The Russian Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov, accused US President Joe Biden of using nuclear arms talks as a ploy to gain electoral points for Democratic Party candidate Kamala Harris. Lavrov also revealed that Moscow is against engaging in strategic stability talks without preconditions, as urged by the US, in order to prevent any unilateral military advantages. This comes ahead of the upcoming US presidential elections on November 5, in which Harris was selected as the Democratic nominee after Biden's withdrawal following a controversial televised debate with Republican nominee Donald Trump.
Speaking at the UN Summit For The Future in New York, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the importance of resolving conflicts through diplomacy rather than through warfare. He has personally met with leaders involved in current conflicts, urging them to pursue peaceful solutions. This comes after PM Modi's recent visit to Kyiv and the National Security Advisor's visit to Moscow, where both sides were urged to find a peaceful resolution to the Russo-Ukrainian conflict. PM Modi's remarks also follow his meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, where he reaffirmed India's support to the Palestinian people.
During the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, Russian President Vladimir Putin suggested a potential shift in approach to resolving the conflict in Ukraine by identifying China, India, and Brazil as potential mediators for peace talks. He also cited the failed Istanbul agreement and external pressures from the U.S. and certain European nations as hindrances to a resolution. However, it remains unclear if this proposal was discussed with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his recent visit to Moscow or if it is a more recent development. With tensions escalating and a deadly attack on a military institute, a peace deal is unlikely before the upcoming U.S. elections.
The Beluga whale named Hvaldimir, who became the center of attention and suspicion after a GoPro camera was found attached to its harness, was discovered dead off the coast of Norway. The whale has been a symbol of a unique bond between humans and wild animals, but controversy arose when it was speculated that Hvaldimir was a trained spy for the Russian government. With no official response from Moscow and the cause of death remaining unknown, the world mourns the loss of this beloved and intriguing creature.
In a major escalation of the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, the Russian officials reported that they have successfully defended the capital city of Moscow against a large drone attack launched by Ukraine. The attack, which targeted the city with a population of over 21 million, was one of the biggest drone strikes on Moscow since the war began in February 2022. The attack comes amidst Russia's advancements in Eastern Ukraine and their ongoing battle to repel Ukraine's incursion into the Kursk region. While the city remains seemingly unaffected by the attack, it marks a significant increase in the use of drones in the conflict between the two nations.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Warsaw, Poland for a diplomatic visit, marking the first visit by an Indian PM to the country in 45 years. Modi is scheduled to meet with Polish PM Donald Tusk and President Andrzej Duda to discuss strengthening economic and political ties between the two countries. He will then travel to Kyiv, Ukraine for a meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, where they will discuss peaceful resolution of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and building stronger bilateral cooperation. This visit is seen as a continuation of Modi's efforts to strengthen relations with foreign nations, following his recent trip to Moscow.
In a major diplomatic victory, Russia and the US have completed their largest post-Soviet prisoner exchange. Notable dissidents and journalists were among those released, with President Biden greeting the freed prisoners upon their arrival in Moscow. The swap highlights the tension and strained relationship between the two countries.
National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and Ajit Doval discussed the upcoming Quad Foreign Ministers meeting and a possible summit later this year, showing a commitment on further advancing bilateral ties. Their conversation comes after a spell of tension between the U.S. administration and India over PM Modi's visit to Moscow and concerns about India's relationship with Russia. India is also expected to host the Quad Leaders' summit in 2024, depending on the outcome of the upcoming U.S. elections in November.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Russia for a two-day trip, where he was awarded the Order of St. Andrew and held meetings with President Vladimir Putin. During the visit, Modi highlighted the need for peaceful resolution of the Ukraine conflict and expressed his pain over the loss of innocent lives, specifically children. He also interacted with the Indian community in Moscow and announced the opening of Indian Consulates in Kazan and Yekaterinburg. The leaders reaffirmed their close friendship and partnership between India and Russia.
As tensions between Russia and Ukraine continue to escalate, Moscow has accused Ukraine of causing civilian casualties in a children's hospital through anti-missile fire. However, the Institute for the Study of War has revealed that evidence points to Russian missiles being responsible. In the midst of this, China and Belarus have launched joint military exercises near the Polish border, raising concerns ahead of a NATO summit in Washington. Meanwhile, Russian military bloggers have been spreading false narratives in an attempt to deflect blame.