Russia has right to defend its security, says Vladimir Putin
The Hindu
‘Concerned over NATO expansion’
Russian President Vladimir Putin, speaking publicly for the first time since his high-profile talks with U.S. leader Joe Biden, said on Wednesday Moscow reserves the right to “defend its security” but refused to say if he planned to invade Ukraine.
During their summit by secure video link on Tuesday, Mr. Biden warned Mr. Putin of a “strong” Western economic response should Moscow attack its neighbour.
“Russia has a peaceful foreign policy, but has the right to defend its security,” Mr. Putin said at a news conference with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Wednesday.
More than 2.6 lakh village and ward volunteers in Andhra Pradesh, once celebrated as the government’s grassroots champions for their crucial role in implementing welfare schemes, are now in a dilemma after learning that their tenure has not been renewed after August 2023 even though they have been paid honoraria till June 2024. Disowned by both YSRCP, which was in power when they were appointed, and the current ruling TDP, which made a poll promise to double their pay, these former volunteers are ruing the day they signed up for the role which they don’t know if even still exists