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A high-ranking general in the Russian armed forces and his assistant have been killed in an explosion in Moscow, <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cm2ek388yxzo">reported BBC</a>.
Lt. Gen. Igor Kirillov, head of the Nuclear, Biological, Chemical Defence Forces (NBC), was leaving a residential block early on Tuesday when a device hidden in a scooter detonated, according to Russia’s Investigative Committee.
The explosive was reportedly detonated remotely, as confirmed by Russian security sources to the state news agency Tass.
On Monday, Ukraine’s SBU security service charged Kirillov in absentia, saying on Telegram that he was “responsible for the mass use of banned chemical weapons.” The Ukrainian government has yet to comment on the general’s death.
Images from the scene revealed significant damage to the entrance of the building, with scorch marks on the walls and several blown-out windows. Two body bags were also visible on the street.
In October, the UK imposed sanctions on Kirillov, citing his oversight of chemical weapon use in Ukraine and his role as a “significant mouthpiece for Kremlin disinformation.”
Ukraine’s SBU has claimed that Russia utilized chemical weapons over 4,800 times under his leadership, a claim Moscow denies.
Following the explosion, Russia’s Investigative Committee announced it had “opened a criminal case into the murder of two servicemen.” It said:
<blockquote>
Investigators, forensic experts and operational services are working at the scene.
Investigative actions and operational search activities are being carried out aimed at establishing all the circumstances of the crime.
</blockquote>
Russian state news agencies reported that the explosive device, which killed the 54-year-old Kirillov and his aide on Ryazansky Avenue, had an explosive force equivalent to 300 grams of TNT.
Bomb experts and specialized search dogs were deployed to inspect the area, and no additional explosives were found. Under UK sanctions, Kirillov was subject to an asset freeze and travel ban.
Kirillov served in various roles within Russia’s military-related to hazardous materials, including the Directorate of the Chief of the Radiation, Chemical, and Biological Defence Troops, before being appointed head of the NBC in 2017.
His death follows less than a week after the assassination of a prominent Russian weapons expert, Mikhail Shatsky, who was shot dead near his home in Moscow.
Ukrainian media reported that the assassination was carried out by Ukraine’s military intelligence service.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

A top Russian general named Lt. Gen. Igor Kirillov was killed in an explosion in Moscow along with his assistant. The explosive was hidden in a scooter and detonated remotely. Ukraine accused Kirillov of using banned chemical weapons many times and charged him in absentia. The UK had already imposed sanctions on Kirillov for overseeing chemical weapon use in Ukraine. The explosion is being investigated as a murder, with no additional explosives found. Kirillov had a history of handling hazardous materials before being head of the NBC. This incident comes shortly after another Russian weapons expert was assassinated.

