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☆ Russia says its scientists created a new nuclear blast simulator with flash and mushroom cloud effects to train soldiers
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-26 | by ( Jake Epstein | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Russian nuclear missile rolls along Red Square during the military parade marking the 75th anniversary of Nazi defeat, on June 24, 2020 in Moscow, Russia. Photo by Mikhail Svetlov/Getty ImagesMoscow has the largest arsenal of nuclear weapons in the world, with nearly 5,900 warheads, according to a tally by the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons. Tactical nuclear weapons have arisen as a point of debate and discussion during the fighting in Ukraine. Several weeks later, a Kremlin spokesperson said Moscow would use nuclear weapons if it felt like it faced an existential threat. At the time, the top United Nations official warned that nuclear war was back "within the realm of possibility."

Persons: —, Mikhail Svetlov, John Plumb, Tsar, TATYANA MAKEYEVA, Vladimir Putin, NSNW, Putin, Jens Stoltenberg, that's Organizations: Service, Business, Khrulev Military Academy of Logistics, Getty, International, Nuclear, Pentagon, Defense, Space, International Institute for Strategic Studies, Russia Strategic Initiative, US European Command, Tactical, NATO, Kremlin, United Nations Locations: Russian, Moscow, Russia, United States, Soviet, AFP, Ukraine, Belarus

CNN —Belarus has conducted mass raids, interrogations and arrests of dozens of friends and relatives of political prisoners, a Belarusian human rights group said, in the regime’s latest crackdown on dissent. The Belarusian KGB reportedly came to the homes and workplaces of the friends and family of political prisoners, interrogating around 100 people and arresting at least 26 others. Maryna Adamovich, the wife of political prisoner and former presidential candidate Mikalai Statkevich, was sentenced to 15 days in prison for “petty hooliganism,” the human rights group said. Norway’s Foreign Ministry said it was “deeply concerned by yesterday’s arrest of Maryna Adamovich, other human rights defenders and their family members.” It called for all political prisoners to be released immediately. “Over the past year, Belarusian authorities doubled down to create an information vacuum around raging repressions by cutting political prisoners off from the outside world and bullying their lawyers and families into silence,” the group said.

Persons: ”, Viasna, ” Viasna, Maryna Adamovich, Mikalai Statkevich, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, ” Tsikhanouskaya, Alexander Lukashenko, “, Maryna Organizations: CNN, Belarusian State Security Committee, Belarusian KGB, Human Rights, Belarusian State Security, Ministry, Dutch Foreign Ministry, Rights Watch Locations: Belarus, Belarusian

☆ Ukrainian teenage tennis player ‘too emotional and confused’ when shaking hands with Russian opponent, says Dayana Yastremska
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-24 | by ( George Ramsay | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —Ukrainian tennis player Dayana Yastremska said that her teenage compatriot Yelyzaveta Kotliar was likely to have been “too emotional and confused” when shaking hands with a Russian opponent. The 16-year-old Kotliar was competing in the first round of the Australian Open junior girls’ singles competition when she shook hands with Russian player Vlada Mincheva at the net. Ukrainian Tennis Federation/FacebookSince the start of the war, Russian and Belarusian tennis players have continued to play at tournaments and grand slams but must do so as neutrals without their flag or country displayed. ‘Nice to make history’On Wednesday, meanwhile, the 23-year-old Yastremska continued her stunning run at the Australian Open by defeating the Czech Republic’s Linda Nosková 6-3 6-4. I was a little bit nervous, but at the same time tired.”Yastremska will face China’s Zheng Qinwen in the Australian Open final four on Thursday.

