North Asia

During a meeting with young people in the Phanar, the ecumenical patriarch said that no row can be settled by war. He slammed Russia’s invasion, justified by pretexts like NATO on the borders. Nothing justifies attacking “innocent people”. Bartholomew also criticised Patriarch Kirill who speaks of “holy war”.

Premier Pašinyan reportedly open to the possibility. It would reunite Russia, Armenia, Belarus and the part of Ukraine occupied by the Russians. Armenian commentator: the people would oppose it. Attempts have been made to resume negotiations with Azerbaijan on Nagorno-Karabakh.

The head of the Chechen republic is one of the most active protagonists of Moscow's military aggression against Ukraine. He unites the galaxy of Islamic jihad with the Orthodox "holy war". The smoke screen he provides suits Moscow as it covers up war crimes and perpetuates confusion surrounding retreats and strategies.

The 90th anniversary of the director-prophet's birth. In the Soviet era he boldly testified to his insights on God through the language of art. His films reflect reasons that led to Putin's invasion of Ukraine. In the film "Stalker" he prophesied Chernobyl.

It aims to "broaden the horizons of pupils and the formation of honest, worthy and orderly citizens and patriots." A tool for Putin patriotism. A rereading of history through the prism of "truth and values".A new book by Patriarch Kirill also presented.

Azerbaijan also began the holy month differently from Iran. Aliyev is using the war in Ukraine to boost relations with Turkey’s Erdoğan, questioning Russia’s military presence in his country after the war with Armenia over Nagorno-Karabakh. For Turkey, this is an opportunity to fill any vacuum left by a weaker Russia in the Caucasus.

In the fog of mistrust and hostility that has long imobilized relations between Catholics and Orthodox in Russia, the charge of proselytism has been progressively "neutralised". However, another accusation remained, far more incisive and historically well-founded in its various interpretations: that of Uniatism in Ukraine. The history of a Church since 1596 reluctant to exalt the Moscow "third Rome".

Today's headlines: a state of emergency declared in Sri Lanka to stem protests; Covid-19, all of Shanghai in lockdown (to greater or lesser intensity), first difficulties in hospitals; the Council of Ulemas launches an appeal not to attack restaurants open during the day during Ramadan; in Russia a pensioner is attacked and robbed by other women for sugar; Tokyo media caught between Russian gas and condemnation of the war in Ukraine.

ASIA TODAY Send to a friend Nazareth: Christians and ultra-Orthodox together at funeral of slain policeman Today's news: South Korean Constitutional Court upholds ban on tattoos; Manila asks Church for help with Taal volcano; Russia and India finalize procedures for an alternative platform for transactions; Laos fuel emergency worsens; Beijing hunts former number two Justice (and friend of Xi Jinping) from party.

The Central Asian republic is home to a significant Russian minority. Promotion of Kazakh language over Russian seen by Moscow politicians as an "imitation" of Nazism. Without the "eternal president" Nazarbayev, there is no guarantee of loyalty to "big brother" Moscow.

Today's headlines: closed-door trial of a Chinese-born Australian journalist accused of "trafficking" state secrets; Syrian "Wagner" brigade mercenaries arrive in Ukraine to bolster Russian army after losses; Washington "warns" Delhi about buying Russian oil; Indonesian radical Islamic group blocked HKBP Protestant community functions; Iraqi parliament (still) lacks quorum for president election.

Proposed amendment to the law requiring them to know Russian. A "blood and soul" loyalty to the homeland as a response to the "Russophobia" that has grown after the attack on Ukraine. The defence of the rights of "compatriots" will be increased through political, legal, social and religious representation in foreign countries.