady R, was loaded with weapons while docked at Simon’s Town naval base in South Africa in December last year.
In an interview with the SABC News on Friday, minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said if the United States has security concerns, it must go through the correct channels. <a href="https://www.timeslive.co.za/politics/2023-05-12-we-cannot-be-bullied-by-the-us-says-minister-in-the-presidency/?utm_source=Arena+Holdings&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=%27We+cannot+be+bullied+by+the+US%2C%27+says+minister+in+the+Presidency+%7C+Load-shedding+pushing+some+KZN+municipalities+to+brink+of+collapse+%7C+City+Power+warns+Alex+residents&amp;utm_term=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timeslive.co.za%2Fpolitics%2F2023-05-12-we-cannot-be-bullied-by-the-us-says-minister-in-the-presidency%2F">She said</a>:
<blockquote>
The ambassador has not followed diplomatic channels in terms of dealing with issues in South Africa and this is not the first time this has happened.
</blockquote>
She castigated US ambassador to South Africa Reuben Brigety’s “megaphone diplomacy” approach.
Addressing the media in Pretoria on Thursday, Brigety alleged that Washington had established the vessel was loaded with weapons while docked at the naval base. Said Ntshavheni:
<blockquote>
It doesn’t work. If the US has concerns about anything in South Africa, they are allowed to raise them — but the channel they need to contact is DIRCO [the Department of international relations and co-operation] to say these are the issues they have problems with because we have a relationship with the US.
… They have not done that. What was worrying is that the embassy once issued a terror alert, not only for the richest square mile in the African continent but at a period when there was a gay pride march scheduled.
If you know that on our continent we are faced with the challenges of homophobia … when you issue a terror alert based on not-ascertained information, you are saying the LGBTQI community are up for being targeted and anybody can do anything to them.
</blockquote>
Ntshavheni said the United States of America should respect South Africa’s sovereignty and not treat it as a client State. She said:
<blockquote>
They don’t gather information to the extent that we gather, and did not compare notes to see whether what they had gathered was the same as ours.
We have co-operation on security matters, to share information, and they want to treat us as if we are one of their states. We are not.
We are a sovereign and republic state and we are not going to co-govern with the ambassador of the US.
</blockquote>
On Thursday, Brigety told a media briefing that the US believed weapons and ammunition had been loaded onto a Russian freighter that docked at a Cape Town naval base in December 2022.
Brigety said, “We are confident that weapons were loaded onto that vessel and I would bet my life on the accuracy of that assertion”.
Ntshavheni also said South Africa has no sanctions against Russia therefore the US should not drag South Africa into its issues with Russia and China.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

South Africa Responds To US Accusations Of Arming Russia

The leader of Russian paramilitary organisation Wagner Group, Yevgeny Prigozhin on Tuesday 08 May made a cryptic but profanity-laced comment about those in charge of Russia’s war on Ukraine.
<a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/mercenary-chief-makes-cryptic-profane-remark-about-russian-war-leadership-2023-05-09/?rpc=401&amp;">Reuters</a> reported that the remarks risks getting Prigozhin into more trouble with the Kremlin.
“The Kremlin” is the official residence of the President of Russia and has been used as a seat of power for Russian leaders for centuries.
In a long audio complaint about an alleged lack of ammunition for his Wagner fighters in eastern Ukraine, Prigozhin referred to a figure he called “a happy Grandfather” who thought that all was well with the military campaign. He said:
<blockquote>
And the happy grandfather thinks that he is good. If he turns out to be right then may God grant everyone health.
But what will the country do, our children, grandchildren who are the future of Russia, and how can we win this war if – by chance, and I’m just speculating here – it turns out that this grandfather is a complete ****head?
</blockquote>
The identity of the grandfather figure Prigozhin referred to was unclear, but he has previously poured scorn on Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and Valery Gerasimov, the chief of the General Staff.
He has, however, avoided all personal criticism of President Vladimir Putin.
Analysts have said Prigozhin’s volatile outbursts in recent days looks like an attempt to try to deflect blame for a lack of swift battlefield success.
On Friday, he announced that his forces will withdraw from Bakhmut because of the ammunition problem before saying they will stay and then again suggesting they may leave.
In an audio message posted on his Telegram channel on Sunday, Prigozhin said:
<blockquote>
Overnight we received a combat order, for the first time in all this time. We have been promised as much ammunition and weapons as we need to continue further operations.
We have been promised that everything needed to prevent the enemy from cutting us off [from supplies] will be deployed on the flank.
</blockquote>
The battle for Bakhmut has been the most intense of the conflict, costing thousands of lives on both sides in months of grinding warfare.
Russia sees Bakhmut as a stepping stone to capturing other cities in Ukraine’s Donbas region still beyond its control.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Mercenary Chief Criticises Russian War Leadership In Comments Full Of Profanity

