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Articles by AFP
deadly attacks
Russian Shelling of Kherson Leaves at Least 3 Dead
Russian shelling of Ukraine's southern city of Kherson left at least three people dead on Sunday, President Volodymyr Zelensky said, while a strike on...
'exclusively scientific'
Russian Polar Research Vessel Docks in Cape Town Amid Protests
A Russian polar research vessel docked in South Africa's Cape Town harbor at the weekend as climate protesters raised fears it could be used to help Moscow...
competing claims
Ukraine Says Repelled Attack Near Blahodatne, Russia's Wagner Claims Control
Ukraine's military said Sunday its forces repelled an attack near Blahodatne in the eastern Donetsk region after Russia's Wagner mercenary group claimed...
'self-made rumor'
North Korea Denies Arms Dealing With Russia
North Korea on Sunday denied providing arms to Moscow after the United States said the nuclear-armed state supplied rockets and missiles to Russia's...
deadly strikes
Moscow Says 14 Killed in Ukraine Strike on Eastern Hospital, Kyiv Claims 3 Dead in Russian Strike
Russia's Defense Ministry on Saturday accused the Ukrainian army of striking a hospital in the eastern Luhansk region, leaving 14 dead and injuring 24...
Deadly violence
Russia Urges 'Maximum Restraint' After Jerusalem Attacks
Russia's Foreign Ministry on Saturday called for "maximum restraint" following violence in Israel and the West Bank that marked another escalation in the...
deep freeze
Moscow Gives Latvian Ambassador Two Weeks to Leave Russia
Moscow said on Friday that Latvia's ambassador had been given two weeks to leave Russia, accusing the Baltic state and EU member of "total Russophobia...
Pivot to Asia
Uzbekistan to Import Russian Gas for First Time Amid Energy Crisis
Uzbekistan will import natural gas from Russia for the first time ever as the Central Asian country faces an energy crisis, the authorities in Tashkent...
cheating the system
U.K. Reviews Rules After Row Over Wagner Lawsuit Against Journalist
The United Kingdom said Wednesday it was reviewing how sanctioned individuals are permitted to use the country's legal services, after reports the government...
heavy weaponry
U.S. to Provide 31 Abrams Tanks to Ukraine Amid Russian Warnings
The United States announced Wednesday that it would provide 31 Abrams tanks to help Ukraine repel Russia's forces, mirroring a similar move announced earlier...
andrei medvedev
Norwegian Police to Release Russian Wagner Deserter
The Norwegian police are planning to release a former member of the Russian mercenary group Wagner who was arrested for entering the country illegally...
individual courage
Muscovites Continue to Risk Arrest Protesting Ukraine ‘Nightmare'
Muscovites were continuing to brave the threat of arrest to lay flowers at an improvised memorial to the victims of a missile attack on the Ukrainian city...
taking sides?
Russia's Lavrov Gets Controversial Welcome in South Africa
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov was welcomed by his South African counterpart for talks in Pretoria on Monday, in a visit that has sparked criticism...
intensified fighting
Russia Pushing Towards Two Towns in Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia Region
Moscow's forces are pushing towards two towns in Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia region, where fighting intensified this week after several months of a stagnant...
'despicable low point'
EU Slams Russia's Comparison of West's Ukraine Policy to the Holocaust
The EU on Thursday denounced Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov's claim that the West's policy towards Russia over Ukraine resembled Nazi leader Adolf...
'new level of conflict'
Kremlin Warns of Escalation if West Gives Ukraine Longer Range Weapons
The Kremlin on Thursday warned of escalation in Ukraine if the West gives the pro-Western country more weapons capable of striking Russia. "Potentially...
'unity and solidarity'
Putin Tells Factory Workers 'Victory Will Be Ours' in Ukraine Conflict
Russian President Vladimir Putin said he had "no doubt" Moscow would emerge victorious in Ukraine on Wednesday, despite military setbacks in the nearly...
business boost
Kremlin: Russian Firms Can Ignore 'Unfriendly' Foreign Shareholders
The Kremlin has given major Russian companies permission to disregard the votes of shareholders from so-called "unfriendly" countries this year as a means...
