Russia

Putin Renews Offer for India-Russia Cooperation on Su-57 Fifth-Generation Fighter Programme

Russian President Vladimir Putin renewed an offer for India to jointly manufacture the Su-57 fifth-generation fighter aircraft, emphasizing readiness to share critical technologies. The proposal recalls the earlier FGFA programme, from which India withdrew in 2018 due to concerns over costs and technology transfer. India is pursuing its own AMCA programme, expected by mid-2030s. Putin noted Russia built the Su-57 independently but remains open to collaboration. The Su-57 has been upgraded with the Izdeliye 177 engine in 2025 and a twin-seat variant. It has seen combat in Syria and Ukraine, described as the only combat-tested fifth-generation fighter. India's decision will be shaped by strategic considerations.

Russian Ambassador Meets Defence Minister, Other Officials

Minister of Defence Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon met with Russian Ambassador Levan S. Dzhagaryan on Monday to discuss bilateral relations and the increasing number of Russian tourists in the Maldives. The Ambassador expressed willingness to cooperate further. He also met with Secretary Bilateral Hala Hameed at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to discuss strengthening ties.

Post by Ex-President Gayoom Irks Russian Ambassador

Russian Ambassador to the Maldives and Sri Lanka, Levan Dzhagaryan, expressed displeasure over a social media post by former Maldives President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, who questioned UN Security Council inaction on Russian airstrikes in Ukraine. Dzhagaryan called the post 'unacceptable', accused Gayoom of double standards, and blamed the US and UK for disrupting peace talks. He praised the current Muizzu administration for its stance on Palestine.

Maldives Issues Travel Advisory for Russia’s Kursk Region

The Foreign Ministry issued a travel advisory for Russia's Kursk region due to escalating attacks in the Russia-Ukraine war. Maldivians are urged to exercise extreme caution. Many Maldivian students study in Russia. The Maldivian Embassy in Germany is monitoring the situation. The advisory follows previous warnings for Ukraine and Russia.

Russian President Wins Fifth Term Amid Election Manipulation Allegations

Russian President Vladimir Putin won a fifth term with 87% of the vote, according to state-run exit polls, amid widespread protests and allegations of election manipulation. The war in Ukraine featured in Putin's victory address, where he emphasized securing borders and warned of potential 'full-scale third world war' if conflict with NATO escalates. Putin publicly addressed the death of Alexei Navalny, claiming he had approved a prisoner exchange proposal before Navalny's death. Opposition, led by Navalny's widow Yulia Navalnaya, urged voters to protest through the 'noon against Putin' campaign, leading to long queues at polling stations. Critics noted that anti-war candidates were disqualified, and the election lacked meaningful competition. The government reported a record 74% turnout.

UK Imposes Sanctions on Senior Prison Officials Over Navalny’s Death

Russian Opposition Leader Alexei Navalny Dies in Prison

Russian Plane Crash: 74 Dead, Including Ukrainian POWs

Nepal Enforces Travel Restrictions to Russia and Ukraine Amid Rising Casualties

Nepal has banned its citizens from traveling to Russia and Ukraine for employment after reports that ten Nepali men were killed and dozens missing while fighting in the Russian military. Over 200 Nepali soldiers are believed to have joined the Russian army since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, with more than 100 unaccounted for. A smaller number are thought to be fighting in the Ukrainian army. The foreign ministry confirmed suspension of work permits for both countries. Foreign employment director Kabiraj Upreti announced the temporary halt. Kathmandu also demanded that Nepali fighters not be deployed on either side and called for repatriation of bodies and compensation. Human traffickers have been smuggling young Nepali men to fight in Russia, offering fast-track citizenship and higher salaries. In December, 12 individuals were arrested for trafficking 150-200 men to Russia, charging US$9,000 for tourist visas. President Putin's decree expedites citizenship for foreigners enlisting in the Russian army for at least one year. Nepal previously urged Russia to return bodies of six soldiers and demanded compensation.

US Accuses Russia of Using Missiles From North Korea in Ukraine War

The White House has presented evidence that Russia used ballistic missiles from North Korea in attacks against Ukraine. US National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby alleged that a North Korean ballistic missile with a range of 900km landed in an open field in Ukraine on 30 December. Additional missiles launched on 2 January await assessment. Kirby noted that Iranian missiles have not yet reached Russia but are likely. The US intends to impose sanctions on individuals facilitating the arms transfer and will address Russia's violation of an international arms embargo at the UN. Kirby urged Congress to pass an arms package for Ukraine, stressing that Russia's reliance on foreign arms strengthens North Korea's military capabilities.

Ukraine Strikes Belgorod, Russia Retaliates With Aerial Attacks

Ukraine struck the Russian border city of Belgorod using cluster munitions, killing 24 civilians and injuring 110. Russia retaliated with aerial attacks. Russian envoy Vasily Nebenzya called the strike a 'terrorist attack' at an emergency UN Security Council session. Russia vowed to respond. Kremlin stated President Putin was briefed and ordered the health minister to travel to Belgorod. Russia claimed Ukrainian Olkha and Czech-made Vampire rockets with cluster warheads were used. Ukraine did not officially acknowledge the strike. The assault followed Russia's largest missile bombardment on Ukraine, which killed 39 and injured nearly 160.

Russia Fires Warning Shots at Cargo Ship in Black Sea