Putin attending BRICS summit in South Africa from a distance

 No, Putin did not attend the BRICS summit in South Africa in August 2023. He participated virtually, from a distance, due to an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant issued for him over alleged war crimes in Ukraine. The ICC warrant put summit host South Africa in a difficult position, as it is a signatory to the Rome Statute, which established the ICC. In the end, it was agreed that Putin would participate virtually, while Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov represented Russia in person.

The BRICS summit is an annual meeting of the leaders of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. It is a forum for the countries to discuss economic cooperation and other issues of mutual interest. The 2023 summit was held in Johannesburg, South Africa, from August 23-24.

The decision for Putin to participate virtually was a compromise between the desire of the BRICS countries to maintain their unity and the need for South Africa to avoid legal complications. It is unclear whether Putin will attend future BRICS summits in person.

Latest news of the Russian-Ukrainian war

Army General Sergei Surovikin was relieved of his post as commander of Russia's aerospace forces on August 22, 2023. He was also removed from his position as deputy commander of military operations in Ukraine.

The reasons for Surovikin's dismissal are not clear, but it is likely due to the Russian military's poor performance in Ukraine. Surovikin was appointed commander of the aerospace forces in October 2022, and he was also made deputy commander of military operations in Ukraine in January 2023. However, the Russian military has made little progress in Ukraine, and it has suffered heavy losses.

Surovikin is a controversial figure. He was accused of war crimes during the Second Chechen War, and he was also accused of corruption. He is known for his brutal tactics, and he has been nicknamed "The Butcher".

It is unclear what will happen to Surovikin now that he has been dismissed. He could be retired, or he could be reassigned to a different position. It is also possible that he could face criminal charges.

The dismissal of Surovikin is a sign that the Russian military is not happy with its performance in Ukraine. It is also a sign that Putin is willing to make changes to the military leadership in order to improve the chances of success.

Russia's losses in this war

The exact number of Russian losses in the war in Ukraine is unknown, but it is estimated to be very high. The Ukrainian government has claimed that Russia has lost over 30,000 soldiers, but this number is likely inflated. Western intelligence estimates that Russia has lost between 15,000 and 20,000 soldiers.

In addition to the loss of life, Russia has also lost a significant amount of military equipment. The Ukrainian government has claimed that Russia has lost over 1,000 tanks, 2,000 armored vehicles, and 500 aircraft. Western intelligence estimates that Russia has lost between 500 and 1,000 tanks, 1,000 and 2,000 armored vehicles, and 200 and 300 aircraft.

The loss of these many soldiers and pieces of equipment has had a significant impact on the Russian military. The Russian military is now facing a shortage of manpower and equipment, and it is struggling to maintain its offensive operations in Ukraine.

The Russian military has also been humiliated by its performance in Ukraine. The Russian military was expected to quickly defeat the Ukrainian military, but it has been met with stiff resistance. The Ukrainian military has used Western-supplied weapons to great effect, and it has inflicted heavy losses on the Russian military.

The Russian military's poor performance in Ukraine has damaged its reputation and its morale. The Russian military is now seen as a less capable force, and it is likely to be more hesitant to engage in future conflicts.

The war in Ukraine has also had a significant impact on the Russian economy. The Russian economy has been hit by Western sanctions, and it is now in a recession. The Russian government is struggling to pay for the war, and it is likely to face further economic problems in the future.

The war in Ukraine is a disaster for Russia. It has cost Russia dearly in terms of lives, equipment, and money. The war has also damaged Russia's reputation and its military capabilities. The war is likely to have a lasting impact on Russia, and it is unclear how long it will take Russia to recover.

Ukraine was killed in this war

The United Nations estimates that over 10,000 civilians have been killed in the war in Ukraine. The true number of casualties is likely much higher, as many deaths have gone unreported. The war has also caused a humanitarian crisis, with millions of people displaced from their homes.

The war in Ukraine is a tragedy, and it is important to remember the victims and their families. We should use language that is respectful and accurate when talking about this conflict.

Marches sensitive and responsible for wrongdoing in Odessa

there have been reports of Russian airstrikes targeting grain storage facilities in Ukraine. These airstrikes have caused significant damage to the Ukrainian grain export infrastructure and have disrupted the global grain supply chain.

The targeting of grain facilities is a serious concern, as it could lead to a global food crisis. Ukraine is a major exporter of wheat, corn, and sunflower oil, and the disruption of its grain exports could have a significant impact on food prices and availability around the world.

The United Nations has warned that the war in Ukraine could have a "catastrophic impact" on global food security. The UN has called on Russia to stop targeting grain facilities and to allow safe passage for Ukrainian grain exports.

It is important to note that the war in Ukraine is a complex conflict with a variety of causes. The targeting of grain facilities is just one aspect of the conflict, and it is important to understand the broader context before drawing any conclusions.