Persons: Dayana Yastremska, Yelyzaveta Kotliar, Kotliar, Vlada Mincheva, Yastremska, “, Kostiantyn, Liza, ”, ” Yelyzaveta Kotliar, Linda Nosková, I’m, Zheng Qinwen Organizations: CNN, Australian Open, Ukrainian Tennis Federation, Facebook, ‘ Locations: Ukrainian, Russian, Ukraine, Russia, Belarus, Melbourne, Belarusian, Czech

☆ Atomic Scientists Keep 'Doomsday Clock' as Close to Midnight as Ever
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-23 | by ( Jan. | At A.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +4 min

By Will DunhamWASHINGTON (Reuters) - Atomic scientists on Tuesday kept their "Doomsday Clock" set as close to midnight as ever before, citing Russia's actions on nuclear weapons amid its invasion of Ukraine, nuclear-armed Israel's Gaza war and worsening climate change as factors driving the risk of global catastrophe. The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, as they did last year, set the clock at 90 seconds to midnight - the theoretical point of annihilation. Scientists set the clock based on "existential" risks to Earth and its people: nuclear threat, climate change, and disruptive technologies such as artificial intelligence and new biotechnology. The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists was founded in 1945 by scientists including Albert Einstein and J. Robert Oppenheimer. The clock was first unveiled during the Cold War tensions that followed World War Two.

Persons: Will Dunham WASHINGTON, Rachel Bronson, Bronson, Vladimir Putin's, Sergei Karaganov, Albert Einstein, J, Robert Oppenheimer, Will Dunham, Rosalba O'Brien Organizations: Atomic Scientists, Reuters, Hamas Locations: Ukraine, Chicago, Russia, United States, Belarus, Russian, Europe, Israel, Palestinian, Gaza

stressing that the war could end tomorrow if Moscow withdrew hundreds of thousands of troops in Ukraine’s internationally recognized territory. Russia called the council meeting to again sharply criticize Western military aid to Ukraine. Ambassador Sergiy Kyslytsya who read a joint statement underscoring Russia’s “hypocrisy” in criticizing lawful arms transfers to help Ukraine defend itself. But the Chinese ambassador criticized Ukraine for seeking to join NATO and warned Kyiv, without naming Russia, that this would deepen Moscow’s security concerns. “The negative impacts of the Ukraine crisis and the Palestinian-Israeli conflict have added snow to the icy cold global economy,” Zhang said.

Persons: —, Sergey Lavrov, ”, Robert Wood, Lavrov's, Vladimir Putin, that's, ” Wood, Sergiy Kyslytsya, underscoring, Ukraine’s, “, U.N, Zhang Jun, ” Zhang, Zhang, Lavrov, Wood, Malta's, Vanessa Frazier, ” Frazier Organizations: UNITED NATIONS, Kyiv, . Security Council, North Korea —, NATO, Russia, Palestinian Locations: United States, Moscow, China, Russia’s, Russia, Ukraine, Washington, London, Paris, Brussels, Ukraine’s, Iran, North Korea, Belarus, Israel, Gaza, Palestinian, U.S

☆ Ukraine War Drives Shift in Russian Nuclear Thinking -Study
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-22 | by ( Jan. | At A.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +4 min

NSNWs include all nuclear weapons with a range of up to 5,500 km (3,400 miles), starting with tactical arms designed for use on the battlefield - as opposed to longer-range strategic nuclear weapons that Russia or the U.S. could use to strike each other's homeland. "The Russian perception of the lack of credible Western will to use nuclear weapons or to accept casualties in conflict further reinforces Russia's aggressive NSNW thought and doctrine," it said. But he has shifted Russia's stance on key nuclear treaties and said he is deploying tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus. NUCLEAR DEBATEWestern analysts and policymakers have been closely tracking a debate among Russian military experts about whether Moscow should lower its threshold for nuclear use. William Alberque, author of the IISS report, said Karaganov was part of a wider discussion in Russia on the failure of its military to win the Ukraine war decisively and quickly.