Zimbabwe will host United States and Russian Federation envoys at the same time this week.
The visits come a year into the war in Ukraine that has raised tensions between the United States and Russia.
According to <a href="https://www.news24.com/news24/africa/news/balancing-act-zimbabwe-hosts-us-and-russian-envoys-at-the-same-time-20230301">News24</a>, the US Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of African Affairs Robert Scott is expected to land in Zimbabwe a few hours before the Russians land in Harare.
The Zimbabwean government said that Scott will be in the country to review the “reform priorities” of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government, “especially in the last five years”.
On the other hand, Russia’s minister of foreign affairs and economic relations from the Sverdlovsk region of the federation, Yarin Vyacheslav was also expected in Zimbabwe later on Wednesday afternoon.
Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade said Vyacheslav will be accompanied by Igor Zelenkin, the deputy minister of industry and trade in the Sverdlovsk region. The Ministry said:
<blockquote>
During the visit, the delegation will also tour industrial sites specialising in timber processing, the production of rubber and pharmaceutical substances.
</blockquote>
It added that the visit was necessitated by the two countries’ “existing excellent political relations”.
The United States is currently working on a law to sanction African countries that trade with Russia.
The proposed law, Countering Malign Russian Activities in Africa Act, was crafted last year and is yet to reach U.S. President Joe Biden’s desk.
However, some African countries, including Zimbabwe and South Africa, have refused to cut their deep roots with Russia.
In fact, last month, Russia’s close ally, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko was Zimbabwe on a State visit.
Lukashenko said last week that his country would take Russia’s side in the Ukrainian war if attacked.
More <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabwe Hosts US And Russian Envoys At The Same Time

The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) is set to hold naval exercises off its east coast with Russian and Chinese warships next month.
According to the statement released on Thursday last week, the event known as Exercise MOSI will take place in Durban and Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, from 17 to 27 February 2023. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
This will be the second time such an exercise is taking place involving the three naval forces with the first one held in November 2019 in Cape Town, South Africa.
Exercise coordinators have concluded all necessary coordination and preparation arrangements for this exercise during virtual planning conferences held at the beginning of December 2022.
</blockquote>
This year’s Exercise MOSI is expected to see 350 SANDF personnel from various arms of services and divisions participating alongside their Russian and Chinese counterparts with the aim of sharing operational skills and knowledge.
South Africa has faced criticism over its plans to host the People’s Liberation Army Navy from China and the Russian Federal Navy.
In response to the criticism, South Africa’s ministry of defence and military veterans on Monday said the naval exercise is an opportunity to strengthen existing relations that exist between SA, Russia and China. Ministerial spokesperson Cornelius Monama said:
<blockquote>
We wish to state categorically that SA, like any independent and sovereign state, has a right to conduct its foreign relations in line with its own diplomatic relations and national interests.
SA sees Exercise Mosi II as an opportunity to contribute towards further strengthening the strong bonds that exist between South Africa, Russia and China.
Contrary to the assertions by our critics, SA is not abandoning its neutral position on the Russian-Ukraine conflict.
We remain firm in our view that multilateralism and dialogue are keys to unlocking sustainable international peace.
We continue to urge both parties to engage in dialogue as a solution to the current conflict.
… In recent months, we have had engagements with counterparts in the UK, the People’s Republic of China, Nigeria, Cote d’Ivoire and Ghana, to mention but a few.
There was no hype about any of these countries, especially with regard to the US wherein we held an even longer exercise, known as Exercise Shared Accord in KwaZulu-Natal last year regarding our military health capabilities.
</blockquote>
Defence and military veterans minister Thandi Modise said Exercise Mosi II will benefit all three participating nations. She said:
<blockquote>
The envisaged exercise will benefit all countries involved through interoperability of the naval systems, joint disaster systems management enhancement, maritime cooperation and anti-piracy exercises.
</blockquote>
| <a href="https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/news/south-africa/2023-01-23-ministry-defends-naval-exercise-to-strengthen-bonds-with-russia-and-china/?utm_medium=Social&amp;utm_source=Twitter#Echobox=1674467076">SowetanLive</a>, <a href="https://www.sanews.gov.za/south-africa/sandf-host-china-and-russia-multilateral-maritime-exercises">SA News</a>

