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Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty

'Undesirable' In Russia: What Does The Label Mean And What Are The Consequences?

Russia has increasingly been labeling entities as so-called “foreign agents” or “undesirable” to snuff out any voices not aligned with the Kremlin.

At least for now, Russian President Vladimir Putin is probably not interested in a cease-fire in Ukraine -- but sending signals to the West about such an interest is a different matter. https://www.rferl.org/a/gutterman-week-in-russia-truce-ukraine/32802540.html

Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty

The Week In Russia: Truce Talk

At least for now, Russian President Vladimir Putin is probably not interested in a cease-fire in Ukraine -- but sending signals to the West about such an interest is a different matter.

A Russian singer arrived in Israel while his bandmates remained in detention in Thailand on January 31, amid efforts by Moscow to have the musicians deported to Russia. The band, Bi-2, is known for opposing Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Local Russian media channels are reporting an IL-76 aircraft crash in Russia’s Belgorod region bordering Ukraine.

Videos posted by local public channels allegedly show the moment of the crash. Judging by the visuals, it indeed was an IL-76 that was nose diving at high speed towards the ground, which is followed by an explosion.

Russian Defense Ministry confirmed the crash of this type of an airplane claiming there were 65 Ukrainian POWs on board along with six crew members and three accompanying officers. According to the Russian officials, the Ukrainians were being taken to Belgorod for a prisoner exchange. It is impossible to verify the information. No reasons for the crash have been given and Ukrainian officials have not commented on the situation.

Protests in Russia's Bashkortostan region continued today. More than 10 people have been detained after hundreds gathered on the central square in Ufa to support jailed Bashkir activist Fail Alsynov.

Pakistani warplanes launched air strikes targeting what Islamabad said were "terrorist bases" early on January 18 in neighboring Iran.

A local Iranian official said at least four children and three women were killed.

https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-pakistan-strikes-baluchistan/32780717.html

RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty

Iran Tries To Allay Fears Of Rising Tensions Following Pakistan Cross-Border Attacks

Pakistani warplanes launched air strikes early on January 18 on alleged militant targets in neighboring Iran, an attack that a local Iranian official said killed at least four children and three women.

Russia reportedly lost a rare A-50 radar aircraft over the Sea of Azov, with Ukraine's Air Force claiming to have shot it down.

Check our updated interactive map of Crimea for this & more on Ukrainian strikes in and around the occupied peninsula:

https://www.rferl.org/a/crimea-ukraine-interactive-map-satellite/32480862.html?markerId=413

RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty

Interactive Map: Occupied, Militarized Crimea

As Ukrainian leaders vow to reclaim all territories seized by Russia, Moscow has prepared extensive defensive measures, particularly in Crimea, a region unlawfully annexed in 2014.

A leading Kyrgyz news agency's office has been raided and equipment confiscated. The outlet faces criminal charges over an article it published on the war in Ukraine.