Stay updated with breaking news from Joint Forces. Get real-time updates on events, politics, business, and more. Visit us for reliable news and exclusive interviews.
Russia sought to restore calm on Monday after an aborted mutiny by Wagner Group mercenaries over the weekend, while Western allies assessed how President Vladim
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said the invasion of Ukraine, which Putin calls a "special military operation" to counter threats, was destroying Russia, and the West would continue to back Kyiv. On Saturday, Wagner mercenaries fighting in Ukraine crossed into Russia, captured a headquarters for the war in Rostov, and drove most of the 1,100 km (700 miles) to Moscow, meeting no resistance on the ground before abruptly halting their advance.
:quality(70)/cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/JZ6MSDFRZTGF6F6HMLZG724QIM.jpg)
Mercenary leader Prigozhin reportedly still under investigation as whereabouts remains unknown
Iran said on Monday it was hoping indirect talks with the United States could lead to a "positive" outcome for a prisoner swap. Iran announced earlier this month that it was engaged in Oman-mediated talks with its arch-nemesis the United States over its nuclear deal and a possible prisoner exchange. "We are negotiating for the release of Iranian citizens through parties who play a role in good faith," Iran's foreign ministry spokesman Nasser Kanani said on Monday.
There is still no public sign of Yevgeny Prigozhin, the boss of Wagner and mutiny leader