Putin and Xi Reject U.S. ‘Interference’, Praise Their Own Ties and Trade, Kremlin Says
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping recently spoke by phone and both leaders expressed their rejection of U.S. interference in the affairs of other countries, according to the Kremlin. The call focused on the desire to create a “multipolar, fairer world order” in response to U.S.-led efforts to contain Russia and China. While there are no immediate plans for reciprocal visits between Putin and Xi, they will continue to maintain close personal interaction.
The strengthening of ties between China and Russia has been evident in recent years as both countries faced sanctions from the United States and its allies. Trade between China and Russia reached $218.2 billion in 2023, surpassing the target set by the two countries in 2019. Additionally, Russia has become China’s top crude oil supplier, overtaking Saudi Arabia. The two nations plan to continue joint energy projects in 2024. They also share similar views on conflicts in Ukraine, the Middle East, and Taiwan.
‘Overdrive’: Kremlin comments on Tucker Carlson media frenzy
The recent media frenzy surrounding U.S. journalist Tucker Carlson’s interview with Russian President Vladimir Putin has caught the attention of the Kremlin. Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin’s Press Secretary, acknowledged that Carlson’s interview was highly anticipated and caused a particular reaction both in the United States and in Russia. Peskov emphasized that Carlson is capable of standing up for himself and does not require any protection. He also stated that the interview was an important event to showcase Russia’s perspective on global affairs.
Four candidates to run in Russian presidential election
Four candidates are set to run in Russia’s upcoming presidential election, which will take place next month. The Central Election Commission has barred several hopefuls from participating in the vote, but Leonid Slutsky, the leader of Russia’s Liberal Democratic Party, Communist Party candidate Nikolai Kharitonov, and New People party candidate Vladislav Davankov will be competing against incumbent Vladimir Putin, who is running as an independent. Putin is widely expected to win another six-year term in power due to his extensive media coverage and the absence of significant opposition.
Capturing war-torn Avdiivka the ‘primary focus’ of Russian operations, UK notes
Avdiivka, a town in eastern Ukraine, remains a primary focus of Russian operations, according to the UK Ministry of Defense. The town has been heavily impacted by the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. Russian forces have intensified attacks in the city, engaging in street-to-street combat. The UK Ministry of Defense reports that Russian forces have likely deployed additional troops to the Avdiivka sector to increase pressure on Ukrainian positions. Ukraine continues to conduct counterattacks to maintain control of the main supply route. The situation remains tense, with Russian forces relying heavily on tactical air power.
War critic Nadezhdin barred from running in election
War critic Boris Nadezhdin has been barred from running in Russia’s presidential election next month. The Central Election Commission claimed that Nadezhdin submitted too many “defective” signatures in support of his candidacy. Nadezhdin, a former Russian lawmaker and prominent political pundit, had submitted 105,000 signatures to the commission. However, over 15% of these signatures were deemed defective, leading to his disqualification. The decision comes as no surprise, as it is unlikely that an anti-war candidate would be allowed to run in the election.
Ukraine says it downed 11 out of 17 Russia-launched drones
Ukrainian air defense and mobile drone hunter groups have successfully shot down 11 out of 17 Russian-launched drones over four regions of Ukraine. The drones, manufactured in Iran, were downed in the Odesa, Mykolayiv, Dnipropetrovsk, and Vinnytsia regions. The attack resulted in damage to residential and commercial buildings, but no casualties were reported. The Ukrainian air defense forces are working diligently to counter these drone attacks and maintain control of the affected regions.
Ukraine conspicuously silent on Tucker Carlson interview request
Ukraine’s leadership has remained silent on U.S. journalist Tucker Carlson’s request for an interview. Carlson has been critical of Ukraine and has expressed pro-Kremlin views. He recently interviewed Russian President Vladimir Putin and plans to broadcast the interview. However, there has been no response from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy regarding Carlson’s interview request or the Putin interview itself. Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Hanna Maliar suggested that the only safe interview in this situation would be one conducted at The Hague, alluding to the arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court for Putin.
Tucker Carlson reportedly leaves Russia, faces criticism for interview
Tucker Carlson was spotted in Moscow earlier this week, sparking speculation about his purpose for being in Russia. The former Fox News host confirmed that he had met and interviewed Russian President Vladimir Putin. Carlson criticized Western media outlets for their coverage of the war in Ukraine and claimed that no Western journalist had bothered to interview Putin. However, both Western and Russian journalists refuted Carlson’s claims, stating that requests for interviews with Putin had been repeatedly denied. Critics argue that Carlson’s interview with Putin serves to promote pro-Kremlin views and suppress alternative perspectives.
IAEA chief says nuclear power plant in Ukraine is ‘relatively stable’
The director-general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Grossi, visited the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine and stated that it is relatively stable. Grossi highlighted the decrease in direct attacks or shelling around the plant as a positive development. Discussions also covered topics such as water supply for cooling the plant and the presence of authorized personnel. The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant has been a highly contested area throughout the war, with both Ukraine and Russia accusing each other of endangering its safety.
Russian foreign ministry says air defense systems destroy several Ukrainian rockets
Russia’s air defense systems have destroyed seven rockets launched by Ukraine over the Belgorod region, according to the Russian foreign ministry. Two individuals were wounded in the attacks, and the governor of Belgorod confirmed that various buildings suffered damage. Additionally, two Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles were reportedly destroyed over the same Russian region. The reports have not been independently verified.
4 dead, 40 injured in Russian attack on Kyiv
Four people have died, and 40 others have been injured in a missile attack on Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv. The attack damaged an 18-story residential building, resulting in casualties among its residents. Ukrainian air defense forces successfully destroyed 20 Russian missiles over Kyiv and on their approach to the city. The attack marks the third missile attack on Kyiv in 2024, with Russia using a variety of cruise missiles. The situation in Kyiv remains tense as emergency services continue to respond to the aftermath of the attack.
Kremlin confirms Tucker Carlson interview took place Tuesday
The Kremlin has confirmed that journalist Tucker Carlson conducted an interview with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The interview is expected to be released soon. The Kremlin described Carlson’s position as different from others, noting that it is not pro-Russian or pro-Ukrainian but rather pro-American. The Kremlin also criticized Western media outlets for their biased coverage of Russia and expressed a desire to showcase Russia’s perspective on global affairs.
Disclaimer: This article is based on information from various news sources and does not reflect any personal opinion or endorsement of the events or individuals mentioned.