South Africa To Conduct Naval Exercises With Russia And China

Russia’s former president Dmitry Medvedev, who is a close ally of President Vladimir Putin, has warned NATO that Moscow’s defeat in Ukraine could trigger a nuclear war.
In a post on the Telegram messaging app on Thursday, Medvedev, who serves as deputy chairman of Putin’s powerful security council, said:
<blockquote>
The defeat of a nuclear power in a conventional war may trigger a nuclear war.
Nuclear powers have never lost major conflicts on which their fate depends.
</blockquote>
Medvedev (57), served as Russia’s president from 2008 to 2012 and once presented himself as a reformer who was ready to work with the United States to liberalise Russia.
The Kremlin was quick to endorse Medvedev’s remarks, saying they were in full accordance with Moscow’s principles.
Russia’s doctrine allows for a nuclear attack after “aggression against the Russian Federation with conventional weapons when the very existence of the state is threatened”.
Patriarch Kirill, the head of the Russian Orthodox Church, was quoted by the state news agency RIA <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/putin-ally-medvedev-warns-nuclear-war-if-russia-defeated-ukraine-2023-01-19/">as saying</a>:
<blockquote>
We pray to the Lord that he brings the madmen to reason and help them understand that any desire to destroy Russia will mean the end of the world.
Today is an alarming time. But we believe that the Lord will not leave Russian land.
</blockquote>
Since Russia invaded Ukraine on 24 February 2022, Medvedev has repeatedly raised the threat of nuclear chaos and used insults to describe the West.
Russia and the United States hold about 90 percent of the world’s nuclear warheads.
According to the Federation of American Scientists, Russia has 5,977 nuclear warheads while the United States has 5,428, China 350, France 290 and the United Kingdom 225. | <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/1/19/medvedev-warns-of-nuclear-war-if-russia-defeated-in-ukraine">Al Jazeera</a>

Putin Ally Warns Of Nuclear War If Russia Is Defeated In Ukraine

The British defence ministry says Russian forces are likely to control the eastern Ukrainian town of Soledar, in the Donetsk region.
A daily update by the ministry on Tuesday said capturing Soledar is “likely an effort to envelop Bakhmut”, the highly contested city 10 kilometres away.
Bakhmut has been referred to as “a meat grinder” due to the sheer large number of troops from both sides who have been killed as the battle for the city continues. Reads the update:
<blockquote>
In the last four days, Russian and Wagner forces have made tactical advances into the small Donbas town of Soledar and are likely in control of most of the settlement.
Soledar is 10km north of Bakhmut, the capture of which likely continues to be Russia’s main immediate operational objective.
Russia’s Soledar axis is highly likely an effort to envelop Bakhmut from the north, and to disrupt Ukrainian lines of communication.
Part of the fighting has focused on entrances to the 200km-long disused salt mine tunnels which run underneath the district.
Both sides are likely concerned that they could be used for infiltration behind their lines.
Despite the increased pressure on Bakhmut, Russia is unlikely to envelop the town imminently because Ukrainian forces maintain stable defensive lines in depth and control over supply routes.
</blockquote>
Seizing Bakhmut would allow Moscow’s troops to advance to two more prominent cities, Kramatorsk and Sloviansk, <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/1/10/russian-forces-likely-control-soledar-british-defence-ministry">reported Al Jazeera</a>.
In his late-night address on Monday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Soledar and its environs have been completely destroyed. He said:
<blockquote>
Everything is completely destroyed, there is almost no life left.
The whole land near Soledar is covered with the corpses of the occupiers and scars from the strikes.
This is what madness looks like.
</blockquote>

Russia Close To Capturing Ukraine's Soledar - UK Defence Ministry

Ukraine has rejected a 36-hour ceasefire announced by Russian President Vladimir Putin to mark Orthodox Christmas.
Ukraine said there will be no ceasefire until Russia removes all its invading forces from all occupied land.
Putin ordered his defence minister, Sergei Shoigu, to introduce a temporary ceasefire along the entire line of contact in Ukraine for Orthodox Christmas from midday on Friday to midnight on Saturday.
The order, addressed to Shoigu and published on the Kremlin’s website, read in part:
<blockquote>
Taking into account the appeal of his holiness Patriarch Kirill, I instruct the minister of defence of the Russian Federation to introduce a ceasefire regime along the entire line of contact of the parties in Ukraine from 12.00 on 6 January 2023 to 24.00 on 7 January 2023.
Based on the fact that a large number of citizens professing Orthodoxy live in the areas of hostilities, we call on the Ukrainian side to declare a ceasefire and allow them to attend services on Christmas Eve, as well as on Christmas Day.
</blockquote>
However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in his nightly video address, said Russia had called for a ceasefire in order to re-equip its troops. He said:
<blockquote>
They now want to use Christmas as a cover, albeit briefly, to stop the advances of our boys in Donbas and bring equipment, ammunition and mobilised troops closer to our positions.
</blockquote>
Oleksiy Danilov, the secretary of Ukraine’s national security and defence council, accused Russia of “hiding behind a Christian holiday”. He said:
<blockquote>
There is a simple solution: they pick up their suitcases, pick up their trash and go to Russia. That’s it.
</blockquote>
In a tweet, Danilov said the Kremlin has no moral authority to call for a ceasefire to celebrate Christmas. He said:
<blockquote>
What does a bunch of little Kremlin devils have to do with the Christian holiday of Christmas?
Who will believe an abomination that kills children, shells maternity homes, and tortures prisoners?
</blockquote>
Many Orthodox Christians, including those living in Russia and Ukraine, celebrate Christmas on 6-7 January because they use the Julian calendar rather than the Gregorian calendar that is used in the West. | <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jan/05/putin-orders-36-hour-truce-in-ukraine-for-orthodox-christmas">The Guardian</a>