High-ranking Russian Army General Killed In An Explosion In Moscow

Russia’s Foreign Ministry has announced that Syrian President, Bashar al-Assad has “stepped down” and left the country, following rebel forces taking control of the capital, Damascus, reported <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cqx89reeevgo">BBC</a>.
Assad has not been seen since meeting with the Iranian foreign minister in Damascus a week ago, where he vowed to “crush” the rebels.
Early on Sunday, the Islamist militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) declared that Assad had fled after entering Damascus without resistance.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported that a plane believed to carry Assad left Syria via Damascus International Airport.
A Cham Wings Airlines flight departed for Sharjah, UAE, around midnight, but it remains unclear if Assad was aboard.
According to Reuters, two senior Syrian army officers confirmed Assad boarded a Syrian Air plane early Sunday.
The flight, a cargo plane, left Damascus at 03:59 local time, initially heading east before changing course toward the Mediterranean coast, home to Assad’s Alawite sect and Russian military bases.
The plane’s transponder signal was lost around 04:39 (02:39 GMT) near Homs, with no reports of a crash. Flightradar24 reported possible signal issues due to GPS jamming and the aircraft’s older equipment.
While the plane flew over areas controlled by Assad’s supporters, its final destination remains unknown.
Bashar al-Assad took office on July 17, 2000, succeeding his father, Hafez al-Assad. His presidency was marked by the Syrian civil war, in which hundreds of thousands of people were killed and millions displaced.
His departure brought an end to more than 53 years of his family’s authoritarian rule over Syria.
A-Assad, originally an eye doctor studying in London, became president after the death of his older brother, Basil. To assume the presidency, the Syrian parliament lowered the minimum age requirement from 40 to 34.
He won his first referendum with over 97% of the vote as the only candidate, initially raising hopes for reform, but his rule closely mirrored his father’s authoritarian governance.
In March 2011, Assad faced massive protests demanding democracy, civil liberties, and political freedoms. He dismissed the protests as a foreign conspiracy, labeling his opponents as “terrorists.”
Assad’s response to the protests escalated into a brutal crackdown, which only intensified the unrest and led to armed rebellion.
The conflict drew in regional and international powers, with Russia, Iran, and Hezbollah backing Assad’s government, which allowed him to regain much of the territory lost in the early years of the civil war.
Despite regaining territory, Assad ruled over a fractured Syria, with limited support, particularly from his Alawite sect.
A ceasefire was declared in March 2020 between Russia and Turkey, but the conflict continued with frequent bombardments and a lack of democratic progress.
Assad framed himself as the protector of Syria’s minorities and a bulwark against extremism, but international elections monitoring and widespread accusations of human rights violations—including chemical weapons use—tarnished his reputation.
He won re-election in 2021 with 95.1% of the vote, but many international bodies, including human rights groups, condemned the elections as neither free nor fair.
Assad’s government faced accusations of killing thousands, imprisoning civilians, and using chemical weapons during the war, which he denied.
In 2023, the OPCW reported “reasonable grounds” to believe Assad’s government used chemical weapons in a 2018 attack.
France issued an arrest warrant for Assad over complicity in crimes against humanity related to chemical attacks in 2013.
The International Court of Justice called for the end of torture and inhumane treatment in Syria in 2023. After over 12 years of war, Assad was reinstated to the Arab League in 2023.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Bashar al-Assad, the president of Syria, has left the country after rebel forces took control of the capital city, Damascus. He has not been seen since meeting with the Iranian foreign minister. Rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham says Assad fled without resistance. Reports suggest he left on a cargo plane, but his final destination is unknown. Assad became president in 2000 after his brother's death and his rule was marked by civil war and violence. Despite winning elections, Assad faced accusations of human rights violations, including the use of chemical weapons.

Russia Confirms Assad's Departure As Rebels Seize Damascus

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that Russia had struck Ukraine with a new intermediate-range ballistic missile, days after Kyiv used Western-supplied weapons to target locations inside Russia, reported <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy4n9vgwnnyo">BBC News</a>.
The attack on the central Ukrainian city of Dnipro, which took place on Thursday morning, had sparked hours of speculation about the weapon used.
In a surprise national address, Putin confirmed that the missile, capable of reaching speeds of “2.5-3 km per second,” was a “new” intermediate-range ballistic missile, codenamed Oreshnik.
This contradicted Ukraine’s earlier claims, with President Zelensky and the foreign ministry alleging the attack was carried out by an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), a claim that US officials quickly dismissed.
Had it been an ICBM, it would have marked the first use of such a missile in the war.
Putin said that the missile strike was a direct response to Ukraine’s use of US and UK long-range weapons, including ATACMS and Storm Shadow missiles, which were recently authorised for use in Ukraine’s military operations.
He warned that Russia could target military facilities in the US and UK that allowed their weapons to be used against Russia.
The Russian leader also issued a stark warning to the West, stating that Moscow was “ready for any developments.”
The Pentagon’s deputy press secretary, Sabrina Singh, confirmed that the US had been notified “briefly” via Nuclear Risk Reduction channels, which are typically used for missile launch notifications.
Putin revealed that a test of a non-nuclear hypersonic version of the missile had been successful, with the target reached.
He claimed there was no way to counter such a weapon, which can strike at speeds of 10 Mach (around 2.5-3 km/s).
Putin concluded his statement with a warning to the West: “If anyone still doubts this, they shouldn’t. There will always be a response.”
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Putin said Russia used a new missile in Ukraine. It was not an intercontinental missile like Ukraine claimed. Putin warned to hit US and UK targets if they help Ukraine. US was notified of the missile test. The missile can't be stopped and is very fast. Putin warned the West to be ready for a response. He tested a successful non-nuclear hypersonic version of the missile. Putin said there will always be a response to any doubts from the West.