Persons: Mark Trevelyan, Vladimir Putin's, Putin, hawkish, Russia's, Sergei Karaganov, William Alberque, Karaganov, Alberque, Mark Heinrich Organizations: Mark Trevelyan LONDON, NATO, International Institute for Strategic Studies, Russian Federation, Pentagon Locations: Ukraine, Moscow, Western, Russia, U.S, West, Russian, Belarus, Europe, United States

☆ Australian Open: Top seed Iga Świątek knocked out of tournament by 19-year-old Linda Nosková
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-20 | by ( George Ramsay | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Iga Świątek’s bid for a fifth grand slam title came to a shock end on Saturday as she was defeated by 19-year-old Czech star Linda Nosková in the third round at the Australian Open. Poland’s Świątek looked in control of the third-round contest when it was on serve at 4-3 in the second set, but Nosková, ranked No. Her victory also means that there is only one former grand slam champion in the top half of the women’s draw at this year’s tournament, Belarus’ Victoria Azarenka. After starting the year with a run to the semifinals of the Brisbane International, Nosková defeated compatriot Marie Bouzková and American McCartney Kessler in the first two rounds at Melbourne Park. Against Świątek, she hit 10 aces, including a crucial one in the final game of the match, and 35 winners.

Persons: Iga, Linda Nosková, Rod Laver, Poland’s Świątek, Nosková, Opta, Amélie Mauresmo, Lindsay Davenport, “ I’m, ” Nosková, “, I’m, Cameron Spencer, Elina Svitolina, Golubic, Belarus ’ Victoria Azarenka, Marie Bouzková, McCartney Kessler, ” Organizations: CNN, Nosková, Australian, Belarus ’ Victoria, Brisbane International, Melbourne Locations: Czech, Belarus

☆ Australian Open: ‘Part of … war machine hurting my country and my people’ says Ukrainian of Russian and Belarusian opponents
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-19 | by ( Matias Grez | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —For Ukrainian tennis players Marta Kostyuk and Lesia Tsurenko, focusing on tennis continues to be challenging. Kostyuk and Tsurenko have continued to avoid the usual post-match handshakes with opponents from either Russia or Belarus, which is being used as a staging ground for the invasion. “My mother sends me videos when there are missiles flying over their house,” Kostyuk told reporters. 2 seed Aryna Sabalenka and said playing against players from Russia or Belarus is still “tough.”“They’re part of that … war machine hurting my country and my people,” Tsurenko said. “She said: ‘Great play,’” Sabalenka told reporters.

Persons: Marta Kostyuk, Lesia, Tsurenko, Kostyuk, Russia’s Elina Avanesyan, “, ” Kostyuk, it’s, ”, “ It’s, It’s, Sabalenka, ” Tsurenko, Lesia Tsurenko, Phil Walter, what’s, ’ ” Sabalenka, Maria Timofeeva Organizations: CNN, “, ” CNN, Getty, Kostyuk Locations: Ukrainian, Ukraine, Russia, Belarus, Melbourne, Russian

☆ Belarus adopts new military doctrine involving nuclear weapons
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-19 | by ( Mariya Knight | Chris Lau | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —Belarus on Friday adopted a new military doctrine that – if approved – would be the first step toward deploying nuclear weapons across the country. The Union State of Belarus and Russia Treaty sets up a legal basis for a wide-ranging alliance between the two countries. Baltic states reinforce bordersThe move by Belarus came as neighboring Baltic states signed an agreement to reinforce their borders with Belarus and Russia. During an interview with state news agency Belta in August last year, Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko said his country did not “bring nuclear weapons here in order to scare someone.”“Nuclear weapons represent a strong deterring factor. But these are tactical nuclear weapons, not strategic ones.

