Russian prosecutor asks court to recognise Nazi crimes around Moscow as genocide
Russian prosecutors have asked a court to recognise crimes committed by Nazi Germany in the Moscow region as genocide and claim to believe that around 6.4 trillion roubles (£66.8 trillion) in damage was caused.
It was unclear whether the move was a prelude to a new financial compensation claim from Russia to modern Germany, with which relations have soured badly over Moscow’s war in Ukraine.
But the statement, which cited the need to defend Russia’s national interests while restoring historical justice, appeared part of a wider effort by Russia to gird its citizens for what it says is an existential war with the West, which some Russian officials have likened to the one fought by the Soviet Union against the Nazis.
The prosecutors asked a Moscow regional court “to recognise as war crimes and crimes against humanity, and as genocide against the Soviet people, the established and newly revealed crimes committed by the German fascist invaders” in the Moscow region between October 1941 and January 1942.
More than 26,000 people were killed in the region during that time, they said in a statement, with Soviet citizens subjected to torture, robbery, forced labour and expulsions. It was not clear how soon the court would rule on the request.
Reuters25 May 2023 18:14
Watch: Asked about Ukraine, US presidential hopeful gives rambling answer about trans people
DeSantis gives rambling answer about transgender people when asked about Ukraine
Andy Gregory25 May 2023 17:44
Russia summons German, Swedish and Danish ambassadors over Nord Stream probe
Russia has summoned the ambassadors of Germany, Sweden and Denmark in protest over what it said was the “complete lack of results” in an investigation into who blew up the Nord Stream gas pipelines.
The underwater blasts last September occurred in the economic zones of Sweden and Denmark, and the two countries are investigating the explosions – which they say were deliberate – alongside Germany.
In a new statement, Russia’s foreign ministry claimed: “It has been noted that these countries are not interested in establishing the true circumstances of this sabotage. On the contrary, they are delaying their efforts and trying to conceal the tracks and the true perpetrators of the crime behind which we believe are well-known countries.”
“It is no coincidence that ‘leaked’ improbable versions [of what happened] are dumped in the media to try to muddy the waters,” the ministry said.
The Danish foreign ministry confirmed that its ambassador had been summoned, and said authorities in Denmark, Germany, and Sweden were continuing their investigations.
“Denmark has been providing ongoing updates to Russia regarding the investigation’s progress and responding to their inquiries. We will continue to do so,” the ministry told Reuters.
Andy Gregory25 May 2023 17:12
Relocation of nuclear warheads to Belarus has already started, claims Lukashenko
Belarus president Alexander Lukashenko has claimed that the relocation of some of Russia’s tactical nuclear weapons to Belarus has already started, state news agency Tass reports.
Russia signed a deal with its close ally Belarus earlier on Thursday about the storage of the warheads at a special facility, which it claims should be completed in just over a month’s time.
Andy Gregory25 May 2023 16:40
EU tells China to play constructive role towards peace in Ukraine
The European Commission has repeated calls for China to play a constructive role in establishing peace in Ukraine, after a top EU diplomat met Li Hui, China’s special representative for Eurasian Affairs and former ambassador to Russia.
“The EU expects China, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, to play a constructive role ... and to recall the necessity to respect the principles of sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity ... by unconditionally withdrawing all forces and military equipment from the entire territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders,” the EU said in a statement.
Last week, Li Hui visited Ukraine and met president Volodymyr Zelensky in a European tour that Beijing billed as its effort to promote peace talks and a political settlement. He is set to visit Russia on Friday.
Reuters25 May 2023 15:54
Cyprus upholding sanctions on Russia, EU must support sectors hit
Cyprus said on Thursday it was committed to upholding European Union sanctions on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine and urged the bloc to support sectors, such as shipping, that have felt the impact of EU decision.
“Right from the start, Cyprus has been implementing all the sanctions related to the Russian invasion to Ukraine“, President Nikos Christodoulides said after meeting German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin. “We’re on the right side of history and we will continue in the same direction.”
“Where there is a cost for the European industries due to the decisions that we take - the right decisions that we take - the European Union should intervene to support those sectors.”
Maryam Zakir-Hussain25 May 2023 15:08
Russia signs deal to deploy tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus
Russia and Belarus signed a deal on Thursday formalizing the procedure for deploying Russian nuclear weapons on Belarusian territory. Control of the weapons will remain with Moscow.