Putin Confirms Use Of New Missile In Ukraine, Threatens To Hit Targets In US, UK

Ukraine’s air force reported that Russia fired an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) at the city of Dnipro, which, if confirmed, would be the first use of such a weapon in any armed conflict.
Western officials, as reported by ABC News, questioned this claim, suggesting that the missile was actually a shorter-range ballistic missile, similar to those previously used by Russia in the war against Ukraine.
According to Ukraine’s air force, nine projectiles were launched from Russia’s Astrakhan region at Dnipro between 5 a.m. and 7 a.m. local time. The missile is believed to have travelled about 500 miles (800 km) to reach its target.
The missile reportedly hit its target “without consequences,” though there were no immediate reports of casualties. Six of the nine projectiles were intercepted by Ukraine’s air defence systems.
Russian ICBMs have a range of over 6,200 miles, capable of reaching targets as far as the U.S. east coast.
These weapons are also capable of carrying nuclear warheads, which could make such a launch a symbolic or strategic signal from Moscow, though it has not been officially confirmed, reported <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/nov/21/russia-fired-intercontinental-ballistic-missile-at-dnipro-says-ukraine">The Guardian</a>.
Russia has not acknowledged the use of an ICBM and did not mention it in its daily military briefing.
However, Russian foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova appeared to inadvertently reference the missile strike in a phone conversation caught on a hot mic, where an unidentified caller instructed her not to comment “on the ballistic missile strike”. The caller did not use the word intercontinental.
Under an agreement between the U.S. and Russia signed in 2000, each side is supposed to notify the other 24 hours in advance of any missile launch exceeding 500 km. It is unclear whether Russia followed this protocol.
Pavel Podvig, an expert on Russian nuclear weapons, warned that there wasn’t enough information to confirm whether the missile was an ICBM.
He suggested that while using an ICBM in a military context may not make sense due to its high cost and low accuracy, it could serve as a political or strategic signal.
The U.S. and UK have permitted longer-range missiles, like the Atacms and Storm Shadow, to be used against targets in or near Russia’s Kursk region, a development that Russia has warned it would respond to “accordingly.”
The U.S. embassy in Kyiv temporarily closed after receiving a warning of a “potential significant air attack.” The closure was linked to increased concerns over Russia’s missile activities, particularly ICBM threats.
Early reports from Dnipro suggested damage to an industrial enterprise and two fires in the city. Civilian impact remains limited, though full details have not been confirmed.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Russia fired a big missile at a city in Ukraine. Some say it was a long-range missile, but others think it was a short one. The missile hit the city, but no one got hurt. Ukraine stopped some of the missiles with their defense systems. Russia did not admit to using a big missile. Some people think firing the big missile was just a message, not a real attack. The US and UK have also used long-range missiles near Russia. The US embassy in Ukraine closed because of fears of more missile attacks. Damage was seen in the city, but no details are confirmed yet.

Ukraine Claims Russia Fired Intercontinental Ballistic Missile At Eastern City

The US embassy in Kyiv, Ukraine has temporarily closed after receiving “specific information of a potential significant air attack on 20 November”.
In a statement, the embassy also recommended that US citizens should prepare to shelter in the event an air alert is announced. It said:
<blockquote>
The U.S. Embassy in Kyiv has received specific information of a potential significant air attack on November 20. Out of an abundance of caution, the Embassy will be closed, and Embassy employees are being instructed to shelter in place. The U.S. Embassy recommends U.S. citizens be prepared to immediately shelter in the event an air alert is announced.
</blockquote>
The development comes after Ukraine on Tuesday launched US-supplied long-range missiles into its Bryansk region, marking the first use of the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) against Russia’s internationally recognised territory.
According to Russia’s Ministry of Defence, five missiles were intercepted, and one missile’s fragments caused a fire at a military facility in the region. There were no reported casualties.
The attack hit an ammunition depot near the town of Karachev, around 100 km from the Russian border, causing multiple secondary explosions.
In response, Russia has vowed an “appropriate and tangible response” to any further such attacks.
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The US embassy in Ukraine closed because of a possible big air attack from Russia. US citizens are told to be ready to go inside if needed. Ukraine shot missiles into Russia, but only small damage happened. Russia promises to fight back if there are more attacks. No one was hurt in the missile attack on a Russian military base. The US government is taking steps to protect its people in Ukraine from possible danger.