Persons: Viktor Khrenin, ”, Khrenin, “, Vladimir Putin, Alexander Lukashenko, Hanno Pevkur Organizations: CNN, ” Belarusian, Belarus ’, Collective Security, Organization, Union State, NATO, The Union, The Union State of, Russia Treaty, Belarusian People’s Assembly, Novosti, UN, OSCE, ” Minsk, Estonian Defense Ministry, Estonian Minister of Defense, Belta Locations: Belarus, Republic of Belarus, Russian, Russia, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, The Union State, The Union State of Belarus, Ukraine, NATO, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Baltic, Estonia, Estonian

For those Ukrainian players competing at the Australian Open in Melbourne, it’s a gesture that has more meaning than ever. I think it’s important to remember about it and do everything.”Kostyuk said journalists need to keep the news alive. “They want the drama, they wanted news, they wanted all this heating between players and everything,” she said. I still don’t understand what all these (Russian and Belarusian) players are doing here.”When Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, the plight of Ukrainian players was uppermost in everyone’s minds, with Wimbledon banning Russian and Belarusian players from competing that year and numerous fund-raising events held around the tennis world. Since the war began, Ukrainian players have made a point of not shaking the hands of Russians and Belarusians, sometimes to the confusion of crowds, who have blamed the loser.

Persons: Lesia Tsurenko, Aryna Sabalenka, Tsurenko, Marta Kostyuk, Elina Avanesyan, Dayana Yastremska, ” Kostyuk, ”, “, Victoria Azarenka, Elina Svitolina, it’s, Yastremska, Svitolina, Varvara Gracheva Organizations: Wimbledon, ATP, WTA Tours, U.S, Melbourne Locations: MELBOURNE, Australia, Belarusian, Melbourne, Belarus, “, Ukraine, Sabalenka, Russia, Brisbane, Yastremska

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka reached the fourth round of the Australian Open on Friday with a 6-0, 6-0 demolition of Lesia Tsurenko. “Last year, Iga (Swiatek) won so many sets 6-0 and this is one of the goals, to try to get closer to her,” Sabalenka joked. The pair did not shake hands — as is the convention for Ukrainian players against opponents from Russia or Belarus — but Tsurenko congratulated Sabalenka verbally. Sabalenka will play Amanda Anisimova, who continued her comeback with a 7-5, 6-4 win over Paula Badosa. 4 Jannik Sinner moved into the fourth round without losing a set, thanks to a dominant 6-0, 6-1, 6-3 victory over Sebastian Baez.

Persons: Aryna Sabalenka, Rod Laver, ” Sabalenka, “, Tsurenko, Sabalenka, Amanda Anisimova, Paula Badosa, Anisimova, I’m, Men’s, Sebastian Baez, Karen Khachanov, Tomas Machac, Coco Gauff, Novak Djokovic, Tomas Martin Etcheverry, Alex de Minaur, Flavio Cobolli Organizations: —, Ukrainian Locations: MELBOURNE, Australia, Russia, Belarus, Alycia Parks, Italy

☆ Russia will be scared to deploy its precious command planes after the 'embarrassing' loss of 2 of them, experts say
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-17 | by ( Sinéad Baker | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Ukraine said it damaged two Russian command aircraft — a Russian A-50 radar early-warning plane and Ilyushin Il-22 airborne command post — on Sunday, hitting the planes with its air defense systems. A photo that purports to show the wing of a Russian Il-22 aircraft shared by pro-war Russian milblogger Fighterbomber. Considering those losses together, Manon said: "For the Russian Air Force, it's kind of embarrassing." Given the limited supply, the latest developments are "a pretty big loss" for Russia, Manon said, adding that these aircraft are a key resource for Russia. Ukraine says it needs more air defense equipment, with Russia trying to erode Ukraine's stockpiles to clear the way for unobstructed attacks.

Persons: —, Rajan Manon, Manon, Gustav Gressel, Wagner, Sefa, shootdowns Organizations: Service, Business, Ilyushin, European Council, Foreign Relations, UK Ministry of Defence, Russian Air Force, Wagner Group, Anadolu Agency, Getty, NATO, Ukrainian Air Force Locations: Ukraine, Russian, Russia, Belarus, Minsk .

