Jailed Putin critic forced to listen to presidential speech for more than 100 days in a row

Artists spray-paint portraits of Alexei Navalny behind a Soviet monument in Vienna

Austrian graffiti duo Joel Gamnou painted the portraits, receiving mostly positive feedback from the public, although criticism arose from certain groups alleging political misuse of the wall.

Putin’s Army Takes Control of Another Settlement Near Bakhmut, Tensions Escalate For Ukraine

In the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, tensions have heightened with recent claims from the Russian Defense Ministry asserting territorial gains in eastern Ukraine's Donetsk region and advances in the Kharkiv region. According to the Russian Defense Ministry's statement, their troops have reportedly taken control of the village of Klishchiivka, situated in the Donetsk region, marking a significant development in the conflict dynamics. This village, previously captured by Russian forces in January 2023 but retaken by Ukrainian forces in September 2023, has once again become a focal point in the struggle for control. #Putin #UkraineConflict #Bakhmut #RussiaUkraine #EscalatingTensions #DonetskRegion #KharkivFront #MilitaryAdvance #TerritorialControl #WarInUkraine #GeopoliticalCrisis #InternationalConcern #EasternFront #DefenseMinistry #ConflictUpdate ~PR.152~HT.318~GR.124~

‘A Great Loss for Iran"’: Putin Fondly Remembers Iranian President Raisi | Ebrahim Raisi Death

Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed profound sadness over the tragic passing of his Iranian counterpart, Ebrahim Raisi, describing it as "a great loss" during a meeting with the chairman of the State Duma, Vyacheslav Volodin, in Moscow on Tuesday. "President Raisi’s death is a great loss, first and foremost for Iran and its people. He was a very reliable partner, a direct, self-confident man, who was motivated by national interests," Putin expressed. #EbrahimRaisi #Putin #PutinEbrahimRaisi #RussiaIran #EbrahimRaisiFuneral #HelicopterCrash #IranTragedy #RussiaBlamesUS #SanctionsImpact #AviationSafety #USSanctions #IranNews #MiddleEastCrisis #GlobalTensions #RussianSupport #TragicLoss #LeadershipVacuum #GeopoliticalCrisis #AviationAccident ~HT.99~PR.152~ED.194~

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi Dies in Helicopter Crash

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi , Dies in Helicopter Crash. Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian and other officials died after their helicopter crashed in northwestern Iran on May 19, Reuters reports. . Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian and other officials died after their helicopter crashed in northwestern Iran on May 19, Reuters reports. . The president is survived by his wife, Jamileh Alamolhoda, and two daughters. First Vice President Mohammad Mokhber will serve as interim president. Deputy Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani will serve as acting foreign minister. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei issued a statement. I announce five days of public mourning and offer my condolences to the dear people of Iran, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, via statement. Iran's neighbors and allies offered condolences, with Vladimir Putin calling Raisi "a true friend of Russia.". Raisi's death comes as dissent in Iran continues to grow amid "political, social and economic crises," Reuters reports. An election to appoint a new president must occur within 50 days. Overall, Iranian policy will not likely change due to the fact that the Guardian Council must vet candidates. The council has previously disqualified "prominent conservative and moderate officials," Reuters reports

Putin’s Scare in Kharkiv Grows: Zelensky Signs New Law Allowing Prisoners to Join Military

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has ratified a new law allowing certain prisoners to be paroled if they agree to enlist in the country's military. This legislation, aimed at bolstering Ukraine's military ranks, comes in response to the significant challenges the nation faces in its conflict with Russia. The details of the new law were published on the official website of the Ukrainian parliament, the Verkhovna Rada. Initially submitted to the legislature in March, the bill is part of a broader effort by Ukraine to replenish its military forces. The legislation enables Ukrainian inmates to voluntarily enlist on a contractual basis and serve as long as martial law is in effect. The law specifically applies to convicts with three years or less remaining on their original prison sentences. #Zelensky #Ukraine #UkraineWar #RussiaUkraineConflict #Kharkiv #Putin #MilitaryRecruitment #PrisonerEnlistment #WarLaw #MartialLaw #UkraineDefense #Mobilization #ConflictNews #EasternEurope #GlobalNews ~PR.152~ED.103~

Ukraine braces for heavy battles as Putin says Russia carving out 'buffer zone''