US Embassy In Ukraine Closes Over Threat of Major Russian Airstrike

Russia has accused Ukraine of launching US-supplied long-range missiles into its Bryansk region, marking the first use of the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) against Russia’s internationally recognised territory.
According to <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0mzjm7knw7o">BBC News</a>, the strike, which occurred early this morning, followed Washington’s recent approval for Ukraine to use these missiles in attacks on Russian soil.
According to Russia’s Ministry of Defence, five missiles were intercepted, and one missile’s fragments caused a fire at a military facility in the region. Fortunately, there were no reported casualties.
The attack hit an ammunition depot near the town of Karachev, around 100 km from the Russian border, causing multiple secondary explosions.
While Ukraine has used ATACMS in Russian-occupied areas of its territory for over a year, this is the first time the missiles have been deployed against Russia itself.
The missiles, with a range of up to 300 km, are difficult to intercept and allow Ukraine to target deeper into Russian territory, including areas like Kursk, where Ukrainian forces are active.
In response, Russia has vowed an “appropriate and tangible response” to any further such attacks.
Earlier on Tuesday, President Putin approved revisions to Russia’s nuclear doctrine, setting out new conditions under which the country would consider using its arsenal.
It now states that an attack from a non-nuclear state, if backed by a nuclear power, will be considered a joint assault on Russia.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Ukraine launched US missiles into Russia's Bryansk region. 5 missiles were intercepted. 1 caused a fire in a military facility. No one was hurt. This is the first time Ukraine used these missiles against Russia itself. The missiles have a range of up to 300 km. Russia threatened a strong response. Putin updated Russia's nuclear doctrine. He said if a non-nuclear state attacks with the support of a nuclear power, it will be seen as an attack on Russia.

Ukraine Launches US-Supplied Long-Range Missiles Into Russia

Russia’s army has reportedly gained full control of the strategic hilltop town of Vuhledar in eastern Ukraine, according to unconfirmed claims by pro-Russian military bloggers, reported <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/10/2/russia-reportedly-captures-key-town-of-vuhledar-in-eastern-ukraine">Al Jazeera</a>.
The mining town, located in the Donetsk region, is significant for its strategic position and has resisted capture since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in 2022.
The governor of Donetsk reported that Russian troops had reached the centre of Vuhledar shortly before these claims emerged.
Russian authorities have not commented on the reports that it now controls the town.
Vuhledar serves as a supply hub for both Ukrainian and Russian forces, located at the intersection of the eastern and southern fronts.
Its capture is viewed as crucial for Moscow’s efforts to control the entire Donetsk region.
The town’s strategic value is heightened by its closeness to a rail line connecting Crimea to the industrial Donbas region.
While under Ukrainian control, Vuhledar allowed forces to target Russian supply lines.
Russian forces reached the outskirts last week and have intensified their offensive, complicating Ukrainian supplies and troop rotations.
Reports indicate that remaining Ukrainian defenders faced heavy bombardment from aerial glide bombs.
Ongoing fierce fighting since 2022 has devastated much of Vuhledar. Recent footage showed Russian soldiers unfurling flags from bombed buildings, corroborating claims of their presence in the town.
Since August, Russian troops have advanced rapidly in eastern Ukraine, marking their fastest progress in over two years, despite Ukrainian incursions into Russia’s Kursk region.
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Russian forces have taken over a town called Vuhledar in Ukraine. This town is very important because it is a hub for supplies for both Ukrainian and Russian troops. The town is also close to a rail line connecting Crimea to the Donbas region. The Russian troops have been advancing quickly in eastern Ukraine, causing a lot of damage and fighting. The town has been heavily bombed and many Ukrainian defenders are facing attacks. This is part of Russia's efforts to control the Donetsk region in Ukraine.