☆ Leaked German military documents laid out a doomsday scenario where Russia wins in Ukraine then invades Europe
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-16 | by ( Tom Porter | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Read previewLeaked German military documents describe a chilling scenario where Russia wins in Ukraine and then goes to war with NATO. The Baltic states and their neighbors. Google MapsThe end goal would be to move Russian troops into the Suwałki Gap, Bild reported, citing the documents. If occupied by Russia, it would cut the Baltic states off from other parts of Europe. Under the scenario obtained by Bild, NATO would fight Russia to prevent it from occupying the gap.

Persons: —, Axel Springer, Vladimir Putin, Putin, Joe Biden's, Jacek Siewiera Organizations: Service, Russia, NATO, Business, Bild, Germany's Defense Ministry, Google, Defense Ministry, Kremlin Locations: Ukraine, Russia, Eastern Europe, Baltic, Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, Belarus, Kaliningrad, NATO's, Europe, US, Russian

☆ Ukraine Foreign Minister Muses About 'Punching' Russia's Lavrov
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-15 | by ( Jan. | At P.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +2 min

Kuleba said at the time that the talks in Turkey had been difficult and dealt with a ceasefire and arranging humanitarian corridors. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy rejects talks with Moscow until Russian troops are withdrawn from the slightly less than 20 percent of Ukraine they now hold. Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin says Russia is ready for talks but has vowed to pursue what Moscow calls its "special military operation". In Moscow, Russia Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said Kuleba's latest remarks underscored the incompetence of Ukraine's leadership. "Perhaps he belongs in a no-holds-barred bout rather than the foreign ministry?"

Persons: Dmytro Kuleba, Sergei Lavrov, Kuleba, Lavrov, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, Vladimir Putin, Maria Zakharova, Zakharova, Ron Popeski, Oleksandr Kozhukhar, Michael Perry Organizations: Reuters, Ukrainian, Moscow, Russia Foreign Locations: Ukrainian, Antalya, Ukraine's, Belarus, Turkey, Moscow, Ukraine, Russia

☆ Ukraine says it hit 2 prized Russian command aircraft in just one day
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-15 | by ( Sinéad Baker | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Read previewUkraine said it hit two Russian command aircraft in a single day over the weekend. And opposition activists in Belarus said they destroyed a Russian A-50 in their country last February. AdvertisementNeither Ukraine nor Russia release figures for how many of their aircraft have been destroyed, and no fully verified figures exist. But Ukraine has destroyed multiple Russian aircraft in the conflict. Even so, Ukraine is warning that it needs to boost its air defense arsenal to stop Russian aircraft and the drones and missiles that have hit its towns and cities.

Persons: —, HUR, Jake Epstein, Wagner Organizations: Service, Kyiv Post, Ilyushin, Business, Forbes, UK Ministry of Defence, Ilyushin Il, Wagner Group Locations: Ukraine, Kyiv, Russian, Zaporizhzhia, Russia, Belarus

☆ Coco Gauff eyes ‘double digits’ grand slam career goal ahead of Australian Open
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-13 | by ( Ben Church | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —Coco Gauff may have won her maiden grand slam title at last year’s US Open, but the American youngster already has that particular success in her rear-view mirror. Right now, I would say double digits would be pretty awesome,” Gauff told reporters ahead of this year’s Australian Open. Sarah Stier/Getty Images Gauff celebrates her win after the final set. Sarah Stier/Getty Images Sabalenka and Gauff pose for a photo with former player Billie Jean King before the match. Sarah Stier/Getty Images Gauff is introduced ahead of the match.