The move formalized the deal agreed on earlier by Russian President Vladimir Putin and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko. Putin previously announced in March that his country planned to deploy tactical, comparatively short-range and small-yield nuclear weapons in Belarus. The inking of the deal comes as Russia braces for Ukraine’s much-anticipated counteroffensive.
Both Russian and Belarusian officials framed the step as driven by hostility from the West.
Russia signs deal to deploy tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus
Russia and Belarus have signed a deal formalizing the procedure for deploying Russian nuclear weapons in Belarus
Maryam Zakir-Hussain25 May 2023 14:30
Russia expels five Swedish diplomats, says ties at "unprecedented low"
Russia said on Thursday it would expel five Swedish diplomats in what it said was a retaliatory measure for Sweden’s “confrontational course” in relations with Russia.
The Russian Foreign Ministry said it was responding to the expulsion of five of its diplomatic staff from Sweden last month, which it called an “openly hostile step”.
Relations between the two countries have worsened since Sweden last year announced its intention to join NATO following Russia‘s invasion of Ukraine. The Russian statement said ties had “reached an unprecedented low”.
Maryam Zakir-Hussain25 May 2023 14:10
Russia summons Germany, Denmark, Sweden envoys over 'stalled' Nord Stream investigation
Russia‘s Foreign Ministry said on Thursday it had summoned the ambassadors of Germany, Sweden and Denmark to protest over what it said was the “complete lack of results” in an investigation to identify who blew up the Nord Stream gas pipelines last year.
Several unexplained underwater explosions ruptured the Nord Stream 1 and newly-built Nord Stream 2 pipelines that link Russia and Germany across the Baltic Sea in September 2022.
The blasts occurred in the economic zones of Sweden and Denmark and both countries say the explosions were deliberate, but have yet to determine who was responsible. The two countries and Germany are investigating the incident.
Russia‘s Foreign Ministry in a statement accused all three of deliberately dragging their feet and of trying to conceal who was behind the blasts.
It said it was unhappy about what it called the opaque nature of the investigation and its refusal to engage with Russia.
“It has been noted that these countries are not interested in establishing the true circumstances of this sabotage. On the contrary, they are delaying their efforts and trying to conceal the tracks and the true perpetrators of the crime behind which we believe are well-known countries,” it said.
“It is no coincidence that ‘leaked’ improbable versions (of what happened) are dumped in the media to try to muddy the waters.”
The United States and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation have called the incident “an act of sabotage.” Moscow has blamed the West. Neither side has provided evidence.
The ministry said Moscow would keep trying to ensure that Germany, Denmark and Sweden conducted what it called an objective investigation with Russia participating too.
Maryam Zakir-Hussain25 May 2023 13:45
Live: Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin speaks at Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting
Watch live as US secretary of defense Lloyd Austin delivers opening remarks at a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group.
Live: Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin speaks at Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting
Watch live as US secretary of defense Lloyd Austin delivers opening remarks at a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group.Watch more videos at the Indepe...
Maryam Zakir-Hussain25 May 2023 13:20
FAQs
Putin to deploy nuclear weapons in Belarus as Wagner evacuates Bakhmut – live? ›
Russia's Vladimir Putin has signed a deal with its ally Belarus to store tactical nuclear weapons at a special facility whose construction should be completed in a matter of weeks.
How many atom bombs does Russia have? ›Russian Federation (originally the Soviet Union) | |
---|---|
Largest yield test | 50 Mt (210 PJ) (Tsar Bomba) |
Total tests | 715 detonations |
Peak stockpile | 46,000 warheads (1975) 45,000 warheads (1990) |
Current stockpile | 5,889 total |
Occupied by Nazi Germany, Belarus was retaken by Stalin's Russia in 1944 and remained under Soviet control until declaring its sovereignty on July 27, 1990 and independence from the Soviet Union on August 25, 1991. It has been run by authoritarian PresidentAlexander Lukashenko since 1994.
What is the relationship between Russia and Belarus? ›Russia is Belarus' largest and most important economic and political partner. Both are members of various international organizations, including the Commonwealth of Independent States, the Eurasian Economic Union, the Collective Security Treaty Organization, and the United Nations.
Which country has the best missile technology in the world? ›The most powerful Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) developed in China is The DF-41 which is one of the deadliest ICBMs in the world. Based on an 8-axle launcher vehicle its first test launch took place in 2013 and the second followed in 2014.