Russian Forces Reportedly Capture Strategic Town In Ukraine

The Zimbabwean government plans to send teachers for training in Artificial Intelligence, robotics, and coding in Russia next month.
Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Torerayi Moyo announced this initiative during the commissioning of Mbizvo Christian Primary School in Kwekwe last Wednesday.
Moyo said that training will commence in October, with the first group of 25 teachers participating in online courses from a Russian university. Five teachers will travel to Russia for a fully funded week-long program focused on robotics and coding.
This training initiative aims to equip teachers with the skills to embrace technological advancements, enabling them to effectively impart knowledge to their students in schools. Said Moyo (via <a href="https://masvingomirror.com/russia-to-train-zim-teachers-on-ai/">The Mirror</a>):
<blockquote>
We now have AI, robotics, coding and many other things so from next month teachers will be having training in computers and current technologies and learn how children can come up with innovations through technology.
After we visited Russia, the Russians then brought us laptops four weeks ago and distribution has already started so from October we will be conducting online learning with professors in Russia who will train our teachers. The course is fully funded and government will give them allowances for the trip.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The Zimbabwean government will send teachers to Russia to learn about Artificial Intelligence, robotics, and coding. The training will start in October, with 25 teachers taking online courses first, and then 5 teachers going to Russia for a week-long program. This will help teachers use technology in a better way to teach students. The Russian government will pay for everything, and teachers will even get allowances for their trip. The goal is to help kids learn how to use technology to create new things and ideas.

Zimbabwean Teachers To Train In AI And Robotics In Russia

The Speaker of the National Assembly Jacob Mudenda blocked debate in the lower house of Parliament on President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s criticism of Zambia and Malawi’s relations with Western countries during a meeting with Russian leader Vladimir Putin.
In a meeting with Putin at Konstantino Palace ahead of the 27th St Petersburg International Economic Forum last week, Mnangagwa claimed Zambia and Malawi have accepted the West’s alleged machinations to isolate Zimbabwe.
He also accused Zambia of allowing the United States of America to establish a military base in the country, a claim that Lusaka has dismissed as false.
CCC MP Gladys Hlatywayo attempted to raise the issue in parliament on a “point of national interest,” emphasising the importance of avoiding statements that could destabilise relations with neighbouring countries.
However, Mudenda, a ZANU PF Politburo member, interrupted and redirected the discussion, saying that foreign affairs are solely the domain of the executive branch. Sai Mudenda (via <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200028204/mudenda-blocks-debate-on-eds-zambia-gaffe">NewsDay</a>):
<blockquote>
Hon Hlatywayo, the area of foreign affairs in terms of bilateral or regional relations is a matter for the Executive to deal with at all times.
I was saying this is a no-go area where you have issues that relate to bilateral or multi-lateral relations between or among States. Those are dealt with at the level of the Executive.
So the chief of diplomacy of either country, the point of order, with its good intentions, I think it is misplaced.
</blockquote>
Mudenda was offside in blocking Hlatywayo from raising the issue as the Constitution of Zimbabwe mandates that the executive, including the President, is accountable to parliament.
This, however, is not surprising given that Mudenda has a history of actions that undermine parliamentary scrutiny of the executive, favouring the ruling party and its interests.
Former Mt Pleasant MP, Fadzayi Mahere (CCC), recently claimed that Mudenda had reduced Parliament “to a farcical den of contradiction and illegality” after he unilaterally revoked the appointments of legislators from the CCC to various parliamentary committees.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Mudenda Blocks Debate On Mnangagwa's Diplomatic Gaffe In Russia