Persons: Coco Gauff, Gauff, Aryna, Serena Williams, Arthur, Mike Segar, Reuters Gauff, Mike Stobe, Sarah Stier, Shannon Stapleton, Frank Franklin II, Darren Carroll, AP Sabalenka, Danielle Parhizkaran, Al Bello, Charles Krupa, Clive Brunskill, Sabalenka, Billie Jean King, Timothy A, Clary, Elina Svitolina, Anna Karolína Schmiedlová, Brad Gilbert, ” Gilbert, CNN Sport’s Don Riddell, “ Organizations: CNN, Wimbledon, Reuters, USTA, AP, USA, Network, Sabalenka, Gauff, Getty, Auckland Locations: American, Flushing Meadows, Queens, Belarus, AFP, Melbourne

☆ Ukraine and Russia say they want the war to end. But military and political experts say they're nowhere near peace talks
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-12 | by ( Holly Ellyatt | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +8 min

Fighting remains intense in southern and eastern Ukraine, where Russian units are deeply entrenched, preventing Ukraine's forces from making significant advances. They note that neither Russia nor Ukraine seems to be at a point where a political resolution is palatable, however. 'Red lines' firmly drawnBoth Russia and Ukraine have repeatedly said they want the war to end — but on their terms. For its part, the Kremlin said in December that it saw no current basis for peace talks, and called Kyiv's peace plan an "absurd process" as it excluded Russia. One big stumbling block in any potential peace talks now is their respective positions on territorial integrity.

Persons: Volodymyr Zelenskyy, It's, Sam Greene, Pierre Crom, Stephen Twitty, Vladimir Putin, Sam Cranny, Evans, Putin, there's, Zelenskyy, Mario Bikarski, Mitch McConnell, Chuck Schumer, Bill Clark Organizations: Anadolu, Getty, Economic, King's College London, CNBC, U.S, Army, U.S . European Command, Economic Forum, Royal United Services Institute, Kremlin, Kherson —, Anadolu Agency, CIS, Senators, Capitol, Cq, Inc Locations: Kharkiv, Ukraine, Ukrainian, Russia, Switzerland, Davos, Kyiv, Malta, China, Crimea, Avdiivka, Europe, Moscow, Russian, Estonia, Belarus, Turkey, Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, Ky

☆ Western companies have exited Russia in droves. New companies with owners from China and former Soviet republics are stepping in.
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-12 | by ( Huileng Tan | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

However, the number of new companies in Russia with cofounders from former Soviet republics and China has soared in those two years, per Vedomosti. Companies with cofounders from former Soviet republics including Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan accounted for 59% of all new companies that established operations in Russia last year, per Vedomosti. AdvertisementCompanies with cofounders from China accounted for 25% — or 1,500 — of new companies in Russia over the first 10 months of 2023. AdvertisementMeanwhile, Russian businesses overseas have also been moving their assets home amid the pressures of Western sanctions and a push by President Vladimir Putin's regime. This still marks a huge decrease from 14% of new companies registered in 2021.

Persons: —, cofounders, Mikhail Nikolayev, ACRA, Vladimir Putin's Organizations: Service, Business, cofounders, Companies Locations: Russia, Moscow, Ukraine, Soviet, China, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Turkey, India, Russian

☆ Putin Greets Kids, Views 'Nuclear Button' as Re-Election Bid Nears
▼ + stars: | 2023-12-04 | by ( Dec. | At A.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +3 min

Putin was given an explanation of a Soviet nuclear bomb design and shown a mock control panel for launching a nuclear test, before observing images of a blast and mushroom cloud through a viewing window. Since the start of the Ukraine war, Putin has frequently reminded the West of the size and capabilities of Russia's nuclear arsenal, saying anyone who tried to launch a nuclear attack against it would be wiped from the face of the earth. Putin was shown a replica of Stalin's office during his exhibition tour. Supporters of Putin dismiss that analysis, pointing to independent polling which shows he enjoys approval ratings of above 80%. They say that Putin has restored order and some of the clout Russia lost during the chaos of the Soviet collapse.