'unintentional' detonation
At Least 7 Die in Russia Blast Bordering Ukraine
An accidental grenade blast in a Russian region bordering Ukraine has led to at least seven deaths, the Interfax news agency reported Tuesday. "Four dead...
new euphemism
Putin Hails a ‘Positive Dynamic’ for His Troops in Ukraine
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday praised his forces after their claimed capture of a Ukraine town and in the wake of a missile strike that killed...
diplomatic bluster
British Decision to Send Heavy Tanks to Ukraine Prompts Russian Warning
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Saturday pledged to provide Challenger 2 tanks to Ukraine, making it the first Western country to supply the heavy...
fog of war
Kyiv Denies Fall of Soledar Amid Fresh Russian Strikes on Ukrainian Cities
Ukraine reported a fresh wave of attacks on key infrastructure facilities on Saturday, a day after Russia claimed to have captured the ravaged eastern...
call for action
Russia Must Provide 'Immediate' Medical Care to Navalny – Berlin
Germany on Friday demanded swift medical care for jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, who has complained of being denied access to hospital treatment...
'unrealistic expectations'
Explainer: Who Is New Chief of Russian Forces in Ukraine Valery Gerasimov?
Valery Gerasimov, who in a surprise move was named to lead Russian troops in Ukraine after months of setbacks, has been Moscow's top general for the past...
Taylor Dudley
Russia Releases U.S. Navy Veteran Who Entered Country Illegally
Russia has released a U.S. Navy veteran who had been held in the country's Kaliningrad region for nine months, U.S. negotiator and former New Mexico governor...
conscientious objector
Russian Soldier Jailed for 5 Years for Refusing To Fight in Ukraine
A Russian court has sentenced a 24-year-old professional soldier to five years in prison for refusing to fight in Ukraine, officials said Thursday. The...
'are you human?'
Russian Critic Navalny Says Prison Denying Hospital Care
Jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny said Wednesday that he was being refused access to hospital treatment by prison officials after falling sick, in what...
'reaching parity'
Estonia Announces Expulsion of 21 Russian Diplomatic Staff
Estonia announced the expulsion of 21 Russian diplomats and embassy staff in order to "reach parity" between the two nations' diplomatic personnel on Wednesday...
eye for an eye
Ukraine Rejects Russian Claim of Devastating 'Retaliatory Strike'
Russia said Sunday it had carried out a devastating "retaliatory strike" in eastern Ukraine to avenge a recent deadly attack on its troops, a claim quickly...
Holiday loneliness
Lone Putin Observes Christmas at Kremlin Church
Russian President Vladimir Putin stood alone at a midnight service at a Kremlin church as he marked Orthodox Christmas darkened by Moscow's assault on...
'New territorial realities'
Putin Signals Readiness for Peace Talks if Kyiv Cedes Occupied Regions
President Vladimir Putin told Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan he was open to dialog with Ukraine if Kyiv accepts the territories occupied by Moscow...
political crackdown
Trial of Belarusian Nobel Prize Winner Ales Bialiatski Opens in Minsk
Jailed Belarusian Nobel Peace Prize winner Ales Bialiatski went on trial in Minsk on Thursday in what supporters see as a bid to clamp down on Belarus's...
peace plea
Patriarch Kirill Calls for Orthodox Christmas Ceasefire in Ukraine
Russia's spiritual leader, Patriarch Kirill, on Thursday called for a ceasefire in Ukraine over Orthodox Christmas, which is traditionally celebrated this...
domestic reaction
Russia's Military Leadership Feels Pressure From Makiivka Fallout
The Ukrainian New Year's missile strike on Makiivka has led to a usually reticent Moscow admitting its largest single loss of life since it sent troops...
futher fatalities
Death Toll From Ukrainian Strike on Makiivka Rises to 89
The death toll from a Ukrainian New Year strike in Russian-occupied eastern Ukraine has risen to 89, Moscow said on Wednesday, after Russians gathered...
war movies
Putin Orders Screening of Ukraine Assault Documentaries
President Vladimir Putin ordered his government Tuesday to ensure by February the screening in cinemas of documentary films dedicated to the invasion of...
declining volumes
Russian Gas Exports Outside Ex-Soviet States Fell 45.5% in 2022
Russian gas exports to countries outside a group of former Soviet republics plunged by 45.5% in 2022, figures from gas giant Gazprom showed Monday. Gazprom...
confident prediction
Russia Defense Minister Shoigu Says Victory 'Inevitable' in New Year Message
Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said Saturday that Russia's victory in Ukraine is "inevitable" in a New Year's message to servicemen, as Moscow's military...
empty threat
Russian Football Union Votes to Remain in UEFA Despite Ongoing Ban
The Russian Football Union reaffirmed its desire to see Russian teams return to international competition on Friday following its decision not to ...
pivoting west
Bulgaria Signs Deal to End Reliance on Russian Nuclear Fuel Deliveries
Bulgaria's sole nuclear power plant signed a nuclear fuel supply deal with a French firm on Friday in an effort to end its reliance on deliveries from...
continuing attacks
Ukraine Says Fresh Russian Drone Strike Overnight Largely Repelled
The Ukrainian military said on Friday that it had repelled an overnight drone attack on the country, including on the capital Kyiv, a day after Russia...