Which country has the most powerful weapon in the world? ›Russia Has The Most Nuclear Weapons In The World—Here Are The Other Countries With The Largest Nuclear Arsenals.
Is it safe to travel to Belarus now? ›Belarus - Level 4: Do Not Travel.
Does Belarus have nuclear weapons? ›Belarus had 81 single warhead missiles stationed on its territory after the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991. They were all transferred to Russia by 1996. In May 1992, Belarus acceded to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
Why is Belarus called White Russia? ›The first known use of White Russia to refer to Belarus was in the late-16th century by Englishman Sir Jerome Horsey, who was known for his close contacts with the Russian royal court. During the 17th century, the Russian tsars used White Rus to describe the lands added from the Grand Duchy of Lithuania.
Has Belarus stopped helping Russia? ›Despite Belarus's newfound isolation, Russia did not cut assistance to its neighbor completely. Between August 2020 and February 2022, it pledged $1.5 billion in loans to Belarus, agreed on low gas prices, and deferred debt payments, providing yet another lifeline to the embattled and already indebted Lukashenko.
What does Belarus think of Russia? ›
Secondly, Belarusian society is overwhelmingly against the country's participation in the war – more than 90 per cent reject the idea of joining on the side of Russia.
What would happen if Belarus attacks Ukraine? ›Even if it fails to capture Kyiv or other major cities, its presence in the conflict would force some of the Ukrainian troops needed in the south and east of the country to redeploy. Belarus' firepower could also deliver heavy blows to civilians and critical infrastructure.
What is the most feared missile in the world? ›Among these mighty weapons, five are considered the most potent of all, the “Trident II,” RS-24 “Yars,” LGM-30G “Minuteman III,” Dongfeng-41, and RS-28 “Sarmat.” These intercontinental ballistic missiles were developed by different countries and are considered some of the most effective and destructive weapons.
Which country has the best Defence system in the world? ›United States. The United States of America is a North American nation that is the world's most dominant economic and military power.
Which is the deadliest missile in the world? ›BrahMos | |
---|---|
Used by | Indian Army Indian Navy Indian Air Force Philippine Marine Corps (on order) |
Production history | |
Designer | Defence Research and Development Organisation, NPO Mashinostroyeniya |
Manufacturer | BrahMos Aerospace Limited |
Of course, nuclear weapons surpass all other weapons made to date, because they have enormous destructive power and can cut down an entire city and a large part of the population, and radiation after a nuclear attack would be present for decades.
How long would it take a nuke to reach the US from Russia? ›It would take a land- based missile about 30 minutes to fly between Russia and the United States; a submarine-based missile could strike in as little as 10 to 15 minutes after launch.
Are Americans allowed to go to Russia? ›Russia - Level 4: Do Not Travel.
Do US citizens need visa to travel to Belarus? ›30 Day Visa Free Travel
U.S. passport holders traveling to Belarus via Minsk International Airport may enter visa-free for up to 30 days (the 30-day limit includes the day of arrival and the day of departure) for tourism or business.
Roughly two-thirds of the territory of Belarus suffered significant contamination, and within two years of the disaster, the Belarusian government had designated the most toxic area, along the Ukrainian border and closest to the plant, the Polesie State Radioecological Reserve.
Where does the US keep its nukes? ›
Kirtland AFB, NM
Description: The large underground facility at Kirtland AFB in Albuquerque, New Mexico, stores more than 1,900 warheads that are either part of the inactive/ reserve stockpile or awaiting shipment across Interstate 40 to the Pantex Plant outside of Amarillo, Texas, for dismantlement.
The soil of Belarus alone absorbed two-thirds of the fall-out and some of the nuclides, such as caesium-137, stay radioactive for more than 30 years. Food accounts for 80 per cent of the long-term contamination of the population.
How many fighter jets does Belarus have? ›There are a total of [ 13 ] Active Belarusian Air Force Aircraft (2023) entries in the Military Factory. Entries are listed below in alphanumeric order (1-to-Z). Flag images indicative of country of origin and not necessarily the primary operator. Return to the Modern Aircraft Index.
What side was Belarus on in ww2? ›In June 1942, Germany began an offensive against the Soviet Red Army known as Operation Barbarossa. Belarus was the frontline between the two powers. When German troops crushed the Soviet defense, many Jews attempted to flee with the retreating Red Army.
