Latest news with #OnTheGround
The Independent
02-04-2025
- General
- The Independent
On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents
The world is changing at a rapid pace, and understanding the impact of these shifts on the lives of people around the globe is more important than ever. That's why we're excited to announce the launch of On The Ground, The Independent 's new international dispatches newsletter, set to bring you firsthand insights from some of the most pivotal events of our time. Led by our world affairs editor, Sam Kiley and chief international correspondent, Bel Trew, On The Ground offers an in-depth look at the crises and conflicts shaping the world today. From the war-torn regions of Ukraine and Syria to the geopolitical tensions in Israel and Lebanon, the weekly newsletter focuses on the stories that matter most – those of the individuals whose lives are directly affected by these seismic global events. Each week, you'll receive a curated mix of exclusive reportage, documentaries, video interviews, analysis, and data from our dedicated team of international correspondents. On The Ground will take you behind the headlines, shining a light on the human side of the world's most significant conflicts, natural disasters, and political upheavals. To receive the On The Ground newsletter, simply enter your email address in the box at the top of this page. Once there, all you need to do is press the '+' button and enter your email address to sign up. While there you can also browse The Independent's wide range of other newsletters, from Climate to Health Check and from Indy/Tech to IndyEats, there's something for everyone.
The Independent
29-03-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Ukraine-Russia war latest: Trump wants more of Kyiv's rare minerals as US rejects Putin call to oust Zelensky
✕ Close Putin attends launch ceremony of new Russian nuclear submarine On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The White House has rejected Vladimir Putin's suggestion for a temporary administration in Kyiv, while also seeking sweeping access to Ukraine's minerals and energy commodities. The Russian President said Volodymyr Zelensky's government must be replaced to pave the way for a peace accord during a visit to a Russian nuclear submarine base on Thursday, before Moscow launched a drone assault on Ukraine overnight. A White House national security council spokesperson snubbed the Kremlin leader's demand and said the governance in Ukraine is determined by its constitution and the people of the country. The Trump administration is also pushing for a major new resources deal with Kyiv that would give the US control over all of Ukraine's energy assets and rare minerals. Yesterday, the Ukrainian president said the US is constantly changing the terms of a key minerals agreement as part of peace deal. Earlier, Emmanuel Macron announced that a British-French military delegation will be sent to Ukraine to scout Kyiv's needs and what can be done to support its army – and that troops would be deployed as a 'reassurance force' to uphold any potential peace deal agreed with Russia.
The Independent
21-03-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Moscow accused of bombing own gas infrastructure to undermine ceasefire deal
On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Moscow has been accused of bombing its own gas infrastructure in order to sabotage an energy ceasefire deal with Ukraine. Ukraine's general staff has denied that its forces struck a key gas pumping station in Sudzha, and instead said it had been 'repeatedly shelled by the Russians themselves'. The army accused Russia of seeking to pin the blame on Ukraine with 'groundless' accusations its military was involved – all to undermine any truce and longer peace deal currently being negotiated by Donald Trump and the US. 'The Russian federation is intensifying its discrediting campaign against Ukraine,' it said. 'In particular, the enemy has accused the Ukrainian Defense Forces of shelling the Sudzha gas metering station. These accusations are groundless. On the contrary, the mentioned station has been repeatedly shelled by the Russians themselves.' open image in gallery The army accused Russia of seeking to pin the blame on Ukraine with 'groundless' accusations its military was involved ( X ) The military added: 'Russians continue to create numerous fakes and seek to mislead the international community. We urge you to trust only official sources, verify information and do not succumb to manipulation.' The station has been a critical hub for Russian gas transit to Europe via Ukraine, before Kyiv refused to extend the agreement in January this year. Once it passed through the station, it entered Ukraine's pipeline system into Slovakia, before going onto the Czech Republic and Austria. In 2023, almost half of all Russian gas exports to Europe were pumped through the station. Russia accused Ukraine of being behind the attack, saying the station had been under the control of Kyiv's forces "until now" who had used it as a logistics base. open image in gallery In 2023, almost half of all Russian gas exports to Europe were pumped through the station. ( X ) "The blowing up of an important Russian energy facility by Ukrainian army units retreating from the Kursk region is a deliberate provocation by the Kyiv regime," the Defence Ministry said in a statement. "[This] should be viewed as part of a series of recent strikes against the energy infrastructure of the Russian Federation aimed at discrediting the peace initiatives of the president of the United States." The region has been the focus of fierce fighting between Ukrainian and Russian forces in recent weeks, with Moscow's troops recapturing much of the region which held by Kyiv since August last year. open image in gallery Russian service members walk past a destroyed building in the town of Sudzha ( via REUTERS ) Moscow's forces have said in recent days that they have taken control of Sudzha, the largest town Kyiv's forces had seized. But Kyiv claims it still holds positions beyond the town and would keep fighting as long as possible. Putin, who visited Kursk for the first time since Ukraine's incursion last week, has threatened that the Ukrainian soldiers he claims are surrounded will face death unless they surrender. The attack comes after Ukraine and Russia agreed in principle on Wednesday to a limited ceasefire proposed by the US. open image in gallery Donald Trump spoke with both leaders this week but all sides appeared to hold different views about what the deal covered. ( AFP/Getty ) Donald Trump spoke with both leaders this week but all sides appeared to hold different views about what the deal covered. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Friday that the agreement reached between Trump and Putin referred to energy facilities, adding that the Russian military is fulfilling Putin's order to halt such attacks on energy infrastructure for 30 days. "The Russian military are currently refraining from strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure in accordance with the agreement reached between Russia and the United States," Mr Peskov said in a conference call with reporters. open image in gallery In Ukraine, a mass drone attack launched by Russia on Odesa overnight caused fires in three different parts of the city. ( Ukrainian Emergency Service via AP ) In Ukraine, a mass drone attack launched by Russia on Odesa overnight caused fires in three different parts of the city. Zelensky called for more 'joint pressure' on Russia following the attacks, which injured three people.