'unacceptable behaviour'
Armenia Lashes Out at ‘Bystander’ Russia Over Karabakh Blockade
Armenia on Thursday accused Russian peacekeepers of failing to protect ethnic Armenians in the Nagorno-Karabakh region and called for a multinational peacekeeping...
explanations needed
Bulgaria Summons Russian Envoy Over 'Wanted' Journalist
Bulgaria on Thursday summoned Russia's ambassador "for explanations" after Moscow placed Bulgarian Christo Grozev, the executive director of the investigative...
'No-limits' relationship
Kremlin: Putin to Speak With China's Xi Jinping on Friday
Russian President Vladimir Putin will hold talks by video link with Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Friday, the Kremlin said, as Russia seeks to bolster ties...
Fresh strikes
Ukraine Reports 'Massive' Russian Missile Attack
Ukraine was hit with "massive" Russian missile strikes across the country on Thursday, including in the capital Kyiv, the Ukrainian military said. ...
'no hurry'
Moscow To Achieve Ukraine Goals Thanks to ‘Patience’ - Lavrov
Russia's foreign minister said Wednesday he was convinced that Moscow would achieve its goals in Ukraine thanks to its "patience" and "perseverance." "I...
Maximum punishment
Russian University Shooter Sentenced to Life in Prison
A Russian teenager was on Wednesday sentenced to life in jail for killing six people in a shooting spree on a university campus in 2021, investigators...
'constructive dialog'
Turkey, Syria, Russia Defense Ministers Meet for First Talks Since 2011
The defense ministers of Russia, Turkey and Syria met in Moscow on Wednesday, the first such talks since the civil war broke out in Syria, the Russian...
taking stock
Gazprom CEO Admits 'Difficult' Year for Russian Energy Giant
The head of Gazprom admitted on Wednesday that the Russian energy giant had experienced a challenging year as the company sought new markets following...
retaliation measure
Russia to Ban Oil Exports to Countries With Price Cap
Russia issued a decree Tuesday to ban oil sales to countries and companies that comply with a price cap agreed by Western countries in response to Moscow's...
'accidentally fell'
Probe Opened Into Death of Russian Tycoon During Indian Holiday
Indian police are investigating the sudden deaths of a wealthy Russian politician who reportedly criticized the war in Ukraine and his traveling companion...
Lachin corridor
Armenian Leader Questions Russian Peacekeeping Role in Karabakh
The prime minister of Armenia on Tuesday questioned the role of Russian peacekeepers in Nagorno-Karabakh as he discussed a blockade of the breakaway region...
border breach
FSB Kill 4 Ukrainian 'Saboteurs' Attempting to Enter Russia
Russia's FSB domestic security agency announced on Monday that it had killed a group of saboteurs from Ukraine attempting to cross into a Russian border...
permanent five
Ukraine Demands Russia's Removal from UN Security Council
Ukraine called for Russia to be removed as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council on Monday. "Ukraine calls on the member states of...
Inland Strike
Three Dead as Ukrainian Drone Shot Down Over Russian Airbase
Russian air defense troops downed a Ukrainian drone as it approached an air base in southern Russia and three people died after being struck by debris...
ukraine war
Zelensky Blasts Russian 'Terror' After Kherson City Shelled
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday blasted Russian "terror" after shelling on Christmas Eve left at least seven dead and 58 injured in...
death by negligence
Twenty Two Killed in Fire at Nursing Home in Russia: Officials
A fire erupted overnight in a private illegal nursing home in the Siberian city of Kemerovo, killing 22 people, Russia's investigative committee said Saturday...
Freudian slip
U.S. Asks Putin to Keep 'Acknowledging Reality' After 'War' Reference
The United States on Friday derisively called on Russian President Vladimir Putin to acknowledge reality and pull troops from Ukraine after he finally...
poor harvest
Ukraine Estimates Grain Harvest Fell Around 40%
Ukraine estimates its grain harvest fell by around 40% year on year due to the Russian invasion, a representative for the country's industry told AFP Friday...
'rival power center'
North Korea Sold Arms to Russia's Wagner Group, U.S. Says
North Korea has delivered arms to Russia's private military group Wagner, the White House said Thursday, calling the mercenary enterprise a "rival" for...
changing aims
Russian Army Chief Says Focus Is Now on Liberation of Donetsk
Russia's army chief said on Thursday that his troops in Ukraine were "focused on completing the liberation" of Donetsk, an eastern Ukrainian region...