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday warned that Moscow might provide long-range weapons to strike Western targets if NATO allies allow Ukraine to use their arms against Russian territory, reported <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn44r9zjnpjo">BBC News</a>.
Putin also reiterated Russia’s readiness to use nuclear weapons if it sees a threat to its sovereignty.
Several Western countries including the United States have given Ukraine the green light to strike targets inside Russia.
Addressing foreign reporters, Putin said such action could lead to “very serious problems”. He said:
<blockquote>
If someone thinks it is possible to supply such weapons to a war zone to attack our territory and create problems for us, why don’t we have the right to supply weapons of the same class to regions of the world where there will be strikes on sensitive facilities of those countries?
That is, the response can be asymmetric. We will think about it.
</blockquote>
Putin, however, did not specify which countries Moscow could supply weapons to.
The Russian president singled out Germany, which recently told Ukraine it was free to hit targets inside Russia with long-range German-made weapons. He said:
<blockquote>
When they say that there will be more missiles which will hit targets on Russian territory, this definitively destroys Russian-German relations.
</blockquote>
US President Joe Biden recently permitted Ukraine to use American-supplied weapons to strike targets in Russia, but only near the Kharkiv region.
The White House has said Ukraine cannot use long-range ATACMS missiles on Russian soil.
UK Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron has said it is up to Ukraine to decide how to use British weapons.
Ukraine claims North Korean missiles are being used inside Ukrainian territory, while Western intelligence agencies say Russia has been using Iranian-made drones in the conflict.
Putin was speaking to foreign journalists at the annual St Petersburg International Economic Forum.
Asked by Reuters about the risk of nuclear escalation over Ukraine, Putin said the West was wrong to assume that Moscow would never use nuclear weapons. He said:
<blockquote>
For some reason, the West believes that Russia will never use it.
We have a nuclear doctrine, look what it says. If someone’s actions threaten our sovereignty and territorial integrity, we consider it possible for us to use all means at our disposal.
This should not be taken lightly, superficially.
</blockquote>
Putin also scoffed at the idea that Russia has plans to attack NATO territory. He said:
<blockquote>
You should not make Russia out to be the enemy. You’re only hurting yourself with this, you know?
hey thought that Russia wanted to attack Nato. Have you gone completely crazy? That is as thick as this table.
Who came up with this? It is just complete nonsense, you know? Total rubbish.
</blockquote>
Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The war has been raging since.
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Russia Threatens To Arm West's Enemies With Long-Range Missiles

United States President Joe Biden has given Ukraine the green light to use American weapons to strike inside Russia for the limited purpose of defending Kharkiv, reported <a href="https://news.sky.com/story/joe-biden-partially-lifts-ban-on-ukraine-using-us-weapons-in-strikes-on-russian-territory-13145668">Sky News</a>.
Kharkiv is a Ukrainian city close to the border which has been subjected to intense bombing by Russia over the past few weeks.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and others have been increasingly vocal in making the case that the restriction was putting Ukrainian forces in an untenable situation.
Russia made advances in the area as the United States and Western Europe delayed supplying Ukraine with the weaponry it needed to defend itself from Russian aggression.
Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, is just 20 kilometres (12 miles) from the Russian border.
However, U.S. officials stated that the U.S. policy calling on Ukraine not to use American long-range missiles and other munitions to strike inside Russia offensively has not changed.
Since the start of the Russian invasion in February 2022, Biden had barred Ukraine from using American-made weaponry to launch strikes on Russian territory, concerned that the action could be seen as provocative and lead to Moscow widening the war.
Meanwhile, a top Russian official has said Ukraine striking with US weapons inside of Russia could mean war with NATO and warned that Moscow’s nuclear threats are not a bluff.
NATO is an intergovernmental military alliance comprising 30 European states plus the United States and Canada.
NATO adheres to the principle that an attack against one or several of its members is considered an attack against all.
Responding to Biden partially lifting restrictions on how Ukraine can use American-supplied weapons, Dmitry Medvedev issued a series of warnings to the West.
Dmitry Medvedev was President of Russia (2008–2012), Prime Minister of Russia (2012–2020), and is currently deputy chairman of the Security Council of Russia since 2020.
Medvedev said “no one can rule out” when tensions with the West will escalate to its “last stage” – and that Moscow will consider any long-range weapons used by Ukraine to strike inside Russia as being controlled by NATO. He said:
<blockquote>
This is no military assistance, this is participation in a war against us. Such actions could well become a casus belli [an act that provokes a war].
</blockquote>
He also said it would be a “fatal mistake” on the part of the West to think that Russia was not ready to use tactical nuclear weapons against Ukraine.
Medvedev warned about the potential to strike unnamed hostile countries with strategic nuclear weapons. He said:
<blockquote>
This is, alas, neither intimidation nor bluffing. The current military conflict with the West is developing according to the worst possible scenario.
There is a constant escalation when it comes to the firepower of NATO weapons being used. Therefore, nobody today can rule out the conflict’s transition to its final stage.
</blockquote>
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Biden Allows Ukraine To Hit Russian Targets With U.S. Weapons

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>

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>

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