What does white mean in Russia? ›In Russia white symbolizes cleanliness and purity. As well as in China white is mostly used in health care products and cosmetics design. As one of the colors of Russian national flag white is also associated with peace and elegance.
What is Belarus best known for? ›Belarus is famous for its forests and lakes – no wonder it is called the «lungs of Europe». There are many wide bright avenues and narrow cobbled streets, Catholic churches and Orthodox cathedrals, majestic castles and wooden huts in the villages, hearty and delicious national cuisine in Belarus.
Which country has the most atomic bombs? ›Who has the most nuclear weapons? Russia has the most confirmed nuclear weapons, with 5,997 nuclear warheads. The United States follows behind with 5,428 nuclear weapons, hosted in the US and 5 other nations: Turkey, Italy, Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands.
Which country has the world's most powerful atom bomb? ›Tsar Bomba, (Russian: “King of Bombs”) , byname of RDS-220, also called Big Ivan, Soviet thermonuclear bomb that was detonated in a test over Novaya Zemlya island in the Arctic Ocean on October 30, 1961. The largest nuclear weapon ever set off, it produced the most powerful human-made explosion ever recorded.
Does Russia have bigger bombs than the US? ›Nuclear superpower
Russia, which inherited the Soviet Union's nuclear weapons, has the world's biggest stockpile of nuclear warheads. Putin controls about 5,977 such warheads as of 2022, compared with 5,428 controlled by United States President Joe Biden, according to the Federation of American Scientists.
Tsar Bomba (in Russian, Царь-бомба) is the Western nickname for the Soviet RDS-220 (РДС-220) hydrogen bomb (code name Vanya). Detonated by the Soviet Union on October 30, 1961, Tsar Bomba is the largest nuclear device ever detonated and the most powerful man-made explosion in history.
How long would it take for a nuclear missile to reach the US from Russia? ›
It would take a land- based missile about 30 minutes to fly between Russia and the United States; a submarine-based missile could strike in as little as 10 to 15 minutes after launch.
How many nuclear weapons would it take to destroy the world? ›As of 2019, there are 15,000 nuclear weapons on planet Earth. It would take just three nuclear warheads to destroy one of the 4,500 cities on Earth, meaning 13,500 bombs in total, which would leave 1,500 left.
Which country has a bomb that can destroy the world? ›Russia's Tsar bomba: World's most powerful nuclear weapon of mass destruction.
How far away from a nuclear bomb is safe? ›The resulting inferno, and the blast wave that follows, instantly kill people directly in their path. But a new study finds that some people two to seven miles away could survive—if they're lucky enough to find just the right kind of shelter.
Which bomb can destroy a whole country? ›A nuclear device no larger than a conventional bomb can devastate an entire city by blast, fire, and radiation. Since they are weapons of mass destruction, the proliferation of nuclear weapons is a focus of international relations policy.
Who is more powerful Russia or USA? ›In short, Russia is ranked 2nd out of 140 in military strength while the US is ranked 1st. As per the army population, Russia has 142,320,790 soldiers while The US has 334,998,398 soldiers. The available manpower is 69,737,187 with Russia and 147,399,295 with the United States.
Where would Russia nuke in the US? ›A Russian nuclear attack would likely focus on high-value targets in North Dakota or Montana.
How much more powerful is the US military than Russia? ›The US dominates the air with far more bases, fighter jets and bombers than Russia but Russia is superior on the ground with more tanks, artillery and land vehicles. At sea, the countries are more evenly matched, but here the US has the edge with more destroyers, submarines and aircraft carriers.
What is the blast radius of a 50 megaton nuke? ›(To put it into perspective: The fireball for a 50-megaton weapon has a radius of about 3 miles.
What is the most powerful nuclear weapon the US has? ›In the United States' current nuclear arsenal, the most powerful bomb is the B83, which has a maximum yield of 1.2 megatons, making it 60 times more powerful than the bomb dropped on Nagasaki, Japan, in 1945.
What is the US biggest bomb? ›
The Little Boy uranium bomb produced a blast estimated to be between 13,000-20,000 TONS of TNT. The plutonium bomb Fat Man at 20,000-22,000 tons of TNT would further outpace the scale of destruction caused by any single weapon system in the history of man-kind.