'get started'
Putin Inaugurates Siberian Gas Field as Russia Eyes Chinese Market
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday inaugurated the Kovykta natural gas field in eastern Siberia, which will allow Russia to increase its gas...
military commitments
Putin: Russia Will Improve Nuclear Combat Readiness
Adds further comments by Putin and Shoigu Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday that Russia would continue developing its military potential...
'state of shock'
Gas Pipeline Fire in Russia's Republic of Chuvashia Kills 3: Governor
Three people died on Tuesday when a key gas pipeline in the Republic of Chuvashia in western Russia caught fire, the regional governor told Russian television...
'ill-gotten gains'
Canada Moves to Seize $26M from Russian Oligarch Roman Abramovich
Canada's government on Monday announced the start of a process to seize $26 million in assets from a company owned by sanctioned Russian oligarch Roman...
closer links
Iran Says It Won't 'Seek Permission From Anyone' to Boost Russia Ties
Iran's Foreign Ministry said Sunday it would not "seek permission from anyone" to expand relations with Russia, dismissing U.S. concerns over a growing...
returning fire
One Dead and Several Injured in Strikes on Russia's Belgorod Region
Strikes on the Russian region of Belgorod, which borders Ukraine, killed one person and injured five others on Sunday, the regional governor said, two...
First comment
Brittney Griner Says it's 'so Good to Be Home' After Release From Russian Jail
U.S. basketball star Brittney Griner made her first remarks since being released from a Russian prison on Friday, saying that it was "so good to be home"...
award ceremony
Ukrainian, Russian Nobel Peace Winners Slam Putin's 'Insane' War
A trio from the three nations at the center of the war in Ukraine accepted their Nobel Peace Prize on Saturday, calling for an unabated fight against Russian...
first interview
Arms Dealer Bout Praises Putin, Backs Ukraine Assault
Viktor Bout, a notorious arms dealer dubbed the "Merchant of Death," praised Russian President Vladimir Putin and backed Moscow's assault on Ukraine in...
'welcomed decision'
TotalEnergies Exits Russian Gas Firm's Board, Takes $3.7Bln Hit
French energy group TotalEnergies said Friday it was withdrawing from the board of Russian gas giant Novatek and taking a $3.7 billion hit in the wake...
BEHIND THE LINES
Kremlin Discusses 'Domestic Security' After Ukraine Drone Attacks
President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday met with top officials on Russia's "domestic security" as the Kremlin said the latest Ukrainian drone attacks presented...
ARRESTS IN ABSENTIA
Moscow Court Grants FSB Request to Arrest Ukrainian Ministers
Updates with court ruling, adds top three lines. A Moscow court on Tuesday ordered the arrest in absentia of two Ukrainian ministers after they were accused...
firm stance
'No Diplomatic Solution' to Ukraine War: Nobel Winner
There is currently no diplomatic solution to the war in Ukraine, a co-founder of the Nobel Peace Prize-winning Russian rights organization Memorial said...
'analyzing' the move
Russia Denounces Oil Price Cap Agreed by EU, G7
Russia on Saturday denounced a $60 price cap on its oil agreed by the EU, G7 and Australia, even as Ukraine suggested it was not tough enough and...
spiritual subversion
Ukraine to Limit Moscow-Linked Religious Groups: Zelensky
Ukraine will move to impose limitations on religious organizations in the country which have links to Russia, President Volodymyr Zelensky said in his...
emergency intervention
Italy Puts Lukoil-Run Refinery Into State Supervision: Source
Italy has placed a refinery run by Russian oil giant Lukoil under provisional state supervision to avoid its closure and guarantee energy supplies, a government...
'combined air exercise'
South Korea Scrambles Jets After Chinese, Russian Warplanes Approach
South Korea's military said it scrambled fighter jets Wednesday as six Russian and two Chinese warplanes entered its air defense zone without notice. Japan's...
'grief fills our hearts'
Newborn Killed in Russian Strike on Ukraine Maternity Ward – Rescuers
A newborn baby was killed following a Russian strike that hit a maternity ward in Ukraine's southern Zaporizhzhia region, which Moscow claims to have annexed...
ENERGY WAR
Gazprom Wins Appeal Against 6.2 Billion Euro Polish Fine
A Polish court on Monday overturned a decision by Poland's anti-monopoly watchdog to impose a 6.2 billion euro ($6.3 billion) fine against Russian gas...