Ukraine Rejects Russia’s 36-hour Ceasefire For Orthodox Christmas

Russian President Vladimir Putin has sent a warship towards the Atlantic and Indian oceans armed with new hypersonic Zircon cruise missiles, which he said were unique worldwide, reported Al Jazeera.
Putin confirmed the development in a video conference with defence minister Sergei Shoigu and Igor Krokhmal, commander of the frigate named Admiral of the Fleet of the Soviet Union Gorshkov.
He said the ship was armed with Zircon hypersonic weapons. Said Putin:
<blockquote>
This time the ship is equipped with the latest hypersonic missile system – Zircon – which has no analogues.
I would like to wish the crew of the ship success in their service for the good of the motherland.
</blockquote>
Shoigu added that the hypersonic missiles, known as either Tsirkon or Zircon, could overcome any missile defence system.
He also said the missiles fly at nine times the speed of sound and have a range of more than 1 000km.
Meanwhile, the Ukrainian foreign minister, Dmytro Kuleba, said that Patriot air defence systems are expected to be deployed in Ukraine soon.
He said preparations for transferring the Patriot air defence systems from the United States of America have already begun.
On 21 December, US President Joe Biden announced a $1.85bn military aid package for Ukraine, including a Patriot missile defence system.
Ukraine is also expecting the US Congress to approve another package of almost $45 billion.
The package includes new HIMARS multiple rocket launcher systems and the Patriot air defence systems. | <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2023/1/4/live-russia-says-phone-use-allowed-ukraine-to-target-its-troops">Al Jazeera</a>

Putin Sends A Warship Equipped With Hypersonic Weapons To Atlantic

Russia suffered its worst military losses since the war in Ukraine in an attack on 1 January.
Russian officials said that 89 servicemen were killed in Makiivka in eastern Ukraine while Ukraine claimed to have killed nearly 400 Russian soldiers in the attack.
On Monday Russia’s defence ministry acknowledged that 63 Russian soldiers had been killed in a strike in Makiivka.
Makiivka is a small city in Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region, which has been under the control of pro-Russian separatists since 2014.
A senior Russian military official, Lt Gen Sergei Sevryukov, said Ukraine had hit a temporary base in Makiivka at 12:01 am local time on 1 January, using a US-supplied Himars rocket system.
On Wednesday, the ministry revised the death toll upwards to 89 after more bodies were discovered.
The Ukrainian army’s strategic communications department said that nearly 400 soldiers were killed and 300 injured in the strike in Makiivka.
Russia’s defence ministry has blamed the unauthorised use of mobile phones by its soldiers for the deadly Ukrainian missile attack.
In a statement issued just after 1 AM (22:00 GMT Tuesday) on Wednesday, the Russian defence ministry said:
<blockquote>
This factor allowed the enemy to track and determine the coordinates of the soldiers’ location for a missile strike.
</blockquote>
The announcement of the large number of losses caused shock in Russia, with some prominent bloggers criticising the “incompetence” of the Russian high command. | <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jan/04/makiivka-strike-what-we-know-about-the-deadliest-attack-on-russian-troops-since-ukraine-war-began">The Guardian</a>

