Russia has arrested Deputy Defence Minister Timur Ivanov on organised corruption charges in the most high-profile case since the start of the country’s all-out war on Ukraine.

A brief statement by Russia’s Investigative Committee citing a statute for accepting bribes “on a particularly large scale” said on Wednesday that the arrest was made a day earlier.

State media showed brief footage of the military official standing in a Moscow court. He faces 15 years in prison if convicted.

Ivanov will be held under a detention order for two months, according to the TASS news agency, which said a man named Sergei Borodin has also been taken into custody on suspicion of complicity in receiving bribes by Ivanov.

The 48-year-old deputy defence minister oversaw military construction and repairs and is accused of taking part in a “criminal conspiracy” in managing contracts that greatly benefitted him personally, reportedly contributing to a lavish lifestyle.

The Kremlin said President Vladimir Putin and Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu had been informed about Ivanov, who had been present at a meeting of top defence officials chaired by Shoigu earlier on Tuesday.

In 2022, the Anti-Corruption Foundation, which is run by the allies of late Russian opposition leader Alexey Navalny, released the findings of an investigation that found Ivanov and his family had funnelled off millions of dollars to buy property and yachts.

Maria Pevchikh, the chairwoman of the foundation, wrote, “Today is a good day,” in a post on X after news of Ivanov’s arrest was publicised.

The official was arrested by the Federal Security Service (FSB), which was directed last month by Putin to root out corruption in state defence organisations.

The RBC news service in Russia quoted unnamed sources as saying investigators are carrying out searches in multiple regions in relation with the case.

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Source: Al Jazeera

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A huge fire has broken out at an oil facility in Russia after an attack by Ukrainian drones, sources say.

Ukraine’s intelligence service said its drones hit two facilities in the Smolensk region, both owned by Russian oil giant Rosneft.

Source: BBC

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In the heart of Eastern Europe, where history echoes with the struggles of nations and the resilience of its people, a new chapter of persecution is being written. It’s a story of faith under fire, of Ukrainian Christians facing torment and oppression at the hands of their Russian neighbors.

The tale begins against the backdrop of a geopolitical landscape marred by tension and conflict. Ukraine, a nation striving for independence and democracy, finds itself locked in a bitter struggle with its powerful neighbor, Russia. Amidst the chaos of war and political turmoil, the voices of the innocent often go unheard.

Enter Speaker Johnson, a beacon of hope amidst the darkness. With ears attuned to the cries of the oppressed, Speaker Johnson listens intently as Ukrainian Christian leaders bravely step forward to share their harrowing tales. They speak of a systematic campaign of torture and targeting orchestrated by Russian forces against their community.

The stories are chilling in their detail. Innocent men and women, devoted to their faith, are subjected to unspeakable horrors merely for worshipping in their own churches and practicing their beliefs. Families torn apart, lives shattered, all in the name of religious persecution.

As Speaker Johnson listens, a sense of urgency grips him. He knows that the world must hear these stories, that the plight of Ukrainian Christians cannot be ignored. With determination in his heart, he vows to take action, to shine a light on the darkness that threatens to consume these brave souls.

Armed with the power of his position, Speaker Johnson rallies international support for the persecuted Christians of Ukraine. He calls upon world leaders to condemn the actions of Russia and to stand in solidarity with those who suffer unjustly. Through diplomacy and advocacy, he seeks to bring an end to the violence and oppression that plagues the region.

But the road ahead is fraught with challenges. The forces of tyranny and oppression are not easily swayed, and the struggle for justice is long and arduous. Yet, Speaker Johnson refuses to be deterred. With unwavering resolve, he presses forward, knowing that the cause of freedom is worth fighting for.

And so, the story of the persecution of Ukrainian Christians by Russia continues to unfold, a tale of bravery and resilience in the face of unspeakable cruelty. But amidst the darkness, there is hope, for there are those like Speaker Johnson who refuse to stand idly by while injustice reigns. And as long as there are voices raised in protest, there is always the chance for a brighter tomorrow.

CHRISTIAN FELLOWS Send your news, stories or articles to info@chrife.com.gh or via WhatsApp +233550144803

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