Persons: Guy Faulconbridge, Mark Trevelyan MOSCOW, Vladimir Putin, Putin, Oleg Saitov, Boris Yeltsin, Josef Stalin, Catherine the Great, Mark Trevelyan, Gareth Jones Organizations: Kremlin, State Locations: Soviet, Ukraine, Belarus, Moscow, Russia, Soviet Union, Putin's Russia, London

☆ China willing to continue strengthening cooperation with Belarus -state media
▼ + stars: | 2023-12-04 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko review the honour guard during a welcome ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China March 1, 2023. cnsphoto via REUTERS/File photo Acquire Licensing RightsBEIJING, Dec 4 (Reuters) - China is willing to continue strengthening its strategic cooperation with Belarus, President Xi Jinping was cited as saying after meeting with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko on Monday. Xi also said China is willing to enhance coordination and cooperation with Belarus in multilateral mechanisms such as the United Nations and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, the official news agency Xinhua said. Xi told Lukashenko that both countries should improve cross-border transport facilitation and promote economic and trade ties as well as people-to-people exchanges, according to Xinhua. The Chinese leader also said Beijing and the Eastern European country should implement projects such as the China-Belarus industrial park and promote industrial cooperation. Reporting by Ella Cao and Liz Lee; Editing by Kim Coghill and Jamie FreedOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Xi Jinping, Alexander Lukashenko, Xi, Lukashenko, Ella Cao, Liz Lee, Kim Coghill, Jamie Freed Organizations: of, People, cnsphoto, REUTERS, Rights, United Nations, Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, Xinhua, Thomson Locations: Beijing, China, Rights BEIJING, Belarus, Xinhua

[1/5] Russian President Vladimir Putin visits the "Russia" forum and exhibition celebrating the country's major achievements in Moscow, Russia, December 4, 2023. Putin was given an explanation of a Soviet nuclear bomb design and shown a mock control panel for launching a nuclear test, before observing images of a blast and mushroom cloud through a viewing window. Since the start of the Ukraine war, Putin has frequently reminded the West of the size and capabilities of Russia's nuclear arsenal, saying anyone who tried to launch a nuclear attack against it would be wiped from the face of the earth. Supporters of Putin dismiss that analysis, pointing to independent polling which shows he enjoys approval ratings of above 80%. They say that Putin has restored order and some of the clout Russia lost during the chaos of the Soviet collapse.

Persons: Vladimir Putin, Mikhail Voskresensky, Putin, Oleg Saitov, Boris Yeltsin, Josef Stalin, Catherine the Great, Mark Trevelyan, Gareth Jones Organizations: Sputnik, REUTERS Acquire, Rights, Kremlin, State, Thomson Locations: Russia, Moscow, Soviet, Ukraine, Belarus, Soviet Union, Putin's Russia, London

☆ Belarus President Lukashenko heading to China second time this year
▼ + stars: | 2023-12-03 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko delivers a national statement at the World Climate Action Summit during the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, December 1, 2023. REUTERS/Amr Alfiky/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsDec 3 (Reuters) - Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko was heading to Beijing on Sunday for talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, Belarusian state media reported, the second trip of the close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin to China this year. "Negotiations between the head of the Belarusian state and president of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping will take place in Beijing," BelTA said, citing Lukashenko's press service. Lukashenko, the president of Belarus since 1994 who has been shunned by the West, backed Russia's invasion in Ukraine in February 2022 by allowing Moscow to use its territory to launch the war. After their March 1 meeting, both Lukashenko and Xi called for the "soonest possible" peace deal for Ukraine.

