Zelenskyy: Russia returned bodies of its own soldiers in swap
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Russia handed over 21 bodies in a recent exchange—20 of them were Russian soldiers, and one a foreign mercenary.
The Kremlin has declined to comment on the Azerbaijani Airlines plane crash in Kazakhstan, saying that they are waiting for the official investigation results.
On December 27, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov responded to a question regarding Azerbaijani reports that Russian air defenses had downed an Azerbaijani Airlines plane. When asked about a demand from Azerbaijani parliament member Rasim Musabekov for an apology from Russia, Peskov reiterated the Kremlin's position, stating that no comment could be made until the official investigation concludes.
Peskov said, "Of course, we have seen it. But I repeat once again that I have nothing to add to what I have already said. The investigation of this aviation incident is underway. And until conclusions of this investigation, we do not consider ourselves free to make any assessment and will not do it."
He further emphasized that only aviation authorities could assess the incident, stating, "We have our aviation authorities that can do it. It is only they who can provide any information. As for us, we do not consider ourselves free to comment on it."
While the Kremlin has declined to comment on the specifics of the crash, Azerbaijani government sources have shared new details. Preliminary findings suggest the plane, en route from Baku to Grozny, was struck by the Russian Pantsir-S air defense system as it approached Grozny. Russian electronic warfare systems are believed to have disabled the aircraft’s communication systems, causing it to disappear from radar while in Russian airspace and reappear near the Caspian Sea.
Russian sources have confirmed that, at the time of the crash, air defense forces were engaged in efforts to shoot down Ukrainian UAVs over Chechnya. Khamzat Kadyrov, head of the Chechen Security Council, confirmed a drone attack on Grozny on December 25, although he reported no casualties or damage. This raised questions about why Russian airspace was not closed to civilian aircraft during this time.
Further reports indicate that the Grozny airport, as well as airports in Makhachkala and Mineralnye Vody, denied the plane permission to land. The flight crew, disoriented by the air defense fire and electronic warfare, was advised to land in Aktau, Kazakhstan. Some speculate that the recommendation was aimed at forcing the plane into the Caspian Sea, eliminating all witnesses.
Azerbaijani officials do not suggest the attack was intentional but are calling on Russia to take responsibility for the incident and conduct a full investigation to hold those accountable.
Iranian missiles struck multiple locations across Israel and neighbouring regions early Friday morning, including a Microsoft office complex, according to emergency responders and local media reports.
A high-speed tram derailment in central Gothenburg, Sweden, has left at least eight people injured late on Thursday (19 June), after the vehicle slammed into a snack bar on Avenyn Avenue.
The 2025 G7 Leaders’ Summit was held June 15–17 in Kananaskis, Alberta, under Canada’s presidency. Prime Minister Mark Carney framed the meeting around priorities of protecting communities, energy and climate security, the digital transition, and future partnerships.
The USS Nimitz is heading to the Middle East amid tensions between Israel and Iran. The U.S. aircraft carrier has a decades-long history in the region, from the 1979 hostage crisis to modern deployments, often serving as a key asset during periods of rising friction with Iran.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for June 17th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Uzbekistan’s Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade Laziz Kudratov and China Eximbank Chairman Chen Huaiyu signed a $500 million loan agreement for the telecom sector on June 21.
Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov and Uzbekistan’s Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov discussed bilateral partnership and regional security on the sidelines of the OIC Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Istanbul.
Kyrgyzstan's First Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Daniyar Amangeldiev met with Gazprombank First Vice President Oleg Melnikov during the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum to discuss strengthening financial cooperation.
Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Energy and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) held talks on advancing cooperation in decarbonization, renewable energy and modernization of the country’s power infrastructure.
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has announced plans to invite Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to Armenia for the European Political Community (EPC) summit, scheduled for spring 2026 in Yerevan.
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