'Evil guards'
Navalny to Sue Prison Authorities for Not Giving Him Winter Boots
Jailed Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny said Monday that he is suing his maximum security prison for not giving him winter boots, as temperatures...
security risks
G7 Warns of Growing 'Hybrid Threats' From Russia's War
Russia's war in Ukraine has had a "significant impact" on the security of other countries, G7 interior ministers said on Friday, warning of attacks on...
GRINER SENTENCE
Basketball Star Griner Begins Sentence in Remote Russian Prison – Lawyers
Basketball star Brittney Griner, whose plight has generated widespread anger in the United States, has been sent to a remote Russian penal colony, her...
suspected drone attack
Fuel Depot Explodes in Southern Russia Near Ukraine
A fuel depot exploded on Wednesday in southern Russia near Ukraine following a suspected drone attack, Russian authorities said. There were no casualties...
MISSILE TERROR
Zelensky Offers Condolences to Poland's Duda After 'Russian Missile Terror'
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke by phone Tuesday with Polish counterpart Andrzej Duda, offering his condolences following reports that an alleged...
power cut
Ukraine's Occupied City of Kherson Without Electricity, Water After Strike
Ukraine's Russian-occupied city of Kherson was cut off from water and electricity supplies Sunday after an air strike and a key dam in the region was also...
'no critical damage'
Kakhovka Dam in Moscow-Occupied Ukraine 'Damaged' by Kyiv Strike – Russian Agencies
Emergency services in Moscow-occupied Ukraine said Sunday the key Kakhovka dam in the Russian-controlled region of Kherson was "damaged" by a Ukrainian...
Ukraine War
Iran Admits Sending Russia Drones
Iran admitted for the first time on Saturday that it has sent drones to Russia, but insisted they were supplied to its ally before the Russian invasion...
CUTTING TIES
Russian Billionaire Gives Up Nationality Over Ukraine
Billionaire banker and entrepreneur Oleg Tinkov on Monday said he renounced his Russian citizenship because of the conflict in Ukraine, which he had previously...
Stranded cargo
Ukraine Blames Russia for Making Grain Export ‘Impossible’
Russia's blockade of grain exports makes it "impossible" for fully loaded ships to leave port, Ukraine charged Sunday after Moscow claimed drone attacks...
Recovered debris
Russia Says Crimea Attack Drones Used Grain Corridor ‘Safe Zone’
Russia said Sunday it recovered debris from drones that attacked its fleet in Sevastopol, exploiting the "safe zone" of a grain corridor, and could have...
Hunger games
Ukraine Grain Exports Halted After Russia Suspends Participation
Ukraine's maritime grain exports were halted Sunday after Russia suspended its participation in a landmark agreement that allowed the vital shipments,...
no backpedaling
Putin: Russia Battling 'Western Domination' as Ukraine War Grinds On
President Vladimir Putin said Thursday that the war in Ukraine was part of Russia's wider struggle against Western domination, and warned that the...
IRAN DRONES
Russia's Use of Iranian Drones in Ukraine 'Appalling': Blinken
Russia's use of Iranian drones in Ukraine is "appalling," U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Thursday, adding that the United States and allies...
DANGEROUS DECADE
Putin Says Decade Ahead 'Most Dangerous' Since WWII
Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday that the coming decade will be the "most dangerous" since the end of World War II, while accusing the West...
WHOS DRONES?
Iran Says Won't Remain 'Indifferent' if Russian Use of its Drones Proven
Iran's foreign minister said Monday that Tehran would not remain "indifferent" if it becomes evident Russia is using Iranian-made drones in Ukraine. His...
NUCLEAR THREAT
U.S. Says No Indication Russia Has Decided to Use Nukes in Ukraine
The United States has no indication that Russia has decided to use nuclear, chemical or biological weapons in Ukraine, including a so-called "dirty bomb...
DIRTY BOMB
What is a 'Dirty Bomb'?
Moscow has claimed that Ukraine is building a "dirty bomb" with the aim of deploying it against Russian troops. But what is a dirty bomb, and what can...
'transparently false'
U.S., U.K., France Jointly Reject Russia 'Dirty Bomb' Claim
The United States, Britain and France on Sunday jointly dismissed Russian claims that Ukraine is preparing to use a dirty bomb and warned Moscow against...
Diplomatic outreach
Russia Discusses Ukraine in String of Calls with Defense Chiefs
Russia's Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu on Sunday held rare calls with NATO counterparts in which they discussed Ukraine, the Russian defence ministry...