Persons: Alexander Lukashenko, Amr Alfiky, Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin, Lukashenko, People's Republic of China Xi, BelTA, Xi, Lidia Kelly, William Mallard, Guy Faulconbridge Organizations: United Nations, Change, United Arab Emirates, REUTERS, Sunday, Thomson Locations: Dubai, United Arab, Beijing, Belarusian, China, People's Republic of China, Belarus, Ukraine, Moscow, Russia, Melbourne

☆ Belarus President Lukashenko Heading to China Second Time This Year
▼ + stars: | 2023-12-03 | by ( Dec. | At A.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +1 min

(Reuters) - Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko was heading to Beijing on Sunday for talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, Belarusian state media reported, the second trip of the close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin to China this year. Lukashenko, who according to Chinese state media was welcomed with a gun salute and military honours during his official Feb. 28 - March 2 visit, was this time heading for "a working visit," BelTA state news agency reported. "Negotiations between the head of the Belarusian state and president of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping will take place in Beijing," BelTA said, citing Lukashenko's press service. Lukashenko, the president of Belarus since 1994 who has been shunned by the West, backed Russia's invasion in Ukraine in February 2022 by allowing Moscow to use its territory to launch the war. After their March 1 meeting, both Lukashenko and Xi called for the "soonest possible" peace deal for Ukraine.

Persons: Alexander Lukashenko, Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin, Lukashenko, People's Republic of China Xi, BelTA, Xi, Lidia Kelly, William Mallard, Guy Faulconbridge Organizations: Reuters, Sunday Locations: Beijing, Belarusian, China, People's Republic of China, Belarus, Ukraine, Moscow, Russia, Melbourne

CNN —The eastern Ukrainian town of Avdiivka is increasingly becoming a flashpoint in the conflict, where fighting remains intense even when the front lines have barely moved for months. Russia appears to have made tactical advances in the outskirts of the embattled town as Ukraine claims it is inflicting heavy losses on assaulting troops. Here is what you need to know about the past week in Ukraine. Defensive fortifications will be bolstered along all of Ukraine’s northern territory which borders Belarus and Russia. Ukraine claims defensive actions in and around the town are inflicting heavy losses on Russian troops and equipment.

Persons: Zelensky, Volodymyr Zelensky, ”, “, Vitalii, Jens Stoltenberg, ” Stoltenberg, chief’s, Marianna Budanova, GUR, Kyrylo Budanov, Andriy Yusov, Russia —, — Organizations: CNN, Analysts, Ukrainian, Russian, Ukrainian Security Service, Russian Railway, NATO Locations: Ukrainian, Avdiivka, Russia, Ukraine, Donetsk, Kupiansk, Kharkiv, Belarus, Kherson, Russian, Dnipro, Ukraine’s, CNN Ukraine, Buryatia, Siberia, Mongolia, North Korea, China, Finland, Helsinki, Brussels, Turkey, Soviet Union

[1/3] Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov disembarks from a plane upon his arrival at an airport ahead of a meeting of foreign ministers of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) in Skopje, North Macedonia, November 30, 2023. Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna told reporters on Wednesday in Brussels where he attended a NATO meeting. The European Union's foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, said he understood unease about Lavrov attending the meeting in Skopje, North Macedonia. But he said it was a chance for Lavrov to hear broad condemnation of Russia's war in Ukraine. I think that is simply wrong," said Latvian Foreign Minister Krisjanis Karins.

Persons: Sergei Lavrov disembarks, Russia's Sergei Lavrov, Margus Tsahkna, Lavrov, Josep Borrell, Borrell, Dimitar Kovacevski, OSCE Michael Carpenter, Antony Blinken, Helga Schmid, Krisjanis Karins, Humeyra Pamuk, Aleksandar Vasovic, Ronald Popeski, Francois Murphy, William Maclean, Cynthia Osterman Organizations: Organisation for Security, Cooperation, Russian Foreign Ministry, REUTERS Acquire, Organization for Security, Baltic, OSCE, Soviet, NATO, Tass, Russian, North Macedonia's, Kremlin, AS, Ukraine, United, U.S, United Nations General Assembly, Thomson Locations: Europe, Skopje, North Macedonia, BRUSSELS, VIENNA, Ukraine, U.S, Russia, Estonian, Brussels, Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, Malta, Belarus, United States, Moscow, West, New York, Latvian

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