89 Russian Soldiers Killed In Single Ukrainian Missile Attack

Russian language training has been introduced for Zimbabweans, especially those intending to study or work in the Eastern European country.
The Russian Federation together with the Presidential Office for National Scholarships conducted a Russian open lesson in Harare on Friday.
More than one thousand people including students, business people and representatives from various government departments, have applied to take part in the first-ever Russian language programme.
Natalia Muzhennikova, who is the First Secretary of the Russian Embassy in Zimbabwe, said her country has increased the number of Russian scholarships available for Zimbabwe. She said:
<blockquote>
This event is the first one in the history of Zimbabwe and Russia. We have representatives from our state universities who are here for the first time.
As you know in Russia most of our programs at universities and colleges are conducted in the Russian language.
So those who want to have relationships with the Russian Federation, we have general language courses dedicated to everyone in Zimbabwe.
Students or journalists or people from different Zimbabwean agencies. We have increased the number of Russian scholarships.
</blockquote>
Relations between Zimbabwe and the Russian Federation, a successor state of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR), date back to the days of the liberation struggle. | <a href="https://zbcnews.co.zw/2022/11/18/russian-language-training-introduced-in-zimbabwe/">ZBC News</a>

Russian Language Training Introduced In Zimbabwe

A 23-year-old Zambian student has been killed in Ukraine while fighting on the Russian side, a Zambian government official has said.
In a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid02geaNav6WCPBc8P1CwBJaX3AdsvrxtCZCojNkZtSCXpFLpuz1p4rmr7Z3NH5KHdqMl&amp;id=100067821382504">statement</a> issued on Monday, Zambia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Stanley Kakubo said Lemekhani Nathan Nyirenda was studying nuclear engineering at the Moscow Engineering Physics Institute (MEPhI).
Kakubo said in 2020, Nyirenda broke Russia’s laws and was subsequently convicted and sentenced to nine years at Tyer medium security facility on the outskirts of the Russian capital in April 2020. Reads the statement by Kakubo:
<blockquote>
PRESS STATEMENT BY HON. STANLEY K. KAKUBO, M.P, MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION, ON THE DEMISE OF A ZAMBIAN NATIONAL IN UKRAINE
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation regrets to inform the Nation of the untimely demise of Mr. Lemekhani Nathan Nyirenda, a 23-year-old Zambian Government sponsored student, who was pursuing Nuclear Engineering at the Moscow Engineering Physics Institute (MEPHI) in the Russian Federation.
The Ministry is saddened to inform that, on 9th November, 2022, it was notified of the demise of Mr. Nyirenda, at the battlefront of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
Through the Embassy of the Republic of Zambia in Moscow, the Ministry immediately proceeded to verify this information where it was established that Mr. Nyirenda indeed passed away on 22nd September 2022, in Ukraine.
The Embassy further established that Mr. Nyirenda’s remains have since been transported to the Russian border town of Rostov in readiness for repatriation to Zambia.
The Ministry wishes to further state that in April 2020, Mr. Nyirenda contravened the laws of the Russian Federation and as such, was subsequently convicted and sentenced to nine years and six months imprisonment. 
He was serving his sentence at Tyer Medium Security Prison on the outskirts of Moscow.
In view of this very sad development, the Zambian Government has requested the Russian authorities to urgently provide information on the circumstances under which a Zambian citizen, serving a prison sentence in Moscow, could have been recruited to fight in Ukraine and subsequently lose his life.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation is deeply saddened by the untimely demise of Mr. Nyirenda under such circumstances and commiserates with the family on their loss.
As minister, I have been personally in touch, and will maintain contact, with the family of the deceased in order to provide an update on more details surrounding their loved one’s death, once official communication is received from the Russian authorities
</blockquote>

Russia Sends Jailed Zambian Student To Fight In Ukraine; Student Killed At Battlefront

Russia’s military has been ordered to withdraw from the Ukrainian city of Kherson, the only regional capital it captured after invading on 24 February this year.
Russia’s commander in Ukraine, Gen Sergei Surovikin, who previously was commander of Russia’s recent operations in Syria, said it was no longer possible to keep supplying Kherson.
The withdrawal means Russian forces will pull out entirely from the western bank of the River Dnipro.
It is a significant blow as Russia faces a Ukrainian counter-offensive, <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-63573387">reported BBC</a>.
Russia’s military top brass was seen making the decision on Russian state TV. Gen Surovikin told the meeting:
<blockquote>
In these circumstances, the most sensible option is to organise the defence along a barrier line along the river Dnipro.
</blockquote>
Russia’s supply lines across the Dnipro River had become increasingly difficult after the few bridges across were destroyed by Ukrainian missiles.
Before Russia announced the withdrawal, it moved thousands of civilians out of the city by boat, in what Ukraine condemned as forced deportation.
The retreat was announced shortly after Russian media said the deputy leader of Kherson, Kirill Stremousov, had been killed in a car crash.
Russia’s President, Vladimir Putin, announced Russia’s annexation of Kherson, and three other occupied regions, at the end of September.

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